' 
 
JS-z* 
 
 ' 
 
 !!■ 
 
 *r 
 
It 
 
v/3 
 
 
rut 
 
 FULFILLING 
 
 OF THE 
 
 SCRIPTURE 
 
 AN ESSAY, 
 
 SHEWING THE EXACT ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE WORD 
 
 OF GOD IN HIS WORKS PERFORMED AND 
 
 TO BE PERFORMED. 
 
 FOR CONFIRMING OF BELIEVERS, AND CONVINCING ATHEISTS OF THE 
 PRESENT TIME : 
 
 CONTAINING SOME RARE HISTORIES OF THE WORKS AND 
 
 THE SERVANTS OF GOB IN THE CHURCH 
 
 OF SCOTLAND. 
 
 By Rev. ROBERT FLEMING, 
 
 Pastor of a Church in Rotterdam. 
 
 THIS SCRIPTURE MUST NEEDS HAVE BEEN FULFILLED ACTS 1. 16. 
 
 AND THE SCRIPTURE CANNOT BE BROKEN. JOHN X. 35. 
 
 CHARLESTOWN : 
 
 Printed and sold by SAMUEL ETHERIDGE; 
 
 Sold also by said S. ETHERIDGE and E. BLISS, at tteir Bookstore, 
 
 No. 12, Cornhill, BOSTON. 
 
 1806. 
 

 PREFACE. 
 
 Ti 
 
 HE edition of the following excellent 
 and celebrated work, copied by the present 
 editor, was published in Boston, 1743, with a 
 preface by the Rev. Thomas Foxcroft. 
 From this preface it appears, that this work, 
 had at that period passed through numerous 
 editions in various countries, and been revised 
 and enlarged, by the author, and an Appen- 
 dix added, containing " practical reflections, 
 and proper uses of the whole." The copy 
 was also corrected, and the diction, in some 
 instances, improved by Mr. Foxcroft, without, 
 however, in any instance, altering the sense. 
 The same liberty has been taken in a few cases, 
 in the present edition. 
 
 The following account of this work is from 
 Mr. Foxcroft's preface. " The first and other 
 editions of the present treatise were anony- 
 mous : But I have taken the freedom to prefix 
 the reputed writer's name to this ; though not 
 so much upon the credit of tradition and com- 
 mon fame, as of an express testimony, which 
 the Rev. Daniel Burgess has left us of the 
 fact ; who having discovered the author about 
 the year 1693, corresponded with him, then 
 , living in Holland, and drew him out of his 
 concealment. In his edition of the treatise, 
 entitled, The confirming Work of Religion^ he 
 
TIIEFACE. 
 
 has, to do honour to the writer, inserted in the 
 title page this clause, "Written by R. Flem- 
 ing, author of The Fulfilling of the Scrip- 
 tures." And in his epistle to the reader he 
 has the following paragraphs, which I take 
 leave to transcribe into mine. • 
 
 " The highest angels are most humble crea- 
 tures. The church of God is full of their 
 services ; but knoweth next to nothing of their 
 names. Their works praise their Lord and 
 ours, but not themselves. And if the evangel- 
 ical author of this book could have had his 
 will, the churches of Christ should not have 
 had his name. He would have kept himself 
 .together a benefactor and a sort of stranger 
 unto them. 
 
 " Against his will it came to be known, that 
 his book of The Fulfilling of the Scriptures was 
 his. And by the divine providence it was 
 made necessary, that his latter works should 
 bear his name. Obscurity was his ambition ; 
 though his gifts and graces prove too big and 
 too bright to be covered. And, in short, it 
 hath pleased the supreme Ruler, and fountain 
 of honour, to honour him whether he would 
 or no. 
 
 " The book first named (The Fulfilling of 
 the Scriptures,) is followed with the eulogies 
 of the greatest divines ; and is a manna sweet 
 to the taste of all serious christians. His epis- 
 tolary Discourse, dedicated to the Queen's maj- 
 esty, was most graciously accepted by her, and 
 highly valued by those, that I must think the. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 best of her subjects. Being, as is his Discourse 7 
 of Earthquakes, a treasure of things old and 
 new ; Michtam's, golden jewels ; arguments, 
 several, not so much as touched by any pen 
 within her dominions, or beyond them, save 
 Mr. Fleming's." 
 
 " The said Rev. editor has added, the judg- 
 ment of some London ministers concerning 
 one of his treatises, who say, " We give our 
 great thanks to the author of every good gift, 
 who hath drawn this his richly furnished 
 scribe, to supply us with so very needful a trea- 
 tise, as is here offered. Some of us do profess, 
 that in reading it we were surprised with joy, 
 and with wonder, that a topic so little written, 
 discoursed, or thought of, should be treated on 
 with such depth of judgment, and with such 
 experience as is r?rely found in the most laud- 
 ible writers. Through the divine blessing, 
 which we implore, we hope, that we and our 
 brethren throughout these nations shall find 
 good success of our people's use of this most 
 instructive work. For which, with the excel- 
 lent author, (who did but consent to this edi- 
 tion of it) we are indebted unto the Reverend 
 and worthy publisher, by whose means we re- 
 ceive it. We join with both of them, in prayer 
 to the -Most High, that this rich seed of the 
 sower may be made bread of life to the eater." 
 The above attestation is signed by the' late Dr, 
 Bates, Mr. Mead, Mr. Cole, Mr. Howe, Mr. 
 Sylvester, Dr. Williams, and Mr. Showers, some 
 ot the most burning and shining lights among 
 the dissenting ministers of the last age. 
 
6 PREFACE. 
 
 " After so ample and honourable testimonies 
 from such eminent hands, and contemporary 
 with Mr. Fleming, it were a needless and a 
 vain attempt in me, to offer any thing further 
 in praise of the author of The Fulfilling of the 
 Scriptures, or in order to bespeak a welcome 
 reception of this his performance among us. 
 I trust it will be found a word in season." 
 
 The present editor cheerfully adds his testi- 
 mony to the great merits of this work, his 
 opinion of its peculiar adaptedness to the pres- 
 ent times,' and his hearty good wishes and 
 prayers, that it may, by the blessing of God, 
 be instrumental of strengthening the faith, en- 
 livening the hopes, and increasing the piety of 
 thousands of its readers. 
 
 Charlestown, March 2$th> 1806. 
 
THE AUTHOR'S 
 
 EPISTLE TO THE READER. 
 
 kv^^^H 
 
 IT is like you may expect some account of the 
 rise and occasion of this discourse ; that on so great and 
 weighty a subject, so small an essay should venture 
 abroad; especially in a time, when it seemeth more 
 safe and prudent, to keep silence, to be swift to bear, 
 and slow to speak, which seldom hath an after challenge. 
 The author will say little for his apology herein, though 
 he hopeth, he may find it more easy to satisfy others, 
 than he did himself. This freedom only he shall take, 
 to confess, that sometimes it had been matter of earnest, 
 yea, hath caused some tossing and exercise upon his 
 spirit, and pressed a more serious inquiry and search, 
 with respect to bis own case, to be persuaded about the 
 scripture's divine authority, that godliness is not an 
 empty name or shadow, but of an undoubted truth, 
 what indeed of all other things is the greatest, and of 
 most near concernment. And truly about that, this 
 grave convincing argument of the scripture's certain ac- 
 complisbment ,hath not only oft stared him in the face, 
 with a satisfying discovery and impression thereof, as a 
 most quieting and unanswerable demonstration of the 
 truth ; but he must also say, that by very remarkable con- 
 firmations from the Lord this hath been so convincingly 
 witnessed to his experience, as leaveth him under en- 
 gagement (were such a poor testimony of weight) to put 
 his seal to the word, that it fallcth not to the ground, 
 neither doth the promise of God fail. 
 
3 To the Reader. 
 
 It is a dark time now with the church of Christ ; which 
 we see every where almost suffering and afflicted, whilst 
 the whole earth besides seemeth to be at ease : christ- 
 iansalso even beyond others in their private lot, assault- 
 ed with very sharp trials ; though, I think, suffering 
 may be the least of oar fear at this day, while atheism 
 doth now appear on so formidable a growth, and hath 
 a more threatening aspect, than the rage or violence of 
 men. We see a sad decay likewise on the churches 
 abroad ; religion every where under a great consump- 
 tion, and wearing out, that seemeth to have reached it in 
 its vital parts. Men search after an unusual way of sin- 
 ning, as if they scorned to be wicked at a common and 
 ordinary rate ; prejudice easily taken up and entertain- 
 ed against the way of God ; whilst the good man doth 
 (alas !) perish, without any affecting observation there- 
 of; the choice and excellent of the earth plucked away, 
 and none to fill their room ; christians' burials now fre- 
 quent, but the birth and inbi inging of such to the church, 
 rare. This is indeed a sad subject, and so much the 
 sadder, that few are found whose eye ajfecteth their 
 heart, whose tears and groaning seem to answer such a 
 stroke and ruin which now is like to fall under our hand ; 
 but I shall leave this. Prayer will be the best cure, 
 and is this day more fit, than complaining, to turn unto 
 him, vA\o$ceth the ways of his people, that he may heal 
 them, and can prevent those with mercy, who seem least 
 fit for the same. Only two or three sad remarks of this 
 time, I cannot altogether pass ; which indeed are strange 
 symptoms of the church's present case and distemper. 
 (1.) To see men own the doctrine of sane tifi 'cation, who 
 yet can professedly disown, yea, make it their work by 
 reproach to beget a prejudice against the practice there- 
 of. Oh strange ! to find such as will dip their pen in 
 
To the Reader. 9 
 
 gall against a tender and strict walk in religion, and re- 
 vile it in the power thereof ; whilst they do not deny 
 those truths, and principles, that necessarily oblige to 
 such a tender practice ; who, in the most grave and in- 
 teresting duties of Christianity, think it enough to charge 
 their brethren with Pharisaical ostentation, and hypoc- 
 risy, whilst they must confess these duties to be unques- 
 tionably binding ; and that they can be no competent 
 judges of such a challenge, which the great witness of 
 the heart and inward parts of men can only determine 
 (2.) It is a sad remark also of the time, that protest ant 
 writers, professing the reform of religion, shall state 
 themselves in opposition to the most important grounds 
 thereof, such as imputed righteousness, and justification 
 by faith> which is well called Articulus stands et caden- 
 lis Ecclesia. I cannot have that charity, that it is from; 
 ignorance, but from a height of malice, that some of late 
 reproach the protestant doctrine, in this great funda- 
 mental of justification ; as if it pressed believing and 
 resting upon Christ without respect to works and holi- 
 ness. I confess, we put not inherent righteousness in 
 the room of imputed; though we assert each is neces- 
 sary in their own place, the one In order to our right, 
 the other in order to our actual and full possession of 
 that right, yea, that holiness is absolutely necessary, not 
 only necessitate precepti, sect medii : and justifying faith 
 doth necessarily require works, sednon qua, et quatenus 
 justificat. But sure, if these men grant that we are 
 justified by the satisfaction of Christ, they must needs 
 Confess it is by imputation ; since if the debtor be ac- 
 quitted by the cautioners payment, is it not by the im- 
 putation thereof to him ? O sad ! to see some put their 
 invention upon the rack how to wound the church (yea, 
 
!• To the Reader. 
 
 a death wound it would be, if they could reach their 
 end) in that great truth ottmputed righteousness ! But it 
 were best they denied that 6th ver. of the Ath chap, to 
 the Rom. to be canonical scripture, which none can read 
 and shift ; it being so clear, that the blessed man is there 
 "held forth, unto whom God impateth righteousness with- 
 out works. Sure that cannot be inherent righteousness, 
 else it were contradictio in adjecto. I profess, those 
 '(whatever they pretend) I must look on as adversaries 
 to the reformed churches ; and there is nothing more 
 dangerous than a pirate going forth under a counterfeit 
 flag. (3.) Is it not likewise sad, yea, astonishing to 
 see, ministers now in these times, who are the express 
 ambassadors of Christ given to the church for her edifi- 
 cation, stand so directly cross to the' very end of their 
 work and ministry ; many, of whom it may be said, that 
 knowingly and deliberately they oppose piety ! That 
 such should persecute, whose work is to feed ; should 
 wound, instead of healing ; grieve the spirit of the godly, 
 who should be helpers of their joy t that none are a 
 greater plague, to corrupt the church, and cause ther 
 sacrifices of the Lord to be abhorred, than some of those 
 who should be the salt of the earth f yea, none more 
 obstruct the treat y of the gospel, betwixt Christ and his 
 church, than ministers who are called the friends of the 
 bridegroom ! Oh what a strange and astonishing con- 
 tradiction may this seem \ But it should be no reproach 
 to that holy and excellent calling of the ministry ; for of 
 such the scripture hath expressly warned. I confess, it 
 may be said, no atheist like an unsanctified minister ; 
 yea, no atheism of so black a die as theirs, who being 
 still employed about holy things, have yet no sense 
 thereof. 
 
TotheRcadtr. 11 
 
 Now in this very dark hour, wherein the church 
 seeraeth to have fallen into a death like pang, and many of 
 her children in a sad lethargy, that if we looked in an ordi- 
 nary way, her wound might seem incur 'able \ there are two 
 great and concerning queries, that I think should much 
 take us up. The one is, to know what the scripture 
 speaketh to the church ; what solid ground of encourage- 
 ment is there held forth ? For truly, if we had not that 
 sure testimony of the word, we might fear, religion 
 would quite wear out, and truth perish from the earth : 
 but doth the scripture speak pea£e ? all then is well. 
 That (O that J is sufficient security, to put the church's 
 hope beyond further debate ; chough men should threat- 
 en, though the earth were overturned, and the founda- 
 tion shaken ! This is a determination, above men, above 
 all the rules of human policy, yea, above the stars, which 
 frustrateth the tokens of the liars > and makelli diviners 
 mad ; even that revealed counsel of Cod, taking place 
 about his work and people* 
 
 I know, some grave writers of these late times do ex- 
 press their fear, that the horrid wickedness and apostacy 
 of the gentile church may at last resolve in the Lord's 
 departure, and an universal darkness ; that as the rejec- 
 tion of the Jews made way for the Gentiles incoming, so 
 their fall may as remarkably precede that solemn return 
 and restoration of the Jewish church ; it is also become 
 the fear of many, that popery may yet once overrun the 
 whole reformed churches, before antichrist's fall. But 
 since these sad thoughts nor any appearance of the time, 
 are no part of our bible, we should learn neither to 
 stretch our fears, nor expectations, beyond that which 
 the scripture warranteth : and if the Lord be God, and 
 this his very word, let us adhere to it, and waif or its ac- 
 
J2 7!? the Reader. 
 
 complishment. A second Query, which is indeed no les^ 
 important in such a time, may be about duty : What do 
 so eminent a hazard of the church, and this great decay 
 of Christianity , most pressingiy call for ? But this is a 
 subject which requireth another pen, and too large, to 
 touch with a passing word : yea, we may say, the great 
 want of these days is not about the discovery of duty, 
 but of the practice of known, and discovered duties. 
 For the Scripture giveth a certain and distinct sound, in 
 the darkest time ; and hath not left us to doubtful in T 
 quiries, and debate in this matter. I shall therefore 
 leave it, with a few things only to be in the general con- 
 sidered. 
 
 (1.) It is sure, that ever y time hath its present duty ; 
 and the wise discerners thereof will know thence what 
 they ought to do, what work and service the present cir- 
 cumstances of that time call for. Shall the earth have 
 its seasons, wherein things are beautiful ? shall the stork 
 and swallow know their time ? and yet christians not 
 know how to bring forth fruit in their season, and dis- 
 cern the special time and opportunity of duty ! 
 
 (2.) It is also sure, that every christian, in whatsoever 
 capacity or condition, as he hath his measure and talent, 
 so hath some work, and opportunity of duty ; wherein 
 they may serve the Lord in their generation : yea, it is 
 not the meanest lot or condition, that shutteth that door 
 upon any, that they have no work for God, who desire 
 to be faithful for him. O that in this threatening time, 
 when darkness is like to overspread the church, it were 
 more upon the hearts of christians, to strive together, 
 and contend by a serious improvement of their several 
 capacities, to preserve religion, and transmit the knowl- 
 edge of Jesus Christ to posterity ; that the christian par- 
 
To the Reader. 13 
 
 ,cnt, or master of a family, did witness more that great 
 resolution, in a time when many are drawing back. 
 But as for me, I and my house we will serve the Lord ! 
 
 (3.) It is found, that the most eminent and honourable 
 Service of the church doth usually befal her in a low and 
 suffering condition. When there hath been but little 
 strength, and many outward disadvantages, then both 
 their call and furniture hath been most observable, to 
 confess the truth, to endure for the gospel of Christ, to 
 overcome by the word of his testimony ; a piece of ser^ 
 vice, whereto more prosperous times do not give such 
 an opportunity. Yea, it hath been in such a case, Dan. 
 xi. 32. that those who knew their God, were made strong 
 to do exploits. 
 
 (4.) It doth much concern us, to put a high value oil 
 the truth, in a time when men must either lose it, or buy 
 it. And O ! what a choice purchase is that, which can- 
 not be bought too dear, though at the rate of our liberty, 
 estate, credit and reputation, yea, with the loss of peace, 
 when it cometh in competition with it ? For it is that 
 great depositum once delivered to the saints, the inherit- 
 ance of our children, that way whereby Jesus Christ 
 keepeth intercourse with his bride on the earth, yea, the 
 charter of all our mercies, and of our hope through eter- 
 nity. 
 
 (5.) Though every line of divine truth is inestimable'; 
 yet it is sure, there is a more pressing call for our adher- 
 ence to that truth, which is most controverted in the 
 time. For it is the word of his patience, and the matter of 
 our present testimony : and it is known through all ages, 
 what a singular blessing hath followed the contending and 
 witnessing of a few for the truth (in a torrent of public 
 defection J to keep it alive , when it was like to be swal- 
 
14 To. tie R&addt . 
 
 lowed up ; yea, to effects above rational belief ; units 
 Athanasius contra tot urn orbem ! Many such remarks 
 have not been wanting. 
 
 (6.) I shall only add, that which is always necessary 
 and binding, yet we may say in a time of the church's 
 hazard and suffering is more pressingly called for, even 
 the study of christian prudence; a duty convincingly 
 necessary, for regulating of duties, according to the cir- 
 cumstances of the church's case : which doth so nearly 
 concern the interest and preservation o? religion, that I 
 must say, A breach in that concord betwixt zeal and 
 christian prudence, when there is not some equal respect 
 studied in the exercise of bothy cannot but give the church 
 a sore wound. This is indeed a large theme ; but I 
 shall only point at in three things. 
 
 1. In our avoiding and being tender to give offence ; 
 not only to keep a distance from evil, but from the small- 
 est appearance thereof. I must say, they are bad casu- 
 ists, and have little respect to the church's edification, 
 who make it their work, not so much to keep men from 
 sin, as to shew them, quamprope ad peccatum sine pec- 
 cat o accedere lice at, O what a becoming fear is that, not 
 to lay a stumbling block in the way of others, to grieve 
 the weak, or confirm such who use to found their preju- 
 dice against the truth and way of God, upon the mi scar* 
 tiage of such as profess the same. 
 
 2. This excellent study of christian prudence hath a 
 respect to men's taking offence, as well as their giving it ; 
 to our being sober in judging, in personal reflections, to 
 cover and hide the infirmities of others, rather than 
 spread them, even for the gospel's sake ; yea, to shut as 
 it were our eyes, and cast a mantle on their nakedness, 
 who, though overtaken with the violence of some temp- 
 tation may yet be serviceable to the church ; but espc- 
 
To the Reader. IS 
 
 dally this should press us to a watchful regard of any 
 breach and rent in the churchy and to study a healing spir- 
 it, so far as is possible, without prejudice to truth. 
 
 3. It is also an important piece of christian prudence* 
 how to walk xviscly towards those who are without, when 
 prejudice against the way of God is now in such a 
 growth ; to study how we may convince, gain ground, 
 and by christianly prudent and tender carriage conciliate 
 respect to the truth ; and thus commend holiness, and 
 those who profess it, to the conscience of men ; to study 
 that rule of expediency much in things of themselves 
 warrantable, what fitness and advantage present circum- 
 stances may offer, or deny for edification and promoting, 
 (hat great interest of the gospel in our converse with men. 
 
 I shall now cease to trouble you further ; only would 
 premise some few things with a respect to the subject of 
 this following essay. 
 
 (1.) Should we not with wonder and astonishment look 
 on this great record of the scripture ? By which the glo- 
 rious majesty of God doth speak to men, yea doth as 
 certainly communicate his counsel and mind, we may- 
 say more certainly, than if we had an immediate audible 
 voice from heaven. O could we have such ordinary 
 thoughts of this, if we consider how near God cometh 
 therein to us ? I think., if there were but one corner of the 
 earth, though in the remotest parts, where men might go 
 and get a look of so wonderful and important a thing as 
 God's express will written and sent from heaven to the 
 earth, about our duty here, and blessedness for ever, 
 should we not think it worth our crossing the sea, and 
 the greatest expense of time or labour ? It is truly a 
 wonder how we can read and consider the scripture* 
 without wondering. 
 
16 To the Reader. 
 
 (2.) It is a great concernment, to know that the scrip- 
 ture hath such a witness, as experience ! and that there is 
 such a trade and correspondence as this betwixt the saints' 
 and the word, which lieth not in the common road of the 
 world. O what an empty thing would religion be, if it 
 had not this word experience in its grammar ; that secret 
 and sure mark, whereby the christian knoweth the scrip- 
 ture is of God ; how thus the Lord hath oft sealed their 
 instruction in a dark plunge ; how life and power, enliv- 
 ening influences, to the melting of their heart, have oft 
 met them there in a very dead frame ; and now they 
 know that verily God hcareth prayer : now they are per- 
 suaded, and have learned by the cross, that he is indeed 
 a comforter ; yea, many can shew how by the word their 
 first acquaintance with the Lord did begin ; how some 
 particular truth, like a grain of corn sown in their heart, 
 by the blessing of the great husbandman was made to 
 take life, and grow. 
 
 (3.) It much concerned* us, to know what an excel- 
 lent key the scripture is to unlock that sealed book of 
 providence ; and that no other key can lit the same ; 
 many have tried another way, but lost themselves on the 
 search, and the more they attempt by human wisdom, 
 they became the more dark. I truly think, there is not a 
 more satisfying discovery within time, than this, to trace 
 divine truth back until we see its first breaking forth out 
 of his eternal decree and council, who is the author there- 
 of ; how thence it taketh hold of the word, which is the 
 adequate sign and declaration of his purpose ; and then 
 how the word taketh hold of his work and providence, 
 where wc may see the face and condition of the church 
 dearly written out through all the changes of time ; how 
 providence kecpeth a certain and steady course, evert 
 
To the Reader. 17 
 
 amidst the most perplexed motions and reelings of the 
 earth ; yea, how all things, even those which would seem 
 most contradictory, run within that straight channel of 
 the word, and cannot go without these bounds. 
 
 (4.) It is the principal and most concerning scripture 
 promises, that are only touched in this following dis- 
 course, these which carry akng with them a clear con- 
 tinued series of the church's condition through time, and 
 shew the most remarkable changes of her lot. For it is 
 clear, that in divers prophecies and in a different manner 
 the Spirit doth point at one and the same thing : and tru- 
 ly it should cause no mistake or prejudice, that we find 
 several of the scripture prophecies expressed in such 
 dark terms, since the wisdom of God saw it fit that for a 
 time these truths should be locked up and sealed. But 
 now light hath so far broken forth with the event, as we 
 may see how* very significant and suitable to the matter 
 these most dark enigmatical terms are. 
 
 (5.) We should upon no account shut our ears, where 
 the scripture is clear, and giveth us ground to hope that 
 the outgoing of the Lord, for his people in their deliver- 
 ance, and for the destruction of his enemies, now in these 
 last times, shall be very glorious ; yea, by some stately 
 and stupendous acts of providence, that he shall accom- 
 plish his judgment on antichrist : neither must we take a 
 prejudice at truth, because of the wild fancies of many 
 who would extend it beyond its bounds, or that near re- 
 semblance which the error of some in this time may seem 
 to have thereto. For that hath been an old stratagem of 
 the devil, to prejudice the world at some of the truths of 
 God, by setting up a counterfeit thereto. 
 
 I shall add no more, only what account is given, upon 
 the close of the last argument, of some remarkable pas- 
 
18 To the Reader. 
 
 sages of providence in the late times, as herein the author 
 hath some confidence to profess, he did endeavour what 
 could be attained for certainty of the same, and if any cir- 
 cumstances of these relations should be found a mistake, 
 he dare say before Him who is greater than our con- 
 science, it was not the neglect of serious inquiry ; so he 
 must also premise, the inserting of them was upon no 
 further intent, than to be a witness to that truth of the 
 Lord's eminent appearance for bis church in the last days. 
 It would be of great use and profit to the church, that 
 some more fitly qualified would study a more large col- 
 lection di this kind. O that this might go forth with a 
 blessing from him, who by the meanest things can serve 
 himself, and promote the edification of his church ; and 
 that the Lord would raise some up with much of his 
 Spirit, to make a further search and inquiry into this 
 great and weighty truth. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 
 THE grave subject of the Scripture's accomplishment considered in 
 some special truths, previously held forth for giving light to the 
 same. 25 
 
 I. What is thereby to be understood, in nine particulars opened. ib. 
 
 II. The verification of the scripture, considered as the Lord' 's peculiar 
 work and design in the world, and in the whole conduct of providence. 29 
 
 III. How clear and manifest this great truth is. 33 
 
 IV. That this, notwithstanding of clear demonstrative evidences of 
 the same, is hid from the most of men, and a great mystery to them- 35 
 
 V. What an unanswerable witness and argument, the fulfilling of the 
 scripture is, of its divinity, to satisfy and quiet the soul about this. 39 
 
 VI. That it is a most solacing, and singularly delectable truth. 42 
 
 VII. How much the godly are concerned, now in these latter times, to 
 study the fulfilling of the scripture, and what advantage they have for 
 the same beyondyormer ages. 47 
 
 VIII. How weighty a duty it is, and on what pressing grounds it lies at 
 each christian's door. 50 
 
 Five Arguments set down, whence this truth is in the following treatise 
 largely demonstrated. 52 
 
 THE FIRST ARGUMENT, 
 
 FROM the solid and sure experience of the godly in all ages -, which 
 doth witness the real performance of the scripture. This cleared in 
 five instances. 52 
 
 1. Instance, That there is a contrariety betwixt the flesh and the spirit, 
 witnessed by christian experience, as clearly as it is held forth in the 
 scripture. 55 
 
 % Instance, Of the deceitfulness of man's heart, with that witness given 
 in from experience thereto. 57 
 
 3. Instance, That there is sn invisible adversary without, as clear and 
 discernible, as that there is corruption within. 58 
 
 4. Instance, Shews that real intercourse betwixt a christian and the prom- 
 ises of the word, by sure experience, and how clearly this may be 
 demonstrated. 61 
 
 Some previous considerations, for our right understanding this. ib. 
 
 A more particular demonstration in ten special promises, wherewith the 
 godly, through their life, have a most usual and cpntinual trade. 63 
 
 1. The promise considered with respect to our believing, and adventur- 
 ing on the naked word, without any probable appearance of its f adfil- 
 ling : and how clearly this is verified. 64 
 
 2. That God hears and answers prayer, from solid experience demon- 
 strated. 65 
 
 3. That the pouring out of the. Spirit, and its sealing and marvellous power 
 
 on the soul, is no delusion, but certainly known, demonstrated. ' 67 
 
 4. That light and counsel to the godly, and the directing of their steps, ac- 
 cording to the promise, is made out to those who commit their way 
 
 to God. yQ 
 
 5. The promise of pardon and forgiveness, how it is sealed by experi- 
 ence. - ' 7i 
 
20 Index. 
 
 Page 
 
 6. The promise to integrity, and encouragement to the gedly under the 
 cross, verified. 74 
 
 7. The promise to integrity and uprightness in an evil time 76 
 
 8. That the promise of assistance ami strength for duty, is truly made out 
 and verified. 7J 
 
 9. The promise of all things working togetlierfor their good 'echo love God, 
 clearly verified in experience. 78 
 
 10. The great gain and advantage of godliness, demonstrated according 
 
 to the promise. SO 
 
 S. Instance, Holds forth the verification of scripture threatening?, fciich 
 under whose reach the godly may fall. 83 
 
 Some things premised fof clearing- this. ib. 
 
 Some special threatenings instanced, with that witness the experience of 
 christians bears to the same. 85 
 
 A rational demonstration of the truth and reality of godliness, and the 
 validity of that witness which the experience of the saints in all ages 
 bears to the fulfilling' pf the scripture, from several grounds held 
 forth. 91 
 
 Several weighty queries. 97 
 
 The great import of this argument from experience, in seven particu- 
 lars considered ; and what a transport of joy and wandering this, when 
 it is brought rear to our thoughts, may cause. 98 
 
 Two eminent witnesses, who have left a seal to the truth. 106 
 
 THE SECOND ARGUMENT, 
 
 DEMONSTRATES the certain accomplishing of the scripture from 
 the church's continued observation in all ages. 108 
 
 Thefrst Branch of the argument doth witness the scripture's verifica- 
 tion, in those promises which concern the universal church'. As, 
 
 1. That concerning the church's continuance and preservation * and how 
 great and marvellous a thing it is, demonstrated. 109 
 
 2. Her advance and increase ; and how in an ordinary way this could not 
 
 be without a miraculous and supernatural power. 112 
 
 3. The promise of giving the Spirit, as it respects the church, and its 
 accompanying the truth and doctrine of Christ in all ages, demon- 
 strated from clear evidences thereof. 116 
 
 4. How the Lord hath given his church deliverance in her greatest exi- 
 
 ' gences, according to the promise thereof. 120 
 
 5. That comprehensive promise of all thhigs working together for good, 
 with respect to the church, clearly verified, in the observation of 
 each time. * *24 
 
 Second Branch of the argument demonstrates the fulfilling of those 
 scripture threatenings, winch concern the visible church. 125 
 
 Sewn instances held forth, wherein this is made clear. 127 
 
 Third Branch of the argument, doth witness the clear verification of the 
 scripture in those passages of providence, which seem to the world dark 
 and astonishing, whereat many are shaken 133 
 
 This demonstration] in fourteen instances, followed out ; how those con- 
 vincingly verify the scripture, and are great confirmations of the 
 truth, whereat upon the first appearance we are ready to stumble. 
 As, 
 
 1. That with the first stirrings toward the church's delivery, her straits 
 and trouble seem to increase. 134 
 
 % A serious endeavourfor reformation, and to promote the kingdom of 
 Christ, meeting with great interruptions, how it co;ih>ms the scrip- 
 ture * ib - 
 
Index. 21 
 
 Page 
 
 2. How a great overclouding and darkness on the church, following- re- 
 markable manifestations of the glory and power of God, do clearly 
 verify the truth of the word. 136 
 
 4. That when judgment comes on a land, it begins first at the best. 127 
 
 5. That strange success which follows the worst of men sometimes in 
 
 an evil course, made clear. 138 
 
 6. Those disappointments the church oft meets with, when ordinary 
 means seem most promising. 139 
 
 7. The long continuance of a heavy afflicting rod on the church, and what 
 
 a confirmation this is of the word. ib. 
 
 8. That Satan hath usually such a counterfeit of an)' remarkable work of 
 God set on foot in a land, cleared. 14.0 
 
 9. The abounding of error and heresy under the gospel, more than under 
 the Old Testament, how clearly it answers the scripture. ib. 
 
 10. Those great stirs and commotions, that oft attend the gospel, when 
 
 it breaks forth with power in aland. 142 
 
 11. That men of great natural endowments are so usual oppoeers of the 
 truth. ib. 
 
 J.2. What strange judgments may befal some of the saints in their out- 
 ward lot. " 143 
 
 13. The gross falling of some, who have shined with a great lustre once 
 
 in the church. ib. 
 
 14. The strange contingency of events in the world, and how this is not 
 
 at an adventure, but clearly answers the scripture. 144 
 
 This further commended to our serious study, and the great concernment 
 thereof held forth, to be observing how clearly the scripture is con- 
 firmed by these things in the way of the Lord, and in the administra- 
 tion of his providence, which to many seem grounds of shaking, whence 
 " they are ready to question the truth. 145 
 
 This cleared in ten instances more added, whence the godly should be 
 more strengthened in the truth, though they seem at the first look 
 very strange. 
 
 1. That the church of Christ should be so universally low, when the 
 whole earth besides seems to be at rest. 146 
 
 2. The short breathings of the church, under the New Testament, that 
 we see her lucid intervals usually of so small continuance, and how 
 thus the scripture is verified. 149 
 
 .3. The wearing out of life and power in the church so often with a fur- 
 ther increase of light, and ltow thus the truth is confirmed. 151 
 
 4. That the great men of the earth, and those who sit in the place of 
 judgment, are so usually th£ church's greatest adversaries. 154 
 
 5-^That instruments sometime eminently useful in the church, with the 
 change of times, should be found to change their principles, is a con- 
 firming witness also to the truth. 15f 
 
 6. Men's personating godliness and the power hereof at the greatest rate, 
 who on an after discovery are found gross hypocrites, how it is no 
 ground for reflecting on the truth, but should confirm it. 160 
 
 F. Those sad^'ar* and divisions, which so frequently are seen within the 
 church, cleared. 162 
 
 8. That the Lord's immediate hand may seem more heavy on his church 
 and people in suffering times, than the hand of men, considered. 164 
 
 9. To what a strange height a judicial stroke of induration on the spirit 
 
 of men may come, and how thus the scripture is confirmed. 167 
 
 JO. The righteous fulling sometime with the wicked in a common judg- 
 ment, whilst some notorious for wickedness may be seen to go to the 
 grave in peace, cleared. 169 
 
22 Index. 
 
 THE THIRD ARGUMENT, 
 
 PROVES the verification of the scripture, in that to the view and convic- 
 tion rjfthe world it is undeniably obvious. 170 
 In fourteen instances this demonstrated, 
 
 1. That man now is fallen frum that excellent state, wherein once he 
 was formed. 171 
 
 2. The truth and reality of cojiversion, and how far this marvellous 
 change is above nature, demonstrated. 173 
 
 What true cause there is of wondering at this great work, and how 
 demonstrative an argument it is of the grace of God, and truth of the 
 scripture, further cleared, with an addition of several evidences more. 175 
 
 Thr^e remarkable instances of Conversion. 178 
 
 3. The truth offellowship here betwixt God and the soul, and that this 
 
 is no fancy or delusion, made clear to the world. 180 
 
 4. That the righteous is more excellent than his neighbour. 182 
 
 5. That the promised encouragement to the godly under their sitfferingsfor 
 
 the truth, falls not to the ground. 184 
 
 6 That there is a conscience within men, w r hich clearly answers the dis- 
 covery of scripture about it. 185 
 A further demonstration of this truth, and how convincing- a witness this 
 
 is against atheism, held forth. 187 
 
 7. How clearly it is made out, there is a reward for the righteous. 189 
 
 S. That verily there is a God who judgeth in the earth, demonstrated to 
 the conviction of the world, from several clear grounds. 191 
 
 9. That there are evil spirits, and such a diabolical power as the scrip- 
 ture holds forth, witnessed. 197 
 
 10. The enmity betwixt the children of God and the world held forth, and 
 how great a witness it is to the truth. 200 
 
 11. That the creature is made subject to vanity, because of sin, clearly- 
 demonstrated to the world, and the truth of the scripture therein. 201 
 
 12. That the end of the righteous is peace. 205 
 
 13. That great truth of the soul's immortality, and how mistaken a 
 thing it is, considered and demonstrated from some clear undenia- 
 ble arguments. 208 
 
 How great and astonishing a truth it is, and what other thoughts men 
 would have thereof, were it rightly understood. 211 
 
 14. That the way of the Lord is perfect, and all his works done in judg- 
 ment, held forth. 2 IS 
 
 This demonstration more particularly followed out ; 
 
 X. In the -whole-: frame and structure of the visible church. 214 
 
 2. In the conduct and administration of providence about the church. 216 
 
 0. In the great work and contrivance of redemption. 220 
 4. In that marvellous order and disposal of the works of God, through 
 
 the whole creation, and with wha'c a subserviency all things are framed 
 
 and directed to some special end, considered. 222 
 
 THE FOURTH ARGUMENT, 
 DEMONSTRATES the exact accomplishment of the prophetical part 
 
 of the scripture, and the special predictions thereof, in those periods of 
 
 time to which they relate. 
 Some things premised thereabout, 228 
 
 1. What is already fulfilled, considered. 
 
 1. That prophecy of old by Noah concerning the food, and its certain 
 taking place held forth. 229 
 
 2. How that strange stroke and judgment on men in confounding their 
 languages, hath clearly come to pass according to the scripture : and 
 how this in an ordinary way could not have been brought about, „ 
 but the very finger of God unanswerably manifest therein, demon- 
 strated. 230 
 
Index. 23 
 
 Page 
 
 3. The fulfilling of that which was prophesied concerning the church's 
 delivery from Egypt. 232 
 
 4. What was promised about the church of Israel's more full growth, 
 clearly made out. 233 
 
 5. How the scripture and prophecies thereof with respect to the de- 
 clining times of the Jeivish church are verified. 234 
 
 6. The exact performance of what by Daniel was foretold concerning 
 the rise and fall of the monarchies. 235 
 
 7. That greatest prophecy, which is the intent of the whole scripture 
 of God, Me coming of the Messias, how clearly verified to the world 
 
 in the appointed time. 236 
 
 A rational demonstration thereof, from manifest and undeniable grounds, 
 held forth. ib. 
 
 8. The sure performance of that remarkable prophecy of the incalling 
 of the Gentiles ; and how this marvellous work, withxmt a divine mi- 
 raculous power, could not be conceived. 241 
 
 9. How clearly that dreadful desolating stroke on the Jews, doth verify 
 what was prophesied about it, held forth. 245 
 
 10. How manifest the coming of antichrist, and his being revealed to the 
 world, now is in the event. 24S 
 
 Some serious queries about this great adversary, held forth ; to shew 
 what an infatuation those must de under, who cannot see him, when 
 before their eyes so clearly discovered. 251 
 
 The author's judgment humbly offered about the number of the beast, 
 and the meaning of the scripture therein, with some grounds for 
 clearing the same. 256 
 
 11. What was prophesied about the killing of the witnesses, now made 
 clear in the event. 259 
 
 II. What of the prophetical part of the scripture is yet to be accom- 
 plished. 260 
 
 1. The full ruin of antichrist and his kingdom. 261 
 
 2. The incalling ofthejenus. 264 
 
 3. A greztflouriihiiig of the church, both of Jews and Gentiles. 266 
 
 4. Satan's binding, and the church's reign with Christ. 268 
 
 5. The fall and destruction of the Turkish empire. 27Q 
 
 6. Satan's loosing, and the victory over Gog and Magog. 271 
 
 THE FIFTH ARGUMENT. 
 
 THAT we have already several grounds of confirmation, and pledges in 
 our hand to assure us, that what of the scripture is to be accomplish- 
 ed shall be certainly fulfilled. 272 
 
 1. The very being of the world is one ground, 273 
 
 2. Those trut hs that are of all others most strange, are already accom- 
 
 ^ plished ; as about the coming of the Messias. 27S 
 
 3. That Jesus Christ hath begun tlie war against antichrist, and the ene- 
 mies of his church. 279 
 
 4. That the church's victory over antichrist is not only begun, but in a 
 great measure advanced. 284 
 
 Wherein the Lord's extraordinary providence is no less discernible; than 
 in the first planting of Christianity by the apostles, proved by seven 
 witnesses. 
 
 1. The wonderful success the gospel hath had in these last times. 285 
 
 2. The church in these last times hath met with as sharp assaults of 
 cruel and powerful enemies, as in the primitive times, shewed in sev- 
 eral instances. 2B7 
 
 3. The wonderful patience, resolution, and cheerfulness of sufferers in these 
 late times ; with instances thereof. 288 
 
24 Index. 
 
 Pagftf 
 4. The remarkable judgments of God on opposers of his work of refor- 
 mation from antichristianism, in several instances both foreign and 
 domestic, and two more lately. 292 
 
 5- The large measure of the Spirit, that followed the ministry of the gos- 
 pel in these late times. 301 
 Foreign instances. ib. 
 The work in the west of Scotland about the year 1 625. 302 
 
 In Clidesdale about the year 1630, and in Ireland about the year 
 
 1628, and thereafter. 303 
 
 In Scotland in the year 1638, and thereafter. 304 
 
 Instances of particular persons. As, 
 
 Mr. Welsh and Mr. Forbes. 305 
 
 Mr. Rutherford. ib. 
 
 6. That extraordinary apostolic and prophetic spirit, that appeared in 
 some ministers and others raised in these late times. 3C6 
 
 In Scotland, Mr. John Welsh. 307 
 
 Mr. Robert Bruce. % 311 
 
 Mr. Davidson. 313 
 
 Mr. Patrick Simson. 315 
 
 Mr. Andrew Melvin. 318 
 
 Mr. Hugh Kennedy. 319 
 
 More of Mr. Robert Bruce. 320 
 
 More of Mr. John Welsh. 323 
 
 Mr. John Scrimger. 326 
 
 Mr. Robert Blair, ib. 
 
 The laird of Raith. 330 
 
 Mr. James Faber, in France. 331 
 
 In Ireland, Mr. Andrew Steward. 333* 
 
 Mr. John Steward, provost of Aire. 335 
 
 A godly gentlewoman. 337 
 
 A strange passage of judgment on a wicked nobleman. 339 
 
 7. Those marvellous providences of God confirming the truth, since the 
 breaking forth of tbe gospel ; whereof several ? are particulars are 
 mentioned, former and later, at home and abroad. 340 
 
 In the APPENDIX five Inferences. 
 
 I. A CHRISTIAN hath from \ht fulfilling of the scripture a gTeat 
 advantage for his establishment. 357 
 
 II. There is a special debt on each christian to bear witness to the faith- 
 fulness of God. 359 
 
 III. This debt lieth also on the church, to witness the Lord's faithful- 
 ness, and on every age. 364 
 
 IV. It is a duty to discern the times, and inquire seriously thereabout. 369 
 (1.) What is the present state of the church. 370 
 (2.) What the present signs of the times seem to point at. 373 
 (3 ) To discern the particular snares and hazards of the time. 380 
 (4.) What at such a time can the rig hteous do. 385 
 
 V. The scripture truths, as they are great and marvellous, they are also 
 in the evidence of their verification so clear and obvious, as may con- 
 vince the greatest atheist. 390 
 
THE 
 
 FULFILLING 
 
 OF THE 
 
 SCRIPTURE. 
 
 •jr^^s**/** 
 
 1 HERE are two means by which the blessed 
 snajesty of God hath chosen to reveal himself to the 
 sons of men, his word and his works: which may be 
 called the two great luminaries, for giving light to the 
 church, though the one be greater, I mean doth more 
 clearly shine forth, yea, doth communicate light to the 
 other. These, men must not divide, which by so strait 
 a tie the Lord hath joined, and by a marvellous corres- 
 pondence hath set the one over against the other, that it 
 may be easy to see his faithfulness, and the accomplish- 
 ment of the scripture therein : and indeec^ this is a great 
 and interesting truth, that calleth for a serious study, the 
 solid persuasion of which should afford a sweet ground 
 of repose, and rest for the soul, though the earth were 
 all in a combustion round about, and give a satisfying an- 
 swer to our most solicitous thoughts and fears. Now 
 this being the intended subject of the following discourse, 
 I shaU first touch it a liftie in the general, and then hold 
 forth some more particular grounds, whence it may be 
 clearly demonstrated. 
 
 I. That the Scripture of God hath a certain accom- 
 plishment here in the world, and what is to be under- 
 stood by the same, I shall endeavour to clear in these 
 things, which would be considered. 
 
 ]. This is the very unfolding of the Lord's decree, 
 and secret purpose, the bringing forth of his work, now 
 within time, to the ..view of angels and men, which was 
 before him in the deep of his thoughts, and counsel from 
 eternity ; it is an opening up of the sealed book, which 
 we must not understand to be that secret roll of election, 
 and the book of life, wherein the names of the elect are 
 
 D 
 
26 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 writ ; but liber fatidicus, the sealed book of God's dis* 
 pensations in the world, shewing out his counsels, and 
 designs, which should be brought forth in the after ages 
 of time : for as the Lord did fully comprehend what he 
 was to do, and all that was to befai his church, and peo- 
 ple from the beginning to the end, long before there was a 
 beginning, before the mountains were formed, so hath 
 he copied, and written out his heart in the word about 
 the same, wherein he hath most plainly shewed forth, 
 what were his blessed purposes, and counsel of old ; 
 and thus the thoughts of his heart, his word and his 
 works do sweetly agree, and each one wonderfully an- 
 swers to another. For his work doth bring forth, and 
 accomplish his word, that his decree and counsel from 
 all eternity may take place. 
 
 2. The scripture's accomplishment is the transcript 
 and writing of it over in providence ; where we may 
 see and admire how the word doth shine upon all the 
 paths and footsteps of the Lord toward his church in 
 every age, and gives light to the same, and what an evi- 
 dent reflection his work hath again upon the word ; so 
 that through the whole series and course of providence 
 in the earth, we have a most exact portraiture, and im- 
 age of the scripture, answering one to another as face 
 answers to face in the glass, where it may be easy to 
 discern the copy by the principal, and that resemblance 
 which is betwixt the building, and that excellent pattern, 
 and model, which is held forth thereof in the word. 
 
 3. The accomplishment of the scripture is the very 
 turning that, which was the object of our faith and con- 
 templation, to be the object of our sense and feeling : it 
 is the real birth, and bringing forth these truths unto the 
 world in their appointed time and season concerning the 
 church, and particular christians, which were hid in that 
 womb of the promise, and many dark predictions of the 
 word ; it is such a thing as giveth the promises and 
 prophecies, a visible being, yea, bringeth truth so near 
 within the reach of our senses, that we may even touch, 
 as it were, and handle the words of life. O what an ex- 
 cellent interpreter is experience ! t Taste and see : for 
 thus the serious christian getteth a view of the scripture, 
 and spiritual things, which the most subtle, and piercing 
 eye of unsanctificd schoolmen cannot reach, yea, by the 
 practice of truth, nearness to God, and retiring of the 
 soul to him, hath oft got more light in an hour, than 
 others by many days putting their judgment and inven* 
 tion upon the rack. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 27 
 
 4. This is God's own seal, which he putteth to the 
 word to confirm and ratify the same ; I do not only 
 mean that secret seal of the spirit within, but something 
 more external, that solemn testimony of his works, 
 whereby he doth every day appeal to men's consciences 
 about his truth : for his works are very manifest, where- 
 on there is so clear an engraving of his truth and faith- 
 fulness, that as the impress and image of the seal is upon 
 the wax, men may also see whose superscription and 
 image that is, which doth appear on such, and such pas- 
 sages of providence. 
 
 5. This is something we are not to seek only in the 
 extraordinary acts of Providence, or in any singular and 
 eminent path of a christian's experience : nay, it doth 
 shine forth in the smallest and most casual things that 
 fallout, yea, in every page of that great volume of Prov- 
 idence may it be clearly read. 
 
 6. The scripture's accomplishment is such a thing, as 
 concerns every christian in his personal case ; to which 
 his ordinary experience doth relate ; whereof such have 
 a large register, what of the word hath been certainly 
 proved in the several steps and changes of their life, 
 whose practice doth much lie betwixt improvement 
 of the word, and observation how it is fulfilled : such 
 can witness, how under a spiritual decay to be carnally 
 minded is death, and when it is well, what great peace they 
 have who love God's law : they have oft found, that in 
 a strait he is a very present help, and in the way of duty 
 that it is surely good to draw near to him ; and in the close 
 of their life, can, from many remarkable and convincing 
 providences, declare the truth and faithfulness of God. 
 And truly whilst I speak here, of the christian's experi- 
 ence, I think it is sad, and a great short coming, that there 
 is not a more serious improvement of it for this end : which 
 is a very interesting duty on such who have tasted that the 
 Lord is gracious ; and O what an excellent addition would 
 this be to their will or testament, when they are to leave 
 the world, to leave a testimony behind them to the faith- 
 fulness of God in his word and promise, and thus put their 
 seal to the same, from what they have oft proved by sure 
 experience ! For this should prove a singular help to 
 strengthen others, and spread abroad the fame and good 
 report of religion : yea, thus one generation should de- 
 clare the works of the Lord to another, and transmit the 
 memory of his goodness to succeeding ages. 
 
 7. This is something which not only the christian's ex- 
 perience doth witness, and in every time taketh place, but 
 
28 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 hath also a peculiar reference to those ages, and periods of 
 times, wherein such particular truths should have their ac- 
 complishment. For it is true, that the prophets of old did 
 not only in their predictions hold forth in general, the truth 
 and certainty of those things, which should fallout: but 
 they also inquired and searched diligently about the time : 
 to what or what manner of time the Spirit by them did 
 point. 1 Pet. i. 11. For it is truly clear, that a piece of 
 the word was under the law to have its peculiar accom- 
 plishment ; that part of it also under the Messiah's king- 
 dom, in the days of the gospel should be fulfilled, and we 
 find a very interesting part thereof belongs to these latter 
 times. And there is bftwixt such periods of time and 
 revolution of the church's case, and the bringing forth of 
 such a piece of the scripture to a performance, a very cer- 
 tain and undoubted connection. It is true, we do not yet 
 well understand (which will be one of the last manifesta- 
 tions the church shall have, at the end of time, when the 
 mystery of God is finished,) how to sort the event exactly 
 to the word : but it is sure (and were worthy of our study 
 and observation) how every age hath something of the 
 scripture peculiar thereto, yea, carrieth forward the Lord's 
 work and design a further step. May we not see how one 
 age fulfilleth such a piece of the church's sufferings appoint- 
 ed for her, and puts some great trial and sad persecution 
 over her head, which she was to meet with ; whilst an- 
 other age carrieth her through another change, and giveth 
 her a time of rest and breathing ? How such a time bring- 
 eth Antichrist forward to his height, and such a following 
 age begins the turn of the church's case ? Yea, every sev- 
 eral period and revolution of time, still addeth something 
 to that excellent history of the word and providence, which 
 we have since the beginning, and bringeth forth some- 
 thing further into the world, of the Lord's counsel and de- 
 sign about his church. 
 
 8. The accomplishing of the scripture is such a thing, as 
 we are to look after, in a special way here, which concerns 
 this militant and travailing condition of the church ; for if 
 the scriptures were once fully accomplished, and the great 
 mystery of God therein finished, there were then nothing 
 more to do, his work of providence were at an end, and 
 time should be no more. This is something, that is not 
 here perfected at once, but is still gradually carrying on, 
 and then shall be complete at the resurrection of the just, 
 and second coming of the Lord, which is the last part of 
 canonical scripture to be made out, when both his work 
 and his word, and time, shall be all finished together ; but 
 
"The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 29 
 
 while the saints arc yet by the way, they have the written 
 word and all those precious promises therein, for present 
 use and encouragement. For that is its proper work, to 
 take them safe through this labyrinth of the world, and 
 when it hath brought them to land, it hath no more to do ; 
 there will be then no more need for a christian to go to a 
 promise, and adventure upon it ; we shall then no more 
 watch, with the watchmen in a dark and stormy night, and 
 hope for the breaking of the day ; faith then shall not be at 
 a stand, how such a word shall be made out, because of 
 invincible difficulties in its way ; no, then it hath done its 
 work, and that which is written shall be swallowed up, in 
 that which is seen and enjoyed ; all the streams of our en- 
 couragement will then lose themselves in a greater depth. 
 O then it is finished and done, what all the promises, proph- 
 ecies, and threatenings of the word were bringing forth ; 
 and then no more need of something as a pledge and earn- 
 est in hand, to them who have the full possession of the in- 
 heritance, and under whose feet the God of peace hath 
 trod Satan and all their enemies. 
 
 9. I shall add this, the accomplishment of the scripture 
 is something, which is not only demonstrated to a christian 
 by sensible influences, and God's secret working with his 
 Spirit, but is made out to the observation of men, in the 
 way of providence ; and not only witnessed by that internal 
 evidence of the Spirit, but by an external testimony, which 
 both rationally holdeth this out to the judgment, and sen- 
 sibly to the sight and experience ; and this is the strongest 
 and most full of all outward evidences, since the world 
 must shut their eyes iftheydonot see it, and a christian 
 must deny what he both seeth and fceleth, if he deny a wit- 
 ness to this. 
 
 II. We would consider the accomplishment of the Scrip- 
 Hire, as that which is the Lord's peculiar work and design 
 in the world, and that great business which is upon the 
 wheels of providence amidst the various changes and revo- 
 lutions, which are here within time, for bringing about 
 whereof the blessed thoughts of his heart are fixed and unal- 
 terable. This is indeed a grave and serious truth, worthy to 
 be more noticed and laid to heart by men, that the glorious 
 providence of God, which goeth throughout the earth, and 
 doth particularly reach all things which come to pass, the 
 smallest, as well as the greatest interests of men, in all these 
 doth move certainly and infallibly for the accomplishing of 
 the scripture, which is that great thing God hath before 
 his eyes ; for it is no personal interests of men, how great 
 so ever they be, that can answer this end ; it is something 
 
30 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 beyond the setting up of kings, or overturning kingdoms 
 and nations, that he doth mind amidst these various 
 changes, which are in the world ; it is some greater thing, 
 than that which we most notice, the Lord thereby designs, 
 how such a party is advanced, and others brought low ; for 
 these things come within the reach of his care and provi- 
 dence, in so far as the fulfilling of the scripture is therein 
 concerned, the outmaking of the promises and threaten- 
 ings ; one syllable whereof he doth more value than all the 
 crowns and kingdoms of the earth, yea, will not let it fall to 
 the ground, though it should be at the rate of laying cities 
 and countries desolate. For it is in this the Lord taketh 
 pleasure, and exerciseth his blessed thoughts, even the 
 bringing about what he hath spoken in his word. 
 
 Now to clear this further, I shall hold forth these follow- 
 ing grounds, whence it may appear, 
 
 First, The fulfilling of the scripture, or written word, is 
 so great a thing, and of such concernment, that the blessed 
 majesty of God thought it worthy of a place in his heart 
 from all eternity. This was before him in his thoughts 
 and counsels of old ; even that marvellous work, which 
 should be the after product and outmaking of his word 
 to his church here within time, and surely was such a plot 
 and contrivance, that as no ltss^ than infinite love, wisdom 
 and power, were required to bring it about, so it was well 
 becoming the majesty of God, and worthy to be the work 
 of all the three blessed persons of the Trinity. O if we 
 could go down a little into this deep, and see the wonders 
 that are there, we should find, that knowledge, which usu- 
 ally lesseneth our admiration of other things, would height- 
 en it here ; it would be new to us every day to think how 
 great and marvellous a thing that is, which the word is 
 bringing forth. 
 
 2. It is upon this, even the performance of the word, 
 that the present encouragement, and future blessedness of 
 the saints doth lie. For the great interest of the church is 
 adventured upon the word, and embarked with it, which 
 would be lost ; yea, their stock and treasure which is laid 
 up in heaven, and all that a christian is worth, which is laid 
 up in the promise, were then perished, if the scripture 
 should want an accomplishment ; the godly man hath 
 then run and laboured in vain, and those who are fallen 
 asleep in Christ, have died in a sad delusion ; providence 
 would be like the work of the foolish builder, who begun 
 and knew not how to finish. O how highly then is the 
 Lord concerned in fulfilling of his word ? That he may 
 perfect what concerns his people, and having surely paid 
 the price put them also in possession. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 3 1 
 
 3. There is yet more than the interests of angels and men, 
 yea, than heaven and earth is worth, that depends upon the 
 outmaking of the scripture ; the glory of God, and espec- 
 ially the praise of that great attribute his faithfulness, which 
 he will have no less shine forth in the performance of his 
 word, than his power and wisdom in this great fabric of the 
 universe, and these marvellous productions of nature. 
 For he hath magnified his word above all his works ; 
 therefore is his heart greatly set upon this, even the bring- 
 ing to pass what he hath spoken ; which if in the least should 
 fail, this were no less than to make God a liar, and falsify 
 his word, who is through all the church known by this 
 blessed name, The God of truth. 
 
 4. We should consider this, as that great trust, which 
 is put in his hand, who only in heaven and earth was found 
 worthy to open the book of God's decrees and counsels, 
 and loose the seals thereof : a trust, which the Lord did 
 not adventure upon the angels, the smallest promise being 
 such as requires no less than an omnipotent power and 
 the arm of Jehovah, to bring it about. For which end, he 
 whom the Father hath anointed, is gone forth as a mighty 
 man who rejoiceth to run his race, that he may perform 
 his word, and execute this great design in the administra- 
 tion of providence, about his church and people ; which 
 he will not cease or give over, until the mystery of God in 
 the scripture, and all that was spoken by the prophets, be 
 put to a close, when heaven and earth at the pouring out 
 of the last vial, shall give that solemn shout and exclama- 
 tion, It is finished, it is finished. O if this were once fully 
 perfect, there would be no more to do ; then the winter 
 were past, and the summer come, the song of Moses and 
 the Lamb should be heard, because the bride hath made 
 herself ready, then let all the trees of the wood rejoice, the 
 hills break forth into singing, and all that is therein be 
 glad, because the scripture and the great design thereof is 
 fully finished, and the day of the perfect liberty of the sons 
 of God is come. 
 
 5. The accomplishment of the scripture is of such im- 
 portance, that nothing can be done until it be once finish- 
 ed. For this, time must wait, the sun must keep its 
 course, and the ordinances of the heaven continue, as they 
 are : the world is but a scaffold until this building pe per. 
 fected ; for this the grave doth still retain her prisoners, 
 and the dust of the saints must yet rest in hope, the crea- 
 tion still groaneth, and the marriage supper of the Lamb is 
 deferred, the cry of the souls under the altar get not a full 
 return, until all that is written in the word be fulfilled. 
 
32 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 6. We would consider, this is the great thing which the 
 Lord this day is carrying on, even the accomplishment of 
 his word. For this is most brought upon debate, of any 
 thing besides ; the world challengeth it, and the hearts 
 of the godly do oft call itj in question ; the atheist scoffs at 
 it, and saith, Where is the promise of his coming ? 
 There are often to appearance insuperable difficulties in 
 the way of its performance ; therefore doth the majesty of 
 God so much concern himself in this, for bringing about 
 of which he is in a holy way restless, and providence in an 
 incessant motion, until he hath done that which he hath 
 spoken in his word. It was for this cause (that the scrip- 
 ture might be accomplished) that the Word was made flesh ; 
 and he who counted it no robbery to be equal with God, 
 did take upon himself the form of a servant. This is of 
 such account in his eyes, that what time he speaks con- 
 cerning a nation or people, ere it come not to pass, he will 
 rather put forth omnipotency, for the working of miracles, 
 and change the very course of nature ; for this, he will 
 make the deep dry, make a way through the Red Sea, and 
 cause Jordan to stand as in heaps, that he may keep prom- 
 ise to his people ; if there be no way for bringing about his 
 word, but through a sea of blood, and over the bones and 
 carcasses of his enemies, he will do it, and bring it to pass, 
 though walled cities, and the sons of jbiak, mighty and 
 strong, should stand in the way thereof. Abraham's old 
 age, and Sarah's dead womb, must not frustrate this ; if 
 the promise of the church's restoration cannot be made out 
 without a wonder shewed upon dry bones scattered at the 
 grave's mouth, this shall not be wanting ; when God 
 saith, he will bring down the enemies of his church, if the 
 dust of the ground should arise, down they must come. 
 How many great designs of men hath this blessed design 
 (that the counsel of the Lord may stand) crushed and brok- 
 en ? so that their work and counsel hath been as the spi- 
 der's web, when it stood cross to this end. The godly 
 need not fear, that he be not a present help in time of 
 trouble ; for he will keep his word herein, though the earth 
 should be overturned, and the mountains cast into the 
 midst of the sea. O who hath resisted his counsel ! What 
 are all these vicissitudes and changes here in the world, but 
 making way for the scripture's accomplishment t With 
 what desire doth he move towards this end ? So that as in 
 Zecb. vi. 8- the instruments by him appointed for execut- 
 ing his judgment and the threatenings of the word, it is 
 said, they have quieted his Spirit, his decrees are mountains 
 of brass, which are unchangeable ; the thoughts of his 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 33 
 
 heart take place in all generations : therefore the word 
 which is gone forth out of his mouth, shall not return 
 empty, but the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his 
 hand. 
 
 III. The accomplishment of the scripture is a truth very 
 clear and manifest, whereof none can pretend ignorance, if 
 they do not shut their eyes, and force their own light, from 
 the fear of such a discovery. For the obstruction doth not 
 lie in the darkness of the object, or that men cannot see 
 this ; since we have it so clearly held forth in great and 
 legible characters ; nay, we must say, the cause is culpable, 
 there is much of the will in it, which renders such an ig- 
 norance without excuse. O that this should be so little 
 looked after, a matter of such near and weighty concern- 
 ment, when there needs not another demonstration, but 
 come and see the works of the Lord through the earth ! For 
 he hath here so far condescended to his people, as to bring 
 the truth near, that they even feel and handle the same ; 
 yea, he doth in a manner say to every one as to Thomas, 
 put in your hands, touch the word, and truth thereof, and 
 be no longer faithless, but taste and see, that the Lord is 
 good, and that he is true in what he hath spoken. 
 
 We are indeed to look for a more clear and full discov- 
 ery of this truth, the nearer the church is to the end of 
 time. There is a labyrinth, as it were, of turnings and 
 windings, through which we may see the word oft brough", 
 so as we lose sight thereof, and are ready to stagger about 
 its performance : but it is as true, that the most eminent 
 confirmations, the saints ever had of this truth, have been 
 after greatest shakings thereabout. Yea, the Lord hath in 
 all ages, so visibly sealed his word by its performance, 
 that we may say, can he be a christian and a stranger to 
 this in his experience ! or a serious looker on provi- 
 dence and the dispensations of the time, wherein he lives, 
 and a stranger to it, in his observation ! yea, can any be so 
 wholly brutish, as not to discern a thing so clear that oft 
 times those who run, may read ? 
 
 But to speak a little more to this, I shall here point 
 at some things, that may shew how manifest this truth is. 
 
 1. Is it not very clear, which we see everv day brings to 
 light ? A truth so conspicuous, both in God's ordinary 
 way with his church, and in the several steps and passages 
 of a christian's life ! For these mercies, which brin^ tha 
 word and promise to pass, are new every morning, and cry 
 aloud, if we could hear, great is his faithfulness. This is 
 indeed tried ; and needs there more, to convince a blind 
 man, that his sight is restored to him, but that he certainly 
 
34 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 seeth ? sure they never wanted confirmations here, who do 
 but seriously seek to be confirmed. 
 
 2. Is it not a clear truth, which not only is found upon 
 the exactest trial, but is witnessed by such who ever tried 
 it in their most pressing straits, and extremity ? for it is in 
 the darkx st night this truth hath most brightly shined ; and 
 these more remarkable venturous acts of faith, have they 
 not still brought forth most convincing experiments of this 
 truth ? We may say, there is none can give a better ac- 
 count of the performance of the word, than those who 
 against hope, have believed in hope, that this never made 
 them ashamed. 
 
 3. Is it not also clear, whereof there are such solemn ex- 
 traordinary confirmations in all ages ? For that his name is 
 near, his wondrous works declare. I am sure, no time 
 could ever deny its witness, how by great convincing prov- 
 idences, both of judgment and mercy, it hath been so seal- 
 ed, as hath forced atheists to keep silence ; no time, where- 
 in the church had not cause to erect a pillar, and engrave 
 thereon, JVe have seen ivith our eyes the great and won- 
 drous works of the Lord, by which he hath witnessed the 
 truth of his word. 
 
 4. Is it not a manifest truth, which even in the most 
 strange, and dark footsteps of Providence, so clearly shin- 
 eth forth ? These, which at the first look are an astonish- 
 ment, and hard to be understood, yet after most clearly 
 verify the scripture ; that whilst the Lord's way goeth out 
 of our sight, yea, out of the ordinary road of his working, 
 through a labyrinth of turnings, and cross dispensations, 
 yet at length it doth evidently clear, and disentangle itself, 
 which men may oft see break forth as the sun out of a dark 
 cloud, that shineth the more brightly, the more it was ob- 
 scur< d. 
 
 5. Is it not very clear, which can be demonstrated by 
 such visible effects in these grtat changes of the world ? 
 For the fulfilling of the scripture is not a thing hid in a cor- 
 ner, but oft published on the house tops, that men may see 
 legibly written, upon kingdoms and nations, the desolate 
 ruins, and devastation of cities and houses great and fair, 
 which are made to be without inhabitants, so as those who 
 go by may clearly read the cause, and bear that witness, 
 Lo, there is sin visibly punished according t& the word. 
 
 6. How clear is this, which we have so evidently drawn 
 out, and acted over in a christian walk ? For what else is 
 the spiritual conversation of such, those visible effects and 
 evidences of the grace of God all along a christian's way, 
 but a visible convincing witness to the performance of the 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 35 
 
 word ? Have not such a very audible echo and resound to 
 that which is the great drift and scope of the scripture ? 
 where men may see the bible turned over into a practical 
 history, written forth, and acted on the heart, and conver- 
 sation of the saints, as on a stage, or theatre ; the word liv- 
 ing, speaking, moving, and clearly diffusing itself through 
 all the veins, as it were, and conduits of a christian's life ; 
 so that if the truth, and reality of the grace of God be a 
 thing manifest, and unquestionable, we must also see 
 therein the real performance of the scripture. 
 
 7. I shall add, we may clearly see how one piece of the 
 scripture is nothing else but the punctual fulfilling, and ac- 
 complishment of the other ; how that which was shadow- 
 ed out by dark types, under the law, and held in a proph- 
 ecy, through the Old Testament, is written before our eyes 
 in a plain, and real history in the New Testament, and that 
 the gospel is only a fulfilling of the law and the prophets. 
 
 IV. Though it is very manifest, and by undeniable 
 proofs can be demonstrated, that the scripture hath a real 
 accomplishment, and doth certainly take place, in the con- 
 stant course of providence here in the world, that I am 
 sure if men do not darken themselves, they can be no stran- 
 gers to such a thing ; yet we must say, This truth, which 
 most nearly concerns us, is to the most of men, (even such 
 who seem to give a large- assent to the word) a mystery 
 and dark riddle. ^ There are few who do but inquire if 
 there be such a thing, if the promises and threatenings have 
 indeed a certain outmaking ; few do seriously ponder the 
 providences of God, in which the truth and faithfulness 
 of the word shineth forth, that they may thereby be further 
 confirmed. We see that to many, (alas too many) the great 
 concernments of the law and everlasting happiness are a 
 trivial and an impertinent business ; this is a truth the 
 world doth pass without regarding. Such as sport at relig- 
 ion, when they come to earnest here, dare not stand be- 
 fore this discovery ; it concerneth them much to reconcile 
 their principles with their practice, their fear begetteth ha- 
 tred, and both put their wit and invention on the rack, how 
 to dispute away any remainder of a conscience, to imprison 
 their light, and under the pretext of reason, run down god- 
 liness, and the absolute necessity thereof: yea, besides, 
 doth not sensuality, wherein many wallow, and steep them- 
 selves, so dull and drown the soul, put such an interposi- 
 tion of the earth betwixt them, and this truth, as wholly 
 darkens it ? And, oh, how sad, that many having a large 
 profession to be christians, scarce ever knew what it is to 
 put the word to an essay and trial, in the concernments of 
 
36 The Fulfilling of the Scripture* 
 
 their life : to have their light followed with experience, 
 wherein the very truth and reality of religion lieth. 
 
 To clear this, I shall hold forth some things, which may 
 shew how little this truth of the scripture's accomplish- 
 ment is known, or studied by the most of men. 
 
 1. The abounding of so much atheism, that there are 
 many who not only disclaim the practice of that religion 
 they seem to profess, but do^ state themselves in most direct 
 opposition totherules and principles thereof; these to whom 
 the scripture is but as a romance, yea, who do only con- 
 verse therewith to prove their wit and parts in impugning 
 the same ; who avowedly mock at the judgments and prov- 
 idences of God ; I confess^ these may be reckoned mon- 
 sters, a very prodigy in the time, wherein they live; though, 
 alas, it is not the least part of the world ! and which is 
 strange ! we see the most horrid atheists do usually abound 
 where the light of the gospel hath most shined, the sav- 
 age places of the earth bring forth no such monstrous 
 births, as are hatched within the visible church ; for thus 
 the judgment of God putteth a blacker dye on them than 
 others. O what a terrible sound would the fulfilling of the 
 scripture have in men's ears, if they once came to have se- 
 rious thoughts thereof; since they cannot admit this, but 
 they must certainly read their own sentence of death, which 
 a few days shall put in execution ; and if the scripture be 
 true, they are then unspeakably miserable ! 
 
 2. That indifference which we see among men about 
 religion, and the most interesting truths of scripture, doth 
 show how little this is known or laid to heart ; whence, 
 there is such a generation who do not professedly deny the 
 scrip. ure, yet can turn it over in a school problem, and 
 wonder that men should engage so far upon it. It is not 
 that it is hid from them, but they truly choose to hide them- 
 selves from it ; as more suiting that interest they drive, 
 that the truth of God should be rather a matter of opinion 
 than of faith, a thing which they would dispute, but not 
 believe. But, O, what other thoughts would a clear sight 
 of this cause, that within so few days the truths and 
 threatenings of the word shall be sad earnest ; the fulfilling 
 whereof no sharpness of wit, nor subtle arguments, will be 
 able to evade ! 
 
 3. That there is so much barren theory of divine truths 
 in the world, with so little serious christian diligence, doth 
 it not sadly witness how small acquaintance men have with 
 this truth ? Whence, we see so great a part of those who 
 professedly acknowledge the word, and are daily convers- 
 ing with it, yet can give no other account thereof but re- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 37 
 
 port ; so many that can satisfyingly discourse of the scrip- 
 ture, could never put their seal to it, that God is true there- 
 in. Whence are so many great school divines, and able 
 ministers for parts, such visible atheists in their way, and 
 practice I Is it not, they really judge divinity and religion, 
 rather a science, and matter of speculation, than a matter 
 of sense and feeling, which men should more live than 
 speak, and cannot be known without experience, the true 
 end of knowledge ? But, O this cannot be found in books, 
 men will not meet with it in a throng of choicest notions, 
 it confoundeth the wise, and the disputer of this world, 
 whilst the meanest and most simple christian oft knoweth 
 more than those of greatest parts. 
 
 4. The great hypocrisy which is in the world, I mean 
 within the visible church, doth too clearly shew, that this 
 truth is little thought on, or laid to heart. For what is 
 that false shew, and appearance (which we may say is not 
 a sin, but the very sinfulness of sin.) Is it not the height 
 of atheism ? And a real contradiction in their practice, to 
 this, that the scripture of God is true, and will have an un- 
 questionable accomplishment ? O could any be so mon- 
 strously irrational, to drive this poor plot, how to appear 
 that which they are not, to be at such pains to act the part 
 handsomely of a serious christian, to personate his tears, 
 and grief, his spiritual frame, his zeal for God, if he did 
 think gravely on this truth, and did believe the threatenings 
 of the word : that they will surely take place and be with- 
 in a little while no compliment, but sad earnest, and that 
 he is every hour standing under that scripture wo against 
 hypocrites ? I am sure it would make his very hair stand up- 
 right, his joints loose, and his thighs smite upon one an- 
 other, could he but seriously think upon this. 
 
 5. Those unwarrantable ways which in a time of trial 
 men take for their escape, may witness this, that the word 
 they do not judge a sure ground to venture on. Whence 
 is there such hesitation in suffering times ? From that day 
 many taking their leave of Christ, who have rather chosen 
 sin than affliction ? O is it not that they judge the testimo- 
 ny of the God of truth is not sufficient security to carry 
 them through such a strait, and are not fully persuaded that 
 it must come to pass what he hath promised ? For if they 
 were, they should reckon it their greatest safety to embark 
 their interest on so sure a ground, and with much quietness 
 repose their soul, and disburthen their care by putting it 
 over on the word. ' 
 
 6. What doth the frequent discouragement and uncom- 
 fortable walk of the people of God speak forth ? cloth it not 
 
38 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 witness how little they are in earnest with this great truth 
 of the scripture's accomplishment, or established herein ? 
 What meaneth these distrustful fears, and perplexed com- 
 plaints ? If their eyes be but open to know, they have such 
 a well as the promise of God, at their hand, how is it that 
 the smallest straits are so puzzling, and ready to outwit 
 them, that they so usually stumble at the cross ? And as 
 things from without do appear, their encouragement made 
 to ebb and flow ? Is not here the cause, that they stagger 
 at the promise, whilst probabilities in some visible way, 
 do not go along for its performance ? It is truly easy to 
 have some sweet notions of faith at a distance, but whilst 
 the trial comes near, upon such a close approach, that 
 there is not another way, but to put the whole stress of 
 their particular interest on the word, and on it alone, many 
 are then at a stand, because they are not thoroughly assur- 
 ed, that though the earth should be overturned, there is an 
 absolute necessity for the promise of God to take place. 
 
 Now from these things may it not appear, that this grave 
 truth of the scripture's accomplishment is but little known, 
 or studied ? I confess, we may think on it with astonish- 
 ment, how a matter so nearly concerning us is not more 
 our work ! there are indeed many things worthy to be 
 known, but our short life can scarce allow time, or give 
 leisure for the study thereof. But O this, though we had 
 only two days to live, I think might require the one, to be 
 sure and persuaded about the truth of that whereon our 
 heaven and eternal blessedness lieth, and on which we 
 must lay our last hold, when we are in the passage at that 
 strange step betwixt time and eternity. O what a wonder, 
 how rational souls who walk on the border of the greatest 
 hope and fear imaginable, can j'et be so unconcerned 
 thereabout ! such serious thoughts might force men to re- 
 tire, and go sit alone ; and truly these tilings gravely con- 
 sidered may seem strange and hard to reconcile. 
 
 1. That there is such a thing as the very word and tes- 
 timony of God this day upon record, wherewith we have 
 so much to do, which doth offer itself to men's trial, and 
 cxactest search ; and yet we put it so little to that touch- 
 stone, that we may know it upon another account, than 
 report o ; - u earsay. 
 
 2. How in a matter of such high importance, as salvation 
 through all eternity, and the ground of this hope, men 
 should take the truth on an implicit faith, or satisfy them- 
 selves with a common assent thereto, as though it were 
 enough to witness our believing the same, because we did 
 never doubt or call it in question : I am sure, men would 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture* 39 
 
 not be so lax, and so easy to satisfy, in the most common 
 interest they have here in the world. 
 
 3. How can men render to others a reason of their hope, 
 when it is inquired, who did never ask a reason of this at 
 themselves ? or will those seal the truth with their blood, 
 who never had it sealed upon their heart by experience ? 
 
 4. Whence is it that men can have comfort in scripture, 
 who are not well grounded in the faith thereof ? Indeed 
 those who are solidly persuaded about the truth, and its 
 certain outmaking, may have much joy and peace ; whilst 
 they know, the ground of their confidence can bear up any 
 stress or burden they lay upon it. And for what end did 
 the Lord witness the certainty of his word by two immu- 
 table things, wherein it is impossible for him to lie, but 
 that from so sure and strong a ground, his people might 
 have strong consolation ? 
 
 5. How can any think to adventure their immortal soul 
 upon that, whereon they fear to venture an outward in- 
 terest ? or put over their dearest things into his hand and 
 keeping, who could never say, they know in whom they 
 believed ? 
 
 6. May it not seem strange, that men can believe a cer- 
 tain performance of the word and promises, and not be 
 more deeply affected therewith ? O is this true, shall it 
 surely come to pass, and not one jot thereof fall to the 
 ground 1 and should it not cause us to awake in the night, 
 and ever bear us company ? Ought we not to think our- 
 selves at a sad pass, that day, wherein we take not a turn 
 in the meditation of divine truths, if we be sure that these 
 must take place ? 
 
 7. I would add, if this be indeed the scripture of God, 
 which surely hath an accomplishment, O how is it we arc 
 so little christians: Why doth men's walk so sadly jar 
 with so great a hope ? What manner of persons should 
 those be, that are persuaded, within a little time these 
 heavens must pass away as a scroll, the elements melt with 
 fervent heat, and the earth be burnt up ? I think, if this 
 will not press home on men, to be fervent and diligent, they 
 must be in a very sad lethargy. 
 
 V. ^ The accomplishment of scripture is a most clear, and 
 iindeniable witness of its divinity ; that it is his word, who 
 is not like man to lie, or the son of man to repent, and 
 hath this, as its distinguishing character, that not one sylla- 
 ble thereof falls to the ground. This is the undoubted 
 privilege of God, and of him alone, to foresee things con- 
 tingent, which are many ages after to fall out, and have no 
 dependence upon necessary, and natural causes ; and truv 
 
4,0 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 ly, this may be a convincing argument, yea, we may say, 
 of all external testimonies is the greatest ; but it is strange 
 to think what a generation there is, who can sport at the 
 scripture, and question the truth thereof! who yet did 
 never once seriously inquire if such a thing be true, else 
 so clear a witness might stare them in the face. Such a 
 party we should look on with compassion. It is also sad 
 to think at how poor a rate, far below their allowance, many 
 of the saints do here live, because there is so little of that 
 excellent and more noble spirit, to search the scripture for 
 their further comfort and establishment thereby. 
 
 It is true, this blessed record doth bear witness to itself, 
 and is known by its own light : whereon there is such a 
 visible impress of the glorious God, such convincing marks 
 of its true descent, as may thoroughly show whose it is, 
 and how far it exceeds all human invention ; and thus by 
 a clear manifestation of the truth, doth commend itself to 
 men's consciences, as a safe ground whereon they may re- 
 pose their soul. It is also clear, how wonderfully the 
 scripture hath been preserved, and the original copies 
 thereof kept through all ages, that whatever small variation 
 there may appear as to some Apiculi, which in some 
 places hath caused diverse readings, yet in any necessary, 
 or saving truth, the greatest critics will confess they do not 
 in the least vary ; and it is known (wherein we are to adore 
 that special providence of God) that the Jewish church, 
 to whom this sacred depositum was delivered, did with 
 such exact and singular care look to the same, even in the 
 least tittle, or letter thereof ; this being the great w r ork and 
 study of the Mazorites, from one age to another, to see to 
 the preserving of that great record, from being in the least 
 vitiated or corrupted ; and the greatest adversaries of the 
 truth cannot possibly deny that agreement betwixt those 
 many original copies, in the whole substance, which may 
 be very convincing to the world. And do not men see, 
 how marvellous the whole frame of the scripture is ? What 
 a correspondency betwixt all the parts thereof, that nothing 
 in it doth in the least vitiate the proportion and beauty of 
 the work, but it has all along an evident tendency to ad- 
 vance holiness, and conform the soul to God. With a 
 wonderful consent and harmony in answering to this great 
 end, we see the simplicity, and plainness of its style, yet 
 backed with a convincing majesty, and authority upon the 
 conscience ; yea, besides, it hath been attested by mira- 
 cles, that were great in themselves, famous in their time, 
 transmitted to the church in after ages, with unanswerable 
 cyidences of their truth ; that not only the witness of the 
 
T&e Fulfilling of the Scripture. 41 
 
 word, but other pressing and rational grounds may let us 
 see there could be no deceit, or imposture therein. 
 
 These are a great testimony to the truth ; but I may say 
 on very sure ground, that, next to that great witness of the 
 Spirit, there is no argument more convincing to reach 
 atheism a stroke, and thoroughly satisfy an exercised spirit, 
 who may be plunged about this great thing, the authority 
 of the scripture, than a clear discovery of its performance 
 whilst under the assault of such a temptation. If this be 
 the very word of God, they may but retire within, and 
 then turn their eyes abroad in the world, to see what a 
 visible impress of the word is stamped on every piece of 
 the work and providence of God. Now for further clear- 
 ing, I would offer these few things. 
 
 1. The accomplishment of the scripture is a very pub- 
 lic testimony from heaven to its divinity, whilst the Lord 
 by his works through the earth, which are done in the view 
 of angels and men, doth solemnly avow that this is his 
 word. For we must say, his work within on the hearts of 
 his people, and without about the church, is such, whereat 
 men, yea, all the magicians of the earth, may stand amaz- 
 ed, and confess that nothing less than a divine almighty 
 power can accomplish the same. 
 
 2. This gives in the witness of all the generation of the 
 righteous ; who from the beginning have proved the truth 
 thereof, yea, it is sealed by the blood of many excellent 
 christians, some of whom, though they could not well dis- 
 pute for it, yet had so strong a demonstration of the power 
 of the truth within, as made it an easy w T ork to die for the 
 same. 
 
 3. This cloth clearly shew, the scripture is an unchange- 
 able rule of righteousness that alters not ; but takes place 
 in all ages, whence such as are wise to bring providence 
 into the word, and compare the experience and remarks 
 of one time wifch another, may have a great reach, and be 
 
 hus Jed in a sure path, as to the foreseeing of events. 
 
 4. This also doth demonstrate, that it is his word, who 
 doth rule and guide the world, and hath a sovereign do- 
 minion over the same : whilst we may here see such re- 
 markable events, which both in the present and in former 
 times have fallen out, as may shew a power, that can reach 
 the greatest with a stroke, shake the most established king- 
 doms, and even over the belly of insuperable difficulties, 
 accomplish the word ; yea, that surely the spirit of the 
 wheels which moves them, is from him whose word this 
 is. For it is not more clear, that these curtains of the 
 heavens are stretched forth over the earth, than that the 
 
 F 
 
42 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 scripture is stretched out over the whole work and frame 
 of Providence : so as that all the motions and steps thereof, 
 even of the most casual things that fall out, have a visible 
 tendency to accomplish those ends which the scripture 
 hath held forth. 
 
 5. This clearly sheweth, it must be his word, who hath 
 foreseen all things that were to befal the church, and the 
 various changes and adventures of every christian's life 
 through time ; whilst it is so wonderfully shaped and suit- 
 ed to every new trial of the church, as if intended only for 
 that time, and to every case of a godly man, as though it 
 had been alone writ for them. 
 
 6. This also sheweth, that he who is the author of the 
 scripture, and hath framed' that admirable piece, must have 
 some immediate correspondence with the spirit of man, 
 knowethour sittingdown, and rising up, yea, doth search 
 the heart and the reins. For experience can tell how the 
 word is directed to the heart, doth reach the most inward 
 contrivances thereof, doth so clearly reveal and open up a 
 christian to himself, that we may say , of a truth he is the 
 God of the spirits of all flesh, and one greater than our 
 heart, whose it is. 
 
 7. I shall further add, the fulfilling of the scripture in 
 the experience of the saints doth shew, it is not a dead let- 
 ter, out hath power, and life ; and there must be an en- 
 lightening quickening spirit, that surely goeth along with 
 the same. This clearly demonstrates something above 
 words, yea, above nature, in the written word, that can 
 make such a change upon the soul, give life to the dead, 
 open the eyes of the blind, yea, can turn a lump of earth, 
 that formerly tended downward, now without any violence 
 to move, from a principle of life towards God, as the 
 sparks flee upward. 
 
 VI. The accomplishment of the scripture is a most pleas- 
 ant, and truly delectable subject, ^ worthy tof our serious 
 thoughts, and study. For here is held out the highest 
 truth, for the judgment to contemplate the truth and faith- 
 fulness of God in the word ; and here is also the greatest 
 good for the affections to embrace, and delight in, as that 
 wherein our whole happiness is certainly wrapt up. It is 
 undeniable, that^ it is the godly man, who knoweth best 
 what true and solid pleasure is ; which he doth not lose, by 
 turning his heart from the creature to God, but maketh a 
 blessed exchange. O, how far do the joys and delights of 
 the soul exceed those of the senses ! And the delight of a 
 christian, how far doth it surpass that of a natural man, 
 even in his best estate ! and sure, this precious study of 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 43 
 
 the daily performance of the word, is one of these paths of 
 pleasure, which would bring in more solid joy to the spirit 
 in some few hours, than some years wallowing in the car- 
 nal delights of the flesh, which is but as pleasure in sport, 
 but quickly turneth to grief in earnest. It is one of the 
 great mistakes of the world, that religion tends so much to 
 sadden and disquiet the soul ; nay, it is certainly the want 
 of this, because we are so little truly religious. When we 
 shuffle over our duty, and take but a passing look of the 
 ways and work of God in the world, then it is indeed very 
 affrighting, and unpleasant : but when in a more christian 
 way, we do seriously look thereupon, and get our heart 
 near God, taking the word along with us, O how delight- 
 ful, and ravishing a sight will this be ! ^ I truly think, 
 though there were not a command, though it were no duty, 
 nor such advantage in the study of this grave truth, yet 
 that joy and refreshment, which the soul would find in such 
 a diligent search, in going down into this blessed deep, 
 should invite us thereto. 
 
 But when I speak of this, what a sweet, and delightful 
 subject, the performance andoutmaking of the scripture is, 
 it must be understood, that it is so only to the saints : and 
 it is no wonder, the world keep at such a distance from it ; 
 for this is a truth they cannot bear, they hate it, which (as 
 Micajah) doth prophesy always hard things, and carrieth 
 a message of death to them ; a serious view of this truth, 
 to ungodly men, is as the hand writing upon the wall before 
 them, which doth foretell their approaching ruin, and 
 should cause them all to tremble ; the knowledge whereof 
 must increase their sorrow, and disquietness, yea, cause 
 them to cry out, O, do not torment us before the time. 
 For they are surely undone, and ruined, if the scrip- 
 ture of God be true, and hath a performance. But, 
 O what pleasant and refreshful tidings doth this carry to a 
 christian ! What a sweet view doth he here get of the in- 
 heritance, and blessed estate of the saints, which may cause 
 such an exclamation, How great is that goodness, which is 
 laid up for those that fear thee ! 
 
 To demonstrate this, I shall hold out some things, from 
 which we may see how delightful a subject the accomplish- 
 ment of the scripture is, for a christian to study. 
 
 1. Serious converse with this grave truth leadeth for- 
 ward to practice, and thus helpeth to bring down theory to 
 experience : which is the most sweet, and desirable of all 
 other demonstrations, that we can have of the truth of the 
 scripture, and maketh our light clear, and pleasant to the 
 eyes, turning the exercise of our judgment and reason 
 
44 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 thereabout, into sense and feeling ; we are then made to sec 
 \\ hat a difference there is, betwixt that discovery which a 
 spiritual man (whose religion is his practice) hath of this, 
 and the cold winter light of natural understanding, that 
 hath no heat or warmth therewith ; which is as great a 
 difference, as betwixt hearing of such a thing by report, and 
 seeing it with our eyes. 
 
 2. This blessed study, how the scripture hath certain 
 accomplishment, would help us to read the word with an- 
 other kind of pleasure. O, what representation should 
 then the truths and promises thereof have to the godly man ? 
 It would be as one going in to look over his charters, and 
 the great things therein contained, which he doth not in 
 the least debate, or question, since they are past the seals, 
 and fully ratified, and now considereth all which is promis- 
 ed, as his own, which he looked in former times upon, but 
 as a common thing, whilst he made not earnest of the cer- 
 tainty thereof, and what an interest he had in the same. 
 O, when he readeth that promise of a new heaven and 
 earth, and that glorious estate which abideththe saints ; he 
 cannot turn his eyes and thoughts so easily off it, but is 
 made to stand, and wonder, that so great a thing, that will 
 make such a marvellous change in his condition, is even 
 shortly to come to pass ! How sweet and pleasant is it, for 
 such an one to turn over the promises, who can set to his 
 seal, and bear this witness, that he hath as really proved 
 the truth thereof by sure experience, as he kneweth he 
 hath a real being ! Surely the bible is another thing to 
 these, than it is to the greater part of men, who only make 
 it the subject of their contemplation. 
 
 3. In this blessed study we should have much brought 
 to our hand to observe, and our observation made sweet, 
 and pleasant to us. For there we might see how all the. 
 paths of the Lord towards his people are mercy and truth : 
 this would give us a refreshing diary of Providence ; how 
 in such a plunging strait we found the word sensibly seal- 
 ed ; what observable confirmations we have had there- 
 with, at such a time and in such a condition ; the after re- 
 counting of which in an hour of trial, or in the evening of 
 our life, would exceed the greatest pleasures, the men of 
 this world can have, in looking over their gold and great- 
 est treasures, which for many years they have been lay- 
 ing up. 
 
 4. In the serious study of the daily accomplishing of 
 the scripture, we should have a most satisfying view and 
 prospect of what God is doing up and down the earth ; 
 what purposes and designs he hath on foot ; and how 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 45 
 
 things here beneath do work together for carrying on of 
 the same. We should see what an excellentand curious 
 piece of work this frame of providence is, which the more 
 it is considered, it will be the more a wonder ; how per- 
 fect in all its various colours ; what an observable concur- 
 rence there is here ; how several discords, which we see 
 here, do yet agree with one consent, for the completing of 
 God's design, which is still going on ; and whilst we 
 think there must be some disorder amongst the wheels, 
 we are made after to see that this confusion was an excel- 
 lent step of Providence, confounding the wisdom of men ; 
 every piece of his way being so knit to another, as discov- 
 ers to such who make this blessed truth their serious study, 
 a most rare contexture, beyond the reach of the greatest 
 artists that ever was. Here also we might go up to that 
 watch tower of christian observation, and from thence take 
 a grave view of God's way, and lay his work in the world 
 to the scripture as the measuring line ; where we should 
 see (and find the sight thereof very pleasant) how the word 
 every day takes place, doth issue through all the veins and 
 arteries of providence, each line whereof is so exactly- 
 drawn, as by a pencil in some skilful hand, to that great 
 exemplar of the scripture. Here we might discern those 
 eminent examples of judgment and mercy, that in every 
 age are set before us ; how wicked men prosper for a 
 time, yet have a dreadful issue, and are suddenly cast in- 
 to destruction ; they spread as a green bay tree, and with- 
 in a little time their place cannot be found ; also how the 
 godly are oft sore afflicted, yet flourishing as the palm tree, 
 and the more they are depressed, the more they grow ; 
 how the enemies of the church are oft lifted up, for a sorer 
 fall ; and the church brought low, in order to her greater 
 enlargement ; how judgment findeth out sinners, and is 
 oft exactly proportioned in measure and kind to the sin ; 
 and on the other hand how integrity is sore tossed oft, yet 
 still falleth upon its feet, and overclouded that it may 
 shine more brightly after ; how the threatening^ of the 
 word do visibly overtake kingdoms and nations, bring down 
 great houses, cause those brought up in scarlet to embrace 
 the dunghill, and oft let not the hoary head of cruel and 
 wicked men go into the grave in peace ; and again to con- 
 sider how the Lord forsaketh not his people, but sheweth 
 respect to their way ; the good man walketh in his integ- 
 rity, and his seed after him is blessed. O, how sweet an 
 exercise were this for a christian, even to lose himself in ! 
 5. From thence we might in a great measure discern what 
 of the night it is with the church ; if there be any evidences 
 
46 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 that it is near day ; and what such a sinful case doth threaten ; 
 we should be skilful to feel the church's pulse, and there- 
 by find what symptoms there are of life or death, and per- 
 ceive a dark cloud of judgment advancing, when it is but 
 like an handbreadth. Surely this study would make us 
 wise to know the times, and what we ought to do therein ; 
 for amongst those various events which fall out in every 
 age, the Lord's way is constant with itself, and with his 
 truth, if we be right observers. 
 
 6. Here we should have a most pleasant and clear view, 
 how the scripture of God comprehendeth the whole state 
 of the church, from the beginning to the end of time : that 
 it is a most full, and perfect register of all the vicissitudes 
 and alterations, which are to go over her head, whilst in a 
 militant condition ; and doth also most exactly point out 
 those occurrences, and remarkable events, which fall out 
 in the ordinary way and course of providence, that we may 
 read them as evidently in the word, as we see them with 
 our eyes fall out in the world. For in following this study, 
 we should clearly see how the scripture bringeth the church 
 to light, out of the womb of an eternal decree, and doth 
 trace it from the first promulgation of the gospel after the 
 fall, through these dark times before the flood, whilst it 
 was but in families, and through that long trial in Egypt, 
 and all its settled and flourishing condition in Canaan, and 
 carrieth her forward through all the several changes of her 
 case, under her following decay, and in the time of the cap- 
 tivity, even to the manifestation of Christ, and dawning of 
 the gospel. And as it thus taketh in within its reach the 
 whole estate and the special events, which did befal the 
 church under the law, so we may see how the scripture 
 also follovveth the church, through the whole time of the 
 gospel, and bringeth her as a grain of mustard seed from a 
 day of small things, until it bring her to perfection, taketh 
 her as it were by the hand from her infancy, and goeth 
 with her through all the turnings of her condition ; through 
 that long and dark night of antichrist's reign, pointeth clear- 
 ly out her condition, and various assaults that she should 
 endure in that time, and that blessed victory which she 
 should afterwards have, though not all at once, but gradu- 
 ally, over her enemies ; and that the word and the church 
 do never part, but one walketh step for step with the other, 
 until it bring her safe to land, and as it were put her off its 
 hand and guard, at the coming of Christ. 
 
 7. This would also help us to sweet thoughts, and give 
 us matter of a song in the saddest night of the church's con- 
 dition. When we see how God's great design in the 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 47 
 
 world is the accomplishing of the scripture, and know that 
 his ends which he hath held forth therein, cannot be frus- 
 trated, it would serve to silence all our complaints, with 
 wondering at God's way, and triumphing in the works cf 
 his hands : we should not then be afraid of evil tidings ; 
 a stormy time would not outwit us ; being persuaded that 
 though the earth should be overturned, it shall be surely 
 well with the righteous, the church must flourish, and all 
 her enemies be found liars, because he is faithful that hath 
 promised, whose word will as surely come to pass, as the 
 sun doth return after a dark night. 
 
 VII. It doth now more specially concern the godly hi 
 these latter times, to study this great truth of the accom- 
 plishment of the scripture, and set about a serious inquiry 
 and search therein, as a truth that shall yet be in a further 
 measure discovered, and opened up, the nearer the church 
 is to the end of time : which may thus appear. 
 
 1. Herein is the word express, that one piece of the 
 scripture, which from former ages was sealed up, should 
 in the latter days be clear, and easy to understand. Dan. 
 xii. 4, 9. The seal is there put on ; but go thy way 
 Daniel, for these words are closed up and sealed till the 
 time of the end. But, Rev. xxii. 9. We have that bar 
 taken off, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book ; 
 
 for the time is at hand ; because then the time did draw- 
 near, to which a more full discovery and opening of the 
 scripture was reserved, and a more large manifestation of 
 the spirit beyond former ages. Now by the last days, we 
 are not only to understand the whole time of the gospel, 
 though it is thus termed in the scripture, but the latter part 
 of these last times, which is more especially pointed at, 
 even the close and evening of time, that last epocha, and 
 period of prophetic chronology, to which a greater accom- 
 plishment of scripture prophecies is reserved. 
 
 2. This also is expressly promised, that in the latter 
 days, the church shall have a more full discovery of this 
 truth, how the scripture is verified, Dan. xii. 4. Many 
 shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased ; 
 which increase, as it clearly pointeth at the last times, and 
 that bright day the church shall have, when Israel shall be 
 brought in to Christ, it doth also point at and promise 
 some greater light, and a more full opening up of the mys- 
 teries of the word, and fulfilling thereof : For the former 
 part of the chapter sheweth, that increase of knowledge 
 doth relate to those things which were before sealed. We 
 wait and believe the further accomplishment of this prom- 
 ise to the church, beyond all we have yet seen ; that many 
 
48 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 scripture truths, now dark and abstruse, shall be made so 
 clear, as shall even cause us to wonder at the gross mis- 
 takes we once had thereof, yea, that after generations shall 
 have a discovery and insight into some prophecies now ob- 
 scure, which shall as far exceed us, as this time doth go 
 beyond former ages, which comparatively we must say 
 were very dark. O ! when that promise, of the incalling 
 of the Jews shall once take place, what a wonder will they 
 be to themselves, that their understanding should have 
 been under such a veil ! When die truth shall be clear, 
 and evident to them in that day ! Will it not be a sweet 
 and easy work, for the godly to sort together the predictions 
 of the word, and the events ? And truly there is much 
 now wrapt up in scripture prophecies, not yet fulfilled, 
 which (we may say) in after times, when the event shall 
 unveil their meaning, will exceed, yea, confound all those 
 comments, many have had upon them. 
 
 3. Is it not also clear, that those prophecies, which of all 
 the scripture were most obscure, and overclouded with 
 dark figuresand allegories, concerning which there had 
 been such mistake and hesitation by the church, so many 
 perplexing queries, have a peculiar respect to the last times ? 
 And that then they shall be made plain, and easy, when so 
 notable a key, as the event doth open them up ; such as those 
 of the witnesses recovering life, and rising again, Babylon's 
 fall and ruin, Christ reigning with his saints a thou sand years, 
 which now are in some measure already cleared, from their 
 begun accomplishment, beyond former times ; but we 
 wait for a more full commentary, that time shall give upon 
 the same. 
 
 4. It is in the latter times, that the glory of God in his 
 truth and faithfulness, shall most eminently shine forth. 
 That is a part of the solemn congratulation of the church 
 upon Babylon's fall, Rev. xv. 3. not only Great and mar- 
 vellousare thy works, but just and true are thy ways. For 
 truly in this stroke of the judgment of God, and those re- 
 markable providences concurring therewith, the fulfilling 
 of the scripture will be so plain and undeniable, that we 
 may say, it will then dazzle the eyes of men, even greatest 
 atheists, alarm the world, yea, very effectually contribute 
 (we have ground so to judge) to that promised increase of 
 the church, and incoming of the Jews, when in Antichrist's 
 fall and ruin they shall see so convincing a seal put to one 
 of the most considerable prophecies of the word ; in the 
 accomplishment whereof much of the prophetic part of the 
 New Testament, relating to the church's state, and her 
 long trial under Antichrist's reign, may be seen clearly 
 verified, 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 49 
 
 5. The Lord hath reserved his greatest works to the 
 latter days, wherein his judgments shall be manifest, and 
 the word confirmed by such solemn convincing provi- 
 dences, that men wilj not get them passed without a re- 
 mark ; we are this^ day witnesses to many such, and are 
 looking what these times shall yet bring forth, that the great 
 and remarkable acts of the Lord must force the world to 
 see a divine power ; and saj r , lo, there is an undoubted ac- 
 complishment of the scripture. 
 
 6. The church in these last times hath peculiar advan- 
 tages, for understanding this truth of the scripture's ac- 
 complishment, which former ages had not. 1. A great 
 part thereof is now fulfilled, that men may see with their 
 eyes, if they but know hovv to lay the word and work of 
 God together. The christian church had in former times 
 but dark glances at these great things, which we have this 
 day visibly transcribed in providence ; the promises were 
 then travailing in birth of that which is now brought forth. 
 
 2. Are we not mounted, as it were, on the^ shoulders of 
 that experience and observation of former times, which 
 hath been transmitted to us ? and we must say upon that 
 account, the church hath now a greater seal and confirma- 
 tion of the truth, than what it had in the days of the proph- 
 ets and the apostles, even when Christ was in the flesh. 
 
 3. The temple of God and, ark of his Testament, is now 
 opened in heaven, light more fully abounding, and the 
 means of knowledge. And, O ! should not this be much 
 our study, who have a greater talent than former ages ! 
 certainly this will be a sin of a deeper dye, than in times of 
 ignorance ; since \v;e can be no strangers to this truth, with- 
 out shutting our eyes, blinding the conscience, doing vio- 
 lence to our light, when the Lord doth give his people such 
 solemn confirmations. 
 
 7. I shall add, is it not clearly foretold in Dan. xii. 4. 
 that in the last times this will be one of the special exercises 
 of the saints to inquire, and make a diligent search con- 
 cerning the scripture's accomplishment ? For it is there 
 said, many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be in- 
 creased ; importing, that this shall be much their study, 
 and cause a diligent search, whereunto the great works of 
 God in these times shall invite them i And what should 
 be the postiip of the godly in these days, on whom 
 the end of the world is come ? should it not be like the 
 watchman in the last watch of the night, who looketh oft 
 what appearance there is from the east of the day breaking ? 
 A serious inquiry what of the scripture is fulfilled, where. 
 by we may know on very clear grounds, if the night be far 
 
 c 
 
50 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 spentj the day at hand, and that die coming of the Lord to 
 judgment drawetb near. 
 
 VIII. Tins is a great, and interesting duty for christ- 
 ians to siudy this truth, thai they may have something more 
 than rcfjort, hoiv the ^scripture hath a sure accomplishment ', 
 and doth take place in the providences of the time where- 
 in we live. I must think it strange, that there is such a 
 great help as this, so near, and yet we see it not, nor do 
 seriously ponder the same, when the command is so ex- 
 press to observe the works of the Lord, which for that end 
 are shewed forth, that men may inquire, and read the faith- 
 fulness of God therein ; yea, that so great a truth, which 
 would abide the search of all the critics of the world, a 
 truth wherein our blessedness through time and eternity 
 lieth, should offer itself to our trial, and yet, is so little 
 known ! O, who can dispense with the neglect of this du- 
 ty ? by which we answer that solemn call and invitation of 
 the works of God, do honour him, serve our generation, 
 are helpers to our own faith, and are thereby helped to 
 strengthen others, yea, are brought to see with our eyes, 
 and from experience, what before was as a strange tiling 
 o us. 
 Now to clear how much tins is a christian's duty, to 
 study a practical converse with the word, and to be serious 
 observers of its accomplishment, let us consider, 
 
 1 . We are thus helped to declare the works of the Lord, 
 and to give him the glory of his faithfulness. And is not 
 that a weighty duty ? which at all times, in every station 
 and condition of life, should engage men to this study. 
 Thus, every christian may become a witness to the truth, 
 and put his seal thereto ; for which he should think his life 
 truly desirable, and doth in no small measure attain the 
 true end thereof, though he had no other opportunity, for 
 his master's service. We may say, this truth of the scrip- 
 ture's accomplishment, like a great roll, hath been trans- 
 mitted froni hand to hand, from one age to another, attest- 
 ed, and as it were, subscribed by so many witnesses, it 
 doth thus come to our tune, and to every man's door, and 
 require their personal witnessing and sealing of the same. 
 £2. This should make it an easy work, to trust the word, 
 and to adventure, thereon in the ordinary occurrences of 
 their life. They may well trust God in a strait, who have 
 so strong an argument to make use of, that eft they have 
 tried him, and the truth of his word, by many, many ex- 
 periences. Will not those that knap his name, trust on hhn ? 
 Which was a notable testimony from a serious christian in 
 
f 
 
 The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 5 1 
 
 a very sharp trial : " Oft have I tried God, and shall I not 
 learn to trust him once ?" 
 
 3. This doth lay the christian in the way of that promise. 
 Psal. cvii. 43. a promise truly large and comprehensive, 
 but little considered, that such as arc ivise to observe the 
 works of God, they shall see the loving kindness of the Lord, 
 even in their own particular case made out to them, yea. 
 whilst they are serious to observe his works abroad in the 
 world, and his way to others, they shall be no losers thereby 
 at home ; but find this promise meet them and turn their 
 general observation, into personal experience of the loving 
 kindness of the Lord. 
 
 4. Thus the saints by experiencing the truth of the word, 
 et a convincing seal thereby to their interest in the promise, 
 or begun possession is indeed a strong witness to this 
 
 right, when they can say, they have got as certain returns 
 of the word, which they have put to an essay, in some par- 
 ticulars of their life, as they are sure of any thing they did 
 ever see ; so that from unquestionable experience they may 
 set up a pillar, and write thereon, Hitherto hath the Lord 
 helped us. 
 
 5. Thus should christians, with much advantage^ be 
 helped to convince gainsayers. For it is sure, atheism 
 could not make so bold and public an appearance, if men 
 did not so much take their religion on trust. O, the seri- 
 ous experienced man can with another confidence own the 
 truth ; whose experience and observation of the works of 
 God give him an argument that none can answer, while 
 not only he can assert, but conduct and lead men to the 
 things themselves, that they may see, if in such and such 
 particulars the scripture be not truly fulfilled. 
 
 6. Thus the providence of God would have a more 
 sweet refreshing countenance ; when from this great Might 
 that watchtower of christian observation, we take a view 
 thereof. And truly, otherwise, men will stumble at the 
 most ordinary dispensations, and think God.'s work is a 
 mass of confusion : but here we are taught to sec, how the 
 written word and his way are linked in a most sweet agree- 
 ment. 
 
 7. We may thus trace divine truth, even by our sense 
 and feeling, and join the word and experience in a regular 
 correspondence : yea, thus we should have a clear trans- 
 cript of the Lord's way with his church, taken out of that 
 great authentic original of the scripture, and there see ou 
 what a solid basis and foundation, that magnificent struc- 
 ture of Providence is raised up. What a notable key 
 should we thus have for opening the scripture, by a serious 
 
52 The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 
 
 humble inquiry after the works of God ? where not only 
 the impression and sign of the power, but of the truth am} 
 faithfulness of the Lord, are so very legible. 
 
 8. This is apiece of our talent, wherewith we are en- 
 trusted ; of which every christian should study a serious 
 improvement, knowing they must render an account, what 
 their observation of this great truth hath gained, and what 
 further establishment and confirmation they have thus at- 
 tained, 
 
 9. I would add, the concernment and weight of this 
 study may press it much on us. For, if the scripture's ac- 
 complishment be an undoubted truth, O ! then this is sure, 
 the saints have a great inheritance : they are princes, 
 though now under a disguise ; and though yet minors, 
 they are heirs of more than the world can shadow forth. 
 The christian is then more happy on a dunghill, scraping 
 his sores, than such who are clothed in purple, and fare 
 delicately every day. If this be sure, we should look with 
 compassion, rather than envy, on those whom the worlcl 
 doth account happy. We need not question the gain of 
 godliness ; then it is sure, that such who sow in tears, shall 
 reap in joy ; and the righteous, though now trampled upon, 
 in the morning shall have dominion. Yea : in a word, we 
 may then on sure ground solace ourselves with the thoughts 
 of that great change, which will be within a little time when 
 the grave must render back her prisoners ; and may with 
 as much assurance of a blessed resurrection, lie down in 
 the dust, as we are sure there will be a morning, when we 
 lie down at, night. O ! then, there is a heaven, and a hell, 
 that is certain ; eternity is not a night dream ; and one mo- 
 ment shall shortly put an end to all our services, yea, the 
 shutting of our eyelids at death, shall but open them in the 
 paradise of God. 
 
 Having touched this truth a little in the general, I shall 
 now hold forth some arguments, whence the accomplish- 
 ment of the scripture may be demonstrated. They' are 
 these five, which I intend to prosecute in the following dis- 
 course. 
 
 FIRST Argument, To prove the scripture is certain- 
 ly fulfilled, and hath an accomplishment, is this. That 
 which hath been in all ages the testimony of the saints; 
 what every particular christian doth seal, from their fre- 
 quent and sure experience ; what is found and proved by 
 them, in their daily walk, upon exactest trial ; yea, what as 
 many as ever were serious in religion, do witness, must be 
 certain and true. 
 
 . But the accomplishment of the scripture is such : There- 
 lore, &c, 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 53 
 
 II. Argument. That which is manifest and legible in 
 the whole course and tenor of providence about the church, 
 and by clear convincing instances both of judgment and 
 mercy, is made out to the observation of every age, must 
 be a certain truth. But the scripture's accomplishment 
 is such : Therefore, &c. 
 
 III. Argument. That which hath not only the christ- 
 ian's testimony from experience, and of the church from 
 constant observation, but is obvious even to the view of 
 the world ; that which, from the conscience of the worst of 
 men doth force a testimony, that they can neither shift nor 
 deny ; which also may be demonstrated to the conviction 
 of ordinary observers, and hath a public acknowledgment 
 from greatest atheists and mockers of religion in every age, 
 must surely be a clear truth. ^ But, &.c. Therefore, 
 
 IV. Argument. That which was to take place in such 
 and such periods of time, and hath accordingly come to 
 pass, the event exactly answering to the prediction ; yea, 
 that whereof a great part is now fulfilled, and but a little 
 at this day remaineth to be made out, must be a certain 
 truth. 
 
 But a great part of the scripture is thus already fulfilled, 
 and but a little thereof now remaineth. Therefore, &c. 
 
 V. Argument. That which not only is for the most 
 part already accomplished, but is a thing, whereof we have 
 such sure confirmations, yea, so great a pledge in our hand 
 from the Lord, that what yet remains shall be certainly ful- 
 filled, must it not be an undoubted truth ? But the scrip- 
 ture, as to these special predictions, that are not yet made 
 out, is such concerning which the Lord hath given his 
 people a very large pledge, and strong confirmations, now 
 in these latter times, to believe their certain accomplish- 
 ment. Therefore, &c. 
 
 THE FIRST ARGUMENT. 
 
 THAT the scripture of God, contained in the Old and 
 New Testaments, wherein our great hope and comfort 
 doth lie, is certainly true, and hath a real accomplishment, 
 may be thus demonstrated : That it is tried, and proved in 
 the godly man's experience, to which in all ages, yea, from 
 innumerable proofs, the saints have put to their seal, that 
 this is a sure and faithful testimony. 
 
 Experience is indeed a strong demonstration ; and it is 
 such a witness, as leaveth no room for debate. For here 
 the truth is felt, proved, and acted on the heart ; which the 
 christian knoweth well, and is as sure of, as he is persuad- 
 
T/jc Fulfilling of the Scrip tw e. 
 
 ed chat he Hveth, or that the sun when it shineth, hath 
 light and warmth therewith. It is true, the world liveth at 
 a great distance from this ; they only converse with the 
 sound of such a thing ; and we know, the naked theory of 
 scripture truth hath but a short reach, and that it differeth 
 as Far from that which a serious practical christian hath, as 
 the sight of a country in a map is from a real discovery of 
 the same : where the difference is not in the degree, but 
 in the kind. Yet, though this weighty testimony of ex- 
 perience is a thing whereto many (alas ! too many) are 
 strangers, we must say, so much thereof is obvious, as 
 may force its authority on men's consciences, and shew 
 there can be no fallacy or delusion in this witness, if they 
 but allow the use and exercise of reason ; seeing it is not 
 the record of a few, at onetime, or in one corner of the 
 earth, but a solemn witness from the saints and followers of 
 God, whose judgment and integrity their adversaries must 
 often confess ; yea, of all the saints in every age through 
 the whole universal church in parts of the earth most re- 
 mote from other ; and this by most frequent renewed 
 proofs hath found and experienced the truth and real ac- 
 complishment of the word. And now, if this be not suf- 
 ficiently convincing, I would but add, O will you then come 
 and see ! be but christians indeed, and then ye will no 
 more debate that testimony. And truly it is a very poor 
 shift for men, who have the scripture before them, which 
 of itself doth witness its authority, and this backed with so 
 solemn a seal from the Lord by his works and providence, 
 to debate the christian's witness, from their experience, 
 because they do not see this themselves. For what is the 
 cause thereof? is it not their choice, that they do not 
 follow on to knew the same : The truth of God seeketh 
 credit from no man upon trust ; yea, craveth no more but 
 that by a practical converse they would put it to a trial ; and 
 then it shall not decline their judgment. 
 
 Now to prosecute this argument a little, I shall point at 
 some special scripture truths, with which christians have 
 most usual trade and coriverse in their own case ; and 
 give in therewith their testimony, how^ these are^ clearly 
 'proved and verified by most sure experience. It is notto 
 be here understood, the giving a particular account, with 
 respect to persons, time, or other circumstances, how the 
 word doth thus take place. I think, it may be sufficiently 
 convincing, to instance in the general such clear un- 
 controverted experiences, which are well known to the 
 godly, and have by them been oft proved amidst the vari- 
 ous changes of their life (though not by all iii the same 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 55 
 
 measure, but in some suitable proportion to their different 
 sizes, trials, and wrestlings) which can witness that real 
 correspondence, which the word hath with the experience 
 of the saints : and truly concerning these I may with some 
 confidence assert, they are not naked or airy notions, but 
 such as can witness their truth to the serious experienced 
 christian, whom on this account I dare attest. 
 
 I. shall here instance in five special truths of the word, 
 which are much tried and proved in christians' experience. 
 1. That there is such a contrariety betwixt the flesh and 
 the spirit, as the scripture holdeth forth. 2. The deceit- 
 fulness of man's heart. 3. That there is a spiritual and 
 invisible adversary, with whom we have war. 4. That 
 the promises of the word have undoubted accomplishment. 
 5. That the truth also of the threatenings ; I mean, such 
 under whose reach the godly may fall. 
 
 I. _ That there is a contrariety betwixt the fiesh and the 
 spirit, a law in our members rebelling against the law of 
 our mind, is a truth very clearly proved to the christian ; 
 whose experience, though sad, doth undeniably verify and 
 confirm the scripture, Gal. v. 17. Rom. vii. 19,21, 23. 
 This is a piece of the word which holds forth man's nature 
 in its true shape and form, whither their bias and inclina- 
 tion most easily turneth : yea, so marvellously answereth 
 their experience, that to question the same, were to put it 
 far beyond queftion, that they know nothing of a new na- 
 ture or principle of grace within. For who ever marie 
 earnest of religion, but their first acquaintance with the 
 peace of God was the beginning of this war ? It is then that 
 the house divideth, and corruption setteth up a standard ; 
 yea, no sooner can any begin to be a christian, but he must 
 be a soldier also. And we may say, none ever attained 
 such a measure of mortification, or was so old in the grace 
 of God, as could privilege them from the stirrings of the old 
 man, and necessity of that complaint, Who shall deliver tm 
 from the body of death ! But whatever advantage some of 
 the saints have above others, yet in this their experience 
 can witness. 
 
 1. They now know two different parties within them- 
 selves, that until once grace came they could not under- 
 stand ; which at the same time, in the very same action, do 
 act oppositely one to the other : yea, that there is no spir- 
 itual duty, wherein the flesh (though not always in such a 
 prevalent degree) doth not shew some active resistance. 
 
 2. That all the stirrings and motions of the flesh have 
 still a tendency, congruous to their own nature, to turn the 
 heart carnal, and to alienate it from. God ; so as it is easy 
 
56 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 to discern, how in these the rise and the end do thoroughly 
 correspond. 
 
 3. That this is a cruel taskmaster, if once it bear sway ; 
 imperious in its command, and violent in its pursuit ; so 
 that their experience may herein tell, it is a sore and an in- 
 tolerable thing, for a servant to bear rule. 
 
 4. That to things most forbidden the flesh moveth most 
 impetuously ; so, as it will even break through the hedge, 
 though sure thereby to be scratched with thorns : yea, it is 
 oft so eager in its pursuit, that it will follow the bait, while 
 the hook is most discernible. 
 
 5. That when once this doth swell, and wax fat ; they 
 may upon another interest cry, Wo is us, our leanness ! 
 For, like the scales of the balance, they find a proportion- 
 able abatement and depressing of their spiritual life, as the 
 flesh goeth up ; yea, they have cause to know how every 
 step of their heart going forth to the world, is a step that 
 doth put them further off from God. 
 
 6. That the more closely the law is pressed in its spiritual 
 extent, yea, the more spiritual a duty is, the more fully op- 
 posite they find their carnal heart : and though the flesh 
 may bear up a little with the form of religion, and hath 
 more complacency with that way which lieth most in ex- 
 ternals, yet it cannot endure the power thereof ; it can suf- 
 fer men to be hypocrites, but not truly christians. 
 
 7. To restrain andbring this under bondage, they find 
 that it doth put the spirit so much at liberty, which getting 
 loose reins for a little while, will leave the soul work for ma- 
 ny days, and with sad aftergroans pay back an hour's pleas- 
 ure : yea, they also know, when the outward man is low, 
 and under a sensible decay, it hath not then hindered, but 
 rather effectually helped their inward joy and strength. ^ 
 
 8. That indulgence to the flesh causeth a sensible thick 
 interposition between heaven and the soul ; whence they 
 are so clogged and hampered in their flight and motion to- 
 ward God ; yea, thus have often their choicest duties been 
 made a sore and grievous task. 
 
 9. That this is the true rise of their usual perturbations, 
 ^ind doth still put some jar betwixt them and their lot, and 
 doth hinder a satisfied enjoying of that which they have, 
 through murmuring at that they want ; yea, they know, 
 that to please the flesh hath been oft the cause of their 
 greatest grief and displeasure. 
 
 10. They also find how the defilement of their spirit 
 doth help to darken it ; which overgrown with the flesh, 
 can have no clear discovery of spiritual things ; but the 
 more separate from the body, and purged from these gross 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 57 
 
 dregs, they find themselves at a further advantage to cow- 
 verse with divine truths, which thus they get discovered, 
 beyond all that nature can reach. 
 
 II. That the heart of man is deceitful, and desperately e%il % 
 (Jer. xvii. 9, iv. 14. Prov. iv. 23.) is a scripture truth, 
 whereto the christian's experience doth answer, as the face 
 answereth to itself in the glass : yea, we may say, it is so 
 clearly demonstrated to those who were ever serious about 
 their inward case, that while they thus read the word in 
 themselves, and are made to read themselves in the word, 
 they may with wonder acknowledge, that he which can 
 sound this great deep of the heart, and draw so lively a 
 portrait thereof, is surely one before whom all things are 
 manifest ; who doth search and try the reins, and know 
 what is our mould and fashion. This is one of the very 
 first lessons, which practical religion doth teach : and the 
 more nearness with God, and further measure of grace, 
 that is attained, the more clear discovery there will be of 
 this. . O what sad hours, what bitter complaints, hath it 
 caused ? This oft doth mar the christian's feast, and min- 
 gle their wine with gall and wormwood. I am sure, if that 
 excellent company of the saints, who have been from the 
 beginning to this day, could be brought together, to give 
 in their suffrage, and witness concerning the deceitfulnt ss 
 of the heart, there would be one joint testimony to this 
 truth. We should find that Enoch who walked with God, 
 Mos-es with whom he spake face to face, that beloved dis- 
 ciple who leaned on Christ's bosom, and he who was caught 
 up to the third heavens, were no strangers thereto, but 
 could witness thus. 
 
 1. That it is within, which aileth them most, and their 
 greatest adversaries are men of their own hou^e ; j r ea, that 
 in the worst of times, there is still more cause to complain 
 of an evil heart, than of an evil and corrupt world ; there 
 being no worse company, than they are oft to themselves* 
 
 2. That no time of their life, but might give them some 
 further proof, that they are fools, who trust their own heart, 
 which oft will escape and overreach their quickest reflec- 
 tion, even when both their eyes are on it ; yea, that there 
 is no time that alloweththe putting off their armour, or to 
 dismiss their guard ; not the best case, the greatest estab- 
 lishment in grace, nor the evening of the day, though they 
 were within some minutes of the crown and complete vic- 
 tory, doth privilege them from the experience of a deceit* 
 fal heart. 
 
 3. That under the best frame, they find, there will often 
 lurk that which after time doth discover, that for the pre*- 
 
 » 
 
58 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 ent (though it had been told) they could not have believed, 
 until frequent experience niaketh them see, that the word 
 knew thtir heart better than themselves. 
 
 4. That to bring home their heart, when once it goeth 
 abroad, or recal the liberty they have given it, is not easy ; 
 which doth no sooner parley with a temptation at a dis- 
 tance, or adventure to sport therewith, but it quickly turn- 
 eth to earnest, and is ready to yield. 
 
 5. They know the constant need to have a watch upon 
 their senses, and to make a covenant with their eyes, which 
 do quickly betray their heart ; so easy it is to be deceived, 
 yea, to grow warm, and to take fire upon the smallest 
 touch. 
 
 6. How quickly also their spirit doth flacken, and lose 
 its bent, even in the greatest advantage of their case ; their 
 experience can tell, that when in some measure they have 
 been raised up in any spiritual enjoyment, they were then 
 in hazard to be lifted up to the wind, and to have their sub- 
 stance dissolved in the more solid part of Christianity. 
 
 7. What a sight have they sometime of themselves ? 
 such as would be a terror to them, if the heart and mo- 
 tions thereof could be writ out to the view of others, or that 
 any were witnesses to that which in one room will dwell 
 besides the grace of God as its next door neighbour. 
 
 8. Jn a word, their experience doth witness, how soon 
 the strongest resolutions will vanish ; that they are not oft 
 in the evening, what they were in the morning, nor for ma- 
 ny hours do they keep the ground they had attained ; but 
 Reuben'' s character, unstable as %vater r may be still their 
 complaint. Yea, I am sure as many as ever obtained 
 mercy to know themselves, can tell that it is past all reck- 
 oning, how qft their heart hath deceived them, when they 
 trusted it most. This every day may cause them to sit 
 down, and admire the grace of God ; which can mend 
 what they so oft mar ; and is stronger to save and preserve, 
 than they are to destroy. 
 
 III. That as there is a body of death within, they also 
 know there is, An adversary without, Eph. vi. 12, 1. Pet. 
 v. 8, J oh. viii. 44, whose way and devices and method of 
 tempting do most exactiy answer the discovery of the 
 word. This is indeed a truth, which christian experience 
 in all ages doth witness, that no sooner they had a serious 
 look after God, but found themselves pursued by an invis- 
 ible party, whose approaches, though spiritual, are yet cer- 
 tain, and most sensibly demonstrated ; beside that which 
 the word doth clearly teach. Yea, it is true none of the 
 saints were ever privileged from such experiences, for 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 59 
 
 lierein doth the christian's warfare lie. But, O how sweet 
 may the evening be, while they sit down, and can sing that 
 song, Our soul hath escaped as a bird from the fowler. I 
 shall here give in something of the godly man's experience, 
 which can bear witness to this. 
 
 1. That there is surely another party than the world, or 
 themselves, with which they have to do ; an invisible ad- 
 versary without, whom they perceive by that sensible cor- 
 respondence he keepeth with their heart within, by those 
 violent inroads, importunate solicitations, those impetuous 
 motions, wherewith they are so strangely hurried, and oft 
 driven over light, and judgment, yea, over their strongest 
 resolutions, so as he may be as discernable to them, and 
 that there is something therein beside themselves, as if they 
 conversed with him in an outward visible shape. 
 
 2. That since the time when they began to look after Go n, 
 and to knowany thing of his work upon their spirits, they 
 have been acquainted with most affrighting, dreadful temp- 
 tations, and do now perceive his rage, and violent pursuit 
 to bring them back, which they knew not before, when at 
 peace with their idols and sinful way. 
 
 3. That the mark he levelleth at, to which his 
 usual temptations have a tendency, is their soul and in- 
 ward man, to hinder communion with God, and to 
 turn their heart off from him, to break the law, and lay 
 aside commanded duties, 
 
 4. That his ordinary approaches to the heart are oft by 
 a very small thing ; he needs no more but an open door, 
 or a sinful look for the dispatch of a temptation, and 
 knoweth by a wound in the eye, how to carry death in un- 
 to the soul. 
 
 5. That he is such a party as knoweth his time and op- 
 portunity, can change his weapons, and busk the hook with 
 divers baits, and yet he is always at hand, when the heart 
 is lifted up, when they are out of their duty, and in a carnal 
 frame, to set in then with some temptation, and fish in such 
 a troubled water. 
 
 6. That his way doth truly answer his name, spiritual 
 wickedness in high places ; this being so discerned by daily- 
 experience, that he hath the advantage of the ground, is a 
 most subtile observing adversary, who lieth in the dark to 
 us, while we are in the light to him, and knoweth how to 
 correspond with our corruption, and to suit his temptation 
 to our natural temper, (wherewith he is well acquainted) 
 and to our calling, and our company, to the present strait, 
 to our predominant inclination, and to our retirement and 
 solitude ; yea, that he is one who knoweth how to follow 
 
60 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 in, and ply with such a gale, when we are in hot blood, or 
 in any distemper and discomposure of spirit. 
 
 7. That he can transform himself into an angel of light, 
 and suit his temptations to the spiritual exercises and en- 
 joyments of the saints ; that there are temptations on the 
 right hand as well as the left, which are so refined, and so 
 like a christian exercise, that they can scarcely discern the 
 weed from the flower, and most dreadful errors from the 
 choicest truths, to which they oft have a great resem- 
 blance ; though at last it doth appear that the native tenden- 
 cy even of the most specious errors in the judgment, 
 is to looseness in practice, and to make men religiously ir- 
 religious. 
 
 8. That he is also a roaring lion ; which they have oft 
 proved by dreadful blasphemous injections, these 'fiery 
 darts which are thrown in with violence, wherewith there 
 is no concurrence of the inclination or consent, but a dis- 
 cernable force put upon them, assaulting them with 
 most horrid atheistical thoughts, even while their heart 
 doth rise with abhorrence, and enter their dissent against 
 the same. 
 
 9. That he is a most restless adversary ; who is going 
 still about, and giveth no cessation, but with purpose to re- 
 turn at some greater advantage ; and is no less terrible in 
 his flight, than in his assault ; and that he can speak out of 
 a friend, as well as out of a foe ; yea, and doth then most 
 dangerously tempt, when the temptation is least seen or 
 discovered. 
 
 10. That his temptations do not only drive at engaging 
 of the heart to bring sin to the thought, but also the bring- 
 ing it forth to the act, for putting some blot upon their walk 
 and conversation. 
 
 11. That he is one. who is overcome by resistance, and 
 doth flee before those that withstand him ; which they have 
 oft proved, that they have returned from prayer with the 
 spoil of their adversary, and at such a time have been made 
 to wonder, how that which hath oft foiled them, should 
 have been their temptation. 
 
 12. They also find by frequent observation, that though 
 he is most subtile, being indeed one who through long ex- 
 perience and continued practice hath attained a great deal of 
 dexterity in tempting ; yet, he hath one usual method, and 
 such devices which the serious christian, by daily ex- 
 perience and watchfulness, may easily discern, and 
 perceive his temptations in their rise, and at a distance 
 while they are, as it were, creeping up the wall : yea, 
 thus in some measure he may find, out the depths of 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 6 1 
 
 satan, and know how to avoid the net spread by that great 
 fowler. 
 
 IV. That the promises of the word which are held forth 
 to the godly, for their use and encouragement while they 
 are in the way, have a certain accomplishment, and are a 
 safe ground to adventure upon, and worthy to be credited, 
 is a truth tried in all ages ; whereto experience of the saints 
 can give a large testimony. 
 
 Now in speaking to this grave subject, it is not needful 
 to speak any thing of the nature and diverse kinds of prom- 
 ises, nor whence it is that we live at so poor a rate and so 
 uncomfortably, while such a well as this is at our hand. For 
 it is easy to read the cause within ourselves, we sow spar- 
 ingly, and venture little out, therefore we have so small an 
 increase ; there is a price for wisdom, but it is in the hands 
 vf fools, who have no heart thereto. But this doth not con- 
 cern us here ; for I only aim to hold out this, that the 
 promises which God hath given his people in the scrip- 
 ture, are of unquestionable verity, and have as real and 
 sure performance in the saint's experience, as they are sur« 
 of that which cometh most necessarily to pass by the work 
 and concurrence of natural causes, as that the fire doth burn 
 when combustible matter is added, or the sun rise after its 
 going down. For indeed this truth is so manifest, proved 
 by such innumerable experiments, amidst the various 
 changes of a christian's condition, that we might sum- 
 mon as many witnesses as have been followers of God in 
 the world, which are not a few, who in all ages have put the 
 promises to an essay, and set their seal that God is true. 
 Yea, to ask at such, if they know whether there be a truth 
 in scripture promises, that cometh not to pass, I think were 
 to inquire at a living man, whether he seeth and feeleth, or 
 if there be such a thing as motion, since they have as sure 
 and sensible a demonstration of the one, as he hath of the 
 other. 
 
 " But ere I speak any thing particularly to this, I would 
 first premise somethings, to clear what we understand here, 
 by the saints experience of the truth of the promises, in 
 these following considerations. 
 
 1. We would consider, though the scripture hath here 
 its accomplishment, and is intended for the use of the 
 church, and every particular christian, while on the way 
 in his militant condition, yet there are seme promises of 
 the word (yea, the greatest) which belong to the 
 saints, that will not be fulfilled, until they have cast of 
 their armour, and are called to divide the spoil : their expe- 
 rience of which, will bethei?i^ prize of the calling of 
 
62 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 God in Christy whereof, all which they now enjoy, is but 
 an earnest. 
 
 2. We would consider that the great intent of the scrip- 
 ture, and promises thereof, is not for contemplation, but 
 that we may know them by experience, and drive a blessed 
 trade and commerce therewith ; the merchandize of which 
 is better than that of gold: for here lieth the christian's life 
 in the world, yea, it is a great part of their talent, the prom- 
 ises, which are not to be laid up in their heart and memory, 
 as in a napkin, but they must give an account what experi- 
 ence they have gained thereby, and thus the diligent hand 
 should make rich. 
 
 3. Whatever be the different sizes, and degrees of ex- 
 perience among the saints, according to their growth 
 and age in Christ, yet it is certain that the meanest 
 who have interest in the promises, and did ever em- 
 brace them in earnest, and put them to trial, must know 
 something of the performance of the same in their own case ; 
 for the Lord doth not suffer his work in his people to want 
 a seal. 
 
 4. The godly's experience hereof, is then much made 
 out, when they are much in observation ; and we know 
 little of the truth and performance of the promises, because 
 we are not more habitually in a frame to observe. Thus 
 he goeth by, and we perceive not ; but they never wanted 
 continuations, who were seriously seeking to be confirmed 
 in the truth of the word. 
 
 5. The special mercies and providences of a christian 
 life, are a certain return of the promise, and in that way do 
 meet them, as the proper channel of their conveyance ; for 
 they are the sure mercies of the covenant : and how refresh- 
 ful is it, that all the several cases of the saints, their mean- 
 est as well as their greatest necessities, and their outgate or 
 relief are comprehended in the word, and under some 
 promise, and were all foreseen in his everlasting view, who 
 hath so marvellously suited the same to all that his people 
 stand in need of, as if it had been directed to such and such 
 a christian only. 
 
 6. This helpeth to make the mercies of the godly man to 
 have a peculiar and sweet relish, and to be some way twice 
 his mercy, when he gets them in so immediate a way reach- 
 ed to him as it were out of the promise, and as an observa- 
 ble return from heaven ; when thus the Lord sealeth his 
 word to him by his work, and the way of the word he find- 
 eth hath been the way of his comfortable relief ; that when 
 he hath had no other escape, but to turn in to the promise, 
 and to cast himself upon it, he gained this experience, he 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 63 
 
 trusted in God, and was helped ; and can give in this testi- 
 mony of him, that he hath both spoken it, and himself also 
 hath done it, according to his word. 
 
 7. It is not any extraordinary thing, we here understand, 
 by the christian man's experience oi the truth of the prom- 
 ises ; it is not a rapture or revelation, or such as some of 
 the saints have upon some singular and special account 
 had ; for we have not any promise for these things ; but 
 it is something well grounded upon the word, which con- 
 stantly holdeth in the Lord's ordinary way of procedure 
 with his people, according to the tenor of the covenant. For 
 his word doth good to them that walk uprightly ; and doth 
 certainly take place in the experience of every serious and 
 diligent cliristian. 
 
 8. This is not the testimony of a few, but the record of 
 all the saints since the beginning, whose experience doth 
 all most harmoniously agree, and bear one witness, that he 
 is faithful who hath promised ; and it is not that which a 
 christian hath found once or twice in his life, but the daily 
 food of such as live by faith. 
 
 9. This doth put a strong obligation on the godly man to 
 the word, for the time to come ; for these who have tried it 
 often, may with much confidence trust it in the day of their 
 strait. 
 
 10. The experience which the godly hath of the real per- 
 formance of the promises, is a most convincing evidence of 
 his state in Christ. It is the earnest and pledge of the in- 
 heritance, and full accomplishment of that which remain- 
 eth ; that the Lord will perfect what concerneth him, who 
 hath been his help hitherto ; and will be his exceeding great 
 reward in the end, who hath made him find so much of the 
 gain of godliness here by the way. 
 
 Now having premised these things, I shall here instance 
 some particular promises, wherein the christian's most 
 usual trade and commerce doth lie, and to which they givo 
 m their seal and witness. I confess, if all these proofs which 
 the saints have had, of the fulfilling of the promises, could 
 be gathered together, we might make use of that divine 
 hyperbole, The world could not contain the books that sfo&ld 
 be written thereof O what an admirable volume, what an 
 excellent commentary and copy should this be of the serin, 
 ture, to see it thus turned over into the experience of every 
 christian! It would be some way as easy to number the 
 drops of rain and dew since the creation, as to reckon aU 
 these precious drops and emanations of love, these sensible 
 returns and accomplishments of the promise, which they 
 Dave had in their experience. I trulv think, it could hardlr 
 
6£ The Fulfilling of the Scriptnrel 
 
 be believed, though it were told, what some of the godly 
 here have found in the way of the word ; but it is sufficient, 
 to answer the design of this work, to shew that there is a. 
 sensible demonstration and performance of scripture prom- 
 ises, concerning which the experience of the saints in all 
 ages doth agree ; that by many confirmations the Lord 
 hath oft sealed the truth thereof to their souls. 
 
 There are ten special promises, held forth to the godly in 
 the word, which I shall here instance, and therewith hold 
 forth what a clear testimony their experience can give, of 
 the undoubted truth and accomplishment of the same. 
 
 FIRST instance, is that promise given to believing ; to 
 such who credit the naked word, when there is no probable 
 appearance of its fulfilling, and thus give God the glory of 
 his faithfulness ; which we have expressly held out, 1 Chr. 
 xx 20. Psal. cxii. 7, 8. Job. i. 50. 
 
 To clear the accomplishment of this promise, I shall but 
 appeal to that testimony the saints in all ages have left there- 
 of ; yea, to the present experience of the godly at this day, 
 if they have not certainly found it so. 
 
 1. That when in a particular they have trusted God 
 therewith, and got their spirit quiet in a recumbency on 
 him, he hath dealt with them according to his word ; yea, 
 if then from clear convincing returns of the promise, they 
 have not been made to say, it did never repent them, that 
 they gave more credit to the testimony of God, than of their 
 own hearts. 
 
 2. That they have not found a more sweet and observa- 
 ble issue, than when their help lay most immediately on 
 the word alone ; never a more comfortable relief than when 
 least of sense and most of faith was in carrying them through, 
 when little of the creature and much of God appeared in 
 their mercy, and when they were at the lowest, having no 
 way of escape but to throw themselves on the promise, they 
 have then had the best retreat, yea, their supply as sensibly 
 felt, as their need and burden had formerly been. 
 
 3. That their greatest difficulties and shakings about 
 the promise, have helped to their further confirming and 
 establishment : so as they can say, the Lord's way, by per- 
 plexing them first, yea, to their sense losing their hold, 
 hath helped to fasten it better ; and that which for the time 
 did speak their case most helpless, hath made way for his 
 more eminent appearance and manifesting of himself. 
 
 4. That their greatest venture, and giving mostout, 
 hath usually had the richest income ; the most eminent 
 experiences of their life have followed the most adventur- 
 ous acts of their fliith ; yea, upon an after reckoning they 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 65 
 
 have oft found, that their adventuring of life, estate, and 
 credit on the promise of God, even in these things, hath 
 very observably been their advantage. 
 
 5. That where they have most been a friend to their 
 faith, there hath faith also been most a friend to them ; in 
 their standing to the credit of the promise, nor dismayed by 
 the greatest objections and false reports raised thereof, they 
 have found a very evident mark of God's respect to the 
 same, causing them to see^ that he will honour such who 
 thus honour him. And it is indeed worthy of a remark, 
 what we have of Caleb upon record, that he took part with 
 the promise of God against that discouraging report which 
 then was raised of the Anakims, and their walled cities ; 
 and therefore the inheritance of the children of Anak was 
 given to Caleb and his sons, in their lot from the Lord. 
 
 6. That believing doth always make way for sense, and 
 in their closing with the naked word of promises, they 
 have not wanted the seal of the Spirit of promise; but 
 have found a sweet calm, their burden sensibly eased, 
 when once they got it laid over on the word, which 
 they can say hath been their first resting place, like the 
 very fixing of the motion of the needle towards its right 
 point, when their spirit had been restless, and in greatest 
 agitation. 
 
 7. That the greatest disappointments, which their hope 
 in the word seemed to have, they have found afterwards 
 most to their advantage ; when their returns have not only 
 been according to their faith, but have often exceeded 
 their adventure, and been far beyond what they believed ; 
 yea, that from frequent experience they may say, the issue 
 of trusting the word, how long soever they thought it de- 
 ferred, yet came always in season, was never too late and 
 out of time. 
 
 8. That this did never occasion bitter reflections, or 
 was their reproach before the world, that they trusted God 
 in a day of strait and were not helped ; but this testimony 
 have all such left, who have most credited it in a dismal 
 hour, that none should fear after them to hazard upon such 
 a hand, and venture on the promise ; for their faith hath 
 oft carried them well and comfortably through, where both 
 sense and reason have been ready to sink. 
 
 SECOND instance, Whereby we may see the per- 
 formance of the promise in christian experience, is this, 
 That God truly heareth prayer ; is near unto his people in 
 what they call upon him for, agreeable to his word, and 
 will answer their desires ; we have this promise most 
 express. Phil iv. 6. Psalm xxxii. 6. lxv. 2. xci. 15. 
 
66 The Fulfilling of the Scripture* 
 
 Now the accomplishing of this part of scripture is s0 
 very clear, that I can attest the experience of all the gene* 
 ration of the righteous, since the beginning, what frequent 
 and unanswerable confirmations they have got of this 
 truth in their christian walk ; so that I am sure, no man 
 ever was in earnest in the matter of religion, and a stran- 
 ger to this ; yea, that he was never more certainly per- 
 suaded of any thing, than of this, that God doth hear 
 prayer. O if men's ^ souls were but in their souls 7 steady 
 whose evening vvrestlings and tears the Lord hath oft turn- 
 ed into a morning song, they would know this is no delu- 
 sion. I shall here touch something of that experience, 
 which by many proofs the saints can give, as a witness to 
 this promise. 
 
 1. That when they have oft with Hannah gone in before 
 the Lord in the bitterness of their spirit, they have been 
 made to return with a sensible and marvellous change in 
 their case ; yea, when in going about prayer, they have 
 been put to wrestle with much distemper and deadness, 
 they have oft seen the wind discernibly change, and there- 
 with their spirits lightened from under that burden, an 
 observable calm and serenity following much inward per- 
 turbation ; yea, they can say, that they have found their 
 hearts thawed, and put in a flush of tenderness, upon the 
 back of a most sensible restraint. 
 
 2. That access and liberty to pour forth their souls to 
 God, when he hath filled their mouth^ with arguments, 
 and enabled them both to wrestle and wait, they have found 
 a favourable crisis, and begun relief, yea, the very turn of 
 a sad case, which they have got from the Lord, as the 
 pledge of a further answer, and that when he thus prepaid 
 eth the heart, he doth cause his ear to hear, 
 
 S. That when they have been under a most dark cloud, 
 they have found their sky # clear, have got a^ very sensible 
 taste of God's acceptation in prayer, and of his taking their 
 suit oft* their hand, even while the matter was still in de- 
 pendence before him ; yea, that they have oft had such a 
 satisfying impression of God's mind, and persuasion of 
 his answering their desire, as hath helped them cheerfully 
 to wait, yea, sometimes to sing the triumph before the 
 victory. 
 
 4. That when they had been much in prayer, they must 
 also say, it hath been the time wherein their spirit hath 
 flourished, was most lively ; yea, then they had their best 
 days ; then the candle of the Lord shined upon their paths, 
 and his dew laij all night upon their branches. But they 
 have found there is an evident and proportionable abate- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 67 
 
 jnent of .their spiritual life and encouragement in God, ac* 
 cording to their wearing out in the exercise of this duty. 
 
 5. They have many times found, that when there was 
 nothing left them, but to turn in to God, and they knew of 
 no other way to come through, but to pray and look up, 
 they never found a more sweet and seasonable relief; so 
 that most observable times of prayer have been also the 
 most observable times of their experience ; and they can 
 say from many proofs, it is no hopeless business, which is 
 put over upon God by pra3 7 er, though there be small out- 
 ward appearance. 
 
 6. That it is not in vain to follow out a suit before the 
 throne, but access and interest in heaven, is as sure a 
 way to come speed (which they know well) as greatest 
 interest upon earth ; having so evidently found, while 
 many seek the rider 's favour, that the determination of 
 every thing is from the Lord. 
 
 7. That prayer, with quiet waiting in the use of means, 
 getteth comfortably through, where overcaring and carnal 
 policy, in the use of all other shifts, hath been forced to 
 stick. 
 
 p 8. They know by experience, that as there are judicial 
 times, whereinan inhibition, as it were, is laid on them 
 from the Lord, in their wrestling, yea, and a sere restraint 
 on their spirits, which hath been very sensible, so also they 
 have found times of more easy access, and abundant lib^ 
 erty, a spirit of prayer let forth, before some special mercy 
 and deliverance to the church, whereby they could in some 
 measure discern its near approach. 
 
 9. That on the back cf some solemn address and appli- 
 cation to God by prayer and fasting in a day of strait, they 
 have oft seen cause even from that day and upward to date 
 a remarkable return and deliverance, in which even com- 
 mon observers might discern what an evident answer the 
 church's intercession with God in times of extremity- 
 hath had. 
 
 10. I may add, the saints know this so well by expert 
 ence, that surely God heareth prayer, even in such and 
 such a particular, that they can with miich confidence ad- 
 venture, and make an errand of the meanest, as well as 
 their greatest concernments to him ; having so oft tried, 
 and found that ^ seriousness and sincerity in address to 
 God was never in vain, but whatever be the times, there- 
 in this promise taketh place, your heart shall live, that seek 
 God. 
 
 THIRD instance ', Is the promise of the Spirit, and 
 pouring out of the same ; which we have clear in the 
 
€8 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 word, Isa. lix. 21. Job. xiv. 16. Lukexxiv. 49. Rom. 
 viii. 16, 26. 
 
 _ The accomplishment of which is so manifest, such a sen- 
 sible demonstration thereof in the experience of the saints, 
 that I am sure this can no more be denied, than those who 
 are warmed with the heat of the sun, can deny their sense 
 and feeling, that the sun hath such an influence : and doth 
 not the christian's spiritual walk, bear as convincing a wit- 
 ness to the fulfilling of this promise, as any living man by 
 walking in the way sheweth that he hath a soul and princi- 
 ple of life within him. Now to demonstrate this a little, 
 I would but touch some of the ordinary experiences of the 
 saints therein, which they do testify, and by clear undeni- 
 able evidences know to be no delusion. 
 
 1. That which causeth so real a change upon them, 
 which maketh them alive to God, who once were dead, 
 creating them, as it were of new, that which bringeth a 
 clod of earth so near heaven, raiseth so far above them- 
 selves to a delightful converse with things not seen, that 
 while their place and abode is here, their company and fel- 
 lowship is above ; that which maketh all things new to 
 them, and doth so far change their nature and inclination, 
 as causeth them to find more sweetness in a spiritual 
 life, than in the pleasures of sin, yea, reconcileth them with 
 the law, and exercises of a christian, where once there was 
 such contrariety. Oh ! is not this a real effect of the Spir- 
 it, and no imaginary thing ! 
 
 2. That whereof they were altogether ignorant, when 
 they were strangers to God, and knew not if there iverea 
 Holy Ghost, but by report, now since their being born 
 again they find themselves entered in another world, 
 brought out of darkness unto a marvellous light, and of this 
 are sure, that once they were blind, but now they see, i$ 
 not this a proof of the truth of this promise ? 
 
 3. That which maketh them see more of God in his 
 ivor d, and -works, at one time than at another ; whence is 
 this difference and inequality, the scriptures are at onetime 
 the great things of God's law, which are at another time, 
 but common things to them ! the object is the same^ but 
 O! what different manifestation thereof! whence is it 
 that such a light springe th up in the word, that openeth up 
 this deep, and maketh them see the wonders of his law, and 
 within a little time nothing but dark night ; do not the 
 saints know this well, and that it is no delusion ? 
 
 4. That which maketh such sensible liberty in their 
 soul, and confidence in their approach to God, after sore 
 bondage and fear ; which raiseth them often so far above 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 69 
 
 their ordinary frame, as they are not only quickened and 
 refreshed themselves, but do observably warm others. O 
 how piercing, and savoury are their words, which shew 
 what difference there is oft, betwixt a christian, and him- 
 self, betwixt a dead exercise of a gift which reacheththe 
 ear, and that which melteth the heart, and doth even reach 
 bystanders, with a pleasant perfume ! 
 
 5. That which maketh such a sudden change in their 
 case under ordinances ; that their heart, that died within 
 them as a stone, ere they were aware hath got life, and 
 taken fire with a word: yea, hath been poured out within 
 them so as their Beloved's voice hath had another sound ! 
 O then they think not the time long, the word is as the 
 honey from the comb, so as they have oft wished a perpet- 
 ual arrest upon their spirit in such a condition, that none 
 may stir up their Beloved until he please / Can that be any 
 delusion ? 
 
 6. That which bringeth in promises seasonably into 
 their mind in the day of their strait, and causeth the word 
 to come in so suitably to their present case, with such a 
 satisfying impression of the same, as doth give most sensi- 
 ble and present ease. 
 
 7. That which so clearly by the word discovereth to 
 men their own heart, and doth search them out in their 
 most close and retired thoughts, that they have been oft 
 made to wonder, how the word is upon all their secrets ; 
 is not this the candle of the Lord ? 
 
 8. That which doth demonstrate their state and being 
 in Christ , by an argument which is beyond all words K and 
 doth by power in an irresistible way answer all objections, 
 and turn the most fro ward case into a blessed calm, and 
 hath made a simple word more effectual in a moment, than 
 most persuasive arguments could be. 
 
 9. That which maketh such abundantly spring up in 
 the heart, when there is no visible grounds for the same, 
 like the dry bone gushing out water, must surely be some 
 supernatural and excellent power, that cannot only bring 
 it out of nothing, but out of contraries. 
 
 10. That which giveth them so sensible a taste of the 
 powers of the world to come, such a ravishing glance of the 
 inheritance, that they could hardly sometime forbear to 
 rise atmidnight and sing for joy in the hope therecf ; and 
 hath given them such a discovery of God at some special 
 times, as hath made them judge that all they ever knew of 
 him before, was but by the hearing of the ear. 
 
 11. That which is so discernible and sensibly felt at the 
 present time, that Christ's return to the soul, and the effu- 
 
70 The Fulfilling of the Scripture* 
 
 sion of the Spirit, hath been as evident oft to the saints, as 
 to that martyr who was forced to cry out at the stake, He 
 is come, he is come f and hath been so sweet when enjoyed, 
 that the remembrance of some of these times hath been 
 very pleasant and refreshing ; yea, this is such a thing as 
 most observably occurs to the godly man in the way of his 
 duty, according to the word. 
 
 12. That is no delusion, the withdrawing whereof is 
 so sensible to them, as it maketh their duty wherein they 
 have had delight, become their burden ; when they are put 
 to row with oars, the wind being gone ; and maketh it 
 like night to the soul, when the sun is gone down : and 
 sad experience hath oft shewed them, how the overcloud- 
 ing of their soul, the withdrawing of the Spirit, the com- 
 forter, doth observably follow a neglect of their duty, and 
 yielding to any known sin, by which it is grieved. 
 
 FOURTH instance, Is that promise for direction, which 
 God hath given his people in the word ; that he will guide 
 them with his counsel, will order and direct their steps, who 
 do commit their way to him, and teach them the way that 
 they shall choose. Psalm xxxvii. 5. xxv. 9, 14. 
 Ixxiv. 24. 
 
 The fulfilling of which hath been so manifest to those 
 who ever made earnest of acknowledging God in their 
 ways, and committing the conduct thereof to him, that I 
 shall but attest their experience, if they have not this tes- 
 timony to give. 
 
 L That to trust God with their case, and give him the 
 guiding of their way, hath carried them much more easily 
 through a plunging case, than overcaring anxiety ; yea, 
 the Lord's directing their steps, and making things suc- 
 cessful, when they have committed the same to him, hath 
 been often as sensible to them, as their strait and difficulty 
 was. 
 
 2. That the way of the -own/ hath been the best expedi- 
 ent for carrying them safe and comfortably through ; and 
 that they never repented, that they did more consult their 
 duty, than inclination, when they were at a stand about a 
 particular, and did not debate the command, even while 
 there seemed a lion in the way. 
 
 3. That they were never left without counsel and direc- 
 tion, when their eye was single, and serious about it ; and 
 that it was not so much want of light, as of an heart to 
 close therewith, that made their way oft so dark ; but 
 when they subjected themselves to God's mind, they 
 found, that such who follow him, shall not walk in dark* 
 ness. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 71 
 
 4. That light and counsel doth meet men in following 
 the command, and the practice of known duty, hath help- 
 ed them to know more their duty ; and that light did most 
 abound, when it was most their serious study to follow the 
 same. 
 
 5. They found, it was never in vain, to inquire after 
 God's mind by prayer, and also in the temple to make a 
 reference of a particular to him, when it was too hard for 
 them ; but have often seen the word evidently directed to 
 such and such a case, as if they had got a return from 
 heaven by an audible voice. 
 
 6. They also know, that God's following in light with a 
 powerful impression, his teaching the reins, and instruct- 
 ing with a strong hand is no delusion, but the sure and 
 well grounded experience of most solid christians in all 
 ages ; yea, most discernible from any false impulse ; and 
 that some special piece of work and service, which God 
 hath laid in their way, wants not usually some special call, 
 backed with such light and authority, as in an irresistible 
 way can answer all objections, to make them go hound in 
 the Spirit, about such a duty. 
 
 7. How God's special directing hand hath been oft 
 very observable, not only in preventing and crossing their 
 way, to withdraw them by some sharp dispensation, from 
 their purpose ; but sensibly overpowering them, so that 
 they have been plucked as it were back, from unavoidable 
 hazard, that they could not find their paths. 
 
 8. I shall add, they have oft observably found, how easy 
 their way was made to them when the Lord cloth counte- 
 nance and prosper the same : what sweet concurrence of 
 providences ; how then difficulties have most sensibly 
 been taken out of the way, yea, wind and tide going along 
 with them, in such a manner, that they have been forced 
 to see and confess a divine hand therein. 
 
 FIFTH instance, Is the promise of pardon, and forgive- 
 ness which God hath given his people in the word : that 
 for his name's sake he will blot- put their iniquity, and re- 
 member their sin no more ; yea, is ready to pardon ; which 
 is expressly held forth, to thnse who are truly humbkd. 
 Mic. vii. 18, Jer. xxxi. 34, Isa. xliii. 25. 
 
 Now that there is a real accomplishment of this, I am 
 sure, the experience of the saints can in all ages clearly 
 witness ; what joy and peace this hath occaiioned, what a 
 sensible demonstration and solemn confirmations they have 
 had of this promise, so as their very bones might sing ; 
 Who is like unto thee, Lcrd ! It is true, real pardon doth 
 Rot always infer the sciwbl; feeling thereof; and when' sin 
 
72 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 is remitted in heaven, there is not always a declaration of it 
 in the conscience. But it is also sure, that this is sensibly 
 elt, and that it is tried by all, even all the generation of the 
 righteous, to have had as powerful an operation on a disqui- 
 eted troubled soul, as ever wine or the choicest cordial 
 could have on the sick, or faint. O ! if those who question 
 this, were in their case, to whom God speaketh peace after 
 a storm, they would know how real and certain that is ! I 
 would offer the christians witness to this promise, from 
 many, many experiments, by which the Lord hath sealed 
 it to their soul, whereby they know assuredly it is no fancy 
 or delusion. 
 
 1. How this hath as sensible a connection with the serious 
 exercise of contrition and repentance, in their experience, 
 as it certainly hath in the word and promise ; while they 
 find, that in silence and keeping up their case from God, 
 their bones have been troubled, their spirit in a restless and 
 disquieted condition, until once they made an address, and 
 got their soul vented by confessing to the Lord, which was 
 then like a kindly turn and cool of a fever. 
 
 2. They know it is no delusion, that is found so certain 
 a cure to a wounded spirit, under the sense of sin ; a wound 
 which the world and all its diversions could never heal j 
 whose pain and grief no music can allay (a drop of divine 
 displeasure being enough to turn all their pleasures into 
 wormwood and gall) but, O ! a taste of this unspeakable 
 cordial, one warming look of a reconciled God, they know 
 by experience, can give present ease. 
 
 3. It is no delusion, which they cannot command ; no 
 more than the sun to shine when overclouded, or the wind to 
 blow but when it listeth : which the most persuading moral 
 arguments can no ways effectuate, nor all their former ex- 
 perience, nay, nor the letter of most refreshing promises, 
 which sometines are to them but as the white of an t%%y 
 without taste, until once the spirit breathe ; which not only 
 discovereth the ground of their joy in the word, but doth 
 also cause them to rejoice therein, when it shineth upon 
 the same. 
 
 4. It must be no delusion, which causeth so marvellous 
 a change, that after greatest disquieting fears they have 
 found most sensible manifestations of love ; > the greatest 
 flood on the back of the lowest ebb in their spiritual condi- 
 tion ; which oft hath forced them to retract, what their fears 
 and jealousies did utter ; yea, hath made them inquire with 
 wonder, whence they are so cheerful today, who yester- 
 night were so broken and crushed ? whence their spirit 
 should be in so sweet a calm, that so lately was like the rac- 
 ing and troubled sea ? 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 73 
 
 5. That this hath oft met them, as a blest surprisal and 
 unexpected welcome, when they have in a backsliding case 
 come in to God, they certainly know : that when they 
 knew not how to adventure, and at what end of their ravel- 
 ed condition to begin, accounts having run long over ; yet 
 on their very first address, have got a sweet disappointment 
 to their fears, been helped to their feet, yea, sometimes 
 have had as it were the fatted c^//' killed, to make merry 
 with their friends, 
 
 6. That which hath an audible voice within, so strong 
 an impression upon the soul, which carrieth with it such a 
 clear satisfying discovery of God's heart and love, is surely 
 no delusion ; while the intimation of that one truth, Tour 
 sins are forgiven, or any other word of promise for that 
 end, they have found to be an argument beyond words, 
 which they could not resist, but for the time have been as 
 sure, they see and feel this, as that they live ; yea, can no 
 more now call it in question, than formerly they could get 
 it believed. ^ 
 
 7. That is no delusion, which causeth them with another 
 kind of freedom to approach to God ; maketh them know, 
 there is a Spirit of adoption, which sets the soul at liberty 
 from the sore bondage and thraldom, under which their 
 former backsliding had put them ; y^a, a thing not only 
 sensibly felt by themselves, but may be discerned by oth- 
 ers, while they cannot smother the joy of their heart, or 
 hide in their countenance such a change of their condition, 
 that truly God hath dealt comfortably with them. 
 
 8. Hath not this die saints in all ages witnessed, even a 
 joy unspeakable and full of glory, which though but of 
 short continuance, yet for the present so strong, as hath 
 ravished their soul with the hope of the inheritance above, 
 and clear view of their interest in it ; yea, sometimes made 
 them sing for joy, in expectation of that blessed day ! But, 
 O ! this is better felt than expressed. 
 
 9. And in a word,' can that be a delusion, that hath oft 
 turned the poor man's hell into a heaven ; which meets the 
 christian in the way of his duty, and the work doth so ex- 
 actly aaswer the promise ; most sensibly felt after greatest 
 shakings of the conscience by the law ; and can make a 
 sad outward lot, so very sweet and pleasant ; cause them 
 to triumph over the wrath of men, to sing in a dungeon, 
 to abound and have all things under greatest wants, look 
 grim death cheerfully in the face in its most dreadful as- 
 pect ; yea, doth make so great and visible a difference be- 
 twixt the christian and himself! 
 
 X 
 
7+ 
 
 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 SIXTH instance, Is that promise of encouragement, 
 and support wider the cross : which is expressly held forth 
 in the word, that the Lord will own his people, bear their 
 charges, and be with them in trouble, in the day of their 
 suffering for his truth ; yea, will bind up the broken En 
 heart, and heal their wounds. Psal. xci. 15, Isa. xliii, 2, 
 Cap. xli. 17, and xlix.^ 14, Psal. ix. 9, Isa. li. 12. 
 
 Now that this promise^ is a truth, and hath a certain ac- 
 complishment, the experience of the saints in all ages will 
 witness : and we know their testimony is true. What at 
 solemn times of God's presence they have had in a barren 
 wilderness, how great a cloud of witnesses doth seal this, 
 and give their testimony to the cross of Christ f Of which 
 we may say, the feme and sweet savour hath gone forth, 
 and spread abroad through the church \ the fathers have 
 told it to the children, and one generation to another : but 
 how little a part thereof can be expressed I I think it would 
 be a marvellous record, if the suffering and prison experi- 
 ments of the saints were particularly set down, what they 
 have found under the cross. But it is well, we know this 
 promise hath been, and this day is evidently sealed ; con- 
 cerning which I dare attest the experience of as many as 
 did ever drink of this blessed cup, and were counted wor- 
 thy to suffer for the testimony of Christ, if this be not a 
 faithful and true witness. 
 
 First, that they have oft: tastec[ what communion with 
 God is, in the secret duties of a christian, also in the public 
 ordinances, and in a special measure, at some more sol- 
 emn times ; but, O ! never knew his presence and com- 
 munion with him more sensibly than under the cross : yea, 
 have found that the work and service of a suffering time, 
 as it is not the ordinary service of every day, hath also a 
 peculiar and more than ordinary allowance, 
 
 2. That they never knew divine strength more sensibly, 
 than when they have been most pressed above their own 
 strength : that in the day they were cast on Gon's imme- 
 diate care, and ordinary means of their help most with- 
 drawn, they had never less cause to complain, but might 
 often say this as their experience, they thirsted not, when 
 he led them through the wilderness ; yea, that they have at 
 no time of their life, found their mercies more observably 
 attend them, nor more sweet and satisfying, than when by 
 prayer and believing, they were put to dig the well, and 
 wait for the rain coming down to fill it. 
 
 3. That they never found more true liberty, than in the 
 house of bondage : more refreshing company, than amidst 
 their greatest solitude ; while they found Him near, whom 
 $ates and bars cannot shut out : in the day when all things 
 
The Fulfilling ef the Scripture. 75 
 
 else- seemed to frown upon them, that their midnight songs 
 have been sweeter, than all the prosperity they sometimes 
 enjoyed ; and that they have oft proved, that the deeper 
 any are in affliction for Christ and his truth, they are also 
 the deeper in consolation. 
 
 4. They must say, the most satisfying and clear discov- 
 eries of the word are under searching and sharpest trials ; 
 that a sanctified exercising affliction, they have found one 
 of the best interpreters of the bible, and the word then tp 
 be another thing, than it is at other times ; yea, even to 
 have been that to them, which they could desire it to be, so 
 as they are sure it hath been shaped out and directed for 
 that present plunge their soul was in. 
 
 5. That there is a very easy passage and dispatch, be- 
 twixt heaven and an oppressed afflicted soul, an observable 
 vent by prayer, and more sensible access to God's face, 
 when other things have most frowned ; yea, they can wit- 
 ness from experience that he stayeth his rough wind in the 
 day of his east wind : that while he shutteth one door, he 
 hath set another open ; that when the storm without hath 
 been very sharp, they have found a sweet calm and sun- 
 shine within, to make it easy ; and that when he layeth on 
 one sore trial, he will take another off. 
 
 6. They can tell what a sweet and comfortable parting 
 they have oft had, with some sharp trial ; which at the first 
 was bitter as death, but in the close, after sanctified exer- 
 cise under the same, they have found cause to leave it their 
 blessing, and confess, that the time of greatest jealousy and 
 fear upon their part they have found on God's part hath 
 been a time of greatest kindness and love ; the sharpest 
 wounds from such an hand and heart as his, have tended to 
 a cure ; yea, that circumstance and ingredient in the same 
 which of all was most bitter and grievous, even there they 
 have found their relief and encouragement most remarkable. 
 
 7. That the peculiar advantage of a sanctified trial is not 
 so well seen in the present time, as afterwards, when the 
 case hath altered ; then they found a long and rough storm 
 recompensed at their landing, with a rich lading of experi- 
 ence ; another kind of discovery of God, his way, and 
 the certainty of his word, than they formerly had attained : 
 so as now they can speak of him, and the good of the cross, 
 and adventuring any thing for Christ, with some greater 
 esteem, on another ground, than report, or an hearing 
 :hereof by the ear. 
 
 8. I shall add what hath been the frequent testimony of 
 those who ever endured tribulation for the gospel, that their 
 remembrance and after reckoning upon this account hath 
 
76 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 not been sad or bitter, when they sat down and compared 
 their gain with their loss, their supports and reliefs with 
 these days of trial, which have gone over their head : so 
 that they would not then exchange their experience, or 
 want what they have found by the cross ; no, not for many 
 more days of trouble and affliction. 
 
 SEVENTH instance, is that promise of the ivordivhich 
 integrity , in an evil time hath ; that it shall preserve their 
 steps, and be the best means to help those through, that 
 keep God's way, yea, even in this life shall not want some 
 witness of God's respect. Psal. xviii. 25, PsaL cxii. 4, 
 JRev. iii. 10. 
 
 Now to hold forth the accomplishment of this, I may 
 with confidence appeal to the observation of the saints in all 
 ages, who ever made it their serious study to keep their 
 garments clean in a time of trial, if their experience hath 
 not this testimony to give. 
 
 First, that though at present, honesty in evil times hath 
 brought them in hazard, and with Joseph to a prison, yet 
 it hath brought them out also, with observable advantage ; 
 yea, however the Lord did order their deliverance, they 
 have found this did land them well, and always bring them 
 to a comfortable harbour. 
 
 2. That honesty and faithfulness hath an authority even 
 on the conscience of their enemies, and leaveth usually a 
 conviction upon them : Yea, hath forced a testimony and 
 approbation from such men, and they have oft found bet- 
 ter entertainment, than those who in a sinful way have 
 sought to please them. 
 
 3. They have found this integrity always the choicest ex- 
 pedient and best policy in a dangerous time, which hath 
 observably met them, when they had most to do : A thing 
 whereof they have reaped the fruits in the day of their strait, 
 and times of judgment ; yea, though it hath occasioned some. 
 time their sufferings, yet it hath been also their safety and 
 protection from sadder sufferings . 
 
 4. That though integrity is oft under a dark cloud of re- 
 proach, yet it still getteth well out from under the same, 
 and hath shined usually more bright afterward : So as they 
 have had cause to observe, what unexpected means the 
 Lord hath made use of, for their clearing. 
 
 5. That while their enemies might have (were it not for 
 the preventing goodness of God) quarrelled upon some 
 other ground, they have been observably led to pursue, and 
 make them the butt of their malice, for their honesty, and 
 that wherein they have peace before God, and have been 
 kept from hitting on the right cause. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 77 
 
 6. They find how unspeakably sweet this is upon an af- 
 ter reckoning, and in the evening of their life, that then they 
 reap a comfortable harvest, of that they have sown with 
 much suffering and tears. O ! then it doth not repent 
 them, that integrity was their choice. 
 
 7. They have sometime found a hundred fold even in 
 this life ; and an observable gain in that, which they have 
 been willing to risk and hazard most. 
 
 3. They must also say, integrity was never their ruin ; 
 but an escape was oft brought about in a way they could 
 not have expected ; yea, the Lord's shutting all other 
 doors upon them hath been, that he might open one him- 
 self, like Ha gar's well springing up in the wilderness. 
 
 9. That in making their aim, when they had a "large 
 heart for God, they have not then wanted an opportunity 
 for evidencing the same ; their encouragement hath abound- 
 ed with their duty ; and they have got much in, in giving 
 much out for Christ ; that there was no such jeast in the 
 world., as they have sensibly found in the testimony of a 
 good conscience. 
 
 EIGHTH instance,'™ that promise, which is held forth to. 
 the christian in the word, of strength and assistance to go 
 about duties. Is. xl. 29, 30, 31. Ps. xviii, 6, 14. lxxxiv. 
 5. Ixviii. 28. m 
 
 To clear this, that it hath an unquestionable performance, 
 I attest the experience of the generation of the righteous. 
 Who ever knew what it was to serve the Lord in the spirit ; 
 and by many sensible confirmations, have not proved the 
 certainty of these things ? 
 
 First, that when they have gone about duty under much 
 dcadness and straitness of spirit, they have found a very 
 sensible enlargement, and got their bonds loosed : which 
 surely they could no more command, without the concur- 
 rence of divine help, and something above nature, than 
 those \\ho spread out the sail, can command a fair wind, 
 when it is cross. 
 
 2. That Gon's help and concurrence was never more 
 discernibly carrying them through, and making them 
 strong, than in the day, that (to their own sense) they were 
 most weak, when they have gone about duty under great- 
 est fears, and fainting in spirit. 
 
 3. That when they had most confidence in themselves, 
 and judged they were at greatest advantage in their going 
 about some duty, they have usually had the saddest retreat ; 
 and found that a sure truth, the race is not to the swift, nor 
 the battle to the strong. 
 
78 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 4. They know well what an influence divine concurrence 
 hath, not only upon their inward frame, but also upon the 
 exercise of their gifts, yea, upon the most common abilities 
 of judgment, and memory ; and that there is a most re- 
 markable difference, betwixt themselves at one time, and 
 another, according to the blowing of this wind. 
 
 5. They must also witness this as their experience, they 
 found duty never more easy to them, than when they have 
 had most to do, and were kept most thronged and pressed 
 therein ; yea, when much work was laid to their hand, 
 they then wanted not an enlarged allowance for the same. 
 
 6. That their spirits have been fitted for duty, and car- 
 tied through difficulties, where at some other time and in 
 another frame they would have fainted : and thereby have 
 seen, that none needs to start at any piece of duty, when 
 God calleth them to it ; for while difficulties have appear- 
 ed greatest at first, the less they have found them afterward, 
 yea, the hardest piece of service oft made most easy. 
 
 7. They find God doth raise the spirit of his followers, 
 with a suitable elevation for their work, and can fit them 
 for the service of that time, and other trials thereof, even 
 beyond their ordinary reach. 
 
 8. That there is an open door, and sensible assistance, 
 when there hath been work for the gospel in such a place ; 
 while on the other hand, they have found an inhibition sen- 
 fibly served on them, the door as it were shut, when the 
 tide was gowing back, and the work of the gospel at a stand 
 in such a part. # 
 
 9. That it is not greatest abilities, which make under- 
 takings successful ; it being in vain, to rise up early, without 
 the Lord. 
 
 10. It hath oft been their experience , that in following 
 the way of God, his candle did then shine upon their paths, 
 the Spirit of the Lord was with them, and sensibly poured 
 out : the withdrawing whereof hath been no less discerni- 
 ble, while they turned aside from him ; that they have then 
 been put to bear the burden alone, and found difficulty and 
 despondency of spirit at once growing upon their hand 
 
 11. I may add, what those who are serious in religion 
 have oft tried, that there is no such help andfurniture for 
 tfoing about duties, as a spiritual frame, and nearness with 
 God: for then light, and counsel, inward freedom, and 
 sweet composure of spirit, have brought most sensible ad- 
 vantage to them : in their greatest, yea, and in their most 
 common undertakings, this hath been very evident. 
 
 NINTH instance, is that great promise, we have, Rom. 
 viii. 28. That all things shall work together for good to them 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 79 
 
 who love God. And Psal. xxv. 10. All the paths of the Lord 
 are mercy and truth, to such as keep his covenant. I confess, 
 it is not easy sometimes to reconcile God's way and thispiece 
 of his word together : those who take only an ordinary pass- 
 ing view of providence, cannot well judge, how such things, 
 wherewith oft the godly in their life are exercised, should 
 contribute to their good and advantage ; while nothing 
 would seem more directly cross to the same. But the 
 christian and wise observer can give another account : they 
 know what a sure truth this is, that there is no real jar be- 
 twixt the promise and providence of God in this matter ; 
 and whatever be the present thoughts, patient waiting hath 
 had cause to say this. 
 
 1. When his way and their thoughts have most differed^ 
 in the accomplishment of his word and bringing about their 
 mercy, they have found it was to their advantage ; that his 
 choice was always better than theirs ; yea, they have been 
 oft made to confess, that their saddest disappointments 
 therein have tended to their further benefit. 
 
 2. That the Lord's denying them some outward thing, 
 which they have most desired, they have found (as after- 
 wards hath appeared) was to grant them more than their 
 desire ; he hath refused them as it were in an Ishmael, that 
 he might give them an Isaac. 
 
 3. They can oft say, they had been undone, if the y 
 had not been undone ; that it was their mercy, the 
 Lord took such a way to cast them in a fewr^tQ. pre- 
 vent a lethargy ; and by some sharp cross gave them a 
 wound in the flesh, to cure and let out some gross impos- 
 tumein their soul, which would have made their case 
 worse. 
 
 4.^ How greatest shakings have helped their further es- 
 tablishment; so as they were nevermore confirmed, than 
 in that about which they have been most perplexed. Yea, 
 they have also found this the Lord's way, to cure their frc- 
 wardness and misbelief by some further addition to their 
 cross : that when the}" would not believe, he hath caused 
 them to come in upon a greater disadvantage ; while as a 
 small affliction hath made them impatient, a more heavy and 
 pressing trouble hath been their cure, and helped them to 
 keep silence under God's hand. 
 
 5. That the growing of difficulties in their way, and 
 some further pressure in the trial, they have found was from 
 the Lord in order to its removal, and to the bringing forth 
 of some greater good : and that all visible grounds of con- 
 fidence have been oft broken, but with this advantage ia 
 She upshot, that their mercy, they had it more immcdialcif 
 
80 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 out of God's own hand ; yea, that the less moderation therfir 
 was whilst their trial hath come to an extremity, they have 
 found it then upon the turn, and their hope and encourage- 
 ment oft made to spring up therewith. 
 
 6. How the Lord's deferring their mercy, which they 
 had oft sought, hath been indeed their mercy and ad- 
 vantage, which did always meet them in the season ; yea, 
 they must say, his way is always nearest, and waiting 
 on God without making haste, doth truly make the quick- 
 est dispatch. 
 
 7. Their experience can also witness, how men's re- 
 proach, and venting their malice that way to ruin their rep- 
 utation, hath oft been the occasion, ordered by the Lord, to 
 bring forth their further clearing, and vindication even by 
 that very mean. 
 
 8. How by some sad cross he doth oh prevent a sadder , 
 which though strange at first, they have been forced upon 
 after discovery to confess ; the man, who riding in haste to 
 the seaport, to have passage over seas with a ship going then 
 off, fell and broke his leg by the way, which was the saving 
 of his life ; for the ship, and all its passengers, perished irt 
 that voyage ; yet this was a bitter astonishing providence to 
 him for the present. 
 
 9. How their loss, even by some sad slip and failing, in 
 their spiritual condition, hath really tended to their further 
 humbling and advantage ; yea, that which brought 
 them under some visible _ decay, as to the wonted lustre, 
 of their christian profession hath helped them to grow 
 more under ground, in the root and substantial of Christ- 
 ianity. 
 
 10. They can tell how those steps of the providence 
 of God, which seemed most cross to that design he was 
 carrying on, yea, looked like the very crushing of their hope, 
 have oft been the very mean which hath wrought most 
 effectually to bring about their mercy. 
 
 11. I shall add but this, as the christian's witness to the 
 truth of this promise ; that the sharpest repioofs have seem- 
 ed the wounds of a friend, and most pressing straits made 
 the mean for their further enlargement ; how the Lord 
 hath brought them into some dark and plunging trial, which 
 then looked like a fearful pit, that he might bring them 
 out with advantage, set their feet on a rock, and establish 
 their goings ; yea, that in the hottest furnace, they lost no- 
 thing but what they might well spare, even some of their 
 dross. 
 
 TENTH instance, is that general promise made to god- 
 liness and those who make it their serious study, that it shall 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 81 
 
 be great gain ; that verily it shall be well with the righteous, 
 for they shall eat the fruit of their labour, and in keeping of 
 
 the command there is a great reward, I. Tim. vL 6. L 
 
 Pet f iii. 12, 13. Psal. xix. 11. 
 
 This is indeed a great concerning truth; but a truth, 
 which, I am sure, none who did ever make earnest of relig- 
 ion, will call in question; Many convincing experiments 
 hath the christian had thereof through his life : such want 
 not some diary and record, wherein they can cast up the 
 advantage, they have reaped inclose following of God 
 and their duty ; yea, from most remarkable providences 
 they may oft say, This I had, because I kept thy precepts. 
 Now, that this promise hath a large witness, I shall 
 here touch some things, which I may with some con- 
 fidence say, both in the present and in former times 
 have been proved, and sealed by the saints in their ex- 
 perience. 
 
 1. That they never more effectually consulted their good 
 and advantage, than when they did with greatest singleness 
 consult their duty, and least with flesh and blood : they did 
 never more truly seek themsehes, than in the practice of 
 self denial; yea, in what they intended God most, and 
 least their own private interest, they have therein found a 
 very sensible advantage. 
 
 2. That a serious endeavour to walk before God accepta- 
 bly, they have found still the best policy, even in the worst 
 of times ; and have found his way then very sat- 
 isfying, while it was most their study how to please him : 
 yea, they have been obliged to confess, that when the 
 Lord's way was their choice, they have found it also their 
 reward. 
 
 3. They have found more real joy and peace in with* 
 standing temptations, than in any thing the temptation offer- 
 ed; and in laying their interest at God's feet, and their 
 will underneath his, more than in all their carnal enjoy- 
 ments. O the taste, and testimony of God's approbation I 
 how sweet a smile is his, in whose countenance heaven 
 lieth ! 
 
 4. Thatinwarci peace and tranquillity of mind, a sweet 
 calm and composure of spirit, doth as really attend a 
 spiritual frame and walk, as the shadow the body ; 
 and their best and most comfortable days, wherein they 
 have truly walked at liberty, have been when their 
 heart was most subject to the law, with a single respect tp 
 the same. 
 
 5. That religion and a spiritual walk is the best friend, 
 even as to a contented and comfortable life hero in the 
 
S2 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 world ; and that they have then most freedom to enjoy 
 themsekcs and their lot with satisfaction, when they most 
 cr\]oy God : yea, that nearness and communion with him 
 tendeth to the sublimating and refining of their natural spir- 
 it; and hath been an observable help to their very common 
 abilities and parts. 
 
 6. That there is truly a reality in the blessing, which 
 maketh a small thing signify much, and yield more than 
 greater abundance. 
 
 7. That when they give God their heart, it is then sweet 
 and matter of satisfaction, to observe his ways ; and the ob- 
 servation is very refreshing, how far the Lord condescends 
 to their deszresftyhen they sum them all up in himself, and 
 make him their delight. 
 
 8. That the pleasure of religion is in thepraaice thereof ; 
 and the way to have religion easy, is to be thoroughly re- 
 ligious. Duty is then sweet, when men do it from an in- 
 ward principle ; and holiness would be a more pleasant 
 work, yea, a reward to itself, if there were less mixture of 
 hypocrisy. 
 
 9. That real humility, and^ walking low in their 
 own eyes, and before God, did never lose to them 
 respect and credit from men ; but self abasement doth 
 observably go before lifting up, and true honour fol 
 loweth such, who least hunt after vain applause from the 
 world. 
 
 10. That when they were most faithful to observe and 
 improve a little, then for their encouragement more hath 
 been added ; and they never wanted matter and motive to 
 be thankful, when opportunities were improved and taken 
 hold of for that end : yea, they have found there is a mercy 
 within a mercy, and some peculiar mercy in every cross. 
 which is only found and brought forth by the exercised se- 
 rious improver of the same. 
 
 11. That much sincerity hath also much sense follow- 
 ing the same; secret honesty before God hath met them 
 openly before men, and faithfulness in christian freedom 
 purchased them more favour and respect, even from the 
 worst, than when they studied most to please them in a sin- 
 ful way. 
 
 12. That they never saw so clearly the gain and real ad- 
 vantage of godliness, and what a difference there is betwixt 
 those that serve God, and those that serve him not, as in a 
 time of trouble and strait ; how then tenderness in their for- 
 mer walk, and that which they entertained in the morning, 
 doth now meet them at night, and pay them home with ad^ 
 vantage in an hour of temptation. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 83 
 
 13. They have been forced to observe, that there is an 
 invisible guard about his people in their duty; that the 
 ministry cf the angels towards such is no delusion, and 
 have oft been made to wonder how hazard within an hair 
 breadth hath been prevented ; relief, and help come as be- 
 twixt the bridge and the water ; how they have been sensi- 
 bly preserved amidst greatest dangers, while (as it were) 
 an inhibition hath been served upon these, that they should 
 come near, but not hurt, and only met with them, that 
 they might read their preservation from them. 
 
 14. That an enlarged heart doth meet with an enlarged 
 allowance ; and bearing burden with others of the people 
 of God, hath helped to make their mm private burden the 
 lighter. 
 
 15. That real godliness and religion hath as much in 
 hand, as it may be a reward to itself; which beautineth 
 the soul j and maketh the face and conversation to shine 
 with an observable lustre; that guardeth and preserveth 
 the heart from many vexing crosses, prevc nteth sad strokes 
 and sorrows, that others are pierced with, who will fol- 
 low their idols, and the ways of sin, which are bitter in the 
 close. 
 
 In a word, this is surely found, that Go d is the best friend ; 
 and when there is peace with him, things without do not of- 
 fend : but they shall then understand what it is to be in 
 league with the beasts of the field and stones of the ground \ 
 having a sweet agreement with all the providences and dis- 
 pensations that come in their way. 
 
 V. That the scripture threatciiings, have also a certain 
 accomplishment, are found to be sad earnest, and do not" 
 fall to the ground, the christian can also seal from his expe- 
 rience. 
 
 We are not here to understand the threatening of vindic- 
 tive -wrath (from which believers are freed in Christ) but 
 of a fatherly displeasure, which because of sin may draw 
 deep, yea, bring forth very dreadful effects, to witniss that 
 it is an evil and bitter thing to depart from God, and that 
 their own doings shall chastise them ; and these threat- 
 eningsof the covenant, Jft&y children forsake my law, JhviJl 
 punish their transgression with rods,&c. {Psal. lxxxix. 
 30.) are sure truths, which want not in every time a per- 
 formance. 
 
 To clear this (ere I speak any thing particularly) I would 
 premise some things to be considered. 
 
 1. That the word is a perpetual rule, which in every 
 time must take place ; and though affliction is a piece 
 of the common misery of man, yet doth it not arise out 
 
84 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 of the dust, neither fall out at an adventure, but doth 
 oft visibly follow the tract of sin (as a sluthhound*) 
 pointing at such evils as the cause, by the stroke, and at the 
 truth and fulfilling of the threatenings, written upon 
 both. 
 
 2. We should adore his sovereignty, whose way both in 
 the measure and manner of his people's chastisement is so 
 •various, as that none can infallibly conclude, what he is to 
 do in such a case ; I mean, we are not to limit the Lord to 
 such a way and method in his working : yet, this we may 
 assert and firmly conclude, that not only the threatenings of 
 the word have a performance, but men may also have 
 even beforehand some more than probable conjecture, yea, 
 a clear discovery, what such a case doth threaten, and what 
 will be the issue of a sinful course, by considering the 
 Lord's ordinary procedure, both with themselves and 
 others ; how sin hath very sad effects, and his way in all 
 ages is still uniform, agreeing with itself, and with the word. 
 
 3. Though a gracious state doth surely privilege from 
 wrath and condemnation, yet not from affliction, and sad 
 strokes of divine anger because of sin ; for he taketh ven- 
 geance on men's inventions, even when he will spare the 
 inventors. 
 
 4. The Lord doth oft contend with his people for their 
 folly and miscarriages, more severely than with others ; and 
 will not overlook in them, that which he passeth by in the 
 world, without being a reprover ; but when light and love 
 and the law will not hedge up their way, he will set briars 
 and thorns before them, yea, speak by chastisement upon 
 their bones, to withdraw men from their purpose. 
 
 5. It is known, how very deep the holy anger of God 
 may draw against his children, even sometimes to pursue 
 them out of the land of the living, and follow them to the 
 grave, with some remarkable stroke; yea, it hath made 
 them dreadful examples of judgment in this life, for whom 
 he hath accepted an eternal sacrifice in Christ. 
 
 6. I shall add, this is the Lord's blessed end in making 
 out his threatenings against his people, that they should not 
 perish with the world. O ! what a blessed exchange is it, 
 that the flaming sword, which once stood to guard the tree 
 of life, doth now stand as it were in the way of the saints, 
 to keep them from running into the pat/is of death. 
 
 Having premised these things, I shall now instance some 
 particular evils, wherewith the godly are ready to be over- 
 taken, which the word doth expressly threaten, and hold 
 
 * A dog-'so called in Scotland, that hath an exquisite sense of smelling. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 85 
 
 forth the hazard of, both as to outward and spiritual strokes, 
 and give in here the christians' witness from their experi- 
 ence, in all ages, of the truth of these threatenings. 
 
 FIRST. Security and carnal confidence, which we 
 find the word doth threaten, is one evil wherewith 
 christians are ready to be overtaken ; but they do 
 also know by sad experience, what bitter fruit this brings 
 forth, and that therein the word falleth not to the ground, 
 which is held forth in Hos. ii. 1, 9. vii. 9. Isa. 
 xxx. 16, 17. 
 
 First, that a secure condition is the usual forerunner of 
 some sad change ; that when they are most at ease in a dull 
 and dead temper of spirit, some sharp rousing dispensation 
 is upon the back of it ; either a gross sin, or a searching 
 cross, as a thorn in the bed of their security, to drive them 
 to their feet. 
 
 2. That seldom reckoning with conscience, the running on 
 of accounts for some time upon their hand, doth ravel their 
 case, unto a sad confusion, and maketh it a bitter and heart- 
 less work to retire alone, or within themselves ; yea, hath 
 a most direct tendency to a further hardening, and real de- 
 serting of their duty. 
 
 3. That when security and deadness groweth within, 
 it quickly maketh them dry up and wither without, in 
 the external performance of duty, and in that vigorous 
 lively appearance, which did formerly brighten their 
 walk and carriage before others, so as very bystanders 
 may read the languishing of grace, in the dead exercise of 
 their gifts. 
 
 4. Tliat going about duty with most confidence in them- 
 selves doth usually give them the most clear discovery of their 
 weakness; yea, when they have least looked for any cross, 
 they have then been sure to meet with it, with that sad ad- 
 dition, of being a surprisal'm a secure condition : whereas, 
 on the other hand, they may tell what refreshing disappoint- 
 ments they have got, where some trials have been most fear- 
 ed and looked for. 
 
 5 . That secure sporting with a temptation may soon turn 
 to sad earnest; they have found it very hard to dance about 
 the fire, and not be burnt : and the temptation, which at a 
 distance seemed small, upon a nearer approach they have 
 found had more bands on their heart, and was another thing 
 than they could have believed. 
 
 6. That the means, whereon they have laid most weight, 
 they have also found to have given them the saddest disap- 
 pointment : the putting of them in God's room, and out of 
 their own place, hath been the way to cause them to miscar- 
 
8$. 7 he Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 ry ; yea, to turn their cross. Whereas they have oft seen 
 something unexpected, made the mean of their help, that 
 they might know means are ordered of the Lord, and are 
 useful, because he maketh them so. 
 
 7. Their experience can also witness, that carnal confi- 
 dence despising the trial at a distance, is usually punished 
 with carnal diffidence and despondency of spirit under 
 the same ; one extremity made the punishment of the 
 other, like the hot and cold -fits' of an ague, which do mu- 
 tually make one and the other more intense : yea, that 
 their immoderate confidence and expectation of a thing, 
 hath after resolved in as immoderate discouragement at their 
 stroke. 
 
 SECOND. The christian's wrco at ch fulness and inter « 
 mitting in the exercise of that so necessary and commanded 
 duty, we find the word threatened!, and hokieth forth the 
 hazard thereof, lest ye enter into temptation, the verifying 
 whereof their experience can also witness. Luk. xxi. 34. 
 36. Matth. xxvi. 41. 
 
 1. That it is not easy to guide their walk and conversa- 
 tion, when their guard over the heart doth slacken ; but the 
 giving loose reins for a little may make such a sad and large 
 breach, that many, many days will not easily make up ; 
 yea, they do also know, how a sensible withdrawing of the 
 spirit, and drying up their life and liberty, is the usual fruit, 
 which unw at ch fulness brings forth. 
 
 2. That this helpeth to make their sunshines transient, 
 and causeth a low ebb after the greatest enlargement, whilst 
 thty do not guard against their peculiar evils; and that 
 usually there doth haunt such a condition the swelling of the 
 flesh (when the spirit is most enlarged) which will soon put 
 them as far behind, as they formerly thought themselves at 
 an advantage. 
 
 3. That when once the heart lieth aptrt, it is quickly 
 seized on and made a prey ; with what a bitter sting doth 
 it return, after it hath taken liberty to wander ! yea, doth 
 iinel there is a swift progress, that sin hath from the thoughts 
 to the rolling of it to the imagination, and thence to the 
 affection, wherewith it is more easy to engage, than to 
 shake this off. 
 
 4. That univatchfulness hath oft turned the most special 
 times and opportunities for advantage, to the greatest loss ; 
 which, through their neglect of these, hath put them rur- 
 ther behind, than they were : it hath turned their retirement 
 and solitude, to be their snare ; made the desert worse and 
 more dangerous, than the city ; and made them find, that 
 vain thoughts, the following whereof seemeth pleasant to the 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 87 
 
 mouth, will prove gall and wormwood in the belly ; there- 
 being no sadder company, than a man's spirit let loose up- 
 on itself, whilst they cannot stop that current whereto they 
 had given a vent. 
 
 5. Their experience of this can witness that nnwatchfuL 
 ness hath an undoubted tendency to cast off prayer. How 
 hard is it, in the evening to retire to God, whilst the heart 
 is abroad a\\ the day ? To be religious in worship, when 
 men are not so in their walk ; yea, they do find, that this 
 will bring their distemper within, out of doors ; to some 
 disorder, impertinency or passion in their words, or out- 
 ward communication : a thing, which experience may tell, 
 doth wound the soul, make a sad breach in their peace, and 
 doth quickly overcloud the spirit, and unfit them for com- 
 munion with God, and going about of spiritual duties. 
 
 THIRD. To restrain prayer, and neglect calling mi 
 God, is- an evil also which the word doth threaten, and hold 
 forth the same hazard thereof, as of unwatchfulness, lest 
 ye enter into temptation ; yea, that this is even a step to the 
 casting off of fear, the christian's experience, from fre- 
 quent trial can witness, that this scripture threatening is 
 true, Mat. xxvi. 41. Job xv. 4. 
 
 1. /That they have found this the rise, which giveth life 
 and increase to their prevailing evils ; and that corruption 
 then is upon a sensible growth, as the lively exercise oi 
 prayer begins to be intermitted. 
 
 2. That this weareth out their spiritual life, and bring- 
 etha consumption upon the vital spirits of Christianity ; 
 so that those who sometime flourished, and kept green, 
 (as by the scent of water J that correspondence, which they 
 had with the fountain of their life, while his dew did lie all 
 night on their branches, hath through neglect of prayer 
 been brought to a poor shadow ; so although sometimes 
 the greatness of their loss and distemper hath been hid 
 from themselves, yet might be easily discerned by look- 
 ers on. 
 
 3. That wearing out of prayer and of delight therein, 
 will quickly make them disrelish any other piece of relig- 
 ion ; put them out of frame to meditate, or to give thanks, 
 or entertain fellowship with the saints ; yea., the more 
 lively and spiritual these are, it maketh them .'the more a 
 burden and torment to them. 
 
 4. That wearing out of this is a strong temptation to a 
 further jorbearcmce, and will sensibly wear them out of 
 
 any sense of their need hereof, and make them strangers 
 to themselves and to their own ease : so that they shall 
 find, the less they are in this exercise, the further they shall 
 
8 8 The Fulfilling of the Scrip tw c 
 
 be indisposed ; and the fewer errands they have, the less 
 felt necessity of the same. 
 
 5. Their experience can also witness, that little prayer 
 maketh a heavy burden ; doth multiply their straits ; and 
 cause their care to grow, as this is abated ; they must then 
 bear their burden alone, and with heaviness take counsel 
 within themselves, while they ply not this best tried 
 remedy, to make their requests in all things known to 
 God. 
 
 FOURTH. We find the word doth threaten defection 
 from the^ truths and turning from the way of God in a 
 time of trial, as an evil, into which those that are kept by 
 grace from final apostacy, may yet through the violence of 
 a temptation fall. Jcrem. ix. 13, 15. Psalm lxxxix. 30, 
 32. Jos. viii. 11. and their sad experience can witness 
 the truth of the scripture threatenings concerning this also, 
 while they have found, 
 
 1. That in one day they may adventure on that, which 
 through most of their life they have not got over, but it 
 hath made them go with their back bowed down to the 
 grave : that their giving the Lord's work a wrong touchi 
 is one of those things which doth scarcely leave them all 
 their time ; but, beyond other sins, they have found this 
 still come up with a bitter and heavy reflection ; yea, in 
 the evening of their life they have found this so sore on 
 their spirit, that it could not lie hid or silent, but they were 
 forced to witness their sense of it before the world, ere they 
 could obtain any ease. 
 
 2. That this the Lord doth usually meet, with some 
 sharp and public reproof \ even before men ; that though 
 he pardon his people, yea, give some sensible intimation 
 thereof to their souls, yet he hath not passed them, as to 
 some visible mark of his displeasure, because of such a 
 thing. 
 
 3. They see, that a crooked and uncleanly way proves 
 not the mean of extricating them out of trouble ; bui 
 their straits have been made to grow therewith ; yea, 
 they have found, that which they eschewed in God's way, 
 hatn more sadly accosted them in another rod ; and that 
 there is a thick dreg in the bottom of the cup, which mak- 
 eth it worse to drink thereof at the close, than at the be- 
 ginning. 
 
 4. That it is not easy to make a stand in turning aside 
 from the way of God, when once they are engaged; a 
 retrograde motion is very violent, and yielding in a little 
 will bring with it some necessity of going further, as a ju- 
 dicial stroke. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 89 
 
 5. That foregoing of some clear opportunity, to give a 
 testimony for the truth, when called thereto, hath turned 
 to be their judgment, that they should not have further 
 access, or be made useful that way ; a thing truly obvious 
 to such as are wise to observe the judgments of God in 
 their time ; yea, likewise that public backsliding doth oft 
 visibly wear men out of personal tenderness. 
 
 FIFTH. Unsubduedness of spirit, and vj ant of morti- 
 fication to outward things, the word doth clearly threaten* 
 and hold out its hazard ; the accomplishment whereof 
 christians' experience can witness. Rom. viii. 6, 7. 
 
 1. That God hath oft turned their idol to be their cross ; 
 put a mark of his jealousy on their dearest things, when 
 once they put them in his room ; yea, frequent observation 
 of the Lord's way, both with themselves and others, doth 
 shew, if they would be quit of a thing, they may set their 
 heart immoderately on it ; such eagerness and exorbitancy 
 of affection being a sure presage, it shall either be their 
 judgment, or sorrow, or cease to be. 
 
 2. That outward things did never yield less, than whilst 
 they pressed them most : that when they are eager in pur- 
 suit of the world, and satisfaction there, their spirits are 
 sensibly hurried with many perturbations ; so that they 
 must say, that which keepeth them from enjoying of God, 
 doth also hinder the comfortable enjoying of themselves. 
 
 3. They have found, that slow advance in the work of 
 mortification, hath at last doubled their smart ; and been 
 the procuring cause of some very sharp cure, when the 
 disease did come to that height, that a small and ordinary 
 potion could not do the turn. 
 
 ^ 4. That immoderate desire and pressing after an outward 
 tiling, they have sometime got answered, but therewith a 
 sharp reproof t from the Lord ; yea, usually have found 
 small satisfaction in their enjoying that, about which they 
 were so unsober in their pursuit. G'ne me children, or 
 else I die, said Rachel; she obtained children, and she died 
 in bringing one of them forth. 
 
 5. Their experience can also witness, how overcaring 
 anxiety hath oft caused things to thrive worse under their 
 hand ; whilst they found never a more satisfying issue in 
 a particular, than by a quiet submissive dependence on the 
 Lord for the same. 
 
 SIXTH. The doing violence to light, and slurring 
 against conscience, as it is clearly threatened in the word, 
 so likewise the sad effects thereof have been clearly wit- 
 nessed, in all ages. Prov. xxix, 1. Psal. lxxxi. 11, 12. 
 
 M 
 
00 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 1. What a direct tendency thishdih to the further dark- 
 ening of their light, ( and to a judicial hardening ; and that 
 reproofs not entertained, do usually become less frequent, 
 yea, less pungent and searching ; their heart then doth not 
 so easily smite them, and put tears in their eye, as some- 
 times a word, or secret rebuke of the conscience, would 
 have done ; so as they can now digest greater things, who 
 would sometimes have stood at that which comparatively 
 was very small. 
 
 2. That when they would not read their bosom distent- 
 per, which both by the word and conscience was pointed 
 out, others have got leave to read the same written on their 
 forehead; and the shifting off of discovered guilt, and of 
 all serious endeavour to get the quarrel taken up in sscre$ y 
 betwixt God and them, hath brought the matter at last to 
 some public hearing, even before the generation. 
 
 3. That their darkening of their light upon some private 
 interest, while they would again and again inquire if such 
 a thing be warrantable, concerning which the Lord had 
 once cleared their mind, is a most perilous thing; yea, 
 hath got an answer according to the idol of their heart, and 
 their choice made to be their judgment. 
 
 I shall but add, what bitter and sad experience can tell, 
 how dreadful it is, to give the conscience a blow, which is 
 more easily hurt than healed ; that deliberate, adventuring 
 on the occasion of a temptation, when they would go ta 
 ihe high priest's hall, without warrant or a call, hath cost 
 them dear ; and they have found that bold' sinning doth 
 afterward mnfce faint believing. 
 
 I know, it is by serious and experienced christians, and 
 by these only, that this argument in the meaning thereof 
 can be readied ; and it is sure, such will not debate the 
 same, who know the truth, and have it dwelling m the my 
 and on another ground than report, are established in its 
 certainty. For these can witness, what sweet comforting 
 hour's they have had with Jesus Christ, in a sad uncom- 
 fortable time ; that he hath both spoken, and himself also 
 hath done it ; and such must therefore seal his word and 
 the truth thereof, because he hath sealed it on their heart ; 
 yea, doth so surely know, it is God who worketh all their 
 works in them, that with their last words and dying breath 
 they have confidence to assert this, and commend mat 
 excellent study of godliness to others. 
 
 I know, that with a great many of the world this grave 
 convincing argument of experience hath no weight; for 
 strangers intermeddle not with that joy, and therefore fan- 
 cy it a pure fiction, as the only "expedient; and preservative 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 9 i 
 
 to their heart from the horror and inexpressible torment, 
 which must seize on them, if the certainty and necessity 
 of godliness were granted; these scoff at this excellent 
 thing, as some vain conceit or distemper, because they 
 would have it so. But with Buch I must here crave a se- 
 rious and free communing ; yea, in so great and interest- 
 ing a business must obtest, that they would not shut their 
 oyes, but allow reason that weight, they would do in any 
 other case. O what do you allege, on what ground do you 
 reject this great witness of experience ? ]f you deny it, 
 because you have not/bund it, do not others assert this, 
 because they surely know it ? And their assertion hath 
 these two advantages ; (1.) that they once had the same 
 sentiment and opinion with you, which now they reflect 
 on with much horror. (2.) The reality of its effects on 
 them proves both the reality of the cause, and the excel- 
 lency thereof. And now if these be indeed serious, and 
 their testimony true, whom yoiUhus challenge, are you 
 not in a sad and dreadful case ; since you cannot think to 
 lodge together at night, or that your interest and theirs 
 will meet in another world, which hath been so very op- 
 posite here by the way ! You must surely part with these 
 at death, and land at some other port, to whom all your 
 life ycu have walked so cross I O sit but with yourselves 
 alone, and consider this ; you hate serious religion, and 
 therefore you reproach it ; will you take such a revenge on 
 yourselves, and out of prejudice to it, run on so great and 
 eternal a ruin ? But know assuredly, it is not what you 
 judged, and if once you pass (in this delusion) that great 
 and last step betwixt time and eternity, you are undone, 
 oh undone for ever ! And sure, if you admit the authority 
 cf the scripture, you cannot debate the christian's experi- 
 ence ; while there you have so great a cloud of witnesses, 
 who bear that same testimony ; but it is on yourself you 
 must reflect (not on the truth) that you know so little in 
 riiis way. 
 
 ^ Now, to leave some conviction on the atheists of this 
 time, and those who take liberty to scoff* at serious relig- 
 ion, I would here offer some rational grounds ; which even 
 to the world and bystanders may convincingly' demon- 
 strate, if they would but consider the same in earnest, that 
 this testimony the saints do in all ages bear, from their ex- 
 perience, to the truth, can be no cunning device or false- 
 hood, but is most certain and sure. For, 
 
 1. That must be a sure testimony, and is no cheat, if you 
 judge that those who declare the same, have the sense of a 
 Deity \ and have any truths or moral candour. For it is a 
 
92 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 clear dilemma ; either such, whose witness this is, are im- 
 postors of the highest degree, yea, in atheism and gross 
 deceit must exceed all the world beside : or, it is true and 
 valid, what they witness. Now, for the first, I shall crave 
 no more in their behalf, but an appeal to your conscience 
 and sober thoughts, if you could judge thus of them. 
 
 2. This testimony must be sure, if you but allow those 
 the use of judgment and reason, who bear it, and do not 
 judge them wholly dementated ; for it were a strange and 
 unheard of madness, that men should pursue a shadow 
 with so great seriousness, and on this interest venture so 
 far, if religion and the power thereof were not a reality. 
 Sure, one of these two must hold ; if christians do not 
 experience themselves what they hold out to others, that 
 they are either in the highest measure profligate and wick- 
 ed, even beyond the ordinary rate and depravation of hu- 
 man nature ; or they must be under a strange madness and 
 delirium- They must either design to cheat the world, or 
 themselves, but though their adversaries could wish to 
 have it so, I think their malice will not make them so 
 mad, as to own that challenge ; and since these cannot be 
 alleged, I profess were I the greatest atheist, who did not 
 own the scripture, I could not seriously consider the way 
 and walk of such who are tender christians, without aston- 
 ishment ; or conceive how in such a world and so many 
 visible disadvantages they should be thus engaged, on any 
 otjier consideration, than the truth and reality of Christ- 
 ianity. 
 
 3. Do yen not see, this is their testimony, who are 
 willing to be tried therein, and render a reason of that hope 
 which is in them ? yea, do in this offer themselves to trial, 
 and with greatest seriousness obtest the world, not to 
 credit implicitly their witness, and Jake it on trust, but 
 themselves put it to the most exact inquiry and search ! 
 And truly, if there be an appeal and reference to men's 
 sense and feeling, which can admit no debate, I know not 
 what ground they have to question this witness, until they 
 first put it to an essay , that from their own experience they 
 could contradict the same. 
 
 4. Should you not admit this for a sure testimony if you 
 grant any moral certainty of a thing, that there is some 
 case wherein a human testimony can allow no debate, 
 which in this present case must be undeniable ; for you 
 know by two witnesses a matter is judicially established: 
 but is it not more confirming when they are of known 
 judgment and integrity ! yea, out of diverse and remote 
 places of the earth, and otherwise strangers amongst them- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 93 
 
 selves, but yet more, not only when dying they own and 
 assert this, but are willing to die upon a testimony thereto, 
 and seal it with their blood, and this also through all ages 
 renewed ? O what can be more convincing as to moral 
 certainty ! Now I do attest the world, if this argument of 
 christian experience have not as full and unanswerable 
 proofs of its certainty. 
 
 5. This witness can be no counterfeit, and you must 
 judge they are worthy of credit, to verify the scripture 
 from experience, on whose practice you see it so convinc- 
 ingly transcribed. Should not the declaration of such 
 about the truth of the promise, have much weight, whilst 
 you see what a serious respect these have to the rule ; to 
 have their walk ordered in that way, where the scripture 
 warrants them to expect the fulfilling of the promise / And 
 are not these seen to be the most tender serious christians, 
 whose way useth to have the greatest authority over your 
 conscience, who do most own this witness, and hath the 
 largest account to give thereof ? 
 
 6. Is not this their testimony also, whom on your ex- 
 actest and most narrow notice, you may see study religion 
 in the secret and retired duties thereof ? where some other 
 interest, than the observation of men, must be an incite- 
 ment. Yea, may you not observe there are such, who do 
 seriously own the practice of these duties, when the view of 
 those about them might be a greater hindrance and ground 
 of fear, than any persuading motive ? And whilst you chal- 
 lenge the light profession of many within the church, do 
 but also ask your conscience, if there be not others, whose 
 way you must justify, even in spite of your hatred and 
 prejudice against them, that it hath a convincing savour of 
 humility ? yea, their growth under ground, and being se- 
 rious and real in what they profess, may be clearly dis- 
 cerned from a naked and empty shew. 
 
 7. Cart those intend, by such a testimony, to deceive 
 others, who have oft been in so great fear and disquiet, 
 that they be not themselves deceived ? O how convincing 
 may this be to the world, to consider what perplexing 
 queries and doubts christians have sometime about their 
 own inward case ; yea, after such sharp wrestlings, a most 
 sweet calm and composure of spirit may be discerned. It 
 is strange this puts not atheists to a more serious inquiry, 
 what such changes can mean, which will make men differ 
 so far from themselves, whilst no outward cause can be 
 discerned. It is true some matters lie much under ground ; 
 the heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger doth not in- 
 termeddle with its joy ; yea, the deepest plunge and exercise 
 
S4 7 he fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 may make little noise without ; yet this is sure, there is 
 so much under these vicissitudes, that is obvious, even to 
 the view of lookers on, as may leave some conviction, that 
 their enjoyments must be true and real, when the want 
 thereof is so sensibly felt; and the world is not so stupidly 
 inadvertent, not to observe this, if they did not shut their 
 eyes for fear of such a discovery. 
 
 8. Should not their testimony be very convincing, 
 whose complaints and challenges you may find more at 
 home upon themselves, than against others ; who are oft 
 bemoaning over those evils, which the eyes olman could 
 not reach? may not the world see how some are pressed 
 with anguish ofsoiu\ to the wasting of their oody, when no 
 cause from without is known, and otherwise rational and 
 most composed ? Yea, may it not sometimes be discerned, 
 there is more smothered within, which gets no vent, than 
 appears without? for grief in earnest wants not some 
 peculiar marks, by which it may be witnessed to others. 
 I think, this should put the world to such a reflection, there 
 must be some grief and joy and a cause for it, which goes 
 above the world or the things thereof. 
 
 V. This is their testimony, whose confidence and com- 
 posure of spirit, in the greatest exigences, may witness to 
 others that persuasion they have of the truth within their 
 own souls. You see aiso at what labour and work these 
 arc in the duties of religion ; yea, when they are most se- 
 rious, how native and unconstrained their motions are. ^ 
 Odoth not this shew, the grace of God and a new nature 
 is another thing than words ; and that they must surely 
 find satisfaction in these duties, which makes that a special 
 delight and pleasure to them, which you would reckon an 
 intolerable and sore toil. 
 
 10. Do you not see how these agr.ee every where and at 
 every time in this testimony, that the scripture is verified 
 by experience, and the^ breathings and influences of God 
 on the soul meet them in the way oiduty according to the 
 promise, even whilst they most remarkably differ amongst 
 themselves in their natural temper and disposition? And 
 is it not known whatever particular and lesser differences, 
 through the prevalence of corruption, are too frequent 
 amongst these, yet no challenge, no reflection on the truth 
 in reality of godliness in itself, will be found when their 
 challenges are most bitter one upon another ? I must fur- 
 ther attest your conscience, whilst you have heard the sad 
 moans of dying christians about the interest of their soul 
 and short coming in the study of godliness, have not these 
 complaints been still to commend religion, and the excel- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. . §5 
 
 lency thereof, and reflect only upon themselves ? but none 
 ever was heard to have such a complaint, that they did cheat 
 the world in that matter, by obtruding upon them a false- 
 hood. 
 
 11. May you not see this testimony which christians 
 give to the way of godliness, that it is from those who act 
 deliberately in that great interest, and have a rational ac- 
 count to give of the grounds on which they walk ? Do you 
 not find they are men, as well as christians ; and that none 
 are more friends to reason and the right exercise thereof, 
 than such who are most serious in the study of religion ? 
 It is sure, could the world have their sight, and with Moses 
 such a look of an invisible God, it would be easy for them to 
 be of their judgment also. 
 
 12. That you are so ready to challenge the christian's 
 testimony, may you not find the true cause within yourself; 
 not from your judgment, but a rooted prejudice and enmity 
 at the way of the Lord, whereof you can give no reason ? 
 Yea, have you not oft reproached christians at a distance 
 whom upon a near particular acquaintance you have from 
 some irresistible conviction left upon you, been forced to 
 justify ? For godliness hath this singular advantage, to si- 
 lence all its adversaries, that none will challenge or reproach 
 the same, but those who never knew it : and should such 
 a witness be admitted ? O strange, with what liberty men 
 can deride this, who yet dare not go alone to have som-e 
 serious thoughts about it ! 
 
 13. I know you will not deny there is such a thing as 
 hypocrisy and a false shew of godliness ; yet sure you have 
 no ground of challenge, or to question the truth and power 
 of this, which is so convincingly witnessed to, even by hy- 
 pocrisy ; for there should be no use for such a cover, no 
 cause for that imposture, if there were not also a truth and 
 reality therein you cannot conceive a counterfeit, but as it 
 stands related t:o that which is true. If there were not such 
 a thing as serious godliness, the world could never have 
 known how to personate it. Could there be a lie, if there 
 were not a truth ? You see also it is the most serious dis- 
 cerning christians, that such usually do fear and have an 
 awful regard of ; for which there were no ground, if they 
 were riot conscious of the truth of that in others, whereof 
 they only study the abearance : yea, here I must also ap- 
 peal to the world and ordinary observers, if there be not even 
 to them, some discernible difference betwixt the power- of 
 religion, and an empty shew, though this make greater 
 noise ; betwixt those who are serious and tender in follow- 
 ing the Lord, and others who glory in appearance, $Ht ivn 
 
96 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 in heart ; for the one by a convincing manifestation of 
 the truth does commend itself to men's conscience, hath a 
 living air and breath, which by no art or cunning can be 
 drawn to the life, no more than an exquisite painter with 
 the choicest colours, in dra vying a dead man, can therewith 
 draw the vital acts of breathing and moving. 
 
 14. May you not see, holiness must be some excellent 
 thing, which hath such credit, even with its real adversa- 
 ries and the worst of men, as to make them grasp at the 
 appearance and shadow of that, which others know, they 
 hate the power and practice thereof ! And here I would ask 
 the world, is it not to the scripture and truth thereof, the 
 experience of the saints bears witness, that they dp indeed 
 feel and prove within their soul, what you see written be- 
 fore you, in this blessed record ? But is it not also sure, 
 that nothing is more directly cross and opposite to the scrip- 
 ture, than a- false appearance, and shew of that which is 
 not real ? 
 
 15. Can you debate whether there are such christians in 
 the world, yea, many such, whose experience does witness 
 the truth of religion, of whom it must be said (even their 
 enemies being judges J their being serious in that way and 
 choice thereof, must be for itself, and hath no outward de- 
 sign or interest, to which it can be subservient, whilst in 
 this oft they run the greatest hazard, and are rendered a 
 prey to others ? O must it not be a marvellous thing, which 
 hath that dominion over the souls, to teach men the prac- 
 tice ol self denial ; not only to quit, but to cheerfully quit 
 their nearest interest to smile on the spoilers, to rejoice in 
 their sufferings and reproaches, to forgive wrongs, and take 
 revenge by good will ! this is indeed above nature, and is 
 peculiar to Christianity, which can also turn poison to an 
 antidote and cure, and gain by its greatest losses. 
 
 16. You may see what different sizes are amongst the 
 saints, how great a difference also betwixt the experiences 
 of one and another : some made to witness much bitter- 
 ness in departing from God, and others that singular ad- 
 vantage in drawing near to him ; yea, how near sometimes 
 will great extremes in their condition border with other ! 
 At a strait to express their joy, who not long before would 
 have thought a vent to their grief a special ease : O must 
 not this be a matter of reality ! and when you see how 
 much these amongst themselves do thus differ, that yet all 
 these differences meet together and concur in a most clear 
 testimony to the scripture, and truth of godliness ; yea, 
 how this wonderful contrivance of the scripture is suited to 
 answer all this variety of changes in the christian's case, 
 and passcth none over !. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 97 
 
 But oh, what can be said here, where weeping should 
 be more fit than words, to see what contempt the greatest 
 part of men put on serious religion, which doth truly raise 
 diem above the condition of the beasts ! Is not the atheism 
 of the time at that height that we must say, the assault of 
 the adversary is not so much at one single truth, as at the 
 root and being of all religion ? And truly we may fear some 
 sharp and extraordinary cure, to recover this generation, of 
 a disease, that would seem in an ordinary way incurable. 
 I shall but further offer these few queries, and plead so far 
 with the adversary, that they would, ere they pass them, 
 have but some serious thoughts thereon. 
 
 (1.) If there be a God, or truth in any religion, is it not 
 with this blessed record of the scripture you must close, 
 as the alone rule thereof? yea, if your judgment and con- 
 science be not both extinct, must you not consent to the 
 law and doctrine therein held forth, that it is good, what- 
 ever be your aversion therefrom ? (2.) Is not an immortal 
 soul and a being for ever, such a venture as is of mere value, 
 and should be to you, than the whole world ? (3.) O how 
 can you be thus undetermined about so great an interest ? 
 you seem to be hesitant and unsure, if there be another 
 world, a heaven or a hell : but oh, are you sure these are 
 not ? and how then can you be secured from such a fear, 
 which of all fears is the greatest ? (4.) What a horrid and 
 uncomfortable thing is it to be an atheist, which gives men 
 no hope beyond this present life ? Yea, what a world would 
 this be to dwell in, if there were no true godlhiess in it, since 
 without this, no comfortable human society, no kindly 
 and right subjection to the magistrate, can be expected 
 from those, who have no tie from above, and know not 
 what it is to pay homage to a sovereign being. (5.) Is not 
 the native tendency of atheism to all ungodliness in men's 
 practice ? yea, how far doth it debase human nature, and 
 level it even with the beasts ? (6.) Whilst you scoff at se- 
 rious religion, I dare appeal to yourselves, if in your retire- 
 ments when you have any sober reflections, you are not 
 forced to have other thoughts ! and why is it, you so much 
 fear to go alone, and be in any measure serious with your 
 soul ? Oh what a desperate security is that ! 
 
 I shall only add, is it not rare to find a professed atheist, 
 at death, when once the approach of another world does 
 awake the sense of a Deity ? But then it is easy to see men, 
 who have sported at godliness in their life, weep over that 
 wretched mirth, when it comes to death, and call for such 
 ministers, whom once they hated : and oh, what a dread- 
 ful cure will hell be of atheism ! for there they know the 
 
 a ■ 
 
98 The Fulfilling of the Scrip tufc. 
 
 truth in earnest, though it be their terror ; it is also sure? 
 the devil is no atheist, who believes there is a God and 
 trembles. 
 
 I must yet a little further crave liberty, ere I pass this 
 argument, to speak a word even to those who know and 
 have experienced the same. O how great should this be 
 in our eyes, and with what astonishment may we consider 
 it, which by so full, so satisfying a demonstration doth wit- 
 ness, not to the eye or ear, but to the soul, the certainty of 
 divine truth, and the power and reality of godliness ! Should 
 we not think, if there were but one in an age, or that every 
 particular christian were but once at some solemn time of 
 his life, tktk confirmed, that he could say, then did he taste 
 and see the word, and found it surely verified on his soul, 
 as sure as he knoweth that he lives, at what a rate would he 
 nalue and preserve so singular a seat and confirmation of the 
 truth, yea, keep up the remembrance of such a special time 
 whilst he iived ? But oh, must it be said, that this grave 
 witness, this clear demonstration of the scripture and of the 
 certainty of the words of truth, which we have by experi- 
 ence, doth lose its weight, and the inestimable value there- 
 of is to be less regarded, that it is the christian's daily 
 bread ? O what a reach hath this argument ; what great 
 things are there held forth ? I think a serious view of the 
 same, if it were brought near to us, might put us to quest- 
 ion, whether we believe the same, or not ? are we in a 
 dream, or awake and see them with our eyes, which this 
 doth so convincingly demonstrate ? whilst we can so easily 
 pass them, with so little weight thereof on our spirit. Now 
 to hold that forth, let us but bring near this argument, and 
 gravely consider the same with respect to some of those 
 great truths, which, by this unanswerable demonstration 
 of experience, are witnessed : I must say, such truths that 
 we may wonder how men can so easily admit their being 
 true, and in so ordinary a way look thereon without won- 
 dering and astonishment. 
 
 1. Doth not this argument of experience, by a very clear 
 demonstration, witness that great truth of a godhead, where- 
 on the whole superstructure of truth and godliness doth 
 stand ? yea, in another manner does enforce on men the 
 persuasion of this by a more near and convincing discovery, 
 than the greatest works of God, or these glorious appear- 
 ances of his power and wisdom in the heavens, and earth 
 do ! It is true, these bring him near to our eye and ear ; 
 but O this brings the blessed and invisible God nearer, 
 into the heart and soul, that we may both taste and see, 
 that surely He is, and is that which in the scripture he is 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 99 
 
 declared to be. It is not the contemplation of nature, 
 in its highest flight, can answer such an assault of the devil, 
 which may exercise the most established christian about 
 the being of God ; but there is a demonstration within, 
 which goes further than the judgment, and passeth natural 
 understanding ; whence we feel, we taste, we enjoy, yea, 
 his voice is heard in the soul, which we surely know to be 
 his, and this is the reach and import of this argument. 
 There is indeed cause to wonder at the atheism of the 
 world, since men can look no where without some witness 
 of a deity, to stare them in the face ; but oh, there is a more 
 refined atheism, that lies in the bosom of a professed us sent 
 to divine truth, and is not easily discerned., though not the 
 less dreadful that it goes under a cover, not only from the 
 view of others, but even from a man's self. I would here 
 offer some things, which do witness a special advantage the 
 godly man is at thereby to believe, and to be more thorough- 
 ly persuaded of the glorious being, of God. ( (1.) That he 
 iinds the believing of this is a very great thing, and not so 
 easy to reach, as the world do suppose. For it is no small 
 matter even to attain this : Oh, what ordinary thoughts 
 have many about it, who think it easy to pass an assent to 
 this marvellous truth, because they never considered the 
 greatness thereof ; but it is. sure, the more serious and 
 grave a christian is, it will give him the more work, and we 
 may find these usually are more plunged and exercised 
 about this, than others. (2.) It is a great advantage, when 
 this is so far men's serious study, as to be upon an inquiry 
 after a further establishment in so great a truth ; O what 
 another sight of the invisible God ? What a satisfying per- 
 suasion of his blessed being might we have, if our souls 
 were indeed herein exercised ; and knew but how little we 
 know and have reached in this, that there is a nearer ap- 
 proach to God, which should shew us, the fa'uh of a deity 
 is something beyond those former thoughts we have had 
 thereof ! We lose many singular confirmations about this, 
 because we do not in earnest look after them. (3.) They 
 are at a special advantage to whom believinng of this truth 
 (O blessed truth, tliat God is) is their exceeding joy, and 
 amidst tjiejr heaviness can say, the thought and meditation 
 of him is sweet ; that when through a variety of tempta- 
 tions they are ready to faint, this restoieth their soul, yea, 
 will cause it to leap within for joy ; and is there enough 
 when other encouragements are furthest oif, that God lives ! 
 O what a thing is it in such a world, and in some deep per- 
 plexing plunge, to know that the Lord is God, whom he 
 hath now for a rock and a shield, and in the close of time 
 
100 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 for Bis exceeding great reward ! Can we have serious 
 thoughts of this, and so easily turn ourselves to other things 
 without astonishment ! yea, is it not strange, there should 
 be oft so near and immediate a bordering betwixt our 
 thoughts of the glorious God and the meanest trifle. (4.) 
 It is no small advantage, where men can open the bible and 
 retire into it, under the sense and impression of a godhead, 
 and that near correspondence he hath this way with his peo- 
 ple ; on whose soul these words have awe and authority, 
 Thus saith the Lord ; yea, have that repose upon his testi- 
 mony and promise, which the solid persuasion of his be 
 and faithfulness should cause. (5.) They have come a 
 great length here, that in their ordinary walk are under some 
 weight and impression of this that God is near ; who knows 
 their sitting down and rising up ; from whose sight they 
 cannot shift one thought ; yea, that on him they have such 
 an absolute dependence, that without him they cannot draw 
 their breath. O where this is believed, must it not cause 
 both fear and wondering ? 
 
 2. Is not this an argument, which by a sure and unan- 
 swerable demonstration doth witness the truth and reality 
 of grace that there is such a thing, and is no empty sound, 
 which doth raise man above the natural state of men, as 
 far as reason puts him above the state of the beast ! It is 
 truly strange, this should be believed, and yet is not more 
 marvellous in our eyes, how we can be at such rest, whilst 
 one of these two lies under debate, the reality of grace, or 
 our being really interested therein. O is there not cause 
 of astonishment, that such a product of heaven should be 
 found in the earth, whose descent and original is so clearly 
 demonstrated by its breathing upwards after God, its na- 
 tive tendency and motion towards him, whence it came? 
 Surely grace is a great subjectto think on ; and that it is 
 not so in our eyes, it must be either because we do not be- 
 lieve it, or do not consider what a change it makes on the 
 soul, which is no transient disposition, but the seed of God 
 that remains. Is not this such a thing as makes spring in 
 the winter, causeth men to grow under their greatest 
 weights, lifts the soul up from the clay, yea, does by 
 bringing it low in its own eyes, raise it nearer God ? This 
 makes a man to have another appearance, on which the 
 world is forced to look with some astonishment. One christ- 
 ian doth admire this in another ; and the more it shews it- 
 self, it causeth a more near approach betwixt their souls. 
 It will cause fear in them who hate it, and hath a power 
 even over its persecutors. Now it is the truth and reality 
 of this excellent thing, that this argument does witness; 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 101 
 
 yea such a witness that can admit no debate, where expe- 
 rience makes it sure : I confess a serious view and persua- 
 sion of this might make the -christian'' s life a continued 
 wonder ; that there is such a thing, which by a marvellous 
 surprisal did prevent him when he was not aware, hath en- 
 tered him into a new world, and translated him from a state 
 of darkness unto a marvellous light, causeth the soul to 
 breathe in another air, brings him so near that state of the 
 angels; subdues the will without violence, and subjects 
 it with its own consent ; yea, by so strait a tie is linked 
 with an eternal glory and blessedness ! surely this is one 
 of the most stately pieces of the work of God ; that exceeds 
 the whole structure of the universe. O with what aston- 
 ishment should we look on this marvellous thing, if we 
 could consider the whole frame and structure of the grace 
 of God in a christian, and there make as it were a dissec- 
 tion in its several parts and proportions, its decay and lan- 
 guishing, its different changes and sizes, its vigorousactings 
 and abatements ; how it breathes, is nourished, is kept 
 green and preserved by a continued intercourse with the 
 fountain of its being ! and lo, whilst we consider this great 
 wonder, both in the whole and in its parts, we may see how 
 in these it does most exactly answer that model w T e have 
 thereof in the scripture of 'God. 
 
 3. This is a great argument, and should be so in our 
 eyes, which does not only witness the reality of grace in its 
 acting and exercise (which in this former section is spe- 
 cially pointed at) but does unanswerably demonstrate a 
 spiritual life and being, which the christian knows and is 
 persuaded thereof, as he is sure he breathes and hath a na- 
 tural life ! O what a^ marvellous demonstration is this, 
 wherein sense and feeling doth in as certain a way concur, 
 as in any discovery we have by our outward senses, that 
 there is a new life and another being, (besides that we have 
 by nature) which answers to a new birth; yea, another 
 breathing and acting, that is also suited thereto ! but oh, 
 can it be said, we believe and know it is assuredly true, 
 who have such common and passing thoughts thereof, and 
 do not consider what it is whereof we are sure ! (1.) That 
 this is so great a thing ; it may indeed cause wonder, to 
 think we are men., and that we have a rational being : but 
 O ! a spiritual life is another cause for wondering, which 
 comes not by our birth, hath no natural causes, yet a life 
 that hath its proper operation, and vital acts put forth, as 
 truly as these natural actions of breathing and moving are 
 put forth, by a living man ; a life that hath in as sensible a 
 way quickening and refreshing influences, as the earth or 
 
102 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 bodies of men know the influences of the heavens; which 
 hath a pleasure and delight peculiar to its nature, that hath 
 no affinity with things we enjoy by the senses, but is a pleas- 
 ure that far exceeds the same ! and is this a small matter 
 to be persuaded of? (2.) What a demonstration is it, 
 which doth witness even to our sense and feeling a power 
 on the soul by the word, above the most persuasive words of 
 man, and above all moral influences ; by which men are not 
 only reached, but transformed into the same image; whence 
 the christian knows, and knows assuredly, those great 
 truths, the sealing, witnessing, teaching, comforting of the 
 spirit, &c. are no matter of words, or some strange devised 
 names, but are undoubted realities acted and verified on the 
 soul. (3.) If this demonstration of a spiritual life be sure, 
 have we not thus also an eternal life and being with God put 
 beyond debate ? for, if we be certain of the one, O is not 
 this undeniable, that this noble being of the new creature, 
 this life that is here begun, must have a more full growth, 
 and be at the furthest stature of the man in Christ ; when 
 we now see it with our eyes in its infancy, and upon a 
 growing advance towards the same ? for the one is surely 
 as demonstrative of the other, as a young child which we 
 see in a growing tendency towards a man, doth shew there 
 is a man in his furthest growth. (4.) If we assuredly know 
 this spiritual life, must we not also admit the undoubted 
 truth of spiritual beings, and of an invisible world, with 
 which this life hath its correspondence ; yea, thus as by 
 a stream be led up to the true fountain, to know an invisible 
 God! 
 
 A. How great an argument is this, which gives us sucli 
 a demonstration, that heaven is not altogether deferred until 
 wc be there, but that such a thing is sure now, as the real 
 presence of the glorious God, and a near familiar approach of 
 him to the soul, which is here as really felt and enjoyed, as 
 we can be sure cf any thing? O how marvellous should 
 this be to us ! I cannot doubt but the report hereof does 
 sometime dazzle the world with amazement, and puts the 
 grossest of men to strange thoughts. But oh, may not this 
 make them question its reality, whether those that bear 
 such a witness do truly feel and enjoy the same,, who by 
 their way and appearance do so little declare any deep im- 
 pression, that this hath on them ! I have sometimes thought 
 it strange, how men are taken even in a kind of transport 
 with the discovery of some rare experiment and demonstra- 
 tion in nature, which could make that poor man cry out 
 eyphka, as though therewith he had gained the whole 
 canh ! but Ohere is another kind of demonstration, of a 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 103 
 
 more transcendent value and interest ! to know and he 
 sure of this near approach and intercourse betwixt God 
 and the soul ; that even with men in the earth he will veri- 
 ly dwell, and have so real a converse ; this does indeed 
 rise above Archimedes* reach, and such who ever followed 
 the search of nature in their most exact and subtile inqui- 
 ry. O blessed souls, who have found it ! for they have 
 found a treasure ; the thoughts whereof may make it a new 
 thing every day, and make them consider this with a re- 
 newed wondering, to know, there is not only a claim and 
 title to the inheritance above, but that the first fruits and 
 earnest thereof is got here ; that as surely as there is a 
 real and immediate converse betwixt men, they have found 
 such a near immediate fellowship with God, that^ all the 
 words of the world cannot express ; such a meeting be- 
 twixt him and them, where their soul hath been drawn 
 out with desire, Where they have found a breaking up of 
 the day with an astonishing brightness, after a most cloudy 
 and dark night ; O is not this a great thing ! have they not 
 cause both for joy and wondering, who have fallen on such 
 an experiment, that they can say (and not from report) I 
 do surely /<?<?/ 1 enjoy, I am persuaded this is the Lord ; and 
 thus have come forth from him with such a change on 
 their soul, and composure of mind, that even bystanders 
 might see where they have been ! Now this is the christ- 
 ian's witness, which all who are serious in the way of the 
 Lord, can in some measure bear, that in a way no less sure 
 and demonstrative than any thing here beneath can be 
 known, they have had such a discovery : and now these 
 strange scripture truths, the meaning whereof once they 
 could not know (such as, to have their soul melting within 
 at the voice of their beloved, to have his name as ointment 
 poured forth, and be brought near to sec his face with joy J 
 they know well that they are as truly verified on the heart, 
 as they are written before their eyes in the word. 2 shall 
 but add, it is a very great thing these know, who know as- 
 suredly the real presence of God here; for thus they are 
 made sure that he is, as one may know the sun, when he 
 feels its warming heat, and when he sees it with its own 
 light : thus they are confirmed of the truth of the scripture, 
 whilst they see and feel one of the most marvellous things 
 therein verified. 
 
 5. This is an argument that does clearly witness a truth 
 and reality in prayer ; which may be called one of the 
 great wonders of religion : that such a way is, wherein 
 there is so near, so immediate an address to the majesty of 
 God in all our concernments^ is not this a very great tlmg^ 
 
104 The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 
 
 that poor man, now upon the earth, hath such a passage to 
 heaven, and may speak up unto him who inhabits eternity, 
 the glorious object of the adoration of angels, without the 
 intervening of any creature : yea, with so sure a warrant 
 may approach the throne of God, and there pour out his 
 soul, and present his requests unto him who lives and sees! 
 O with what astonishment should we^ consider this ! sup- 
 pose at some solemn times in our life this only might be at- 
 tained, yea, that it were but in one part of the earth, should 
 we not look on the whole earth besides as accursed ; and 
 reckon an abode there, were it a barren desert and wilder- 
 ness, to be preferable to all other advantages ! It may truly 
 be a question, whilst we are most in the practice of this du- 
 ty, if we believe the truth and reality thereof : but it is be- 
 yond question, what christians have most sensibly found 
 here, that they can say, if they be sure they have a soul, 
 they have been as sure, in this blessed way, they have had 
 their soul restored and returned again ; and under some de- 
 liquium, that by wrestling they have at last prevailed ; yea, 
 have got an answer from heaven, as if they had got it by an 
 audible voice. Now is not this a great and marvellous de- 
 monstration ! 
 
 But oh what common thoughts have we thereof! and 
 may not these things seem strange, if seriously consider- 
 ed ! (1.) That we are not more restless, to be surely per- 
 suaded, this is a truth, when we are so highly concerned 
 therein ; that we may have further confirmations about this* 
 which we should look on as an inestimable treasure, both 
 for our joy and establishment. (2.) It is strange, we can 
 find it so easy a matter to pray and appear before Gon ; 
 that we are not afraid, to be hasty in uttering a matter be- 
 fore him, whilst we consider God is in heaven, and we are 
 but on the earth ! It is sure, if we intend the bringing of our 
 soul with us in such a duty, it should be more our study to 
 watch unto prayer, throughout our walk. (3.) It may 
 seem strange, how easily we can step out from the world 
 and the noise thereof, in before the Lord, without the least 
 pause or time intervening, which theimpression of* so great 
 a business should require ; yea, so immediately, in our re- 
 turn, again step into the world, as if we had wholly forgot 
 where we have been. (4.) How strange is formality in 
 such a business as prayer ; which is an address to the 
 living God, one of the most solemn acts of the soul ; yea, 
 Ave may call it the most natural work of a christian^ like 
 the breathing of the child after the breast. Alas, it is sad, 
 that this seems rather a piece of invention many times, 
 dian a matter of earnest with the Lord; not so much the 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 105 
 
 breathing of the soul in desire after him, as the expressing 
 what should be our desires. O to what a class can such a 
 piece of atheism be reduced, as appears in our formal ap- 
 proaches to God ? (5.) Should we look on prayer as a 
 duty, and not consider it as a singular enjoyment also ; 
 without which this earth would have a near appearance of 
 hell, if we could not thus solace the soul in God, and get 
 a vent under its greatest pressures ? O prayer ! what 
 thoughts should we have of it, if the truth thereof were 
 more believed ! I think, that man who is sure of the being 
 and faithfulness of God, and of the reality of prayer, needs 
 not be solicitous with what face the world look on 
 him ; when thus his great interest and encouragement is 
 secure, and a well is at his hand, that can answer all his 
 complaints. 
 
 6. Have we not this demonstration also by that argu- 
 ment of experience, how near the blessed majesty of God 
 does in the way of providence approach to his people, and 
 is surely known by a real correspondence he hath with them 
 in this way, in which he does so clearly verify his word, 
 holds forth light and counsel, and gives the return of pray- 
 er, sometimes with such remarkable circumstances, as 
 causeth fear as well as joy, and will force that testimony, 
 This is verily the Lord ! It is true, that in the smallest 
 things God is great, and thus declares himself to be God : 
 but there is a more solemn and near approach, by some 
 special steps of his providence : yea, by the rod he doth 
 sometimes speak, as with an audible voice, and with such 
 a convoy of his power opens the ears of men and seals their 
 instruction, as will force its passage down to the reins, and 
 in the hidden part cause them to understand wisdom. 
 There is sometime also so wonderful a tract and scries of 
 providences, and these so convincing, that men cannot but 
 see something greater than man therein, whilst things have 
 been attended with such zsurprisal, in the very opportune 
 time and season, that their mercy, though great in it- 
 self, hath not so much taken them up, as the way 
 how it is brought about, and their discovery of the im- 
 mediate hand of God therein, and the truth of his word and 
 promise. 
 
 7. I must further add, O ! is not this a great argument, 
 which persuades the soul of these truths by so sure a way 
 as experience, that thus we have an inward and se?isible de- 
 monstration of the things of God, that are as certainly wit- 
 nessed, as these visible heavens and earth are to our eyes, 
 when they are most fixed thereon ! O what is this, which 
 the christian knows, yet knows so little what he hath 
 
106 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 thereby ! this is indeed a sight, which puts the thing seea 
 beyond question or debate ; for the soul hath its feeling 
 and taste, as sure as the body ; and hath a savour and relish 
 of things suitable to its own nature, whereby it can discern 
 a peculiar sweetness and fragrancy, in that which may seem 
 bitter and grievous to the fleshy It is by this sight which 
 experience gives, that the christian is a witness himself is 
 therein personally concerned, does see these great things 
 with his <yu?n eyes, and not with the eyes of others ; the 
 consolations of God, which are not small, are no matter of 
 ref>ort to him ; he knows how no mercy hath been more 
 sweet and relishing, than that which hath had a bitter cross 
 going before : yea, never more sensibly found his own bur- 
 den, than he had found it taken off ; the laying on whereof 
 was not so grievous as that relief and ease hadi been sweet 
 upon its removal. 
 
 Now to shut up this argument, I shall but -add the testi- 
 mony of two great and eminent witnesses to the truth ; who 
 after they had been helped to serve their generation by the 
 will of God, and were dying, had a large account to give 
 from their experience of the truth and faithfulness of Goi; 
 in his word, and have left a seal to the same, worthy 
 to be transmitted to posterity. The one is that great 
 servant of Christ, Beza ; who in his younger years, 
 after the Lord had touched his heart by the word, was 
 one day in the church of Charenton y exercised with that 
 91 st Psalm, which then was expounded, and with such 
 power was followed, that not only he found it marvel- 
 lously sweet to him at present, but was then helped 
 to believe, yea, to a great persuasion of the Lord's 
 making out all these promises to him in his persuasion, 
 which as he after found verified, did at his death with much 
 comfort witness the same; that as he had been then help- 
 ed to close with that great truth in the second verse, 
 in taking the Lord for his God, and got a sure claim 
 thereto, yea, that he should be his refuge and fortress, 
 lie had found him that most remarkably in the after 
 changes of his life ; that he had delivered him from the 
 snare of the fowler and the noisome pestilence, having been 
 in frequent hazard by the lying in wait of many to ensnare 
 him, and sometimes was in great hazard from the pesti- 
 lence in those places where he was called to reside ; yea, 
 amidst the civiUvars, which were then so hot in France, 
 had most convincing deliverances from many imminent 
 hazards, when he was called to be present sometimes 
 with the protestant princes upon the fields, where thous- 
 ands did fall about him; and thus whilst near his death. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 107 
 
 lie found that Psalm so observably verified , whereon he 
 was caused to hope, that he went through all these prom- 
 ises, declaring the comfortable accomplishment thereof, 
 and how he had found the Lord's giving bis angels charge 
 over him, had oft answered him when he had called on 
 him, had been with him in trouble, delivered him ; yea, 
 had satisfied him nvith a long life. And now, says he, I 
 have no more to wait for, but the fulfilling of that last word 
 of the Psalm, to shew him his salvation, for which in con- 
 fidence he longed. This, though not writ by those who 
 have given an account of his life in our language ; yet I 
 had the same from those most worthy of credit, who not 
 only from some of the greatest French protestants had it, 
 when they were in France, as a known and sure passage, 
 but told me they read die same there in a printed relation 
 in that language, about his life and death. 
 
 The 2d. testimony I shall here offer, is from a grave and 
 eminent minister of Christ in our own church within these 
 few years, Mr. George Gillespie ; who near his death 
 did declare to those who were by, what a large proof he 
 had, and assured persuasion of the truth of the scripture 
 from experience ; that he knew so well wliat adventuring 
 on the word was, and what it was to live on divine assist- 
 ance, and be thus in all his concernments carried through, 
 that he could not desire, were he to live in the wo&ld, a 
 more desirable and satisfying life, than that of a continued 
 reliance and depending on the Lord : and truly amongst 
 many notable experiments that man of God had there- 
 of, this was one very convincing, how in a strange land, 
 whither he was called on the service of the church, and in 
 a grave assembly of many of the greatest divines in that 
 age, when one day he was surprised with an unexpected 
 rencounter of a learned man, Mr. Selden, who came on 
 design, with some others of that party upon the Eras dan 
 interest, to debate for it, by the strongest arguments which 
 they had then premeditated for its defence ; whilst none 
 appeared in that great assembly to give a return, though 
 there were many singularly learned and able, he did on an 
 immediate reliance on God adventure (lest the adversary 
 should take advantage thereat) and gave a short account of 
 those arguments adduced, wherein the strength of his dis- 
 course did most lie, with so clear and satisfying an answer 
 as astonished all ; yea, did silence the adversary, with a 
 marvellous conviction. Now this was the more convinc- 
 ing, that having a little paper book in his hand, in which lie 
 was before observed to write down something, he was by 
 some after pressed to let them see his notes, supposing the 
 
108 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 heads of his following discourse were in it, but found only 
 in some pages these words several times writ clown, 
 •Light, Lord, and assistance, his soul being then carried 
 upward for the same. Thus did that blessed man give in 
 his witness to the truth, when he was dying, from the sure 
 experience he had thereof, through his life ; and with 
 much assurance of the salvation of God, died. Which, I 
 must say, is a remark, that in many instances might be 
 obvious ; how great peace and an abundant entrance r 
 those liave found in the close of the day, who have been 
 helped to*nost faith fulness in the public interests of Christ 
 and his c'mrch, and to the most severe adherence to their 
 light, about the duties of the time ; which I knew in an- 
 other worthy minister of Christ, not many years since, 
 who by some of his last words did witness an inexpressible 
 joy he found in this, that the Lord had kept him in a time 
 of many trials, from giving his ark a wrong touch ; which 
 he then declared to standers by, when he was on the very 
 threshold betwixt this and another world, 
 
 THE SECOND ARGUMENT. 
 
 Our SECOND Argument, to demonstrate the accomplish- 
 vient of the scripture, is this, that not only christian ex- 
 perience, but the observation of the church and people 
 of God, doth in all ages bear witness thereto, how the 
 Lord^s way in these providences both of mercy and judg- 
 ment, about the church, amidst the 'various changes , of 
 her condition, yea, in the most strange things which fatt 
 out in the world, doth convincingly answer the word, and 
 verify the same. 
 
 IT is indeed undeniable that the scripture of God, as it 
 is written to the personal case of his people, and doth in 
 their experience take place ; so is there a part of it in a pe- 
 culiar way directed to the church, the fulfilling whereof in 
 the providences and events of the time should be the sub- 
 ject of our observation, and would singularly help to con- 
 firm our faith of the truth thereof. 
 
 For prosecuting this argument I would touch it a little 
 in these three branches. 
 
 1. How these general promises, which belong to the 
 church universal, and concern her in all ages, have an ac- 
 complishment. 
 
 2. How these threaienings also of the word, which do 
 not only concern the church, but have a respect to her 
 adversaries, are certainly fulfilled, and take place' in men's 
 observation, who do observe the judgments of their time. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 109 
 
 3. How the scripture of God doth clearly shine upon 
 the darkest footsteps of Providence, even these which 
 would seem most strange and hard to understand, so that 
 it may be demonstrated nothing falleth out in the world, 
 or befalleth the saints, but what is most consonant to the 
 scripture. 
 
 First Branch. As to the first branch of this argument, 
 I shall but instance five general promises, which we find 
 held forth in the word concerning the church ! and en- 
 deavour to shew how very clear and obvious the accom- 
 plishment of them is, if men do not willingly shut their 
 own eyes. 
 
 First promise, wherein we find the scripture express, is 
 the preservation of the church ; that he will be with her to 
 the end of the world, and though he make an end of other 
 nations, yet, will he not make an utter end of her, but while 
 the ordinances of the sun, and the moon do last, and as 
 the days of heaven, so shall her days be prolonged ; against 
 her the gates of hell shall not prevad. Jer. xxx. 11. Mat. 
 xvi. 18. Now that God hath truly verified this his prom- 
 ise, and is as good as his word, is a truth, though marvel- 
 lous, yet, so very clear, and manifest, that I am sure no 
 atheist can deny, it may be so easily demonstrated. 
 
 1. That the church doth continue, and is kept alive to 
 this day, it doth certainly prove the truth of his promise. 
 For it can be said of her, and none can say it is a lie, she 
 hath outlived all her opposers, the greatest of whom have 
 found their grave in the quarrel, over whose tomb that las* 
 confession of a great adversary, Jidian,vc\^y be written, 
 mchti tandem, Galiloze ! Hath not this deadly and irrecon- 
 cilable seed been perpetuated from fathers to children ! but 
 who hath prospered in that enterprise ! the archers ^ have 
 oft shot, and wounded her sore, but her bow doth abide in 
 strength, as at this day, this is her motto, Persecuted, but 
 ?wt forsaken ; cast down, but not destroyed. She who 
 hath brought many children, yet ceascth not to bear, 
 whose age hath not marred her beauty, her eyes are not 
 dim, nor her strength failed ; a sight which may cause us 
 no less to stand and consider this great wonder, than Moses 
 did, at that which was but the shadow and emblem there- 
 of, a bush burning, and not consumed. For, behold, a 
 church kept alive, yet still in the flames ! and when to ap- 
 pearance consumed, it doth arise more glorious out of her 
 own ashes ! This is indeed the only Phoenix, and we 
 know no other, of whom that can be said. Hath she not 
 borne out those universal deluges, which did like an inun- 
 dation go over her head, of idolatry and paganism in the 
 
1 10 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 first times, and antichristianism and arianism in the after 
 ages ; yet not swallowed up ! Which may be no less mar- 
 vellous, than when she was kept above the waters, in the 
 ark : and though her enemies have oft sung her funeral 
 song, and rejoiced over die dead bodies of her witnesses, 
 yet, they have risen again ; her dry bones have taken life, 
 and come together ; and behold she is alive at this day. 
 
 2. Not only the church's preservation, but the continued 
 series and succession thereof unto this time, doth witness 
 the fulfilling of this promise ; that in the darkest times of 
 her condition, she hath not altogether disappeared, even, 
 when she was so long hid in the wilderness, but still in 
 every age had some witnesses; and though the church 
 hath oft cried out for the want of children, and been heard 
 weeping, bemoaning herself because they were not, yet, we 
 may say she never wanted an offspring to this day ; she 
 did never die without an heir, and seed of her own, to raise 
 up her name, evensince the covenant was first made with 
 her in Adam?s family. And though particular churches 
 have their set times, which like the sun, have the usual 
 periods, their height and flourishing, and afterwards a 
 gradual decay, making way to the departure of light; yet, 
 this made never void the promise of God to the church 
 universal, whose lamp was never put out, nay, shall not 
 while the days of heaven do last. 
 
 3. We must also say that the continuance and preserva- 
 tion of the church is peculiar to her alone ; and can be 
 r^aid of no other interest and party beneath the sun. For 
 it is clear, that there was no kingdom or empire so firmly 
 rooted, no society s6 well governed by laws, backed with 
 power, which hath hadthe best title and claim, but time 
 at last did prevail over it, and made the same a trophy of 
 her conquest ; yea, the greatest monarchies, and flourish- 
 ing cities have at last yielded, so as of them it may be said, 
 Nunc seges est ubi Troiafuit. But time cannot to this day 
 boast of a triumph over the church of God ; though no 
 nation, no family in the earth could ever plead antiquity 
 with her. This is that interest, which hath borne out all 
 those great revolutions, that so oft changed the very face 
 of the world \ yea, hath outlived so many kingdoms and 
 successions thereof. 
 
 4. It doth convincingly demonstrate the truth of this 
 promise of the church's preservation, that the world, yea, 
 greatest atheists may see, this hath not come to pass 3 at an 
 adventure ; nay, not in an ordinary way of providence, but 
 by a divine power most discernible therein : while it is so 
 clear, (1.) That no interest, or party had ever suck ad* 
 
"The Fulfilling of the Scrip ture. Ill 
 
 versaries, as the church, against whom the powers of the 
 world, and the powers of darkness have always been on 
 foot. (2.) That outward advantages have usually been 
 on her adversaries'' side, not only the great men of the 
 earth, but these of greatest parts, and abilities. (3.) That 
 their will was never wanting to their power, and their de- 
 sign no less than to raze her to the foundation. (4.) That 
 this enmity hath been rooted, and ir reconcile able, which 
 time to this day could never take up. (5.) That no ether 
 interest did ever endure such violent assaults, so many sharp 
 batteries : for it is observable, that most of the wars and 
 commotions of every age have been some way stated on the 
 church \s account ; and whatever private quarrels men 
 have had among themselves, yet it hath not hindered the 
 pursuit of their malice against the woman and her seed. 
 (6.) That such who have come out of her bowels, even the 
 men of her own house, have oft been her greatest enemies, 
 and lain in wait to take her at an advantage in the day of 
 her halting. (7.) That her real friends have oft fainted in 
 a time of her strait, and stood afar off ; yea, almost none 
 of the children, which she had brought forth, have been 
 then found to take her by the hand. (8.) That the depths 
 of Satan, in her enemies, as an angel of light, have some- 
 times given her a sore assault ; so that if it had been possi- 
 ble, and ordinary means could have reached their end, 
 they should have deceived the very elect. (9.) I must add 
 this further witness to the marvellous preservation of the 
 church, which in an ordinary way could not come to pass, 
 that we find no other party was ever brought so low and near 
 death, and be yet alive. The knife was once at the 
 church's throat in Isaac ; she did seek to adopt a bond wo- 
 man^s son, instead of a lawful heir, when Abraham agreed 
 to Sarah's overture for the outmaking of the promise ; how- 
 near expiring do we find her in .Egypt, when a sentence 
 to destroy all her male issue was gone forth ? Yea, what 
 but a miracle could have preserved her, when she was be- 
 twixt Pharaoh and the Red Sea ? How low was the church 
 in the wilderness, and after in the days of the captivity ', 
 even broken to pieces with small appearance of life, when 
 her face was all blurred with weeping, and her enemies 
 made sport over her ruins at the rivers of Babylon, when 
 the children of Edom cried out, let us raze her even to the 
 foundation ? Yea, could the church be nearer the grave, 
 than when her bones were scattered at the gravels mouth ; 
 but above all in that dark night, when her head znti shep- 
 herd was smitten, and her hope seemed to be bm led in the 
 grave with a stone put upon it ; when she could get r.j en- 
 
1 12 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 tertainment among the Jews,^ was wounded in the house of 
 her friends, and the Gentiles in wrath rose up against her ; 
 that for some hundred years the great empire, which had 
 trod down all the nations about , put forth the utmost of 
 power and malice for her undoing ! O who could have 
 thought the church should outlive this ? Yea, after all we find 
 her tossed and hurried by antichrist into the wilderness, an, 
 adversary more cruel than any that had gone before, where 
 the dragon watched to get her destroyed : but how in all 
 these, and through that long dark night, she hath continu- 
 ed, and marvellously flourished, as the palm tree, under 
 greatest weights ; so that we cannot but see that which her 
 enemies (being judges J will not deny, thaft this promise to 
 the church, of her preservation, is this day fulfilled ; yea, 
 that it hath not in an ordinary way been brought about. 
 Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, nor divina- 
 tion against Israel ; all her enemies have been found liars ; 
 happy art thou above other people ; for the eternal God is 
 thy refuge, and underneath are everlasting arms 1 'Else 
 long since she should ]iave been swallowed up ; may we 
 not still say with astonishment, Owhat hath God wrought, 
 in her behalf. 
 
 SECOND promise, which I shall here instance, that 
 God had made to his church in the word, Of her increase 
 and enlargement ; that the earth should be covered with the 
 knowledge of God, as the sea of water ; and her seed be as 
 the stars of heaven ; that her bounds should be from the sea 
 to the utmost rivers ; which was promised to Christ in the 
 behalf of his church, and that she should possess the gates of 
 her enemies, PsaLlxxxix. 25. ii. 8. Isa. xlii. 4. liv. 3. 
 
 As this promise is express in the scripture, we must say 
 it is no less clear and evident in its accomplishment ; that 
 surely the Lord hath kept his word, whereto the event 
 doth most exactly answer ; and though yet it be not to the 
 full made out, I am sure there is so much at this day man- 
 ifest, considering the former condition of the church, as 
 undeniably pro veth the fulfilling of the foremenlioned prom- 
 ise, which even to the conviction of greatest atheists may 
 be demonstrated from these grounds. 
 
 1. That vast extent which the kingdom of' Christ hath 
 had in the world. For this cannot be denied, that the 
 greatest empire or monarchy could never so far extend 
 their conquest, as the church hath done, since the wall of 
 partition was taken down ; short are the limits of the Gre- 
 cian and Roman empire ; considered with this, whose 
 bounds have been the ends and uttermost parts of the earth, 
 where neither Greece or Some did ever set up their tra- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 113 
 
 phies. Hath not the gospel, like the sun, made its circuit 
 from the cast to the west ? yea, crossed the seas, to the dark 
 northern nations, thus fulfilling its^ course, in order to its 
 turn again, to the place of its first rising ; that it may, as 
 we are sure it shall once, visit the Jews again, and the east- 
 ern places of the world, that now are buried in a night of 
 darkness ; which, I think, will be as sure a presage of the 
 break of day, and second coming of the Lord, as the morn- 
 ing star is to the world of the sun's accomplishing its 
 course, and that it is returning again to the cast where it 
 should rise. Hath not the gospel now been through Asia, 
 where it did not tarry for a night ; for many flourishing 
 churches were there, and the going back of the tide from 
 thence was its flowing to another part of the world ; which 
 is indeed observable of the church as it is of the sea, that 
 what it hath lost in one part, it hath gained in another. 
 Did the vast distance of Africa, its great barren deserts, 
 or scorching heat, hinder the gospel's making a visit thi- 
 ther ? No, it was once a fertile soil, and brought forth many 
 famous lights ; yea, something yet doth both there and in 
 the east parts of the world remain, to shew the gospel was 
 truly in these places. And hath Europe, though last, been 
 least on this account ? Yea, what do mean the late discov- 
 eries of unknown parts of the earth, but to make way for a 
 more full performance of this promise, that the gospel 
 might stretch its conquest over the line ? which surely was 
 the gold and treasure Christ designed from thence, that 
 even America might have her day also, and the voice ef the 
 turtle be heard in those lands. 
 
 2. Not only the large extent of the church as to its 
 bounds, doth witness this, but also the great and numerous 
 offspring of sons and daughters, which in those parts where 
 the gospel hath been, were brought forth to Christ. For 
 we may say, what John saw in vision, hath been very 
 manifest to after ages, an innumerable company, of all 
 tongues, nations and languages, of whom it could be said, 
 These arc born in Zion ! O how great a harvest of the na- 
 tions is even already gathered ? What a fleece hath every 
 particular church cast ? What a marvellous increase hath 
 been in some places, after special tides of the gospel ? May 
 we not say, that truth is beyond debate, that out of one, and 
 him not only as ggod as dead, but truly dead, there hath 
 come forth as the sand of the sea, and stars of he are n, in 
 number! the church hath inherited Joseph's blessing, of 
 the womb, and the breasts, -in a fruitful offspring. The dew 
 of Christ's youth hath been as the womb of the morning. O 
 what a marvellous and goodly company will this once be, 
 
114 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 when gathered together ! Then will the performance of 
 these precious promises be fully manifested. 
 
 3. This truth may be demonstrated not only from the 
 real conquest of the gospel, and those excellent trophies of 
 her victory over many noted enemies, who have after been 
 vessels of honour, but also from the feigned subjection, that 
 so many have been made to render. Is it not strange, what 
 a multitude do in these times profess the truth, and yet 
 hate it ; and were never drawn with the cords of love ? 
 How very many have courted the name of a christian, and 
 wooed the shadow of religion, who never knew the truth 
 thereof : which certainly is a convincing evidence of the 
 gospel's conquest, that so many knees should bow to. the 
 name of Jesus, whose hearts were never bowed, or really 
 subdued to him. 
 
 4. It is an unanswerable proof of this truth, that we see 
 the church's increase and enlargement hath come to pass 
 most punctually after that manner, yea with all the cir- 
 cumstances, as was foretold and promised : so that the 
 event doth in every thing answer the word. For (first) it 
 is there held out, that from a day of small things, which 
 men would be ready to despise, it should grow up^ as a 
 tender plant, and spread forth its branches over the nations ; 
 that the children of the desolate should be more than of the 
 married wife, and the glory of the second temple, exceed 
 that of the first: and O ! hath it not accordingly come to 
 pass. (2.) This great increase and enlargement of the 
 church was to fall out in the days of the New Testament ; 
 when Christ should be lifted up, that then he should draw 
 nil men after him. For those promises we have thereof in 
 the Old Testament, do clearly point at the times of the gos- 
 pel : and doth not the event here accordingly answer ? 
 (3.) The scripture holdeth out that the falling away of the 
 Jews should be the riches of the Gentiles, and that their re- 
 jection should make way for the fulfilling of this promise, 
 even the ingathering of the nations ; and do not men see 
 the event, with this very circumstance ? 
 
 5. We find the isles, and utmost parts of the earth, are 
 given to Christ for his inheritance ; and foretold as a special 
 part of the church's increase. And do we not clearly see, 
 there is no place of the world, where Christ's kingdom is 
 more visible, where more children have been begot to him 
 by the gospel, we may say, than in these northern places, 
 even in these isles of Britain and Ireland, which are almost 
 the uttermost parts of the earth ; there being but little from 
 that, and nearer the pole, which is inhabited, yea we may 
 judge hath been that Tlule, whereof the ancients did so 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scrip lure. 1 1 5 
 
 much speaL (5.) Was it not also foretold that the church 
 should possess the gates of her enemies, at whose great in- 
 crease the world should wonder ; the princes thereof see, 
 and be troubled while Gcd is known hi her palaces, for a 
 refuge ? And doth not the event witness this, that over all 
 the counsels and essays, which the world hath had, to hin- 
 der the church's growth, her rising hath always been upon 
 the ruins of her greatest enemies ; yea, those who have 
 been a terror in the land of the living , did oh fall and break 
 themselves, in that attempt ! Can men deny the marvellous 
 progress of the church, how from a small beginning she at 
 last possessed the gates of both the eastern, and western em- 
 pire, her old enemies : and do we not this day see her con- 
 quest advancing on the ruins of antichrist, her last, and 
 greatest adversary ! 
 
 6. As the fulfilling of this promise about the church's in- 
 crease is undeniable, since men cannot contradict their 
 sense therein, we must also say, this is a thing great and 
 marvellous, which no less than some divine and extraordi- 
 nary power could bring about ; if we consider these things : 
 (first)*that quick dispatch, which the church's growth, un- 
 der the days of the New Testament, hath made. O might 
 not the pagan world wonder, how in the space of two or 
 three hundred years it was almost become wholly christ- 
 ian ? O strange ! a Diode sian and Maximus so grievous- 
 ly persecuting and trampling on the very name of Christian- 
 ity, and yet near that same age, this great Roman empire 
 and emperor submitting to the gospel, which was fulfilled 
 in the days of Constantine ! {2.) How astonishing was it, 
 for the church's rise and increase to be brought about upon 
 the ruin and downfall of the idols of the nations who had 
 their temples, arid were worshipped 'as God : that the world 
 should be made to renounce its bible, and that religion 
 which for so many ages was deeply rooted by tradition 
 from their fathers ; those altars, which were had in such 
 reverence, demolished, and their temples made a ruinous 
 heap ; yea, that very name of their god's should be thus ob- 
 literated, was not this indeed very wonderful ? But Dagon 
 hath no strength to stand before the ark of the God of Israel. 
 (3.) That it should be thus advanced by such means, as the 
 preaching of the word, even of that which to the Jews was 
 a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness ! how this 
 voice should put to perpetual silence those oracles, that For 
 so many ages had given a response to the world, might be 
 indeed astonishing ; yea, that the church's increase should 
 thus be brought about, at no less rate, than the overturning 
 of greatest kingdoms, the conversion of so many nations ; 
 
1 16 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 should tame and civilize the most savage and barbarous, 
 cause the lion to lie down with the lamb, and ever make so 
 great and universal a change in the face of the universe. 
 (4.) Doth it not speak forth some divine power, the carry, 
 ing on of the church's growth and increase, not only over 
 the violence of men, but over all those dreadful errors and 
 inventions, those thick misty which both in former and later 
 times, have ascended out of the pit, to choke her; that we 
 may say, the church hath not only been helped to tread 
 upon the lion, and dragon, but on the adder and cockatrice 
 also ; and doth carry the trophies of her conquest over all 
 these at this day ! (5)1 would add, is it not marvellous, 
 how the church's increase hath been advanced in a way 
 most contrary to all the rules of ordinary policy* by which 
 states and empires have risen ; not by dissimulation, but 
 greatest plainness and free dealing for Christ, and his min- 
 isters did never flatter the world to embrace the truth ; not 
 by open violence, but a more excellent spirit and power, be- 
 fore which men could not stand ? where foolishness was 
 made to confound and outwit human wisdom, arAnvcak- 
 ness to overcome strength ; that we may say, O how little 
 of man, and how much of God w 7 as to be seen therein ! 
 
 THIRD proniise, which the Lord hath given to his 
 church in the word, is the giving of the Spirit and pouring 
 cut of the same ; which is there expressly held forth, and 
 promised, Zech. xii. 10. J oh. xiv. 17. Isa. fix. 21. And 
 doth concern all times of the church, though in a more full 
 measure, to be let out in the days of the gospel. 
 
 It is true, the christian's inward experience can best wit- 
 ness this ; for these have an argument from within ; they 
 know, and are sure they have received the Spirit by the 
 word, whereby they understand those things which are 
 spiritually discerned. But that which here is intended, it 
 is to shew, that the Spirit is truly given forth to the church 
 according to the promise. . That it doth accompany the 
 truth and doctrine of Christ, and purity of the ordinances, 
 is a tiling, which from clear undeniable evidences may be 
 demonstrated, to the conviction of the greatest atheist. 
 For I must think, even bystanders, such who never knew 
 any saving work of the Spirit, but live in these parts where 
 the ordinances are dispensed with purity and power, if they 
 shut not their eyes, may oft clearly see something going 
 forthwith the word, that is beyond words, a divine Spirit 
 and power, which sendeth forth its savour in the daily ad- 
 ministration of the gospel ; yea, by its effects, and some 
 convincing discovery thereof, doth force this truth in upon 
 men's consciences, who are otherwise strangers thereto. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 117 
 
 Now to hold forth the accomplishment cf so great 
 a promise, that God is faithful and true therein, I 
 would give in these clear and convincing witnesses to the 
 same. 
 
 I. Those excellent gifts and endowments given to the 
 church, are they not a visible proof of this truth ? for it is 
 undeniable, where once the gospel cometh, that instruments 
 are raised with another spirit ; reapers sent forth, while 
 there is a harvest to be gathered, and shaped for their work ; 
 yea, those who were of mean and ordinary parts, when 
 called forth to the service of the church, will have another 
 lustre ; that it may be oft seen with astonishment, how far 
 not only they exceed themselves, but those who were of more 
 eminent natural endowments. I would but seriously ask 
 men who never laid this truth to heart, whence is that varie- 
 ty of gifts, so suitably dispensed to the various employments, 
 and different pieces of service, the church doth call for ? 
 how are they thus suited to the several times ; yea, to the 
 very genius and temper of such a time ? whence is it, that 
 every. gift and qualification is so fitted and disposed for its 
 proper use ; some most peculiarly shaped out to awake 
 and threaten (those Boanerges J while others are set forth 
 with a spirit eminently fitted to comfort ; some mighty in 
 persuasion, yet not so fit to expound ; others most dexter- 
 ous to instruct, yet not so powerful to apply ; some having 
 the gifts of tongues, and others the tongue of the learned to 
 speak a word in season to the weary ; to some the face of a 
 lion is given, when a heroic spirit of courage and resolution 
 is called for, and to others the face of a calf, for patient en- 
 during in suffering time ! Surely it were a choice medita- 
 tion, to think how with as great wonder we may say of 
 this excellent body of the church, as of the natural body of 
 man, how curiously, yea, marvellously is it framed ; 
 where every part doth answer another, and to the use of 
 the whole, each hath its peculiar excellency, and some- 
 thing proper to every one's gift may be then seen, as well 
 as in the face of man, by which in some things they differ 
 from all other. 
 
 2. These more eminent extraordinary out pourings of the 
 Spirit do also witness this truth ; which at some special 
 times, when the church's necessity requireth it, have been 
 most discernible. When the Lord sendeth forth his servants 
 about a more than ordinary piece of work, either to do, or 
 suffer ; when he is to plant the church in someplace, where 
 the gospel will meet with much opposition ; is it not then 
 manifest, how some more than ordinary power and irre- 
 sistible efficacy doth accompany the truth, before which 
 
118 The Fulfilling of the Scripture- 
 
 there is no standing ? the disputer is then, in his reasoning, 
 confounded'hy something above reason ; the untoward and 
 rude are forced to stoop before the word, and to confess they 
 have to do, with power, and hot with words ; yea, those 
 whom the Lord maketh use of, who were feeble and weak 
 as others, in that day are made as a brazen wall, and a 
 fenced city-. 
 
 3. Is it not also undeniable, that now under the New 
 Testament there are ministers of the Spirit, and not of a 
 dead letter, and empty sound ? that with the word there 
 goes along a ministration of power and life ; whence a 
 majesty and authority attending the public ordinances is 
 oft so discernible, that even those who know not what the 
 spirit is, are made to see something therein which doth 
 dazzle them with astonishment. Whence is it that at some 
 times such a beauty and power shine forth with ordinances, 
 like a glance of the glory of God, even going before men's 
 eye s, which for the present hath made a wonderful change 
 upon some very gross men, and put them in another tem- 
 per, yea, forceel them with fear to acknowledge, that surely 
 God is near in the: assemblies of his people ? and I would 
 ask, whence is it the word giveth law to men's conscien- 
 ces ? that it should speak with such an authority, asmaketh 
 them all to shiver, that even the worst of men are sometimes 
 made to stand before the ministry of the word, like men 
 standing at the bar, upon life and death, before a judge 
 whose authority they durst not decline ! 
 
 4. It is very discernible, what a great difference vend an- 
 other appearance, there is both on ministers, and christians 
 at one time, from what they are 'At another, in the discharge 
 of duty, as if these were not the same persons ; which ap- 
 peared! not only in the enlargement, and straitening of their 
 gift , but also in power and life. Is it not seen, with what liber- 
 ty these do sometimes pray , and are as a ship with a full gale 
 before- the wind ? that it is then easy to preach; when at 
 other times there is like a shut door, that even hearers 
 mar} ; erceive a sensible languishing, and them hampered in 
 their \ ery expressions, yea, as men rowing against a contra- 
 ry wind ; the word wanting that savour anel relish it hath 
 had at other times ; and this not through a natural indispo- 
 sition, or want of preparation, but that which all who ever 
 served God in the spirit must confess, hath most sensibly 
 attended them when they have thought themselves at the 
 greatest advantage, forgoing about duty : O who can deny 
 this evidence of the Spirit, a thing in all ages so sensibly 
 IlA, yea, even obvious to the worst of men ! 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 119 
 
 5. It is also clear, that wherever the Lord hath had a 
 church, at some special turns of her condition there have 
 usually been some more solemn rimes of the Spirit, and high 
 spring tides of the gospel. There was indeed a marvellous 
 flowing forth of the Spirit of God after Christ's ascension, 
 which like a mighty current did carry all before it ; at 
 which time more success did follow one sermon, than 
 hath been by the ministry of many others in an age ; 
 this made the world wonder, as if some universal enchant- 
 ment had fallen on men ; what that could be, which the 
 more they sought to bear down, the more it increased, that 
 made the rich choose poverty, and those who dwelt in pal- 
 aces betake themselves with cheerfulness to the dens and 
 caves of the earth. But besides this, it is very manifest, 
 that in a large measure the Spirit hath been let forth to the 
 church in after ages ; yea, there is no particular church 
 where the light hath shined, but hath had its special times, 
 some solemn day of the pouring out of the Spirit, before 
 the sun went down : which may be observed either at the 
 first breaking out of the gospel, or at some other remarka- 
 ble time and change of her condition : whence a great flight 
 of souls to Christ hath followed; besides the reaching of 
 the conscience and stirring the affection of many others \\w 
 der a common work of the Spirit, which usually goeth along 
 with solemn times. 
 
 6. The going back of the tide, and visible withdrawing 
 of the Spirit from particular churches, where it hath some- 
 times in a large measure been let forth, is a very convincing 
 witness to the truth of this promise. For it is clearly seen, 
 at what a stand the gospel is in those places where it most 
 eminently shined ; that the land which blossomed, and was 
 like a watered garden, hath been made as the heath in the 
 wilderness ; and then that the ministers of Christ, whose 
 lot hath fallen iri such a time, are put to very sore work, to 
 work (as it were") with oars for want of wind, to cast out 
 the net all night, and catch nothing ; a shut door is upon 
 them in the exercise of their ministry ; duty is made bur- 
 densome, because the Lord is against them, there is an evi~ 
 dent restraint upon the word, and its intercourse is more 
 with the ear, than with the consciences of men : yea, 
 any liberty they find is to execute a commission of 
 judgment, and to denounce the wo of the gospel. O, 
 doth not so^ manifest withdrawing of the spirit witness 
 the outpouring thereof, and that it is a certain and real 
 thing. 
 
 7. Do not the stirrings and strong convictions; which 
 "even the worst of men have sometnr.es under the word, 
 
120 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 witness a divine Spirit and power going along therewith ; 
 that which forceth an assent from their conscience to the 
 truth, which otherwise they hate ; yea, maketh them for 
 the time wonder they should not have been more serious 
 in the ways of God ! Yea. it doth often put a thorn in the 
 bed of their security ? for indeed the word and the light 
 thereof doth torment those who dwell in the earth. And 
 truly this is a marvellous thing, which getteth in upon 
 men's secret designs and counsels, doth reveal to them the 
 most close thoughts of their heart, which they are sure 
 men's eyes could not reach, taketh them down through 
 themselves ; and yet, that the world knoweth not whence 
 it is ! Yea, are they not forced to confess, what a great dif- 
 ference they find betwixt the word from the mouth of sonic 
 who are holy and serious, though held out in greatest sim- 
 plicity, than from others even of greater gifts, and accom- 
 panied with more shew of eloquence, that surely the one 
 hath another sound and relish, speaketh more feelingly 
 home to their heart, than the most polished discourse of 
 greatest orators ! 
 
 8. One witness more I shall here give to the truth of 
 this promise, even those eminent examples of the great 
 grace of God, which in every age have shined in the fir- 
 mament of the church ; some in love, and zeal, some in 
 patience, and humility, some in the strong acts of faith, and 
 selfdeniai ; which do certainly demonstrate a more excel- 
 lent spirit, than that which is in the world ; whence they 
 appear with another lustre in their walk and carriage, and 
 have a sweet and fragrant savour of the Spirit, to the very 
 discerning of bystanders ; which truly sheweth that his 
 wind doth blow on his garden, when the spices send forth 
 so pleasant a scent. 
 
 FOURTH. We find an express promise in the word of 
 deliver ance to the church in a low and oppressed condition ; 
 that surely the Lord will plead her cause, will deliver his 
 people when he seeth their strength is gone, and save them 
 from the hands of their enemies. Ps. xviii. 47, 43. 50. 
 Ps. xxii. 4 ; 5. Is. liv. 17. Is. li. 23. 
 
 It is true, this promise hath its bounds, limits, and pro- 
 visos, which should be taken along in the application 
 thereof. We know, the covenant of God with particular 
 churches is conditional only ; he promiseth, that \he will be 
 with them, while they are with him ; yea, it is oft seen 
 (and there is no jar here with this promise) that a people 
 professing the gospel, confederate with God following duty, 
 have even turned their back before the cncmij, and in the 
 holy providence of God have for a time been given up to 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 121 
 
 their fierce rage and violence. But it is also sure, that this 
 promise hath an accomplishment, and in the day of the 
 church's strait the Lord hath oft appeared ; by a strong out- 
 stretched hand for her help ; his own arm brought salva- 
 tion to his people, when they sought to him ; for God is 
 known in her palaces for a refuge ; yea, surely the church 
 might oft sing that song on such clear grounds, a* though 
 with Israel she had been standing at the Red sea, Thy right 
 hand, Lord, is full of power, thy right hand hath dashed 
 in pieces thy enemies. For what nation, or people is like 
 this, to whom he hath shewed such marvellous things ? 
 
 Now to shew forth the faithfulness of God in this prom- 
 ise, I would offer some few things that are a most clear and 
 undeniable witness thereto. 
 
 1. There are lew ages, but we have some record of the 
 church's condition, which hold forth such signal convincing 
 providences of God, in behalf of his oppressed church and 
 people, as may be a manifest seal to this truth. It is true, 
 some times have been more remarkable for suffering, times 
 of judgment and of a growing trial, wherein this truth hath 
 not so clearly shined forth ; yea, that long night which the 
 church had under Antichrist, might seem to call it in 
 question : but nevertheless, if men take a serious view of 
 the Lord's way, and the series of providence in ages past, 
 comparing one time with another, what the straits and 
 most extreme case of the church hath at last resolved in, 
 they will find cause to cry with astonishment, great deliv- 
 erances gheth he to his people, yea, the Lord hath done 
 great things for them ! I am sure, were there a full record, 
 with that true account which might be given, of those more 
 remarkable deliverances, that particular churches have met 
 with, since the first planting of the gospel among them, 
 wherein God's very immediate hand for their help hath 
 been discernible, it would nonplus the world, and greatest 
 atheists, about the real fulfilling of this promise. 
 
 2. The confessions even of the church's enemies hath eft 
 witnessed this truth, that in pursuing their malice, to 
 trouble and undo her, they have but undone thcrnsehes ; 
 how tormenting disappointments have caused their very 
 flesh to pine away, and the close and issue of their rape 
 forced this conviction from them at last, that the church is 
 a burdensome stone, to be lifted up ; a party, with whom it 
 is full of hazard to meddle. Have not such been made 
 to discern something of a divine hand, so clearly against 
 them, blasting their counsels and most promising attempts,, 
 as if their eyes with Balaam hath been opened to see the 
 angel in their way ! Yea, in all ages it is known, how the 
 
122 The Fulfilling of the Scripture: 
 
 conscience even of the worst hath oft bewrayed something 
 of a presaging fear, they have had of those whom they pur- 
 sued with greatest malice, and a dreadful impression they 
 had of a praying people, and their prayers. 
 
 3. This truth hath had the clearest witness in times of the 
 church's greatest strait and extremity ; when difficulties 
 have appeared insuperable, and relief in an ordinary way 
 of providence most hopeless ; when visible means have 
 been withdrawn, all refuge failed and none to help ; that in 
 such a day the Lord hath been seen upon the mount, and 
 unexpectedly by very strange means brought deliverance 
 to a broken, and almost ruined church, even as it were be- 
 twixt the bridge and the water : so that who would have a 
 clear view of the accomplishment of this promise, may but 
 turn back on these more remarkable extreme exigencies 
 of the church's condition, and there have it; how of t a 
 sweet sunshine that followed the most dark and cloudy 
 times, a raging storm hath resolved into a refreshing calm ; 
 yea, that with a further growth of the church's trial, and 
 doubling of her burden, her enlargement and deliverance 
 hath broken out with those great and obvious remarks 
 therein, that it was a convincing return of prayer and wrest- 
 ling, with a further addition of some new and singular 
 mercy therewith, yea, some eminent act of judgment upon 
 her adversaries. 
 
 ■I-. The greatest advantages and victories, which men 
 have got over the church and people of God, can also 
 bear witness to this, that when the wicked have sprung up 
 like the grass, and the workers of iniquity seemed to flour- 
 ish, this very way hath the Lord taken to bring about a 
 more full deliverance : Yea, on the other hand, hath it not 
 been very obvious how the church's gain hath been 
 brought forth out of greatest loss ; that those wounds 
 .which seemed most deadly, by the infinitely wise provi- 
 dence of God, have turned to her most effectual and thor- 
 ough cure ; and men's unreasonable violence and rage 
 against the church hath oft had an evident tendency to 
 bring about even that whereto it seemed most directly con- 
 trary, some further mercy, and deliverance, than could 
 have been expected ; as the Aniorhes refusing Israel but 
 passage through their land, did prove the very mean to 
 give them more than they sought, the possession of that 
 land for an inheritance. 
 
 5. This witness the observation of the church in all ages 
 can bear to this promise, that deliverance hath oft sprung 
 up, and been brought to her hijid,from a quarter, and by 
 such means, as none would have expected ; by such, as none 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 12S 
 
 but God could do ; a sudden report and rumour. (1 Sam. 
 xxiii. 27.) Means that have been not only small and im- 
 probable, but that looked directly contrary, as in bringing 
 the church out of Egypt ; yea, sometime by the wicked's 
 being ensnared in the work o f their own hands. Is it not ob- 
 vious, how the Lord hath employed men's private inter- 
 ests, to put them on for befriending his church ? and hath 
 paused the earth to help the woman, and raised up one op- 
 pressor to punish another ; yea, often hath prepared car- 
 penters, whence it was least thought, to cut the horns of 
 those who had scattered his people ! 
 
 6. There is this convincing witness to the truth of such 
 a promise, that sudden remarkable change, which may be 
 oft discerned both on men's inward frame, and the out- 
 ward face of the church, when a time of mercy and enlarge- 
 ment is come ; instruments raised of the Lord, with a dis- 
 cernible elevation of their spirits to act, and do exploits ; 
 the feeble then made strong : and those who sometime 
 would have fainted at an ordinary piece of service, dare 
 with such a gale of divine assistance run {as it were) through 
 a troop, and overleaf) a wall. For indeed this may in all 
 ages be obvious, how easy it is to move, in the day when 
 the Lord moveth for his people, and strengtheneth the gir- 
 dle of their loins ; that it was not their bow, or sword, which 
 got them the victory, but the very finger of God, something 
 above the counsels of men, or ordinary means; which 
 hath sometimes been made clear as the noonday, so that 
 even, atsome distance, those who are wise to discern the 
 times, did see when there was a breaking out of a day of a 
 .church's hope ; how there was a previous motion and stir 
 amongst the dry bones t the Lord ; as in the top of the mul- 
 berry trees, hath been then discernible, and some promis- 
 ing appearance from the present disposition and temper of 
 the godly in that time (though we must grant, mercy and 
 sovereign grace hath oft met the church, when little of this 
 hath appeared) which, like the breaking out of that cloud 
 in the top of mount Carmel, to the prophet, though at first 
 but as an havidbrcadth, hath shewed that deliverance to the 
 church was not far off. 
 
 7. I would add this witness also ; those convincing prov- 
 2 deuces , w hi 'ch in all ages have been shewed against the cn- 
 eraics of the church, such as men could not pass without 
 some remark : what an issue those have had, who have 
 sometimes been a sore rod on the people of God, yea, a 
 terror in the land of the living ! How they have become a 
 most abject and contemptible party, like bees who have 
 lost their sting ; their countenance hath been changed, and 
 
124 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 they ceased to be any more a fear, when once their work 
 w as done, and the date of their commission for the hum- 
 bling and trying of the church expired ; yea, a judicial stroke 
 from the Lord hath been often seen upon their very judg- 
 ment, and resolutions, which could not then serve them to 
 trouble and afflict the church ; the day being turned, and 
 the time of her deliverance come. 
 
 FIFTH. There is this promise also which concerneth 
 the church in general, as well as christians in their person- 
 al case, That cU things work together for the good of those 
 who love God^ Rom. viii. 28. the accomplishment where- 
 of, as it is written out in providence to the observation of 
 men, I would here touch. 
 
 This is indeed a great and comprehensive promise, 
 which in the constant course and tenor of providence about 
 the church, we may see, it doth take place, how those 
 turnings and changes of the world, the most strange 
 emergentsofthetime, the various motions and interests of 
 men, do co-operate together, and have an undoubted ten- 
 dency to bring forth the church's good, as though they did 
 intentionally act for the same. There will indeed, one day, 
 be a more clear and marvellous discovery of this, when the 
 Lord hath perfected his work, and the mystery of God is 
 finished, the church brought safe to the harbour ; then 
 shall it be fully manifest, to what end all those storms and 
 cross winds in the counsels and designs of men were ; 
 those things, which in the time could not be understood, 
 but seemed perplexed and strange, did really work for the 
 church's good. For then men will see with their eyes a full 
 performance of the word : yet we must say, even here, in 
 every age, amidst the various changes of the church's case, 
 this hach so clear a fulfilment, that there is no serious ob- 
 server of providence, but may bear witness to it. 
 
 1. That not only the church's good, but even her great- 
 est good, hath most clearly had its rise, and been brought 
 forth, out of the greatest mischiefs and hurts intended against 
 her. If we search the scripture, and will turn over those 
 after records of the church's condition, we shall there find, 
 that the most remarkable attempts and plots, such as Pha- 
 raoh's last essay to destroy the Israelites, Hainan's great 
 design to root out the seed of the Jews, that great master 
 plot Satan once had on foot, to crush the gospel and the 
 christian church by crucifying her head, yea, in these last 
 times antichrist's killing the witnesses, have all, as4f really 
 intended by the instruments as well as the first mover, 
 brought forth the church's greatest good ; so as the after 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 125 
 
 mercy and relief hath carried some visible proportion to her 
 trial, and to the greatness of her adversaries' design. 
 
 2. It may be also clear, if we but trace back those mem- 
 orable changes, which have been up and down the earth, 
 how direct a tendency they have had to this end. Did not 
 the bringing down that great image of the monarchies, wit- 
 ness this ? We find Nebuchadnezzar raised up as a rod to 
 the church, and Cyrus for a deliverer ; we may see the 
 Persian and Grecian monarchies brought down, to make 
 way for the setting up of the Messiafrs^ kingdom. Anti- 
 ochus must stand up a little for a sharp trial, and his down- 
 fall give the church a new breathing, and hold forth to after 
 ages a remarkable monument of the judgment of God 
 against his enemies. Peaceable Augustus must fall in with 
 his time in whose days shall be abundance of peace. We 
 find a Titus set up to execute the judgment of God on the 
 Jews, to make way for a further enlargement to the gentile 
 church ; a Nero and Domitian to help forward the church's 
 suffering, and a Constantine to give her some rest, after so 
 long and sore an assault ; and at last, the Roman empire 
 mouldered down, for antichrist'' s up setting, to accomplish 
 what did remain of the sufferings of Christ, in his church, 
 by that adversary. 
 
 3. We may oft see a very strange concurrence of things ! 
 how instruments act to bring about the Lord's end, and 
 advance his church's interest, even while each one doth 
 most vigorously drive their own proper end and design ; 
 which sheweth, there is surely a living spirit in the wheels, 
 that ordereth these motions, a supreme and first mover that 
 can thus determine them, whether they will, or not, to 
 serve his end, and to promote the church's good, when 
 they most directly intend the contrary. 
 
 4. We have seen how in men's plotting the ruin of the 
 church ,there is oft an unseen hand deter miningtheir judgment 
 and inclination, to fail upon that very way, than which we 
 would think nothing could have been more direct for her 
 good and their own ruin ; how an Hushai hath been sent 
 in, or some have been stirred up amongst themselves (upon 
 thdr «wn interest) to break the pernicious counsels and 
 designs of others. 
 
 5. We have^ also seen the personal quarrels of the 
 church's enemies among themselves brought to such an 
 height, and to fall out so seasonably, that observers might 
 clearly perceive that it hath been from the Lord ; a judg- 
 ment for their rage and violence against his poor oppressed 
 people. 
 
126 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 6. We have seen the church's enemies raised to a stranger 
 height, all advantages favouring them, until their mine hath 
 teen ripe for springing ; and lo, at that very juncture, 
 something unexpected hath fallen out, which did turn their 
 former success to their further ruin, yea, disappoint all. 
 This, the world is ready to call some fatal and malevolent 
 conjunction, which cannot be resisted: and what is this, 
 in effect, but the witness of men's conscience to a divine 
 hand ? 
 
 7. Have we not seen some sore dash and overthrow of 
 the church bring forth her good, and a more full victory P 
 how visible help and means have been taken out of the way, 
 that something above means might be seen in her condition, 
 even in that day, when all hath been given for lost ; yea, 
 truth's losing the day upon the field, bring forth her tri. 
 umph on the scaffold and at the stake. 
 
 8. We have seen most despicable and ordinary things 
 made subservient for some great piece of the Lord's work : 
 a very small thing made the first rise of strange revolur 
 tions ; that remarkable changes have been oft lying in the 
 bosom of a common providence ; yea, truly we find both 
 scripture, and the observation of after ages, witness, that 
 the church's deliverance and relief did almost never come 
 that way, by such a method and means, as she had most 
 expected the same ; and that God's time # of working may 
 be oft very contrary to our time of expecting. 
 
 I shall only add ; is it not oft seen (which, I am sure, all 
 ages can witness) how men's endeavours to darken the 
 truth by error, have been the effectual means for its further 
 clearing ? That the growing of a trial, a violent and sore 
 exacting upon the church, hath kindly wrought towards 
 her relief and enlargement ; \\zx meat hath been oft brought 
 even out of the eaier, by means most destructive thereto ; 
 and a sword must pierce the church's heart, that the thoughts 
 of ninny may be discovered ; a time of persecution must 
 help to cure the divisions amongst the godly, and bring 
 them together in the furnace, which prosperity could not 
 do ; yea, it is oft seen, which former ages can also witness, 
 that the very undoing of the church hath been God's bless^ 
 ed way, to keep her from being undone. 
 
 The Second Branch, concerns those scripture threatening s, 
 mhich arc held forth in the word, with a respect to the visible 
 church, and against a people professing the gospel ; that no 
 privileges they have above others, shall exempt them from 
 judgment, yea, and from very sad strokes ; he hath known 
 them above the rest of the world, he therefore will contend 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 12? 
 
 with them most severely, because of sin, and such particu- 
 lar evils as we find the word threateneth. 
 
 I touched a little some scripture threatening, in the pre- 
 ceding argument, as concerned christians in tjieir private 
 experience : what I here intend, is to point at this truth, 
 as it is written in the providences and judgments of every 
 time, to men's observation, how judgments from the 
 Lord, which point, as with the finger, at the abounding 
 sins of that time, do reach a land, and particular churches , 
 according to the threatenings of the word. This is indeed 
 manifest, that the greatest promises made to a people, we 
 find backed with saddest threatenings ; and -accordingly 
 we find, the greatest monuments of wrath have usually be<.n 
 set up, where sometimes the largest offers of the gospel 
 were ; yea, that the anger of the Lord may draw so deep, 
 against a people professing his name, as to make their land 
 desolate, and the high ways thereof mourn ! for in this pre- 
 cinct of the church doth both judgment and mercy most 
 eminently shine forth, and the Lord's way there doth dif- 
 fer from that he hath with any other people. 
 
 Now to clear this grave truth a little, how those threat- 
 enings of the word, against a nation and people, because of 
 sin, are also verified in their judgments, I shall touch a 
 few instances, that are most known and obvious, where 
 we may lay the word and observation of the church togeth- 
 er, and see how they answer one the other. 
 
 1. We find the threatenings of the ivord do point at the 
 time of a people's judgment. 1 Thcs. ii. 16. Rev. xiv. 15, 
 18. That when they//// up the measure of their sin, and 
 their cup is full > the Lord will not then defer the cxecu- 
 tion ! until the cup of the A?norites was full, he did lei 
 them alone ; and we find answer deferred, to the cry oi 
 the souls under the altar, for avenging their blood on anti- 
 christ, because that accursed party hath yet more to do 
 against the church, and the saints more to suffer under 
 their hand. 
 
 Now to witness the accomplishment of this ; let us but 
 consider what in all times may be observed, 1. That there 
 is an ordinary growth and height of sin, which a land com- 
 «th to, before destruction; some national and universal 
 spreading thereof, prodigious outbreakings, the utter re- 
 jecting of reproof, which shew that a peopled case must 
 then be on some turn ; yea, that strange and unusual Mu- 
 lling useth to go before some strange stroke. £2. Before 
 judgment come, is it not seen, how the sin of a people kith 
 become so daring, that it hath had a loud cry? yea, their 
 case hath been such as did justify the Lord's .procedpr 
 
128 The Fulfilling of the Scripture* 
 
 against them, even in the conscience of all observers, that 
 he did it not without much cause. 3. Is it not easy, for 
 such as are wise to know the times, to see night coming 
 on a land, when sin is at some dreadful height, by consid- 
 ering the word and the Lord's usual way with a people in 
 such a case ? Yea, have there not then been some special 
 forewamings, a more than ordinary impression of judg- 
 ment upon the spirits of the godly, and the hiding of many 
 of them in Uie grave ; which, as threatening presages, have 
 shewed the near approach of a stroke. 4. There doth not 
 usually want even some Noah, or Jonas, the ministers of 
 God sent forth to threaten, who as watchmen upon the 
 wall are discerning hazard at a distance ; yea, with an ob- 
 servable pressure then upon their spirit, and a more than 
 ordinary agreement amongst themselves, to cry out, and 
 give the people warnings when the time of judgment hath 
 been drawing near. 
 
 2. It is clear, there arc some special evils and sins of a 
 time, which we find the word most dreadfully doth threaten ; 
 yea, in a peculiar way it doth put a mark upon them, that 
 though the Lord should pass by many infirmities in a 
 church and people professing his name ; yet, for such and 
 such sins (as we find in Amos i. 3.) he will not turn away 
 the punishment thereof ; but hath solemnly declared, by 
 his truth and faithfulness, that these shall not pass without 
 some visible mark, even before the world, of his anger. 
 Now in this the scripture is clear, and lets us see, there are 
 some sins more particularly threatened, some land destroy, 
 ing sins, that have as it were the mark set on them, which 
 do especially provoke the holy indignation and jealousy of 
 God ; such as idolatry, corrupting the worship of God ; 
 perjury, and covenant breaking ; shall they break my 
 covenant and escape ? saith the Lord, Ezek. xvii. 15. 
 Also departing from God, and his way ; For this the land 
 shall be desolate, as in Jercm. ix. 12, 13. Yea, blood guilt- 
 iness, which the earth shall not cover, and for which the 
 sword shall not depart, even from the house and family of 
 David. 2 Sam. xii. 10. 
 
 Now to evidence the accomplishment hereof, I shall 
 point at some things most obvious to the observation of 
 every time, how terribly the Lord useth to plead, for such 
 things, and by some exemplary stroke and judgment point 
 them out, as we find them particularly set by themselves 
 in the word, and threatenings thereof. 
 
 1. That in these sins, thus marked, men may see how 
 their judgments use not wholly to be deferred to another 
 world, but though much is oft passed here, and laid over 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 129 
 
 to that last and great judgment, yet, upon such sins the 
 Lord hath put some mark of his displeasure, even in this 
 life. 2. That for these he useth to contend before the sun, 
 and in the view of men : his judgments are indeed oft se- 
 cret, and do consume as a moth ; but upon such sins, we 
 may frequently see, some public and visible stroke is made 
 to follow, that the world cannot pass without a remark. 
 3. That the Lord also useth to be a very swift witness 
 against such evils. For, as we find the oppression of the 
 church hath a loud cry, and the blood of the saints a how 
 long ? it is also seen those forementioned sins do much 
 hasten judgment, so as seldom that generation passe lb 
 away without some witness thereto. It is rarely found, 
 that some great revolt of a people from God, and breaking 
 covenant with him, doth lie long unpunished, nor doth the 
 hoary head of the violent and bloody man go oft to the 
 grave in peace. 4. That these sins use to be followed 
 with some very dreadful and eminent stroke, which hath 
 made the land desolate, their cities sometime waste, and a 
 ruinous heap ; yea, houses great and fair, to be without 
 inhabitants ; so as men have with astonishment inquired, 
 IVhy is all this come to pass ! and it was easy to answer, 
 even for sue A and suck evils hath the Lord done this, ac- 
 cording to his word. 5. That a divine hand useth to be 
 most discernible in the punishment of such sins, because 
 of a very clear resemblance betwixt them, and the stroke ; 
 which hath forced their own conscience, as well as be- 
 holders to confess the righteousness of God therein. 
 6. That the Lord will put some mark of his anger on the 
 choicest of his servants for any accession to such sins ; these 
 to whom he hath given their soul for a prey, have yet got 
 a sore outward stroke, upon such an account, which hath 
 followed them to the grave ; For this the sword shall not 
 depart from David's house. Idolatry rent the kingdom 
 from the posterity of Solomon. Jonas shall not escape for 
 his rebellion. Yea, God was wroth with Moses, and no 
 intreaty shall hinder his dying in the wilderness. I may 
 add, bath not the Lord's controversy on this ground even 
 reached _ their posterity I Which may shew that these 
 threatenings are sad earnest ; and such sins are not more 
 particularly pointed at in the word, than they have been in 
 after ages made exemplary in judgment. 
 
 3. A people's lukevuarmness, their slighting of the gospel 
 and not receiving the love of the truth, we find sadly threat- 
 ened in the word, Rev. iii. 15, J 6. 2 Thess. ii. 10, 11. 
 And truly we must say, they have not fallen to the ground 
 in any age, without an accomplishment, as frequent ob. 
 
130 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 serration can witness. 1. . How a people's entering upon a 
 religious way, their pursuing a form of reformation, and 
 not thorough for God therein, hut on carnal grounds, hatl* 
 thus put them in a worse condition than before. For truly 
 men's hypocrisy in going about a good work, doth threaten 
 more, than the performance thereof cloth promise. Jehu 
 got a temporal reward, but his posterity must at length 
 reckon for all the blood of Jezreel. 2. That no people 
 use to be further from getting good of the gospel, than 
 such who have been under most clear and greatest convic- 
 tions ; so as it is found, there is oft more access to gain 
 amongst the savages y than those who have sit their day 
 while the tide did flow ; yea, ministers have found most 
 discouragement, to labour in those parts where the word 
 hath been long preached with power. 3. It is seen, how 
 light not improved will turn a people more gross •, and is 
 usually followed with some remarkable growth in sin ; 
 that die more the word doth put a restraint on men's cor- 
 ruption, the more it rageth ; so as it may be observed 
 what a, very black die, the powerful preaching of the gos- 
 pel hath put upon a people, as a visible mark of judgment 
 on such who profit not thereby. 4. Is it not seen how 
 men's formality in the matters of God hatlrbeen oh pun* 
 ishcd even with the taking away of the form? Yea, that 
 seldom error and delusion doth want a harvest amongst i\ 
 people who receive not the truth in love. 5. Hath not 
 slighting of the gospel been at last followed with some visible 
 restraint and inhibition both upon the ordinances and dis- 
 pensers thereof, a judicial withdrawing of the Sprit, as to 
 the work of conversion and conviction ; whereby the Lord 
 doth plainly cease to lye a reprover to such; yea, even 
 saith, bind up the law and seal the testimony. 
 
 The word doth also threaten carnal security (a disease 
 whereof the church is oft in great hazard) yea, we find it 
 holds forth a certain connection betwixt spiritual judgments 
 upon a people, and some outward strokes to follow there- 
 on ; that those who are under that first wo and plague 
 upon their spirits, are then near to some judgment upon 
 their persons, and may expect a sharp wakening ; in hear- 
 ing they shall not understand, &c. but the close is, until 
 their cities be consumed without inhabitants, and there be 
 an utter desolation : yea, we find, judgment doth begin as 
 a moth, in that 5th ofHos. but in the 14th ven it doth turn 
 -At last to be a lion. We may truly say, the fulfilling of 
 this hath in all ages of the church been obvious. 1. That 
 as the first part of the church's deliverance is usually spir- 
 itual, so it is found the first step of judgment, and thcexe r 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 131 
 
 eutlon thereof against a people, hath been upon their spir- 
 its ; that serious discerners of the time might know, * the 
 night was fast coming on, and some sad outward stroke 
 on a land, by the abounding of spiritual judgments. 2. It 
 is clear the most dreadful strokes that ever came on a par- 
 ticular church, do usually find it in such a case, judicially 
 hardened, and under many warnings plagued with security. 
 Thus did the flood find the old world ; and before that deso- 
 lating stroke on Jerusalem by the Romans, were not the 
 Jews in such a case ? Sahian can tell how it was with the 
 African churches, before that dreadful inundation of the 
 Goths and Vandals ; yea, the church's records in all ages 
 do witness, that before any sad stroke or persecution came 
 upon a people, a deep sleep and lethargy hath been previous 
 thereto ; gray hairs might have been seen upon them ; 
 and the word doth even shew, that this will be the last dis- 
 ease, whereof the church shall be sick before the great day 
 of the Lord. 3. It is also seen how spiritual judgments, 
 when they grow upon a people, make great dispatch, and 
 do quickly ripen for some further stroke ; that when men 
 have run down their conscience, and are past reproof of the 
 word, going on from evil to worse, the case cometh then 
 to be clear, and ready for the final discussion of the pro- 
 cess. 
 
 5. The word doth denounce wo against the troublers of 
 the church, and those who are her persecutors ; that the 
 Lord shall recompense tribulation to such^ and plead with her 
 oppressors : the accomplishment whereof hath been truly 
 manifest, yea, to the observation even of the world. Isa. 
 x. 5. 2 Thes. i. 6. First, that eminent oppressors of the 
 church have seldom gone out of the world, without some 
 mark of divine anger upon them. Surely if there were a 
 record of such instances, that in every age have been con- 
 spicuous, men would be forced to see, and say- that the 
 most noted enemies and persecutors of the saints have been 
 also the most convincing and noted examples of judgment 
 in the time. 2. That the church's suffering useth to go 
 before a day of vengeance on the instruments thereof. We 
 find, Jehu got an outward reward for executing the judg- 
 ment of God on his enemies : but as for those men who 
 have been the rod of the church, it hath been seen, that they 
 have not long wanted some scourge as sore upon them- 
 selves, as they have been to his people, and that at last 
 these have paid dear for their service. 3. We may see 
 how this also doth help to finish the controversy of God, 
 with men and their houses ; that for this he hath taken many 
 away in the midst of their days, and made them cease to be* 
 
132 The Fulfilling of the Scripture'* 
 
 who would not cease to trouble the church, while they had 
 a being ; yea that he had taken them in his own hand, whom 
 men could not reach, and made their downcasting in the 
 midst of themselves. 
 
 6. Doth not the scripture threaten carnal confidence , in 
 a people ; the putting of their trust in man, or in any out- 
 ward instruments ? Jer. xvii. 5, 6, 17. To clear the ac- 
 complishment whereof let us but compare the word, and 
 the church's observation together ; and we shall find, 1. 
 That outward means have never more miscarried, than 
 when most promising, and when there was greatest expec- 
 tation from the same ; yea, that very eminent instruments* 
 when much leaned to, have been observably blasted, and 
 made to shrink under such a burden. 2. That those whom 
 the Lord had made much use of, yea, honoured to be great 
 instruments in the service of the church, have oft had some 
 discernible blot, to reprove men's overlading of instruments, 
 with their esteem ; a Tertullian, an Origen in ancient 
 times, yea, even a Luther, in these latter ages must go with 
 some halt to the grave. 3. That many who have been 
 useful in the church for a time* the Lord doth oft lay by ; 
 yea, maketh not use of them to the end : but, the last may 
 be made first. And truly that excess in men's esteem, put- 
 ting a further weight on some means, than they could bear, 
 hath oft helped to render many useless. 4. Is it not also 
 seen, how one extremity is thus plagued with another ? 
 none more ready to shrink in a day of trouble, than such 
 who at a distance seemed most daring; yea, none more 
 ready to fall into that excess of undervaluing instru- 
 ments, than those who have most exceeded upon the other 
 hand. 
 
 7. Do we not find the word threaten, and in a special 
 way point at corrupt ministers, unfaithful watchmen, who 
 give not warning to the church ; those shepherds that feed 
 themselves, but not the flock, the leaders of a people that 
 cause them to err, and by their practice, to stumble at the 
 law ? Mai ii. 3, 4. 
 
 The accomplishment whereof hath in all ages been very 
 discernible. First, how such have usually been most not- 
 ed as the greatest and most violent enemies, which the church 
 hath at any time had ; yea, that no course hath been so evil 
 and gross that hath wanted some of these to help it on, 
 whose hatred and persecution of the godly hath been found 
 to exceed the most openly profane and profligate in that 
 time. 2. That as they are particularly threatened above 
 others in the word, so they get also some remarkable cast 
 above others in their judgment, and having once lost their 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 135 
 
 savour, become vile and loathsome, even to the worst of 
 men ; are contemptible in the eyes of such whom they 
 seek in a sinful way to please ; yea, have a worse savour, 
 than the profanest wretches ; that being verified in them, 
 Corruptio optimi, pessima. 3. That these do seldom make 
 h good retreat from an evil way : so as it is an usual obser- 
 vation, it is rare for churchmen to repent, or a fallen star 
 to shine again. 4. Are not such oft smitten even in their 
 gifts ; which we may see wither, and dry up upon them, 
 while not faithfully improved ; yea, to the very conviction 
 of their hearers, to have lost that edge which once they had 
 in their ministry ? 5. I must add another remark (though I 
 desire to deal with fear, and much tenderness, in such an 
 application of the judgment of God,) how the Lord doth 
 oft put some note of his wrath on the children and of spring 
 of unfaithful ministers ; that it hath been seen, none more 
 wretched and gross : whereto as their evil practice and ex- 
 ample hath been a special help, so likewise are they thus 
 punished of the Lord, who did not seek to beget children to 
 him, by the word, but through their way did rather cause 
 many to err and fall. 
 
 Third Branch. Having spoke something how the scrip, 
 ture both as to the promises, and threatenings thereof, is 
 evidently fulfilled in the Lord's ordinary way of procedure 
 with his church, I would a little further follow this argu- 
 ment, How this also hath a manifold accomplishment \ even 
 in these most strange and dark passages of providence, 
 whereat men are ready to stumble and challenge the spot- 
 less righteousness of God, and his faithfulness therein ; but 
 if we lay them to that measure, and line of the word which 
 is stretched over the whole work of providence, we will 
 see how well these do agree, and answer one to the other, 
 yea, that all the paths wherein God walketh towards his 
 church, and people, are surely mercy, and truth. 
 
 To clear this I shall point at some footsteps of the provi- 
 dence of God in the world, and about the church which 
 would seem most dark, yea, a contradiction to his word, 
 and promise, but are plain and manifest, if weighed in the 
 balance of the the sanctuary, where we may have a sat- 
 isfying look, and resolution of these things, which other- 
 wise would be too hard for us to understand, and may see, 
 how straight these paths are which we thought crooked ; 
 yea, how easy and passable, the greatest deeps of provi- 
 dence would be, both as to God's way with his church, 
 and in our own particular case, when once they are set over 
 against the word. 1 shall touch this a little in these follow- 
 ing instances. 
 
134 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 1. It may seem strange how the church y s trouble and 
 strait is oft seen to increase, with the first stirrings of her 
 deliverance ; yea, when some remarkable mercy and 
 outgate is in the bringing forth, the first step thereof would 
 seem to put her further back, and in a worse condition 
 than before. This is indeed a piece of the Lord's way with 
 his church, which in many instances may be witnessed, but 
 let us take the word along therewith, and we will find, 
 1. How the church is oft at the brink of the grave, even 
 when her case is upon a turn, and how it is congruous to 
 his way (whose paths are in the deep waters, who clotheth 
 himself with darkness, that men should not find any thing 
 after him, or lay down absolute conclusions concerning 
 his dealing) that the motions of providence should be oft 
 so perplexed, and various. 2. Did not the case of the 
 church in Egypt seem much worse, their burdens doubled 
 upon them, even when their deliverance was breaking up ? 
 3, Joseph to be sold as a slave, and in Egypt turned into 
 a dungeon, would seem steps of providence, very unlike 
 the thing which God was driving at thereby, and yet we 
 see how kindly these did work towards the same. 4. The 
 church, in Micah iv. 10, when she was even at the door 
 next to a deliverance, her trial vyas even at the greatest 
 height, be in pain, and labour to bring forth, for ye shall go 
 to Babylon, and there be delivered: but sorest pangs in the 
 birth do usnally promise the best issue. 5. It was the step 
 of the providence of God, which of all seemed most dread- 
 ful to the church in Esther, the sealing of the decree, and 
 sending it forth to root out the whole seed of the Jews, 
 while Haman still flourished, but lo this was the very step 
 that wrought most thoroughly for her deliverance ; and is 
 not a wet mourning seed time, a scripture presage of a good 
 harvest. 
 
 2. The sore interruptions which a people's endeavow sfor 
 reformation, and to promote the kingdom of Christ have met 
 with, even when set about with a clear call, yea, solemn 
 and serious engagements to God, would seem strange, 
 and a shaking piece of providence : and truly this is oft 
 seen, as an usual attendant on reformation, how insupera- 
 ble like difficulties, and unexpected lets do grow up in the 
 way thereof: thus when Luther, and other instruments 
 were raised up in Germauy, to pursue the church's refor- 
 mation, what cruel edicts were then set forth to give it a 
 dash ? division among themselves, the rising up of the 
 Boors, and Anabaptists : what a pure, and thorough refor- 
 mation was on foot under Edward the sixth, in England, 
 and what a dreadful storm did quickly break it up, for that 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture: 135 
 
 time ? and I would add, what the present case of the church- 
 es in Britain, and Ireland, may at this day witness, where 
 once the Lord so eminently appeared in a begun reforma- 
 tion, which now is at so great a stand, but let us go into the 
 scripture with this, and we wiil find, I. There is a live- 
 ly portrait of providence in the affairs of the church held 
 forth in that vision which EzekielYw&ot the wheels at the 
 river Chebar, whose mysterious motions, and turning so 
 cross one to the other, without any discord therein, as to 
 the end, to which they were directed, doth witness the ra- 
 tional, and wise conduct of providence : the Lord's work 
 about his church is a most shadowed and elaborate piece, 
 which men cannot see, before their eye, as they see behind 
 upon a review, while ordinary causes do oft vary in their 
 operation, yea, go out of the common road, but scripture 
 will make this very plain. 2. Was not Nebemiah, Ezra* 
 and Zerobabel at their work, and duty, and had an express 
 call for building of the temple, yet, how great, and frequent 
 interruptions did they find, sometimes environed with dif- 
 ficulties, Zech. iv. 7. Who art thou, great mountain, before 
 Zerobabel ? Yea, they were put to hold the sword and 
 build, to watch and work at once, because of their enemies. 
 3. What a very sore backset was the church at, Hab. 3. 
 Revive thy work, Lord, in the midst of the years. This 
 was both a great and long interruption, yea, do we not find 
 her almost at a nonplus, with a query which no visible ap- 
 pearance could answer, by whom shall Jacob arise, for he 
 is small ? 4. We find a special reformation set on foot 
 by Hezekiah, with a solemn covenant, by the princes, 
 priests, and body of the people, with a setting up of the 
 pure worship, and ordinances of God, but lo a sharp storm 
 is soon after, by Sennacherib ; yea, Hezekiah scarcely is 
 in his grave, when his son doth bring in corruption, and 
 persecution both at once ; and when the christian church 
 in the times of the apostles began to flourish, success fol- 
 lowing the gospel, did not a sad interruption, and scattering 
 follow. Acts viii. 5. This is promised that Zioiis walls 
 shall even in troublesome times be built ; and her being 
 brought to a heap of rubbish was but making way for a 
 further advance, that in the building of her again, the Lord 
 might appear in his glory ; and is it not clear, that Clirist 
 coming in the gospel, and power thereof to purge his 
 church, and carry on a reformation, Mai. iii. 4, proveth a 
 searching and trying time which men cannot endure, for 
 the power of the \\ ord, and clear discovery of sin, and oth- 
 er shaking dispensations which do usually attend such 
 times, and torment them who dwell on the earth, yeaj and 
 
136 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 put the devil, and corruption of men aloft, with all rage to 
 oppose the same. 
 
 3. That a sad overclouding, and darkness should come on 
 a land after most special manifestation of the power and 
 glory of God therein, and that a time of the gospel with 
 much light should be so near a forerunner of wrath, and 
 judgment, would seem a strange piece of providence, and 
 cause a serious inquiry how such eminent appearances of 
 God for a people, such great confirmations, observable 
 success for a time, with many signal encouragements, 
 should all seem to resolve in a desolating stroke, and ruin ? 
 This may be instanced in that protestant war in France, 
 where instruments were remarkably raised, fitted of th» 
 Lord for the service of that time, had much of his presence 
 and countenance, yet to resolve thus in a bloody massa- 
 cre ; likewise these confederate German princes, Saxony , 
 and Landgrave of Hesse, men eminent for piety, carried 
 forth with much zeal for God, for defence of the truth, yea, 
 in the beginning of that war, having many promising en- 
 couragements, yet, remarkably deserted of the Lord, with 
 very sad like consequences following the same. Let us 
 consider also the late Bohemian war, stated upon necessa- 
 ry defence of religion and liberty, and at first attended with 
 some smiling providences, should resolve into so great a 
 desolation, and ruin : yea, the church of Ireland, O, what 
 a dreadful massacre of the protestants there did quickly 
 follow one of the most solemn times of the power of God 
 and outpouring of the spirit that we ever heard of since the 
 days of the apostles. I confess this may have a strange as- 
 pect, and is a part of the marvellous ways of the Lord ; but 
 when we take it into the word, we will find there is no jar, 
 or discord here, for, L It might seem as strange, and as- 
 tonishing what Baruch got from the Lord in answer to his 
 complaint, Jerem. xlv. that he would pluck up what he 
 had planted, and cast down that which he had built, for a 
 work to be thus thrown down, where the Lord had once 
 so eminently appeared and given his people many confirm- 
 ations, might then occasion great thoughts of heart, yet the 
 unspotted righteousness of God, and his truth was appar- 
 ent therein ; yea, after that discourse, and all these large 
 promises, which Christ gave his disciples in that sixteenth 
 of John, we find all is shut up with that, the hour is com- 
 ing, and now is, that ye shall be scattered, % What 
 strange providences did try the church in the wilderness, 
 sometime brought back to the Red sea, tried with hunger, 
 and nakedness, consumed with various strokes, and many 
 years wandering until most of that generation, who came 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 13? 
 
 out of Egypt, filled their graves in the journey, and yet 
 this was after most eminent confirmations, and as clear 
 signs of God's presence as ever people had. 3. We find 
 a public reformation most zealously prosecuted by jfosias, 
 which looked like the renewed espousals of that land with 
 Gon, by a solemn covenant, yet, quickly after night came 
 on that land with a long captivity, and Josias did fall by the 
 sword. 4. Was there not a bright sun-blink, and flourish- 
 ing plantation of the gospel in Judea, a little before the des- 
 olation of that land by the Romans, yea, we will find it 
 clear from the word that times of much light, and reforma- 
 tion do much sooner ripen for a stroke than any other times. 
 5. It is very manifest that particular churches have their 
 day, where the gospel hath its appointed work, and their 
 stroke at last may reach the length of removing the candle- 
 stick. I truly think that sad instance of Bohemia's case 
 may have this observable in it, that it had longer day, and 
 enjoyment of the light even from the times of John IIus, 
 and Jerom of Prague, which was near an 100 years before 
 there was any daybreak on other parts, so that we would 
 consider if their night did come soon on, that their day 
 was also much longer, yea, the stroke might try with the 
 ebb of the tide, when their harvest was much gathered in, 
 under so long a continuance of the gospel, though 1 dare 
 not think the Lord's work is utterly extinct there, but 
 that Bohemia's dead and withered root hath life yet in it, 
 ^nd shall once again bud forth. 
 
 4. Is it not usually seen iv hen judgment cometh on a laud, 
 that the godly get the first stroke ? but let us also consider 
 this in the word, where it is clear, 1. That judgment must 
 begin at the house of God, and the green tree ; and that 
 the church's trouble, and persecution is a forerunner of 
 vengeance on her adversaries, do we not find, there is a 
 cup of the judgment ofGop ? And O the list is of a strong 
 composition, for the wine is red and mixed, and the dreg 
 very thick which is reserved for the trou biers of the church, 
 and for such who are at ease in a day of her grief, and truly 
 they have the advantage that drink first, Blessed are they 
 whom thou chastenest, £sfc. that they may rest in the day of 
 their adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked, yea, 
 Rev. iii. 10, we find keeping of the word of patience, 
 which doth import suffering to the church, goeth before 
 some more universal stroke ; and in that day proveth the 
 safety, and protection of the people of God. 2. It is also 
 clear that men may be raised up of the Lord, and followed 
 with success, when he hath them for a rod to his church, 
 but that at last Ashur the rod of my wrath will 1 cast in the 
 
 s 
 
1 3-8 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 fire, saith the Lord, it is truly an evidence of great wrath 
 upon a party to be made the rod, and executioners of judg- 
 ment upon the people of God, for they shall pay for it, by 
 some sadder stroke than any trouble or suffering whereof 
 they have been instruments. 
 
 5. That prosperity, and success should follow sometimes 
 the worst of men in an evil course \ and cause such a concur- 
 rence, and series of providence, asseemeth to smile on 
 them even to the bringing of their sinful devices to pass, 
 while the people of God have been made to fall in a just 
 quarrel before their adversary, would seem an astonishing 
 providence, but let us lay it fore against the word, and 
 there we will see, 1. That there is a prosperity which 
 tendetli to destruction, Prov. i, 32. the tabernacles of the 
 robbers prosper, Job xii. 6. and they that provoke God 
 are secure, into whose hands he bringeth abundantly, but 
 they do not see that wickedness is its own punishment, and 
 how it is a dreadful stroke to thrive in an ill course. Was 
 not the church shaken with such a providence^ Mai. iii. 
 15. Yea, tempted to call the proud happy, but in the ver. 
 18. they were taught from further observation to discern or 
 put a difference between the righteous and the wicked. 2. 
 Do we not find that even the signs, and predictions of false 
 prophets, in favour of a sinful way, may come to pass, 
 Deut. xiii. 1, 2. whereof the church is there warned, and 
 God's intent in the same cleared, that it is for the trial of 
 his people, whether they will Icve and fear the Lord, and 
 cleave to his way, when providence would seem to shine 
 on a crooked path. 3. Did not success for a time attend 
 Absalom ? Israel as one man went after him, yea, the 
 friends and counsellors of David; a fair wind did also 
 favour Haman in his essay to ruin the church. Jeremy is 
 almost shaken with it, yea, they have taken root, yea, they 
 grow, and bring forth fruit. But is not this at last usual- 
 ly found an ominous weather breeder before a storm ? 
 though the brutish man knoweth not, nor fools lay it to 
 heart for what the wicked doth oft spring, and flourish. I 
 would add Israel's falling before Benjamin, it was an aston- 
 ishing like providence ; and Habakkuk was put to a stand 
 with such a thing, why the Lord looked on, while the wick- 
 ed devoured the righteous. Yea, Joshua was to cry out 
 in an amazement, Lord, what shall I say, when Israel 
 turneth their back before their enemies ! But we have also 
 the Lord's intent therein witnessed by his word, that this is 
 to humble and prove his people, that he may do them good 
 in the latter end; and thus he beateth them oft' from all car- 
 nal grounds of confidence ; he woundeth them to a cure ; 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 139 
 
 that by bringing them low, he may raise and fit them for a 
 further mercy. 
 
 6. What great disappointments hath the church met \mth % 
 when outward grounds of confidence, and ordinary means 
 have been most promising, as it is a thing most true, so it 
 may seem strange at the first look : but let us bring it to 
 the word and the case will be there answered. Deut. 
 xxxii. Why should one chase a thousand, but because their 
 rock hath sold them ! and therefore their strength is gone, 
 with the Lord's departing from them. For, when a time 
 of judgment is come, even the mighty then find not their 
 hands, counsel faileth to the ancient^ ordinary means 
 bring not forth their wonted effects : which Solomon shew- 
 eth, and after ages have oft seen, The race not ever to the 
 swift, nor the battle to the strong. ^ It is also clear from 
 the word, how threatening a condition that is, for the peo- 
 ple of God to be much carried out after means, or lifted up 
 therewith : Isa. xxx. they will ride on horses, and this shall 
 be their punishment. But on the other hand, the Lord's 
 way in bringing forth his greatest works, hath not been by 
 might and by power, but oft by means most improbable, 
 and unexpected. 
 
 7. The long continuance of a heavy afflicting rod on the 
 church, without the appearance of an escape, or any return 
 to much wrestling and prayer on that account may seem 
 a strange step in God's way with his people. But the 
 word will answer us in such a case where it is clear, 1. That 
 there are no bounds in the scripture set to the continuance 
 of a trial. It doth not tell how long a sharp storm may lie 
 on, either as to the church, or any particular christian ; for 
 it is a piece of the Lord's secret counsel, but not of that 
 which is revealed : it is enough, that we know from it, 
 that men cannot make the church's suffering longer, than 
 God's time. 2. It was a long term that of Israel's trial in 
 Egypt ; and after under the captivity, three hundred and 
 ninety days must the church lie on her left side. O how 
 many a sad day and wearisome night was there in that word 
 seventy weeks are determined upon thy people, and city Je- 
 rusalem. 3. Have not the saints under a long trouble 
 gone almost the length of blasphemy, in their complaints ! 
 Isa. xl. 27. My way is hid from the Lord, and my judg- 
 ment passed over from my God. Daniel, how pressing with 
 the Lord was he, that he would hearken, and do and not de- 
 fer ! and yet the return cometh not until the first year of 
 
 Cyrus. Yea, that cry of the souls under the altar ; How 
 long! doth it not even get a dilatory answer ? for thus the Lord 
 doth oft interpose his long suffering for some time, betwixt 
 
1 40 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 his people, and avenging of them. 4. It is also clear that 
 there are many prayers before the throne, the return 
 whereof is suspended, and an answer to christians, in their 
 particular, until that time when God shall build up Zion, 
 and then the prayer of the destitute shall be remembered, 
 even as to christians' private enlargement, when the church 
 shall be raised up. ^ 5. We know the church's enemies 
 must have time to ripen, and it is not a storm of a few days, 
 that will purge away the filth of the daughter of Zion. 
 Too soon letting out of a sore may cause it to putrify the 
 more, and gather new matter. And truly the word can re- 
 solve us in this, that one minute sooner than God's time 
 would not be his people's mercy. 
 
 8. It is oft seen when there is some remarkable work of 
 God on foot in a land, and some great outpouring of the 
 spirit, how satan setteth up some usual counterfeit thereof 
 and bringeth forth something of his work in such a time, 
 with a very strange resemblance of the same. Thus, with 
 the preaching of the freedom of grace, and a clear discov- 
 ery of that truth, did libertinism under a very specious 
 pretext spring up. Thus we find the anabaptist, and anti- 
 7Jomian party, set up in Germany, to run down a church re- 
 formation, under the shew of a more pure and spiritual 
 way : and of late did not Familism in England, under pre- 
 text of a more spiritual dispensation, cast off the very letter 
 of the scripture, turning,it over into allegory and in behalf 
 of the liberty of prophesying, cry down a standing minis- 
 try ? but though this may seem strange, yet the scripture 
 is very clear, concerning it ; 1. That even satan himself is. 
 transformed into an angel of light, and in no shape proveth 
 more dangerous to the church. 2. That the most dread- 
 ful errors and a false way will oft come near to the choic-. 
 est exercises of the saints, and have such a resemblance to 
 the same, that if it were possible the very elect should be de- 
 ceived. 3. Was there not a Simon Magus with false mir- 
 acles set up over against the apostles ? and when the time 
 of the Messias drew near, did not then a Thcudas ; and 
 Judas of Galilee, break forth to amuse the people? We 
 find also an altar from Damascus set up beside that which 
 way shewed to Moses the servant of the Lord in the mount ; 
 yea, when Moses and Aaron were giving Pharaoh a 
 sign, anil did shew forth the marvellous power of God, 
 then did the magicians cast down their rod also, to 
 counterfeit the same, by which the heart of Pharaoh was 
 hardened. 
 
 9, The abounding of much error end heresy, now in the 
 time the gospel, with that swift growththcrcoi) which is oft 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 141 
 
 seen where the light most clearly shineth, seems strange ; 
 yea, is a thing whereat many are ready to stumble, and 
 thus to challenge the way of God : but is not the scripture 
 in this clearly verified, so that this piece of providence, 
 which is so shaking to many, if we take the word along 
 with it, might be a very convincing confirmation to us of 
 the same ? For, 1. We find the apostles, yea, Christ him- 
 self hath given express warning thereof, that this should be 
 one of the special and greatest trials of the christian church ; 
 whereof the Old Testament we find doth little mention, that 
 trial not concerning the church then so much, as these af- 
 tertimes under the Messiah's kingdom : wherein the event 
 may be clearly seen, to answer these predictions, which 
 are so frequent thereof in the New Testament. 2. Doth 
 not the event also answer the word as to that particular 
 way and method, how error should be propagated, which 
 is there clearly foretold, by subtle undermining, under the 
 pretext of liberty, with plausible insinuations ? so that we 
 must say, not only as to the matter, but with all these dis- 
 cernible tokens, even upon the manner, the word is made 
 out. 3. Do we not find, this should be a judgment on 
 men, who receive not the love of the truth ; and that after 
 flourishing times of the church, when he who rickth on the 
 white horse, is gone forth, the black horse and his rider doth 
 quickly follow ? And truly it is seen, that in the time of 
 hottest persecutions, the church hath not been so much 
 troubled with this adversary, as when she did begin to get 
 rest, and most of outward liberty, nor yet so at the first 
 breaking out of the gospel, as after some time of its contin- 
 uance. 4. Doth not the event likewise thos answer the 
 word, that in the breaking out of heresy in the church, a 
 spirit of error, the depths and mighty working of Satan 
 should be seen ; which I am sure is undeniable, how man- 
 ifest the interposing of these powers of darkness is therein, 
 if we consider, 1. Its marvellous dispatch and growth, like 
 a plague, and the arrow that fiieth by day. 2. With what 
 a discernible/wry and violence men are thus driven, as with 
 an impetuous current ; yea, oft a change on their very nat- 
 ural temper is seen most evidently. 3. Those monstrous 
 and horrid things, which are oft brought forth, may shew 
 whose hand is in such a birth. 4. That usual tendency, 
 that at last error hath to looseness in practice, which as it 
 poisoneth the spring, and corrupteth the leading faculty, 
 the judgment, so we see, it moveth towards the vital spir- 
 its, and doth influence the conversation ; and the leprosy 
 in the head breaketh forth in blains through the whole bo- 
 dy. S. And do we not see how many gross and 'profane 
 
1 42 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 have been carried away at such a time, how few have pow- 
 er to stand, but are stiii carried from one step to another ? 
 And it is clear, the world^ did never put out its rage so 
 much against that way, as it hath done against the truth, 
 except when some outward interest maketh it a quarrel. 
 
 10. These great shakings and commotions, that use to at- 
 tend the gospel, when it cometh in power to a land may also 
 seem strange, yea, are ready to make many stumble. But 
 is not the word verified herein, what great stirs and trou- 
 bles did exercise the church after great light in pouring out. 
 of the spirit ? Joel ii. 29. We may there likewise see, 
 how this giveth the world an alarm, maketh the kings and 
 great men of the earth run together, to hinder the rising of 
 Christ's kingdom, Psal. ii. 3. Let us break his bands, &c. 
 For truly, in all ages, Christ's rising in the gospel hath cast 
 a terror to its enemies, that this should be their fall and ru- 
 in. When the apostle hath an effectual door opened in his 
 ministry, he hath also much opposition thereto. But on 
 the other hand, all is still and quiet, while the strong man 
 doth keep the house. Yea, it is clear from the word, that 
 where the gospel cometh there is a red flag hung forth y 
 that if men will not receive the same, and subject to him 
 who rideth on the white horse, one shall come after, whose 
 work is to take peace from the earth, to put the world in a 
 flame, and to accomplish the judgment of a despised gos- 
 pel ; who shalldivide betwixt the husband and wife, the 
 parents and children : wherein our blessed Lord Jesus is 
 express, Matth. x. 34. / come not to send peace on the 
 earth, but rather a sword. Which might seem strange 
 from him; but it is to tell men, if they will not embrace 
 the offer of his peace, they shall not have peace among 
 themsehes. For the message of the gospel must cither be 
 the best, or the worst sight, that ever a land had. 
 
 1 1 . This may seem strange, hoiv in all ages men of great- 
 est parts and learning, are such usual opposers of truth; 
 yea, how the most sober and calm will even appear violent 
 in their way, the more the gospel is followed with power. 
 But, O ! how well doth this answer the scripture ? For the 
 wisdom of this world is enmity to God. 1 Cor. iii. 19. Not 
 many wise according to the flesh, comparatively with those 
 who hate the truth. Of all the beasts of the field was not 
 the serpent satan's choice ? and if there be an Achitophcl 
 in the time, at him he will have a special pull ; to such the 
 simplicity of the gospel is foolishness ; whereat they stum- 
 ble ; to such Christ is a rock of offence. We find, the 
 light doth torment them that dwell in the earth, will cause 
 men to blaspheme, and discover that which would not ap~ 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 14§ 
 
 pear, whilft they got leave to enjoy their sinful peace with- 
 out disturbance. 
 
 12. Those strange judgments which may sometimes befal 
 the saints in their outward lot, yea, sometimes attended 
 with some very astonishing circumstances, would at the first 
 look put men to a stand, and to challenge the holy way of 
 God. But let us weigh it in that balance of the scripture, 
 and we will find, I. That such hath been the complaint of 
 the saints, the Lord's wounding them with the wound of u 
 cruel one ; what a strange query is that in Lament, ii. 20. 
 Behold, and consider, to whom thou hast done this ! shall 
 the women cat the fruit of their womb ? shall the priest and 
 prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord ? yea, did it 
 not even to Solomon seem strange, Eccles. viii. 14. That 
 there are just men to whom it happeneth according to the 
 work of the wicked ! 2. It looked like some strange stroke 
 which forced David to this complaint, my enemies cast ini- 
 quity on me, and say an evil disease (or as the original 
 readeth it, a thing of Belial) cleayeth to him. We find, 
 Josias fell by the sword ; Eli, with one stroke, hath his 
 sons killed, his daughter in law dying, and himself falling 
 from his seat, and breaking his neck :^ yea Aaron hath 
 both his sons killed before his eyes, by an immediate stroke 
 from the Lord. 3. The word doth also shew T , there is no 
 jar betwixt this, and the tenor of the covenant, which God 
 hath made with his people to punish their transgression 
 with rods, yea, sometimes by a strange rod, while he taketh 
 not his loving kindness from them. And do we not find, 
 that a profitable trial may attend the saints, which fhe 
 world would think a dreadful judgment ; for great suffer- 
 ings may be ordered of the Lord, to give some great exam- 
 ples thereby ; we have heard of the patience of Job, and 
 have seen the end of the Lord. 
 
 13. The gross falling of those who have sometimes shine d 
 with much lustre in the church, may be astonishing : but 
 here also we may see the scripture made out, for it is clear, 
 1. That few instances of the most eminent of the sa'mts. 
 we have on scripture record, but there is some particular 
 spot and blemish also noted, a Noah, Lot, Moses and 0a u 
 vid, yea, under the New Testammt that great apostle n 
 whose denial of his master is set forth, to shew how fer 
 some may fall, whom grace will again restore, and make 
 up. 2. It is there clear, that some of understanding do 
 foil for a judgment to others ; that such who will stumble, 
 whose prejudice at the way of God is their choice, may 
 thus further foil and be broken. 3. The blessed meaning 
 and intent hereof we may there also read to alarm men i» 
 
144 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 watchfulness, that such who stand may take heed lest they 
 fall ; to warrant also their adventuring on the grace of 
 God, that none should fear to come in after such eminent 
 examples. 
 
 14. The contingency of events., that we see many tilings 
 in such a casual way fall out in the world, as by chance 
 only , without the rational conduct of providence (which 
 doth infallibly direct things to a certain end) this might at 
 the first look, put men to a stand, yea, would seem to give 
 atheists some shadow to say, Hoiv cloth God see, or doth the 
 God of 'Jacob regard ? But upon a more serious inquiry, 
 setting the word over against it, O what a sweet exercise 
 should it be to consider, 1. That though the providence 
 of God, in things here beneath, moveth suitably to the na- 
 ture of inferior causes, whether necessary, free, or con- 
 tingent, not violencing them, or otherwise making use of 
 them but according to their nature, so that though the 
 event be necessary and infallible, with a respect to the 
 first cause, the determined counsel of God, it is neverthe- 
 less contingent in respect of its nearest cause ; yet, this also, 
 on the other hand is clear, how these smallest and most cas- 
 ual motions do certainly fall under that comprehensive 
 reach of providence, that even a sparrow falleth not to the 
 ground by guess ; Rebecca Cometh not with her pitcher to 
 the well, nor Ruth to glean in Boaz^s field at an adven- 
 ture ; but in these the providence of God must reach its 
 end, and cannot miscarry. 2. That thoss things which 
 to us would seem most casual, we oft see in their ten- 
 dency and product have been intended by the Lord, as a 
 special means for the promoting of his glory /wherein 
 such a wonderful meeting and uniting of things, in them- 
 selves most remote, 'for that end, may be truly discerned, 
 that if prejudice do not shut men's eyes, they must con- 
 fess, this can be no blind chance but some high counsel 9 
 and conduct of the same. What would look more con- 
 tingent, than that Ahasucrus was indisposed to sleep, and 
 could have no rest in the night ? Or that a reflection of the 
 sun upon the waters, should make them appear as blood 
 to the children of Moab ? But we see what great things 
 the Lord is thus bringing about. 3. Is it not oft manifest 
 how not the smallest casualty, or circumstance, provi- 
 dence doth pass without some improvement thereof ? yea, 
 that it guideth the stroke of a man's sword in the battle, 
 and directeth the bullet to its appointed mark, and doth 
 evidently check the stars, and control that fatal necessity, 
 which we are ready to fear may or will follow their aspect, 
 snd doth even determine those which in themselves are 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 145 
 
 mtfst free and absolute, the heart and will of man ! Must 
 hot the crowing of the cock, and the soldier's dividing of 
 Christ's garments fall out for an accomplishment of the 
 scripture ? And though it was at a venture, that that man 
 drew the bow, which sent Ahab to his grave, yet it was no 
 chance did direct the arrow between the very joints of his 
 armour. 4. Amidst the various emergents and hazards 
 of men's life, may not experience tell, that surely things 
 contingent are not abandoned to fortune, but there is a 
 Providence, which doth number our hairs, and without 
 which they cannot fall to the ground! O how astonishing 
 may it be, to think how surprizing hazards have been 
 oft obviated ! By what unexpected means men have 
 been delivered from violent assaults ! how help unlooked 
 for hath even come in at an extremity, yea, while their 
 foot was slipping even betwixt their failing, and fall, they 
 have been surprised with some remarkable cast of mercy. 
 5. Is it not easy to discern, how many accidents which 
 seem most casual, yet by no human prudence or industry 
 can be prevented, but are observably brought about and 
 guided to fulfil the threatenings of the word on ungodly 
 men ! How was Siscra led by other places, into the house 
 of J pel ! How should Hainan's suit for Mordeeai'sdetlh, 
 fall in with that very morning, when the king's thoughts 
 were favourable to him! for it might seem, had Hainan 
 been one day sooner, he would have got his will. 
 
 This is a grave and serious subject, and hi such a day 
 should be much studied, when so many are ready to quarrel 
 at the way of the Lord, and out of every thing suck poison, 
 when prejudices are now so universally abounding against 
 the truth : that we may see what a witness there is, even 
 in the most dark and astonishing steps of providence, to 
 the truth and faithfulness of God ; yea, how great a con- 
 firmation we may thence have of cur faith, in such shak- 
 ing times, whilst we see how these are special grounds 
 against atheism, and a most convincing refutation of the 
 same, which are so much made use of to strengthen men 
 in that way. I know the holy sovereignty of God should 
 teach us to adore and keep silence, when we cannot fathom 
 the depths of providence ; and on tins great satisfying 
 truth we should stay, and fix ourselves, when things seem 
 strange to us, He is the Lord, and with him. there is no un- 
 righteousness. It is sure, the condition of the damnet| in 
 hell takes not off that obligation to declare ins faithfulness, 
 and adore his unspotted justice : but O they it would cease 
 to be hell, if such a blessed frame could have a being there. 
 
 T 
 
146 The Fiilfitting of the Scripture. 
 
 However, it is a necessary and concerning duty, when a 
 matter seems too hard for us to understand, to inquire in 
 the sanctuary ; there is a warrantable search after the 
 works of God that we may know them. Now besides 
 those instances which have- been already mentioned, I 
 would yet further touch some few steps of the providence 
 of God, with a special respect to this present time, which 
 may seem very strange, and be amazing ; but when brought 
 to that test of divine truth, will be found a most satisfying 
 confirmation thereof. 
 
 1. It may seem strange, to see the church of Christ this 
 day so unher sally brought low , and in a suffering condi- 
 tion > whilst the whole earth besides is at such rest and quiet : 
 that if we now look any where abroad, affliction and con- 
 tempt from men is seen in a very great measure, to attend 
 the profession of godliness, but more especially the power 
 thereof; yea, that almost in every place the church would 
 seem to be upon a decay and a declining, rather than in an 
 advance. I confess, this may cause great thoughts of 
 heart, when we consider that inestimable value, he whose 
 the church is hath put thereon ; what glorious things are 
 spoken of her in the word, especially with a respect to the 
 latter days ; and we have judged (I humbly think with a 
 safe warrant) that this should be a solemn time of fulfilling 
 those promises, which yet point at a more unher sal raising 
 and enlargement of the church of Christ ; yea, that in so 
 great a measure we have seen some begun performance 
 thereof, and therefore should conclude, the Lord's work 
 herein cannot halt, until it be at the full height and at the 
 perfect day. Shall I bring to the birth, and not caus,e to 
 bring forth ? saith the Lord. Shall I cause to bring forth, 
 and shut the womb ? saith thy God. Isa. lxvi. 9. But let 
 us go into the scripture, and there inquire concerning this, 
 and we will find, 1. How the church and the world, in 
 that interest of their joy and grief, as well as other interests, 
 are stated in a most direct opposition. Job. xvi. 20. Ver- 
 ily, saith Christ, ye shall lament and weep, but the world 
 shall rejoice. It should not be expected, those can be at 
 rest together ; since the trouble and suffering of the church, 
 it is a part of the world's case and quiet. What a solemn 
 jubilee does that cause to her adversaries, when they see 
 before them die dead bodies of the witnesses of Christ ! 
 RirOj xi. 10. No sight more rejoicing to such, because 
 these are they who torment them who dwell in the earth. 
 But when once the truth casts oft her sackcloth, and the 
 witnesses recover their feet ; O what a terror doth this 
 cause ! They are pained, yea, their eyes ready to consume 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 147 
 
 in their eye holes with bitterness and anguish, that they 
 have been at so sore work, and done so much against the 
 church, and yet cannot undo her. 2. Should this be more 
 strange now, than at that time when die city ofShusan and 
 whole seed of the Jews were in perplexity, whilst the lung 
 and Ham an sat down to feast, and rejoice owr such a 
 threatened ruin ; for this seemed to strike at the root of 
 the church universal ! And was not that a broad and dark 
 cloud, when this was writ in the lamentation of the church, 
 Zion is a wilderness, and Jerusalem a desolation ; yea, 
 could find no rest, no comforter any where! Lam. i. 16, 
 17. But if such a providence seem strange, that the 
 church now at this day should be with so violent and uni- 
 versal a storm run down, when so great things are promised, 
 let us consider his way, who by the greatest downcasting 
 and straits useth to bring about the most remarkable mer- 
 cies ; and do we not know the devil appears with greatest 
 ivrath, andraiseth the sorest storms, when he knows that 
 his time is short. 3. If we consult the scripture, we shall 
 find, the adversaries of the church have an hour w 7 hich is 
 their hour, and the power of darkness ; for their sunshine 
 is indeed a black and dark time ; and then is there a strange 
 astonishing concurrence of outward advantages on their 
 side ; for they are thus established for judgment, and the 
 wind must serve, and the tide make, until that work 
 m their hand be fulfilled. They could never have been 
 such a rod on the church, if they were not appointed of the 
 Lord for the same. Yea, is jt not observable, whilst this 
 their hour continues, there is then a power of darkness ; 
 such a time, when that hath an unusual force, and would 
 seem to carry all before it, hath then a marvellous quick 
 dispatch in its spreading from one place to another, to 
 make a dark night, where the gospel sometimes hath had 
 a bright day ! Yet we see how such a strange darkness 
 hath but its hour, as to the prevalence thereof, even a set 
 time for the church's trial ; and it is such an eclipse, were 
 it never so universal, that must go over at its appointed pe- 
 riod, and give place to light, before which the darkness can 
 no longer stand ; and then it shall be said to her, who had 
 almost abandoned herself to sorrow, Arise, and shine, for 
 thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen. 
 4. Why should we be amazed at this where we may read 
 so clearly something of the Lord's design, even by so sore 
 and universal a stroke to appear in his glory. Psa. cii. 16. 
 and thus raise his church with an unspeakable advantage 
 by such a supposed ruin ! The scripture is in this verj 
 manifest, that when the Lord is about some great building, 
 
143 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 and hath some excellent piece of work to raise up, a great 
 deal of rubbish and breaking down useth to go before. 
 Is it not thus also he makes the suffering graces of his 
 Spirit in his people shine forth ; that here the faith and pa- 
 tience of the saints vn&y be witnessed ! yea, should we not 
 know there is in every age a filling up of the sufferings of 
 Christ in his people, and a testimony thus required to his 
 truth, which the great witness himself did once seal and 
 confirm with his blood, even he who before Pontius Pilate 
 gave a good confession, and through all ages even to the 
 close of time, there must not want some witnesses to the 
 same! It is known, how some times of the church are 
 beyond others made remarkable for suffering ; but it is no 
 less clear, that in these times also the truth hath had the 
 greatest victory, and herein a most special clearing up of 
 some truths, which the. world hath most studied to darken. 
 Thus we see some ages of the church may have a larger 
 part cf this testimony assigned. Yea, this remark may not 
 only be of some different lot and service assigned to particu- 
 lar ages : but to particular churches also. 5. If we inquire 
 about this at the scripture, we shall find also some remark- 
 able proportion, that the turning again of the church's cap- 
 tivity hath to her former bondage. Read Isa. xlix. 19, 20. 
 and Iv. 13. Jer. xxxi. 59. And you may see w 7 hat an 
 ample restoration is there, which as with a measuring line 
 is made to answer in breadth and length to her former ca- 
 lamity. We find ZiorCs rejoicing, when her time of re% 
 freshment comes from the presence of the Lord, must reach 
 all her mourners, and be as universal as once the cause of 
 lamentation was. Isa. lxvi. 10. Is it not such an hour 
 sometime with the church, that a refreshing report is no 
 Where to be heard, but the tidings of the next day add 
 more grief to the former day's sorrow ? Yet hath pot such 
 a time quickly followed, wherein the church might say, 
 The Lord hath increased her greatness, and comforted her 
 on ever;; side ! And hath had a spring and reviving upon 
 the re turn of the sun, as universal, as her decay and with- 
 ering once was through the dead winter. Isa. li. 3. And 
 truly, whilst we consider the time in which we are now 
 fallen church cf Christ is every where low, and in 
 
 a most languishing condition, Antichristiankm now upon 
 a formidable growth, as if there were an universal conspir- 
 acy to return again to Babylon, and if we will inquire 
 Jiereabout at the scripture, as we see this sad decay, we may 
 thence conclude a certain delivery : Yea, that even by a 
 dry of vengeance the Lord can bring about the year of his 
 redeemed. I humoly think, we may with a safe scripture 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 149 
 
 warrant judge, that so universal a decay, such a great over- 
 spreading of darkness over the reformed churches through 
 the whole world, may give us ground to believe such a 
 breaking out also of the gospel, and otthe knowledge of the 
 Lord, that shall be of as large extent, even to the filling of 
 the earth therewith, as the waters cover the sea. It will 
 not be a particular shower and sunshine of refreshing influ- 
 ences on some church* It will not be the reviving of the 
 work ofGrd'm the nations, I must think, will answer so 
 broad a cloud, and so universal a vastation and lamenta- 
 tion through the whole churches of Christ. But we may 
 according to the scripture look on this as a part of the last 
 and most remarkable assault, that the church universal 
 shall have from antichrist, before that full stroke on the 
 seat of the beast ; yea, that this is a very promising fore- 
 runner thereof. For when this party seems now to get up, 
 and begins to move war, we have sure ground to believe 
 his further falling thereby, and that every new assault 
 which that grand adversary makes upon the church ; shall 
 so far put forward her interest, and hasten his own ruin. 
 Blessed are they who are helped in this dark hour to watch 
 and wait until the vision breakout, for it will assuredly 
 speak in the appointed time. 
 
 2. These short breathings of the church, now under the 
 New Testament, may seem also strange, that we see her 
 sunshine so quickly darkened with clouds, and followed 
 with showers ; that any lucid interval she enjoys, wants 
 not long a new storm. We see this very clear, what hath 
 been the usual lot of the church universal through all the 
 times of tjie gospel, how sore tossed and overclouded, her 
 rest of short continuance : and as to particular churches, 
 is it not a small period of time, which usethto be betwixt 
 one assault and another ? So that they draw but a little 
 their breath for some new trial. I confess this would be 
 puzzling, if such a piece of divine providence we should 
 essay to unriddle without the scripture ; but we have the 
 word near us, where we may see the fate and condition of 
 the church under the gospel, the most remarkable steps in 
 her way, those sharp assaults and short breathings she was 
 to expect, most clearly foretold and held forth ; yea by con- 
 sulting this blessed record, we will find these : 1. That a 
 more continued 'and fixed rest, than that which may be 
 seen hitherto in the church's condition, could not well be 
 reconciled with the scripture. There was indeed a great 
 breathing, a most remarkable cessation under Constantine* s 
 reign, after a storm of some ages continuance ; but O how 
 short! And it is said, Rev. viii. 1, There was silence in 
 
150 The Fu I jilting of the Scripture* 
 
 be riven for half an hour. I would here offer some remarks 
 about the way of the Lord in this. (1.) That the cross and 
 much affliction, we find, have a more peculiar respect to 
 the dispensation of the gospel, than the times of the law : 
 and this is specially suited thereto, To go through many 
 tribulations. It is very consentaneous to a greater manifes- 
 tation of grace under the New Testament, that greater and 
 more frequent trials for its exercise should also be let forth. 
 (2.) We find, such sore and usual assaults are not only 
 suited to the most^ excellent condition of the church in re- 
 gard of spiritual privileges, but do often befal the most ex- 
 cellent ol the saints. Read Hcb. xi. 32. (3.) This re- 
 mark useth not to fail, how every particular church, besides 
 these ordinary changes and tossings in her lot, hath also 
 some more solemn remarkable trials and some great as- 
 sault beyond others, and accordingly hath some more sin- 
 gular breathings and sun blinks suited thereto. (4.) We 
 cannot find any such calm and breathing, which hath not 
 bQcn very short, if we turn back and trace the history of the 
 church informer times, but the clouds have returned quick- 
 ly after the rain ; yea, we may observe how the most ex- 
 cellent princes and magistrates, under whom the church 
 hath had some sweet repose, have been oft in a very short 
 time taken away, and have but lived a few years. 2. If 
 we wonder at such a piece of the Lord's way, why his 
 church is thus tossed, doth not the scripture shew what 
 need she hath to be emptied from vessel to vessel; along 
 calm being no less her hazard, than a sharp storm ; and 
 more cause oft to watch over her outward rest, than weep 
 over her trouble and tossings. Oh how oft hath the 
 church lost more by a few years peace, than a long contin- 
 ued war ! yea, the necessity of a sharp winter, for her re- 
 covery, hath been so discernible ere it came, that if it were 
 not for the downbearing of truth, and shaking of the faith 
 of the saints, the continuance thereof might be almost 
 wished as her advantage, at least is to be quietly submitted 
 unto. 3. Doth not the scripture also witness that contin- 
 ued lasting quarrel, which is betwixt the world and the 
 c lurch, and is perpetuated from generation to generation, 
 that time cannot wear it out ; so that if she had not so great 
 a party for her, and an immediate support from heaven, we 
 might find more cause to wonder she yet breathes, than to 
 ask why her breathings are so short, when there is so great 
 a power against her ? O if the church had not this to an- 
 swer all the messengers of the nations, about her security, 
 That the Lord hath founded Zion, sure that longbreathing 
 design for so many ages should at last have taken place, 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 151 
 
 even to the razing of her foundation. 4. It is clear the 
 most singular fellowship, and free access thereinto, with 
 Jesus Christ on the earth, is by the cross, and in that way- 
 witnessed ; that it must be said, if such afflicting times did 
 not oft return upon his people, there would be a shut door 
 betwixt the church and a large part of the bible, both as to 
 its meaning, and as to its full breasts of consolation. Are 
 there not inCst sweet refreshing truths there, which the 
 godly cannot reach so near and feeling a converse with, in 
 amoutward calm, as under some sharpest wrestlings ! O 
 w r hat an excellent commentary hath a suffering time given 
 upon these, beyond all that ever was written, on such a 
 truth of the scripture, Persecuted, but not forsaken, cast 
 down, but not destroyed, as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. 
 And thus, we see how in our stumbling at such a provi- 
 dence, we err not knowing the scriptures, and mistake our 
 own mercies. 5. Whilst we see those short intervals 
 which have so usually been under the New Testament, be- 
 twixt one trial of the church and another, and the cause 
 thereof so clear from the word ; let us also consider what 
 warrant there is yet to expect, before the end a more solemn 
 and remarkable time of the churclfs enlargement ; that not 
 only shall be very universal in its extent, but a more lasting 
 and continued rest from the violence of the world, than 
 hath formerly been : winch I humbly judge, on clear scrip- 
 ture grounds, we are to believe upon the coming of that full 
 stroke on Babylon, and those solemn espousals of the Jew- 
 ish church to Christ, which seems to be the most remark- 
 able period of that time appointed for the church's reign. 
 And though this will not want some sharp trials, and a mix- 
 ture of outward trouble, yet we find no ground from the 
 scripture, after the discussing of Antichrist and the throw- 
 ing down of the Turkish empire, for any remarkable inter- 
 ruption and overclouding, or that the church shall have any 
 great assault until that final gathering of the world and her 
 forces together, to the last battle of the Lamb. 
 
 3. Is not this a strange remark likewise, which is so 
 usual a complaint through the church, that with a greater in- 
 crease of light and knowledge, there is seen a visible wear- 
 ing out of life and power ; and now in these more knowing 
 times, there should be so much ground to say, tenderness 
 and the serious exercise of godliness is more worn out, and 
 in a further decay, than in the times of greater ignorance : 
 let us but look through the reformed churches at this day, 
 and then turn home to ourselves, and we shall box] this re- 
 mark too sadly verified ; how after a great increase of 
 knowledge, the truths of God in such a measure ckareel 
 
152 The Fdlfdling of the Scripture. 
 
 beyond former ages, it may be said, Oh whither is the life 
 and power of godliness gone, and that fervour which once' 
 so convincingly appeared in following the Lord. We 
 know, there is a sweet agreement betwixt the christian's 
 light and life, which have a mutual subserviency to each 
 other, and yet to see so sad ajar this day, and so little pro-- 
 portion the one hath to the other, may put us with astonish- 
 ment to a serious inquiry thereabout ; but the scripture is 
 clear and makes it plain if we will consider, 1. That there 
 is a time of a people's espousals to the Lord, and then the 
 kindness of their youth and a remarkable time of love is seen. 
 for. xxi. 2. when their affection will be aloft after him ; 
 yea, such a solemn period of the church's condition may 
 be seen, when it hath not reached that light and knowledge, 
 as after : but do we not also find, how rare it is for a peo- 
 ple, to hold up at that rate and measure in their life and 
 love, which at such times hath appeared, whatever advance 
 there may be as to light : thence we find the church's hold- 
 ing up with the name and profession of godliness, Rev. iii. 
 2. when very sore spent in her life; yea, this decay oft up- 
 on such an insensible growth, that it will be hard to get 
 such convinced thereof, and remember whence they are 
 fallen. 2. If we will ask at the scripture, it will also shew 
 that judicial tendency, which light not improved 'hath to a 
 further hardening ; how under the gospel men may be 
 made deaf with hearing. For judgment am I come into the 
 world, saith Christ, J oh. ix. 39, which hath that effect, 
 that those who see should be made blind. Light is surely 
 ope of the greatest talents of the church, and brings with it 
 either a remarkable gain, or loss ; nothing so^ dreadful as 
 this, when it is abused. O at what a rate doth it run down 
 and stupify the conscience ! that thus men are not only 
 more deadened, but become the more dead and blind that 
 they were once enlightened. 3. May we not thence know 
 how this is one of the devils greatest engines he makes use 
 of, tottirn men's light against their life and tenderness, ev- 
 en to incite them, from that excellent discovery of the 
 grace of God, unto wantonness. Jude 4. and thus essay an 
 agreement betwixt light and darkness. _ O what a dreadful 
 poison must that be, which can imbitter so excellent a 
 stream, and turn so choice and quickening a mean of our 
 spiritual life, to be destructive thereto ! that we see knowl- 
 edge, whose true and native tendency is to humble and 
 abase, being thus impoisoned does work the contrary ef- 
 fect, even to swell men and puff them up ; to oppose those 
 gifts against the church, which are given of the Lord for its 
 edification, and for defence of the gospel ! Thus we find it 
 
the Fulfilling of the Scripture. 153 
 
 •Jear, when light hath made a further advance in the 
 church, the devil is there at vvurk to destroy love, by many 
 bitter, contentious debates, where the interest may be oft 
 seen more personal, to wit, men's repute and credit, than 
 the interest of God and his truth. I am far from any in- 
 tended reflection on that grave and necessary duty of ap- 
 pearing in defence of the truth, and men's stating them- 
 selves in opposition to those who are its adversaries ; a 
 quarrel, wherein they should know neither friend nor 
 brother : for this is to stand in the breach, when it is as- 
 saulted, to contend for the faith. O blessed contention, 
 where such with that excellent man Melanchton can say, 
 Non quozro gloriam propriam, sed veritatem. Though 
 this is a very sad and threatening symptom that night is 
 coming on a church where the light shines, but the heat 
 and warming influence thereof is gone ; yet here is a riddle, 
 we find the scripture does wonderfully unfold, how the 
 Lord makes things bring forth contrary effects, and causes 
 a remarkable consumption, that seems to reach the church 
 in her inward and vital parts, resolve in an overflowing with 
 righteousness, Is. x. 22, yea, thus lets us see a people so 
 far spent in life and spirituality, that the things which re- 
 main are ready to die, whilst even there, the Lord is 
 pursuing their recovery. It is herein he makes his grace 
 marvellous, to order his people's raising to be from so low 
 a step of their condition, and cause his church when 
 brought to a small remnant to take root downward, and 
 bring forth fruit upward, Is. xxxvii. 31. It would seem 
 a strange connection, but not strange to the grace of God, 
 Ps. cii. that the time of his favouring Zion, even that set 
 time, should find her in a heap of stones and rubbish ; yea, 
 that a reviving and the breaking out of her day begins there 
 with the weeping of her friends over her ruins. I shall fur- 
 ther add, with respect to the present time, we may believe 
 on very sure grounds, that godliness and the power thereof 
 will yet break out in the world, though it were at the low- 
 est ebb, yea, as at its last breathing ; that little spark now 
 under ashes must assuredly revive and blow up to a flame ; 
 yea, send forth its heat to warm the nations ; for on solid 
 grounds we may thus reason, if such a deathlike decay had 
 a respect only to some particular church, and if this with- 
 ering, abatement and languishing of the exercise of grace, 
 were confined but to a corner, it might be a sad presage, 
 that their sun, when so far declined and gone down, were 
 near to the setting : but since this seems to be a consump- 
 tion over the whole earth, a matter of lamentation and a 
 spreading complaint, through the whole reformed church, 
 u 
 
154 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 we may look on it as a very promising ground of confidence 
 and hope of a recovery, for if that be sure, the church uni- 
 versal cannot die under such a disease, it is also sure, this 
 sickness is not unto death ; yea, so remarkable an opposition 
 to the power of godliness as is this day through the world, 
 we may judge a very refreshing presage of some, more uni- 
 versal out breaking of the same, wherein God will be seen 
 by some blessed surprisal in a very immediate way : for 
 there is hope of this tree, which in a special way he had 
 himself planted, that it shall grow, though now cut down, 
 by the scent of waters, even by the river, the streams where- 
 of make glad the city of God ; which can in old age cause 
 her to bring forth fruit. O wnat life is there in the church 
 of Christ, when it seems to be buried !■ for she is in the 
 root, that cannot dry up ; and herein must his promise and 
 his people's praise meet, that her dry bones shall flourish 
 as a green herb, there can be now no less appearance of 
 this, than at that time when the Lord turned again the cap- 
 tivity of his people, which was so little expected, A. 
 exxvi. that they knew not whether it was a dream, or real* 
 It may indeed be a very humbling discovery, that we 
 must say, our ruin is of ourselves ; yet must it not ruin our 
 hope, since in these great things which the Lord hath 
 done for the church, the greatness of his power hath 
 not been more clearly witnessed, than the freedom and 
 sovereignty of his grace, that men may see, this is the 
 Lord's doing, and should be marvellous in their eyes. 
 
 4. May it not seem strange, and be matter of astonish- 
 ment, that the great men of the earth, and such who sit in 
 the place of judgment, are usually found to be greatest ad- 
 versaries to the church ; j-ea, it is too well known, that 
 magistracy (so excellent an ordinance of God) hath been 
 so far perverted, that even under the christian magistrate 
 the church of Christ hath suffered more since first breaking 
 out, than from any other quarter, this indeed may seem 
 marvellous ; I do not deny, there have been great men in 
 the world, who have no less outshined others in fervour 
 and zeal for truth, than in their place and quality. But 
 oh we may say, an age brings forth few such ; and that 
 which Sahian says of his time, hath been a true remark 
 in most ages of the world, and too frequently seen, that the 
 contempt upon religion by those who were in greatest 
 power had this effect, Ut mali cogantur esse, ne viles habe- 
 antur. I confess this may cause wonder, (if we consider 
 for what end the great lawgiver hath designed that ordi- 
 nance) how men should so far counteract his interest, from 
 whom they derive their power, and for being subservient 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 155 
 
 thereto have received it : sure the doctrine of the church of 
 Christ can give no ground of quarrel, and it is strange these 
 should expect from others homage and subjection, who turn 
 the seat of judgment to be a grievous yoke, and deny their 
 subjection so avowedly to the great judge. O how sad is it, 
 that none are oft such a terror to the godly, such a support 
 to evildoers, as magistrates, and the great men of the world 
 so usually found to be the greatest examples of wicked- 
 ness ! This should indeed be matter of lamentation, yea, 
 that those are oft times advanced, who have nothing to 
 commend them, but some advance beyond others in a 
 higher measure of impiety. But we must go to the scrip- 
 ture, and there inquire which will shew, (1.) That it is not 
 strange, though iniquity have a throne, under whose 
 shadow mischief may not only shelter, but come that 
 length to be framed into a law. Psal. xciv. 20. yea, it 
 must not be strange, that the adversaries of the truth be 
 among the chief of thetime ; which complaint we find, 
 Lam. i. 5. The world is not yet cured of that madness, 
 of which the prophet speaks with amazement, Psal. ii. 1. 
 iv hy the kings and rulers of the earth should attempt a vain 
 thing, to ruin the church, and make his decree void, who 
 by his word created the world. We may see, it is not of 
 late the servants of Christ have been convened before ru- 
 lers in defence of the truth, and have suffered by the law, 
 where the crime was, their adherence to the express com- 
 mand of the great lawgiver. Luke xxi. 12. It is also clear, 
 the kings of the earth for many ages have, amidst all their 
 private differences, with one consent agreed to make war 
 with the lamb, and give their strength for upholding anti- 
 chtist ; yet is this nothing else, but what the scripture 
 hath foretold. Rev. xvii. It was written of an excellent 
 man in the days ofPhocas, that after some humble expos- 
 tulating with the Lord, why he set up so vile a wretch in 
 the highest place of power, that he had this return, quia non 
 invent pejorem. • Herein is the way of the Lord unspotted, 
 how sad soever it be in itself, that those who should exe- 
 cute judgment for the oppressed, are in his holy displeasure 
 made the executioners of his judgments on men, and shew 
 themselves the greatest oppressors. (2.) If this be strange 
 to us, do not the scriptures prevent our stumbling, by a most 
 sweet and choice antidote, that when we see the oppression 
 of the poor, and such a wrathful aspect rulers usually have 
 on the church of God, we should not marvel, or be much 
 moved thereat, even when we see those whom death hath 
 plucked away, and with shame rolled in the grave, still re- 
 turn with the same resemblance iu their successors, and 
 
156 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 piety in all ages run down by power. For it is written^ 
 that he who is higher than the highest doth regard the same. 
 EccL v. 8. O how far are they below God, yea, infinitely 
 below him, who are highest among men ! hath not their vi- 
 olence and oppression of the church him for a witness, 
 whom they must also have for a judge? And the further 
 they seem raised above human reach, they lie more near 
 to some immediate stroke of a divine hand ; that when 
 there is no reprover on earth, none there to give their 
 cruelty against the church a check, he sits in heaven , who 
 laughs them to scorn ; which they shall find to be sad earn- 
 est, when he speaks to them in his wrath, and vexes them 
 in his sore displeasure. (3.) Does not the scripture witness 
 the Lord's blessed design in this, to make his church 
 thrive another way, when she is destitute of the help and 
 countenance of civil authority, and thus lead her in to him, 
 who hath the key of David, that opens and none can shut, 
 unto him who is sl known refuge for the oppressed? It is 
 here he declares himself to be God, and the greatness of his 
 power who can keep her alive, and preserve his interest in 
 a destroying flame, and under a cruel oppressing magis- 
 trate ; yea, thus cause her to flourish in his days, and have 
 peace in his reign, even under the grievous reign of her 
 adversaries. Do we not likewise find (Neh. ix. 36.) the 
 church's distress there and oppression from her rulers, 
 jnakes them resolve in a more near tie and conjunction 
 with God ? which is seen in the. last verse, And because of 
 this we make a sure covenant, &c. O blessed violence and 
 oppression, that lands here, where the storm drives to such 
 an anchor, as a further cleaving to the Lord, and surrender 
 of themselves to him ! (4.) As the scripture prevents 
 men's stumbling at this ordinary suffering of the church 
 under magistracy, it does also witness the Lord's contend* 
 ing very remarkably against these on such an account ; 
 and clearly sheweth, that no human greatness can secure 
 from him, who cuts off the spirit of princes, and is terrible 
 to the kings of the earth ; consider Psal. ii. 9. and xciii. 4. 
 It is here we may read the cause of the changes of kingdoms 
 and states, that are so frequent in the world. Whatever 
 influence personal interests seem to have, there is a holy 
 revenging God, and his arm made bare therein upon the 
 quarrel of his church, that he may recompense tribulation to 
 those who have troubled her. None needs wonder, that 
 flourishing states are broken in such a quarrel ; to see the 
 supreme head of the church (that in all things he may have 
 the preeminence) wound the head over many countries, and 
 rule the nations with an iron rod, yea, turn great men out of 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 157 
 
 their grandeur and authority, and throw them down : for 
 the cause is obvious, they keep no bounds and marches, 
 with the kingdom of Jesus Christ, but will be over him and 
 invade his interest, until he who must reign, and have all 
 dominion and power subjected to him, carry that war back 
 upon themselves, and stand up against such evil neigh- 
 bours, for his own right ; for which he will strike through 
 kings in the day of his wrath, yea, pursue the race and 
 seed of such oppressors, the father and the children, as a 
 standing quarrel from generation to generation. 5. It is 
 sure, corrupt magistracy is one of the great plagues of 
 God on the world ; wherein his unspotted righteousness, 
 and the provoking cause from men, may be seen in the 
 scripture ; that when such will throw off his yoke, and 
 quarrel with his authority, in subjection to which their lib- 
 erty lies, they should have one more grievous, and unsuf- 
 ferable, wreathed on them, and be delivered up to thfc 
 hands of such cruel exactors. I must here say, the Lord 
 does visibly contend, by such a stroke, with that exces- 
 sive flattery and respect the nations gives their rulers, that 
 blind obedience they give, contrary to the express will of 
 the Lawgiver, by a willing following of the commandment ; 
 and thus writes that sin on their judgment, that the hand 
 of men should be heavy and sore on their own interests, 
 who can so easily comply with their oppression of the 
 church and invading the interests of God. But here is no 
 intended reflection on that divine ordinance of magistracy, 
 whereon his image is so visibly impressed ; though in all 
 ages there hath been sad cause to bewail the abuse of so 
 great a trust and power, and to see it so destructive to the 
 end for which it is designed. 
 
 5. This also seems strange and is a very shaking thing, 
 to see some of greatest repute and eminency in the church, 
 who have been singularly useful to engage others in the 
 way of the Lord, change their principles with the time, and 
 turn at last in opposition thereto ; yea, make it their worlc 
 to cast down what once with great zeal they seemed to 
 build ; I confess, this may give sad ground of stumbling, 
 and nothing atheism takes more advantage of, to question 
 the truth of all religion, whether there be any thing further 
 than a human interest in it, when men's light in the mat- 
 ters of Go d and the doctrine of ministers are found so 
 cross to themselves with the changes of the time, blessed 
 are they who are not offended at Christ because of this ; 
 but let us consult the scripture, and then instead of being 
 shaken or confounded we shall find this such a special 
 confirmation of the truth, that if it were not thus, men might 
 
158 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 rather question the same. For, (1.) Such a shaking trial, 
 is clearly j ore told, from cross tides of doctrine, that should 
 be within the church, Eph. iv. 14. yea, a warning given 
 of those who handle the word deceitfully , %-Cor. iv. 2. by 
 accommodating it to their private interest and design, and 
 a corrupt application thereof : for when men do once es- 
 tablish the conclusion before the premises, for compliance 
 with a sinful course, they^ are then at work to wrest the 
 scripture by misapplying it, 2 Pet. iii. which is indeed to 
 oppose the truth against itself, and suit it to their bias, 
 that they may salve such a visible opposition betwixt them 
 and themselves in their way and practice. And thus what- 
 evcrfair sbetii they make in /he flesh, they expose the 
 Word, and their parts and abilities in handling of it, to sale, 
 (O an accursed sale and merchandize !) Now if this seem 
 strange and be stumbling, that amongst the dispensers of 
 the mysteries of God, and of greatest repute in the church, 
 such should be found, read 2 Cor, ii. 17. and you will 
 there see the cause why many corrupt the wordy because 
 they are not in sincerity and as in the sight of God therein, 
 which is absolutely required to qualify a faithful minister of 
 Christ. Oh! the want of that candour and uprightness of 
 heart is a worm, which lies hid at the root of all their other 
 parts, and as a dead corrupting fly in so excellent a box of 
 ointment. Thus we may see, this is so far from being a 
 cause of stumbling at the truth, that it does most con- 
 vincingly fulfil and verify the same. (2.) When we 
 have so sad a discovery in the church, have we not this an- 
 tidote likewise from the scripture, not to be shaken or mov- 
 ed thereat, Heb. xiii. 9. But that we study to know and be 
 persuaded of the truth, that they q-iiet and support the 
 soul, though we should be left alone in following duty. The 
 testimony of God is sure, and immoveable ; and he is true y 
 though all men should be liars. We must have the persons 
 of none in admiration which hath so usual a tendency to 
 bribe the judgment, and betray the truth : but though an 
 apostle or an an gel from he ay en should come to oppose the 
 scripture of God, we ought in so far to let him be accursed. 
 (3.) Here also is the holy counsel and design of the Lord 
 made known, that those who are approved may be made 
 manifest ; and such have an opportunity to discover them- 
 selves, who turn aside to crooked paths, and tread in the 
 dark to the prejudice of the truth. Ps. exxv. 5. They 
 may dig very deep to hide their opposition to God, not on- 
 ly from others, but even from themselves : but providenae 
 herein hath a deeper reach, and ensnares them in the work 
 of their own hands ; yea, doth thus bring them forth with 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 159 
 
 the workers of iniquity , and as his greatest adversaries, who 
 wound and betray his interest under that mask, and dis- 
 guise of a friend, this is indeed a preventing mercy to the 
 church, whose hurt and hazard hath been more from those 
 who walk under a cover than any other party ; and here is 
 the counsel of the Lord shewed, that when a piercing trial 
 comes, which will go through the soul like a sword, the 
 thoughts of many hearts may be then discovered There 
 is a falling in of many with the church under a calm, who 
 must fall off with a storm, it is strange, to think how 
 small the first entry of a further declining will be, when 
 once there is a tendency and bias that way, how hard ^ is it 
 to join in a familiar correspondence with the adversaries of 
 the truth without joining in some measure with their way ; 
 yea, it is seen, these usually are more ensnared, than the 
 adverse party by any such tampering are bettered. It is a 
 sad truth, which is said of Ephraim, strangers devoured 
 his strength, yet he knew it not. Hos. vii. 8. It is no won- 
 der when men come the length of detaining the truth in 
 unrighteousness, and withstand the giving of a testimony 
 thereto when called, that the next step be, some appearance 
 against it.. (4.) Is it not clear from the scripture, that the 
 righteous God, doth thus rain snares on men ? yea, this is 
 one of the woes the world is under because of offences ; for 
 the fall and turning aside of such is a sad stroke on others, 
 whilst they used not to fall alone when those become a 
 stumbling block whose lips should preserve knowledge, whom 
 the people are to consult concerning the law, and thus be 
 the greatest cause of offence themselves, whose work is to 
 strengthen and confirm others. O what a sore plague is 
 this on a poor church, when it is low, to break her further, 
 and make her distemper grow. We may truly say, it is 
 more threatening than sword, famine or pestilence, against 
 a nation. It is a strange ground, which is given of the de- 
 parture ofthose/rom the faith, who were once in repute 
 of the church, yea, of the breaking out of antichrist in the 
 world, 2 Thes. ii. 12. that it was to punish them who believ- 
 ed not the truth, and would not embrace the same ; O it is 
 a sad and dreadful time to live in. where such offences 
 abound ! for it clearly shews a judicially plaguing time up- 
 on the church, and some great abuse of the gospel which 
 hath gone before. (5.) When this seems strange to us, 
 should we not learn to adore and justify him, who thus 
 stains the pride of all flesh and will silence the confidence or 
 boasting of instruments, that the church may know where 
 her strength lies, this is a remark, though sad, which seldom 
 fails, that the greatest endowments and gifts, where men 
 
160 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 are swelled and lifted up therewith, have a more easy and 
 native bias against the truth, than for it, and threatens the 
 church's hazard, more than any advantage the exercise of 
 these gifts can promise ; and the greater repute men walk 
 under, where humility keeps not low, lays them the more 
 near some humbling stroke, to bring them low, ere they go 
 off the stage, that no flesh may glory in his presence, 1 Cor. 
 i. 26. We must say, the greatest heroes in the church of 
 Christ, who have shined, even to their setting, most bright- 
 ly, have been also the most humble. (6.) As it is clear, 
 there is no jar betwixt the scripture and this, but it is so great 
 a confirmation thereof, that it should further strengthen and 
 establish us in the way of the Lord (for the falling off of 
 such from the truth is a trial most expressly foretold, and a 
 convincing witness to the truth of the scripture) so this also 
 must be granted, that there are ministers and watchmen in 
 the church of Christ, in all ages, found faithful to their 
 master's interest, who have been not only helped to confess 
 the truth, and deliver the counsel of God to the world, but 
 to witness their adherence to and persuasion of it by suffer- 
 ing. O can the world debate this, that such in the worst 
 of times are found to drive a treaty of reconciliation betwixt 
 Christ and sinners, who are in earnest, and have a weight 
 of that work on them, without respect to outward encour- 
 agement ? O happy servants of so great a master who con- 
 sider that they shine with borrowed light, and derive all 
 from him, whether as to grace or gifts, that therein they 
 may return to him again, by a faithful improvement of their 
 talent ; who reckon they cannot be low, where he is exal- 
 ted ; they cannot lose where the gainis his ; but in this 
 doth rejoice, to see him increase, and his kingdom on an ad- 
 vance, though they decrease > and be darkened with the 
 brightness of his rising ! 
 
 6. I know this is an astonishing thing, which many pre- 
 tend a cause for stumbling, to see how some have walked, 
 and at what a rate, under a profession of godliness, and for 
 so long a time have had the appearance of being serious and 
 tender, yea, have t;hus personated the walk of a christian, 
 whom an after discovery hath proved, not^ in some partic- 
 ular only, but in the main interest of religion, to be with- 
 out reality and truth. This may indeed seem strange, and 
 be cause of wonder, that men having the use of reason 
 should be at so sore a toil, to hold up a form of godliness, 
 and the external exercise of christian dities, only for a 
 form, who might with another kind of facility and unspeak- 
 able pleasure have reached both the shadow and the sub- 
 stance, by being truly serious : and it is sure, if such get 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 161 
 
 hot the impression of a Deity raised out of the soul 
 (which is impossible) there must be sometimes terror in 
 their approach to God ; though not in any secret retire- 
 ments, (for this should be a piece of their torment, to come 
 so near their conscience, and be alone with it, lest it flee in 
 their face) yet with others, when such a witness they have 
 within, that it is their deliberate work, to deceive at once, 
 the great God, their generation, and their own soul ! But 
 oh this is not more strange, than true ; yea, many such 
 pretenders are, and will be, within the pale of the visible 
 church. And is there not a divine hand marvellously oft 
 seen in rending that vail, and bringing those forth to the 
 light, in such a way as may witness that this is from the 
 Lord ! Now there is no ground of challenge or . reflection 
 here, on his holy and unspotted way, or the reality of god- 
 liness, if we will but seriously inquire at the scripture ; 
 where we have this (1.) expressly fore told, that men should 
 have a form of godliness, and deny the power thereof, 1 Ti?n. 
 iii. 5. profess to know God, being abominable, disobedient^ 
 and unto every good work reprobate. Tit. i. 16. Yea, 
 will come in sheep'' s clothing, yet be ravenous wolves ! Have 
 not some of the church's sharpest trials been in such a way 
 ushered in, even under a false shew ? and have not the 
 most cruel persecutors entered the stage as friends : you 
 know how the man of sin did first step in ; was he not thus 
 masked ? and is not the scripture clear j that to seek a 
 church free of such a mixture out of heaven, is to seek that 
 which we will never find, for it is there only no unclean 
 thing can enter. (2.) Does not this blessed record of the 
 scripture shew, with what singular art and advantage such 
 may act that part, and with Jehu inquire, if the man's heart 
 be right, whilst his own is most false ; what a strange con- 
 fidence will these have, who glory in appearance, and not in 
 heart? Will they not cry unto God, and make mention of 
 him, but not in truth. Isa. xlviii. Yea, should we wonder, 
 though such be found, who can mask their private inter- 
 est with such an appearance, even whilst they seek a rule 
 for their religion out of Machiavel, but not out of the 
 bible ! (3.) If the length that ^ these may come, seem 
 strange, will you consult the scripture, which goes as great 
 a length in its discovery, and you will know how deep it 
 works, sometimes not at an ordinary rate, but they will in- 
 vite the world to see their zeal for God, who dare not en^ 
 dure the view of their own conscience. Therein you may 
 find an apostle, and one of the twelve, and yet a devd. To 
 witness this, should be no reflection on the church of 
 Christ, though an eminent minister thereof be found rotten 
 w 
 
162 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 and unsound, who hath made a great sheiv in the flesh. 
 (4.) Does the scripture allow or flatter any in such a way ? 
 You cannot there have one line for its encouragement : but 
 whilst human law does not reach this, divine law most se- 
 verely threatens, Job viii. 13. &c. Matth. vii. 15. &c. 
 And there you may see it in its own colour, how horrid a 
 thing it is, which the more near it does approach religion 
 (that is so excellent and lovely in itself) this false shew 
 thereof is the more hateful and loathsome. Yea, even those 
 who comply with it in themselves, are made to loathe it in 
 others, which is in the highest measure a falsehood and 
 lie, because a lying to the God of truth. (5.) You cannot 
 challenge the church and followers of Jesus Christ, that by 
 them any such thing is owned or justified : but it may be 
 seen, what an offence md wound such a discovery will 
 prove, to these. It is indeed a cause of grief, but no cause 
 of reflection on the truth of God : for in so far this is veri- 
 fied, they went out from us, because they were not of us, I 
 Job. ri. 29. (6.) Is not that horrid and black roll mention- 
 ed by the apostle, 1 Tim, ii. 3. clasped as it were betwixt 
 these two, a form of godliness, but denying the power 
 thereof? It is not strange, when religion is attended with 
 much power in a place, that hypocrisy is found there also : 
 but it is clear, what remarkable discoveries have been made 
 thereof, that seldom such who have most industriously 
 studied that accursed art, have gone to the grave under this 
 cover ; though I deny not but some may. I must further 
 add, that some special incitement and concurrence of the 
 devil is here oft very manifest and his power as remarkably 
 put forth, as in any lust of the flesh, to put some forward 
 on such a design ; yea, even may be subservient to them 
 in the exercise of common gifts, that may deceive for 
 the time very discerning christians. I cannot question 
 the truth of this, having ground to instance such, 
 who have been in an express covenant with Satan, and 
 have after acknowledged his help and assistance, for 
 thiir dexterous managing so dreadful a design : if you 
 think this strange, yen may consider, that the devil 
 himself is transformed to an angel of light. But it is 
 well, the grossest defilement of men can no ways stain re- 
 ligion, and the way of the Lord, which is pure and undefiled. 
 7. Those sad jars and divisions, which are so frequent 
 in the church of Christ, may seem very strange, and be the 
 cause of stumbling and offence to many ; that whilst the 
 world is at such an agreement, and of one mind to oppose 
 the truth, those are oftibund at war, most bitterly contend- 
 ing amongst themselves, even those who should stand in 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 163 
 
 the breach, for the truth and in defence of the gospel, 
 the fellow servants at strife and smiting one another, when 
 they should be striving together about their Master's work. 
 I confess, this is sad, and is a rock whereon many have 
 split ; of which they have made that use to a further height- 
 ening of their prejudice against the truth : yea, it is strange 
 that this destroying plague doth so observably attend any 
 peace or calm, that the church hath in her outward con- 
 dition. But there is no cause for such stumbling ; if we 
 will allow it some serious thoughts, it may rather help to 
 fix and establish us in the way of the Lord, and instead of 
 being a poison, may be an effectual antidote against the 
 same, I mean the atheism of the time, which pretends so 
 great an advantage from this. For the scripture is clear, 
 1. Though it is a sore stroke on the church, and the most 
 sad departure of God from a people, which we have upon di- 
 vine record, we find usually attends them in such a torn and 
 divided case ; yea, though in ail the records of after times, 
 this may be traced in the breaking out of a judgment, as a 
 very immediate forerunner thereof ; yet, have we no war- 
 rant to expect the church militant shall be in that condition 
 in which there shall be no such discord and breach. No, 
 that is heaven, and it is there only that perfect peace and 
 concord will be found ; read, 1 Cor. i. 10. Rom. xv. 5. 
 And what an early trial was this to the church, which did 
 occasion that graveand solemn meeting of the apostles and 
 elders (Acts xv.) to let us see how the Lord can serve him- 
 self of the greatest evil for the advantage of his truth. 
 (2.) There is no cause of challenge here or reflecting on the 
 truth, whatever be on those who profess it, since the scrip- 
 ture shews that we know but in part, and prophesy in part, 
 and such a prevailing mixture of corruption, that some will 
 preach Christ out of strife and contention, not sincerely. PhiL 
 i. 15. Yea, whilst there are such different sizes amongst the 
 saints, that those who ct not, are ready to judge them who 
 eat, and those who eat, are ready to despise him who eatcth 
 not. (3.) If we consult the scripture, we shall find that 
 peace and concord ivithin the church, which is so excdlen* 
 in itself and desirable, must be severely qualified with a 
 respect to holiness. Heb. xii. 14. For else such an agree- 
 ment would not be the true peace of the church, but her 
 plague. And is not that wisdom, which is from above, 
 first pure, and then peaceable ? It is sure, they are its best 
 friends, who have least latitude to take or give in the in- 
 terest v&iruth ; but it is oft found, how such indirect tam- 
 perings for peace, have in the judgment of the Lord caused 
 a further breach. There is no true jar betwixt the zeal 
 
164 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 of God, and an ardent desire and endeavour for peace, but 
 what our corruption causeth. O this is a blessed peace 
 maker, who can go the furthest length to yield in his own 
 things, whether credit or private interest, yea, overlook 
 the most sharp personal reflections, to promote that excels 
 lent design ; but hath nothing to yield or quit upon his 
 masters interest, and can resist, whosoever they be that 
 would prejudice this, even to their face / have we not that 
 heroic practice of the apostle fGal. ii. 5.) upon divine rec- 
 ord to this day ? to whom we gave place no not for an hour, 
 that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. Is 
 not that also a special remark, that those who cause division 
 in the^ church, and were therefore to be noted fRom. xvi. 
 17.). it w as those voho did oppose the doctrine of the church ? 
 For it is men's falling off from the truth, which is indeed 
 the cause of a schism and rent ; but not their adherence to 
 it, though for this they should be men of contention and 
 looked on as signs and wonders in the time. (4.) What- 
 ever advantage some may take to challenge the way of the 
 Lord, from these breaches, I am sure, they cannot deny, 
 there is a fellowship and concord in the church of Christ 
 beyond any in the world. There is a communion of the 
 saints, even here, with one heart and mind ; yea, in such 
 a measure as may shew the world this is a bond that ex- 
 ceeds the most near and strait ties of natural relations. 
 JEph. iv. 3. 16. and truly every jar and difference amongst 
 the followers of Christ, make not a breach. 
 
 8. I know, that this will seem strange and astonishing in 
 the way of the Lord, that when the church from her ad- 
 versaries without is oppressed and brought low, his hand 
 in a very immediate way also is so heavy, yea, seems more 
 sore upon his people, than the hand of men ; and does 
 even by some sad strokes in their private interests, and 
 upon their persons, appear more remarkably against them, 
 than against any others. This may occasion great thoughts 
 of heart, when we consider that tenderness which the Lord 
 doth witness towards his people, that he stirs not up all his 
 ivrath, nor will lay upon them above that they can bear, but 
 stays his rough wind in the day of the cast wind, and hath 
 promised to be a sanctuary, and hiding place, when they 
 are scattered by men. Ezek. xi. 16. And with another 
 party the church might debate, yea, hold her own with her 
 greatest adversaries : But oh ! it is time to flee, and there 
 can be no standing, where the Almighty pursues. There 
 is then true cause of fear and terror, when he becomes his . 
 people's party ! Yet let us consult the scripture, that great 
 interpreter of providence, and of every step of the way and 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 165 
 
 f>rocedure of the Lord with his church ; and it will let us 
 see, CI.) That it is no strange case, or untrodden path, 
 but we may find the prophet, Jer. xvii. 17. at such a 
 grievous cry, Be 7iot a terror to me, thou art my hope in 
 the evil day. And had not the church the same cause of 
 complaint, jfer. xxx. 14, 16. that the Lord seemed to 
 wound her, with the wound of an enemy, and the stroke of 
 a cruel one. It was the appearance of this, that was a very 
 sad a: .' on to her trial beyond any other thing, Is. lxiii. 
 10. thai ' found the Lord turned to be their enemy, and 
 in an i i way seem to fight against them. (2. ) Does 
 
 not the tune shew that the rod may have a dread- 
 
 ful eppe- >ce, and the way of the Lord by some strange 
 and sing circumstances in dealing with his people may 
 be mat"' a amazement, when yet he designs a further in- 
 crease oi their grace; yea, their trial, more than their 
 punish in nt ? This is indeed one of the deeps of provi- 
 dence, which we have discovered in Job i. and ii. how by 
 a divine permission Satan may very effectually concur in 
 a stroke on the church, or some particular christian, and 
 thus cause strange concurrence of bitter things, that in 
 such a case the hand of the Lord would seem very terribh\ 
 whilst he only minds his people's trial : and it is clear, that 
 the fiery trial, mentioned by the apostle, 1 Pet. iv. 12. 
 may have such strange and singular circumstances, that the 
 godly will be at a question, if such did ever befal others, 
 and yet you see it there held forth more as a ground of 
 joy, than of fear. O how deep, in afflicting times of the 
 trch, may the plot and contrivance of the devil be ! 
 which yet in the holy counsel of the Lord is oft forced to 
 run against its own bias, and to bring forth the very con- 
 trary effect ! C3.) If we understand the scripture, we may 
 there know, how the trial of the church hath its appointed 
 bounds, and measure ; yea, by some remarkable steps will 
 grow that length, and have such an advance, until it sur- 
 round them on all hands, Lam. ii. 22. Thou hast called 
 my terrors round about, as in a solemn day : Yet, when it 
 is so, we find it is not without cause, but may be needful 
 for the church and particular christians, to be in heaviness 
 through manifold temptations. 1 Pet. i. 6. And truly in 
 such an unusual coincidence and variety of straits, the ten- 
 dency thereof is oft seen to be for as manifold use and ad- 
 vantage, as the many afflicting ingredients in that trial 
 have been remarkable. C4.) We may also see from the 
 scripture what an usual resemblance there is betwixt the 
 public lot of the church in suffering times, and the private 
 case of the saints : how under some sad trial and departure 
 
165 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 of the Lord from his people, his dispensations are many 
 ways corrective and judicial, that do then reach them in all 
 their personal interests ; there is a backsliding time, and a 
 day when judgment particularly points at the green tree, 
 which useth not to be a comforting time, that then Satan 
 is more observably let loose, to afflict, and ft- w will miss 
 some touch of his hand. Read Lam. i. 2. where you find 
 the sword abroad devouring, a time of public judgment, 
 and then it was at home also as death: and in v. 16. under 
 such sore afflicting strokes there is one further held forth, 
 that was most imbittering of all to the godly in that time, 
 that the comforter who should relieve their soul, was far of. 
 It is clear, nothing does more endear a mercy and make 
 it sweet, than the Lord's immediate appearance therein : 
 and nothing does more imbitter the rod, which put David 
 to that cry, PsaL xxxix. Remove that stroke from me, I 
 am consumed by the blow of thine hand. (5.) .Upon a se- 
 rious inquiry about this strange thing, may we not under- 
 stand the meaning thereof by the scripture, why in some 
 trials the Lord does thus shew himself his people's party, 
 and his hand more heavy on them than on others, ^that 
 there is some provoking cause, whereat these providences 
 clearly point ? When the godly are pursuing their ease and 
 satisfaction under the rod, more than to answer its design ; 
 when they are ready to take mortification and a humble 
 stooping under trouble for a couching underneath their bur- 
 den, it is not then strange though that sad wo, Amos vi. 6. 
 do so far reach them, as their personal ease makes them 
 forget the affliction of Joseph. For thus the righteous 
 God, suits their stroke to the sin ; and keeps such a pro- 
 portion, that a light burden of the care of the church should 
 make their care otherwise abound, and in their own things 
 press them with much trouble, when these go betwixt 
 them and the interest of Christ. There is a very unseen 
 cause oft, why many of the saints may be sick and some 
 fall asleep. Yea, this truth must be likewise verified, 
 there is a saving of things, by which we put them in fur- 
 ther hazard ; and a securing thereof, by a surrender to 
 the Lord. An immoderate fear of a stroke from men, to 
 the prejudice of present and necessary duty, may bring 
 with it some sad immediate strokes, in the displeasure of 
 the Lord, from his hand ; yea, that he should thus be- 
 reave his church of many choicest instruments by his very 
 immediate hand, to make it appear, the anger and jealousy 
 of the most high God is more to be dreaded, than the 
 wrath and violence of all our adversaries. But yet in the 
 close of these judgments, even when a church may seem 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 167 
 
 quite consumed, and her strength worn out, have we not 
 there some ground of hope, that the Lord may prevent his 
 people's thoughts, by as marvellous, as immediate restor- 
 ing providences when he sees their power is gone, and 
 that there is none to help ? yea, is it not easy with him, and 
 like his way, to return and restore what the former years 
 have taken away, by the locust, and caterpiller, &.c. which 
 he had sent amongst them ? Joel ii. 25. 
 
 9. There is a step of the holy providence of God and 
 his unspotted judgment, which would also seem strange and 
 amazing, that which is inflicted upon the soul mid conscience 
 by an immediate stroke of judicial induration, and is very 
 evident, oh how undeniably evident, and clear at this day ! 
 that men under great light, some special discoveries of 
 God, after known convictions and wrestlings of con science, 
 yea, after solemn engagements and their declared resolu- 
 tion to follow the Lord in his way, have yet come such a 
 length and degree in a deliberate resisting and opposing 
 themselves to him and his truth, without the least appear- 
 ance of a check or trouble ! I confess, this is one of the 
 marvellous things of God, and a very visible demonstra- 
 tion of his being, who hath such a dominion over the soul, 
 both in its hardening and softening : but no cause to stum- 
 ble hereat. It does truly call us to fear, and is a stroke that 
 may force on atheists the awful conviction of a deity ; or 
 though it is not felt by those who are under the same, be- 
 cause the want of sense and feeling is a part of that disease, 
 yet all who look on (if they did not shut their own eyes) 
 may learn to know that this is the very work of God, and a 
 piece of his judgment which he makes known in the earth. 
 But let us ask the scripture, and we shall find, instead of 
 any ground for stumbling:, what a special confirmation this 
 should be of the truth : since it is clear, (1.) How in this 
 the way of the Lord is holy and righteous, who is under no 
 debt, no obligation to the sons of men, Rom. ix. 18. but is 
 absolutely/;-^, to let forth grace to, or withhold it from, 
 whom he pleaseth. His blessed will being the alone rule 
 of righteousness, he comprehends the reason of all his 
 counsels and judgments, which are to us incomprehensi- 
 ble : yet does he so far condescend, to let men see, his 
 unspotted justice, as well as his sovereignty, in this shines 
 forth, that they who are unjust by a deliberate choice, 
 should be unjust still by a further arrest. Rev. xxii. and 
 those who will ?wt hearken and will have none of him 9 , 
 should be delivered up to the lusts of their own heart. Ps. 
 Ixxxi. 11. We see in what a measure Pharaoh was hard- 
 ened of the Lord,, which was a plague worse than the oth- 
 
168 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 cr ten : But we find, Exod. vi. 34. that Pharaoh harden- 
 ed his own heart ; and thus was a stroke suited to such a 
 resolute resisting of light. (2.) Does not the scripture 
 shew the marvellous conveyance of this judgment, Is. vi. 
 6. how this sad sentence is more immediately passed on 
 the soul ; yea, by those most singular means, the word and 
 ordinances for enlivening, is it executed thereon ; men 
 preached deaf and dead, where others find life ; this 
 is a stroke, that does not draw a bar betwixt them and 
 external fellowship with the ordinances, but O it draws 
 an invisible bar betwixt them and the power and efficacy 
 thereof. It is a judgment that walks in the dark, and binds 
 where none can loose ; it killeth without a cry ; yea, gives 
 men a death stroke when the pain of that wound is not 
 felt. (3.) Do you not see how this strange judgment is in 
 as great a height and measure held forth by the scripture, 
 as you see it in any example before your eyes, that men will 
 be mad in their opposition to God, even when he is most 
 remarkably opposing them ? such as Ahaz who did tres- 
 pass the more, the more he was distressed, 2 Chron. xxviii. 
 22. Yea, such who with these men of Sodom would 
 grope after the door, and persist in that wickedness when 
 God hath immediately smitten them with blindness for the 
 same. O what may be the next stroke, where men re- 
 new their assault against God, after he hath once and again 
 smitten them ; who, instead of repenting under his sore 
 plagues, turn enraged to blaspheme him, who hath power 
 over the same ! Is not that a strange degree of judicial in- 
 duration, Acts vii. 57. that when they saw the face of Ste- 
 phen shine, and looked steadfastly thereon, they did then 
 run with fury against him ! Yea, it may be seen in all ages, 
 that such a length this judgment will come, to look on the 
 most convincing extraordinary judgments of God on others i 
 and yet not be moved therewith themselves ; that when 
 his hand is lifted up, they will not see : but the posterity 
 take up the same quarrel, and pursue it wherein they have 
 seen their fathers fall, under the stroke of an avenging God. 
 (4.) We may also know from the scripture, how deep this 
 judgment may draw in its dreadful effects : what a judicial 
 arrest is thus served on men, by which they are bound over 
 to destruction, and their hands made strong on them, as 
 that they can neither stir nor move, but as malefactors shut 
 up in jail, and under fetters ; which is not more evident 
 before the execution, than this arrest on their soul is by 
 obduration before some further stroke. Thus they lie near 
 sudden destruction, and a blow that is irrecoverable, who 
 have hardened themsekes under frequent reproofs. fProV* 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 169 
 
 ^xix.) It is known, what Pharaoh? s last rebuke was, 
 after he had rejected many ; it stands upon public record 
 to after ages. . I shall add, is there not something of hell 
 here, and of those everlasting fetters, in some measure 
 made visible in the earth ? For where light and conviction 
 do resolve into rage and malice against the truth, nothing 
 can be more like hell, or have a more near resemblance to 
 the devil. 
 
 10. I shall add one instance more, which may seem al- 
 so strange, and a marvellous piece of the providence of 
 God, that the righteous should fall, and have one event 
 with the wicked in a time of judgment ; whilst we see some 
 notorious for wickedness, and their horrid actings in oppo- 
 sition to the church, go to the grave in peace, as to any re- 
 markable stroke from the Lord upon them. I know, men 
 are ready to wonder hereat ; yea, thence an atheist will infer, 
 things must fall out at an adventure. But O if these 
 would bring this to the scripture, and set it in the light of the 
 word ! they should there see how convincingly it is veri- 
 fied, and that there is nothing here which does not clearly 
 agree with that blessed record. For it shews, (1.) That 
 by no external providences, or any thing dispensed within 
 time, yea, by no affliction obvious to sense, the way of the 
 Lord and his respects to his people can be judged, even 
 amidst the great ( variety of events, which here fall out : 
 But we are in this obliged to adore God, whose judg- 
 ments are incomprehensible, when we see at the same 
 time a just man perish in his righteousness, and a wicked 
 man prolong his life in wickedness. Eccl. vii. 25. (2.) The 
 scripture gives us this return also about such a provi- 
 dence, why the sword devours both, and as Saul and Jona- 
 than fall together, that there the Lord does in a special 
 way differ betwixt one and another. Josiah died in 
 peace, as was promised, 2 Kings xxii. 20. yet befell upon 
 the high places of the field, in the common judgment : But 
 he was then taken from the evil to come ; yea, thus was de- 
 livered, even by a stroke of the hot displeasure of God, on 
 others. It is not strange, that some may be hid in the 
 grave from a further storm, by the same judgment where- 
 in the Lord is pursuing the land, in which they have their 
 abode. (3.) It is clear from the scripture, how small an 
 accession to a sinful course may, in the holy displeasure of 
 God, bring some of his people under the same stroke with 
 his adversaries, and so far involve them in that judgment. 
 We find Ps. i. 1. there is a standing in the way, and joining 
 in the counsel of the ungodly, held forth as a partaking with 
 them in their sin ; and Ezek. ix. tells us, that 770/ mourning 
 x 
 
170 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 for, and witnessing a dissent aga'mst the national sins of 
 the time, puts men far out of that blessed roll of those 
 whom the Lord does difference from others by a mark of 
 his preservation. Now as to that other, how it is the wick- 
 ed prolong their days in wickedness, and may go in some 
 external peace to the grave, do but inquire at the scripture - r 
 and it will shew, (1.) It was no less strange to the prophet 
 Jeremiah, xii. They prosper, and haw taken root. Did it 
 not amaze that blessed man, Ps. lxxiii. that not only t/ieir 
 eves standout with fatness, but they have no bands in their 
 death ! But (2.) Is not the way of the Lord in this mani- 
 fest, how graciously he prevents some by a sad temporal 
 stroke, and can serve himself of a scaffold or gibbet to bring 
 about their mercy ; as he did to the thief on the cross ; 
 whilst he plagues others by a long forbearance, and his 
 holding off such strokes, Eccl viii. 11. the dreadful effects 
 whereof are held forth, because sentence is not speedily ex- 
 ecuted against wicked men, their heart is therefore set on 
 mischief. (3.) As in every age we are called to adore the 
 sovereignty of God in such a thing, he gives men also 
 cause to observe his great judgments, some remarkable 
 strokes on his adversaries ; which they cannot pass without 
 such a remark, Behold a man that made not God his 
 strength ! Ps. Hi. 7. But we must further wait for that 
 full discrimination, which the last sentence of the judge 
 shall put betwixt those who fear the Lord and those who 
 fear him not. 
 
 THE THIRD ARGUMENT 
 
 FOR the scripture's accomplishment is this ; that 
 which not only the christian's experience, and observation 
 of the church, bear witness to, but is also a truth which 
 even to the view and conviction of the world, may be demon- 
 strattd from whom it doth oft force a testimony, yea, in ev- 
 ery age the worst of men have been forced to acknowledge ; 
 it must be a thing very evident. But the accomplishment 
 of the scripture can be thus witnessed ; therefore, &c. 
 
 It is true, those sweet and sensible enjoyments, which the 
 saints have of this truth, the world cannot reach ; but it is 
 also sure, that in every age, the works of the Lord, and^ 
 some more remarkable convincing providences, both of 
 judgment and mercy, do solemnly invite men to observe 
 the accomplishment of the word therein ; yea, no time 
 i wanted something of a public witness from ungodly 
 HT-n, even the greatest mockers of religion, who under that 
 co- .straining power of conscience at death, or in some day 
 of their strait, have been forced to seal the truth, by a very 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture* 171 
 
 open confession of the righteousness of God towards them. 
 And this is indeed the Lord's blessed design, in making 
 his works sometime so conspicuous, that they may not 
 only confirm the faith of his people, but render atheism in- 
 excusable ; that the glory of his faithfulness, as well as of 
 his power, and wisdom, may shine forth before the sons of 
 men. I confess, we may wonder why the world looketh 
 so little upon this; and how the conviction of so great a 
 truth, which they cannot shun, doth not more press them : 
 but the Holy Ghost, doth fully resolve this, The brutish 
 man knoweth not, neither do fools lay to heart, how the 
 scripture taketh place, thatjlourishing of wicked men is but 
 in judgment for their further ruin. 
 
 To prosecute this argument a little, there are some special 
 truths I would instance, wherein the faithfulness of God 
 in fulfilling his word may be seen by the world >• yea, is 
 obvious to the most ordinary observers. And though they 
 be but a few, which I shall here touch, yet I may say, they 
 are such interesting truths, and have so near a reference to 
 the foundation of our faith, that men cannot acknowledge 
 the same, but must also confess the scripture's divinity, 
 and that there is a truth and reality in. godliness and in the 
 christian religion. I may truly here with some confidence 
 challenge the greatest atheists, yea, appeal to their con- 
 science and serious thoughts, if in these following in- 
 stances (though but a little of what might be said otysuch a 
 subject) the truth and accomplishment of the scripture be 
 not very manifest. 
 
 FIRST I shall first hold forth this truth, that man is 
 surely fallen from that excellent estate wherein once he was 
 formed, (Rom. v. 18, 19.) and now is not that which he 
 was at the beginning. A truth so clear that we may say, 
 even without the discovery of the word, might be easy for 
 any serious observer to discern the same : yea, had not 
 even heathens some glance at this ? The evidence whereof 
 they could not altogether shun. 
 
 It is true, the causeand original of this dreadful conta- 
 gion ; how sin entered into the world; how it is derived to 
 the whole race of man, by imputation, as well as inhesion ; 
 how that poison is carried from the fountain to the cistern ; 
 this the scripture doth only discover : but this, I am sure, 
 may be obvious to all, that poor man is thus sick and dis- 
 eased, and now beareth the marks of such a fall and ruin, 
 as we read of in the word. I confess, it is strange, that 
 when this is so very convincingly manifest, it should not 
 force men to some more serious inquiry, whence such a 
 thing is, or whether there can be a recovery o£ so sad and 
 
1 72 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 desperate like case. But to clear this a little, I would offer 
 these three things to be considered. 
 
 1. That there is some remainder of that excellent fabric, 
 which rrny yet appear among its ruins ! some print and ap- 
 pearance (though dark) of that primitive lustre and beauty; 
 some draughts, which sin hath not wholly worn out ; that 
 may clearly tell what man once was, and point out his for- 
 mer excellency, that he hath been another creature, of 
 whom Absalom y s character might be truly said, without all 
 bkmish from the head to the foot ^ For we see the deep im- 
 pressions of a deity still rooted in men, even among the 
 most wild and savage, which no invention can utterly raze ; 
 we see some common principles of reason, that are im- 
 printed in the most rude and ignorant ; some innate 
 notions and ideas, which the soul hath of good and evil, 
 among all, and in every place of the earth; likewise those 
 natural truths koinai ennoiai, which we may see are 
 no ways impressed on the soul from any objects of sense, 
 but such whereto men by an unavoidable necessity are 
 forced to assent: and besides, what meaneth the wit- 
 ness of the conscience, and authority thereof in every 
 man, which they cannot possibly decline ? O do not 
 these witness, that from some great height poor man hath 
 fallen. 
 
 2. Doth not the present appearance of man's nature 
 clearly shew, that he is fallen into some dreadful disease } 
 that it is surely overspread with some horrid Leprosy and 
 contagion, the symptoms whereof now are most discerni* 
 ble ? O what an exorbitancy doth appear in his desires ? 
 with what contrary tides is he hurried ? still at jar with his 
 present lot ! his reason and will, once in a sweet league, 
 are now at war, betwixt which he is oft rent in pieces, 
 as one betwixt wild horses. How is he now restless 
 in an unreasonable pursuit ? he laboureth in the fire, 
 and for a shadow : yea, what do these tumults and com- 
 motions of the earth mean ? men upon the smallest ac- 
 count sheathing their swords in others bowels, homo homini 
 lupus; ruptures in families; unsatiable in revenge, and 
 the earth so oft in an uproar as a raging sea. O do 
 not these too visibly witness, what a dreadful disorder 
 and perturbation there must be within, impetuous boiling 
 of man's lusts ! so that here we may see a very mani- 
 fest rupture and breach of a building, once well knit and 
 framed. 
 
 3. I would ask, wherein man's true advantage and excel- 
 lency y above others of the creatures, can be seen, if not 
 with some respect to what he once was, and that blessed 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 173 
 
 restoration by grace : for his knowledge doth oft serve but 
 to increase his sorrow ; to shew the good he wanteth, and 
 the coil he is subject to. Is there any of the creatures sub- 
 ject to such outward misery and pain ! to so many dis- 
 eases ! yea, as to a sensual life, may we not say, the 
 beasts have even some preference ! Or are these so unruly ? 
 do they so much go out of their^ bounds and station ? 
 which the many laws made for man in the world, with the 
 convincing necessity thereof, can witness. We see also 
 that sore travel is appointed to man ; at how much toil he 
 is for an outward subsistance ; how lie doth oft sow and 
 not reap ; the beasts withdraw from the yoke ; those over 
 whom he had dominion, ready to assault him ; how women 
 bring forth their children in sorrow ; the men are attended 
 with fear, their life oft made bitter with care and labour ; 
 yea, as men increase in the world, their care and discon- 
 tent increasing therewith ! but besides all, is he not in the 
 greatest slavery , of all the creatures through the violence 
 of his lusts? that make him pursue the bait, though he 
 knoweth it will undo him ; while his corruption doth oft 
 like a strong man bind him in fetters, and his flesh impe- 
 riously drag him at its heels ! O may we not say, was 
 poor man thus framed at the beginning ? or raised so far 
 above the rest of the creatures, only to make him the 
 more miserable ! for truly if a lively portrait could be 
 drawn of sinful depraved nature, there is none so gross but 
 should abhor, yea, be affrighted, to see that in the 
 third person, with which (alas) they are so friendly to in 
 themselves. 
 
 SECOND. That so great a change is truly wrought up- 
 on men in conversion, (as the scripture doth promise and 
 hold forth, John iii. 3, 6. Eph. ii. 1, 5. Colos. iii. 1,2.) 
 wherein something above nature, even the marvellous pow~ 
 cr of the grace of God, may be seen ; is a truth I am sure, 
 known, and undeniable to the voorld: yea, the greatest 
 mockers at religion must confess, can be no delusion, but 
 is indeed real and certain ; upon these following grounds. 
 
 (1.) That the most gross, who in their practice have 
 been openly profane, in the place wherein they lived, it 
 hath been seen how grace hath reached them : and thus 
 the leopard hath been made to change his spots, and such 
 who were accustomed to do evil, have learned to do well. 
 O ! do not many famous instances witness this, in every 
 age? (2.) Tha_ also men most principled in their judg- 
 ment against the way of God, who were wont to deride 
 holiness as a fancy, even on such, so great a change hath 
 been wrought, as hath made the world to wonder : but 
 
174 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 then tliey were forced to lay down their prejudice, yea, to 
 wonder at themselves, how they could stand before the 
 truth so long, whereof they have got such an impression. 
 Sure, atheists must grant there have been as professed athe- 
 ists as themselves, who have been made eminent exam- 
 ples of grace. (3.) That such even in the height of their 
 wickedness, (like Saul breathing out cruelty, and of late 
 Verger ius while he was writing against the truth) grace 
 -hath sometimes reached them. It hath been found, that of 
 Christ's greatest enemies some have thus /alien, upon their 
 high places, before the power of the word ; some such tro- 
 phies of the gospel's conquest have been conspicuous in, 
 every age : yea, it is oft seen, that some remarkable 
 height in sin hath proved an evident crisis, and turn in 
 men's condition, either to judgment, or mercy. (4.) That 
 some of the most eminent adversaries of the truth have, 
 through grace, been made eminently useful instruments in 
 the church, the world cannot deny ; that there have not 
 been choicer vessels of honour, more zealous for the Lord 
 in their time, than such, who were once most violent in 
 their opposition. (5.) That such whom the world did 
 reckon most wise and discerning, yea, that did want no 
 judgment to know the value of outward thmgs, as well as 
 others, grace hath reached. Can the atheists object, Do 
 any of the rulers, or rabbies believe in Christ, or follow that 
 way ! when it is so clear, that not more wise, learned, and 
 judicious (even themselves being judges) have been in 
 their time, than some who are most serious in the matter 
 r f religion. (6.) Hath not this change been made discern- 
 ible upon the simple, the most stupid, and dull, yea, upon 
 some such as their natural incapacity might have obstruct- 
 ed the work, if something above nature had not carried it 
 on ! which may be also manifest by some change even on 
 their understanding, to shew that this can make wise the 
 simple, and in the way of holiness, the wayfaring man, 
 though a fool, shall not err. (7.) That by a very improba- 
 ble mean, the word, and that sometimes by weakest instru- 
 ments, we see this great change hath been wrought : and 
 it is remarkable, how little of the work of conversion did 
 follow the putting forth of miracles in the primitive times, 
 but by the simplicity of the preached gospel much more. 
 For indeed the conversion of a soul, and such a change is 
 itself some way a miracle. (8.) That they are not a few, 
 on whom this change hath been wrought, is undeniable : 
 and truly, besides these ordinary proofs, I think, it is a 
 great defect there should not be some more special record 
 by the church, of these illustrious and eminent instances of 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 175 
 
 the grace of God, which have been in such an age, as well 
 as remarkable instances of judgment. (90 > Men must see 
 thisfalleth not out at an adventure, which is wrought up- 
 on one, and not another, whilst both are alike discerning ; 
 yea, some who seem furthest from the grace of God, very 
 gross and rude, have been taken, when the more civil and 
 refined, and of a more promising natural disposition, have 
 been passed by. O doth not this witness the grace of God 9 
 and sovereignty thereof ! (10.) Is not this change oft dis- 
 cernible upon men in a time while no advantage from with- 
 out doth appear ? even times of persecution and hazard, 
 from which many have dated their first acquaintance with 
 God ; when they could expect nothing but a suffering lot, 
 Sure there must be something above nature in it. (1 1.) It is 
 also known how great a cloud of witnesses have sealed this 
 truth. O \ can there be such an universal enchantment, 
 that in every age, in several, yea, in most remote places of 
 the earth, hath fallen upon so many, who have witnessed 
 the power of the gospel ? or can all these be void of under- 
 standing ? What gain or outward advantage could they de- 
 sign in that which is so usually attended with outward haz- 
 ard and loss ! or what credit from men, while it maketh 
 them the very butt of the world's hatred and reproach ? 
 Yea, can it be thought that all these could have combined 
 to conspire into so great a cheat . ? I must appeal atheists to 
 their serious thoughts of this matter. (12.) The marvel- 
 lous effect of this change, doth it not witness that this is no 
 fancy or delusion ; when men are reached with such a 
 stroke, and by t one word, as hath made the stout hearted 
 and most daring to tremble, and to shew by their very 
 countenance, that there is another tribunal than man's, be- 
 fore which they are arraigned ? Must it not be sad earnest, 
 and a marvellous power, that can make so willing a di- 
 vorce betwixt men, and their idols, which were once as 
 their right eye to them ; and beat them off that ground of 
 self righteousness, which they had been so long establishing 
 to themselves ; that should cause them also choose the re-, 
 proach of Christ, and his cross, before any outward advan- 
 tage, and abandon that society, without which sometimes 
 they could not live ? Must not this speak forth something 
 above natural reason ! O ! may not the world oft wonder 
 what is become of their old friends ! though I confess, this 
 should rather put them, with wonder and astonishment, to 
 some serious inquiry whence so great a change can be ! 
 
 t It is strange, the world does not more wonder at conver- 
 sion, which is so great a miracle, yea it may be said, one of 
 the greatest hath been in the earth j since it is no less mar- 
 
1TG The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 vellous, than to raise out of the grave such who are truly 
 dead. O how convincingly demonstrative is this, of the 
 truth and reality of grace ; yea, even . to the view of the 
 world, does witness an irresistible, efficacious power with 
 the word, that convertcth the soul, enlightens the eye, and 
 maketh wise the simple, Psal. xix. 7. Should we not with 
 astonishment look on a christian, if we did seriously con- 
 sider what a change the grace of Goi> makes here, from 
 that he once^ was, and how great a change glory will ere 
 long make from that he now is ! I know, there are many 
 things we wonder at from our ignorance. u But oh 1 it is 
 men's ignorance and estrangement from this, makes it so 
 little their wonder. For, if we be assuredly persuaded of 
 the truth of comer sion, which the world cannot deny with- 
 out a contradiction both to sense and reason, we have then 
 three great truths unanswerably demonstrated. 1. That 
 the scripture of God is^ faithful and true, which holds this 
 forth. 2. That there is a divine spirit, and«a power above 
 nature, that does certainly accompany the same. 3. It is 
 then clear, there are two contrary states in another world t 
 since they are here so manifest. Now, besides these evi- 
 dences already mentioned, I would here offer some further 
 upon so' grave, and weighty a subject, to shew how very 
 clear and convincing the demonstration of this truth is, 
 that the world cannot but see the very immediate power of 
 God, and something above nature in conversion, if they do 
 not shut their eyes thereat. Consider but these, 
 
 (1.) Is it not a strange and marvellous thing, that could 
 change one species of a creature into another, turn a wolf 
 or tyger into a lamb, sure this would be astonishing ! yet 
 such a change is here, which makes so vast a difference be- 
 twixt one and himself, takes him off his former delights and 
 exercises, his old friends and society, with whom he once 
 thought the time short, yea, makes the man who was a per- 
 secutor of the truth, and took pleasure therein, now rejoice 
 to suffer persecution on that same account !^ I think, the 
 world will not debate, -where so many known instances are 
 at all times obvious. (2.) Is it not marvellous, which can 
 estrange men from their worldly interests, and take their 
 heart off that which was as their right eye, and subdue un- 
 der them that winch once took them captive at its pleasure I 
 O does it not shew, they have got their eyes opened to see 
 things, which were formerly hid ! Yea, how strange is it 
 that those whose predominant sin was love to the world,. 
 and have been in their natural disposition most narrow and 
 griping, that they could not allow themselves the comforta- 
 ble .use of that they had, even these this change hath so 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 177 
 
 powerfully reached, as to cause a willing surrender and 
 quitting of all for Christ ! I could offer known instances of 
 this ; and those at as great an advantage then, in the exer± 
 cise of their judgment and reason, as ever, whom the world 
 might see were most serious and composed therein. 
 (3.) Would you debate the efficacious power of that which 
 should melt and dissolve, the hardest stone ? and may you 
 not wonder what a power this must be, which will make 
 men ?neltm\d dissolve in tears ^ and stand trembling before 
 the word, who through their life were known to be most 
 obdurate and stupid ? Yea, is not this great change some- 
 times with such terror and downcasting ushered in, that 
 may convince observers, it is a matter of greatest earnest \ 
 and no counterfeit ? and surely these must be reached by 
 some power, before which there is no standing. (4.) How 
 great a thing is that which takes men unawares, beyond 
 their thoughts and intention ; Matthew, and those other 
 disciples, did not know in the morning what should befal 
 them before night ; it was indeed a happy day, when on 
 their return they had that account to give, We have found 
 the Messias ! and it is sure, many since have been thus 
 surprised ; yea, in one hour have got such a sight, which 
 will never go from their heart ; they now see what report 
 Could never have made them believed ; they now know 
 what it is to be taken out of a dreadful gulf of darkness into 
 a marvellous light ! And truly there is this usually discern- 
 ible in it, how some one word will force its passage, and 
 take fire within, as a word beyond all others fitly spoken, 
 and fitted by divine appointment to open the heart. (5.) It 
 is a marvellous change, which does even reach young ones, 
 and these sometimes of an age little above infancy. For it 
 is certainly known, how such whose years might shew 
 there was no design to cheat the world, yea, sometimes in 
 a family where little advantage for their education hath ap- 
 peared, have given evidence of this wonderfully, above 
 themselves and their age ; yea, at death have witnessed 
 some power of the grace of God, and his spirit on their 
 soul, their hope and the grounds of it, with such judgment 
 and seriousness, as hath forced on bystanders this discovery 
 of an immediate teaching of the^ Spirit, and of a mighty 
 power of God, that can witness in these, ere they can weil 
 speak or exercise reason, the power of religion. O whence 
 should this be ! and truly for the truth thereof, I could of- 
 fer known instances, if it should be brought on debate. 
 (6.) What a change is it that does also reach men in their 
 old age, who have been long rooted and inured to the world, 
 who have sat out many a call, in their resisting the gospel ; 
 y 
 
178 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 yet is, it not seen, how these in their gray hairs have been 
 made to weep and confess, after sixty or seventy years liv- 
 ing under the gospel, that then ouly they begun to know 
 what it is to be christians. I confess this is one of the rare 
 trophies of the grace of God ; yet no age wants some such 
 instances, to prove, how far grace can prevail over nature, 
 custom, education, and all those disadvantages, which use 
 to attend the time of old age. (7.) What a strange power 
 is it, which hath been so evidently witnessed on some hor- 
 ridly flagitious, who have outrun others in all manner of 
 wickedness ; yea, even then whilst justice was crying for 
 punishment to cut them off, grace hath stepped in to save, 
 and reached them at a scaffold or gibbet ! It is sure the 
 world cannot question this truth : and O should it not be 
 convincing, to see two brought to a public death for some 
 gross crime, who have the same hazard before them, and 
 the same means made use of for their conviction ; yet the 
 one melting in contrition, and the other most hardened ! 
 You cannot say, that this is from a different nature and con- 
 stitution, since sometimes those of a more promising nature 
 and better disposition, have been seen further off, than 
 such of whom least was expected. (8.) Is it not a strange 
 change, which even on those^ where no ordinary means 
 could be subservient, Cc;n be witnessed ? where no compa- 
 ny, no example, no usual way for instruction, can be al- 
 leged ; so that it may be seen, they have been truly taught 
 of the Lord ; that there is such a thing as his immediate 
 teaching ; that in a very extraordinary way, by means 
 most improbable, he can convey himself into the soul.^ In 
 a word, this can be no result of one's natural complexion ; 
 for then it would appear in, and accompany, their younger 
 years in some measure, and grow up with them. This 
 change also, in those of most different natures x most unlike 
 and cross to others humour and disposition, is made dis- 
 cernible. Yea, must it not be something above moral 
 swasioUy or any persuasives of human eloquence, since 
 here the foolishness of preaching is found more effectual, 
 than any such way ? Yea, it is seen how the most sublime 
 and polished strains of oratory^ and greatest gifts, have oft 
 come short of that success, which hath followed more im- 
 probable means. I shall add, O is not this something 
 above nature, which makes men partake of the divine na- 
 ture ■, and does so visibly impress the image of God on 
 them ! 
 
 I shall shut this up with three remarkable instances of 
 thepower and efficacy of grace in conversion ; of which in 
 every age there may be a large record. First, that excel- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 179 
 
 lent man Junius; whose life we have in some measure 
 set down by himself, with many notable remarks of provi- 
 dence, and therein shewing the LorcPs engaging him at 
 first ; how being very loose, and carried away with evil 
 company, yea, tempted to atheism, he was one day moved 
 to go and read the scripture ; and at the first opening, ac- 
 costed with that of the first of John ; which whilst he read, 
 (as he says) did suddenly astonish him, and leave a mar- 
 vellous conviction on his soul, of the divinity of the subject, 
 the majesty and authority of the writing ; so that all day he 
 knew not where, and what he was : but thus turns himself 
 with these words to the Lord, Thou wast mindful of me, 
 my God, according to the multitude of thy tender mercies ! 
 Yea, gives this account, that he then had a sight ef the 
 scripture, which made him see it did exceed all human el- 
 oquence; and this was followed with such power, that his 
 body trembled, and his mind became astonished, with such 
 a surprising and marvellous light : and from that day he 
 began to be serious in the way of the Lord. 
 
 . A second instance I shall offer is, the remarkable conver- 
 sion of worthy Master Bolton, a choice minister in the 
 church of England ; in whose life this is recorded, that be- 
 ing eminently profane, a horrid swearer, and much accus- 
 tomed to mock at holiness, and those who most shined 
 therein, and particularly that excellent man of God, Mr. 
 Perkins, then preacher in Cambridge, whom he much un- 
 dervalued for his plainness in preaching the truths of God ; 
 yea, # was near the length of popery : but on the Lord's 
 gracious appearance to him, was put to have other thoughts, 
 with a very remarkable change upon him, though with 
 that terror, that (as he said himself) the Lord seemed to 
 run upon him, like a giant, throwing him to the ground, 
 and with such a terrifying discovery of sin, as caused him 
 to roar in anguish, and oft rise in the night on that account, 
 which continued for divers months ; yea, these assaults in 
 the pangs of the new birth were such, that it might have 
 been said, Ut nee color, nee sensus, nee sanguis super esset. 
 But at last a blessed sunshine brake out, and he after to his 
 old age proved a burning and shining light. Now besides 
 these two great men, I think it not unsuitable (since it is to 
 commend the grace of God and witness the reality thereof, 
 who of all kind of sinners, as well as of all kindreds and na- 
 tions, hath brought some to glory) that I set down one ve- 
 ry strange instance in this country, of a poor buggerer who 
 not many years ago was put to death in the town of Air, 
 for that horrid wickedness. He had been a most stupid 
 and brutish person ; such an one who looked, to all who 
 
180 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 kneudiim, as if he had been above the reach of ordinary 
 means : but in the prison, the Lord did marvellously wit- 
 ness the power of his grace, and in such a measure discov- 
 ered to him his sinfulness, that after much serious exercise 
 upon his soul, and sore^ wrestling, a most kindly word of 
 repentance did appear, with great assurance ; so that when 
 he came to the stake, he could not cease from crying out to 
 the people, under the sense of pardon, and that comforting 
 sunshine of the presence of God ; he is a great for giver ! 
 He is a great for giver / and had therewith these words ; 
 Noiv hath perfect love cast out all fear : I know , God hath 
 nothing to lay against me, for Jesus Christ hath paidall, 
 and those are free whom the son makes free ! Thus, in a 
 transport of wonder and joy, did he die ; the marvellous 
 grace of God raising him then above other men, who not 
 long before seemed, in some respect, below a beast. 
 
 THIRD. That the communion and fellowship with God, 
 whereto the saints are in this life admitted, and brought near 
 to him in the spirit, is a inost real thing, and no delusion ; 
 is a truth which may be very convincingly demonstrated 
 even to the view of the world, and to such who are but spec- 
 tators of the same. 1 John i. 3. Phil. iii. 20. I know, 
 this is a truth that must be spiritually discerned, and there- 
 fore the world cannot know it, or reach that unspeakable joy 
 and delight, which is found by the saints in that sweet path : 
 yet I must say, there are some things, and some such con- 
 vincing evidences, as may witness to men, and rationally 
 demonstrate the same ; the conviction whereof they can- 
 not possibly shun, if they but come near, and in their seri- 
 ous thoughts consider, 
 
 1. How great and excellent a company ; do bear this testi- 
 mony, even as many as in every time did ever serve God 
 in the spirit. Is not this transmitted by the father to the 
 children, as their experience ? And as certainly tried by 
 succeeding ages ; a truth which is not once or twice prov- 
 ed in the christian's life ! For the proofs thereof are innu- 
 merable, and past reckoning, which they have had ; yea, 
 amongst all the saints since the days of AbeU to this present 
 time, there was never one contradictory witness could be 
 produced. 
 
 2. Are not those, who do thus testify what they have oft 
 found in secret retirements to God, such whose testimony \ 
 in any other matter, the worst of men could not refuse, or 
 deny to be famous ? I am sure, the world is convinced, 
 that the followers of Christ dare not, yea, use not to deal 
 falsely in other things with those they have to do with, how- 
 ever their malice carry them to reproach them ; yea, that 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 181 
 
 they are more to be credited, than such, who make £ 
 
 scorn of religion. m 4* 
 
 3. Have they not had as great interest, and share of the 
 world as others, and been of as discerning spirits to know 
 the true value of things, who from their experience do not 
 only declare, there is an undoubted reality in converse with 
 God ; but that the joy and delight herein, which they have 
 found, is above all the pleasures of the flesh ? O ! what 
 must that b£, which could make such, who wanted no out. 
 ward allurements, who had not lost their taste, and were 
 flesh and blood as well as others, to turn their back on all 
 for Christ, and by their walk testify they have found some 
 more satisfying enjoyment in fellowship with God ? 
 
 4. Must not this be very obvious, and convincing, that 
 when men once become serious in the way of God, they 
 have got some new acquaintance ? that sure there is anoth- 
 er world, and some other society, than that of men, with 
 which they have intercourse. Whence are these frequent 
 retirements, from which they have been seen so oft to come 
 forth with greatest satisfaction, and with some remarkable 
 change in their case ? Doth it not thus appear^ They are 
 not alone, when they are alone ; yea, in such a solitude must 
 find something very desirable ? 
 
 5. Is not this also testified, in times when men could 
 not well dissemble, or be suspected of deceit ? In times of 
 great outward affliction ; when the world also hath been 
 most tempting them with its offers ; yea at death when they 
 are stepping over that threshold ; a time, wherein the words 
 of dying men are of greatest weight and credit, the spirits 
 of such being then more unbiassed, and free of those ordi- 
 nary temptations wherewith others are swayed ! How oft 
 have they at such times declared, that surely God is famil- 
 iar with men, which they have found, and though they 
 were going to change their place, yet were not to change 
 their company ! 
 
 > 6. Can that be a delusion, which is so sensible at the 
 time present ? When the saints are not more sure that they 
 live, than they are sure of this truth, what near approaches 
 and refreshing views they ^ have got while God hath come 
 near to their soul, what a discernible elevation of their spir- 
 its doth go along with this ? Yea, on the other hand, as the 
 withdrawing hereof is very sensible to themselves, is there 
 not something of this even obvious to those about them, 
 how great a change and difference this will make in their 
 case, from other times, which they cannot get hid ? 
 
 7. Doth not something of this truth appear on the very 
 $ countenance and outward carriage of christians ? what a 
 
1*3 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 lustre, and resemblance of heaven, a holy stayedness and 
 £t>m*wure of spirit, when they have been brought near God, 
 in secret converse with him, and taken up to the moun- 
 tain ! In a word, doth not the walk of a serious, mortified 
 christian convincingly witness this ? yea, it cannot but be 
 some waj* astonishing to the world, what should make 
 <hem look so well, and with such satisfaction, when no vis- 
 ible cause for it, when shut up in prison from converse with 
 fiends, and acquaintance ? Sure, men will not think a ra- 
 tional spirit so mad as to quit their former pleasures, 
 and choose the cross, that they may only deceive the world 
 ^i'th a counterfeit joy and satisfaction, if they did not real- 
 ly find the same. And while it is too too evident, what a 
 dreadful society and commerce many have with the devil, 
 should any question or debate ; whether the saints have 
 truly communion and fellowship with God, the Father of 
 Spirits, whom they serve and worship. 
 
 FOURTH. That the righteous is more excellent than 
 his neighbour, Prov. xii. 26. and hath another spirit, which 
 is greater and more choice, than that which is in the world \ 
 is a truth, which I am sure, men (notwithstanding all their 
 prejudice) must needs confess ; and that therein the scrip- 
 ture is truly verified, when such clear and convincing evi- 
 dences do stare them in the face. I confess, the saints are 
 fnuch under a dark cloud here, through the prevalence of 
 corruption ; yea, are oft accounted as the filth of the world: 
 but when grace in any greater measure, and in vigorous 
 exercise, doth shew itself, then there appeareth so much as 
 will darken all the grandeur of this earth, and force men to 
 see an excellency upon the s&ints, beyond any others. 
 They cannot altogether shun such a conviction, 1. What 
 an evident difference is betwixt their way, who walk with 
 God, and that of the most polished moralist. Something 
 is in the one, which doth witness a more excellent spirit, 
 a higher elevation, a sweet harmony, and equability in their 
 way, that they move in some higher sphere, act from other 
 principles, with a respect to some greater interest, than any 
 thing here, have more of a large heart to s'Tve their gene- 
 ration, than these whose sjelf interest is seen to be the first 
 and last in all their motions. 
 
 2. May it not also appear to observers that tender seri- 
 ous christians who live near God, do truly witness their 
 resemblance and likeness to him ; to whom they move, as to 
 their great and last end ? yea, do evidence a more true ex* 
 cellency of spirit, what a sweet calm and serenity they have 
 within while going through things that are most cross and 
 vexing; with what discernible quietness these can look 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 183 
 
 upon most affrighting revolutions in the world, as^ick 
 whose treasure and great interest is beyond hazard, uWigh 
 the earth were all turned to ashes. 
 
 3. Is there not so much in the way and carriage of the. 
 saints, yea, such a majesty and authority, that,attendeth 
 holiness, and doth force respect and/<?ar, even from those 
 who most hate them ; yea, and doth force men to justify 
 such in their^ conscience, whom they openly reproach and 
 persecute ; whence it is, that a serious tender christian i$. 
 oft a scarecrow and terror to the profane, whenthere is nQ 
 outward cause for it, but that they are struck with the con- 
 viction of a more excellent spirit in these, carrying such a 
 resemblance to the image of God, as forceth fear and sub- 
 jection from that, spirit which is in the world. 
 
 4. Doth not a christian and holy walk cause men tQ 
 shine as a light in the midst of a crooked and perverse^ gene- 
 ration ? Yea, darken all their neighbours \ And in the 
 darkest night, is it not seen how grace shineth with the 
 greatest lustre ? what a sweet and odoriferous scent doth 
 this send through the country, where they live ; that may 
 shew to all, how great a difference there is betwixt such, 
 and those who are wallowing in this puddle of the earth ! 
 
 5. Is it not obviqus, what a lustre and beauty, yea, some- 
 thing more becoming our immortal soul, that is. in the self- 
 denial of christians, their bearing injuries, forgiving such 
 a.s injure them, without reviling, than in that proud vindic- 
 tive spirit that is in the world ; that sure such walk by a 
 more excellent rule, and move from a higher principle ! 
 
 6. It may be also evident to the world, what another 
 spirit is in those who do not run with the current of every 
 time, nor yield to men because of their outward power ■, than 
 in that spirit which is in the world ? that while the one 
 doth press men to save themselves on any terms, the other 
 doth cause the christian to take up his cross, yea, lay down 
 his life, to save his conscience ! And whence is that pa- 
 tience, and resolution, by which the godly in times of suf- 
 fering have overcome their persecutors ; their bold avow- 
 ing of the truth before men, when hazards are most obvi- 
 ous ; and that advantage, wherewith they appear above 
 others, in such a time ? O ! doth it not clearly witness, 
 they are of another metal, who do thus abide the fire ; yea, 
 become more bright by that wherewith others are con- 
 sumed ? 
 
 I would add, that which the world cannot deny, how 
 
 this spirit, which is in the saints, hath prevailed over the 
 
 greatest enticements of carnal gain and pleasure, which to 
 
 • many may seem a wonder : as the popish party did once 
 
184 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 say of Luther, Bestiahoecnon curat aurum. That which 
 tnej^pid speak in contempt^ that it did prove him a beast y 
 did in effect shew him therein to be something above men ; 
 for that is a tiling before which the spirit of the world could 
 never stand. 
 
 FIFTH. That the promised encouragement, which is 
 held forth to the people of God under trouble and suffering 
 for his name, is a truth, and the scripture herein verified, I 
 am sure, not only christian experience can witness, but 
 may even to ihQ observation of others, be demonstrated 
 Jrom very convincing grounds, that it is no fancy or delu- 
 sion. Ps. ix. 9. Is. li. 12. 
 
 1. The very countenance and outward appearance of the 
 godly, in a suffering time, doth oft declare the peace and 
 tranquillity of their soul, so as surely they must have joy 
 and satisfaction from whence the world doth not know, and 
 have some other correspondence, than with things visible. 
 For it may be oft said, as of Daniel r and his fellows, that 
 under greatest pressures and a very mean condition they 
 look as Well, yea, with as much cheerfulness, as those who 
 live on the king's allowance. 
 
 2. It can be no counterfeit, which should thus reconcile 
 the christian with a suffering lot. For it is known how very 
 searching affliction and trouble proveth ; which oft doth 
 broach the vessel, and bring forth what hath formerly most 
 closely lurked. And O ! doth not that holy confidence 
 and freedom, which the saints have evidenced in confess- 
 ing the truth, before the princes of this world and their 
 most cruel adversaries, yea, that cheerfulness which in 
 most extreme articles of suffering they oft do witness, even 
 when they are resisting to the blood ; doth not this speak 
 forth something beyond the gallantry of a natural spirit, 
 that far exceedetjxjhe ordinary way of men, and is a thing 
 the world cannot but wonder, and whether they will, or 
 will not, see God's very immediate help, and hand in thg 
 same, according to his word ? 
 
 3. Is it not seen, how the cheerful way of the godly un- 
 der suffering, while there is no outward ground for the 
 same, doth not only astonish, but is an exceeding torment 
 to adversaries ? when they are forced to see, how all their 
 endeavours (when their wrath and malice hath been to the 
 utmost put forth) have yet been in vain, either to turn them 
 aside, or to ruin their encouragement ; but that the most 
 sharp sufferings of the godly do still give them* the sorest 
 dash, help to strengthen others, justify God's way, and that 
 tender respect he hath to his suffering people, even before 
 all observers ! 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 185 
 
 4. Is it not also manifest, that such whose natural^ dis- 
 position was known to be very fainting and timorous, yet 
 when called to suffer for the truth, have without the least 
 appearance of discouragement, showed an invincible reso- 
 lution, and not only their own fears, but the expectations of 
 others have a marvellous disappointment ! O is there not 
 there a visible fulfilling of the scripture, that shaking reeds. 
 should be made to stand, where strongest cedars have bow- 
 ed ; yea, some of very mean and ordinary parts have been 
 so discernibly raised above themselves, as they were made 
 to confound the wise and learned ! 
 
 5. Must it not be confessed, that the Zealand resolution: 
 of die saints did never more appear than in times of great- 
 est opposition ? that at no time they have looked more like" 
 christians with more advantage, and with some peculiar 
 beauty and lustre of the grace of God, than, under suffer-* 
 ing ! a thing, which as it eminently doth commend the 
 gospel, hath also so far convinced their enemies, as in some 
 measure it hath blunted their ed^t, and taken off thcic 
 prejudice against the way of God, and followers thereof. 
 
 6. I may appeal the greatest atheists to their conscience* 
 if any moral arguments, (whatever influence they may have 
 upon men's patient enduring) could ever produce such ef- 
 fects, as rejoicing in tribulation, the choosing affliction be- 
 fore sin and all its pleasures ; making men to triumph over 
 persecutors, and to go with such a calm and cheerfulness 
 to a scaffold, to sing amidst a dark prison, yea, and to 
 abound, and haw all things, under greatest want ? O ! 
 whence is this ! Sure, something above nature must be 
 here, that is stronger than moral reasons, by which the 
 saints have thus overcome the world / Yea, is it not obvious 
 to all who look on, how great a difference there is betwixt 
 the pretended re solution of a natural spirit in death and suf- 
 fering, and that joy and confidence of a christian, which 
 hath then showed the composure and tranquillity of his 
 soul within ? The one being but a dark shadow, and the 
 other drawn to the life. 
 
 SIXTH. That there is a conscience within men, whose 
 power both as a judge, and witness, doth answer that clear 
 discovery the scripture giveth thereof, Rom. ii. 9. is a thing 
 obvious even to the world, which they must needs confess, 
 both from its visible effect on others, and the working 
 thereof within themselves. That herein the word is veri- 
 fied, these things make it clear and undeniable, 
 
 1. That sure there is something within, which thus 
 maketh men afraid \o be alone with themselves, yea, will 
 . cause them to go abroad, and frame diversions, to be out 
 z 
 
186 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 of itsjopise : must it not be sad earnest, which hath so 
 dreaqjul a sound in their ear, doth haunt the wicked man 
 whether he will, or not ? wherewith he would gladly be 
 at peace ; but amidst his greatest mirth and prosperity this 
 doth mingle his wine with gall and wormwood. 
 
 2. Is it not also sure, that men have oft an accuser with- 
 in their breast (while they seem to brave it out before oth- 
 ers) whose judgment and sentence they can by no means 
 decline ; but after the committing of sin, yea, on the back 
 of their sinful pleasures, doth follow the same with a bitter 
 sting, and ring this dreadful peal in their ear, that in the 
 end their way will be bitterness ! O 1 is not this an accus- 
 ing conscience, which doth begin the torment of some be- 
 fore the time 1 
 
 3. What is it that should make men's guilt so legible 
 oft in their countenance, even when they study most to con- 
 ceal it, and thus cause them to give their tongue the lie ; 
 yea, bewray to bystanders, whether they will or not, some 
 secret trouble, and sore they have within I Doth it not 
 clearly shew the power of conscience, which hath such au- 
 thority on men, that without violence or constraint from 
 others, doth even force them to confess the truth, and sup- 
 ply the room of witnesses ; 
 
 4. Whence is it, that some are so much disquieted for 
 secret sins, which the eyes of others could not reach, yea, 
 that as to some gross sins, even the most profligate amongst 
 men, have an horror at them, without respect to outward 
 hazard ? Doth it not shew, the power of natural conscience, 
 that holdeth forth a greater party, than the world with 
 which they have to do, to whom all things are manifest, and 
 some greater ivitness than that of man ? 
 
 5. How is it that even greatest men, whom the world 
 could not reach, and in the midst of all probable advan- 
 tages, have yet often most ajfrighting thoughts, much ter- 
 ror, and disquieting reflections ? Must it not be something 
 within, which doth cause them to fear, another power than 
 that of the world, and a judgment greater than of men ? 
 
 6. What must it b«f which doth force men to justify 
 God, when his hand doth pursue them, and maketh them 
 so easily find out sin in a time of their strait ? Why is the 
 .sense of guilt so very affrighting at death? Is it not the 
 conscience, which doth presage a future judgment, and 
 extend its power to matters of an everlasting concernment 
 and duration ? 
 
 • 7. What should make men tremble at the word, and so 
 much hate a searching ministry I Is it not because the 
 light doth torment them r That though the word doth par- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scrip furs. 187 
 
 ticularly name none, yet there is something within, which 
 maketh application of the truth, and doth plainly say, Thou 
 art the man t 
 
 8. How do the worst of men oft justify those in secret, 
 whom they openly have condemned : that while they are 
 even persecuting the saints for truth, and holiness, yet for 
 these they give them and their way a favourable testimony, 
 notwithstanding all their prejudices ? Yea, what is it that 
 doth cause a secret fear and awful regard of such whom 
 they hate ? Doth it not shew something within, whose 
 judgment they are not able to resist ? 
 
 9. I must further ask, whence is that horror, and those, 
 dreadful cries and groans, which wicked men oft have in 
 their sickness, even such who were wont to sport at sin, 
 with a daring countenance ? Can the world get this passed 
 without some remark, how intolerable a thing an evil con- 
 science is, when once let loose ? when in all ages such 
 terrifying examples of this kind have been set up, for all 
 that passed by to look on, such as Spira, I.atomus, Olha- 
 rius, &c. And truly I think, it is a great defect, that there 
 should not be a more particular record of such, which would 
 give atheism so great a dash ; yea, force men to confess 
 the truth of a deity, and of the written word. 
 
 This is a great truth, and a great demonstration of God 
 (blessed for ever !) his being, and of the truth of his word, 
 that there is a conscience : so strange a power, which every 
 man hath within him and over him, that forceth the soul 
 to a reflection on itself, even when it trembles at that sight, 
 and with an awful sound tells the atheist, there is a God, 
 when he seems to have no fear or conviction thereof! This 
 is that great tormentor and trotibler of the work', from 
 which there is no retreat, though one should flee to the ut- 
 termost parts of the earth : this keeps a high court of jus- 
 tice under the authority of the great Judge, and there with- 
 out respect of persons does summons great and small, docs 
 arrest, bring in witness, and passes sentence, yea, in sp*fte 
 measure puts that in execution, and can make hell begin 
 tlure, by an inexpressible anguish and horror. It is strange, 
 that such a thing, when it is so undeniable, does not stare 
 the world in the face with more amazement. But I shall 
 further offer some few evidences of this truth, besides those 
 already mentioned. 
 
 (1.) Could there be such a power in man to difference 
 betwixt that good and evil which is within him, if there 
 were not also some higher power ariove him, who hath 
 thus formed him, with such principles : Yea, could there 
 be a judging and witnessing within a man, if there were not 
 
188 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 a law and rule over him ? For it is sure, the conscience in 
 all its actings hath respect to a higher judgment, and to a 
 law, which even nature's light, though very dim, holds 
 forth, but is express and clear in the scripture which is 
 that great rule of the conscience. (2.) Is it not very strange, 
 to see such a power within a man, and yet against him ; 
 that the grossest atheist is an enemy to it, yet cannot be 
 without it, or get it shaken off ; and whilst it is known 
 how strong a bias and inclination these have to evil, more 
 than good, they are yet forced to justify the one, more than 
 the other ! The drunkard cannot drown this conviction, 
 nor the worldling bury it in the earth, where his treasure 
 lies. (3.) Though men may come some length to divert 
 the conscience and silence it, that it cannot exercise its 
 function, without some special divine excitation ; yet 
 is it not manifest, how then when once it is awaked, 
 there is no possible withstanding / Then the stout 
 hearted cannot keep his ground, to debate with it ; 
 yea, when they run, it follows with as swift a pace ; no 
 skill, no arguments can defend from its force ; there is no 
 violence against such a power, but whilst in the practice of 
 sin they overreach the witness of men, lo ! this is contin- 
 ually at hand to tell them, that he who is greater than the 
 conscience, does regard. (4.) Can any thing be more real 
 and certain, than these effects of the conscience, I mean 
 that trouble and fear men have in sinning, and that peace 
 *and satisfaction that attends welldoing ; Do you know such 
 a place of the earth, whether this power hath not some ac- 
 cess to overawe men, even without any visible awe or haz- 
 ard ? And can all mankind, through the whole world, in 
 all ages, be in so strange a delusion, if there were no real 
 ground for it ? (5.) How convincingly does this witness to 
 a conscience, and the reality of it, that men are at so much 
 work to bribe it, to frame diversions thereto, yea, to find 
 out false grounds of peace, and some such gloss and com- 
 mentary, as many reconcile the rule with their grossest 
 actings and exorbitances ? And why is this, but that in 
 outdaring it, they find it stronger than they, and therefore 
 must counterwork, by darkening that great light, and find 
 out some shew of reason to silence conscience, and prom- 
 ise peace to themselves, though they walk in the wicked- 
 ness of their heart. (6.) Do not these strange extremes, 
 which oft are obvious in men's condition, witness the re- 
 ality of this power ? O what a marvellous thing, to see one 
 stupid, this day ; and desperate the next, the conscience 
 breaking out, at that rate,, that to be rid thereof and its tor- 
 ment, the poor mah would seek a shelter in the grave I 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 189 
 
 Yea, is it not usual to see some wear out their time as 
 beasts, yet at dying seized with an inexpressible horror of 
 God ? Is not this something wakened, which was former- 
 ly asleep ? (7.) Do not men see such desperate acts of 
 wickedness in the world, such furious running over warn- 
 ings and convictions, that may even convincingly shew 
 some pursuit of the conscience, and that horrid way they 
 take to be rid of it by revenge, to give it a further wound 
 and silence its noise, by some violent deep stroke ! (8.) 
 Are not these sudden unlooked for outbieakings of the con- 
 science most remarkable ; how it takes _ some unawares 
 and grows upon them, the more they strive with it ? It is 
 known also, what reflections men usually have on them- 
 selves and their actions, in some present exigent and haz- 
 ard; yea, how they are thus affrighted, or in : some meas- 
 ure quiet, as they are put to condemn or acquk themselves 
 on that score. Now is not this a convincing witness of the 
 force of a natural conscience ; and likewise that usual re- 
 course, which the grossest of men will in such an extremi- 
 ty have to God by prayer, does both declare this, and that 
 impression they have upon them of a deity. (9.) How 
 marvellous a confidence and support does the conscience 
 afford where it is a. friend, under the greatest misery and 
 trouble from without ; for thus a mail's spirit can sustain 
 its infirmities. But O when it is an adversary, nothing 
 (nothing) so insupportable ; it will torment and tear one 
 within, when there is none without dare provoke him ! 
 yea, cause the oppressor to tremble, whilst it upholds the 
 oppressed with confidence ; it makes the one eat his bread 
 with joy, when it im bitters the pleasant morsels oi others. 
 SEVENTH. That there is a reward for the righteous, 
 and unquestionable gain in godliness, is a piece of the scrip- 
 ture not only well known, and witnessed to the observing 
 christian in his experience, but is also held forth in every 
 age, as in great letters to the view of the world. Ps. lviii. 
 11. xcvii. 11. Isl'iii. 10. It is true, that the christian's 
 lot is oft followed with much trouble, and sometimes with 
 loss of his life, which may seem to have a very dismal as- 
 pect. For that great goodness, which the man who feareth 
 God, hath ensured to him, is much laid up in another 
 world : but it is also sure, that there are such clear con- 
 vincing proofs of this truth held forth even to the observa- 
 tion of men, by which the Lord hath in every age confirm- 
 ed the same, that I am sure the greatest atheist cannot an-- 
 swer even these. 
 
 1. That this is the very dictate of a natural conscience, 
 not only that God is, but that he is a rewarder of such as 
 
190 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 serve him : yea, none amongst men are so gross, or brutish, 
 who are not in some measure principled to difference be- 
 twixt good and evil, with some fear of a punishment to the 
 one, and some hope of recompense to the other ; and are 
 also forced to notice some more signal and convincing ex- 
 amples, which have been of that kind in their time. 
 
 2. Must we not say, yea, doth not the world see, in ev- 
 ery age, that history of Joseph in some part acted oxer 
 again % Sure, there have not been wanting many such re- 
 markable instances, wherein it might be easy to trace an 
 upright and straight walk through a very maze and laby- 
 rinth of changes, and to show how that hath been their 
 condition, and at last integrity hath brought them to land 
 in a comfortable harbour ; yea, how often they have had a 
 marvellous, unlooked for relief, contrary to all human ap- 
 pearance. This indeed is no romance ; but a most true 
 history, which through all times, and many examples, 
 might be written of the word and providence, which would 
 surpass the richest fancy, that any fiction or romance did 
 ever contain. 
 
 3. Must it not be convincing, even to the worst of men, 
 what a visible blessing cloth oft follow the mean lot of some 
 of the saints, which can make their little reach far, and 
 cause them to abound more in i their poverty, than others 
 amidst their abundance ? Which, I think, the world can- 
 not shun to observe, and gather that there is surely some- 
 thing else than men's own care, which doth their business : 
 and how that ordinary proverb falleth not to the ground, 
 that it is better to be happy than wise, when they see a se- 
 cret judgment blow upon some men's estate, that no means 
 can prevent ; and a secret blessing, which maketh things 
 prosper and take effect, accompany the christian's little : 
 50 as it may be easy for such who look abroad, to see where 
 real contentment, with cheerfulness and giving of thanks, 
 useth to dwell. 
 
 4. May not the world see, there is a feast in a good con- 
 science, how little soever they partake of the world ? that 
 well doing, and the practice of godliness, hath some present 
 reward in its hand ? Whereas so remarkable a difference 
 may be discerned betwixt the countenance and carriage of 
 such, and of them who trust in falsehood, that surely in a 
 time of strait, those have another kind of security and con- 
 fidence, when greatest natural spirits fail ; yea, that those 
 alone can enjoy themselves, have the most calm and com- 
 posed spirits, amidst the several changes of their life ; that 
 according to outward things their peace doth not ebb, nor 
 ftow, but they are at a seen advantage above others, in the 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 191 
 
 day when meji are sore outwitted with their straits. So as 
 it will be most easy then to see the good and advantage of 
 religion, when the vanity of other advantages is most dis- 
 cernible. 
 
 5. Is it not also seen, that true honour doth truly wait on 
 humility, and folio weth such ; but that it fleethfrom them 
 who do most pursue it : > r ea, that faithfulness and an up- 
 right walk will gain credit even amongst her enemies, and 
 respect before the world ? 
 
 6. That those who are faithful in their life, and diligent 
 improvers of a small talent, have usually more added, with 
 some discernible growth following the same : and as the 
 drying up of the parts of some, as a judgment on unfaith- 
 fulness, is oft obvious, so also such a blessing upon serious 
 diligence, as hath made the last to ht first, and even out- 
 run such who were once before them. Yea, it is truly 
 seen, how grace helpeth men's gifts, doth raise and subli- 
 mate their spirits, aboye that which once they were. 
 
 7. Doth not the Lord put some visible difference oft be- 
 twixt the righteous and the wicked in a time of common 
 calamity ? that a strange deliverance with the concurrence 
 of very marvellous providences, doth sometime await such, 
 even to the conviction of observers ; which may tell the 
 world, such have had an invisible hedge of preservation 
 about them, and have been under some better care, than 
 their own. 
 
 8. What a clear witness do ungodly men oft bear to this 
 truth, at their death, or at some other strait, so that their 
 conscience hath forced them to justify the godly man's 
 choice, and to say, that the lot of such is only most desir- 
 able : yea, with much bitterness to lament their own folly, 
 that made not religion more their business, the good and 
 advantage whereof is now no matter of debate. Sure, the 
 world will confess, how oft the confession and testimony 
 of such men, to this truth, hath reached their car. 
 
 9. I shall but add, that which is so very manifest, how 
 faithfulness and integrity doth transmit men's names with 
 more honour ; yea, maketh it have a sweeter savour in 
 their generations, than either riches or outward preferment : 
 yea, that there is a great difference betwixt the memorial 
 of the righteous, and of the wicked, even to the conviction 
 of the world. 
 
 EIGHTH. That verily there is a God who judgeth in the 
 earth, Ps. lviii. 11. who doth render unto men vengeance, 
 and doth pursue the transgressor, because of sin, is a truth, 
 which the world hath in every age by many convincing in- 
 stances held forth to them, where they may see the scrip. 
 ture clearly verified. 
 
192 
 
 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 I have a little touched this in the second argument how 
 the accomplishing of scripture threatenings is witnessed to 
 the observation of the church, and to those who are wise to 
 discern the times, t wherein they live. I shall here point at 
 this truth, as it is in the providence of God, written in such 
 great letters, as are obvious to the view of the world, so as 
 most common observers cannot pass this without a remark. 
 It is true, much may be laid over to that great general as- 
 size of the last judgment, that day of retribution ; yea, 
 sometimes we see the most wicked and vile go in peace to 
 the grave ; the sovereignty of God doth also appear very 
 observably in the different measure and kind of punish- 
 ment ; and it is too evident, how prone men are to look 
 more to the interest that second causes have in such a 
 thing, than to a divine hand : but this is also sure, that the 
 Lord is known on the earth by the judgments which he exe- 
 cuteth, and in every age doth set up such convincing exam- 
 ples before men, that the greatest atheist may see, yea, oft 
 their conscience must break the jail, restrain it as they 
 will, and force this acknowledgment, that such judgments 
 can be no casual thing ; while something of a power higher 
 than man, and a clear verifying of the word, are so discern- 
 ible therein. 
 
 Now to demonstrate this truth, I would offer some things 
 which may shew how very near this cometh to the obser- 
 vation of men, so as none can be a stranger thereto, or want 
 conviction of this piece of the truth of God, except they 
 willingly shut their eyes, while it is clear. 
 
 1. That the very heathens, who never knew the scrip- 
 ture, nor a written law, have yet so much of a natural con- 
 science, that not only they can put some difference between 
 virtue and vice, but even in some measure can discern 
 God \? putting some difference betwixt the same, and how 
 flagitious crimes use to be punished by a divine hand. We 
 may say, time could never yet wear out the observation of 
 this truth, through the world: and though many things 
 may be received and credited, which not having a sure 
 ground xio quickly vanish, (it being truth's privilege still to 
 outlive falsehood) yet it is sure, how in the darkest parts of 
 the earth, this hath been still noticed with a special remark, 
 and transmitted from one age to another ; yea, the records 
 of the nations, even by heathen writers, shew what remark- 
 able punishment hath followed cruel oppression, covenant 
 breaking, and such other gross sins, against the second ta- 
 ble ; yea, how these have been the usual forerunners of 
 great strokes on kingdoms and famill 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 193 
 
 2. Doth not the world see, that in those remarkable 
 judgments, which have come on a nation and people, there 
 is something higher than instruments, or second causes, 
 which may be very evident in bringing the same about :[s6 
 that all who go by, must confess, such is no casual occur- 
 rence, nor doth arise out of the dust, but that surely a divine 
 hand is there ? And truly, though some desolating strokes 
 are very terrible in themselves, and blood and ruins should 
 be no matter of pleasure ; yet, whereas thereby that state- 
 ly sound is heard, even his voice who maketh the earth to 
 tremble, and God is made known to the sons of men, we 
 should not only with fear, but even some holy congratula- 
 tion consider his work. Now to clear what a convincing 
 witness these are to this truth, I shall point at some very 
 obvious remarks, which I am sure the world cannot con- 
 tradict, of the Lord's own immediate hand in such judg- 
 ments. (1.) That strange concurrence of providences, 
 which useth to appear when God is against a people ; how 
 all things will then conspire, as a fatal conjunction, to work 
 their wo and ruin, that men may see, surely ibis is from 
 the Lord, who is wonderful in^ counsel, and from a hand 
 against which there is no striving. (2.) How such re- 
 markable strokes are seen to fall in with some great and re- 
 markable height of sin in such a nation and people ; so that 
 it is easy then for all lookers on to confess the righteousness 
 of God thereon. (3.) When judgment is coming on a 
 land, it may appear how instruments are raised, and in a 
 more than ordinary way acred with all advantages for such 
 a piece of service. (4.) There is a visible blasting then 
 both of counsel and strength, and those means which other- 
 wise looked most probable ; how remarkably such are 
 confounded, even in the use of their ordinary abilities, 
 and their heart and usual courage taken from them, 
 while the Lord is on a work of judgment. (5.) That 
 astonishing success, which is usually seen to fol- 
 low those whom the Lord sendeth forth to execute his 
 judgment ; how then they move swiftly, and with vigour ; 
 they do not stumble, or weary ; it is neither rivers nor 
 walled cities can stand in their way ; mountains are made 
 vallies, to shew it is the Lord, whose hand in that day is 
 strong upon them, to strengthen their loins, and pake the 
 sword and axe sharp for his service. (6.) Amidst these 
 various strokes which come on a land, can men pass that 
 of the pestilence without some special note ? where God's 
 i immediate hand, something supernatural, above ordinary 
 qx natural causes, may be clearly seen, in its strange prog- 
 ress and spreading, which like lightning doth oft go through 
 
 A A 
 
1 9 1 7/fc Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 cities and countries in a small time ! Do not these tell 
 aloud to the world that they come notunsent, and without 
 some special commission ; and that there is no striving 
 against them, nor are ordinary means effectual in some 
 such extraordinary plagues, until he who brought it on, do 
 also by his own hand take it off. 
 
 3. Very^ obvious even^ to the world is that clear resem- 
 blance, which is oft betwixt sin, and the stroke : how ho- 
 ly justice doth keep a proportion, and doth shape out the 
 judgment so exactly, both in measure and kind, that it 
 may be easy to see the stroke ^ pointing (as with an hand) to 
 the cause, by its discernible likeness ; and both at the right- 
 eous judgment of God, which thus measure out to men, 
 as they have dealt with others. We see how the Lord 
 judged Agag, and Adonibezeck ; how Sodom's burning 
 lust was punished with fire from heaven : yea, what even 
 David had measured out for his murder and adultery ; for 
 the one, the sword shall not depart from his house, and for 
 the other, his wives by his own son abused. And truly ev- 
 ery age's observation can witness this truth from many con- 
 vincing examples, that there is a God who judgeth in the 
 earth. It being oft seen if men would seriously observe, 
 (1.) How an universal overspreading of sin in a land, hath 
 usually some national and universal stroke following. 
 (2.) That blood waiteth on bloody men, and suffereth them 
 not oft to live out half their clays ; one oppressor punished 
 by another : the unmerciful man paid home in his own 
 coin, by such as shall shew as little mercy to him, or his, 
 (3.) How the proud and insolent, who do most hunt after 
 outward glory, are usually punished with some humbling 
 abasing stroke. He pour eth contempt on princes ; and such 
 who will not honour God, shall not obtain that honour 
 they seek from men. (4.) That such who have been most 
 given up to uncleanness, are oft seen not to increase as to 
 their posterity « but their issue observably made to fail ; 
 yea, by a divine hand rooted out : sure many such 
 signal examples might be instanced. (50 How such who 
 have chosen sin, to shun trouble and suffering, have in their 
 sinful way got as large a measure thereof, as that man, who 
 in Q. Mary's time said, he could not burn for the truth, 
 and therefore forsook it, by an unseen hand, had both him- 
 self and his house in one night burnt. (6.\ That the 
 treacherous and deceitful men are thus dealt with by oth- 
 ers, yea, children who have been undutiful 'to their parents, 
 have from theirs met with the same recompense. 
 (7.) That whilst men, to make a purchase, have even de- 
 nied themselves the necessary u*e of outward things, they 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 195- 
 
 are oft seen to leave their estate to such, who do quickly 
 waste and scatter the same ; and thus the sinful parsimo- 
 ny of parents is punished with the prodigality of those who 
 succeed them. (8.) That the frequent use of some dread- 
 ful imprecations is oft punished by the Lord with a suitable 
 stroke, to the conviction both of themselves and observers. 
 (9.) How such as have joined together, and united them- 
 selves against the truth, have been visibly broken as to their 
 own private interest : and truly we must say, there is oft 
 such a conjunction of very convincing circumstances, in 
 some acts of the judgment of God, with such a resemblance 
 to the sin, yea, judgment sometimes pursuing men in the 
 very place, where the sin hath been acted, that it may be 
 easy for all who go by, to say, there is indeed a God who 
 judgeth in the earth. 
 
 4. Doth it not appear, how very convincing and obvious 
 this truth is even to the world, from those ordinary remarks 
 and proverbial sayings, which we find in all ages and in ev- 
 ery part of the earth, even the most rude and ignorant have 
 had, of the judgment of God. For truly what else are these 
 but an express witness, how universally this truth is 
 known, and received by men, how much the world is con- 
 vinced thereof, through a long tract of observation, from 
 the fathers to the -children : yea, thence they have had a 
 divinity of their own, drawn out thereof ; how such sins 
 do not use to pass without some exemplary punishment. 
 Now I would but name some few of these remarks, that 
 have been most usual in all times. (1.) How some fami- 
 lies have not thriven, but a secret judgment hath been dis- 
 cernible thereon, since they had hand in some gross acts of 
 wickedness, such as bloodshed ; their former prosperity 
 from such a day visibly declining. (2.) How that an evil 
 purchase useth not to be of long continuance, but their es- 
 tate oft in a very strange and insensible way made to van- 
 ish, which their children though frugal, can by no means 
 keep up : and the cause hereof men do easily point at, it 
 was purchased by fraud, transmitted with a curse cleaving 
 thereto, and so there was no warding off the judgment oi 
 God. (3.) Such who do not much consider God's con- 
 troversy, yet are oft forced to remark, that since some have 
 meddled or matched with such an house, they have sadly- 
 smarted thereby, something of a curse even following the 
 racemd posterity of some. (4.) How sacrileg ions med- 
 dling with that which hath been for a pious and public use, 
 hath caused a visible waste and consumption in their own 
 estate. (5.) That men's asking counsel from the devil, 
 and turning to that quarter for their help, doth usually re 
 
196 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 solve in a sad and tragic close ; and truly this, many in 
 the shutting up of their life have been forced to confess, 
 (6.) That falsehood doth not use to keep its feet, nor a wick- 
 ed way long prosper, whatever it seem to at the first view ; 
 yea, I may add, as one of the world's remarks, which they 
 cannot well shun, that which seemeth was an ordinary say- 
 ing in the time of Esther, that it is not safe troubling the 
 church, or for men to state themselves in opposition to that 
 party ; and I dare not question, but this shall be yet as con- 
 vincing and obvious to the world, as it hath been in any 
 former ages. 
 
 5. Is not the appearance of a divine hand oft very obvi- 
 ous to the world in the discovery of sin, and bringing to 
 light some gross acts ofwickedness, even in an extraordinary 
 way? while it is seen, (1.) By what strange unexpected 
 vieans these have been brought forth ; such an astonishing 
 affliction, and concurrence of things therein, as hath forced 
 not only lookers on to some special remark, but 
 hath even struck the ^ guilty party through the heart 
 with wonder, and conviction of the same. (2.) How the 
 hand of justice pursuing men for some notorious, and pub- 
 lic crime, doth oft bring to light some that have been most 
 secret, which f hey thought the world could never reach : 
 yea, it may be frequently seen while men have been in one 
 sin found out, it hath also brought forth the discovery of 
 some other, and forced them to confess, that it was a right - 
 eousjudgment pursuing them for the same. It is a thing 
 also known, yea, by many undeniable instances witnessed, 
 that marvellous discovery of concealed murder, by the 
 bleeding of the body upon the touch of the murderer. I 
 confess, it should be hard to assert the lawful and warranta- 
 ble practice of such an appeal to so extraordinary and stu- 
 pendous a sign from the Lord, where scripture goeth not 
 clearly before us : but on the other hand, such a thing so 
 surely tried for such an end, and in the case where all ordi- 
 nary means of discovery have been wanting, I think, calleth 
 usto a serious remark thereof, while it so visibly seemeth 
 to witness his hand, who doth make inquisition for blood. 
 
 6. Is not the dreadful consternation, those tormenting 
 fears, which men after some grqss acts of wickedness do 
 
 bewray, a very obvious witness to this truth, that there is 
 a God who judgeth on the earth, in whose hands it is a terri- 
 ble thing to fall, and sheweth, how^ great a punishment 
 wickedness is to itself? Truly if atheists turn not brutish 
 and stupid, they must notice this, and confess a thing 
 which doth so oft reach their ears, what have been the 
 horrid cries of many dying men, who have most sported 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 197 
 
 with sin in their life ; that may tell standers by, there is a 
 Judge who can stretch forth his hand on the soul and con- 
 science, whereto no rack or outward torment is any way 
 comparable. 
 
 7. I would further add ; those extraordinary signs and 
 prodigies, which do usually go before some stroke and 
 judgment on a land, do they not clearly point at a divine 
 hand'm the same ? For as these are a solemn forewarning: 
 from heaven, to give men an alarm, before remarkable 
 changes, the truth whereof the world cannot deny ; so we 
 must say, they are a convincing testimony, that these judg- 
 ments are no casual things, which the atheist cannot an- 
 swer; it being so clear, (1.) That such signs and prodi- 
 gies have been in every age visible to the world's experi- 
 ence, and the gravest histories both of ancient and latter 
 times, do fully witness. (2.) That such things should al- 
 so be previous to great revolutions in the world, we know 
 the scripture is most express, Joel ii. 30. Luke xxi. 11. 
 And as we should guard against any superstitious respect } 
 we should also beware of stupid atheistical inadvertency at 
 these strange works of the Lord, which call both for fear 
 and observation. (3.) That such have been usually pre- 
 vious to great calamities and judgments on a people, is a 
 thing that all ages must witness ; even those, who have 
 been most cautious and discerning in their time, who could 
 not shun this as a remark. Herodotus doth set that down 
 as a thing most sure, in his sixth book. Cum Dcus puni- 
 turns est gentem et urban, prodigiis, id solet significarc. 
 And Lucan could tell what went before the Roman's civil 
 
 wars, Superique m'maces prodigiis terras implerunt. 
 
 Yea, it can hardly be instanced any great change or revolu- 
 tion in the earth, which hath not had some such extraordi- 
 nary herald going before. (4 ) Can the world deny how 
 sometimes these prodigious signs have been shaped out to 
 point at the very nature of the stroke then imminent by a 
 strange resemblance to the same ; such as a flaming sword 
 in the air, the appearance of armies fighting even sometimes 
 upon the earth, to the view of many, most sober and judi- 
 cious spectators, also showers of blood, the noise of drums, 
 and such like, which are known usually to go before wars 
 and commotions. 
 
 NINTH. That there are evil spirits, fEph. vi. 12. 
 Rev. xx. 2, 3.) and a diabolical power, such as the scrip- 
 ture hath held forth, vohose constant work is the ruin andun- 
 doing of man, is a truth, not only witnessed from that ex- 
 perience christians have of their assault, but is undeniable 
 
1 S3 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 by the world, and greatest atheists, except they deny the 
 discovery of sense, as well as reason. 
 
 I confess, it may cause fear and astonishment, to think 
 on this, that spirits so knowing and once originally excel- 
 lent, have fallen thus into such an height of indignation 
 against infinite goodness, that it is now their only aim and 
 pleasure, to dishonour God, and destroy his image in man. 
 It should indeed cause us to fear him, that spared not the 
 angels who sinned. But the' truth itself is sure, that such a 
 party is at this day encompassing the earth, and trafficking 
 up and down there : to prove which by arguments, were 
 to light a candle to let men see that it is day, while it is 
 known what ordinary familiar converse many have there- 
 with, and alas too easy to discern that power, which the 
 prince of this world hath upon the children of disobedience. 
 How obvious are the marks of his conquest almost every 
 where ; thousands lying in his chains ! How far do we see 
 many transformed into the very image of the devil ; which 
 in those desperate prodigious acts of wickedness that are 
 oft in the world, may appear ; such, whereat we should 
 think human nature, though corrupt, could not but trem- 
 ble, yea, look on with horror ! how many in all ages have 
 even been in an express covenant with them ? and is not 
 there a great part of the earth, where the devil is visibly 
 and audibly known, where he hatha kind of neighbourhood 
 with men ? But there being no need for such a demonstra- 
 tion, I only here aim to hold forth what an interesting truth 
 this is, and of great consequence, if seriously considered ; 
 yea, how both the scripture and christian religion, is here- 
 by evidently confirmed since these things must necessarily 
 follow. 
 
 1. That in this the scripture is truly fulfilled, which doth 
 witness what these spirits are, adversaries to man ; in 
 their nature and inclination desperately evil ; whose act- 
 ings in the earth have a visible tendency to men's hurt and 
 ruin ; yea, their pretended favours always directed t© that 
 end ; whence we see such a natural inbred horror, which 
 is in man against them. 
 
 2. That it is no common thing, winch they so much pur- 
 sue ; something more precious than the body, for which 
 *o great and cruel an adversary is in continual labour ; for 
 their actings have no such tendency to ruin men's estate in 
 the world : no, it is most evident, this is the soul, the im- 
 mortal soul, to undo them in that great interest, is the 
 mark, whereat they level ; that poor man might be sharer 
 of that misery, under which they are concluded. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 193 
 
 3. Is it not an undeniable consequence of this truth, that 
 there must be an invisible world, that hath inhabitants of 
 another kind than such as are here ; that sure there is some 
 being above man ; yea, a real correspondence betwixt 
 men and spirits ? And should not man, thus placed in a 
 middle estate betwixt the angels and the beasts here be- 
 low, partaking in his body with the one, but in his reason- 
 able soul with the other, thence raise himself to thoughts 
 of some more excellent condition, for which he is framed, 
 than a sensual life ; and that surely the soul hath an inter- 
 est in another world, which he should most look after ? 
 
 4. Must not this also be sure, that there is an invisible 
 guard ; and these desperate spirits are under restraint, by 
 a power stronger than they, which can bound their malice ? 
 For, this may be certain, that these who have so great en- 
 mity to man who are so near, and have such advantages 
 over us, could not keep at such a distance, but that they 
 are kept in chains by a higher power. 
 
 ^ 5. How is it that now by the gospel, and within this pre- 
 cinct of the church, Satan's power is so much restrained, 
 in respect of 'former times ; while it is known, what a fa- 
 miliar converse they had with men, did even haunt their 
 houses, and were so public in their appearance under such 
 names of fairies and brounies, which since the breaking out 
 of the light of the gospel hath not been ? Yea,Jiath not the 
 devil to this day an open throne^ and dominion in thos« 
 parts of the earth, where Christ is not worshipped ? It is 
 also known, how the oracles of old did cease, and that pub- 
 lic worship, which the world for many ages had given 
 them, with the very time of Christ's appearance, and 
 breaking out of the gospel ; these night beasts getting to 
 their dens, when once the day was broke. Plutarch and 
 other heathen writers are witness to this. 
 
 6. Whence is it that within the church, where Satan is 
 most restrained, yet there he doth more stir, than in all the 
 world besides ? Doth it not shew, that that is the party 
 with which he is at t %var ? Hence doth he more r^, 
 the more clear the light shineth : yea, is there not seen 
 something, besides men's natural enmity at the truth, even 
 a fury and violence, wherewith some are visibly driven, 
 in their acting with such an unsatiable cruelty against the 
 followers of Christ, without the least shadow of provo- 
 cation, as holds forth a lively resemblance of the devil, 
 and some violent pressure and incitement from that 
 quarter 1 
 
 7. Is it not sure, that there is such a party, by this, that 
 he is an adversary to God and holiness : for which reason 
 
200 The Fulfilling of the Scripture* 
 
 he doth so impetuously tempt and press men to the out- 
 ward acts dlsin ? Yea, that there is a spirit of blasphemy, 
 which so visibly rageth in the world, and acts men to war 
 against heaven with their tongues, by cursing and blas- 
 phemous oaths, which hath no carnal pleasure or gain, but 
 yet they cannot forbear, from a violent incitement, which 
 may be seen swaying to the same. 
 
 8. Whence is it, which is so very known and notorious 
 that those horrid wretches who give themselves to the devil, 
 cannot enter in any formal engagement without renouncing 
 Christy and their baptism ? doth it not shew that direct op- 
 position he stands in to Christ, yea, to the very name and 
 shadow of Christianity ? 
 
 9. Whence is it that even the grossest atheists, upon any 
 appearance of the devil, or apprehension from that quarter, 
 will not then make scorn of prayer, but turn in earnest to 
 that, which at other times they mocked ? O doth it not 
 shew, men's atheism is their judgment ; that not only 
 there is a dreadful horror and fear, which by nature men 
 have of these evil spirits, but some inbred sense also and 
 impression of a deity, which doth bewray itself, whether 
 they will or not, in a pressing strait and extremity ! 
 
 TENTH. That there is such an enmity betwixt the 
 seed of the woman, and the serpent, as the scripture hath 
 held forth, is very manifest : a truth, wherein the world 
 may see the scripture clearfy verified. Gal. iv. 29. 
 
 It is truly strange, that this putteth not men to more se- 
 rious thoughts, to pursue such a thing to its true rise, what 
 should cause such a violent and unreasonable contrariety 
 against the ways and followers of God ; for here, upon 
 grave reflections, they must needs see, that their way in 
 this is a convincing witness to the truth of the scripture, 
 which might put them in some other humour, yea, help to 
 turn this poison into an antidote against itself. But this is 
 sure and undeniable, the discovery whereof cannot but 
 stare the greatest atheist in the face, from these convincing 
 evidences. 
 
 1. That it is seen, wo private quarrel which ever was 
 among men, hath been With such vigour and malice pur- 
 sued, as this upon the account of religion ; which hath 
 still put the world more in a flame, than any private inter- 
 est ; yea, it is very manifest how men are carried with the 
 stream of their own natural inclination, to oppose the church 
 and people of God. 
 
 2. That thin seed and enmity could never be taken up 
 through all ^.successions of lime.; a strife which is not 
 late begun, to b- 1 seen only in one age, betwixt the children 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 201 
 
 of the bondwoman, and of the free. No, the most sage 
 and wise amongst men, the greatest peace makers, could 
 yet never fall on a way to reconcile these two parties ; but 
 the children have still served themselves heirs to the quar- 
 rel and hatred of their fathers against the church. 
 
 3. Is it not seen, that those who are more dinl, and can 
 hold a little up with the form of religion, yet will break forth 
 in greatest rage against the power thereof, when once it be- 
 gins to appear ? It is indeed here, that inbred contrariety, 
 which is in men against holiness, doth bewray itself, even 
 in those \\ ho are otherwise noted for a calm and peaceable 
 disposition, while once they begin to be scorched with its 
 heat. • 
 
 4. What strong natural antipathy is this, which causeth 
 men to pursue with so much bitterness those from whom 
 they never had any personal injury ? Sure their conscience 
 must oft tell, that they have no reason, or any other provo- 
 cation, than what is from the appearance of the image of God 
 in such : but this is their nature and disposition, an enmity 
 which they can no more help, than they can change their 
 nature, or the leopard can change its spots. 
 
 5. From what a strong inclination, and inward principle, 
 doth the world thus act in its opposition to the church and 
 followers of God ? whilst it is clear, though these w r ere 
 never so quiet and peaceable, yet their enemies are still 
 restless, and cannot sleep beside them. 
 
 6. It is seen, how this doth separate betwixt nearest 
 friends and relations :, and alienate such who have sometimes 
 been most dear to each other : no bond in nature so strait, 
 which it will not break. It doth oft set the husband 
 against the wife, and the parents > against the children ; 
 yea, when religion once breaks out in a corner of a land, 
 or a family, doth it not then make a visible jar, and put all 
 in a flame. 
 
 7. It is clear, that when once grace appeareth in men, 
 they are as a sign and wonder to a profane generation. The 
 world doth then sensibly change her countenance, and look- 
 eth like a stepmother ; while on the other hand it is clear, 
 that professors turning loose, and running to an excess of 
 riot with others, will cause their old adversaries to be warm 
 towards them ; and alas, proveth the surest way to gain 
 men's friendship, while the world thinks, they are their 
 own, when once they turn profane. 
 
 ELEVENTH. That the creature is made subject to 
 vanity, because of sin : which not only the wisest of men, 
 but the Spirit of God, doth witness, that things here be- 
 neath the sun, are indeed vanity and vexation of spirit^ 
 
 B B 
 
202 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 (Rom. viii. 20. Eccl.il 11.) is a piece of the scripture, in 
 such great letters written forth to the view of men, that 
 none can be strangers thereto. 
 
 It is true, the cause and solid remedy of this so general 
 a complaint, are only reached by the godly man ; who 
 knoweth how to read the vanity of the creature, as a piece 
 of the fulfilling of the word, and doth seriously consider 
 things as they are, and not as they appear .•'_ But it is also 
 sure, that in every age through the various change* pf 
 man's life this is so clearly witnessed, that the most gross 
 and brutish cannot shift the conviction thereof: but in 
 one of these two times have been forcgd to a public ac- 
 knowledging of the same ; at death, when they are leaving 
 tiie world, or in a day of strait, when the world is leaving 
 them. How to demonstrate this, I shall here but offer 
 these few queries. 
 
 1. Have not the greatest instances of the glory of the 
 World \ been usually the greatest examples of its vanity, 
 and change? How few hath ambition raised, but it hath 
 also ruined ; yea, given the sorest fall to those it had lifted 
 most high? What sudden changes do attend great men, 
 and high places ; which those who sit low, do escape ? 
 Sure, if the tragedies of princes, and such who in their con- 
 dition have been raised above others, were put by them- 
 selves in record, it would make a great volume, and shew 
 how their glory and prosperous estate did only make their 
 fall the more observable. 
 
 2. Is it not obvious, what a frail dying disposition is in 
 ail worldly things ; that even the greatest kingdoms and 
 politic bodies, to maintain which neither policy nor strength 
 was wanting, yet like natural bodies of men had their in- 
 evitable periods, their youth and nourishing times, their 
 declining and old age, and at last been brought to their 
 grave ? Hath not the glory of greatest empires and mon- 
 archies sunk in the dust ? yea, scarce a heap of stones left 
 this day, to tell us where once famous cities have stood, 
 Nunc Scges est ubi Trojafuit ; the ruins whereof, and such 
 excellent pieces of the world, doth clearly shew that cer- 
 tain dissolution of trie whole fabric at last. 
 
 3. What a sm#U distance we may see betwixt extremi- 
 ties in outward things, even greatest plenty and poverty, 
 the highest place and a low condition ! So that the morn- 
 ing hath seen some happy and flourishing in the world, 
 ivhoiu the evening hat.', seen miserable ; and in a most 
 .short time, such who have been objects of envy and ad- 
 miration, made the object of men's contempt and pity ; 
 \ ea, have so suddenly disappeared! have sunk into so little 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 203 
 
 bounds, that men have Leen put narrowly to consider them, 
 and with admiration ask, Are these they^ who were once a 
 terror in the land of the living ! And their place hath not 
 been found, who a few days before seemed to place them- 
 selves alone in the midst of the earth ? 
 
 4. What else is it but the v ery present moment of time, 
 that maketh such a difference betwixt the r*VZ>and poor < 
 since as to what is passed, and the former time, men's hap- 
 piness and misery may be reckoned as though it hath never 
 been. Nam quicquid ret roes t, mors tenet. And who but 
 a fool would boast of that which is to come, a thing so un- 
 certain ? This only is sure, that a few days will make all 
 conditions equal,^'hen the bones of the rich, and the dust 
 of greatest prince?, will not be discernible from those of 
 the poor man. 
 
 5. Is there any tiling so pleasant, which hath not a worm 
 at the root thereof, a moth which naturally breeds in the 
 most satisfying enjoyments, that quickly eats out the heart 
 thereof, and blasts their hope before the harvest ? How off 
 is greatest iopging, in the pursuit of things, turned to loath- 
 ing and weariness, when obtained ? because it is not the na- 
 ture of the thing, so much as an humour, and the novelty 
 thereof, that maketh them pleasant. Hence many sensual 
 men have turned monastic, and greatest monarchs become 
 melancholy ; yea, how usual is it for many to survive their 
 pleasures, and bury their joy and delights in the world, 
 even before themselves ; while nothing remains of all their 
 fonder enjoyments, but some sad sighs and groans with a 
 heavy farewell. 
 
 6. Is it not found that riches, and abundance of the earth 
 doth lead more than it fills, and men's wealth only further 
 heightens their wants ? How very poor are some amidst 
 their fulness ; more than those who earn tl^eir bread with 
 sore labour ; whom the world doth wholly possess, while 
 they do not all possess it, neither is it in their power to 
 make use of that they have. Yea, are they not sick and 
 die in princes' courts, as well as in the meanest cottage, 
 and the complaints of the great and rich usually more than 
 those of the poor ? Sure it is known, that the great man 
 cloth oftener want a stomach and rest, than the poor want 
 meat and a bed to lie in. 
 
 7. In what an endless circle do voluptuous men move, 
 from one thing to another ; in a perpetual search after 
 other enjoyments, to satisfy their spirits ? It slieiveth what 
 a great want is there, which still calls for variety of -'things. 
 and some fresh supply, to take off the weariness of one 
 pleasure by another : else the delight they have therein. 
 
204 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 would quickly languish and wear out. Yea, is it not still 
 found, that the best of outward things are not, on a near 
 approach, what they seemed to be at a distance ? the eye 
 not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing ! but the 
 more they are pressed, the less they yield. Neither do 
 they enjoy such things with most satisfaction, who take a 
 full draught, who wallow and steep themselves in their en- 
 joyments ; being more in expectation, than in possession : 
 so that sometime men's attaining their desire hath caused 
 their delight, and pleasure in these things to cease. 
 
 8. It is also clear, that outward things are incident to the 
 worst, without making them the better ; and separable from 
 the best, without making them the woilk ; and what can 
 silver, or gold suit an immortal soul, or answer such a ca- 
 pacity, more than virtue and godliness could answer to fill 
 an em pty chest or glass bottle ? 
 
 9. How rare is it for men to get their lot in the world 
 brought up to their desire ? but are still at some jar with 
 their present condition ; so that oft there needs no more 
 to turn men discontented, but the thought of some lot, 
 which they apprehend more satisfying than their own ; the 
 want whereof makes them more disquieted than all their 
 enjoyments are pleasing. Yea, it is also evident, many 
 men's labour and disquiet doth increase with their wealth, 
 and turns the flame more- violent ; and that even in the con- 
 dition of the poor there is something the great man is made 
 to envy, while the poor may find cause oft times to pity and 
 compassionate some great men in the midst of their pros- 
 perous estate. 
 
 10. What is the enjoying of the best of the earth, but 
 its very passing away, while it perished) in the present 
 use ? And what ! are not men going through the world, 
 and leaving it behind them, in the midst of their most sat- 
 isfying enjoyments ? Is not the excellency of most outward 
 things, only according to opinion, or the institution of 
 men, while they have but small intrinsic worth from their 
 own quality ? In some parts of the earth, whiteness is 
 reckoned deformity, and the blackest colour the greatest 
 beauty, and therefore they paint the devil white. What a 
 poor smoke is swelling titles of honour, if soberly weighed ? 
 while the proud man's happiness doth some way hang 
 upon the poor who go by, which they must beg from 
 others with the greatest artifice : And would the^ choicest 
 jewels, or a bag of gold laid upon the hearc of a dying man, 
 any way quiet his spirit, or ease his pain ? Surely this is 
 vanity. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 205 
 
 11. Is it not oft seen amidst the various changes of the 
 earth, prince^ and geat men walking en foot, and servants 
 riding on horseback; the children ^ oft put to ask an alms, 
 from such who have served their fathers ? fools loaded 
 with wealth, and great style, while men of the choicest 
 spirit are buried under contempt and poverty ? yea, do 
 we not see how quickly men are cried up, and down in 
 the world ? That which in one age is raised, is oft razed 
 in another ; yea, many at much labour to undo that which 
 others have done with greatest care and expense ? what a 
 ;sore vanity is this ! 
 
 12. Will not the want of a very small thing oft imbitter 
 the pleasantest lot, and turn it into wormwood, and gall ? 
 The smallest touch of pain, the gravel, or tooth ache, yea, 
 £ven some melancholy thought, will make men disrelish 
 all their present enjoyments. What torment doth a small 
 ruffle and affront oft prove to the proud man, even in the 
 midst of his glory ? Is it not also found, how carnal mirth 
 and joy of men wallowing in the delights of the world, hath 
 Still in the close a bitter sting and harsh reflection, which 
 as the shadow attends the body, is the native and insepara- 
 ble consequent thereof. And surely that may be easy to 
 discern, there is no condition, which can want a cross, 
 or some mixture of discontent, even where there is least 
 seen cause. 
 
 I would add, which cannot want a remark in every time, 
 that while men seem to be at the top, and furthest period 
 of their thoughts and projects, have things according to 
 their desire brought to some happy close, they are oft then 
 upon some turn and change in their condition, either by 
 death or some very sad cross, and eveii/Vi that day their 
 thoughts have perished. Truly such as are wise observers 
 of the world, and of the course of things therein, may oft 
 see, how usual an occurrence this is, that when there is 
 too bright a sunshine in outward prosperity, if great sobri- 
 ety and moderation do not accompany the same, it is an 
 ominous and fatal presage of a storm, and ad summum 
 quicquidvenit, ad exitium prope est. 
 
 TWELFTH. There is this truth, which hath in all 
 ages been clearly witnessed, even to the conviction of the 
 world, that the end of the upright man is peace; and in- 
 tegrity, whatever rub it may seem to have by the way, yet 
 hath a sweet and comfortable close. Psal. xxxvii. 37 ; 
 
 This is an undeniable truth, not only because the saints 
 are then entering into perfect peace ; but it is also clear, 
 that however the godly man may have very sharp assaults 
 in the close of his days, and some who have shined very 
 
206 7 he Fulfilling of the Scripture* 
 
 bright, do set in a dark cloud, their evening full of sorrow 
 and bitterness, yea, their reflection on some sad slip, 
 which they have made by the way, bearing them company 
 even to the grave ; yet this truth is still verified, yea, may 
 be discernible to the conviction of the world, that integ- 
 rity and an upright walk hath much peace in the q\k\, and 
 doth land men upon a comfortable harbour ; as to which, 
 I can appeal to the world, and the most ordinary observers, 
 if this hath not been oft very convincing, and discernible to 
 them ; from many instances of the Lord's usual way with 
 those who have been faithful in their generation, at their 
 death ; from that testimony, which they have then given to 
 this, yea, from most visible signs and evidences hereof, 
 even upon their countenance and carriage ; whilst it is 
 seen, 
 
 1. How great an advantage such use to have above others, 
 when death approacheth ; so that it hath not been Balaam'' s 
 wish alone, to die the death of the righteous, and to have 
 his latter end like theirs, but the worst of men are still forc- 
 ed to witness their respect to the lot of a dying christian, 
 and would wish a share thereof when it comes to their 
 turn ; about which I may ask the greatest mockers at relig- 
 ion and at the life of a godly man, if they can possibly shun 
 this conviction, that surely such are at the best estate, and 
 at the greatest advantage, in their end. 
 
 2. This I am sure cannot be hid from the world, that 
 abundant peace the saints do then testify in their choice ; 
 what a present unspeakable complacency they have with 
 this, that they valued Christ above all other advantages, 
 did choose affliction rather than sin ; and now while they 
 are turning their face to the wall, find the witness of a good 
 conscience, and in God's approbation so sweet a feast, that 
 their joy and peace on this account, they cannot smother or 
 keep in, but declare to all who stand by, what they find. 
 And truly it hath been oft seen, how the inward joy which 
 some of these have had, hath exceeded their outward pain, 
 been more sensible to them than their sickness ; yea, they 
 have been in leaving the world much more cheerful than 
 those whom they left behind. 
 
 3. It is also known, and may be very obvious to stand - 
 ers by, how with a sweet composure and recumbency of 
 soul such have laid themselves upon the promise, in that 
 hour, while they were grappling with the king of terrors ; 
 their spirit then quiet andcalm, having taken the truth and 
 testimony of God for their shield and buckler; which may 
 tell the world what another kind of security and confidence 
 these have beyond others ; yea, that surely the ground on 
 
 
Tbe Fulfilling c f the Scripture. 201 
 
 which this confidence is founded, must be a thing that is 
 able to bear out the greatest storm and assault, and is some- 
 thing above nature. 
 
 4. Is it not clear, that even an untimely and violent death 
 could not hinder or frustrate that peace, which integrity 
 eauseth in the close ? For innumerable instances can wit- 
 ness what marvellous joy and satisfaction the saints have 
 she wed at a stake, and upon a scaffold ; and thence have 
 had more cheerful going out of time, than the rich man 
 stretched upon his soft bed, or the greatest monarch 
 amidst all outward advantages. Sure we must say, that 
 sweet refreshing close of the upright man hath never 
 been more visible, and writ in greater letters, than in such 
 a case. 
 
 5. What very sad conflicts have some of the saints had 
 in their life ; yea, even upon the setting of the sun have 
 been put to cry out through sore perplexing fears, and 
 doubts, wherewith they have been assaulted, who have at 
 last had this turned into a song, and such a marvellous 
 change in their case, as hath not been more sensible to 
 themselves, than discernible to all lookers on, like a sud- 
 den calm and sunshine, after some dark storm. I must 
 here ask the atheist, and such as reckon godliness but a 
 fancy, whence should so strange, so sudden and great alter- 
 ation proceed ; that those who a Kttle before were under 
 such horror, could have no rest, no arguments could serve 
 their turn, do thus witness the abundant peace of their 
 souls ; yea, (which is oft seen) that fervent desire, where- 
 with some of the saints are taken away, the very lustre of 
 heaven being upon their countenance ! How marvellous 
 and piercing are their words, which may clearly tell that 
 now they feel, they see, and have got some glance of that, 
 which lookers on cannot reach, though they cannot deny 
 an acknowledgment of this. 
 
 6. Must not the world grant, yea, the greatest enemies 
 to godliness allow this charity, that sure this peace and joy 
 which such have witnessed at death, can be no counterfeit ? 
 That there is no temptation could thus bias them to de- 
 ceive others, and themselves, in a matter of such high con- 
 cernment ; and at a time, when it is expected, the grossest 
 of men would speak truth ; yea, that this doth appear, 
 while men cannot in the least charge dying christians, with 
 any distemper in their judgment, but while they have been 
 most composed, stayed, and present in mind, and as to. 
 other tilings of their concernment, most deliberate and so* 
 ber ; even then they have borne this witness. 
 
208 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 Since that peace and joy, which integrity hath in the 
 close of the day, when the saints are dying, is undeniable, 
 even to the conviction of the world, I would add some- 
 thing about that great truth, The immortality of the soul, 
 and its subsisting after death : to which this joy, when the 
 christian is finishing his course, hath a special respect ; 
 and is a truth, wherein the scripture's accomplishment, 
 and the^ certainty of that blessed record, may be convinc- 
 ingly witnessed, and demonstrated to the world. For it is 
 thus (I mean, by the light of the scripture) that life and, 
 immortality is brought to light, and made known to the 
 sons of men. I know, this seems so common and uncon- 
 troverted a thing, an after being of the soul, and its eter- 
 nal subsistence, that to essay more than the naming of it 
 may be looked on as impertinent. But oh, how unknown 
 a truth is it ! of which there needs no more to shew the 
 little solid persuasion men have, but that it is so usually 
 passed with so few, and these very common thoughts. It 
 is not indeed much questioned, not because it is believed 
 and men are sure thereof, but because they are not in 
 earnest about such a thing. It concerns the world to keep 
 at a distance from a thorough knowing of that which would 
 be their torment to know ; and there is cause for this sad 
 regret within the church, that the most great and funda- 
 mental truths, wherein our comfort ismost concerned, are 
 usually least studied. But O should it not put us to other 
 thoughts, if we could have a^ serious view of this ? It may 
 truly be said, the better part is so buried in the worst part, 
 that until men are dying, few lay this to heart, that their 
 souls! must live for ever, yea, must once part fellowship 
 with the body, and enter in another world, and an unknown 
 state, until the resurrection. What I intend here, is only 
 a short touch at this great truth, as it is a convincing wit- 
 ness to the scripture, and the accomplishment thereof; 
 about which I would offer these three to be considered. 
 t. How express and clear a testimony the scripture gives 
 to this. 2. On what plain and undeniable grounds of 
 reason this truth is demonstrated to the world. 3. How 
 great a thing it is, to believe and be assuredly persuaded 
 thereof ; for it seems, men rather dream, than have their 
 judgments seriously exercised, or are in earnest about such 
 a thing. 
 
 As to the first, it is undeniable that not only the scrip* 
 ture holds this forth, but that there only men have a clear 
 and right discovery of it. it is indeed known, what 
 glances the world hath had of this, yea, what hath been 
 writ thereon, by some whose sole guide was the light of na- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 209 
 
 ture, in this search. But it is no less evident, how very 
 dark and uncertain, these have been : they could not shift 
 some conviction thereof, but it was through a dark cloud, 
 and as some pleasant dream, they looked diereon ; because 
 they did not know its rise and original, and what the end 
 was, to which in its actings it ought to be directed ; they 
 knew not what its after condition could truly mean. 
 Hence with such wavering and uncertainty do they ex- 
 press their thoughts. I do not here mean the schools of 
 Epicurus only, to whom the soul was but a complexion of 
 atoms ; but ye see. how perplexed and uncertain both 
 Aristotle and others of those famous ancients have shewed 
 themselves about this : which speaks out more some per- 
 plexed and disordered notion, which they could not ward 
 off, than any clear and certain discovery which they had 
 on solid grounds thereof ; for they knew not the scripture, 
 where its original, whence it is, and whither it must re- 
 turn, is so clearly held forth. Eccl. xii. 7. And you, may 
 further see, Heb. xii. 9. Gen. ii. 7. Luke xvi. 22, 23. 
 I Pet. iii. 9. 
 
 2. This grave testimony, which the scripture of God 
 does bear to such a truth, may be also held forth to the 
 world from such a clear and rational demonstration, that 
 the most brutish of men can hardly sink so far into the con- 
 dition of a beast, as to deny they have a never* dying soul, 
 which will not go to the dust or inherit corruption with the 
 body. I should be loath to borrow so much of your time, 
 by any discourse on a subject, which by others hath been 
 so much handled ; for which there are many, many argu- 
 ments unanswerably demonstrative of this truth, both 
 physical and moral ; yet having mentioned it, I cannot al- 
 together pass the same without a touch at some few, that 
 may be most convincing and obvious. (1.) If you should 
 question the being and subsistence of the soul after death, 
 you must also deny its frame ; that it is a simple, imma- 
 terial and active substance, which hath neither quantity 
 nor parts, and is not compounded of any principles, and 
 therefore can be resolved to none. (2.) Do but consider, 
 if the soul have no cause of corruption, and from no contra- 
 ries can suffer opposition, as the body does, through the 
 prevalency of heat or cold, how should it then admit of a 
 dissolution with the body ! For you know generation and 
 corruption they are by contraries. And if you argue from 
 any natural cause, it must surely be one of two, which 
 makes the soul partake with the body in its decay and 
 mouldering down ; either a dependence on matter, as the 
 froui of the beast hath, which is but a material form, or a 
 c c 
 
210 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 conflict from contrary qualities, which you know helps the 
 body's wasting and its fall : but I think, you would not so 
 far contradict reason, as to allege any of these concerning 
 the soul of man. (3.) Consider, if by those diseases to 
 which the body is subject, the soul is not reached, must it 
 not also have a distinct existence from it ? And I am sure, 
 you must grant, the soul doth not directly suffer from any 
 outward diseases ; but the body may be under expressi- 
 ble pain and anguish, when there is a sweet calm and se- 
 renity within. (4.) Does not this witness, that the soul 
 lies not a dying with the body, nor falls with it, since it 
 suffers no decrease, but is found strong and vigorous in its 
 actings, when the flesh is brought low, and on a visible de- 
 cay ? Yea, is it not at the greatest advantage in its exercise 
 and discerning, the more separate from the body and sen- 
 sible things I Now it is sure, that cannot be destructive to 
 the soul in its being, which is so subservient to it in its op- 
 eration. I think, those who ever observed the joy and 
 peace of a dying christian, and the excellent frame and 
 composure of his soul, under a pained and languishing 
 body, through many diseases, may clearly see this truth, 
 and there read a lecture of the immortality of the soul. 
 (5.) Will you consider, can the soul of man have a de- 
 pendence on the body in its being, when it does no way 
 depend thereon in its acting and exercise ? For it is sure, 
 it does truly act, yea, hath a clear ratiocination, even when 
 the body sleeps : and O does it not prove, that this soul 
 that is found waking, when the other is asleep, must have 
 a distinct subsistence, and live when that dies. (6.) If 
 you admit that there are spirits and incorporeal beings, 
 which do act without a body, and yet have a true and real 
 subsistence, can you doubt or question the existing of the 
 soul, or its exercising the faculties thereof, without the 
 body, though you do not reach how this should be ? And 
 if there be indeed a converse and intercourse betwixt us 
 and spiritual beings, yea, a truth in fellowship with God 
 the Father of spirits, O may not this satisfy ingly demon ~ 
 strate that existence and acting of the soul ; even when the 
 body is at a distance and in the grave ! (7.) Consider, that 
 which you must grant hath a dominion and preeminence 
 over the body ; by its making a rational choice of good 
 when it is most cross to the desire and delight of the flesh ; 
 yea, cannot only determine it to endure most grievous tor 
 merits, but does oft witness a special delectation therein, 
 muse it not be something truly distinct from the body, and 
 what can have a subsistence without it ? Now this, lam 
 sure, you will not deny, that there is such a dominion over 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 211 
 
 the flesh, and a captivating of it to the law of the mind ; 
 which the most sensual and brutish will not deny in many 
 instances, how little acquaintance soever they have with it 
 themselves. (8.) Since there is a discovery and knowl- 
 edge of things, not only above the reach and impressions of 
 sense, but even contrary thereto, that men do rationally 
 judge and assent to truths, which truly contradict their 
 senses, as the rotundity of the earth, which seems to us a 
 plain, &c. O does it not shew, that this soul in man, 
 which can so far soar above the earth, and does so far ex- 
 ceed the body, must be of a more excellent mould, and 
 something truly different from it ? I shall but add, what 
 means that war and struggling which to every christian is 
 known betwixt the flesh and the spirit ; yea, to every man 
 is known betwixt him and his natural conscience? what 
 mean those reflex acts of the soul on itself, those marvel- 
 lous products of the^ understanding, and new discovery ? 
 why are men so anxious and concerned about their surviv- 
 ing name, which is a most poor airy accident, not worth 
 the regarding, if there were a destruction of the whole ? 
 what means that marvellous deportment of so many martyrs 
 for the truth, that they should shew such a joy and satisfac- 
 tion amidst their torments, as though they had no bodies ; 
 the pleasure of the soul so far overcoming the pain of the 
 flesh ? what means so universale consent to this truth, that 
 those who hate and fear it, yet cannot be rid thereof ? and 
 I must also ask, how are the choice and the excellent of the 
 earth so oft crushed under the feet of their oppressors, 
 whilst these wretches do oft wallow in all satisfying outward 
 delights i yea, sometimes go hence without bands in their 
 death ? In a word, O what is it that makes so vast a differ- 
 ence betwixt men and beasts, since these you see have a sen- 
 sual life, want not some natural sagacity, and have their 
 enjoyments by the senses as well as man ? 
 
 3. Let us consider how great and astonishing a froth 
 mis is. O immortality, do men believe it (the souPs sur- 
 viving the body, and that condition wherein it will enter) 
 and yet have so few thoughts thereof ! For this is a matter 
 of such concernment, that may turn much of our life in a 
 continued wondering. I must say, p can this be believed, 
 our having an immortal soul, which is of a more excellent 
 nature and inestimable value, than these visible heavens, 
 sun, moon, and stars : and which no less than the blood of 
 him who was truly God, couiel ransom from everlasting 
 wrath, and yet that we put so small a price thereon ! Is it in- 
 d eed believed by men, whilst they are so hot in their pur. 
 s uit after the wcrld ? since here is a question may silencr 
 
212 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 all flesh, What should it avail a man to gain were it the 
 whole world, when it is purchased with the losing of the 
 soul ? It is sure, there is no imaginable proportion betwixt 
 that and a piece of red earth, or betwixt a few years of time 
 and long eternity. I remember a passage of worthy Mr. 
 Blair, our own countryman, who the first time he heard 
 Mr. Bruce preach, said, The fame of so great a man caus- 
 ed him to expect something very extraordinary from him : 
 but his whole sermon did press this truth of the soul's being 
 immortal, and that it was a great thing to believe it ; he 
 confessed, it did at first some way amuse him, why he 
 dwelt so much upon so known and common a subject : but 
 after, he found it was some other tiling than appears at the 
 first lcok ; for which men may dispute, and toss it as a no- 
 tion in the schools, who never knew what it was to believe 
 the truth thereof; and that a serious impression of it on the 
 heart is something else than a swimming of it in the head, 
 by some ordinary speculation of this. O what a truth 
 would it appear, and what astonishment would it cause, if 
 men would but some times go alone, and consider, 
 (1.) What it is they have thus held out to them, and how 
 great a change is before them, which ere many days must 
 be in their condition, when once that strange step is passed 
 betwixt time and another world, which they can step but 
 once. (2.) That this marvellous change is truly near ; 
 time making long steps, the vessel under full sail, which 
 carries men forward, whether they sleep or wake, to that 
 port : for it is sure, this cannot be long deferred, and it is 
 very unsure, but this night thy soul may be required. 
 (3.) That this change must be in a moment, in the very 
 twinkling of an eye, and no interval, but a present entering 
 of the soul into that after state, which shall then put the 
 christian in the fulness of an inconceivable joy, in the im- 
 mediate presence of God, in the embracements of the Me- 
 diator, amongst the angels, and spirits of the just made 
 perfect ; but one moment also must put others out of their 
 sensual pleasures and delights, the prince off his throne, 
 and those who have been wallowing in the world, down to 
 those dark and horrid prisons, where with the ceasing of 
 this world's melody, they are forthwith met with that hor- 
 rid noise and howiing of the devils and of all the company 
 of the damned. (4.) Oh! if men would consider, what 
 thoughts they shall then have in another world, of that oth- 
 er world, and what other thoughts a£ their fornier state and 
 condition ; how tar they will find this beyond all they ever 
 thought or conceived at a distance. (5.) Should it not 
 cause astonishment to think seriously on this great change, 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 213 
 
 vrhich admits no after change ; but that^ there long eternity 
 is the true measure of the soul's duration after death ! O 
 what a long breathing word, to be ever ever blessed or mis- 
 erable, where the one hath no fear and can go no more out, 
 and the other no hope or possibility thereof! The hope of 
 the hireling is not there, that he may change his master at 
 the next term ; for these gates are everlastingly shut, by the 
 decree of him who alters not. 
 
 Now to shut up this argument, I shall offer one instance 
 more, wherein the world may see the truth of the scripture, 
 and therewith of a divine providence, convincingly demon- 
 strated, if prejudice did not draw a veil and obstruct so ex- 
 cellent a discovery : it is this, That the way of God is per- 
 fect, (Psal. xviii. 30.) and that his works are perfect ; and 
 his ways, judgment, (Deut. xxxii.4.) yea, that he does all 
 things well, (Mark vii. 37.) which testimony then the 
 multitude was forced to bear to this great truth : and O 
 how great a truth is it ! which can be said neither of angels 
 nor men, but to him hath a peculiar respect, even to him 
 alone, in whose way there is nothing crooked, no mistake, 
 no inequality, nothing too much or superfluous, nothing 
 out of clue time, that is either too soon, or too late, nothing 
 incongruous, nothing misplaced ; yea, in all he does noth- 
 ing which is not best done, which any could rectify or make 
 better, but in every piece of his work leaves matter of won- 
 der behind, and thus declares himself to be God ! I know, 
 this is a truth the world cannot well bear, but pretends a 
 visible contradiction from the great disorder, that things 
 here seem to be in ; for men will oppose to this, what a 
 miscarrying there is of instruments, what a strange emer- 
 gency there is of most grievous and cress accidents,' the 
 most promising means frequently blasted ; yea, how good 
 and evil are so strangely interweaved ; and is not the pres- 
 ent day oft undoing the work and labour of the former ? Yet 
 whatever the world can say to darken this great truth, That 
 the way cf the Lord is absolutely perfect, it must shine: 
 yea, it does not want clearness, when by a thick interposi- 
 tion betwixt us and the same, there may be need of clearing 
 it. The sun ceases not to shine, when the clouds obstruct 
 its brightness, as to us. O that those who will debate so 
 great a truth, would but come near, and by a serious per- 
 pending, consider the work of the L or d, then should they 
 see so much in the daily tract and administration of provi- 
 dence, yea, even in most ordinary passages thereof, that 
 might arrest their spirit with astonishment, the discovery 
 whereof they shun, by keeping at a distance from in 
 
214 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 I shall touch a little this demonstration, how this piece 
 of divine truth is verified and writ out in the event, to the 
 observation of the world, that they who cannot spiritually 
 discern the same* yet, have so much witnessed as to daz- 
 zle their eyes, and force this acknowledgment, that the 
 way of the Lord is perfect, and he hath done all things 
 well! and for clearing, I would offer some particulars, 
 though few, yet so very comprehensive, that in a large 
 measure, they reach not only those great works of God, 
 wherein he most eminently declares himself about the 
 church, but takes in also the most ordinary things of prov- 
 idence, here under the sun, and therein demonstrates the 
 certainty of this truth. 
 
 First, you may see this clearly verified, that the way of 
 the Lord is perfect, in the whole frame and structure of the 
 church of Christ here ; which is made a great wonder, and 
 an astonishing piece of the work of God, beyond the most 
 exquisite human contrivance, that ever was. It is true, 
 her glory, that does most affect the eye, and ravish the 
 heart, it is within, and lies not in the common road of men's 
 observation : yea, some parts of this excellent body oft- 
 times are in such a disorder, as darkens the beauty of the 
 whole ; there is such an intermixture of the hay and stub- 
 ble of 'human inventions, with this choice buiiding, that 
 helps to mar its order and beauty ; the carved work also 
 may be spoiled and broken down, as with axes and ham- 
 mers ; yet with all these disadvantages, there is a glory on 
 the church of Christ, an awful majesty, such convincing 
 marks of its grandeur, even under its ruins, as have forced 
 the world, and the great men thereof, to consider that sight 
 with wonder and amazement, which you see, Psal. xlviii. 
 they saw, they marvelled, and hasted away. And the pre- 
 ceding words give clear reason, for God was known in her 
 palaces for a refuge. They saw something both in the 
 grandeur and frame of the church, and in her preservation, 
 that forced them to see that it was something more than 
 human. Now to clear this a little, do but consider these 
 few instances, wherein you may see the great and stupen- 
 dous fabric of the church, and how all things are there 
 well ordered by him who hath framed it. (1.) You may 
 see on what a sure foundation it is built, even that of the 
 prophets and apostles which is the scripture of God, where- 
 on as it is manifestly founded : it is no less marvellously 
 united and joined together in Jesus Christ, who is the chief 
 corner stone : will you seriously consider the form of the 
 house, and the fashion thereof, its goings out and comings 
 in, with all its ordinances, and there you may see how 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 215 
 
 marvellously exact and uniform this building is. (2.) Is 
 it not likewise obvious, that the church thns fitly joined to- 
 gether and knit, by all that the joints do supply, in its 
 whole complex frame groweth up as a building to the 
 Lord? Yea, is there not a very strait union and correspon- 
 dence betwixt all the parts thereof in the same faith and 
 worship ; that though divided in so many parcels through 
 the world, yet is still one entire body, the union whereof, 
 the variety of members, and these of such various sizes, 
 tiiat great inequality amongst them in their growth, the re- 
 moteness of place, different languages, exile or change of 
 countries, yet cannot break off that near tie, that joins the 
 church of Christ together. (.1.) What a wonderful con- 
 trivance is it, which is in the world, yet not of it ? that 
 spreads itself among the nations, yet loseth not its own dis- 
 tinct being ; is mixed with human societies, yet an inclos- 
 ure and incorporation by herself; a fountain of sweet wa- 
 ters sealed, though surrounded with this great salt ocean of 
 the world; is made up of many particular churches, yet 
 every part homogeneous, and of the same nature with the 
 whole ; and though it seems to be open to sore assaults^ 
 yet is a defenced city, which is impaled, hath both her 
 walls and watchmen, her bulwarks and strong towers! 
 (4.) This is of such a frame, that is both visible and invisi- 
 ble, yet not two distinct churches ; though, under diverse 
 considerations, it comprehends both without any jar, and 
 hath communion with Jesus Christ as her head for 
 life ; standing related to him as his mystical body, and yet 
 as a visible politic body, is related also to him, as its su- 
 preme head, by a political government and guidance, and 
 hath an express charter granted for its extents and rights, 
 (5.) This must be said of it, though black, yet comely ; 
 though it does not want some spots they do not so far mar 
 its beauty, but, that in all its several administrations there 
 appears a singular grace. It hath indeed its blemishes and 
 failings, yet every measure and degree thereof does not for- 
 feit her relation, rights, and privileges. (6.) Is it^ not a 
 marvellous frame, which does not want a corrupt mixture> 
 yet in its rule and constitution does allow no corruption ; 
 and though many are found gross within, yet does it differ- 
 ence betwixt the precious and the vile ; yea, shuts its gates, 
 as well as it opens, and is no more tender and easy in her 
 admission, than awful and authoritative in her rejection ? 
 (7.) It is so well constituted, that all her officers have their 
 appointment, and each their work and charge designed, yet 
 no greater variety of service and employments, than there 
 is of gifts* which from her head are dispensed and suited to 
 
216 The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 
 
 the same. (8.) Sbe is of such a mould and frame, that 
 though she can boast of an intrinsic power , within herself, 
 yet must derive it from another fountain ; yea, must have 
 a directory and rule from her supreme head and lawgiver, 
 for exerting the acts of that power : which also hath its 
 proper objects, even the inward man, and its peculiar e?id i 
 the edification of the body, to which this power and the 
 exercise thereof is directed. (9.) This is such a body, 
 the members whereof are indeed subject to the magistrates^ 
 and denies no due obedience to that power, yet without 
 any subordination or subjecting of the church, as such, to 
 an human power : and though it hath not its authority or 
 jurisdiction from men, it denies no just respect to these : 
 it does bind and loose upon the earth, which no human pow- 
 er can make void ; and though cast in among the nations, 
 yet by peculiar bounds is kept from all other societies dis- 
 tinct : she hath her judicatories, and there a subordination 
 of the lesser to the greater, yet no allowed preeminence and 
 inequality amongst her officers ; yea, though her govern- 
 ment is truly monarchic with respect to her head, for there 
 is but one supreme Lord ; yet with respect to the servants 
 and officers, it is a most excellent well tempered aristocra- 
 cy, which holds off those gradual differences of power and 
 greatness amongst them, which are so much in use amongst 
 the nations. In a word, O do you consider this choice 
 and exquisite frame, and you will see how both tenderness 
 and severity do here concur ; what a healing there is here 
 in her sharpest rebukes and censures, whilst a private es- 
 say for gaining, is to go before a public and judicial proce- 
 dure ; yea, her authoritative determinations without preju- 
 dice to the judgment of christian prudence and discretion, 
 which belongs to every one of her members. Consider 
 also how she wears not out, but hath still a spring after the 
 winter, hath both her signs and her seasons, and whilst she 
 is losing and in a decay as to particular members, she is 
 still travailing in birth for a new offspring and succession, 
 O that they who stand afar, would but come near, and seri- 
 ously look on this rare piece of work ! Go about Zion, con- 
 sider well her towers and bulwarks, &c. that you may see, 
 this is a fabric the Lord hath founded, and raised up, and 
 that surely this piece of the word is therein fulfilled, His 
 wau is perfect, and he does all things well, 
 
 Secondly. Is not this great truth clearly demonstrated, 
 not only in the frame, but in the whole conduct and admin- 
 istration of providence about the church ? Which is indeed 
 one of the most marvellous discoveries, we have of God 
 here ; yea. even to the world, is eft convincingly obvious. 
 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 21? 
 
 through what a variety of dispensatioqs he useth to bring 
 forth his work,- and makes his way oft break out £>f the 
 bosom of a dark cloud ; yea, so unexpectedly can make 
 those perplexed changes, with which the church militant 
 is tossed, resolve in such a satisfying close, that it may be 
 seen they were all directed for her interest and advantage. 
 I know, this is a great deep, and we cannot have such a dis- 
 covery of the providence of God about the church, nor 
 reach the meaning of things in their first mould, as in their 
 after tendency and product. O that marvellous^ sight, 
 which shall once be, when that great work of providence, 
 that now is put over into the hand of the Mediator, hath 
 its perfect close ; and the whole frame and contexture set 
 up together as one entire piece to look upon, that is now 
 by several pieces and through a various succession of ages 
 carried on ! Yet we must say, the Lord herein comes so 
 near, even in the darkest times, and makes the glory of 
 this truth in such a measure shine forth, as may convinc- 
 ingly witness to any ordinary observers, the way of the 
 Lord is perfect in all that he does. I shall here offer some 
 few things, that in every time are obvious to those who 
 take pleasure in such a discovery, and desire not to keep 
 at a distance therewith. (1.) Must it not be said of his 
 way, that he does nothing in vain, but makes all things con- 
 gruous to his end, even things that amongst themselves do 
 most cross one another ? Does he not carry on his design 
 by the miscarrying of instruments, and bring forth his 
 greatest works by means most small and contemptible I 
 I know, the world would object, they can see no such 
 thing ; and indeed providence cannot be understood, or 
 the meaning thereof by one look : but I must ask, do you 
 discern the motion of the hand upon the clock, even whilst, 
 it is certainly going forward ? yet when it comes to the 
 hour, and strikes, you will see it was then moving. It is 
 sure, there are such periods, that providence hath, where 
 its meaning does not clearly break forth, until it comes to 
 the striking of the hour, if we may so say : and then the 
 most stupid are forced to observe, what once seemed most 
 improbable, in the way of the Lord. (2.) Is it not also 
 obvious how the Lord doth ensnare men in the work of 
 their own hand, and turns their wrath unto his praise ? how 
 he takes the wise, and outwits them by their counsels ; 
 makes events fallout contrary to the second causes ; frus- 
 trates the most promising means ; and by things unknown 
 and unthought upon, does oft bring forth the deliverance 
 of the church; yea, how out of shame and reproach he 
 does even bring about his glory. Sure these are not 
 
 D D 
 
218 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 so far in the dark, that in any age the world can altogether 
 pretend ignorance thereof. And is not his way perfect, 
 of which such things can be said ? (3.) Have we not this 
 discovery, how the church is oft fed by the rod: yea s un- 
 der that appears with such advantage, that may be said, her 
 meat hath been brought forth out of the eater ? How usu- 
 ally is her mercy and enlargement prepared for her, by the 
 sharpest downcasting ? oft is she humbled, in order to an 
 upraising and deliverance ; yea, oft is one step of the way 
 of" the Lord made clear to her by another. O is not here 
 so excellent and marvellous a method, that all the wit and 
 invention of the world cannot follow ! (4.) His way is in- 
 deed perfect, and by an infinite wisdom managed, which 
 does at once ^nd by the very same providence, reach somany 
 several designs ; yea, bring forth such various and contra- 
 ry effects, that no human reason could ever judge the re- 
 sult and conclusion by the premises ; how severity and 
 mercy should be at once brought forth ; a more full stroke 
 on the adversary, by their further raising, yea, by along 
 forbearance of that stroke ; how he should also make use 
 of the same mean both for humbling and proving and to do 
 his people good in the latier end, O how perfect must his 
 way be, where all the steps thereof, and after product ; 
 would seem repugnant ; yet no real jar. For the church 
 sinking, yet does not perish ; in a flame, yet not consumed, 
 but is thereby kept alive ; brought under the yoke of the 
 oppressor, to make her grow and flourish ; is wounded and 
 smitten, for her further healing, and a witness of God's ten- 
 derness to her thereby ; hath a greater weight and burden 
 put on, to give her thus ease and enlargement ; yea, is 
 chastened and meets with suffering, to prevent suffering, 
 that she may rest in the day of trouble ! Sure these are a 
 part of the ways of God, and may be visibly demonstrated 
 in the conduct of his providence about the church, even 
 to the conviction of the world. But oh ! it is hard to see, 
 when men will shut their eyes. (5.) Is it not obvious, 
 what strange things do sometime fall in betwixt the begin- 
 ning and close of some special piece of providence about 
 the church, that do pass ^ human reach to give a present 
 reason for the same : yet in all these may there not be dis- 
 cerned a remarkable dependence and connection of things ? 
 how in such a variety of cross events, and in a long contin- 
 ued tract of providence, every thing falls in aright, in its 
 own place ; yea, every step, every circumstance, so pro- 
 portioned by a marvelous disposal and conduct thereof, 
 to suit another, for making the whole complex providence 
 beautiful; that on a serious review the world must con- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 219 
 
 fess, this is a concatenation so strange, that it must be his 
 work, and his alone, who sees things from the beginning to 
 the end. (6.) How perfect is his way, who can hasten and 
 dispatch his work by delays ; and when he seems to take 
 a long circuit in bringing about his design, yet loses no 
 time, but in such a visible going back does most effectually 
 move forward ! Yea, is it not seen, how he makes things 
 fall in, that are very unexpected, cross and remote (that 
 would never have entered in our thoughts) to answer ^ his 
 blessed end ? and even dispose that which above all might 
 seem most directly destructive to the church, to be of all 
 other things most effectual and subservient to her advance; 
 brings her more quickly forward to the harbour by a storm, 
 than a calm ! O have we not such great things to observe 
 in the way of the Lord, that may shew it is indeed perfect ! 
 (7.) It is also very clear, though not on the first view, yet 
 in the close and issue, what a certain steady motion provi- 
 dence hath, and keeps on its course, whilst the world is 
 reeling to and fro : how the church's mercy hath by great- 
 est disappointments been more fully answered, than in the 
 most probable way ; yea, when her relief seemed furthest 
 off, and had been much follovved with many a weary look 
 from some other quarter, with what a strange surprisal 
 does providence oft break out at her hand, as it were from 
 under the ground, with an unexpected mercy ? (8.) You 
 may see his way is perfect, who puts a peculiar beauty 
 upon every becurrent of providence, and brings it forth in 
 the very fit opportune time, that it could not fall out more 
 seasonably and with more advantage to the church. Is 
 there not a seen cause for her sharp trials, and the necessity 
 thereof no less discernible, than there is of the winter, for 
 the profit and advantage of the earth ? and is it not also 
 manifest, her reviving came never too late, but in the very 
 fittest time ? I know, the world may object, they can see 
 this in the revolutions of the year, but not in any such 
 changes of the church : yet I am sure, this is manifest, that 
 the church of Christ hath her sj^/ and her more comforting 
 times here, with as discernible a succession of the one to the 
 other, as there is of the summer to the winter ; yea, that 
 under these vicissitudes of her condition she is stiii seen to 
 look forth with a peculiar advantage. I shall add ; what 
 a marvellous composition and temperament of contraries 
 is discernible in this excellent frame of providence ? There 
 is nothing here incongruous ; nothing here too small, which 
 doth not fall under its reach, and nothing so great that can 
 overreach it ; here is no jar or disagreeing with the diligent 
 use of means, yet does this rise so far above the same, that 
 
220 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 no human care can bend it to their will, nor is there any 
 running cross to such a current. Here is indeed an un- 
 searchable deep ! Yet so much is there broken forth and 
 made clear, that may convincingly witness and verify this 
 truth, even to ordinary observers, the way of the Lord is 
 perfect. And what now we cannot attain in its discovery 
 we should learn to admire and solidly believe a more clear 
 manifestation thereof. 
 
 3. I shall yet further pursue this demonstration with re- 
 spect to that great and marvellous work of God in the re- 
 demption of the church ; a contrivance, we may say, more 
 wonderful than this whole structure of the universe, of the 
 heavens and earth, which are so exquisitely framed ! For 
 here the thing itself is not more astonishing, than the way 
 and conduct of infinite wisdom is, in the whole frame, and 
 all the steps thereof. O this great thing, that men's dis- 
 tance therefrom does only keep them from being dazzled ; 
 where their ignorance is the great let why they do not more 
 wonder at it ! This is indeed far above nature, that with- 
 out a divine illumination it cannot be known,' or under- 
 stood : yet we must say, so much is brought forth and dis- 
 covered, that those who have only report, and^ thence give 
 some ordinary assent thereto, cannot have their reason and 
 judgment in exercise without some such conviction upon 
 their souls, that surely this is a contrivance above human 
 reach, and worthy of the great God ; yea, that herein his 
 way is most absolutely perfect ; and no sight can be like 
 this, where we may see so excellent a correspondence be- 
 tween the foundation and superstructure, that the whole 
 tract of the gospel is but one entire and complete mean for 
 glorifying God, and does in this as the ultimate end re- 
 solve. Here men may see the greatness of his power, that 
 inexpressible freedom of his grace, the holy severity of 
 justice, all meet and join together in a sweet agreement ; 
 where both justice is salved and fully answered, and yet 
 sinners saved ; where mercy does rejoice over condemna- 
 tion ; vengeance is taken on our inventions, and the in- 
 ventors escape. O strange ! a redemption without price 
 and absolutely free, as to sinners ; yet all that a just God 
 could exact, fully satisfied and told down ! It is here we 
 may rise and pursue this great thing up to the fountain 
 head, which is the sovereign pleasure of God, and is the 
 internal impulsive cause ; and thence follow it down to 
 that infinite satisfaction of the Mediator, which is the great 
 meritorious cause ! And here we may see, how marvel- 
 busly well ordered all the steps of this way are, all the parts 
 t f this contrivance ! how the elect are made meet for the 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 221 
 
 inheritance, through sanctification of the Spirit ; how faith 
 hath its special concurrence and instrumentality, without 
 prejudice to the absolute freedom of grace, since it is free- 
 ly given to believe; how those excellent means are by a 
 most strait connection linked with the eternal counsel of 
 God, and in a most beautiful order joined one with anoth- 
 er ! Here does sanctification flow from an eternal decree, 
 and like an excellent stream doth run down through time, 
 until it lose itself (to say so) in that great deep of everlast- 
 ing blessedness ! Yea, thus the purpose of the Lord runs 
 under the ground, concerning his people, until it break out 
 at Inst in their heart, by their answering thecall of the gos- 
 pel ! O how stately a piece of work this is ! And is not 
 his way perfect therein, where you may see that grand plot 
 of the devil to undo man, break upon himself, and by the 
 seed of the woman his head crushed! where so glorious a fab- 
 ric is raised out of so great a ruin, and poor man established 
 by his fall ! where the glory of the sovereign God, the free- 
 dom of grace, and man's blessedness, do at once meet to- 
 gether ! where the cure is as broad and large as the wound, 
 and the restoration made to answer to every piece of that 
 ruin : I mean, not only in man's being ransomed from 
 eternal wrath, but that the enmity should be killed and 
 taken away, and such a marvellous change of his nature by 
 the renewing of the Spirit, which even here restores him 
 in part to that he lost ! It is on this blessed contrivance we 
 may sec men brought under a constraint by irresistible 
 grace, yet without violence ; their reason further raised 
 and refined, yet not broken, and its true liberty not taken 
 away, but restored ; yea, a notable consistency betwixt 
 moral persuasive arguments and the efficacious power of 
 grace ; betwixt men's planting and watering in the use of 
 means, and the alone increase thereof from the Lord ; be- 
 twixt a physical and moral concurrence in producing one 
 and the same effect ; betwixt those two desires in prayer, 
 Da (DomineJ quod jubes* et jube quod vis. Is there not 
 likewise here a most excellent suitableness and congruity, 
 betwixt repentance and remission of sins, without preju- 
 dice to the freedom of grace ; since he gives repentance, as 
 weil as requires it, and makes his people what he would 
 have them to be ! O how marvellous a contrivance is this, 
 where the blessed majesty of God finds an argument m 
 himself, when man had none wherewith to plead ; was 
 found in the form of a servant, and became our nearest kins- 
 man, to redeem the inheritance : where his people's stand- 
 ing is ensured bv another surety and strength, than their 
 own ; not . v. apprehending, but their being appre* 
 
222 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 bended: where the Lord does oblige himself by bond, to 
 make that good which is only of grace, and is most freely 
 given : where ne both frames the desire within the soul, 
 and satisfies it ! 1 shall only add, it is here the redeemed 
 having nothing in themselves to boast ; and the reprobate 
 none but themselves to challenge ; for on whomsoever that 
 door is shut, they have therein actively concurred, to draw 
 a bar for shutting themselves out. 
 
 4. I shall offer one instance more, wherein this great 
 truth may be demonstrated to the world (that the way of 
 the Lord is perfect, that his works are done in judgment, 
 yea, that he does all things well) with respect to that mar- 
 vellous order of nature, and disposal of the works of God un- 
 der the sun : how inexpressible well all are fitted for some 
 use, and directed to their proper end. This is indeed a 
 truth, wherein the greatest atheists may see this piece oi 
 the scripture convincingly verified, wherein God comes so 
 near, that men mzy feel after bun, (Acts xvii. 27.) that it 
 may be said, there is no way to shift this discovery, but to 
 stop their ears, and shut their eyes. O what a wonderful 
 disposal may be seen, even in the most common things, with 
 a mutual subserviency to each other ! and in this great va- 
 riety and throng of the creatures, is it not obvious how each 
 hath its voice and speech, to give us something of instruc 
 tion ; and every thing hath some matter of wonder in it, 
 that we may say, it is hard to be an atheist ! There must 
 be a strange violenting of their light, where the invisible 
 God comes so near, to make himself known by things 
 visible, and by so marvellous a conduct and ordering there. 
 of, shews unto the sons of men, he does all things well. 
 Oh, may it not be said, we cease to wonder, because ev- 
 ery day we live and converse amongst wonders ! Now it 
 is here the world hath a demonstration of the scripture, 
 that they dare not debate, lest they should deny sense, as 
 well as reason : and if any will question the glorious form- 
 er of all things, why things are thus ordered and disposed, 
 let him but retire within himself and he will find the want 
 and defect is truly within, which he would challenge in the 
 way of the Lord. May we not see with astonishment this 
 frame and composure of the universe, how each thing doth 
 answer its part, and to the conservation of the whole ; how 
 amidst a great contrariety an excellent concord is manifest, 
 in all its different parts, natures and dispositions ! I must 
 truly say, not only duty, but delight and pleasure may call 
 men to this study ; yea, even to lose themselves, as it 
 were, in so sweet a labyrinth, where it is more easy to en- 
 ter, than to find an outlet ; and all things do witness, even 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 223 
 
 to men's senses, the truth of the scripture. It is sad, we 
 have so choice and true a history every day to read, of the 
 works of God, which are not in themselves greater, than 
 that wisdom is by which they are ordered ; and yet should 
 be for the most part as a sealed book. But it is not here 
 in a general this truth can be readied ; O will you come and 
 see ! Consider the work of the Lord, and you must also see 
 it is perfect, and his ways are judgment, yea, that he hath 
 done all things well. Do ■ but consider this stupendous 
 frame of the universe, a fabric that in all its parts is most ex- 
 actly joined, and nothing in it defective or out of order- 
 Here you may see that great minister of nature, the sun, 
 with -what advantage h is placed and fitted to dispense its 
 light and refreshing influences to the earth ; is it not with 
 such wisdom, that to move in a higher or lower orb would 
 not thus answer the advantage of things below ! with what 
 a constant motion does it travel betwixt the tropics, to ful- 
 fil its annual course ; and in diverse parts does successh ely 
 arise, that by turns it may give the several parts of the 
 earth a visit ! should we cease to wonder at the rising and 
 setting thereof, because it is so frequently seen ! O may 
 not this arrest our thoughts with astonishment, with what 
 wisdom it is made subservient, all along its course, to 
 cause summer and winter, spring and harves' ! Yea, how 
 its approaches and withdrawing^ are gradual, that by its as- 
 cent in the spring it may dispose our bodies for the sum- 
 mer, and by its descent in such a degree in the harvest may 
 prepare and lit us for the winter, that there should not be 
 an immediate bordering betwixt these extremes ! Is not 
 its correspondence also manifest, that it hath with things 
 here below, which does not only reach the surface of the 
 earth, but the most inward bowels and secret caverns 
 thereof ? For its power is known on minerals as well as 
 plants. Is it not also evident, that this glorious body of the 
 moon, though of a lesser glory than the other, is for anoth- 
 er use than for men to gaze thereon ? how it keeps them 
 from groping in utter darkness through the night, and 
 lights a candle to the world, when the sun is gone down, 
 -which by its withdrawing does so far discover the glory of 
 the moon and stars, that its brightness did veil and darken ; 
 its influence is known also upon the sea, upon seeds and 
 plants, yea, upon the humours and complexion of men's 
 bodies. O what innumerable employments are those, by 
 which it is made continually subservient to the world I 
 And do you not see, how the night hath its special use, 
 and is well ordered as well as the day ; yea, that it hath 
 its peculiar beauty ; and by its darkness doth commend 
 
224 The Fulfilling of the Scripture* 
 
 the light, and makes its approach more sweet and desirable X 
 This gives the labouring world some time for repose, and 
 most observably answers man's weariness, and necessity 
 of such a rest, with so fit a season, that we may say, it but 
 draws a curtain about us for that e,nd, and doth thus retire 
 the earth and put in a sweet and silent composure from the 
 noise and hurryings of the day. Yea, dots not every even- 
 lug solemnly warn men of their approaching death, and the 
 swift passing away of time, that they may have no excuse 
 for being surprised in this great change, who have so grave,- 
 so frequent a monitor, to speak of it to them ? But let us 
 a little further follow this choice inquiry and search of na- 
 ture, which is so clear a witness to the scripture ; and 
 you may see, how marvellous these various motions of the 
 heavens are, the position of the stars and constellations, 
 where eacli hath its own proper course, yet all carried 
 about to one general and common end, to shew there must 
 be a first 7?io c oer, who is not subject to motion or change, 
 but does manifestly determine all these. O strange ! how 
 does this great body of the earth hang upon nothing ! that 
 a thing so vast and ponderous should lean upon the air, as 
 on a foundation ! Must there not be here a piece of art 
 above human reach; how thus it does keep its centre, and 
 rests thereupon ; and is it not clear, how steady the axis of 
 the earth is, and perpetually parallel with itself, that it can- 
 not tumble this or that way ? What a marvellous order is 
 also seen in those higher motions of the^ celestial bodies ? 
 of which some are slow, others more rapid ; some tend to 
 the east, others towards the west ; and yet from these, 
 though thus cross to other, there results a singular har- 
 mony, in which the conservation of the world and produc- 
 tion of things here below are concerned, which could not 
 so well have answered this ; without such a variety in their 
 courses. It is true, the Lord might have made every day 
 a yearns length, and caused the sun to keep its course from 
 east to west so long : but O how well are all these things 
 ordered, and that thus he doth divide our life in such short 
 stages, to make us more frequently mind our change ! We 
 see likewise how marvellously the earth is framed in its 
 various parts and proportions, and the singular advantage^ 
 it hath both in its posture and figure ; the mountains and 
 high places do not mar its beauty, nor want their use, where 
 the blasts have a shelter provided ; and is not nature like- 
 wise more displayed and laid open to men by the plains 
 and vallies, which are to the earth a special ornament: 
 How manifold is the use of the air, which fills up that vast 
 space betwixt the heavens and earth, and is so fit a medi- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 225 
 
 um for correspondence betwixt the higher and lower world ? 
 It is here the birds find use for their wings ; through this 
 the rains find an easy passage ; this does intervene betwixt 
 the sun and the earth, yet is no let to the communication 
 either of light or heat, but its scorching is thus qualified by 
 that sweet cool breathing of the air. Is not the singular use 
 and advantage of the winds also known ? And how these 
 are both directed and bounded, so that men can neither 
 cause a storm, nor a calm, at their pleasure. And O can 
 you look on the sea and not wonder, what marvellous things 
 are there ! how it is shut up with gates and bars, and hath 
 its appointed bounds, without which there could be no rea- 
 son why a bank of sand should restrain the great ocean 
 from breaking forth. Its manifold use and advantage is 
 also known: would any wish, that the whole earth were 
 dry land ? and O strange that this not only is made passa- 
 ble, but by that art of navigation become a more easy way 
 for transport and commerce, by which cities and countries 
 are made to flourish ! Do you not see that regular course 
 it keeps in its ebbings and Rowings, the singular use and 
 subservience of the tides ; so that when men are perplex- 
 ed in an inquiry about the natural cause of these, they can- 
 not but observe the special end and advantage thereof ? 
 May we not with wonder also sec, how those parts of the 
 world, which have the most scorching clay and greatest 
 heat, have usually the longest night, to qualify it with such 
 a cooling moisture ? How these countries, which have no 
 rain, as Egypt, have some supply thereof by an overflow- 
 ing of the rivers ? Do you see, any members either of men, 
 or beasts, superfluous, and wanting an use ? or is there 
 any poison, but hath some peculiar antidote provided ? yea, 
 the most hurtful creatures, as serpents and vipers, are found 
 of singular use in medicine, against their own hurt, as the 
 oil of scorpions is against the sting thereof. You see, th^ 
 poor people have medicinal Waters provided without money ; 
 and it is a notable remark, which is certainly known, of 
 one who inclosed some such well in his ground, that he 
 might put an impost thereon, had it taken away and run 
 dry on his hand. What a marvellous use is there of nat- 
 ural antipathies and sympathies, whereon the operation of 
 medicine, the special improvement of navigation, by mak- 
 ing use of the loadstone, doth so much depend ? You see 
 how the harvest gives a large compensation for the toil of 
 the spring; and do not the poor man's labours through 
 the day make his bed soft in the evening, and his rest sweet 
 unto him ? You see that correspondence the heavens keep 
 with the earth in those sweet refreshing showers, by which 
 
 t E 
 
226 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 its seminal virtue is drawn forth, and thus the rain doth 
 moisten what the heat would scorch : you may see how it 
 is distilled and dropped down, not in violent streams, but 
 as it were through a small sieve, or otherwise it would hurt, 
 more than help : you would not desire to want rain, nor 
 yet to have it perpetual ; and thus it is ordered. Are not 
 the vapours exhaled from the earth, that by refreshing 
 showers they may return thither again ? O how manifold 
 are the works of the Lord! And in what^ wisdom hath he 
 done them all ! Is not the pain and travail of the beasts, in 
 bringing forth their young, proportioned to their condition, 
 and to that longing they have ? Job xxxix. 3. They bow 
 themselves, and bring forth their young, and cast forth their 
 sorrows. And as their time and duration is for most part 
 shorter than man's, is not their growth also suited there- 
 to r You see, men have their lodging furnished ere they 
 come into the world, the breasts are provided, and by a 
 wonderful instinct they are taught to seek after the same. 
 It is known how the want of hearing or sight useth some 
 other way to be recompensed with some special natural 
 sagacity : yea. a want and defect in some ^ parts of the 
 body is oft supplied with a greater agility in some other 
 members thereof ; which is known in many remarkable 
 instances ; such as that woman in this country, not long- 
 since, who had no arms from her birth, but could with no 
 less dexterity make use of her right/00* for all the uses of 
 her hand. You see how the beasts have some natural de- 
 fence, and are taught self preservation ; and what the hare 
 and hind wants of the lion's paw and strength, is made up 
 oft by a more swift foot ; what an advantageous antipathy 
 there is amongst the beasts, lest the earth should be over- 
 run with those which are hurtful ; the dog fitted by a 
 strange tendency of its kind, to pursue the wolf and the 
 fox, and the cat for destroying of rats. You see how the 
 oxen are tamed to endure the yoke, and brought under 
 discipline, whose strength is above many of the wild beasts. 
 Are not those things that are most absolutely necessary, 
 most easy likewise to be had ? and whilst there is such a 
 variety of labour and toil does attend the lot of man here, 
 doth not the earth also afford a variety of delights ? You 
 see, the birds neeel no instructor to build their nests, and 
 choose a fit place, nor do they mistake their seasons : yea, 
 do not these sweet musicians by their natural melody call 
 men to praise, whose debt is much above theirs ? Is there 
 not a marvellous coalition betwixt the graft and the tree, 
 which exceeds human art, if nature did not so wonderfully 
 cooperate therein, and in the inoculating a small bud into 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 221 
 
 a stock r And O that wonderful increase, that follows the 
 seed thrown into the ground ! how it dies and rots there, 
 that it may rise with the greater lustre and advantage j and 
 by such a significant emblem teach men the certainty of 
 the rising of their bodies. For it is sure, the ordinary 
 things of nature are great and convincing hieroglyphics, to 
 hold forth more divine things, if we could but read them. 
 Do you not see what veins of coals and other minerals go 
 through the earth ? whence it is furnished and hath fit ma- 
 terials for daily use, and for an improvement of men's fac- 
 ulties ? Is not the earth watered by an intercourse which 
 springs and rivers hath with the sea ? And what some 
 parts of the world want, is it not in other things supplied ; 
 that every country hath almost some peculiar advantages ? 
 It is known, how the coldest places of the earth, do most 
 abound^ with the warmest furs. You see the beasts want 
 not their table : and is not the lilly well clothed ? Doth 
 the grass of the ground want its use ? yea, is not the very 
 colour thereof notably suited for men's eyes ? What cause 
 of wonder is there of the different forms, the virtues and 
 variety of plants ! You see, the little ants have their maga- 
 zine and storehouse ; the bees want not some order and 
 government ; yea, no human skill can frame such work as 
 theirs is. But, Oman ! what a curious and exquisite fab- 
 ric is that which did come in amongst the last of the crea- 
 tion, but as the greatest wonder thereof, a most rare piece 
 of work, of a strange, various and subtile composition, in 
 which there is so notable an harmony made up of many 
 contraries ! I think, those who would learn atheism, are 
 not only concerned to stifle their reason, but to shut their 
 eyes from looking on themselves and the frame of their 
 bodies, which is so curiously wrought with nerves, sinews 
 and veins, with such a variety of parts, and yet not one 
 bone or muscle superfluous. 
 
 THE FOURTH ARGUMENT 
 
 I SHALL here offer to prove the scripture's accom- 
 plishment, is this, That whereof the most part, as to those 
 special predictions and promises that concern the church, is 
 fulfilled, and hath now taken place in their appointed times, 
 which we may at this day clearly read in the event, and 
 but a little part thereof now remaineth to be made out, must 
 he a sure truth. But the scripture is thus fulfilled, and the 
 prophecies thereof now made legible in the history of prov- 
 idence, and in the works of God about his church; 
 Therefore, fcfc. 
 
228 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 I would premise here some few things, ere I speak par- 
 ticularly to this argument. 
 
 1. Though the scripture is thus wonderfully suited by 
 the Lord, and taketh place in every generation, as if it 
 were alone directed to that time ; yet it is also clear, that 
 a special part thereof hath its proper accomplishment in 
 those ages and periods of time, to which it doth in a pecu- 
 liar way relate : some part of it, which did concern the 
 times of the Old Test amenta some that doth also answer to 
 the times of the gospel, and a part of it which hath a pecu- 
 liar respect to these latter days, which the Lord is now 
 bringing forth, and we wait for a more fall accomplish- 
 ment, that it is on a near approach. 
 
 2. It is also sure, that the whole work of God, and his 
 providence about his church here in the world, which was 
 perfect from the beginning, and before him from eternity, 
 is comprehended under the written word: where the Lord 
 hath fully revealed his mind and counsel about every event 
 and concernment of the church ; though we oft be in the 
 dark, in finding out the same, but the event will in clue 
 time speak for itself, which should cause us until then 
 with much sobriety to pass our judgment on some of those 
 truths, that are not yet fulfilled. 
 
 3. It is clear, that the prophets of old did not only fore- 
 tel such great changes and revolutions, as were to go over 
 the church's head, and declare the certainty thereof, but 
 we find these prophecies oft point at the times and periods 
 of time, whereto they did relate ; and though sometimes 
 in dark terms, yet did clearly shew that there was a certain 
 prefixed time, and net at every time could they have their 
 performance. 
 
 4. We should consider how the full accomplishing of 
 the scripture, and the perfecting the Lord's work about his 
 church, will be at once, and doth keep pace together, and 
 then shall a /////and satisfying discovery of God's way and 
 providence and all that he hath been doing in the world, 
 clearly break forth, when the great mystery of God in his 
 written wordis finished, and the church so near to land. 
 
 That I may speak a little to so grave a subject, I would 
 lay down these two things to be considered : 
 
 1. How much cf the scripture, and predictions thereof, 
 may be;wzu seen clearly verified 'in the event. 
 
 2. What doth yet remain to have an accomplishment in 
 these last times ; by which we may certainly judge, how 
 near the Lord's work about his church is to a close. Un- 
 der the first I shall point at some of those most interesting 
 events and changes, which the church hath met with, 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 229 
 
 wherein we may see what of the scripture may at this day 
 be read in the history of providence, and is certainly ful- 
 filled. 
 
 The first thing to be considered, is, What is already ac- 
 complished. 
 
 I. Let us go back to those first times after the fall ; and 
 see that dreadful stroke, which came upon the old world by 
 the flood, after an universal defection from God, and we 
 shall there find the fulfilling of that which Noah, that great 
 preacher of righteousness, had oft foretold, and of those 
 threatenings which by Moses were there recorded : where- 
 in it may be very manifest, (1.) That this truth, besides 
 divine authority, no records of ancient times (no antiquity) 
 could ever contradict ; yea, some of the eldest writers do 
 clearly witness something of an universal deluge over the 
 earth, with the strange preservation of some from it. how- 
 ever they were in the dark as to many circumstances of it. 
 Josephus doth cite Berosus the Chaldean about this, who 
 without doubt had then some of those oldest records true 
 and uncorrupt. Euscbius also doth mention some frag- 
 ments of Abidenus, and Appolidprus, which in his time 
 were extant, clearly pointing at the flood, and ?\Noah un- 
 der the name of Ziuthrus, with his sending out of birds 
 to see if the waters were asswaged. (2.) There is nothing 
 here doth contradict reason, how this might be brought about, 
 even in the way of ordinary natural causes, which the Lord 
 did make use of for that end. For we find, the windows of 
 heaven were opened, the air being condensed into clouds, 
 and their retentive power loosed, these great floodgates 
 were thus set open ; which falling not in drops but all in a 
 full body, like the spouts and cataracts of the West Indies, 
 might soon overwhelm the earth with abundance of water : 
 while those ■fountains also of the great deep beneath were 
 broken up, which was not only the ocean let forth to go 
 over its banks, but an universal vent to all the veins of the 
 earth, and that great mass of waters which is in the bowels 
 thereof, which from beneath meeting those that were from 
 above, may give men a clear and nltional account how such 
 a thing might be. (3.) This piece of the scripture is most 
 congruous and agreeable to the whole, and the great scope 
 and drift of the same. For it points out an universal defec- 
 tion, and an universal stroke meeting together : it leads us 
 forward to Christ, o l i whom the<7r£was anexcellent shadow, 
 and of that salvation which in and by him the church hath 
 from eternal wrath : and is a very manifest pledge and 
 sign of that last destruction of the world, which though 
 not in that manner, yet shall once surely be, and find men 
 
230 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 \\\ such a condition, as this flood found them into in the 
 days of Noah. 
 
 II. What we find expressly threatened by the Lord, 
 {Gen. xi. 7.) as a stroke and judgment upon men for their 
 ambition and pride, The confounding of their languages, is 
 it not also most clearly verified and writ forth to the view 
 of the world in the event ? that whilst men cannot deny or 
 debate a thing which is so conspicuous and undeniable, 
 they must also see a fulfilling of the scripture, and that there 
 was a divine hand in this strange stroke ; which may be a 
 convincing refutation of atheism, if such do not willingly 
 shut their eyes at these clear evidences, (t.) That it is 
 sure, there is such a confusion and variety of languages in 
 the earth at this day ; whence it is divided, one part there r 
 of so much rent from another, commerce and correspond- 
 ence thus made difficult, and a bar drawn betwixt nations, 
 by a different speech. And do not the most ancient records 
 of the world witness the same to have been in former ages ? 
 (2.) It is also sure, that no tradition or human history, but 
 the scripture only, gives us an account of this strange thing 
 how it should be, or whence its true rise is ; yea, those 
 who have writ most of other things, yet can give no reason 
 why they write in one language more than in another, but 
 that it is proper to their country, where they had their edu- 
 cation. ^ But how the race of men, who have such a com- 
 munity in other things, should be thus divided, is indeed a 
 mystery, which divine truth can only unveil and shew its 
 meaning. (3.) It is sure, there is no language one more 
 than another, that is natural to men, but what ex institutio 
 is acquired, whether by long continued use as children cloth 
 their mother tongue, or by set rules. It is true, Adam who 
 was the first man, had his by some extraordinary infusion : 
 but it is found a pitiful fancy alleged by some, that young 
 children, who have never heard speech, and have been thus 
 kept at a distance, would speak the first language of the 
 world, and consequently Hebrew ; for the contrary of this 
 is certainly proved. (4.) Is not this confusion and diver- 
 sity of languages, which is in the world, a most strange and 
 marvellous thing, which in no ordinary way, yea, not with- 
 out something of a miracle, could be brought about, and 
 to no continuance of time or invention of men can be at- 
 tributed, if we comider these things. (1.) It is clear, that 
 if man can be traced back to some original and beginning, 
 there must then have been some one language, whilst the 
 world was but in a family ; so that if you will admit the 
 truth of the creation, you may see it was not so at the be- 
 ginning. (2.) Is it not undeniable, that men could not 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 231 
 
 choose so great a plague and judgment on themselves, if they 
 had any use of reason ? which would divide betwixt them 
 and the greater part of mankind, hinder trade and mutual 
 interchange with other countries, either in exporting or 
 importing most necessary commodities ; that which also 
 would "obstruct human knowledge, and the discovery of 
 those excellent inventions and experiments of other places ; 
 yea, give man, whose days are so few, such a sore toil and 
 labour to acquire but a few of those many different lan- 
 guages, which are in the world. (3.) Is it not also clear, 
 that this is above human reach, which men cannot judge, 
 how in an ordinary way such different languages could have 
 been found out, and afterwards acquired by the body of 
 nations, yea, how there should be such an agreement in 
 this amongst a vast multitude of different tempers and ca- 
 pacities. For it is obvious, there should have then been 
 an inventing of those first radical languages ; I mean these 
 that are not dependent upon, or interwoven one with an- 
 other, but are wholly different as Greek, Latin, &c. And 
 therewith such a vast Dictionary, of words with their sig- 
 nifications, and rules to enjoin them in sentences, must 
 have necessarily been framed, and abandoning also and 
 turning off of some former language, so far as to the bring- 
 ing of it in oblivion : yea, would the universal consent and 
 concurrence of the multitude in such places be required ? 
 I confess, this were not so strange, if such a difference be- 
 twixt languages were but in some peculiar mode or pro- 
 priety of phrases, and alteration of words according to the 
 various tempers, and climates of the earth : but we may 
 see what different languages there are, wholly independent 
 on one another, not only in original words, but in the very 
 whole frame and bulk, which can be no compound of other 
 languages, as many of our modern tongues are, which does 
 truly state the case in such a manner, that the scripture 
 only can resolve how this should be ; yea, it is known, be- 
 sides many branches, commixtures and variations of lan- 
 guages, which through continuance of time, through con- 
 quest and mingling of nations together, are in the world, 
 there is also a vast number of those that may be on clearest 
 ground judged original and mother tongues, of which 
 whatever lesser variation there hath been by the adding 
 of some new words, or the quitting of eld, yet the whole 
 bulk does remain entire. (4.) What a strange and mar- 
 vellous thing must this be, if we consider that most of an- 
 cient maternal languages were previous to the use of letters, 
 whence rules or a method could be conveyed from one to 
 another, if it had been only some human invention ? For 
 
232 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 we may know from surest antiquity, how long it was ere 
 several nations reached a further way to communicate 
 knowledge, and represent their conceptions, than by speech 
 and a vocal tradition, or some significant symbols or hiero- 
 glyphics, which were then much in use to supply the want 
 of letters. Is it not known how little either by pen or print- 
 ing hath been discovered to the world, but of such late time, 
 as is from clearest histories written to us ? Thence we find 
 very little of the Greek language upon record before Ho- 
 mer's time. Now may not this clearly demonstrate, that in 
 an ordinary way these languages could not then have been 
 acquired ? (5.) It may be very convincing, what the scrip- 
 ture about this holds forth, that by these "different languag- 
 es, nations and families were at first divided. Gen. xi. yea, 
 that this was the first rise of bounding one of them from 
 another, for which the world could never give another 
 cause. Thus did the Lord inclose his church in Israel ; 
 and by this diversity of languages did outlaw the rest of the 
 earth ; for there was that venerable first language of the 
 Hebrew kept up, by which these sacred oracles of the Old 
 Testament were made known. ^ I shall further add, Is not 
 a divine hand eminently seen in this ? that so great a bar, 
 which for so long a time was betwixt the church and the 
 world, should nut only at last be taken off, but such a curse 
 turned into a blessing ; that the po\yer of God and his very 
 immediate work in spreading the light amongst so many 
 people of a strange language, might now under the gospel 
 be more conspicuous, that once such an interdiction hath 
 been served on the world thereby, to shut the nations out 
 from the church : for we may say, there hath been as sig- 
 nal a miracle in the gift of tongues under the New Testa- 
 ment, as there was formerly in the confusion thereof. 
 
 III. What we have expressly promised in the word of 
 the church's delivery from Egypt, and was foretold by 
 Joseph at his death, that God would surely bring back his 
 people out of that land, for which he left his bones to lie 
 unburied as a pledge thereof, hath now many ages past 
 been fulfilled. It is long since that remarkable day, when 
 God made a way for his people through the Red sea, and 
 his power known upon Pharaoh, and the Egyptians ; 
 since Moses with the church did sing that triumphant song, 
 The horse and his rider, he hath cast in the sea. Wherein 
 these things are most clear, 
 
 ]. That this was a deed .known and public in the lime ; 
 winch was not done in a corner, but in the view of the 
 world, and before all the children of Israel, and by them 
 attested, and with greatest carefulness transmitted to their 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 233 
 
 children, and by these to the following generations, as a 
 thing never to be forgotten. 
 
 2. Was testified by Moses^ so great a person, and eye 
 witness thereof ; one whom even the most ancient of hea- 
 then writers do mention with much respect, and in this 
 did never challenge his testimony, though a matter of fact, 
 and of that moment, which all the nations about could not 
 but know, and both in the present and after ages have the 
 remembrance thereof kept up ; so that they might easily 
 refute such a thing, if false. And we may judge, the 
 Egyptians and many others could want no good will to put 
 disgrace on a people, they so much hated, nor be ignorant 
 of that which Moses published in his own time ; to whose 
 works some of the most ancient heathen writers do shew 
 they have been no strangers. 
 
 3. A truth, which by Moses was put in record, and this 
 delivered to the Jewstobe kept by them and their children 
 in all succeeding ages ; a record, which they did so nar- 
 rowly look to, and had in that reverence and esteem, that 
 all the syllables and letters thereof were by them number ed y 
 lest in the smallest point it should be wronged ; yea, were 
 more careful to preserve it than any nation can be of their 
 most ineresting rights, and charters. 
 
 4. A thing, whereof the remembrance was yearly from 
 that time celebrated by the Jewish church : whence the in- 
 stitution of the passover had its rise ; that deliverance being 
 as a sign and sacramental pledge of that great salvation by 
 him who is our true passover. 
 
 IV. What is held forth in the scripture concerning we 
 more full growth of the Jewish church ; that Judah should 
 enjoy a sceptre, which was foretold by dying Jacob ; and 
 promised once and again to Abraham by the Lord, that 
 his seed should be as the sand of the sea, and enjoy Canaan 
 for an inheritance : hath it not long since been fulfilled I 
 Wherein these things are clear, 
 
 1. That for many ages Israel did enjoy that land in a 
 most flourishing condition ; which doth in part appear 
 from those very ruins and desolations, over which they 
 have so long lamented, the glory of Jerusalem, and the 
 temple once so famous, which causeth such reverence 
 amongst them to the very rubbish thereof at this day. 
 
 2. That they were once a people by themselves, who were 
 not^ mingled with the nations but kept at a distance, by 
 their religion and laws, from the rest of the worlci, as a pe± 
 cuUarhcopk to the Lord is a thing undeniable. 
 
 3. That whilst they enjoyed it, there was a singular 
 blessing o$ frui tf nines s thereon above other places ; so as 
 
 F F 
 
234 The Fulfilling of the Scriptufi. 
 
 that small piece of ground was enough for an innumerable 
 multitude of inhabitants ; but the same is now at this day 
 a barren land, an extraordinary curse no less seen thereon, 
 than the blessing was in former times. 
 
 4. It is also evident, that something in the way, and car- 
 riage of this people y even in their low wandering condition, 
 doth discover they have not forgot what once they were, nor 
 their former grandeur and flourishing, but still keep by 
 ihemsehes, with some respect to their own land, which 
 their fathers did enjoy. 
 
 V. That piece of the scripture, which did concern the 
 declining times of the church under the Old Testament, what 
 Jeremiah foretold of the Babylonish captivity, hath now 
 many ages since been fulfilled : a truth, which we have at- 
 tested by sacred history, an history which doth clearly jus- 
 tify itself and its authority by such convincing marks there- 
 of, that we may say those who do seriously converse with 
 the word, cannot take up atheism without the laying 
 down of reason, and putting a force upon their own light. 
 
 Now as to this particular prophecy we would but seri- 
 ously consider, 
 
 1. That which Jeremiah did foretell about the captivity, 
 was not its accomplishment put on record in a book of the 
 churches lamentations ? Where this truth may be read # in 
 her tears ; and truly such as ever knew grief in a high 
 measure, may easily know what is there expressed, to be 
 sad earnest, and read the lively motions of an afflicted case 
 herein. And besides hath not this been witnessed to after 
 ages by a visible monument, even the destruction of the 
 temple, that great and^ excellent work, which though after 
 rebuilt did never attain its former splendor. 
 
 2. This was a matter of fact of great note, and famous in 
 the time, done in the view of all the nations, a considerable 
 piece of the Babylonish conquest ; yea, that testimony the 
 scripture beareth to the same, was it not a few ages after 
 made public toother parts of the world by the Septuagint 
 translation, so that it had been easy for Ptolemy or any in 
 that time to have discovered the falsehood of a thing so 
 lately done : yet, those times, nor the most professed ene- 
 mies to the church therein, could not in the least contra- 
 diet the same. 
 
 3. Though mi: eh of hutnatt history , and those records 
 of ancient times that we now have, are both corrupt and 
 defective, yet there wants not some consent, from the surest 
 of these, to many of the most observable things that we have 
 of the history of the Old Testament ; and as to the certain- 
 ty of this truth, besides its own authority, we shall find 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 23 5 
 
 some of these oldest writers, Berosus, Herodot, and Xeno- 
 phon, give some light to the same, whose witness the athe- 
 ist cannot challenge ; yea, is it not clear that fosephus, 
 not only from sacred history, but from these old records 
 and fragments of former times, which were then extant 
 (though since have been much lost) composed his Jew- 
 ish antiquities, which give so particular a relation of this 
 truth. 
 
 VI. What was foretold by Daniel concerning the rise 
 a?idfall of the monarchies, and change of those great em- 
 pires, which had been so sore a rod upon the church, hath 
 it not many ages past had a most punctual performance ? 
 It is now long since that great image shewed to the prophet 
 in a vision, hath been brought down and broken, so that 
 scarce the toes thereof do now remain : which, besides the 
 scripture, may be clearly demonstrated upon other rational 
 grounds. 
 
 1. Its being granted, that the prophecy of Daniel was 
 translated in Greek, and laid upin that great library of 
 Alexandria, long before much of it was fulfilled, . bt fore' 
 Antiochus Epiphanes, and the rising of the Roman empire, 
 of which Porphyrius could not be ignorant, though all he 
 could answtr to that evident agreement betwixt his proph- 
 ecy and the event was, that it must have been writ after 
 these things were accomplished ; whilst it is clear, that a 
 part of the prophecy of Daniel, which concerned the fourth 
 monarchy, was not even in his times fully made out, yea, 
 we must say, something thereof doth reach to the last end 
 'of time. 
 
 2. It is also undeniable, that in these great revolutions of 
 the monarchies there is a discernible consent and harmony 
 betwixt the scripture, and these ancient records, which we 
 yet have of those times : so that not only the things them- 
 selves, but some of the most observable circumstances 
 thereof, which are particularly mentioned by Daniel, we 
 may read in Xenophon, Herodot, and Diodorus Siculus. 
 
 3. It must also be granted, that some things which in 
 DaniePs prophecy would seem most strange and improba- 
 ble, such asBelshazzar's death in that very night the hand 
 writing was shewed to him, may be particularly under- 
 stood in Xenophon' s history ; how Cyrus took the advan- 
 tage of the Babylonian security, whilst they were in the 
 midst of a solemn feast, and by diverting the channel of 
 Euphrates did enter the city without opposition ; also how 
 that great horn of the high goat was so suddenly broken, 
 and the coming up of four in his room, which by Daniel 
 are expounded of the Grecian monarchy, and the dividing 
 
236 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 of that empire after Alexander's death, is it not punctually 
 held forth by all the histories of that time ? 
 
 4. Was there not a very convincing appearance of a divine 
 hand, both in the rise and fall of these monarchies, and an 
 extraordinary providence which we cannot but see, when 
 we read these histories, that surely something above ordi- 
 nary means and second causes was both in Cyrus'' con- 
 quest over the Babylonians, and the marvellous swift 
 progress and success of Alexander against the Persians. 
 
 VII. That which was the great scope of all prophecies 
 under the Old Testament, the coming of the Messias, is 
 surely verified, and now many ages past hath had an ac- 
 complishment. The Lord is come unto his temple, even he 
 whose day Abraham and the saints under the law did long 
 after : this was the most happy and notable crisis, that 
 ever the church was under, the great epocha and period of 
 time, from which she doth now reckon. We know, this 
 is no fable, or cunning device of man, that God was mani- 
 fested in the flesh, did make his abode for some time in the 
 earth, suffered at Jerusalem in the view of the world, be- 
 fore many witnesses, did arise from death on the third 
 day , was seen and known by his disciples thereafter, and 
 having finished the work for which he came, was received 
 up again into glory. 
 
 This is indeed a great truth, which concerneth us no less 
 to know, and be sure of, than our soul is worth, and our 
 interest through eternity : the fulfilling whereof, besides 
 the authority of sacred writ, the witness and records of the 
 evangelists and apostles of Jesus Christ, who testify what 
 they certainly knew, is a truth which from such convincing 
 rational grounds may be demonstrated, that the greatest 
 height of atheism knoweth not how to state itself in a di- 
 rect opposition to the same. And truly in this, we may 
 §ay, the Lord hath so tendered the strengthening of his 
 people's faith and their encouragement, that as it is the 
 most interesting piomiseof the scripture, on which our 
 whole hope and blessedness depends, so is it also most 
 clear and conspicuous in the event. 1 shall but only touch 
 this, whereof so much hath been said by others. 
 
 1. It is undeniable, the Messias was to come ; to whom 
 all the sacrifices under the law, those ancient types and 
 shadows, did clearly point : to whom the prophets bear 
 witness ; and it was the faith of the ancient Jewish church, 
 of which promise they were persuaded, even whilst they 
 saw it but afar oft', yea, did embrace it and repose them- 
 selves thereon. And is there not a most clear and exact 
 portrait drawn forth under the Old Testament, of the 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 237 
 
 Mcssias ; what an one he should be, and by what pecu- 
 liar characters he should be known, who was to be reveal- 
 ed to Israel ? 
 
 2. The special season, and period of time, wherein 
 Christ should come, we find prefixed and shewed^ to the 
 ancient church ; which, though under some figurative ex- 
 pressions seemed then dark, yet was so far revealed, that 
 upon a diligent search and inquiry, and particular colla- 
 tion of the times, it might be easy to discern the Messiahs 
 coming and near approach. Of which salvation the proph- 
 ets did inquire, 1 Pet. i. 10. And truly the fall of the 
 monarchies, and right understanding of Daniel's weeks, 
 were sure and solid grounds for a clear computation. 
 Thence was it, that so general an expectation of the Mcs- 
 sias was among the Jews, at that very time when lie came ; 
 so as divers impostors did arise, whom the people were 
 ready to follow ; and we see with what amazement the 
 Pharisees did incjuire at John the Baptist, // he were the 
 Christ, or not ; yea, Josephus sheweth how the persuasion 
 of this did most excite that people to war with the Romans 
 from the prophecies they had in holy writ, that from Judea 
 should about that time come he who was to be emperor of 
 the world. 
 
 3. It is also sure, there was such an one, who in the days 
 of Tiberius, and under the reign of Herod, was made man- 
 ifest to Israel: and came with no outward shew and ob- 
 servation, but did great and marvellous things before ail 
 the people ; was crucified at Jerusalem, under^ Pontius, 
 Pilate ; and notwithstanding the ignominy of his death, 
 was after adored, and followed, both by many of the Jews 
 and the Gentiles ; whose doctrine did also in short time 
 spread through the world : a truth, which the greatest ad- 
 versaries of the gospel have ever confessed, and do attest 
 the history thereof, de facto, to be a faithful relation. Not 
 only Jews, but the heathen writers, Suetonius, Tacitus, and 
 Plinius the younger, that lived near, and some of them 
 contemporary with the times of the apostles, do witness 
 that this Jesus, whom the christians worship, did truly 
 suffer in the time of Pilate's jurisdiction over the Jews. 
 
 4. Is it not clear, how this appearance of Christ to the 
 world did exactly fall in with the very time, foretold by the 
 prophets therefor ? Was not Jacob's prophecy thus ac- 
 complished ? For until that time it is clear the royal line of 
 David's house did not cease, until Herod a stranger came 
 to reign, by whom it was utterly cut off. And it is mani- 
 fest, those seventy weeks mentioned by Daniel, must be 
 understood of years; else they could admit no other sense : 
 
23 8 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 which reckoning from the decree given out by Cyrus, to 
 rebuild the temple, are 490 years, and doth answer to the 
 very time of Christ being in the world, and hisdeatn, which 
 necessarily falls in the last of these weeks, a thing so man- 
 ifest, that Porphyrins, an avowed enemy to the christian 
 religion, could have no answer, but that this prophecy had 
 been devised after the event : which I am sure, the Jews, 
 though as direct adversaries would be loath to admit. 
 
 5. It is most clear, that in him, who at that time was re- 
 vealed to Israel, and whom the christian church doth this 
 day worship, was exactly accomplished whatever was by 
 the prophets told concerning the Messias. And it is no 
 small advantage for the christian cause, that it needs but 
 appeal to those records, which have been kept in the hands 
 of her adversaries, where there is so clear a portrait of 
 him held forth, as to his person, his way of coming, the 
 place whence, the entertainment he should have, and his 
 death, that I must think it a contradiction to reason, men 
 should acknowledge the Old Testament, and not grant the 
 New ; since it is clear, the Jews, look for no other Mes- 
 sias, than such an one as is held out by the prophets, and 
 they acknowledge also the divine authority of Isaiah, 
 Daniel, Micah, Malachi, fcfc. who do by such clear marks 
 point him forth, and shew the church how they should 
 know him when he cometh. For truly it may thence ap- 
 pear, that it is not more certain, the Messias should come, 
 than that Jesus Christ is he. I would but seriously ask, 
 what do the Jews this day miss in our blessed Lord Jesus, 
 which the Old Testament alloweth them to expect in the 
 Messias ! Is it that he came not with outward shew and 
 glory ? Sure, according to the scripture, such an one we 
 ought not to acknowledge ; no, should lie not be the seed 
 of the woman fGen. ii.) who should be born of a virgin, as 
 Isaiah sheweth ; his voice not heard in the streets ; despis- 
 ed and rejected of men, a man of sorrows? Such an one, 
 as was shadowea out under the law, who should be made 
 a sacrifice for sin ; yea, come with no outward pomp, but 
 meek and lowly, and riding upon an ass, was to be betray- 
 ed, and sold (and his price shewed by ZacheriahJ for thirty 
 pieces ; a crucified dying Christ, that should be wound- 
 ed in the house of his friends, and cut off from amongst the 
 children of his people I O ! can men possibly deny so clear 
 an accomplishment of these in our blessed Lord ? 
 
 6. Is it not undeniable, that the Jews now, in their pres- 
 ent case, cannot possibly expect the accomplishment of this 
 promise ; that the Messias cannot this day come, accord- 
 ing to the scripture, except they could be put in such a 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 239 
 
 condition, as they were in then at Christ's coming ? Cer- 
 tainly it is impossible, that the Old Testament be ever ful- 
 filled about this, if it be not already. Can he come forth 
 out of Bethlehem whilst now no such place is known by 
 that name ? Can he come into his temple, that is utterly de- 
 stroj'ed ? Is there not now a subversion of the tribes, and 
 the family of David not known at this day ? Yea, are not 
 the Gentiles brought in, whom Isaiah sheweth should be 
 gathered under the standard of the Mess? as ? Doth not the 
 daily sacrifice cease f which, the Jews will confess, hath 
 been so for many ages ; and this was to be after his coming. 
 And I would ask, how was that ever fulfilled, that the glory 
 o) f the second temple should exceed the glory of the first ? 
 for this cannot be on the account of its structure, or out- 
 ward magnificence ; sure there is nothing, wherein this 
 glory could appear, but as it points at Christ, and the 
 breaking out of that glorious light, which was before its de- 
 struction. 
 
 7. There is an innumerable company, who have em- 
 braced the^ gospel, and received the spirit by the ministry 
 thereof, since the times of the apostles, who have put this 
 seal thereto in all ages, that it is the power and wisdom of 
 God. And truly without partial respect (which the con- 
 sciences of the worst of men have been forced to justify) 
 it may be said, these were the excellent of the earth in their 
 time : many of greatest outward parts and abilities, whose 
 moral integrity and candour was beyond question even 
 with their adversaries ; and these both of Jews and Gen- 
 tiles, of all ranks of men, of all nations and languages ; who 
 not only by a naked profession, but by their walk and suf- 
 ferings did shew forth the power and virtue of a crucified 
 Christ ; yea, shine as lights whilst they were in the world, 
 to the conviction of spectators. And is not this a convinc- 
 ing witness to the truth of the gospel, which its enemies 
 cannot possibly deny ? 
 
 8. That excellent doctrine, delivered to the church in the 
 New Testament, by Christ and bis apostles, doth it not 
 clearly shew whence it is, and witness its own authority ? 
 For here we may see a manifest agreement betwixt this 
 and the doctrine of the ancient Jewish church ; that as the 
 five books of Moses hold forth the sum of the gospel, the 
 covenant of grace, and that mystery of salvation by Christ, 
 so the prophets do carry it on with further clearness, and 
 the evangelists bring it forward : like an excellent edifice 
 that is founded and advanced in the one, but perfected in 
 the other : all breathing the same spirit, with a convincing 
 tendency to the same end. So that we may say the old 
 
240 The Fulfilling of toe Scripture. 
 
 Jews under the law were in effect christians, and the fol- 
 lowers of Christ now under the gospel in some respect are 
 Jews ; being one in the substantiate of their religion. For 
 it is clear, that poor apostate people now of the Jewish na- 
 tion hath wholly departed from their own doctrine, and 
 will not come to the light, that they may be judged accord- 
 ing to the Old Testament. Now in this I would seriously 
 attest the adversaries of the gospel, if paganism, the Turks' 
 Alcoran, or Jewish Talmud hold forth any such doctrine 
 or rule as that which the christian religion doth ! such 
 pure, and excellent precepts, to restrain the inordinacy of 
 corrupt affection, backed with arguments becoming an 
 immortal soul ; a doctrine so sincere, solid, and rational, 
 so consistent with itself, and agreeable to the true scope 
 and drift thereof, which holds forth the most exquisite rule 
 of perfection, for men to press after ; yea, where every 
 page and line breatheth forth holiness towards God, and 
 righteousness and humanity towards man ! 
 
 9. I shall add, those clear convincing evidences of the 
 truth of the gospel, which did attend the first publishing 
 thereof were so manifest and undeniable a seal from the 
 Lord, as may force the greatest atheist to silence. For, 
 (1.) They were Jews as much concerned in the religion 
 of their fathers as any, who did first publish the gospel ; 
 none more zealous according to the law, than Paul was be- 
 fore his conversion ; none also could challenge their driv- 
 ing an outward interest hereby, since persecution and 
 bonds, yea, greatest hazard was that which they must ex- 
 pect. (2.) It is clear, they walked by no rule of human 
 policy, nor those ordinary ways of insinuation which the 
 world doth use, to engage men, and make a party to them- 
 selves : but did deliver the truth, truth most repugnant to 
 the flesh and its interests, with greatest candour and sim- 
 plicity, though likewise with a convincing authority and 
 confidence ; yea, came with a message to the world, which 
 had no other convoy, or persuading argument , but the evi- 
 dence of its own truth, yet withal such a power accompany * 
 ins the same* before which men could not stand. (3.) 
 What is published concerning Christ by the evangelists, 
 the great works he did, his dying at Jerusalem, with all 
 the stupendous circumstances thereof and signs from heav- 
 en, was nor a thing done in a comer, but in the public view 
 of men, which in those days was most known and famous : 
 but yet there cannot be produced one contradictory testi- 
 inony, to the truth of theie relations, by any adversary of 
 1, either at that time, or since. Sure the world 
 wanted no malice, and these great things were early pub- 
 
The Fulfilling of t.be Scripture* 241 
 
 iished by the evangelists and apostles, whilst much of that 
 
 us alive ; yet it is clear, though in a matter of 
 
 xrnment, which made then so great a noise, and 
 
 t all in a flame, none was 
 found cither among Jews or Gentiles, who could or durst 
 put forth a manifesto, to discover the least cheat or false- 
 hood in those things attested iu the history of the gospel. 
 V er different par: : sects did break out 
 
 with the first time of the church, to oppose the truth in 
 er things, yet in this they had consent, that he "echo 
 
 JeruSaUm was the Mecsias, and Christ. 
 Which truly diet uitnessthe clear irresistible manifesto- 
 [)f this truth in those times ; since, if there could 
 been the least ground to challenge any imposture cr 
 I in tins great foundation of the christian faith, it^ is 
 more than probable, those bitter contentions, followed with 
 such animosity and heat and irritation, of those whom the 
 apostles and church in that time did with much zeal and 
 sharpest censures pursue, would have engaged them to put 
 all the disgrace upon the trutii, which thej' could, if they 
 might have had where to fasten their teeth. I would fur- 
 ther add, that even the arguments and objeaiens, which 
 the adversaries of the gospel^ could ever bring, to oppose 
 the same, are indeed a convincing witness and confirma- 
 tion, and shew how tittle they could any way say, in giv- 
 ing their malice a vent. We find that absurd allegation of 
 the Jews, that the great works Christ did in the days of 
 were by stealing the name Jehovah out of the. 
 temple, which they allege he sewed up in his thigh : 
 which truly needeth no further refutation but the reciting 
 thereof. And here they are even forced to witness the 
 truth of those relations held forth by the evangelists as to 
 the matter of fact, which we find also these later atheists, 
 such as Vanninus, Cardan, &c. dare not challenge or de- 
 bate : only they would ascribe these great works which 
 Christ then wrought, to the influence of the stars ; a 
 challenge so absurd, that needs no other answer but to 
 relate it. 
 
 VII I. We have that remarkable prophecy of the incom- 
 ing of the Gentile?, a truth indeed great and marvellous, 
 which is expressly held forth in the Old Testament 
 {Ts. liv. 1, 2. Is. be. 3, 9) is a thing so cleaily now written 
 forth in t. that I am sure, the greatest atheists can 
 have no shift here : but mast own that in this strange work 
 of God about his church, the scripture hath an undeniable 
 N .his let us but consider, 
 
242 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 1. That/br many ages this truth about the incalling of 
 the Gentiles was sealed up in a prophecy ; a thing so great 
 and astonishing to the ancient Jewish church, that they 
 could not well comprehend the same, until once the event 
 brought it forth. For this was indeed a mystery hid from 
 ages, how the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same 
 body, and partakers of the promise in Christ; when the 
 bounds and extent of the church did not exceed Judca, 
 that small inclosurc, whilst the whole world beside did lie 
 buried, like an outfield, in dark paganism. For it is well 
 known, that the most pleasant places of Africa, Asia, and 
 Europe, where afterwards many famous churches were, 
 within these 1600 years was but a savage wilderness : 
 Britain, Germany and France, did then worship the sun 
 and stars, they sacrificed to the gods of the heathens ; yea, 
 those eastern parts on which the sun did first rise, did not 
 then know the God of Israel ; a truth, which not only the 
 Roman and Grecian histories, but the records of particular 
 nations can clearly attest. 
 
 2. It is clear, that this prophecy was not held forth only 
 in general ; but we find the time also prefixed (with other 
 special circumstances) when it should have its accomplish- 
 ment, at the appearing of the Messias. He should be re- 
 pealed to Israel; before which time a bar was drawn in 
 the way of the nations, and a wall of partition betwixt 
 them and the church, until he stand up who should hold 
 forth an ensign to the people, and gather the Gentiles under 
 his standard ; which Isaiah doth clearly shew, Is. xi. 10, 
 and xxxiv. 1, 2. and lx. 1 , &c. And then must the moun- 
 tains flow down at his presence, nations be born at once ; 
 yea, the light break forth to the east and the west: then 
 should the children of the desolate be more than of the mar- 
 ried wife, when this time even the set time forthe Gentiles 
 is once come. And it may be very convincing, which is 
 most observable, that notwithstanding of a more flourish- 
 ing condition of the Jewish church in former ages, when 
 her grandeur and prosperity was more tempting, and the 
 neighbourhood and commerce which the nations about 
 pad with that people, yea, though by the captivity they 
 were scattered among the Persians and Babylonians ; yet 
 was there no such stir or change of the world, until the ap- 
 pouted time once came. 
 
 3. It may he easy to prove the event of this prophecy, and 
 its manifest accomplishment, even at the time thereof. For 
 this men cannot deny, tf'at the Lord did visit the Gentiles 
 trim the knowledge of his truth : which then caused such a 
 change in the earth, as a great part of it hath been brought 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 24S 
 
 from heathenish idolatry, to worship the God of Israel ; 
 and such who once were strangers and aliens, now made 
 to profess the same faith (as to the substance thereof) of 
 the ancient Jewish church. Sure this truth needs not 
 want a witness, whilst nations and much of the known 
 world have been for so long a time, and yet to this day are 
 a visible proof thereof; a truth of such concernment, 
 that in former ages made a great and stupendous change 
 upon the face of the earth, so that not only an innumerable 
 company out of all nations and languages, but the general- 
 ity, the very complex body of kingdoms and nations can 
 bear witness thereto. And now the gospel hath been 
 preached through much of the world ; yea, we may say, 
 there are few parts thereof, where therehath not been 
 some face of a church ; though the promise hath not yet 
 had its full accomplishment, but we wait for (according to 
 the scripture) a more flourishing time, and great harvest 
 among the nations, when Israel shall be gathered: howev- 
 er, it is sure, the Lord hath in a great part fulfillecl this his 
 promise, so that the church might then with astonishment 
 cry out, Who hath begotten all these children ! Who are 
 these that flee as a cloud, like the doves to their windows ! 
 O blessed day ; in which the light did first break forth on 
 the poor offspring of Japhet, who then dwelt in the shallow 
 and region of death ! O blessed day, that brought salvation 
 with it to the Gentiles, wherein the Lord did visit those 
 dark places of the- earth, which were full of the habitations 
 of cruelty. I think, the sense of so great a mercy should 
 never let us want an errand for giving thanks, yea, put 
 much to silence our other complaints. 
 
 4. It is not only as to the time, but those very places of 
 the earth, which Esaias and other of the prophets did par- 
 ticularly point at, this promise had an exact accomplish- 
 ment ? For it is this day manifest, as to the isles, which we 
 find so frequently mentioned, that these should wait for his 
 law, and the uttermost parts of the earth, whence he should 
 bring the daughter of his dispersed, we may get a dear 
 commentary upon the same, from what the Lord hath done 
 to Britain and Ireland, with other remote parts of the 
 earth : yea, have not Ethiopians been made to stretch out 
 their hands even in those sunburnt places of Africa ? Hath 
 not Christ also had a conquest, where many a blackmoor 
 was through grace made as the snow of Salmon, and the 
 feathers of a dove ? So that it is clear, how these particular 
 places, which were so oft pointed at by the prophets, have 
 been visited by the gospel, and fallen to the share of the 
 church. 
 
244 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 5. This change, which by the incoming of the Gentiles 
 to the church was wrought upon the earth, is a thing so 
 great and astonishing., that were it still in the promise, and 
 this not yet fulfilled, it would truly stagger our faith, how- 
 such a thing should ever come to pass : and is there not 
 here a miracle, that the world cannot possibly deny ? (Even 
 this great work of God in bringing in of the Gentiles, which 
 without an extraordinary power, could not be effected) if 
 men will consider, (First) That sivift progress which then 
 the gospel had ; how it did run, and was glorified, through 
 the farthest parts of the earth, and like lightning break 
 forth from one place to another ; so that in the apostles' 
 time, the scripture doth shew, how most of the conspicuous 
 provinces of Asia had received the gospel ; and Teitullian, 
 who lived in the second century (in his book contra Juda- 
 os) doth there witness how many nations, and these most 
 remote from other, Parthians, Medcs, Armenia, Phrygia, 
 Cappadocia, Po?itus,imc\ Pamphilia, with much of Egypt, 
 and divers parts of Africa, besides Rome, Spain, and 
 other places of Europe, were in his time almost wholly 
 christian. For it is indeed clear, that the bounds of the 
 church was then of a larger extent, than it is now at this 
 day. (2.) It is also undeniable, that in this solemn day of 
 the gospel's spreading amongst the nations, suffering and 
 persecution did all that time attend the church; yea, in 
 such a measure, that as the writers of those times do wit- 
 ness, neither famine, pestilence, nor the sword did destroy 
 so many of the world, as then were of christians in the two 
 first centuries put to death for adhering to the truth : and 
 it is clear, that this great work of God, in such a swift 
 spreading of the church, was most discernible in those times 
 of hottest persecution : yea, then was her most effectual 
 growth and increase, which upon her getting some rest, 
 and beginning to flourish with external peace, was at a 
 visible stand. (3.) How marvellous a thing was this, to be 
 brought about, if we consider the many different languages 
 that did then stop correspondence between the church and 
 the rest of the earth. For how could the truth thus spread 
 among the nations, yea,, in such remote places of the world 
 churches be planted by the apostles, and have the scripture 
 translated, and made legible to them, without that extraor-. 
 dinary gift of tongues, which for that end was then given 
 from the Lord ? Sure, beside sacred authority in this mat- 
 ter, reason may convincingly witness to the world the truth 
 of such a miracle. (4.) How strange and wonderful a 
 change was this, that in so short a time the gospel should 
 thus enlighten and put such a lustre on the most rude and 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 245 
 
 savage places of the earth, where scarce humanity had 
 been, and bring them from the condition of beasts, to be 
 men ; should thus tame and civilize the greatest barbari- 
 ans, and cause the lion to lie down with the lamb, yea, by 
 the preaching of that gospel, and of a crucified Christ , 
 which as it was to the Jews a stumbling block , so to the 
 Greeks foolishness ! 
 
 And in a word, was not this indeed a miracle, how in a 
 matter of such high concernment as that wherein men's 
 souls and everlasting interest lay, they should be turned oft 
 from their old way and religion, in which they and their 
 lathers had been so long rooted ; and that a little spark 
 which did break out in Judea, should bring down the idols 
 of the nations, and burn up their temples ! 
 
 Alas, that there is so little of a large heart, of that primi- 
 tive zeal and fervour this day among christians for the en- 
 largement of the church ! that such merchants are now 
 rare, who would venture out to trade with other parts, for 
 this excellent ware, the merchandise whereof is better than 
 of gold! O that in these parts where the truth is known 
 and professed, the Lord would raise up men of such a spir- 
 it, and such a magistrate, who would make it their work, 
 and lay down solid grounds how to advance the kingdom of 
 Christ in the dark places of the earth, and reckon their in- 
 terest in a foreign plantation upon the account of the gospel, 
 no less than on the account cf urude ? we would pray, and 
 yet hope for this. 
 
 IX. What we find foretold by Daniel, yea, by Christ 
 himself, about the destruction of Jerusalem, and ceasing of 
 the Jewish daily sacrifice, with the rejection of that people, 
 (Dan. xii. 11. Matth, xxiv. 2.) hath many ages ago come 
 10 pass, wherein the world may see how clearly the event 
 doth answer this prophecy. For it is manifest, 
 
 1. That this is a truth which doth need no other wit- 
 ness, than the scattered remnant and desolate ruins of that 
 once flourishing church and nation of the Jews, which we 
 see with our eyes at this day , whose present state is so great 
 a monument of divine judgment, so clear a witness to the 
 scripture, that 1 think men cannot look thereon, if they be 
 in any measure serious, but must have such a conviction. 
 
 2. What hath befallen this people, may it not be an as- 
 tonishment to the world in all succeeding ages ! A stroke, 
 that hath put them in a more sad condition than any na- 
 tion or people we ever yet heard of ! that cast them out of 
 their own land, and scattered them as vagabonds through 
 the earth, so that these many ages they have had no sceptre 
 nor lawgiver, no piece of the earth they ean call their own, 
 
LM6 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 but at the mercy and arbitrary disposal of every place they 
 reside in ; no privilege, or liberties, but a naked permis- 
 sion to possess their lives and estates during the pleasure 
 of those under whom they get shelter ! A people put by 
 themselves with a visible mark of divine wrath upon them, 
 like a beacon set up for all the nations to look on, even 
 these who were once eminently owned of the Lord, who 
 was known in their palaces for a refuge ! yea, it is very 
 manifest, that no stir or essay that ever they made fur their 
 relief, but was still to their further ruin, and found God's 
 hand visibly cross to them therein ! Sure, Ammiamis 
 Marcellinus, a heathen writer, did intend no testimony to 
 the christian cause in relating that strange passage, which 
 near his time fell out how the Jews by Julian's warrant 
 and permission did attempt to build the temple again, but 
 2, fire breaking out from the foundation thereof, which de- 
 stroyed many of the workmen, forced them with much 
 terror to desist. 
 
 3. Must it not be some strange and dreadful provoca- 
 iion, beyond the sin of their forefathers, whereat so strange 
 and unusual a stroke doth point ? Whilst it is clear, that 
 notwithstanding frequent idolatry, and departing from 
 God, when they were at that height in wickedness as to 
 offer up their children to Molech, and set up altars in the 
 groves, to reject the message of the prophets, and thrust 
 some of them in a dungeon; yet were only punished with 
 seventy years' captivity, and after by God's very immedi- 
 ate hand brought again % those who had taken them captive 
 concurring with them to rebuild the temple. But now 
 how long and dark hath their night been, since this judg- 
 ment came on them ! and though they could not these 
 many ages charge themselves with idolatry, yet no Saviour 
 or deliverer hath been raised up, no^ prophet sent forth, no 
 sign or appearance at this day of relief, now for these 1600 
 years ; yea, amidst these frequent changes and revolutions, 
 that have been in the world, no change in their condition ! 
 Sure, if that people were in speaking terms with their con- 
 sciences, this might put them to a strange demur, what 
 should be the cause, if they be not guilty of killing the 
 Messias, and that blood pursuing them : vjhat atrocious 
 provocation beyond others they can instance in, for which 
 the Lord doth so long and so sorely, by such an unusual 
 and unheard of stroke, thus contend. 
 
 4. What a marvellous concurrence of providences, and 
 convincii .ranee of a divine hand, was in this judg- 
 ment, the besieging o/ Jerusalem by the Romans falling in 
 with the very time of the passover ; whilst so great a con- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 247 
 
 flaence of people from all parts of the land were there on 
 that account, that both sword and famine might contribute 
 their help to destroy ! What unreasonable and astonishing 
 obstinacy against all offers of peace, and the most pressing 
 insinuations thereof, which Titus Vespasian made, even 
 whilst their ruin was otherwise inevitable ! An unheard of 
 strifey where the enemy did contend to save, but they to 
 undo themselves ! How judicially hardened, under most 
 remarkable prodigies and warnings, which they had of 
 that approaching desolation ; divided wholly arnongst them- 
 selves, yea, so cruel one upon another within, that their 
 adversary without could not but look thereon with com- 
 passion ! O what a stroke was this, wherein greatest athe- 
 ists would grant a fatality ! For indeed men cannot consider 
 the same without acknowledging a divine hand, andsome- 
 thing above ordinary means and causes, where all did thus 
 meet together in a solemn conspiracy to accomplish that 
 people's ruin. 
 
 5. But it is here we may see a singular providence of 
 God for his church, that those who of all the world are 
 most violent enemies to the christian truth, are also a most 
 convincing witness to the same. Whilst (1.) These do 
 clearly attest the scripture which is our alone charter, the 
 divine authority of Moses and the prophets, the true copies 
 whereof they did most tenderly preserve, whatever absurd 
 glosses some of their rabbies have thereon ; yea, durst 
 never offer in the least to vitiate the original, but have had 
 the same transmitted, still from one age to another ; to 
 which records, that are this day in their hand, the christian 
 church can with much confidence appeal, and demonstrate 
 from the Old Testament the undoubted truth of the New. 
 Yea, in this we may appeal the atheist to his conscience, 
 that the scripture is no imposture, or any cunning device 
 of christians, which is so far witnessed even by the great- 
 est adversary and maligners of the christian religion. (2.) 
 That strange induration of the Jews, their unreasonable 
 rejecting of the truth, who after so long a time cannot see 
 the cause, which is most discernible in their stroke. O is 
 not this also a most convincing seal to the scripture, and 
 clear fulfilling thereof, there is a veil over their mind, as the 
 apostle sheweth, whilst they read the law, judicially smit- 
 ten by the Lord with blindness that they cannot see until 
 once this veil be taken off ? And truly we may say, there 
 is nothing in their judgment more strange and astonishing, 
 than such a continued obstinacy against the truth : how 
 they should be thus dark in the noonday, but that herein 
 
248 The Fulfilling of the ScriptuM* 
 
 the scripture is fulfilled ; so that we may even turn a poi- 
 son into an antidote ! 
 
 X. That which is so expressly foretold in the New 
 Testament, yea, as the great drift of the prophecies thereof, 
 The coming of antichrist ', cifid revealing of the man of 
 sin to the world, (2 Thess. ii. 3, 4, 7, 8, 9.) hath long since 
 been accomplished ; wherein, we may say, the wonderful 
 corresponding of the event with the prophecy is so clear, 
 that this truth is now as plain and obvious, as once it was 
 dark to the church ; these things being undeniable, 
 
 1. How the Spirit of Go n in the scripture hath been in 
 a more than ordinary way particular, to point antichrist 
 forth by such notorious mirks and characters^ that after 
 ages may know him, if they will not shut their eyes. I 
 confess, it is not strange, the popish party should seal up 
 the scripture, and forbid the ordinary reading of it, since 
 the breaking forth of that light would soon make their 
 kingelom dark. For if men would but set the history of 
 the church, since the times of the apostles, over against the 
 scripture, and make use of that notable key for opening 
 the prophecies of the New Testament, it should be then 
 easy to know, the antichrist is surely come, and who this 
 is ; and herein doth the Lord's tender respect to his church 
 appear, that he doth not only in a very solemn manner 
 forewarn men about this great trial, and as it were by the 
 sound of a trumpet give an alarm, that such an adversary 
 was coming, yea, of the time thereof, who would do more 
 hurt, than all who had gone before, but doth also make so 
 clear a discovery of the whole fabric, rise, and progress of 
 that party, with such particular circumstances and differ- 
 encing characters from any other enemy of the church, as 
 may render the world most inexcusable, if they will needs 
 dash on that rock, whereon the scripture hath set so con- 
 spicuous a beacon. 
 
 2. That this prophecy should now want an accomplish- 
 ment, or antichrist be yet to come, is a thing most repug- 
 nant to sacred truth : since it is sure, that mystery of in- 
 iquity even in the times of the apostles did begin to work ; 
 and what then for a time withheld his coming, the heathen 
 empire of Rome, hath long since been taken out of the way ; 
 which caused some christians in those days to wish the 
 standing and continuance of that empire ! from the terror 
 they had of that adversary, who according to the word they 
 knew was to fill his room. Yea, do we not find, the 
 church's trial Horn antichrist should be the most sore- awl 
 listiw; tihil of the church under the New Testament ? 
 which aitu- her begun breathing from heathenish pcrsccu- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 249 
 
 tion, was to continue for many ages, wherein the word is 
 most express and clear, that the rise and fall of this enemy 
 should be gradual, and not at once ; whose beginning and 
 first appearance might be traced to the first times of the 
 church, and his close and final ruin near the second coming 
 of Christ, by the brightness W hereof 'ty$ } shall be destroyed! 
 And therefore this is so much the subject of the prophe- 
 cies of the New Testament, the great intent and scope of 
 the Revelation of John, in^ which the true state of the 
 christian church, with the various changes of her condition, 
 even from the opening of the first seal to the blowing of 
 the last trumpet, is particularly held forth ; and there may 
 we all along trace the steps of the rise and fall of that man 
 of sin. 
 
 3. That such an one as the scripture points forth, doth 
 most fully answer to all tiiose marks which are there given 
 of antichrist, hath come, and been revealed to the world, is 
 a thing so very manifest, that except men will needs force 
 their light and conscience* it cannot but be beyond quest- 
 ion and debate ; even such an one whose coming should be 
 after the working of Satan with all power, signs, and lying 
 wonders, for bidding to marry, and to abstain from meats 
 which God had appointed, who sitteth in the temple of 
 God, having a name full of blasphemy , and doth exalt him- 
 self above all that is called God, who bewitcheth the kings and 
 great men of the earth with his enchantments ; yea, that 
 even by his livery may he be known, he most usually hath 
 scarlet and purple, which I think truly marvellous, how par- 
 ticularly these are mentioned in the scripture ; and in a 
 word, such an one whose traffick and merchandise, is not 
 only gold and silver, but the souls of men ; who should be 
 drunk with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus 
 Christ ; under whose reign the church must flee to the wil- 
 derness, and there be latent for a long time ; and his seat, 
 that city which is situate upon seven hills, even that great 
 city which doth rule over the kings of the earth. O strange, 
 how men can acknowledge this for the scripture of God, 
 and yet not see it fulfilled before their eyes, that there is so 
 lively an image and portrait of antichrist there held forth, 
 such peculiar characters which do convincingly point at the 
 pope, and popish hierarchy ; yea, could answer to no oth- 
 er adversary, which Christ ever had under the New Test- 
 ament, either pagan, or Mahometan : and yet so much of 
 the world doth not know him when he is before their eyes ! 
 
 4. It is clear, that no age since antichrist was revealed, 
 did altogether want some witness, to point him forth, even 
 m the darkest times ; many of^mhamhvednot their lives 
 
 H H 
 
256 The Fulfilling if the Scripturt. 
 
 unto the death, that they might seal this truth ; and it may 
 be a question, if more of the blood of the saints was shed 
 under heathens, than in after times under antichrist. Yea, 
 though we had not such express marks to discover him, 
 from the world, it may be easy for men to judge who that 
 is, that is this day so i directly opp osite to Jesus Christ, and 
 to the great design of the gospel; that assumes to himself 
 what is alone due to God, to forgive sin, and be worship, 
 ped with religious adoration ; that challenges a magisterial 
 power and supremacy over the whole church, as its bead, 
 ii style too great for any of the angels : who maketh void 
 the merit of Christ, a id layeth down a way of life and sal- 
 vation, on the same terms that it stood in the covenant of 
 works, who doth destroy the great intent of the gospel ; 
 and in effect, denieth Jesus Christ to have come in the flesh ; 
 who setteth heaven upon sale for money, and permitteth 
 hone to perish and go to hell , but the poor, who doth dis- 
 pense with grossest acts of sin, and the express commands 
 of the Lawgiver, maketh moral prohibitions void by his 
 authority ; yea, halloweth the very stews, and most horrid 
 actsofuncleanness ; taketh on him to change the Condi- 
 tion of the dead, and ensure to their friends the happy state 
 of their souls, if they will make large offerings on that ac- 
 count. O I who is this, if not that antichrist^ whose 
 wav doth state him in such direct terms of opposition to 
 Christ ? 
 
 5. Have we not cause to wonder, no less at the strange 
 induration and blindness of the popish party, than of the 
 Jews, that whilst the one doth confess the Old Testament > 
 and j-et knoweth not Christ, the other should grant the 
 truth of the New Testament, and not know antichrist, that 
 he is ebrtie,ivcti he after whom a great part of the world 
 for these many ages hath been wandering ? Sure, so clear 
 an agreement betwixt this prophecy and the eventmay not 
 only put this beyond debate, but leave a conviction upon 
 the greatest atheists, of the truth and divinity of the scrip- 
 Hire. For whatever former times might pretend igno- 
 rance, whilst this mystery was but working, now when the 
 man of sin hath come to his full height and stature, and is 
 so clearly revealedby the light of the gospel, it taketh away 
 ail excuse ; and T profess, in these latter times, I cannot 
 see how one can be a knowing papist, and not an atheist 
 also 1 . 
 
 I know it "is a sore judgment on men, who will not re- 
 c*. ivethe truth, that the discovery thereof should be their 
 pain and torment ; and I am sure, whatever advantages of 
 outward peace the followers of antichrist have this day, 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 251 
 
 they can have no sound sleep, whilst the- light with that 
 clearness doth shine, that they can neither stand before it, 
 nor yet flee and escape, where their conscience will not 
 follow. t But O ! here is the scripture evidently fulfilled, 
 and their judgment far begun, as it is held forth in Rev. 
 xv'u that the greater discovery the light makes, the more 
 they should rage, and in fury rise against it : for the heat 
 of this cannot but scorch, where it doth not warm. There 
 is no help, where God doth judicially harden men: no 
 blindness, like that where they shut their eyes, and the 
 righteous God makes it their plague by putting his seal to 
 it. However, wisdom must be justified oj her children ; 
 the truth cannot lose its errand, even when its effects are 
 sad and judicial; for it is a sweet savour to God in them 
 who perish. It is truly a sad sight, and there seems no ac- 
 cess to convince, where malice at the way of the Lord 
 turns men mad, yea, cruel against themselves ; but since 
 the popish church c!o:s not avowedly deny the scriptures, 
 the divinity of the New Testament and prophecies thereof 
 (which is the great advantage we require to have its au- 
 thority admitted, and their religion brought to this test) 
 which is the alone rule of all true religion ; and since they 
 must grant that to be joined with antichrist, or partaker in 
 such a way, is most dreadful, and involve s them under the 
 greatest of judgments ; for it is a matter of no less weight, than 
 an eternal salvation, or damnation : yea, since this concerns 
 ministers of the gospel, as one .special part of their work 
 now in the last times, to bear witness against antichrist, 
 (that great, we must say the greatest adversary, which 
 Christ ever had in the earth) to warn and pursue without 
 ceasing this call, whatever success it have, that men would 
 come out of Babylon, and haste from under an approaching 
 wrath and vengeance, which 'on some pther ground, than 
 appearance, we are sure, now makes haste ; 1 would here 
 in behalf of the truth after some queries on this subject 
 (besides any thing hath been already mentioned) and 
 herein appeal the adversary to the scripture of God, that 
 great and uncontroverted judge, and to their own con- 
 science, yea v to the sober and retired thoughts of such, 
 who are under any awe or impression of a Deity, when 
 they are alone with themselves, if this so remarkable a 
 prophecy, about the antichrist, and his coming, be not now 
 clearly verified, that men may see hint with their.eyes, or 
 else must shut them at such a sight. 
 
 1. Is there not a ytryfitllmdpartkidar discovery which 
 the scripture gives of this great adversary, both in his rise 
 and growth, his reign and fell; a id not merely hy.apass* 
 
252 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 ing word : whom the apostle, 2 Thess. ii. 3, 4. points out 
 by such peculiar marks ; whom John does describe and 
 distinguish from all other antichrists, that were only to be 
 his forerunners, and shews him a more noted and principal 
 adversary of Christ above others ; yea, we have through 
 the whole Revelation most clearly discovered, under differ- 
 ent styles, what he should be, and what a sore and long 
 trial the christian church was to have under his reign. I 
 profess, when 1 read the scripture, and there see so express 
 and clear a forewarning, which many ages befcre we have 
 about the coming of this adversary, with such peculiar dis- 
 tinguishing circumstances and marks, as are at this day 
 most exactly verified in the event, I am constrained to ad- 
 mire at so convincing and unanswerable a witness to the 
 scripture's divinity ; and must think it strange, how men 
 at such a rate can wrestle against the truth, except by get- 
 ting a victory over their conscience, and putting the light 
 in fetters, whilst they own these prophecies of the New 
 Testament to be of divine verity ; which yet they so evi- 
 dently distort, against the clear sense and meaning thereof ; 
 yea, do adventure such a commentary on the same, that 
 manifestly destroys the text. 
 
 2. Can you possibly expect antichrist s coming to the 
 world now according to the scripture, if he be not already 
 revealed ; when his forerunners were so many ages be- 
 fore, even in the times of the apostles, to shew he was then 
 coming ? I must ask, if this adversary should this day be- 
 gin to appear, could you judge this is he, or reconcile such 
 a contradiction, how he is now breaking out, who was be~ 
 ginning to discover himself 1500 years ago ? For it is so 
 long since the apostle shewed, this mystery of iniquity 
 *was voorking, (2 Thess. ii. 7.) which clearly points at antu 
 christy who then was hatching, though not on such a growth 
 and ascendant, as after ; and could he be yet latent, yet in 
 the bud ? Hath there been no further advance, after so 
 many ages ? Hath this mystery yet not wrought itself 
 above ground ? O where hath he been, that such a working 
 thing, so dreadful a spark could keep so many ages under 
 ashes, and no flame, no fire perceived ? For it is sure if he 
 was then at work, he hath not yet ceased. Yea, if you 
 admit the scripture, is not the rising of the Turkish empire, 
 in the order of the trumpets, clearly after the revealing of 
 the antichrist ; and this horrid scourge held forth (Rev. 
 ix. 20.) as a remarkable judgment from the Lord, on the 
 christian world, then turned antichristian, for their idola- 
 try, worshipping of images, &c. which was not brought 
 into the church till the man of sin was towards his height ? 
 
The. Fulfilling of the Scripture. 253 
 
 *. Is not this unanswerably manifest, that he who did 
 withhold, and as a bar restrained antichrist's coming for a 
 lime, cannot now be standing in the way ? You see, the 
 scripture shews expressly there is a bar must be removed, 
 2nd then should this man of sin be revealed; and this cannot 
 be doubted, but that some temporal power was hereby 
 meant, which did then forcibly withstand (as the original 
 word katexon imports.) For it is very clear, whilst the 
 Roman empire was heathen, he could not brook Rome, or 
 as a monarch have his seat in that city with seven hills ; 
 he could not then bath sit in the temple ofGcd, and have the 
 kings of the earth to give their power with consent to him. 
 Now let me but appeal men to their reason and judgment, 
 if any such bar could be yet standing, after so great, yea, 
 such innumerable mutations and changes of the world. 
 When, many ages since, there have been such various sue- 
 cessions of states and kingdoms, and a wearing out of 
 greatest families, how could any temporal power be ever 
 since the days of the apostles a continued let in the way of 
 the adversary ? 
 
 4. This query I would seriously offer ; if such a party 
 can be found this clay, to whom all the marks of antichrist 
 held forth by the scripture, do truly agree, could you then 
 deny that lie is come ; if so be you look for such an anti- 
 christ, and under that cognizance, as the Holy Ghost 
 points him forth in the world ? O wiil you be so much in 
 earnest with your conscience, as to suffer the truth to come 
 thus near, that you may impartially judge what^ is there 
 of the prophecies, that concerns antichrist coming in the 
 world, which is not now verified in the event before your 
 eyes ; and admit the scripture but judge therein, whether 
 ihere is any such particular distinguishing badge and 
 mark, held forth in that blessed record for his discovery, 
 which does not convincingly quadrate with the pope, and 
 his followers. 
 
 5. I shall in this also appeal to your conscience, if there 
 be now or hath been under the new testament an other 
 party, or such an adversary to the church of Christ, to 
 whom these distinguishing characters of antichrist could 
 agree : such an one who should be no open adversary, but 
 sit in the temple of God under the veil of a friend, with a 
 shew of great wonders ' and miracles, and yet under that 
 shew exalt himself against God. I know, you will deny 
 that this hath a clear respect to the popish party, or is justly 
 applicable to them : but I am sure, if without a prejudicate 
 bias you would seriously judge, and abstract from appli- 
 cation, in this you could not deny an assent, that such a, 
 
254 The Fulfilling of the Scripture* 
 
 parti/ (whosoever he be) bears that great badge of anti- 
 christ, in exalting himself against God? who, as a friend, 
 doth assume those titles only due and competent to the 
 glorious God, and to the Mediator to be head and chief 
 doctor ot the catholic church, and alleges her for his spouse, 
 who challengeth an infinite power, by making use of that, 
 Mat. xxviii. 18. All power is given unto me, ike. (which 
 that book, intitled Pontifical Cere monies, does assert, Lib.u 
 fol. 36. who assumes an authority to bind men's con- 
 science by his law, and to free their conscience from those 
 laws which are divine and unchangeable ; who appoints 
 divine worship and adoration to creatures, by directing 
 prayers to them ; does subject the faith of the church to 
 the determination of a man, in which, as infallible, all must 
 rest : is not that a dethroning of him who is the great 
 prophet and teacher of his church, yea, a making his au- 
 thority void ? Now, beside these distinguishing charac- 
 ters, which the scripture, so expressly gives of antichrist, are 
 not these also so notorious and plain, that I think it strange 
 how men can have their reason and judgment in exercise, 
 and not know to whom they belong ; I mean, the forbid- 
 ding of marriage, and of the use of meats, which the apos- 
 tle holds forth, 1 Tim. iv. 3. and in Rev. xviii. 13. you 
 have there a merchandise with the souls of men. And O I 
 can any be in the dark, who these are, that have such a 
 peculiar trafnek with this ware, by redeeming souls for 
 money, and making a sale of pardons and indulgences, 
 which concern men's souls. 1 shall add that likewise Rev. 
 ix» 20. the worshipping of idols of gold a7id silver : and here- 
 in crave the world to be judge, yea, can appeal to some of 
 their own greatest writers, if this be not both the doctrine 
 and the practice of the Romish church, which one of the 
 most learned among them does expressly assert, that the 
 images of the trinity are not set up for a shew, but for re- 
 ligious adoration. And is not this a most direct making 
 void of the moral Jaw ? which so expressly forbids any 
 worshipping of the invisible God under the similitude of a 
 corruptible man, or under any visible representation.^ 
 
 6. Is not this foretold of antichrist, what a dominion he 
 should have over the kings of the earth- /Rev. xvii. 18.) 
 unto whom they should agree, end give the jr power and 
 kingdoms, to support his interest ? Now if this be not con. 
 vincingly verified, and hath been for many ages in the pope, 
 it is easy to judge : and 1 am sure, his followers would be 
 ioath to deny a thing, in which they so much boast. I con- 
 fess, were it not thus foretold by the scripture, we could 
 pat diink it credible, how the kings and great men of the 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 555 
 
 earth should be in such a measure bewitched, to enslave 
 themselves and their i terest to that party, and yield to so 
 strange a subjection under their yoke ; it seems so very 
 irrational, yea, like an infatuation, since they cannot but 
 see under what a terror he keeps them by his interdictions, 
 by assuming a power to loose subjects from any tie to their 
 princes ; and thus binding and loosing their conscience at 
 his pleasure, what interest he hath in their counsels, by 
 that subtile device of auricular confession ; what intolerable 
 homage and service he requires from princes ; what vast 
 treasure he draws for support of his hierarchy, from those 
 places where he hath power ; yea, what a visible tendency 
 his actions have to promote a worldly interest, and make 
 the great men of the earth dependent on him ; how easily 
 he can dispense with the greatest breaches of the moral 
 law, whilst most cruel and inexorable in any thing that in- 
 terferes with his power and supremacy ; O how astonish- 
 ing might this blind devoting of great men, both them- 
 selves and their power, to the support of such an interest 
 be, if we had not a clear resolution from the scripture,. that 
 this \s from the Lord, who hath put it in their heart, and 
 so far gives them up in his secret judgment ! 
 
 7. I must ask, is not that a convincing witness to the 
 scripture, and a clear argument for the protestant reformed 
 church, which you so much object against her, that her 
 condition for so many ages hath been low and abject, and 
 did so little appear, whilst the popish interest was resplend- 
 ent and flourishing ! For it is sure, such a long continued 
 suffering, and latent condition of the church under anti- 
 christ, is expressly foretold, wherein the witnesses should 
 be put to prophecy in sackcloth, and the poor woman 
 (which is meant of the church) put Xofiee to the wilderness 
 and be there hid : so that you cannot say, the cnurch and 
 followers of Christ have been lower in these worst and 
 darkest times, than the word holds her cut to be. Yet, 
 hath there been still a succession, and some witness for the 
 truth, and the church thus continued in all these times, 
 which (as one excellently says) was like a fresh river that 
 made her way through that horrid lake of antichristianism, 
 without mixing therewith, and at last did break out glo- 
 riously. 
 
 8. Is not the antichrist in a special way pointed out in 
 the scripture, by some proper mark ? some visible sign and 
 cognizance, which his followers should receive, for differ- 
 encing them for any other party, A;?/, xiii. 16. Now in this I 
 desire the world and most common observers to judge, if 
 those many strange ^a^/';/^ and rites of the Eomish church. 
 
258 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 their distinguishing signs and badges (which they so much 
 own and indispensably require, as visible characters of 
 their profession, yea, are so peculiar to that party beyond 
 others) do not convincingly quadrate with the scripture 
 herein, and most clearly verify the same in the event. The 
 world knows, and the ordinary way and practice of these 
 can witness, that^ frequent use (oh a most horrid, idolatrous 
 abuse !) of the sign of the cross ; which not only in a spe- 
 cial manner they take as a differencing badge of their party 
 from others, by so frequent a crossing of their forehead and 
 breast, and putting this as their mark on all they baptize, 
 or receive by confirmation ; but do ascribe also to it an 
 effective and operative power, and as a charm or magical 
 sign make use of it to effect things supernatural, to restrain 
 sin, drive , away the devil. For thus they conjure spirits, 
 thus they wear it in their rings, and pendiaries ; yea, is it 
 not by diem adored and worshipped, and made use of for 
 the blessing and consecration of all other things : sure, this 
 can be no matter of debate, since it is so known and obvi- 
 ous, and that it is easy thus to discern a Roman catholic, if 
 he but avow his profession, by such a visible sign, and find 
 him but by his mark ; which that party does pursue with 
 greatest fervour, and thereby correspond and discover 
 themselves one to another. 
 
 I shall further add, is not this the antichrist, whose name 
 must be understood, and reckoned by the number thereof, 
 which is the number of a man ! Rev. xiii. 18. It is true, 
 this seems very dark and mysterious, and instead of a more 
 clear discovery, might rather be judged. a drawing a veil 
 over this adversary : but since we have the scripture's ex- 
 press call and warrant, to make a serious inquiry and search 
 about its meaning, yea, does not only hold it forth as duty, 
 but shews such a thing is attainable, and may be under- 
 stood, I shall desire in humble sobriety, without peremp- 
 tory asserting, to offer some few thoughts on this scripture, 
 both as to its meaning, and how clearly the man of sin is 
 thus pointed out and his name made known by the number 
 thereof: about which I humbly judge (and must therein 
 crave liberty to differ from others, and those whose judg- 
 ment 1 most highly respect) that this number, as it is here 
 set down, is explicatory, and given as the very key to the 
 church, for opening the mystery of this name, and of that 
 man of whom also it is the number ; and thus shews, it is 
 not to be reckoned as the name of a single person, nor is 
 it to be found by arithmetical computation in the numeral 
 letters of a man, but is the name of a politic body, a name 
 which comprehends a plurality, such as those numef 1 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 257 
 
 orders and degrees of the pontifical hierarchy are ; and by 
 such a scale, his number does remarkably ascend in so 
 many degrees, until it terminate in a man, even in one ab- 
 solute monarch and universal head, as the very summa 
 totalis, in whom that whole number resolves, and there- 
 fore it is the number of a man. Yea, by this reckoning, 
 we may thus clearly know w/i at a man that is ; that as he 
 cannot be known, if we take him alone, without respect to 
 a politic body and the whole complex hierarchy, of which 
 number he is made up, as the constituent parts, we must 
 also understand, by this computation, the antichrist, with 
 respect to a long continued series and succession^ which 
 here the scripture shews to the church ; that he is not a 
 single individual person only, or such a politic body, of 
 many numerous degrees, resolving in one head, which 
 should be but for an age, or of a short duration ; but that 
 he is an adversary who is to be continued, in a numerous 
 succession, through a series of many ages. And thus may 
 the man of sin and his name be understood, by this number , 
 of which he is made up. Now in this, I humbly judge, 
 the scope of the scripture is clear, in setting down such a 
 rule to count antichrist by bis number, and thus does pro- 
 phetically obviate that great mistake after ages would fall 
 into, and is to this day entertained, that this adversary is 
 but one individual person, who should get up, and cause a 
 remarkable apostacy in the church ; therefore it is, that 
 the world will not know this is he, when they see him 
 before their eyes; not considering that such a numerous 
 body and succession is contained in his name, from which 
 he cannot be separate. ^ 
 
 But for further clearing, I shall offer some few things to 
 be seriously considered in his reckoning. (1.) Here is a 
 number, and plurality, by the Holy Ghost particularly set 
 down, by which antichrist must be known and counted : 
 and the tie is so close betwixt him and his number, that 
 both the man and his name is formally made up thereof. 
 (2.) Here is a number which is not to be sought after by 
 the subtile computations of arithmetic or any curious in- 
 quiry in the numeral letters of a man's name ; since thus 
 we cannot know the true use of christian wisdom and pru- 
 dence, which the scripture requires ; yea, it is clear, this 
 way might answer several other names, as well as Latcinos, 
 which could not in an ordinary way be determined, with- 
 out a pretending to some extraordinary revelation and dis- 
 covery. But here may be judged work for spiritual r tu?j- 
 dopi, to count this number -'of antichrist, and his name, 
 with respect to his nature, frame, ancj composition. (3,} 
 x x 
 
25B The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 Here is such a number, which is all summed up in one 
 man, and cannot otherwise be counted or understood, 
 but as it hath a respect to a single person, in a continued 
 succession, wherein it resolves. Now, is there not such a 
 number, to which the pope stands as nearly related, as the 
 total sum is to those degrees, and lesser numbers, of which 
 it is made up ? And here is wisdom, to join aright that 
 man of sin, and his number, and there see how exactly they 
 quadrate in the event, and each gives light to another. 
 (4.) We find here a large number, wherein there is a plu- 
 rality of many different degrees, rising one above another, 
 and is therefore definitely expressed by so great a number 
 as 666. (5.) This is also a number (and herein there 
 seems clear ground for such a remark) which is most unite 
 and compact ; with a close concatenation, a remarkable 
 order, and rising from a lower to a higher degree, with a 
 special subordination and dependence on each other ; yea, 
 is thus knit, that one part comprehends the other ; such 
 as is most clear and obvious, in that subtile politic consti- 
 tution of the Romish state, and that numerous hierarchy, 
 with which this definite number of 666 seems marvellous- 
 ly to quadrate : where by a scale of so many steps and de- 
 grees, you may follow up this number, as it were from six 
 to sixty, &c. by deans, provincials, generals of orders, to 
 bishops, thence archbishops, primates, patriarchs, cardi- 
 nals, until you find all resolve in one man ; who is as close- 
 ly related to it, as a name can be to so many syllables, 
 whereof it is made up. I know, this may seem too curi- 
 ous an inquiry, and not so suiting the gravity and weight 
 of the scripture ; but since the Spirit of God hath chose 
 such a definite number before another, wherein there is so 
 strange an order and quadration, to discover that adversary, 
 and gives us such ground that his number points at his 
 frame and composition, I think, without any challenge of 
 unsobriety, such a remark very suitable. (6.) Whilst 
 the scripture shews, this is the number of a man, and of 
 his name, does it not also shew, it is such a number that 
 lies nearest antichrist, and is most closely related to him ; 
 and as the formal cause, does most specially concur in his 
 constitution, yea, gives as it were life to that image ? Now 
 let it be seriously considered what this is, yea, whether 
 that mystery of antichristianism does not in a peculiar way 
 \u: \x\\xis supremacy , and being infallible and the ultimate 
 "judge, of controversies, which he claims as absolute head 
 of the cliurch universal, and that fountain whence all those 
 degrees of power in the Romish hierarchy do flow, and in 
 whom they fully terminate. For it is clear, thence are all 
 
The Fulfill^ °f *fo Scripture. 259 
 
 those gross tenets, and corruptions in doctrine. Thus he 
 most directly exalts himself against God, and puts the 
 Mediator off his throne : thus he does exercise authority 
 over men's conscience ; thus antichristianism, and that 
 avowed opposition to Jesus Christ, takes life, is nourished , 
 and hath its strength, even under those wings of his abso- 
 lute supremacy. Now if it be clear that this is the number 
 which lies nearest to antichrist, from which he can no 
 ways be separated, and does most formally make up that 
 man of sin, then by the exercise of christian wisdom may 
 that number, and its true meaning be thence understood, 
 (7.) Is not this such a number, that is peculiarly restricted, 
 in a class by itself, which the 18th ver. does shew, where- 
 in that great bulk of the Romish church is not to be sought ? 
 For though it is there clear, that such who receive the 
 mark, and by some visible profession own the doctrine of 
 the Romish church, are of the largest extent, and therefore 
 it is said, great and small, rich and poor, must come that 
 length, yet as to the number of the beast, and of his name, 
 it is expressed by itself, and as a higher class, in which all 
 of the common rank who must receive the mark, do not 
 fall : but as lying more close and near to antichrist, is in a 
 peculiar manner restricted by a distinguishing note ; which 
 a serious study of that scripture will help to clear. 
 
 XI. What was prophesied about the killing of the wit- 
 nesses under antichrist, fRei). xi. 3, 7, 8.) we may say, 
 hath clearly come to pass, and at this day may read the 
 same in the event. For it is manifest, 
 m 1. That during antichrist's reign, even in the darkest 
 times, there wanted not some to seal the truth, and bear wit- 
 ness thereto, both by open confession, and suffering on 
 that account, which the church histories can abundantly 
 make out. 
 
 , 2. That during that dark night those who did give a tes- 
 timony, and any way appeared against the grievous en- 
 croachments of antichrist, in behalf of downborne truth, 
 were put to prophecy in sackcloth, when there was nothing 
 left, but to weep over the church's ruins, and witness their 
 detestation and grief for the growing apostacy of such 
 times. 
 
 3. It is clear, that as the prophecy doth point at some 
 more remarkable suffering and persecution, which the 
 church was to meet with from antichrist, beyond all it had 
 endured from that adversary in former ages ; yea, a special 
 permission from the Lord to that party, to vent their rage 
 and cruelty against the saints, which should fall out after 
 the witnesses finishing their testimony, who had so long in 
 
260 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 an abject, low condition, as in sackcloth, prophesied ; yea, 
 when antichrist should be at his height, and his kingdom 
 upon the turn, that then must this remarkable killing of 
 the witnesses be accomplished : so likewise did the event 
 convincingly verify the same. For it is known that upon 
 the close of antichrist'' s reign, whilst the truth began to 
 break out, this sorest storm of persecution beyond all that 
 had been before, did then break upon the church, even in 
 its budding forth, that we may say, that adversary did not 
 only put forth the utmost of his power and rage against the 
 saints, but seemed in some measure to bring his cruel de- 
 signs to pass ; which the dreadful massacres in France, 
 Provence, and the vallies of Piemont, the sore and violent 
 persecution of the church through the Netherlands, under 
 the duke of Aha, and in England by queen Mary, in 
 Germany after the defeat of the duke of Saxony <, and land- 
 grave ol Hesse, can clearly witness. 
 
 4. Is it not also clear, how this remarkable storm, and 
 cutting down of the saints, over whose dead bodies their 
 adversaries did rejoice, was according to this prophecy to 
 be previous to some eminent enlargement ^ and reviving of 
 the church, which did accordingly fall out in the event, like 
 a resurrection of the witnesses from the dead, to the aston- 
 ishment of the world, that immediately followed upon the 
 back thereof? so that when their enemies thought they 
 had gained their end, as they did conclude by such perse- 
 cutions, particularly that French massacre, that the protes- 
 lant interest should be quite ruined, they were yet forced 
 to see their labour in vain, and the church more eminently 
 flourishing after the same. 
 
 I shall further add, that antichrist hath not only been re- 
 vealed, and his kingdom come to its height : but it is clear 
 this day, that it is on the falling hand, and his ruin is now 
 begun. Upon which account we may say, yea, have 
 cause to sing, that the winter is past, the fig tree puttetk 
 forth her leaves, that sheweth the summer's approach ; 
 yea, the singing of birds is heard in our land : let us go 
 Torth, and meet him, who is now gone out as a mighty 
 man, for the salvation of his church, and takes the fields 
 against this great adversary of his truth and people, oh 
 whose side victory doth surely wait. 
 
 The second thing proposed, was to consider, What is yet 
 to 'be accomplished. 
 
 Having touched a little some of the most concerning 
 prophecies of the scripture, both under the New and Old 
 Testament; which are already fulfilled, and the truth there- 
 of so clearly written forth in the history of providence \ 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 361 
 
 that we may say, the most ordinary observers, if they will 
 not shut their eyes, cannot want a conviction thereof : I 
 shall now in the next place point at that which yet re- 
 maineth of the prophetical part of the scripture, to be ac- 
 complished ; those prophecies which concern the churcli 
 in these last times. Whereby we may have a sure de- 
 monstration, how far the night is spent, and ofthe near 
 approach of that blessed day of the liberty ofthe sons of 
 God: for this doth finish the mystery of God, and fully 
 perfecteth his work, if once that which remaineth of the 
 prophecies ofthe word were fulfilled. 
 
 There are those truths, the accomplishment \vhereof we 
 have a sure warrant to expect before the end. As (1.) The 
 full ruin, and downfall of Babylon. (2.) The conversion 
 and incalling ofthe Jews to Jesus Christ. (3.) A solemn 
 day of the church's nourishing, both Jews and Gentiles^ 
 which shall follow the making out of the former promise. 
 (4.) The fall and destruction ofthe Turkish empire, that 
 cruel party who have been raised up and established for 
 judgment, with whom the Lord shall yet reckon, for all 
 that christian blood by them so unjustly shed., as seemeth 
 clearly held forth, Rev. xvi. 12. (5.) We are also to ex- 
 pect, after all these, that full and last stroke upon Gog and 
 Magog : and then the Lord is at hand, and that great mys r 
 tery ofthe prophecies and promises of the scripture shall 
 then be finished, and at a blessed close. 
 
 I. We have the full ruin and destruction of antichrist and 
 his kingdom, clearly prophesied, and in very express terms 
 promised to the church, (2 Thes. ii. 2, 8. Rev. xvi. 10, 
 17.) the accomplishment whereof we do yet according to 
 the scripture wait for ; which the God of truth, who can- 
 not lie or repent, shall in due time assuredly bring about, 
 and which approacheth when that solemn cry shall be heard, 
 Babylon is fallen ! about which we would consider, 
 
 1. That this judgment is already begun, and the first 
 step thereof visible is now clear ; wherein men may see 
 the event most exactly answer the prophecy. For the 
 Lord hath begun to consume antichrist by the breath of his 
 mouth : and since the first breaking out of the light, his 
 kingdom hath been mouldering down before the word. 
 Have not nations fallen off, at the voice of the preached 
 gospel ? It is true, the church wanteth not sore conflicts, 
 even under the vials : and it is the Lord's way, to try his 
 people with such various^ uncertainties, that when things 
 have been most promising, another providence cometh 
 like a cross wave, which seemeth to drive them as fkr 
 back, as once they seemed to be forward. Yet it is sure. 
 
262 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 and should be beyond debate, that antichrist's overthrow 
 is upon a present advance, and that work of the Lord for 
 his churcn's deliverance is going forward. For if we be- 
 lieve salvation by Christ upon the warrant of the word, 
 should we not also with much assurance believe that 
 antichrists wound is deadly and incurable, which he hath 
 got by the preaching of the gospel, which all the physicians 
 of the earth shall never help. 
 
 2. This is one of the greatest and most signal acts of the 
 judgment of God on his church's enemies ; one of the 
 most eminent manifestations of his glory, which he hath 
 reserved for the last times, wherein the appearance of his 
 hand and great power shall be very manifest ; and we are 
 to expect by this remarkable stroke that way shall be made 
 for that glorious house, which Christ is to have for himself 
 in the latter days, which shall be built upon antichrist's ru- 
 ins, when that new bride, both of Jews and Gentiles, shall 
 be prepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb. 
 
 3. Though we are to expect, on clear ground from the 
 word, the Lord's eminent appearing by his immediate 
 hand in this great work, which shall be so convincing 
 in that day, and witness an extraordinary providence, that 
 all lookers on must with fear and astonishment confess, 
 that this is God's own work : yet it is also clear, that he 
 will therein make use of instruments, fitted and chosen for 
 that end, who shall be raised and acted forth with a more 
 than ordinary spirit, to execute the vengeance of the Lord, 
 even the judgment written : amongst whom the feeble shall 
 then be strong. Yea, we have ground to expect, that of 
 the kings of the earth, and the race and successors of those 
 who in former times had given their power to the beast, 
 shall the Lord raise up, to bate the whore, and make her 
 desolate. O blessed are they, who shall have a hand in so 
 noble a work, to sack and destroy that accursed city, built 
 up with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus Christ. 
 
 4. We are not to bound the Lord, as to any particular 
 time for accomplishing this piece of his word : yet we have 
 clear ground to believe, that Babylon's ruin maketh haste \ 
 and the day of the Lord upon her is near ; whose sword is 
 hathed in heaven, and that the instruments of his ven- 
 geance are making ready. One stroke upon that party is 
 already past ; antichrist hath begun to fall before the word, 
 and must fall further until that great stroke, which shall de- 
 stroy his seat and lay waste that^ land, be accomplished. 
 Some promising evidences of its near approach I would 
 here point at. (1.) The niany prayers of the saints, 
 ^hich are now before the throne, and cannot fail of a re- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 263 
 
 turn. Many who wrestled oft with the Lord on this ac- 
 count, though they are gone, yet are their prayers on the 
 file, and wait for this solemn manifestation of the judgment 
 of God : and the blood of the saints doth not cease to cry % 
 yea, hath as loud a cry as ever. (2.) It is clear, that the 
 preached gospel now since the light began to break forth, 
 doth ripen and help to make the harvest more white, than 
 many ages formerly. And truly, if we consider how long 
 the word hath been sounding a retreat to that party, to 
 come out of Babylon, and that for these 150 years, they 
 have been still acting in opposition to so clear a light, to 
 such a solemn call, so many warnings, yea, to such con- 
 vincing discovery of the ford's being against them in very 
 remarkable providences, doth it not shew, at what an height 
 their sin this day is, and an obstinate rejecting of cure ? 
 (3.) We cannot but see how that judgment which should 
 be poured forth on antichrist under the vials, is in a great 
 measure now verified in the event. (4.) It is clear, and 
 consonant^ to the scripture, that the Lord's work is now 
 hastening in the latter days, providence in a swift motion, 
 and making great advance, more quick changes in the case 
 of the church, both as to storms and calms, and her trials 
 now must not be so long as in former time. Rom. ix. 28. 
 He will cut short his work in righteousness ; for a short 
 work will the Lord make in the earth. (5.) That antichrist 
 and his followers do this day seem to be at such an advan- 
 tage ; the Lord's work as it were at a stand, yea, rather 
 going back. This late reviving of antichristian prelacy in 
 Britain and Ireland, with so visible a growth of popery 
 there, and so dark an hour upon the reformed churches 
 abroad, I think, on very solid grounds, is a promising evi- 
 dence of the near approach of a further stroke on that party. 
 For it is clear, both from the word and God's ordinary 
 way of procedure, how a sharp storm is usually previous to 
 some remarkable enlargement of the church ; a very low 
 ebb, before the turning of the tide ; yea, that every step of 
 her advance, whereby she hath gained ground on anti- 
 christ, hath still had some conflict and wrestling going be- 
 fore : and thus the Lord, by suffering, doth ripen his peo- 
 ple for such times of mercy. For which times, O let us 
 pray and wait, when the smoke of that accursed city shall 
 ascend up to heaven, and his people be made to triumph in 
 his praise, and sing that song, Hallelujah / Salvation, glo- 
 ry, and honour to the Lord God, who hath judged the great 
 whore ! Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles 
 and prophets : for God hat k avenged you upon her. 
 
264 The Fulfilling of the Scripture* 
 
 II. We have a clear prophecy about the incalling of the 
 Jews, and their conversion to Christ in the latter days, 
 held forth by the prophets, and in the New Testament very 
 expressly mentioned : the fulfilling whereof the church 
 must yet wait for, and long after, when God shall bring 
 again the captivity of his ancient people, and say to that 
 valley of dry bones, Live ! about which we would consid- 
 er, Isa. xi. 15. jRom.xi. 24. Rev! xvi. 12. 
 
 1. That this promise doth not only concern particular 
 persons, or a few, but the body and generality of that peo- 
 ple, is most clear from the scripture, if men would com- 
 pare Isa. xi. 11. Zech. xu. 10. with Rom x\. 25. Where; 
 it is undeniable, that their gathering must be as full and 
 remarkable, as their scattering : and as there is no nation 
 so remote whither some of them are this day driven, that 
 shall not hinder the fulfilling of the promise ; but as Isaiah 
 sheweth, the Lord shall then assemble the dispersed and 
 outcasts , and bring them back from the four corners of the 
 earthy and furthest places thereof. Yea, doth not the apos- 
 tle expressly shew, that it is all Israel, whereat this prom- 
 ise pointeth ? For though they are enemies concerning the 
 gospel, yet are they beloved for the fathers'* sakes, because 
 of the covenant which was made with Abraham and his 
 seed. And truly we have in this, ground also to expect 
 something further than their conversion ; that in this day 
 the Lord shall raise up the tabernacle of David which is 
 fallen, and plant them upon their own land. Amos ix. 11, 
 
 15. Not only bring them to a visible church state, but 
 even therewith some temporal restitution and recollection 
 of them as a nation : yea, we may expect a return of the 
 old blessing of that land's fruitfulness, which I think is 
 clearly held forth in that of Amos ix. 14. that the very hills 
 shall drop down sweet wine, and melt as it were in outward 
 blessings on them. 
 
 2. That this promise hath not yet had an accomplish- 
 ment, is also clear from the word. For it must follow the 
 rejection of that people, and should not take place until the 
 fulness of the Genti 'es be brought in : which harvest for 
 many ages after was not to be reaped. Yea, did not the 
 apostle hold this forth as a mystery, a piece of the scrip- 
 ture which the ancient Jewish church could not well com- 
 prehend, when it was pointed at prophets, and even at that 
 time was not understood ? Which surely could have been 
 no ;?zysfcry, if their conversion had reached no further than 
 the apostles' time ; and it is known, how small a number 
 Since of that people hath yet been brought into Christ. 
 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 265 
 
 3. We have much ground from the scripture, that this day, 
 this great clay oi'fezreel, shall be a very remarkable and sol- 
 emn time : which will cause astonishment to the nations 
 round about, and make a wonderful change on the face 
 of the earth ; a time of God's eminent appearance for that 
 people, when his singular respect shall be as manifest, as 
 formerly his great displeasure and anger was ; a time, on 
 which many of the choicest mercies of the church do cer- 
 tainly wait, the return of many prayers, a large pouring 
 forth of the Spirit ,• even on the body cf that people and on 
 all ranks, not only the families of David, Nathan, and 
 im, but also the families of Shimei, with a large dispen- 
 sation of gifts ; yea, such a time, wherein the converted of 
 Israel shall then see and understand how far the glory of 
 the second temple doth exceed that of the first, and shall be 
 a very conspicuous part of Christ's universal kingdom, 
 eminent for the power and purity of the ordinances, to 
 which others shall look as to a most choice and excellent 
 pattern of a purely reformed and glorious church. 
 
 4. Beside the promise of him, who is not like man to 
 lie, or the son of man to repent, there want not some very 
 convincing providences, to confirm our faith concerning 
 this : if we consider how this people are still kept by them- 
 selves, amidst all their scatterings not mixed or incorporat- 
 ed with other nations, which is most usual through long 
 converse, that people of several parts of the earth will unite 
 and join in one. Is not their great increase also remarka- 
 ble ? What great multitudes of them are in the eastern 
 parts, yea, through most of Asia, Africa, and in those 
 places of Europe where the christian church is ? and all 
 this time their land not possessed, but by a rabble of the 
 Turks, under whose yoke they groan. And though the 
 genealogies of particular families are at this day much lost, 
 yet there is still so much sure and evident, as to the series 
 and genealogy of the nation, that doth diference them from 
 any other people. 
 
 5. It is true, the authority of the word should silence all 
 our thoughts how so great a thing shall be brought about : 
 yet we may judge, that (as a mean) this shall eminently 
 contribute to the same, such a convincing stroke upon anti- 
 christ which must go before their conversion, wherein so 
 manifest an appearance of Goo, and the fulfilling of one 
 of the greatest promises of the New Testament, cannot 
 but stare them in the face ; and with this the taking away 
 of that stumbling block of idolatry, which hath so long- 
 helped to harden them against the profession of the gou 
 pel. 
 
 X K 
 
266 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 I must shut up this with a sad regret, that whilst we have 
 so clear a promise there is no more tender respect, and fur- 
 ther essay to promote the good of that people. Who 
 knoweth, what a blessing might attend the use of ordinary 
 means ? since this is an unquestionable duty, and men 
 know not, when they sow the seed, whether this or that 
 shall prosper, alas ! that the usual deportment of christians, 
 with whom they converse, doth oft further help to heighten 
 their prejudice against Christianity ; let us long and pray 
 more for this day, a day which shall bring so great a bless- 
 ing with it to the Gentiles. 
 
 III. There are many prophecies both in the Old and 
 New Testament, that do clearly point at a great flourish- 
 ing and prosperity in the days of the gospel : which I hum- 
 bly conceive, are not yet fully maele out, but shall have a 
 more remarkable accomplishment before the close of time. 
 Isa. lxv. 25. lxvi. 12. Mic. iv. 1, 2. 
 
 I confess, the event will be the surest commentary ; and 
 until this appear, men should be sober and cautious, that 
 they darken not the counsel of God, anel his truth, with any 
 wild fancy, and aim to be wise above that which is written : 
 yet I must think, that there are great things laid up in 
 these promises for the church, that we cannot now well 
 reach ; yea, would scarce get believed, until the appointed 
 time unveil their meaning. I shall here but only touch 
 how it may appear these promises are not yet fully accom- 
 plished, and what with a safe warrant we may expect in 
 their accomplishment. As to the firsts we would consieler 
 these things, 
 
 1. That these great premises, which hold forth so emi- 
 nent an enlargement and flourishing of theshurch, elo also 
 point at some particular limited time ; some period and 
 revolution of the church's condition, which is not agreea- 
 ble and common to other times ; until which these prom- 
 ises do not take place. 
 
 2. This promised flourishing concerneth both Jews and 
 Gentiles, and the word doth clearly point at some further 
 increase of the Gentile church by the calling of the Jews : 
 which must have a peculiar respect to that solemn time of 
 Israel's restoration, and antichrist's ruin ; a time, on which 
 the return of many prayers, and the fulfilling of many prom- 
 ises in the behalf of the church, do surely wait. So that 
 as Isaiah and other of the prophets do put over this great 
 flourishing of the church to the days of the gospel, the 
 apostle, Rom. xi. doth point at a more precise time, 
 wherein this in a larger measure shall be made out. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 267 
 
 3. We cannot find the christian church did ever enjoy so 
 great an enlargement and flourishing state as these prom- 
 ises seem to import. For persecution and suffering hath 
 most been her lot, first from the Jews, next from her hea- 
 then adversaries, and last from antichrist, whose fall and 
 ruin, we have ground to expect, shall make room for so 
 great an increase of the church : for, how much power 
 antichrist hath, in so far is the church kept under ; yea, it 
 is clear how very short all her breathings have been. 
 
 4. It would appear, so solemn a time of the church's 
 flourishing, whereat the prophets did so oft point, as it 
 hath an undoubted respect to the days of the gospel, so in 
 its full accomplishment must answer to that remarkable 
 day of S atari* s binding and the saints'* reign with Christ, 
 when the kingdoms of the earth become the Lord's ; which 
 we find doth immediately precede Satan's last loosing, and 
 his going forth to gather his broken forces, for that great 
 battle, which is to be very near the end. 
 
 I shall but add, we have ground to judge, the Lord will 
 usher in that glorious everlasting state of the church, even 
 by some preparative degrees here : the latter times are 
 there to be reckoned the more blessed, the more near they 
 approach to the dawning of glory. 
 
 Now, in the second place, I shall but point at some 
 things, which with a safe warrant we may understand and 
 look after in the accomplishment of these promises. 
 
 It is very clear, they hold forth a great enlargement to the 
 universal church, both of Jews and Gentiles. Particular 
 churches may be in a sad withering condition, whilst other 
 parts do flourish : but these promises seem to point at a 
 day, which will concern the saints in all corners of the 
 earth, who shall not want their share with the rest of that 
 blessed time. It may be also clear, some more bright and 
 hot sunshine of the gospel is held forth ; some such remark- 
 able spring tide of the Spirit, that shall be as discernible 
 as the church's low ebb, sometimes was ; a day of the 
 great power of God, his presence very manifest among his 
 people and with the ordinances, beyond former times ; so 
 that Ezek. xlviii. 35. The name of that place shall be call- 
 ed Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is there. Yea, that in this 
 day Christ's visible kingdom, in a settled church state', shall 
 more em'mtxwly flourish ■: and the flowing in of people and 
 nations with much fervour, who shall j oin themselves to the 
 Lord, pure ordinances, a more universal sameness amongst 
 the worshippers of God, the walk of christians with a dis- 
 cernible lustre of holiness, will be made to commend the 
 gospel ; Chrises goings full of majesty, and the shout of a 
 
263 The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 
 
 King which then shall be heard among his people ; the 
 noise of such sad complaints and bitter exercises from the 
 spirit of bondage, not so much among the saints, as in 
 former times. And though we see no sure ground from the 
 word, to expect such a favourable time, wherein the church 
 militant shall not have trouble and persecution from the 
 world : yet there seemeth so much clearly imported in 
 some of these great promises, as point at a great calm, and 
 more favourable gale of outward ^ prosperity, which the 
 church shall then have, yea, this in some longer continu- 
 ance than in former ages ; a day, wherein the haters of the 
 Lord shall even be made to feign subjection, with much of 
 the countenance and concurrence of magistrates, and the 
 civil authority in behalf of the church ; yea, a time of much 
 holy fear amongst the people of God, and oi much terror 
 and awe upon his enemies, to which the great works of the 
 Lord in that time shall then effectually contribute, and 
 cause them to fear the Lord and his goodness in the latter 
 days. . 
 
 IV. There is a special prediction of Satan's binding up, 
 or restraint, and of some remarkable reign of the church 
 with Jesus Christ, held forth, Rev. xx. 2. The full accom- 
 plishment of which we on clear ground may judge, is not. 
 already come : yet is so far now verified in the event, as 
 may clearly witness its meaning, and let us see how at this 
 day it is taking place. I confess, this set ins one of the 
 most dark and abstruse prophesies, we have in the scrip- 
 ture ; on which there hath been many strange thoughts and 
 glosses held forth : but to set down these various judgments 
 of men on the truths of God, I humbly think, may tend to 
 a further darkening of the same, more than to any solid ed- 
 ification. I shall only offer some things to be considered, 
 which by undeniable consequence from the scripture seem 
 most clear and obvious, and may only help to the under- 
 standing this prophecy, but that manifest correspondence 
 which is betwixt it and the event at this day. 
 
 (1.) There can be no debate, this solemn time of the 
 saints'* reign with Christ concerns the militant condition of 
 the church, and must be expected here on the earth, not 
 in heaven. And therefore we find immediately after, there; 
 is a very sore assault of the devil held forth, who should 
 occasion a new trial to the church ; and he for a time let 
 loose, to deceive the nations. (2.) Since the scripture is 
 the best interpreter of itself, we must here understand 
 (comparing one place with another) this raising of the 
 saints and martyrs of Jesus Christ to reign with him, fig- 
 uratively, and in suc|i a sense as that is Rev, xi„ 11, must 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 269 
 
 be understood ; to wit, a rising of the witnesses in the scam 
 spirit and power, and of such a party who should bear the 
 same: testimony. To which also that in Mai. iv. 5. and 
 Mat. xi. 14. about John's coming in the same spirit of 
 Elijah, with which lie did appear to the world, gives light. 
 So that we see how consonant and agreeable the scripture 
 is with itself. (3.) Is not the meaning of the spirit in this 
 prophecy clear, that the greatest enlargement of the church, 
 yea, and of the longest duration and continuance, that ic 
 should have under the 3>lew Testament unto the second 
 coming of Christ, is held forth in the reign of the saints f 
 So that it manifestly points at a more solemn time, a more 
 sweet refreshing interval, which shall be remarkable both 
 in measure and duration beyond all she fbimerly had : and 
 shews, that there is no such happy time else to go over the 
 church's head, till she be triumphant \\\ heaven. There- 
 fore it is called, by way of eminence, the church's reign^ 
 considered comparatively with any other such change* 
 (4.) Is it not very clear, that this so remarkable time can- 
 not be judged previous to antichrist's coming, nor under 
 his advance and growth 'i Since, first, this points expressly 
 at those who were beheaded for the witness of Christ, and 
 had not worshipped the beast and his image, nor received 
 his mark, who should thus be raised to reign with Christ. 
 (2.) We find that it doth very immediately precede that 
 last assault the church shall have, upon Satan's loosing, to 
 gather the nations to that great battle ; and so must concern 
 these last times, when the Lord is pouring out his vials up- 
 on the throne and kingdom of the beast- It is strange 
 when the scripture is so plain, that some choice and exceU 
 lent men, writing on this prophecy, will have it contempo- 
 rary with the church's condition before antichrist's appear- 
 ance : for it is sure if by the be astjind his image and marh % 
 antichrist must be understood, and if there be but one great 
 assault mentioned after this, which the church militant 
 shall have before the close of time, this prophecy, must 
 now be fulfilling, and with no other time before this could 
 quadrate, according to the scripture. (5.) Is it not clear, 
 that this great restraint of Satan is no such absolute binding 
 that will put the church wholly beyond trouble and reach 
 of his assaults ? No, this belongs to heaven, and is there 
 only to be expected. But the scripture very evidently 
 shews, this shall be such a binding up of Satan, that he 
 should not deceive the nations, nor have that wonted power 
 to darken the face of the church by any great or universal 
 apostacy, during this time. And I am sure, it is undenia- 
 ble, that since the church's raising from under antichrist. 
 
270 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 Satan hath been thus restrained : and by all his violent as- 
 saults, he hath not reached the full withdrawing of any one 
 nation which was brought under the yoke of the gospel ; 
 whatever may be said of poor Bohemia, by a violent course 
 of persecution so borne down, that this once famous church 
 is now scattered in other places where there are yet con- 
 siderable numbers, yea, it is not altogether without hope, 
 that the great avenger of blood will yet visit her cruel usage 
 on that bloody Austrian family, and return yet her captivi- 
 ty again, when it seems now furthest off and hopeless. 
 (6.) Must we not see, that this great sunshine, as it takes 
 in antichrist's fall, hath a special respect also to Israel's re - 
 turn and conversion ? Which, according to the scripture, 
 is one of the most solemn and flourishing times that the 
 christian church shall have, and therefore shall be to the 
 Gentiles as life from the dead. Now, do but seriously judge 
 what the church's condition hath been through all the times 
 of the New Testament, first under heathens, and after un- 
 der the tyranny of antichrist, and now how far providence 
 does unfold the meaning of this prophecy in the event, 
 since the man of sin began to decline ; and I humbly judge 
 it may be easy to see, that at this day it is clearly taking 
 place, though this solemn reign be not yet advanced to its 
 greatest pitch, but will have a more remarkable period ere 
 this prophecy be fully made out. I shall but add, this res- 
 urrection mentioned in the prophecy, must be in a spiritual 
 sense understood, and can be no bodily raising of the 
 saints ; since it is so expressly there called the first resur- 
 rection, to distinguish it from the second, and is held forth 
 in an opposition to the first death. 
 
 V. We have a prophecy held forth, Rev. xvi. 12, 
 which compared with Rev. ix. 13. seemeth clearly to point 
 at the fall and destruction of the Turkish empire, who have 
 been these many ages so great a scourge to the christian 
 world. For it is manifest that this drying up of the river 
 Euphrates must relate to the very party, which we find in 
 that 9th chap, raised up from about that river, where the 
 Turk hath so considerable a part of his dominions. It is 
 true, the event will more clearly make this known : Yet 
 these things are undeniable, 
 
 1. That such a party was foretold by John, in that 9th 
 chap, and a solemn warning given to the church, of so 
 dreadful a storm ; the time also there pointed forth, when 
 antichrist should be at a great height \ yea, the portrait 
 of such an adversary most evidently held forth, such as in- 
 deed they were found to be, a terrible cruel destroying par- 
 ty, and therefore are. said to have breastplates of fire ; their 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 211 
 
 number also there held out to be a very great multitude? 
 which those huge armies usually brought by the Turk to 
 the field, can witness. 
 
 2. The cause why the Lord should raise up so dreadful 
 an enemy, and thus let them loose, is also expressly de- 
 clared in that 9th chap. 20th ver. that it was in judgment, 
 and for a plague on men, for antichristian idolatry, which 
 then had so much overspread the earth : and it was no 
 wonder, when so much of the visible church was turned 
 almost brutish in their religion, and from the pure worship 
 of God was carried after idols of gold and silver, the work 
 of men's hands, that so brutish and barbarous an adversary 
 should be let out for a scourge. I truly think, that as anti- 
 christ, and the abominations of that party, hath been hith- 
 erto the let of success against the Turk ; so we are not to 
 expect the prospering of any such design, and his fall and 
 ruin, until the cause be removed, for which the Lord did 
 make use of this dreadful rod. 
 
 3. That such a party was raised up, according to the 
 prophecy, yea, at the appointed time thereof, is very clear, 
 who like a mighty deluge did overthrow a great part of the 
 earth, and with strange prodigious success did overrun 
 much ©f Asia, some parts of Africa, and brake in on Eu- 
 rope, to give work to those kings and great men, and be a 
 scourge to them, who had given their power to uphold the 
 throne of the beast* 
 
 4. There is also clear ground from the scripture, that the 
 Lord shall as eminently appear in the fcdl and destruction 
 of this adversary, as in the raising of them up ; and that by 
 their fall, he is to make way for the accomplishing of his 
 promise, about the churches further increase, his ancient 
 people, whereto this prophecy seems to have a particular 
 respect. This we are to look for, as one of the great works 
 of the Lord, that is reserved for the latter days, which shall 
 no less shew forth his power and glory, even the drying up 
 of that great Euphrates, than in the day that he divided the 
 sea, and made Jordan a dry channel for his people to go 
 through. We are not to be further positive about means 
 and instruments, how such a thing shall be brought about : 
 it is enough, what the Lord hath spoken ; and the word 
 that is gone out of his mouth, shall not return empty. 
 
 VI. Now to close this, there is yet one great assault, 
 which we find the church shall have before the end, and 
 then for warfare will be near finished : about which the 
 scripture is clear, that Satan for a little time must be let 
 loose, and that solemn and perfect victory, which the 
 church in the close of time will get over all her adversaries. 
 
'2 1'2 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 shall be ushered in with a very sharp trial, and once again 
 this ungodly world will shew its rage, rally its broken scat- 
 tered forces in a general muster (Rev. xx. 8.) with as 
 much fury as ever : and then shall the Lord eminently ap~ 
 pear, that by one full stroke he may for ever decide that 
 long continued war and feud betwixt the church and her 
 enemies. A deliverance, which as k will be the last, so 
 one of the greatest that ever the church had ; the Lord thus 
 finishing hrs work of providence, by so stately and magnif- 
 icent a close ? And truly, after this, we know no more of 
 canonic scripture to be fulfilled, but the coining of the 
 Lord, when the poor, tost, afflicted church shall enter into 
 a triumphant estate , above all the violence and oppression of 
 men. O blessed, and long looked for day of Christ's re- 
 turn to judgment, when the dust of the saint s, that for some 
 thousand years past have been resting in hope, shall awake ; 
 and this earth and all the glory thereof, like a poor vain 
 shew, disappear ! O blessed and comfortable time, in 
 which the saints shall then fully know what heaven is, 
 which they have so oft admired at a distance ! shall behold 
 bis face, in whose presence is fulness of joy ! and shall need 
 no further confirmations of the truth of the word, when 
 once this great promise of the Lord's return is verified, a 
 promise ; wherein all those precious truths, which con- 
 cerned the church in her journey, as so many streams, 
 shall empty themselves in this great deep ! Then there is no 
 more to do, the work of the gospel is finished, the redeem- 
 ed all brought in, and the bride made ready to go forth and 
 meet him, who shall fully satisfy and comfort his people, 
 according to the days of their former affliction, and be for 
 ever their exceeding great reward. 
 
 THE FIFTH ARGUMENT. 
 
 THAT which not only is for the most part already ac- 
 complished, but is a thing whereof we have so sure confir- 
 mations, yea, so great a pledge in our hand from the Lord, 
 that what yet remaineth shall be certainly fulfilled, must it 
 not be an "undoubted truth ? But the scripture, as to those 
 special predictions that are not yet made out, is such, con- 
 cerning which the Lord hath given his people a very large 
 tiledge and strong confirmations^ now in these latter times, 
 to believe their certain accomplishment. Therefore, £sfc. 
 
 It is sure, that a part of the scripture, some special proph- 
 • en s, which do concern the state of the church in tl 
 : ist times, hath not yet had an accomplishment ; which are 
 already touched in the former argument, and are indeed so 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 273 
 
 gieat concerning truths, that may cause us to sit clown, and 
 wonder, when we think these shall shortly come to pass ! 
 Yet such, whereof we may be fully persuaded, if we con- 
 sider, that they are held forth and promised by him who is 
 the God of truth, and the begun performance hereof now 
 so manifest, yea, what hath been the Lord's way, and the 
 eminent providences of. these last times, which may fully 
 satisfy our spirits, that God's work is near to a close* and 
 the accomplishing of the whole scripture now at hand. 
 
 I shall here point at some special grounds, whence the 
 godly in these times may be thoroughly confirmed about the 
 truth and certain fulfilling of the scripture, and those proph~ 
 ecies thereof, that yet are not fulfilled : which we should 
 look on as a very convincing pledge in our hand of the 
 same., 
 
 I. Is not the being of the world, yea, the heavens and the 
 earth which we see, with the continued course of nature, 
 given from the Lord, and held forth to his people, as a wit- 
 ness to his truth, and a sure pledge to confirm their faith of 
 its accomplishment ? That when we look upon the heavens 
 or the earth, we may there read a visible seal of the certain 
 performance of the whole scripture of God, which for that 
 very end are set before our eyes. We have this clear, 
 Jer. xxxiii. 20. that the covenant with the day and the 
 night is there given to the church to confirm that cove- 
 nant betwixt the Lord and his people. This also is held 
 forth, Jer. xxxi. 35. Thus saith the Lord, who giveth the 
 sun for a light by day, and the moon and stars bi/ night, if 
 these ordinances shall dtp art, then may the seed of Israel cease 
 and fail from being a nation. It is also clear, Ps. lxxxix„ 
 2. That the faithfulness of God is established in the very 
 heavens ; and these given as a special convincing pledge, 
 to confirm the faith of his people in the matter of his truth, 
 arid of the performance of his word : for which, we will 
 find in ver. 37th of that Fsalm, the sun and moon given to 
 the church as a witness. Is not the rainbow also, Gen. ix, 
 (though not natural, but an instituted sign, because there is 
 no correspondence betwixt the sign, and the thing signified) 
 given as a visible sign of the covenant* of God, to seal unto 
 men the assurance of his word and promise '{ 
 
 I must think it strange, that we do not consider this 
 world, and look on the frame thereof with more astonish- 
 ment, yea, that it is not a greater and more marvellous 
 thing in our eyes, if we would but think seriously, Whence 
 li is, and how it c.ime to have a being ! let us suppose one 
 were brought forth into the light, from a dark place where 
 he had never seen it before, and there let his eyes wander 
 
 L I, 
 
274 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 a little upon the heavens and the earth, O what a dazzling 
 and amazing sight would that be ! But it must be said, we 
 look on these every day, yet know not how to read or un- 
 derstand what is written thereon ; Oh this great universe 
 is for the most part as a sealed book. 
 
 But for clearing of this truth, there are two things we 
 should gravely consider. (1.) Something which must be 
 previously known and believed, that those visible heavens 
 and earth are the very work and product of this God, whose 
 word and promise we have in the scripture, and have their 
 being and original from him : for otherwise there could be 
 no reasoning from these, about the truth of his word. 
 (2.) We should also consider, what a convincing pledge 
 is here, for confirming our faith of the scripture, and of 
 the sure performance of all that is yet remaining thereof to 
 be accomplished. 
 
 As to the first, it might seem unnecessary so much as 
 once to mention it, since it is so little questioned, or under 
 debate ; but oh ! it is too clear, that many truths are easily 
 admitted, which are not really '-believed. I know the 
 world would find it hard to shift so manifest a demonstra- 
 tion, that this universe is the work and product of the great 
 God, when there is in it so bright a discovery of infinite 
 power and wisdom. Truly it is strange, how men could 
 admit its being, who have denied its beginning, which not 
 only by faith we understand, but is most evident from sol- 
 id grounds of reason : and though men are undone with 
 implicit faith and a common assent to the greatest funda- 
 mental truths, without any solid persuasion thereof, yet 
 the greatest atheists cannot keep off the discovery of this, 
 but by keeping at a distance from it. Which truly Aristo- 
 tle and others of those ancients did not so much deny the 
 same, but not knowing the scripture, they could not know 
 how it should be. Thence Epicurus and others of his 
 followers finding that they could not solve the phenomena 
 of nature, and shun unanswerable absurdities, if they ad- 
 mitted an eternity of the world, did fall on such an irration- 
 al fancy, to avoid this, of the fortuitous concourse of atoms ; 
 yea, some held an eternal preexistence of the first mat- 
 ter : winch pitiful notions may shew what sad case men 
 are in, who grope after the truth by the twilight of nature, 
 and are strangers to the scripture. But I leave this, and 
 shall only touch a little some most clear and satisfying evi- 
 dences of this truth, that the beginning and original of the 
 world is not more clear from the scripture, than it is also 
 demonstrable from solid convincing grounds of reason. 
 And truly a clear discovery of this hath a further reach, 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 275 
 
 than may be apprehended, to give the atheism of men a 
 deadly stroke, and shake all its grounds. Now let these 
 few things be seriously considered, (l.) If you confess 
 there is a Deity, that God blessed for ever is, must you not 
 necessarily admit a creation and beginning f since eternity 
 is a thing", that is only communicable to the first cause : 
 and you cannot conceive that the earth could produce it- 
 self ; for to exist, and not to exist at the same time, is a 
 contradiction. And I am sure, they must shut their eyes, 
 who do not every where discern some witness of the glon- 
 ous being of God. (2.) You cannot deny, that there is 
 such a thing as time ; since there is no judging days and 
 years and ages to be infinite, or how one thing in a contin- 
 ued order should go before another, without coming to 
 some first and beginning. (3.) Does not this gradual ad- 
 vance of human knowledge in the earth, and that further 
 discovery, which arts and sciences have made, by a contin- 
 ued improvement of the same, witness very clearly a be- 
 ginning and original of the world ? For ye could not con- 
 ceive a perpetual succession of mankind, with a constant es- 
 say s&ter further knowledge, with such a continued progress 
 in experience, as an eternity (supposed before this) would 
 produce, and yet the most concerning arts and sciences, 
 yea, the choicest experiments and inventions we have in the 
 world, to be of so late a rise and date ; such as the use of 
 printing, and of the^ mariner's compass by the loadstone, 
 the use of guns, the improvement of minerals in medicine ; 
 yea, the very motion and convoy of the blood in man's 
 body; which are but of late discovery. (4.) May not so 
 short a history which to this day we have of the world, 
 witness its late original, and that it is of no eternal dura- 
 tion ? since the most ancient records of time, or of things 
 past, do not exceed some thousands of years. And couid 
 this be possibly conceived, that infinite ages preceding (if 
 such had been) should give no account, nor leave a re- 
 membrance to posterity, when these late ages hold so much 
 forth ? Yea, how could it be, that it is but of late one part 
 of the world is known, and discovered to another part 
 thereof? (5.) It is very manifest, from the known records 
 we have of past times, what hath been the rise and increase 
 of nations ; yea, how a great pan of men have from a rude 
 and savage estate been brought into society, and under 
 laws and government ; which shews, this world must be 
 of a short duration ; which none could conceive, by admit- 
 ting such a supposal of its eternal being. (6 ) It is sure, 
 man is born and dies, and in that ordinary way of generation 
 mankind is still propagated : and is not here the world's be- 
 
276 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 ginning very obvious ? For you cannot judge, that men 
 should beget other eternity, without goirig back at last to 
 some first man, who could not beget himself. (7.) If 
 eternity be preferable to time, can you judge the most ex- 
 cellent things of the earth, such as man, and next trrito him 
 the beasts, are perishing, and only these things which are 
 inanimate, and the mass of the earth whereon they tread, 
 are of a perpetual duration ? (8.) It is manifest, what an 
 increase a few men (not to speak of other living creatures) 
 may in an ordinary way have, to people a vast country, 
 even in some ages.' Now is it not thus clear, the world 
 can be of no eternal duration ? For, if you should this way 
 turn back on an infinite number of ages, and suppose that 
 every age should but add and multiply to the race of man 
 two or three, it would come at last to this, the earth could 
 not bear them : since we must thus suppose some infinite 
 increase, from an infinite continuance of the world, which 
 no wars or consuming strokes could in such a measure di- 
 minish. (9.) Can you conceive that should be eternal, 
 which is wholly made up of corruptible and perishing 
 things ? since the things of the worid have all their set 
 times and seasons, wherein they appear, and are quickly 
 gone. In a word, must not men deny a dissolution of this 
 world, or an after judgment and life to come, yea, the whole 
 truth of religion, if this great truth be not received and be- 
 lieved ? 
 
 But having premised some few evidences, that may wit- 
 ness the original of the world, yea, that this marvellous 
 frame, with the whole continued course of nature, is the 
 product of a divine power and wisdom : I shall here in, the 
 second place, point at some few things, which may shew 
 how great a pledge this is, and what a quieting ground it 
 should be to the faith of the godly, that the scripture is cer- 
 tainly true, and must have an accomplishment : since from 
 the very being and beginning of the world, we may clearly 
 reason to those things which by undeniable consequence, 
 follow. 
 
 (1.) That the world now is, is a strre and confirming 
 witness to its last close, and of the accomplishment of that 
 promise of its dissolution in the end of time. We know, 
 it is not long since there was no earth, no sun, moon or 
 stars. Now, upon no less security than that word, by 
 which it was formed, we must believe it shall ere long 
 cease to be what now it is : and thus when we look upon 
 the worid, and see such a thing before us, oucht we not to 
 read that promise of its after dissolution, clearly written 
 thereon before our eyes? (2.) It is a very clear conse^ 
 
Tie Fulfilling of the Scripture. %JJ 
 
 quen.ee , that this God, can bring his word unto perform- 
 smce, and his power therein cannot fail or fall short ; yea, 
 that bis counsel and purpose hath no dependence on means 
 or instruments, who did once bring this world out of noth- 
 ing, and said, Let there be heaven and an earth, when there 
 was none. O when we open the bible, and read the great 
 promises thereof, should we not have that impression on 
 our souls, These are the true and faithful sayings of God, 
 and his word, with whom the doing thereof is as easy as to 
 say it ; who without the concurrence of instruments, or 
 any co-workers, could bring this great creation forth ! We 
 truly so far mistake the meaning of the heavens, and these 
 great celestial bodies, with the marvellous order that is 
 there, when we cannot read the truth and faithfulness of 
 God in all his promises writ thereupon : for they are held 
 forth to men as a confirming pledge of the same ; and this 
 were indeed an excellent study and improvement of astrol- 
 ogy. (3.) Since it is sure and undeniable, that this earth 
 doth hang in the empty place, though men see not whereon 
 it leans and rests, O what a strange thing is it ! Could the 
 air bear up so vast and ponderous a body ! But herein is a 
 marvellous divine power convincingly witnessed, which 
 hath so established it, that it cannot be moved. Now, is not 
 this bis very word, that bears up such a weight ? and 
 thence, with as. clear ground, we may reason for adventur- 
 ing of the church with its weight, and every christian's bur- 
 den, whatever it may be, on the promise of this God, on 
 whose word the great bulk of the earth doth this day lean. 
 I must say, no mathematical demonstration does follow by 
 a clearer evidence, than this consequence from such pre- 
 mises is undeniable. (4.) We see the Lord keeps covenant 
 with the day and the night, yea, that summer and winter 
 do not fail before him, according to his promise : and are 
 not these a visible witness for God, that his truth and cove- 
 nant with his church shall not fail ? For it is sure, the con- 
 tinued course of nature hath such an audible voice, if we 
 could but listen thereto. (5.) Does not the Lord clearly 
 witness by such a strange contrariety that is amongst the 
 elements, and those different qualities, whereof he serves 
 himself, in this great frame and composure of the world, 
 that this promise shall not fail, but it is easy for him to ve- 
 rify the same, in making all things work together, were 
 they never so cross and disagreeing among themselves, for 
 an accomplishment of his design. (6.) When we see the 
 rage and violence of the great ocean, bounded by a bank of 
 sand; for which there could be no true reason given, how 
 such an impetuous and furious motion could be restrain- 
 
278 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 ed, and the sand be a bridle to the sea, if it were not to 
 make out the faithfulness of God, who by a perpetual de- 
 cree hath thus bounded it ; O is there not thence a visible 
 confirmation of his truth ! that he can also restrain the rage 
 of man, and turn it unto his praise, and for attaining this 
 end, serve himself of most improbable means. It was a 
 notable saying of a grave minister of Christ, when lie was 
 upon the sea in a storm, O shall I fear (says he) the face 
 of a tyrant, that serve him who can restrain and tame the 
 rage of this swelling sea ! (7.) If we consider the earth and 
 its original, and look aright on that so oft repeated discove- 
 ry we have of the seed time and harvest, and of the earth 
 bringing forth such innumerable kinds of vegetables in the 
 spring, after a dead winter, as out of their graves, may we 
 not thence have a very clear and confirming seal of that 
 great truth of the resurrection, and of the raising of the dust 
 of men's bodies, that is buried under the earth ? I shall 
 but say, does not God thus give a continued wonder, and 
 set the same before our eyes in the continued course of na- 
 ture, to assure us of his truth and promise, that it shall not 
 fail, though there were no appearance how in an ordinary 
 way it could be accomplished ? 
 
 II. Ground, whence we may be thus confirmed in our 
 faith is this ; that not only the most part of the scripture is 
 already proved and verified in the event, but also those 
 truths, which of the whole scripture are most strange and 
 marvellous, yea, would have much staggered our faith, if 
 they were yet still in a promise, are this day certainly ac- 
 complished. I shall but only instance in the coming of the 
 Messias, which the prophets of old foretold ; that God 
 should be manifest in the flesh, and a virgin bring forth a 
 son, whose name should be Emmanuel, that was to die and 
 be cut of out of the land of the living, not for himself, but 
 for the transgression of his people : is not this now surely 
 accomplished ? Which, we may say, is the greatest won- 
 der, the most astonishing thing that ever was or shall be ; 
 and should fidly^ silence our thoughts about any other scrip- 
 ture truth, that is yet to be made out. For we know, that 
 the great business of redemption is put to a close ; the ran- 
 som and price thereof fully told down ; now is the doc- 
 trine of the gospel sealed and attested by blood, even the 
 blood of the testator : it is now sure, the promise d Messi- 
 as hath come, and this is he, who in the days of Pilate suf- 
 fered at Jerusalem, in whom all things which were written 
 by the prophets, were truly accomplished. And is not 
 this a great pledge, to assure us of the real making out of 
 every other promise ? It is sure, he did die, his blessed 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 279 
 
 side was pierced with a spear, and upon the cross he cried 
 with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. O here lieth 
 the greatest cause of wonder ; not what doth yet remain 
 of the scripture, but that which is already fulfilled ; not 
 that Christ should come again to judge the world, but that 
 once he did come to the world, and became man ! For 
 God to be found in the form of a servant, and die, this is 
 beyond expression wonderful : for the other must necessa- 
 rily as a consequent follow, that he who hath redeemed the 
 church, and did pay her ransom, should see the travail of 
 his soul, and be satisfied ; that, having madesuch a pur- 
 chase, he should also have possession, and finish the build- 
 ing, the foundation whereof was his own blood. I con- 
 fess, what we do yet expect according to the promise, are 
 great and astonishing truths, the full overthrow of antichrist 
 and his kingdom, that the dead bones of the Jewish church 
 should again live, but specially Christ's return to judgment, 
 who shall be revealed from heaven with faming fire, the 
 sound of the trumpet, and voice of the archangel ; yet, how 
 great soever they are, and may seem hard for us to believe, 
 O how small comparatively are they with that which is al- 
 ready done and accomplished, the Incarnation of the Son 
 of God, a mystery hid from ages, wherein the angels with 
 wonder do look ! Which, we may say, is unspeakably 
 greater than to create this world, and turn it again to noth- 
 ing. It may be truly strange, whilst we read these proph- 
 ecies about Christ and his kingdom, in so plain an history^ 
 and profess that we believe he did die and rise again, we 
 should have such hesitation about the performance of any 
 other scripture promise. Is it not at this day much more 
 easy, to believe the scripture and fulfilling thereof, than it 
 was of old for the Jewish church before Christ's coming ? 
 And now may we not with as much assurance wait for the 
 second coming of the Lord, and a full perfecting of his 
 word, even from that which is already verified thereof, as 
 we are sure of the return of the sun after it is gone down, 
 and of the breaking of the day when once the night is past ! 
 
 III. Ground, whence the godly in these times should be 
 confirmed about the full performance of that which is yet 
 remaining of the scripture, that it is sure, yea, now near at 
 hand, is this, That Jesus Christ is come to action against 
 the enemies of his church and hath taken the fields ; that 
 surely he is now gone forth in the greatness of his strength^ 
 conquering, and to conquer. 
 
 This is a grave truth, which might give us very sweet 
 refreshing thoughts in so shaking a time, that whilst we 
 have seen the Lord's appearing by a great and outstretched 
 
2S0 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 hand for his people, have seen those terrible stirs and con- 
 cussions of the nations, have seen him strike through kings 
 in the day of his wrath, and fill the places with the dead 
 bodies of his adversaries, we may also on clear scripture 
 grounds conclude, that the Lord is now awaked as a 
 mighty man, and upon the fields ; yea, that the war h 
 surely begun against antichrist, and ail the adversaries of 
 his church, which shall not cease until the full victory be 
 obtained. For indeed those providences which in these 
 last times should be very affrighting and terrible, when 
 we go into the word, we shall find they have a comfortable 
 aspect on the church, and do presage her greater enlarge- 
 ment ; as the tender buds and leaves of the fig tree are put 
 forth to shew the summer's approach. Luke xxi. 28. It 
 is true, the church is now low, and the work of God meets 
 with very sad interruptions, which are needful, both for tri- 
 al, and rebuke ; but this also is sure, which none can de- 
 ny, that the Lord hath eminently appeared, and done great 
 things for his church ; yea, we must say, he hath by a 
 confluence of very remarkable providences thus conde- 
 scended to strengthen his people's hands, to confirm such 
 who are ready to stagger, even as it were by crutches, 
 about the greatness of these things which are yet promised. 
 
 Now to clear this truth a little, we would consider, 
 (1.) How it is very consonant to the scripture, and ex- 
 pressly held forth in the same, that in the last times, and 
 turn of the church's case from antichrist, the Lord will 
 thus appear, in his great strength, and set up his standard 
 against his adversaries ; yea, will then in a special way call 
 forth his people, to glorify him by an active testimbny. 
 (2.) That the Lord hath thus began to appear, according 
 to his word, is a truth that is also undeniable ; and should 
 muchr help to confirm our faith, about the performance of 
 that which further remains of the scripture. 
 
 (1.) That the Lord will thus appear in the last times % 
 this is manifest from the word. To clear which, observe, 
 1. Though the church militant must not want an adversa- 
 ry, and some persecution from the world, even in her best, 
 estate : yet we have a safe warrant to expect that the Lord 
 will glorify himself m a peculiar way in his people now in 
 these latter days, by their doing and acting for the truth, 
 as in former ages his glory did most appear, during anti- 
 christs reign, in his church's suffering ; lor then the faith 
 and patience of his saints was to be witnessed in its season.. 
 Rev. xiii. 10. And thus he would serve^ himself of his 
 people, and bring forth his glory, until that time of retribu- 
 tion, when those who bad killed with the sword, should be 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 231 
 
 killed by the sword, and those who led unto captivity, be 
 so dealt with ; which cloth also clearly promise some spe- 
 cial outpouring' of the Spirit, for acting with these gifts of 
 courage an. I resolution, suitable to the service of the 
 church in the latter clays. Xwl truly I think it is a great 
 defect, we study not more the accomplishing of the prom- 
 ises, and how to improve the same, for gifts, as well as 
 grace, in order to the several times and necessities of the 
 church. 
 
 2. It is very clear from the scripture, that in the last days,, 
 when Christ is to rais: his church from under the power 
 and tyranny of antichrist, he shall then appear in a warlike. 
 posture. Which John had shewed to him, Rev. xix. 13, 
 14, as one at the head of his forces, with his vesture dipped 
 in blood, to shew whan once the war is begun against his 
 adversary, and this Lion of the tribe of Judah begins to 
 rouze himself up, what a terrible appearance he will have 
 in that undertaking. And it is clear, that the Lord hath de- 
 clared in this his counsel and will, that his Son Christ 
 should in the latter times take unto himself his great power, 
 and reign, (Rev. xi. 17.) yea, cause the world to know 
 him to be head of principalities and powers, as well as of 
 the church. For his glory in this truth as a king, which 
 former ages seemed in so great a measure to darken, must 
 then clearly shine forth. I truly think, men's appearing 
 with such violence and rage against so interesting a truth 
 now in these days, doth promise some eminent appearance 
 of the Lord therein, and that he shall yet more solemnly 
 assert the same before the world. I 
 
 3. Doth not the scripture point at the last times, as 
 that special time of recompense for the controversy of S ion-? 
 to which the Lord hath reserved a solemn triumph of his 
 justice, over all his church's enemies ; when he shall in- 
 quire for the blood of his saints, shed upon the earth since 
 the days of Abel, at Babylon's hand, (Rev. xviii, 24.) that 
 great adversary, who stands in law guilty, and hath served 
 herself heir to all the violence and cruelty done in former 
 ages* For in her hand must that cup be found full, which 
 the enemies of the church from the beginning have been 
 filling up, and as so many rivers and fountains hath run in- 
 to this great sea. 
 
 4. It is also clear, that in the last times, when the Lord 
 shall bind up the breach of his people, and heal the stroke of 
 their w mnd, who for so long a time had been trampled 
 under by antichrist, he shall by some signal providences 
 rollavjay this reproach and scandal bf'mcnmes?, contempt, 
 Mid persecution: shall put some glory on his church, pro- 
 
 M. M 
 
282 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 portionablt to its former abasement ; yea, thus comfort her, 
 according to the days yt herein he had afflicted her, and 
 cause his people's uprising, in measure and kind, to an- 
 swer their low and suffering state from antichrist, even in 
 the last time, v\hen the Lord shall make them appear with 
 the face of a Lion, when hhc feeble spall be as David, and 
 as the angel oj\ the Lord, Zech. xii. 8. Which promise 
 doth clearly point at the church's raising, and delivery 
 from antichrist ; upon the back whereof we find the 
 prophet doth foretell the last conversion, and incoming of 
 Israel. 
 
 5. I shall only add what the scripture doth most express- 
 ly shew, that the Lord shall so gloriously appear in bring* 
 ing his church out of Babylon, and executing his judgment 
 on that adversary, as in the day when he brought his peo- 
 ple out of Egypt, and therefore shall they sing the song of 
 Moses and the Lamb,Eev. %v. 3, his great power and out- 
 stretched hand being no less discernible therein, than if 
 they had been standing with Israel at the Red Sea, when 
 they saw their enemies lying dead upon the shore. Yea, 
 have we not ground to believe, that the Lord shall make 
 himself very evidently known in raising instruments, and 
 acting them forth ? Which hath been already seen ; and 
 I am sure, the world must confess what great things have 
 been clone by those of whom little was expected. 
 
 (2.) That the Lord hath thus begun to appear, and 
 make himself known to the world in these last. ages,ac~ 
 cording to his word, is a thing very easy to demonstrate. 
 For, 
 
 1. Is it not clear, how in these last times he hath met his 
 enemies upon their high places, and in their greatest 
 strength ? that by a s.rong handht did make room for his 
 truth, when both law and force did withstand the same, 
 and put the marks of his wrath on such who would oppose 
 the spreading of his kingdom, so that they have been as 
 visible, as sometimes their rage and violence against the 
 church was. Yea, si* cc the Lord begun to lift up a stand- 
 ard for the truth, and call forth his people to act, hath it 
 not been seen they have left their ground more by under- 
 hand treaties, and turning aside to carnal politic shifts, than 
 by open force and violence ? Which the French massacre, 
 with othc r sad instances can witness ; for indeed the church 
 ft ' s'iii lost least by greatest opposition. 
 
 2. Have we not seen by what dreadful shakings and al- 
 t( iviuiib of the earth, this late glorious reformation of die 
 cburchhom antichrisnanism hath been ushered in ? Which 
 have been more strange, and frequent, than in many ages 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 283 
 
 before. Hath not the Lord caused the nations to shake \ 
 and the earth to reel like a drunken man ; to shew men that 
 though he suffered long in former times of the worlds ig- 
 norance, he will not so now bear with opposing his truth I 
 
 3. Have we not also seen the Lord's raising up men Jit 
 for action , in these last times ; men of a great heroic spirit \ 
 with some more than ordinary elevation of the same to ap- 
 pear for his interest ? Such, we may say, that many former 
 ages could not instance ; in which the Lord's helping his 
 people to do great things, his suiting them with endow- 
 ments for the service and work of the time, hath been most 
 discernible ! Was not that excellent man the admiral of 
 France, with many others in that place, eminently raised 
 up, for the necessity of that time ? And do we not find 
 those princes of Orange, William, and Maurice, and Mau- 
 ritius otSrxony, whom the Lord raised against Charles 
 V. and caused him to flee over the Alps ? Yea, what mar- 
 vellous resolution and courage did attend the actings of the 
 confederates of the Low Countries ? And in latter times 
 do we not find Gustus king of Sweden, Bernard duke of 
 Weymar, landgrave of Hesse, with many others, emi- 
 nently raised to avenge the Lord's quarrel against that 
 bloody house of Austria ? Have we not also seen very 
 great instruments raised up in Britain, and Ireland (who 
 were followed with wonderful success) to act for the truth 
 against antichristian prelacy ? And truly we must say, the 
 withdrawing in such a measure of that spirit of courage 
 and resolution, which once was so visibly let forth m the 
 first dawning of the reformation, may sadly point at a great 
 decay of zeal, self confidence, and unfaithfulness as to the 
 improving of opportunities. For the Lord was with his 
 people whilst they were with him K and did singly follow 
 him in his way : but alas, with their departing it may be 
 said their strength hath departed from them. However, the 
 quarrel is clear for an oppressed people's acting, upon so 
 just, so necessary an account, as the interest of religion, 
 against the cruelty and violent encroachments of antichrist, 
 wherein, as the Lord hath eminently owned his people, so 
 (I dare not question) he will yet appear, and silence the 
 adversaries of this truth, by such an argument, against 
 which they shall not debate. 
 
 4. That universal deluge of blood, which for the 100 
 years past hath overflowed much of Europe, can be *a wit- 
 ness to this, that the Lord hath taken peace from men,' who 
 would not embrace the peace of the gospel offered in these 
 last times, and given his enemies who had shed the blood of 
 the saints, blood to drink, in great measure. I am sure, 
 
284 The Fulfilling 6f the Scripture. 
 
 poor Germany can prove this, which for twenty years to. 
 get) »er \\ as a field of dead men ; and France from the days 
 of Henry II. to the establishment of Henry IV. How long 
 was the Low Ceuntries made a. stage of wur, where many a 
 crnel Spaniard did fall ur de r the sword of an avenging 
 God ; beside the late bloody wars in Britain, and Ire- 
 land. And what doth this declare, but that Jesus Christ 
 hath taken. the fields, and it will not be now with the kings 
 of the earth, to oppress his church, and withstand the truth 
 as in former time s ? 
 
 I shall but add,. how wonderfully hath the Lord appear- 
 ed in delivering his church at the greatest extremity, hath 
 turned Jus enemies' counsels and designs upon themselves, 
 brought -about the great works of these last times by 
 means so unexpected and improbable, that we may say, 
 what of his judgment is already executed against antichrist, 
 hath been no less marvellous than that Jericho's walls 
 should fiJl at the sound of a trumpet of ram horns ; or a 
 cake of barley bread tumbling into the host of Midian 
 should smite and overthrow the same ! Surely, when we 
 consider what the Lord hath done, and how exactly that 
 doth answer the scrip ture, we may have much to confirm 
 us about the further accomplishment of his word; and be 
 assured, that the term of his long suffering towards Baby- 
 lon is at an end, war is denounced, and the execution al- 
 ready begun, which must not have a close until judgment 
 be accomplished into victory. 
 
 IV. Ground, which may confirm the faith of the saints, 
 and be as a pledge in their hand of the full accomplishing 
 of the scripture, yea, that this is near, is this, That the day 
 is new xurned, and that prophesied victory, which the church 
 should have over antichrist before the end, is not only begun, 
 but in a %reat measure advanced. 
 
 This is indeed a great confirmation, when we see so 
 marvellous a crisis in the church's case, her recovery from 
 so desperate and hopeless a disease already begun, that it 
 shall be further perfected. We are apt to wonder at the 
 greatness of those things yet promised, but why should we 
 not also \\ onder at that v hich God hath already done for his 
 church, in our days ? The scripture doth shew, that anti- 
 christ's ruin must begin by the word : that this stroke 
 shall be gradual ; and however that great work of God 
 meet with much opposition, yet it shall no more go back 
 in the whole. And must we not say, in all this the word 
 is fulfilled ; it hath not hitherto failed the church, but the 
 event in every circumstance is made to answer to the 
 same? 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture* 28S 
 
 Now to clear this, we would consider these two. First* 
 that the church's victory over antichrist is this day so for 
 advanced. 2. Mow the Lord's very immediate hand hath 
 been most discernible therein. 
 
 The first, I need but name, whilst it is so manifest, what 
 the Lord hath wrought for his church. For we have seen 
 kingdoms and nations subject themselves to the truth : the 
 kingdom of antichrist grow dark, with the breaking out of 
 the light, and many of his followers made to gnash their 
 teeth, being scorched with the heat and power of the gospel ; 
 in how great a measure is that interest now shaken, if we 
 consider what the Lord hath wrought, what a great refor- 
 mation hath been in Britain and Ireland, through much of 
 France \ Germany, Sweden, the Low Countries, Poland \ 
 Denmark, yea, even in Hungary, and Transylvania ! 
 Sure this was a great work, which should be marvellous in 
 our eyes, how that antichristian empire, contrived with 
 such wisdom, underpropped with so great strength, whose 
 commands not long since were received as oracles, with an 
 awe and respect only due to God, hath in such a measure 
 begun to fall before the power of the word ! O the righteous 
 judgment of the Lord, which he hath shewed forth upon 
 that adversary, and should be a pledge to us of the further 
 manifestation thereof; an adversary, we may say, the 
 greatest that ever the church had : whose little finger hath 
 been heavier than the loins of all who went before, if we 
 consider his cruelty over men's bodies, tyranny over their 
 consciences, with so long a continuance of that trial! in 
 respect of whom it may be said, Pharaoh was an easy 
 taskmaster ; Antiochus and the Roman emperors mild, 
 who for near 1200 years did carry on a desperate and 
 bloody war against the church , 
 
 The second which I would at some more length prose. 
 cute, is this, How the Lord's hand and something of an ex* 
 traor dinar y providence hath been no less discernible in this 
 late raising of the church, and her begun victory over anti- 
 christ, than in the first planting of Christianity by the apos- 
 tles. This is a truth, which to many may seem strange : 
 but when seriously considered, if prejudice do not darken 
 men's judgment, will appear from sure and solid grounds. 
 Now to demonstrate this, I would here offer some very 
 convincing witnesses, which may help t6 strengthen the 
 faith of the godly, and give atheism some dash. 
 
 First witness to this truth, is that wonderful success 
 which the gospel in these last times hath had: wherein men 
 must see the great power of God, and efficacy of the Spii*. 
 it, in some measure as manifest, as in the first rise of the 
 christian church, if we consider, 
 
286 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 1. From what a small spai k, so great afire did break 
 out, which ina shot time put Europe in a flame, and made 
 so great a change therein, even Luther's appearing against 
 Tcxelius upon the account of his indulgences. O but 
 God's time of working may be oft contrary to our time 
 oftxpecting ! 
 
 2. What a swift progress did the gospel have ? may we 
 not say with wonder, Can a nation be born at once ! yet 
 this we have seen, how many nations and cities in one and 
 the same age, yea, in less than forty years, were brought 
 into subjection to the truth ; and those instruments whom 
 scarce any durst own at first, made to see great princes 
 with armies on the folds 'for the interests of Christ. 
 
 3. Have we not se< n religion propagated by martyrdom. 
 no less than in the primitive times ; and men's essays to 
 ruin the church, helping it further to grow ? O what but 
 a divine power could thus bring gold out of iron and clay, 
 bring a flourishing church out of their ashes, and turn her 
 poison to a preservative ! But alas, it is sad, that whilst men 
 were burned for the truth and reading the scripture, then 
 their affction (lid also burn in reading the same, but now 
 with our liberty there is so great a decay. 
 
 4. Must not the wise and politicians of the world con- 
 fess, this late increase of the church is a thing above their 
 reach, most cross to all their rules which they cannot see 
 how in an ordinary way it could be brought about. 
 
 5. Were not instruments most unlikely for so great a 
 work, if we would judge as men ? That such a poor hand- 
 ful, as Luther, Zuinglius, Melanchton, Bucer, &c. should 
 go forth to confront that power, which then made the earth 
 to tremble, might it not seem as improbable, as the sending 
 forth of some fishermen to subdue the nations ! 
 
 6. It is known, they were none of the rabbies of the 
 time, whose repute and fame might have purchased easy 
 access, to their message : nay, they were loaded^ with all 
 the reproach, which their adversaries could devise, with 
 novelty of doctrine, deceit and falsehood in their dealing, 
 represented to the world as monsters. Luther was forced 
 to answer himself a printed relation of his death, how he 
 was carried away soul and body by the devil. 
 
 7. Was not the message they carried, most opposite to 
 men's carnal inclinations, to these principles, they had 
 sucked in from their infancy, to the religion of their fathers ; 
 yea, in a word, had no outward encouragements ? The 
 whole world seemed to combine against them ; Luther, at 
 his first appearance excommunicated by the pope, pre- 
 scribed by the emperor : and good Melanchton was oft 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 287 
 
 r.iade to faint, when he thought on so great a storm of op- 
 position : so that without the convoy of an extraordinary 
 power, nothing could have looked more improbable. 
 
 Second witness, that may let the world see a wonderful 
 providence in this late raising of the church, is this, Those 
 sharp assaults which the church met with, from a party, no 
 less cruel and powerful, than any adversary which the 
 church had in the primitive times. For 1 am sure, the world 
 must confess, that no ordinary means had wanted for an 
 essay, to crush the gospel in its first budding forth ; that 
 both counsel and force, the authority of law, backed with 
 greatest rage and violence in its execution, yea, the power 
 of the princes of the earth, were put forth to the utmost, 
 to withstand this great work of God in these last ages. To 
 clear this, I shall only point at some remarkable assaults 
 which did attend the dawning of the gospel, that may shew 
 something above nature going along with it. 
 
 1. We find a Spa?2ish emperor, devoted to the popish 
 interest, and more powerful than any who went before, 
 brought in on Germany with the very first breaking out of 
 the light, which might seem a dreadful hindrance to the 
 gospel's spreading. 
 
 2. The rise of the Boores, and anabaptist party, whose 
 being so gross, and destructive to civil order, to the inter- 
 ests and proprieties of men, did look like a sad incident, 
 and a probable means to beget much prejudice against the 
 truth. 
 
 3. That sad overthrow of the duke of Saxony , and land- 
 grave of Hesse, who were such great patriots to the church, 
 did then threaten the very ruin of the protestant interest 
 in Germany. 
 
 4. The council of Trent, where the popish party had all 
 their politics on foot in a strong combination, how to ruin 
 the church. 
 
 5. The interim of Germany , a most subtile contrivance 
 to divide, and thus break the strength of the protestants, 
 was also a sore assault, a snare to some, and cause of per- 
 secution to others. 
 
 6. That Spanish inquisition, established through Spain, 
 Italy, and the Low Countries, a horrid cruel engine which 
 did reach to prevent the smallest glancings of the truth. 
 
 7. The French massacre, where not only the admiral, 
 but most of the considerable protestants were through all 
 France in a few days cut off. O would not this seem an 
 irrecoverable stroke ! together with that catholic league, 
 which did quickly follow upon the back thereof, a very 
 strong and formidable combination to root out the protest- 
 ant interest. 
 
2$8 The fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 S. The taking away of Edward VI. of England, and 
 establishing of a cruel persecutor, queen Mary, didjndeed 
 Jook like a stroke that should root out the church in that 
 part, and destroy that famous plantation of the gospel, in 
 its tender growth. 
 
 9. I must add, that which was as sore an assault to the 
 church as any, so grievous a difference which with the 
 first breaking out of the ; work of reformation did begin be- 
 twixt Luther and Zuinglius, about Christ's presence in 
 the sacrament ; yea, come to such an height and with so 
 great heat and animosity was followed, as in appearance 
 would have wholly frustrated the work they were about. 
 
 Third witness to this truth is, That wonderful patience 
 and resolution of the saints, yea, with muth cheerfulness in 
 their greatest sufferings, which in these late times did ap* 
 pear. Wherein the world must confess, that same imme- 
 diate support from heaven, yea, the Lord's owning his 
 people in a very extraordinary way, was no less manifest, 
 than in those primitive sufferings of the church from hea- 
 thens. Sure, no past times, even in those bloody days of 
 Nero, Bomitian, &x. can shew more horrid, more strange 
 engines of torment and cruelty, than what in these last ages 
 the church did endure from the popish party : whose sav- 
 age and barbarous usage of the poor flock of Christ, where- 
 ever they had access, may witness a crueky more than hu- 
 man. And as to the number, are they not almost without 
 reckoning, who in France, Germany, Britain, and the 
 Low Countries, beside other parts, were slain within this 
 150 years, for the word of God, and the testimony of his 
 truth? Now, as this is most manifest, it is also known 
 what a divine and an invincible spirit, with an astonishing 
 courage, and resolution, did appear in the carriage of the 
 people of God, under this sore persecution ; how they 
 triumphed over their oppressors, and did cheerfully meet 
 death in its most terrible shape ; a thing which the schools 
 of Socrates and Plato with all their rules could never reach ; 
 yea, should be reckoned amongst the miracles of these lat- 
 ter days. About which we would consider these things, 
 
 1. That something more than nature, a spirit and reso- 
 lution above the ordinary rate otmen, yea, something much 
 above themselves, their own natural temper and disposi- 
 tion, did in their most extreme sufferings oft appear ; and 
 this without the least shadow of affectation and deceit. I 
 am sure, the world in these last ages, yea, the conscience 
 of their persecutors, and of the greatest adieists, must wit- 
 ness this. 
 
 2. That many of the most soft and tender disposition, 
 many women, whose complexion would declare more 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 297 
 
 weakness than others, yet in this late antichristian perse- 
 cution did endure greatest torments, and by suffering tri- 
 umphed over the fury and rage of their adversaries ; 
 whereof we have many instances upon record. 
 
 3. The world hath been also witness, how serious and 
 deliberate the saints were in this, that they made suffering 
 their choice ; which they could easily have shunned, at the 
 rate of yielding something in the truth : but ere they would 
 do this, or give the adversary such a bribe, they chose to 
 embrace death, and go to a stake for<Christ, even when they 
 wanted not most persuading offers to turn them aside. For 
 instance, I would here mention that excellent man in queen 
 Mar if s time, Julius Palmer, who not only had life, but 
 preferment offered, if he would recant ; to which his aru 
 swer was, that he had quitted his thing in two places for 
 Christ, and now was ready to yield his life also on that ac- 
 count. Likewise one JVilliam Hunter, whom bishop 
 Bonner x\\d urge with many offers to recant, told him, it 
 must be by scripture, and not persuasions of that kind ; 
 for he reckoned all earthly things but dross and dung in 
 respect of Christ ; and at the stake, when a pardon by the 
 sheriff was offered upon such an account, did peremptorily 
 reject the same. Antonius Rice to, a Venetian, who con- 
 demned for the truth, had a large offer to have his patrimo- 
 ny restored, which was much mortgaged with debt, and 
 made free, besides his life, if he would but a little yield, 
 and likewise had his son weeping on him* for that cause, 
 gave this answer, he was resolved to lose both children 
 and estate for Christ. I shall add what we have related of 
 one Heryin, who suffered in the Low Countries, to whom 
 me magistrates made great entreaties with large promises 
 to recant, which he wholly slighted. Many more instances 
 of this kind here might be set down. 
 
 4. It is known, that such who were of great repute in 
 the world, and had a large share of outward things to 
 tempt them, did in these last times most cheerfully part 
 with the same, and chose rather suffering for the truth. 
 We may instance those two great witnesses, John Freder- 
 ick of Saxony and the landgrave of Hesse, who under 
 that long imprisonment by Charles V. bare out many- 
 sharp assaults, both by threatenings and offers, without 
 yielding in the least to the prejudice of the truth ; yea, on 
 this account did the duke of Saxony forego his estate and 
 dignity. Annas du Burg, counsellor of the parliament at 
 Paris, of great parts and repute, who before Henry II. 
 had an excellent speech in parliament, for the protestant 
 party, for which by him being imprisoned, did forego all 
 
 N N 
 
290 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 his honours and interests in the world, (which otherwise 
 he might have kept) and embraced death for Christ. The 
 prince of Conde at the massacre of Paris, when the king 
 expressly shewed him he should within three days die, it 
 he did not renounce his religion, told him, his estate and 
 life were in his hand, but ere he renounced the truth, he 
 would quit both. Charles de Zeroton, a Moravian baron, 
 of great interest and authority in that country, in the late 
 Bohemian persecution did quit all his estate and possession 
 for the gospel, notwithstanding of many large offers and 
 persuasions. We find also in England the dutchess of 
 Suffolk, a lady who lived in the fulness of the world and 
 pleasures thereof, yet in queen Mary's time, did quit both 
 estate and country for the truth, and on that account did 
 choose a very hard lot in other parts. 
 
 5. Is it not also known, how those who had been ready 
 t&fa'mt, and to be overcharged with discouragrment, yet 
 at death, in the extremity of their suffering, diel shew a 
 marvellous resolution and cheerfulness ? A thing which no 
 atheist can possibly answer, and sheweth God's very im- 
 mediate support. Mr. Glover, how sore \\ as he cast down, 
 and could feel no joy or comfort after much wrestling ; 
 but no sooner did come in sight of the stake, but his soul 
 was filled with the joy of the Lord, and with his strength, 
 which forced him to clap his hands, and cry forth to a 
 friend who knew his former damp, and discouragement, 
 Oh Austin, he is come, he is come ! and thus cheerfully 
 went to death! Thomas Hudson, a choice christian who 
 suffered in queen Mary's time, when at the stake, did slip 
 suddenly from under the chain* to the astonishment of the 
 people ; yet not from fear of death, but from the want of 
 feeling of Christ, which made him full of heaviness : but 
 after his turning aside, that he had got his soul poured out 
 to God, he returned as one raised from death to lift*, crying 
 out, Now I am strong, and do not care what man can do/ 
 and thus with much joy did yield up his spirit. Likewise 
 Annas du Burg, whom we before mentioned, being 
 through fear and discouragement drawn to recant, had no 
 vest in his spirit until he retracted the same, and after did 
 cheerfully undergo death. With what marvellous resolu- 
 tion did that excellent man, Doctor Cranmer put his right 
 hand to the lire when he ca he to the stake, and suffered it 
 to burn without shrinking, which (as he said) he would 
 punish for subscribing a recantation, which was so much 
 thereafter his grief ! 
 
 Last I must add. that marvellous joy and resolution, 
 which the sai;Us in these late times did in their greatest 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scrip turc. 2 91 
 
 sufferings shew, is very evident, and known to the world ; 
 for their suffering was not in a corner, and we may say, 
 hath not come short of the primitive martyrs, but did wit- 
 ness the same spirit and power accompanying them. I 
 cannot pass this in a general, without giving some touch, 
 amidst such a multitude of convincing instances. ^ Let 
 us hear blessed Bradford at the stake thus spe-ak to his fel- 
 low sufferer, Be of good comfort, for we shall have this 
 night a merry supper with the Lord. Latimer to Ridley, 
 We shall this day light such a candle in England, as I trust 
 shall never be put out. Mr. Sanders, 1 was in prison until 
 I got into prison ; and at the stake embracing, cries, Wel- 
 come the cross of Christ, welcome everlasting life. Dr. 
 Farrer, to a gentleman who bemoaned his death, and the 
 painfulness of it, If you see me once stir in the fire, believe 
 not my doctrine : as did after appear, for he stood without 
 moving in the midst of the flame. John Ardley, If every 
 hair of my head were a man, it should suffer death, in the 
 faith I now stand in. Elizabeth Folks, embracing the 
 stake, cried, Farcwel world, far ewel faith and hope, and 
 welcome love. Robert Aguric's son, when at Lisle, in the 
 Low Countries he suffered with his father for the truth, in 
 the year 1556, did cry forth at the stake, Behold millions of 
 angels about us, and the heaven opened to receive us ! after 
 he had sometime fixed his eyes on heaven : and when the 
 lire was kindled, says to his father, Yet a very little, and 
 we shall enter into the heavenly mansion. Mr. Thus, an 
 English minister in qtreen Mary^s days, thus writes to his 
 friends, " I am going to the bishop's coal house, but shall 
 not be long there before I be carried up to my brethren, 
 who are gone to heaven before me in a fiery chariot ; fol- 
 low you after me, where you shall find me singing merrily 
 at my journey's end, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sa- 
 baoth. Alger'ms, an Italian martyr, thus writes from his 
 prison a little befjie his death, Who would believe that in 
 this dungeon I should find a paradise so pleasant ! in a 
 place of sorrow and death, tranquillity, and hope of life ? 
 where others weep, I rejoice. how easy and sweet is his 
 yoke ! And this he subscribes from that delectable orchard 
 of 'the Leoline prison* Guy de Bres, The ringing of my 
 chain hath been sweet music in my ears ; all my former 
 discourses were but as a blind man's of colours, in respect of 
 my present feeling. what a precious comforter is a good 
 conscience ! The lord Henry Otto, a Bohemian, who suf- 
 fered in the late persecution, said to the minister, I was. 
 troubled, bat now I feel a wonderful refreshment. O now I 
 fear death no longer, I will die with joy ; and on the scaf 
 
292 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 fold cried out, behold, I see the heavens opened: pointing 
 with his hands at the place where others observed a certain 
 brightness that did dazzle their eyes : and thus died with 
 great cheerfulness. I shall but add the last words of that 
 holy and great Mr. Washart, who thus spake amidst the 
 fire, This flame doth torment my body, but no whit abate 
 my spirits. 
 
 Fourth witness is. Those great and remarkable judg- 
 ments of God, which in these last times have befallen the ad- 
 versaries and persecutors of the church, who have been most 
 notorious for their opposition to the truth : therein we must 
 say, a divine hand hath been so discernible, that ordinary 
 observers could not pass the same without a remark, but 
 must acknowledge the righteous judgment of God. that it 
 cometh not by guess and at an adventure, but doth con- 
 vincingly seal the word. 
 
 This is indeed a grave subject, wherein we should be 
 very serious and sober; fox the judgments of God are a 
 great depth, nor can we determine from events but in so 
 far as they answer to the word. It may sometime happen 
 to wicked men according to the work of the righteous ; but 
 on the other hand it is a sure truth, that God is known by the 
 judgment he executes, and in every age doth point out sin to 
 the world by remarkable strokes, some great examples of 
 judgment, which as a beacon are set forth for men to ob- 
 serve. And truly we may say, those remarkable instances 
 of the judgment of God, since he began to sound a retreat 
 to his church from Babylon, are far beyond other preceding 
 ages. I would be sparing to repeat what of this kind is 
 published by others, but that in speaking to this truth, I 
 cannot pass it in a general, whilst there are so many in- 
 stances wherein the Lord hath made himself known, and 
 these such a convincing seal and confirmation of the truth. 
 And in the following relations* I dare with confidence say, 
 there is not any passage or matter of fact, here set down 
 without some clear and satisfying grounds as to the certain- 
 ty thereof. 
 
 I shall first instance Charles V. whose undertakings 
 for many years were followed with success, until once he 
 set himself to persecute and oppress the church, and bath- 
 ed his sword in the blood of the protestants, with his cruel 
 and unjust usarre of the^ duke of Saxony ; from 
 which time his affairs began visibly to decline, he is forced 
 to flv before Mauritius, and seek a retreat in the furthest 
 confines of the empire, and after broken with melancholy 
 and discontent, like another Dioclesian, doth resign his 
 empire, and turn to a private life. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 293 
 
 Philip II. of Spain, one of the greatest persecutors of 
 the church in these last ages, whose work was to root out the 
 protestant religion in his dominions, and therefore set on 
 foot that horrid engine of the inquisition, yet at last 
 finds all his essays frustrated, and after the loss of many 
 millions of treasures, and of some 10,000 lives by \var 9 
 yea, of a considerable part of the Netherlands, and after 
 the breaking his great armado at sea against the English^ 
 by a very remarkable stroke from heaven, is at last smit- 
 ten of the Lord in his body by a strange disease, or rather 
 a confluence of diseases, which his physicians could neither 
 understand, nor cure ; his body falling out in grievous 
 boils, whence (besides putrid matter) there did issue suet; 
 abundance of vermin, that standers by could hardly cleanse, 
 or endure the horrid smell thereof. And he who had put 
 so many of the saints to cruel torments by the inquisition, 
 was himself tormented, for two years together, with inex- 
 pressible pain and anguish. 
 
 Henry II. iof France, a most violent enemy to the 
 church, whilst he had caused sentence of Annas duBurg 
 to death, having solemnly protested in such words, These 
 eyes of mine shall see thee burnt / a little before the appoint- 
 ed time of his execution, running in the lists with a spear 
 against count Montgomery , it pierced through the eye, 
 with such a wound, that in a short time sent him to his 
 grave, and frustrated his expectation of seeing the death of 
 that excellent man. Jriis son Charles IX. that bloody per,, 
 secutor, I shall mention elsewhere how remarkably the 
 jndgment of God did pursue him. 
 b Henry III. who (while he was duke of AnjouJ did as- 
 sist at that horrid council kept at St. Cloud, near Paris, 
 where the massacre was concluded, is some years after 
 stabbed to death by a Jacobin friar in that very chamber ; 
 a thing which Du Serrcs doth twice mention with a re- 
 mirk, as a marvellous instance of the judgment of God. 
 
 The duke of Guise, the great executioner of that massa- 
 cre, and his brother the cardinal, a special contriver of the 
 same, are not long after killed by Henry III. at Blois, with 
 whom they had oft joined in counsel, to root cut the prot- 
 estants ; and which is very observable, by a specious show 
 of friendship were circumvented, and with solemn oaths 
 and promises as treacherously reached, as the admiral and 
 protestants by Charles IX. were at Paris : and these two, 
 who were his great counsellors, thus are dealt with, having 
 blood measured out to them for blood and treachery, a$ 
 they had dealt treacherously with the saints. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 We find also the duke of Aumale, who was a joint actor 
 with the duke of Guise in that massacre, cloth a little after 
 fall by a shot off the walls at the siege of Rcchel ; which not 
 only Du Serves but also Da*villa f who was very popish, 
 doth particularly relate ; where we may see, what a bloody 
 €m\ the great contrivers and actors ol that horrid massacre 
 had. 
 
 Henry IV. a prince of excellentparts and great natural 
 accomplishments, was followed with marvellous success, 
 whilst he owned the truth ; yet, after many victories, and 
 xht breaking of the catholic league, turns popish, and ab- 
 jures the protectant religion ; but lo, within a little he is 
 stabbed in the mouth by a Jesuit. On which, a protestant 
 gentleman used this freedom with him, Sir, you have deni- 
 ed God and his truth with your mouth, and he hath green 
 you there a stroke ; take heed you deny him not also with 
 your heart, lest the next stroke be there! Which as the 
 French history sheweth, did accordingly fall out, when he 
 was stabbed by Ravilack ; Du Serres his own historio- 
 grapher doth shew it was through the very heart ; and it 
 was too evident, that sometime before his death, he had 
 turned cordial and zealous for the popish interest. 
 
 Ferdinand II. a great persecutor of the church in Germa- 
 ny, who after his victory over Frederick and the Bohemian 
 states, made it his work to root out the church and protest- 
 ant religion there, and turned that country unto a bloody 
 shambles ; not sparing any rank, who would not abjure 
 the truth : but a short time after, we find the avenger of 
 blood (in whose sight that of his saints is precious) pursu- 
 eth him, raiseth up the Swedes for an adversary, under 
 whose sword most of those cruel wretches, that were the 
 Bohemian scourge, do fail, turneth Germany and the em- 
 peror's countries into a field of blood ; breaketh that great 
 army, which for many years had given law to Germany, 
 so that (as some historians mention) an army of 24,000 
 captains, because all old expert soldiers, was broken in the 
 plain fields with a huge slaughter : yea, the violence and 
 cruelty of the popish party was thus measured out to them, 
 as they had measured to the poor church of Bohemia, and 
 the Palatinate ; and Ferdinand the emperor broken with 
 breach upon breach, that men may see the judgment of 
 God pursuing a bloody persecutor. 
 
 Those barbarous cruel Irish, who of late carried on that 
 horrid massacre there, sparing no protestants, whatever 
 was their age or rank, without compassion to women or 
 children, O how visibly did the judgment of the Lord 
 reach them, and for that savage blood shed give them bloocl 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 295 
 
 to drink in great measure ! their chief leader Macguier^ 
 Machine, and after Philomy Oneale taken, publickly exe- 
 cuted, most of them consumed by the sword, their spirits 
 so debased, that a lew English or Scots soldiers would 
 have chased multitudes of them ; so that the work! might 
 see divine vengeance eminently pursuing them, which in a 
 few years did root out most of that cruel generation. 
 
 We have an observable instance also recorded of Sir 
 James Hamilton, natural brother to the earl of Arran, 
 who in the time of king James V. was by the popish cler- 
 gy promoted against such as were then suspected of favour- 
 ing the protestant religion, in which place he was most ter- 
 rible and cruel against all he could reach, yea, so violent 
 that some of his near kinsmen were by him brought under 
 the lash of his power : but lo, when at his greatest height, 
 whilst he is making it his work to crush the gospel in its 
 budding forth, this is made the means of his ruin, and by 
 one of his friends, whom he pursued on the account of re- 
 ligion, he is accused of treason, and notwithstanding of the 
 solicitation of the popish clergy for him as their great patri- 
 ot, he is presently arraigned, beheaded and quartered in 
 the public street of Edinburgh. 
 
 It is also known, what violent persecutors cardinal Bea- 
 ton and his successor bishop Hamilton were, who were no 
 less conspicuous instances of the judgments of the Lord in 
 that time : also what befel one friar Cambel, who did bit- 
 terly rail on that excellent man Mr. Patrick Hamilton, 
 when he was burnt at St. Andrews, to whom Mr. Hamil- 
 ton at the stake in great vehemency said, " Wicked man, 
 thou knowest the contrary, and hast sometime professed 
 the same, I appeal thee to answer before the judgment seat 
 of Christ. " And within a few days after (which in that 
 time was well known) this friar fell sick,, and in great hor- 
 ror of conscience, as one mad, died. 
 
 There are indeed many such remarkable instances. It 
 is known, how the judgment of God did pursue those 
 three great apostates from the truth, Olhares, chancellor 
 of France, Latomus, and Francis Spira, who after they 
 had quitted their profession, and against their light denied 
 the truth, died with great horror of conscience, crying out 
 to standers by, what a hell they found within them ! Du 
 SerresAoih shew, how that chancellor of France, through 
 the torment and anguish of his mind, caused the very bed 
 to shake under him. But since there are many examples 
 of this kind already upon record, I do the more briefly 
 touch it; and shall only add some few which are 
 worthy of a remark in our own land ( Scotland) how visi- 
 
2SS The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 bly the Lord did pursue by his judgment some who had 
 deserted the truth, and turned opposers and persecutors 
 thereof in their promoting antichristian prelacy, contrary 
 to their former profession and engagements. 
 
 1. I shall instance Mr. Patrick Adamson, a preacher 
 once of great repute in this land, but one whom ambition 
 and private interest swayed more than the interest of 
 Christ, who insinuating himself in the king's favour, made 
 it his work to overturn the established government and 
 discipline of the church, until he got himself settled arch-' 
 bishop of St. Andrews, and prelacy by his means advanc- 
 ed, which the church from her first reformation from pope- 
 ry had disclaimed ; yea, in this height of his power and 
 grandeur, turned an avowed persecutor of his brethren : 
 at which time he used to boast of three things, which he 
 said could not fail him, his riches, learnings and the king's 
 favour. But a little after, as was then most known, he 
 was by the righteous judgment of God, brought to this pass 
 that his parts did so far wither and dry up, that in seeking 
 a blessing on his meat, he could scarce speak a few w T ords 
 of sense, though once admired for his eloquence: as for 
 his riches, he was forced to get charity from those ministers 
 whom he before persecuted : and for the kin g y s favour, he 
 was so abhorred by him, that as he himself professed when 
 the stroke of God brought him to some sense of his condi- 
 tion, he %vas sure the king did care more for the worst of his 
 dogs than for him. And thus in great misery he died, cast 
 off by the world whose favour he had only sought. His 
 public acknowledgment of his guilt and apostacy, and of 
 the Lord's hand pursuing the same, was by himself sub- 
 scribed, before divers eminent and worthy ministers of the 
 church, who did also by their subscription attest the same, 
 and was afterwards printed. 
 
 It is also manifest, how the Lord in his judgment did 
 pursue that wretched man, his successor, bishop Spots- 
 wood, who in a more subtile way did endeavour the over- 
 turning the discipline and liberties of the church, for set- 
 ting up of prelacy, and by underhand dealing, got himself 
 first thrust into Glasgow, and after to be archbishop of 
 St. Andrews, yea, at last was chancellor of Scotland, his 
 eldest son a baron in Fife, and his second son president of 
 the session, his daughter also married to Rosline, then a 
 considerable baron. But let us see where this ends, what 
 an eminent example in all these respects of the judgment of 
 God, he was, and therein the prophecy of that great man, 
 Mi \ IFclsh, accomplished, who did foretell in a letter, 
 whilst he was prisoner at Blackness t that he should be at 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 297 
 
 a stone cast out of a sling by the hand of God, his name 
 should rot, and a malediction on his posterity. And truly 
 this is known what become of him in the year 1638. How 
 he was excommunicated by the church ; did flee into Eng- 
 land, where in great misery he died ; his eldest son, Sir 
 John Spotsivood, was sometime brought to beg his bread, 
 which is known to many yet alive ; his second son, who 
 was president of the session, being taken at the battle of 
 Philiphauch, was beheaded at St. Andrews, and his Oy 
 young Darzie, beheaded at Edinburgh ; and for his 
 daughter who was married to Rosline, it is known, how 
 quickly after, that estate was rooted out, and turned from 
 that race. 
 
 Mr. James Nicolsonne, one very eminent in his time 
 for parts, and judgment in the affairs of the church, yea, 
 once very zealous for the truth, and a great opposer of pre- 
 lacy, when it fi: st began to assault the church, but at last 
 was turned aside, by court insinuations gets the bishop rick 
 of Dunkel ; yea, turns most forward to promote that inter- 
 est. But lo ! in a short time he is stricken by the Lord 
 with sickness, and great horror of conscience within, can 
 get no rest, his friends in vain endeavouring to comfort 
 him ; and when they would have brought physicians, he 
 told them, his disease was of another kind, for which they 
 could give no physic, which pressed him more than his 
 sickness, that against so much light and against his con- 
 science he had opposed the truth, and yielded up the lib- 
 erties of the kingdom of Christ to please an earthly king : 
 and he charged his children, that nothing which he had ac- 
 quired since he was prelate, should go amongst the rest of 
 his estate. And thus in great bitterness and grief he died, 
 whereupon his brother in law Mr. David Eindsey, then a 
 witness, made some verses in Latin. 
 
 Solatur frustra, conjunx, solantur amici, 
 
 Et medicum accersi, sedulo quisque jubet. 
 Sed dare solomen nemo, dare nemo saiutem, 
 Te prseter poterit, Rex Jacobe, mi hi, 
 Qux corpus gravat, atque animam, tantum exime mitra: 
 
 Huic caput, hujus onus me premit, et perimit. 
 
 Mr. William Couper, sometime minister of Perth, one 
 who witnessed much zeal against prelacy, both by preach- 
 ing and^ writing ; in a letter to Mr. George Graham, who 
 had written to him entreating his charity towards his own 
 conforming, he hath these words, Sir, for ifottrself I ' n&oer 
 hated you, but the course you are hi I never loved : ho\j 
 o o 
 
298 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 dangerous is their estate, who cannot rise, but with the fall 
 of many who in Christ have entered the right way to the 
 ministry : closing these fountains, which God hath opened? 
 Doing in a matter of conscience with doubting, turns men's 
 light to darkness ; whence follows induration : therefore I 
 cannot stand with you, except to witness to God in my heart 
 against you. And thus shuts up his letter, Consider your- 
 self where you was, and where you now are, et quantulum 
 sit illud propter quod nos reliquisti. This I set down to 
 shew what sometimes he was : yet shortly after, this man 
 turns to a bishoprick, was loathed by the godly in that time, 
 some of his old friends brought his own sermons to him, 
 and desired him to reconcile them with his after actings, 
 which did visibly affright and disquiet him ; and one day 
 being at pastime near to Leith, he was suddenly terrified, 
 with apprehension that he saw armed men coming upon 
 him : those who were with him, told him, there was no 
 such thing, it was only a dream ; whereupon he became 
 silent, and fell a trembling ; but after he went home, took 
 bed and died in much anguish and trouble of spirit, being 
 observed to point oft with his finger to the earth, crying out 
 these words, A fallen star ! a fallen star / It was also 
 known, how for divers years he had been seized upon 
 with an hypochondriac distemper, apprehending he was all 
 glass ; whereupon worthy Mr. Simson of Sterling, who 
 had sometimes been his familiar, hearing of his court ad- 
 vancement, had this line : 
 
 Aureus, heu ! fragilem confregit malleus urnam. 
 
 A very convincing instance of the judgment of God in 
 that time, was one Mr. Andrew Foster, minister at Dum- 
 fermling, who being sent commissioner to the assembly at 
 Glasgow, 1610, and solemnly adjured, as he should an- 
 swer to Jesus Christ, by his brethren, not to consent to 
 any alteration of the government of the church, yet not- 
 withstanding voted for prelacy, having got 50 marks from 
 the earl of Dumbar, (who made use of that argument to 
 break some of these wretches) a small sum indeed to sell 
 the cause of Christ, and by him very dear bought. For af- 
 ter his return, he falleth into sickness, and upon his recov- 
 ery from that was seised with horror of conscience, so 
 that he run out of the pulpit whilst he was going to preach, 
 confessing he had sold Christ at that assembly for money ; 
 that being poor and having a numerous family, he had 
 chosen rather to make haste, than believe ; and thus laid 
 aside his ministry, requesting Mr. John Murrey, who 
 then was silenced by the bishop, that for Christ's sake he 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 299 
 
 would take the charge of that place. After which he fell 
 into a great distraction, and became in some measure 
 mad : and though he did something recover, yet died in 
 great infamy, poor, and drowned in debt, a very convinc- 
 ing example of the judgment of God. This, old Mr. 
 Row, of Carnock, being then a minister in the same pres- 
 bytery, sets down under his hand, which he most certain- 
 ly knew. 
 
 I shall only add two remarkable instances of the Lord's 
 judgment within these few years, that should not be pass- 
 ed without a remark. 
 
 The first relates to a considerable family in this coun- 
 try, who made it their work to trouble and persecute the 
 minister of that parish, an eminently holy and faithful man ; 
 yea, upon the account of his faithfulness the old laird of 
 that house out of malice doth pursue him with a false libel 
 before the synod, using all means he could to reproach his 
 name, having it as his design, either to get him broken and 
 put out of the parish, or at least to crush his spirit, and 
 weaken him in the exercise of the ministry ; but doth there 
 meet with a disappointment, the Lord clearing the inno- 
 cence of his servant, and the malice of the other, so that 
 even such who otherwise wanted not a prejudice at him, 
 were forced to acknowledge this ; at which time that gen- 
 tleman, whilst he went to the stable where his horses were; 
 being then at the synod upon that account, is in the place 
 stricken with sickness, forced to haste home and take bed, 
 and there seized with horror of conscience, which made 
 him oft cry, entreating most earnestly for his minister 
 whom he had thus persecuted, and oft had these words, 
 to see his face, yea, told his friends that if he would not 
 come to him, they should carry him to his house ; but his 
 lady out of malice did in a most rude and violent way 
 hinder the minister's access to him, and thus that poor 
 gentleman in great horror and anguish dieth. After his 
 death, his lady cloth still pursue the quarrel, with no less 
 malice, until she also falleth sick, and therewith had much 
 terror upon her conscience ; yea, did no less cry out for the 
 minister, who then was providentially absent, so that she 
 ^ B put to cry, and in that denied, which she did hinder to 
 .er poor husband ; though at last, he came to her before 
 her death, to whom she with much bitterness confessed 
 her wrong. After this a young man, their chaplain, who 
 had been engaged by them to appear as a witness against 
 that godly man, was so terrified in his conscience, that he 
 could get no rest, until he went to the next synod, to ac- 
 knowledge that horrid sin, in bearing false witness against 
 
300 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 his minister ; but being there kept by some from a public 
 appearance, he. went to another part of the country, where, 
 it is certainly reported, he died distracted. Now last of all 
 the young laird, who did succeed in that estate, would 
 needs pursue the quarrel, and finding more aecess through 
 the change of the time, did so endeavour with some who 
 were in power, that an order was passed for banishing him 
 out of that parish : and though he was then otherwise 
 staged, upon the account of the public cause, yet, il. was 
 known, the violent pursuit of that gentleman was the main 
 cause of this sentence, which those who had hand in pass- 
 ing it, did themselves confess. For he had solemnly 
 sworn, that if he lived in that place, that man should not be 
 minister there : but Jo ! a lew days after, having returned 
 to his house, and boasting, how he had kept his word, and 
 now got his minister cast out of the parish, he was sudden- 
 ly struck by the Lord with an high fever, which plucked 
 him away in the very strength of his years. This 1 had re- 
 lated, as it is here set down, from a grave christian, the par- 
 ty himself being present, which he did humbly decline to 
 relate, though he could not but assent thereto. 
 
 The second is one David Machryar, who was a mem- 
 ber of the late parliament, being one of the commissioners 
 6f the boroughs, a man most notorious in the country 
 where he lived for a lewd and gross practice, but most re- 
 markable and known beyond others for his violence and 
 rage against the godly, as he shewed by his carriage, both 
 in the parliament, and afterwards where he could have ac- 
 cess, did set himself to trouble and persecute such undu 
 that reproachful name offanaiieks; but within some time 
 thereafter, whilst he was forced to retire by reason of debt, 
 for fear of caption, he was found one day walking alone, by 
 one who was then come out of the north to that country, 
 and had ridden forth, to see if he could catch any of that 
 party whom he judged was then lurking, and supposing 
 upon his reencounter, that he was surely one of these, 
 would needs apprehend him, but he upon his resistance 
 and struggling against him, was by him run through with a 
 sword, and immediately killed on the place, upon that very 
 account and persuasion, that he wzsxjanatick, and rebel, 
 as he then termed him. Thus he who had declared him- 
 self ail enemy to the people of God, whom he was wont in 
 reproach to a\\\fanaticks, was himself under that very no- 
 tion and upon that ground, cut down by one of his own 
 stamp and principles. O was not this the finger of God, 
 and a convincing proof of his righteous judgment ! 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 301 
 
 Fifth witness, which holds forth the Lord's eminent ap- 
 pearing, and something of an extraordinary power, in the 
 late raising and reformation of the church from antichrist- 
 ianism, is this, that large measure of the Spirit, and out- 
 pouring thereof which did convincing iy follow the gospel 
 and ministry of the word in these last times ; a truth which, 
 we must say, hath been manifest, and by many solemn 
 proofs thereof demonstrated, no less than in the first plant- 
 ing of the christian church. 
 
 It is undeniable, how great a witness to the truth, the 
 Spirit and downpouring thereof is. For this is God's 
 own seal, which is not put to a lie, or falsehood. Thus he 
 bears witness to his work in the hearts of his people, and 
 by this also the Lord doth seal and attest the doctrine of 
 the church, and the commission of his servants who pub- 
 lish the same ; yea, at some special seasons, as when the 
 truth hath least countenance or encouragement from with- 
 out, times of contradiction when men will not receive its 
 testimony, and a strong current oi opposition is to the gos- 
 pel, then hath this in a more full and large measure been dis- 
 cernible. Thus did the Lord eminently own and confirm 
 the christian religion in the days of the apostles, and for 
 some following ages, by se great a downpouring of the 
 Spirit, such visible and extraordinary effects thereof as did 
 then astonish the world, and force men to confess some- 
 thing above nature, that this was surely the great work and 
 power of God: and have we not a 1. so cause to say, that 
 thus the Lord hath borne a very solemn testimony to his 
 truth, the work of reformation, and doctrine of the reform- 
 ed churches, in these late times ? about which I dare ap- 
 peal to observers, yea, the adversaries, to their own con- 
 science, if without shutting their eyes they could shift the 
 conviction of a convincing appearance of God, in the pow- 
 er and efficacy of the Spirit, even in a more than ordinary 
 way accompanying the word and ordinances; power, which 
 carried kingdoms and cities before it, yea, in a very short 
 time against the greatest violence and opposition. To 
 clear this a little, I shall point at some few remarkable evi- 
 dences, which might stare the grossest of men in the face, 
 and in some measure convince them of this truth. 
 
 1. It is evident, that marvellous conquest which the gos- 
 pel had in Germany, by the ministry of Luther, Melanch- 
 ton, Bucer, Martyr, Musculus, and a few others of those 
 excellent instruments, whom the Lord then sent forth. 
 O was not this a day of the Spirit, and the pouring forth 
 thereof in a large measure, a day of the gospel's triumph, 
 not by tnight, or by power ; yet such as before it the world 
 
b02 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 could not stand ! cities and countries might then be said 
 to be born at once ; the arm of the Lord revealed with the 
 same, that men were either scorched, or truly warmed and 
 gained thereby. Did not that marvellous power and effi- 
 cacy of the Spirit also attend the ministry olZuinglius and 
 Oecolampadius, in Zurick, and Basil, when so thorough a 
 reformation followed, to the throwing down of images, 
 abolishing of the mass by public authority, notwithstand- 
 ing its long continuance ; and all this in a short time ! The 
 Spirit, and power of God did very eminently appear also, 
 in those famous plantations of the gospel by the ministry 
 o{ Calvin, Farcl, and Virct in Geneva, Lausanna, and oth- 
 er adjacent provinces. It is written in the life of Viret, 
 that at Lyons, which was a great populous city, he preach- 
 ed in an open place, where divers thousands were convert- 
 ed to the truth ; yea, some who came by with no purpose 
 to hear, only out of curiosity stepped in, were so wrought 
 and overcome with the power of the word, as for that time 
 made them even neglect their other business. 
 
 2. That great success, which did attend the ministry of 
 Mr. Wishart in Scotland, can also witness this truth : 
 whence so marvellous a change did quickly follow, in those 
 places where he preached, through Angus, Lothian, and 
 die western parts ; yea, how much the spirits of the peo- 
 ple were then raised and affected with the word. But this, 
 being a thing so known from the histories of that time, I 
 only name. 
 
 3. Besides those which are more known, and upon 
 public record, I must here instance a very solemn and ex- 
 traordinary outpouring of the Spirit, which about the year 
 1625, and thereafter, was in the west of Scotland: whilst 
 the persecution of the church there was hot from the pre- 
 latic party. This, by the profane rabble of that time, was 
 called the Stew art on sickness : for in that parish first, but 
 after through much of that country, particularly at Irivine, 
 under the ministry of famous Mr. Dickson it was most re- 
 markable. Where it can be said (which divers ministers 
 and christians yet alive can witness) that for a considerable 
 time, few sabbaths did pass without some evidently con- 
 certed, and some convincing proofs of the power of God ac- 
 companying his word: yea, that many were so choaked and 
 taken by the heart, that through terror (the Spirit in such 
 a measure convincing them of sin in hearing of the word J 
 they have been made to fall over and thus carried out of 
 the church, who after proved most solid and lively christ- 
 ians : and, ask was known, some of the most gross, who 
 used to meek at religion, being engaged, upon the fame that 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. $03 
 
 went abroad of such things, to go to some of those parts 
 where the gospel was then most lively, have been effectual- 
 ly reached before their return, with a visible change fol- 
 lowing the same. And truly, this great spring tide (which 
 I may so call) of the gospel, was not of a S/60/7 time, but 
 for some years' continuance ; yea thus, like a spreading 
 moor burn, the power of godliness did advance from one 
 place to another, which put a marvellous lustre on these 
 parts of the country, the savour whereof brought many 
 from other parts of the land to see the truth of tire same. 
 
 4. I must also mention that solemn communion at the 
 Kirk of tire Shots, June 20, 1630 ; at which time th&te 
 was so convincing an appearance of God, and downpour- 
 ing of the Spirit, even in an extraordinary way, that did 
 follow the ordinances, especially that sermon on the Man- 
 day, June 21, with a strange unusual motion on the hear- 
 ers, who in a great multitude were there convened of divers 
 ranks ; that it was known (which I can speak on sure 
 ground) near 500 had at that time a discernible change 
 wrought on diem, of whom most proved lively christians 
 afterward: it was the sowing of a seed through Clidesdeal. 
 so as many of most eminent christians in that country, 
 could date either their conversion, or some remarkable con- 
 firmation in their case, from that day. And truly this 
 was the more remarkable, that one after much reluctance, 
 by a special and unexpected providence, was called to 
 preach that sermon on the Monday, which then was not 
 usually practised : and that night before, by most of the 
 christians there, was spent in prayer ; so that the Mon- 
 day's work, as a convincing return of prayer, might be 
 discerned. 
 
 5. I shall here also instance that solemn and great work 
 of God, which was in the church of Ireland some years 
 before the fall of prelacy, about the year 1628, and some 
 years thereafter. Which, as many grave and solid christ- 
 ians yet alive can witness, who were there present, was a 
 bright and hot sunshine of the gospel ; yea, may with sobri- 
 ety be said, to have been one of the largest manifestations 
 of the Spirit, and of the most solemn times of the down- 
 pouring thereof, that almost since the days of the apostles 
 hath been seen : where the power of God did sensibly ac- 
 company the word with an unusual motion upon the hear- 
 ers, and a very great tack as to the conversion of souls to 
 Christ; the goings of the Lord then full of majesty, and 
 the shout of a king was heard in these solemn meetings of 
 his people ; that as a judicious old christian who was there 
 present, did express it, he thought it was like a dazzling 
 
304 The Fulfilling of the Scrip tin e. 
 
 beam and ray of God, with such an unusual brightness, as 
 even forced bystanders to an astonishment ; a very effect- 
 ual door opened, with more than ordinary enlargement, 
 which the ministers of Christ there did find in preaching 
 the word, whilst the people might be seen hearing the same 
 in a melting frame, with much tenderness of spirit. Sure- 
 ly this was the very power of God, a convincing seal to the 
 truth, and ministry of his servants, who were then perse 
 cuted by the prelates ; yea, a thing which (as it was known) 
 had an awful impression, and was a terror to their adver- 
 saries. I remember amongst other passages, what a wor~ 
 thy christian told me, how sometimes in hearing the word, 
 such a power imd evidence of the Lord's presence was with 
 it, that he hath been forced to rise, and look through the 
 church, and see what the people were doing ; thinking, 
 irom what he felt on his own spirit, it was a wonder how 
 any could go away without some change upon them. And 
 then it was sweet and easy for christians to come thirty , 
 forty miles to these solemn communions, which they had ; 
 and there continue, from the time they came, until they 
 returned, without wearying, or making use of sleep, yea, 
 but little either meat or drink, and as some of them pro- 
 fessed, did not feel the need thereof; but went away most 
 fresh and vigorous, their souls so filled with sense of 
 God. 
 
 6. That was also a remarkable time, wherein the Lord 
 did pour forth much of the Spirit on his people in the year 
 1638, when this nation did solemnly enter in covenant 
 which many yet alive at -this day do know, how the spirits 
 of men were raised, and wrought on by the word, the or- 
 dinances lively, and longed after : for then did the nation 
 own the Lord, and was visibly owned by him ; much zeal 
 and an enlarged heart did appear for the public cause ; per- 
 sonal reformation seriously set about ; and then also was 
 there a remarkable gale of providence, that did attend the 
 actings of his people, which did astonish their adversaries, 
 and forced many of them to feign subjection. Alas, how 
 is our night come on ! For thuLord hath in anger covered 
 the face of the daughter of Zion with a dark cloud. 
 
 7. Must not we also say, since the land was engaged by 
 covenant to the Lord, in these late times, what a solemn 
 outpouring of the Spirit hath been seen ! A large harvest, 
 with much of theiiuit of the gospel discernible, which we 
 may say with a warrant, hath been proved in the inbring- 
 ing of thousands to Christ ! a part w hereof now are in glo- 
 ry, and many jet live, who are a visible seal to this truth : 
 of Whom. I am sure, some will not lose the remembrance 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 205 
 
 bf those sweet refreshing times, which the land for several 
 years did enjoy, of the gospel and of many solemn com- 
 munions, where a large blessing with much of the Spirit, 
 and power of God, was felt accompanying the ordinances. 
 If it were expedient to set down circumstances, I could 
 here point at many such remarkable limes and places, 
 which would clearly demonstrate this. 
 
 Now, besides these more public and obvious proofs, it 
 is known, what a great testimony the experience of the 
 godly in these late times could give to this truth, what they 
 have in a large measure felt of the power and refreshing ef- 
 fusions of the Spirit within their soul ; yea, how oft after 
 sorest downeasting have been wonderfully raised above 
 themselves, and filled with the consolation of God, and 
 joy unspeakable : this would indeed make a great volume, 
 to reckon over all these instances, even these whose expe- 
 rience in these last ages could in a large measure witness 
 this truth. Only to shut this up, I shall name these two. 
 
 1. Mr. Welsh, and Mr. Forbes, two great witnesses of 
 Christ in this land, when they were prisoners, give this ac- 
 count of their case in a letter to Mr. James Mehin, and 
 his uncle, then at London, which under the said Mr. Mcl- 
 tiiri's band is set down in a manuscript of his ; their words 
 are these, " Dear brethren, we dare say by experience, 
 and our God is witness we lie not, that unspeakable is the 
 joy, that is in a free and full testimony qf Christ's royal 
 authority, unspeakable is the joy of suffering for his king- 
 dom. (For on that truth was their suffering stated.) We 
 had never such joy and peace in preaching of it, as we have 
 found in suffering for the same : we spake before in knowl- 
 edge, we now speak by experience, that the kingdom of 
 God consists in peace and joy." And in another letter, 
 thus they say, " Our joy hath greatly abounded, since the 
 last day (which was after passing sentence of death on them 
 by assize at Linlithgow J so that we cannot enough won- 
 der at the riches of his free grace, that should have vouch- 
 safed such a gift upon us, to suffer for his kingdom, in 
 which there is joy unspeakable and glorious ; and we are 
 rather in fear, that they (to wit, the sufferings) be not^con- 
 tinued, and so we be robbed of further consolation, than 
 that they should increase. Surely there is great consola- 
 tion in suffering for Christ : we do not express unto you 
 the joy, which our God had caused to abound in us. 
 
 2. 1 shall also mention that great servant of Christ Mr. 
 Rutherford, whose letters now published can witness what 
 solemn days of the Spirit, and sensible outpourings thereof, 
 he oft had in his experience ; though books can tell b\rt 
 
 p p 
 
306 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 little what he really felt, and enjoyed. I shall only set 
 down some of his last and dying expressions, which I had 
 from rhose who were then present, and caused the same to 
 be writ down from his mouth, that may shew how lonely 
 he also was in bis death, and how well that did correspond 
 with his former life. Some of his words are these ; " I 
 shall shine, 1 shall see him as he is, and all the fair com- 
 pany with him, and shall have my large share ; it is no 
 easy thing to be a christian, but as for me I have got the 
 victory, and Christ is holding forth his arms to embrace 
 me. I have had my fears, and faintings, as another sinful 
 man, to be carried through creditably, but as sure as ever 
 he spake to me in his word, his Spirit witnessed to my 
 heart, saying, Fear not, he had accepted my suffering, and 
 the out gate should not be matter of prayer, but ofpraise.'V 
 He said also, " Thy word was found, and I did rat it, and 
 it was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart." And a 
 little before his death, after some fainting, he saith, " Now 
 I feel, I believe, 1 enjoy, I rejoice !" and turning to Mr. 
 B'air, then present, he said, " I feed on manna, I have an- 
 gels' food ; my eyes shall see my Redeemer, I know that 
 he shall stand at the latter day on the earth, and I shall be 
 caught up in the clouds to meet him in the air." And af- 
 terwards hath these words, " I sleep in Christ, and when I 
 awake, I shall be satisfied with his likeness. O for arms 
 to embrace him !" and to one speaking about his painful- 
 ness in the ministry ; he crieth out, " I disclaim all ; the 
 port I would be in at, is redemption and forgiveness of sins 
 through his blood." And thus full of the Spirit, yea, as it 
 were, overcome with sensible enjoyment, he breathes out 
 his soul. His last words being, " Glory, glory, dwelleth in 
 Emmanuel's land !" 
 
 Sixth witness is, That convincing appearance of an ex- 
 traordinary and apostolic spirit on some of these instruments, 
 whom the Lord raised up in these last times, and those great 
 endowments wherewith they were sent forth for the service 
 of the church, and the overthrow of the kingdom of ami- 
 christ : a truth, which, we must say, if not in such meas- 
 ure, yet hath been no less evident, than in those primitive 
 times, when the christian church was planted. 
 
 It is clear, that extraordinary gifts and endowments have 
 been given forth, to the church under the New Testa- 
 ment, for which the first dawning of the gospel there were 
 both apostles, and prophets raised up. ^ It cannot be also 
 flenied, that since the canon of the scripture was closed, 
 yen, in these lateagts, there have been very extraordinary 
 men given to the church, who had special revelations from 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 307 
 
 the Lord, of his mind about things to come; which 
 though we should not now look for, yet wherein did the 
 Lord remarkably condescend, when some great piece of 
 service, and necessity of the church did more call for it 
 And truly these were led in no other path than that of the 
 word ; though they had a more special discovery and im- 
 mediate inbreathing of God's mind, as to the application 
 thereof in particular cases ; neither did they press upon 
 men's conscience, to credit the same, but were most cau- 
 tious, witnessing much humble sobriety on that account. 
 
 It is known what extraordinary instruments, how won- 
 derfully called and qualified, Luther, Zuinglius, Calvin, 
 Wishart, and Knox were, whom God sent in these latter 
 days to grapple with antichrist, and sound a retreat to his 
 church from Babylon : likewise Melanchton, Beza, Bucer, 
 and Martyr, with divers in England, such as Latimer, 
 Ridley, Bradford, &c. who indeed were burning and shin- 
 ing lights in their time, mighty in the scripture, fervent in 
 spirit, were clothed with the power and authority of God, 
 before which the world could not stand. But besides these 
 famous witnesses, of whose life we have something this 
 day on public record, I must here crave liberty to set down 
 a k\v more, more late instances of our own church in Scot- 
 land, to confirm this truth ; such as are but little known to 
 the world, nor any thing of their lives published, which I 
 think a great loss to after generations ; who, we may say 
 (and this with a warrant and in sobriety) were men truly 
 extraordinary, eminently serviceable in the work of the 
 Lord, yea, of a prophetic and apostolic spirit, and such 
 who through grace did not even come short of the first 
 three ; I mean not only those before mentioned, but also 
 some of those great lights, who were in the first age of the 
 church after the asc msion of Christ. 
 
 I. I shall instance Mr. John Welsh, whom the Lord 
 called forth to the ministry at Kircubrighl, in Galloway, 
 and afterwards was transported to the church of Aire, whom 
 Mr. Rutherford in one of his books called that heavenly 
 prophetical and apostolic pan of God, and sheweth thai 
 from the witnesses of his life, he ha£J this account, that 
 of every twenty four hours he gave usually eight to prayer, 
 if other necessary and urgent duties did not hinder; yea, 
 spent many days and nights which he set apart, in fasting 
 and prayer for the condition of the church, and the suffer- 
 ings of the reformed churches abroad. I can also add this, 
 from very sure information (and truly about any of these 
 particulars, I seriously study to have satisfying grounds of 
 the certainty thereof) that it was his usage even in the cold- 
 
308 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 est winter nights, to rise for prayer ; and oft times his 
 wife, who was an excellent woman, hath risen to seek af- 
 ter him, where he hath been found lying on the ground 
 weeping and wrestling with the Lord ; yea, sometimes he 
 would have been much of the night alone in the church of 
 Aire on that account. One time especially Ins wife find- 
 ing him overcharged with grief, he told her, he had that to 
 press him, which she had not, the souls o/3000 to answer 
 for, whilst he knew not how it was with many of them. 
 
 And another time whilst she found him alone, his spirit 
 almost overcharged with anguish and grief, upon her seri- 
 ous inquiry, said, that the times which were to come on 
 Scotland, were heavy and sad, though she' should not see 
 them ; and this for the contempt of the gospel. 
 
 Whilst lie was prisoner in the Blackness, in a letter to a 
 christian lady, he giveth this account, What large joy he 
 had, to suffer for such a truth, that Jesus Christ was a 
 King, and had a visible kingdom in the world, even his 
 church, which was as free to keep its courts, and exercise 
 discipline by virtue of an intrinsic power from Christ, as 
 any kingdom on the earth, for which he was ready to lay 
 down his life, yea, would rejoice to be offered up a sacrifice 
 on so glorious a truth. In the close of that letter, he doth 
 also forewarn, that judgment was coming to Scotland, which 
 should be blood, first by an intestine sword, and then by the 
 sword of a strati ger , and that a great sacrifice should be there , 
 both of great men and mean. ^ The fulfilling whereof hath 
 since been very sensible, and is known by many alive, who 
 had that letter long before the late troubles begun. Whilst 
 he was thus prisoner, several remarkable passages I have 
 had confirmed by divers worthy of credit, some of whom 
 shewed me they had them from those who were most 
 familiar with the persons theniselves ; they are indeed 
 strange, but we must also consider he was an extraordina- 
 ry man. 
 
 The first was this, that one night whilst he did expound 
 the scripture after his supper, in the prison (as his custom 
 was) whilst he with much power and authority was press- 
 ing home the truth, one of the company, who had some 
 charge in the castle, fell a jeering ; which Mr. Welsh ob- 
 serving, and looking earnestly to him, did presently close 
 the bible, and cease, and a little after having a drink in his 
 hand, he saith to a friend at the table before all that were 
 present, There is one so profane and gross, as to contemn 
 and mock at the word of the Lord, but ere a little, God shall 
 smite him with a remarkable stroke of his judgment. Which 
 accordingly fell out, to the astonishment of the company ; 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 309 
 
 for that man did presently drop down to the ground, and 
 died. A lady that was then popish, being present by rea- 
 son of a friend of her's that was prisoner in the castle, was 
 so moved therewith that it proved an help to her after con- 
 version. 
 
 The other passage is this, one John Steward, an emi- 
 nent christian, who lived at Aire, having come to visit Mr. 
 Welsh in prison, found him in a more than ordinary way 
 troubled and sad, and upon his inquiry thereabout, he 
 saith, " John, ye should not be here, go home to Aire, for 
 the plague cf Gob is broken out in that place, and cause 
 Hugh Kennedy , provost of that town, (who was also a very 
 singular christian) to convene the people to the streets, and 
 pray together ; and the Lord shall hear Hugh Kennedy, 
 and remove that stroke." This at the first did something 
 astonish the said John, and put him to question its truth, 
 having so lately come out of that place : but at his return 
 found it so. and accordingly in every tiling it fell out as the 
 man of God had shewed. 
 
 After his banishment, to which the king did change the 
 sentence of death passed upon him at Linlithgow, he in a 
 very short time acquired the French tongue, with such a 
 facility therein, as was thought strange by those who knew 
 it. Trochrig, in his commentary on the Ephesians, sets 
 down this passage, how being'called to preach at Sahnur s 
 a famous university, yea, one of the most learned auditories 
 in France, he did with such boldness and authority preach, 
 as though he had been before the meanest congregation : 
 whereat Trcchrig being astonished, could not but on his 
 acquaintance with him question him thereabout, whence 
 he had such confidence, and was so little moved, whilst he 
 preached before strangers, so grave and judicious an audi- 
 tory, and in a strange tongue ? To whom in a humble way, 
 as one more dejected, than lifted up, he gave that answer. 
 When he considered his being before the Lord, and that 
 he was delivering his message, he could not regard either 
 great or small, but all flesh did then go out of his mind. 
 
 Whilst he was minister at St. Jane de Angeli, a protest- 
 ant town in France, where his ministry was much blessed 
 with success, the civil wars did break put, where that city 
 was twice besieged on the protestant interest ; during which 
 time these passages fell out most remarkable : one was, 
 the town being sore straited, and ready to be taken, the 
 enemies having raised a battery, and by a close approach 
 had made a great breach in the wall, Air. Welsh hearing 
 thereof (who had much encouraged the people, that their 
 adversaries should not then prevail) went himself with the 
 
310 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 cannoneer up the walls, and desired lie would charge such a 
 piece of cannon, and shoot, for God should direct thit shot % 
 and cause to prosper ; which accordingly did, to the aston- 
 ishment of lookers on, dismount that battery, and the Lord 
 so ordered things after, that the king did parly on favour- 
 ble terms with the city, and did only himself with his court 
 come in without doing any violence. Another marvel- 
 lous passage was this ; the following sabbath some of the 
 godly in that place, Searing Mr. Welsh's hazard, did seri- 
 ously deal with him, that he would forbear to go foi th, and 
 preach, the court being there ; from which he by no en- 
 treaty would be hindered, but shewed them he would ad- 
 venture to preach the word to his people, and trust the 
 Lord with what concerned himself, being more grieved at 
 their fear and despondence : and that day had a very great 
 auditory, both of friends, and others who came upon the 
 fame of such a man ; but in time of sermon, a great man of 
 the court, with some of the king's own guard was sent to 
 bring him forthwith before the king, and whilst he was en- 
 tering the church, which had some difficulty by reason of 
 the multitude, Mr. Welsh did turn himself toward that en- 
 try, and desired the people to give way to one of the great 
 peers of France, that was coming in ; but after, whilst he 
 was coming near the pulpit, to execute his commission, 
 by putting force on the servant of Christ, for his desisting, 
 he did with great authority speak to him before all the peo- 
 ple, and in the name of his Master Jesus Christ charged 
 him that he would not disturb the worship of God ; where- 
 with that man was so affrighted, that he fell a shaking, yea, 
 was forced to crouch down, and make no further trouble. 
 A third passage no less remarkable was upon the close of 
 the sermon, whilst Mr. Welsh with much submission went 
 to the king, who was then greatly incensed, and with a 
 threatening countenance asked, What he was, and how he 
 durst preach heresy so near his person, and with such con- 
 tumacy carry himself? To which, with due reverence 
 bowing himself, he did answer. / am, Sir, the servant 
 and minister of Jesus Christ, whose truth I preached this 
 day, which if your majesty rightly knew, ye would hare 
 judged it your duty to have come yourself, and heard: and 
 for my doctrine I did this day preach these three truths to 
 your people. (1.) That man is fallen and by nature in a 
 lost condition, yea, by his own power and abilities is not 
 able to help himself from that estate. (2.) That there is 
 no salvation or deliverance from wrath by our own merits, 
 but by Jesus Christ and his merit alone. (3.) I did also 
 preach this day the just liberties of the kingdom of France, 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 311 
 
 that your majesty owetb obedience to Christ only, who is 
 head of the church; and that the pope, as he is an enemy 
 to Christ, and his truth, so also to the kings of the earth, 
 whom he keepeth under slavery to his usurped power. 
 Whereat the king for a time keeping silence, with great as- 
 tonishment, turned to some about him, and said, Surely 
 this is a man of God I Yea, after did commune with him, 
 and with great respect dismissed him. The year follow- 
 ing, whilst the differences betwixt the king and protestant 
 party did grow, that city was again besieged, taken, and in 
 part sacked, as Mr. V/elsh did publicly foretell : at which 
 time it is known, how the king passed a solemn order, that 
 none should in the least wrong Mr. Welsh, or any thing 
 that belonged to him, under highest pains, and did after 
 give a safe conduct to him, for transporting himself to Eng- 
 land ^ where he died ; king James refusing his return to 
 his own country, though earnestly petitioned by his wife, 
 for her husband's health. 
 
 During his sickness, he was so filled and overcome with 
 the sensible enjoyment of God, that he was sometime 
 overheard in prayer, to have these words, Lord, hold thy 
 hand, it is enough / thy servant is a clay vessel, andean hold 
 no more ! 
 
 II. I shall also here instance Mr. Robert Bruce, who in a 
 very extraordinary way was called to the ministry, having 
 for a long time followed the study of the law, both in this 
 country and in France, yea, had some ground to expect a 
 place amongst the lords of the session, his father being then 
 a considerable baron, who had many friends : but a more 
 pressing and irresistible call from God did otherwise de- 
 termine. 
 
 Whilst he was in the ministry at Edinburgh, he shined 
 as a great light through the whole land : the power and ef- 
 ficacy of the Spirit most sensibly accompanying the word 
 he preached, he was a terror to evil doers : and the author- 
 ity of God did so appear upon him and his carriage, with 
 such a majesty in his countenance, as forced fear and re- 
 spect from the greatest in theland, even those who were 
 most avowed haters of godliness ; yea, it was known, 
 what an awful impression king James had of him, and did 
 once give him that testimony before many, that he judged 
 Mr. Bruce was worthy of the half of his kingdom. 
 
 He was a man that had much inward exercise about his 
 own personal case ; had been oft assaulted about that great 
 foundation of truth, if there was a God ; which cost him 
 many days and nights wrestling, and when he hath come 
 up to the pulpit, after being sometime silent, which was 
 
312 The Fulfilling of the 'StripUti c. 
 
 his usual way, he would say, I think it is a great matter it? 
 believe there is a God; telling the people, it was another 
 thing to believe that, than they judged. But it was also 
 known, by his friends with whom tie was familiar, what 
 extraordinary confirmations he had from the Lord therein, 
 what nt^ar familiarity he did attain in his secret converse 
 with God : yea, truly some things, I have had from per- 
 sons worthy of credit thereabout, would seem so strange 
 and marvellous, that I forbear to set them down. 
 
 The great success of his ministry at Edinburgh, Inver- 
 ness, and other places, whither providence called him, is 
 abundantly known. Whilst he was confined at Inverness, 
 that poor dark country was marvellously enlightened, 
 many brought in to Christ by his ministry, and a seed 
 sown in these places, which even to this day is not wholly 
 worn out. I shall here set down one passage of famous 
 Mr. Henderson, who at his first entry to the ministry at 
 Lcuchars, was very prelatic, and by the bishop of St. An- 
 drews, brought in against the parish's consent, so that on 
 the day of his admission, the church doors being shut by 
 the people, they were forced to break in by a window to 
 get him entrance. But a little after this, upon the report of 
 a communion, where Mr. Bruce was to help, he would 
 needs from a longing he had to hear and see such a man, 
 go secretly there ; and placed himself in a dark part of the 
 church, where he might not be known : when Mr. Bruce 
 was come to the pulpit, he did for a considerable time keep 
 silence, as his manner was, which did some way astonish 
 Mr. Henderson, but much more when he heard the first 
 words wherewith he began, which were these, He that 
 cimeth not in by the door, but climbeth up another way, the 
 same is a thief and a robber. Which did by the Lord's 
 blessing at the very present take him by the heart, and had 
 so great an impression on him, that it was the first means 
 of his conversion. 
 
 He was one that had the spirit of discerning in a great 
 measure, did prophetically speak of many things which af- 
 terwards came to pass ; yea, which I had attested by sober 
 and grave christians, who were familiar with him, that di- 
 vers persons distracted, and of those who were passed all 
 hope of recovery in the falling sickness^ were brought to 
 Mr. Bruce, and after prayer by him in their behalf were 
 fully recovered. This indeed may seem strange, but it is 
 also true ; Mr. Bruce was a great wrestler, who had more 
 than ordinary familiarity with his Master. 
 
 A little before his death, when he was at Edinburghi 
 and through weakness kept his chamber, there was a meet* 
 
the Futfifong °f the Scripture. 
 
 irig of divers godly ministers at that time there, on some 
 special ground of the church's concernment, who hearing 
 he was in the town, came together, and gave him an ac- 
 count of the actings of those times, the prelates then design- 
 ing the service book : after which Mr. Bruce prayed, and 
 did therein tell over again to the Lord the very substance 
 of their discourse, which was a sad representation of the 
 case of the church, at which time there was such an extra- 
 ordinary faotion on all present so sensible n clow npo tiring of 
 the Spirit, that theij could hardly contain the 'msehes ; yea, 
 which was most strange, even some unusual motioh on 
 these who were in other parts of the house, not knowing 
 the cause at that very instant, One Mr. Wee?ncs, of Lv- 
 thaker, being then occasionally present, when he went 
 away, said, how strange a mar: is this ! for be knocked 
 down the Spirit of God on us all. This he said because 
 Mr. Bruce did divers times knock with his fingers on the 
 table. I had this from a Worthy christian gentleman, in 
 whose mother's house this was. 
 
 He was deeply affected with the naughtiness and profan- 
 ity of many ministers then in the church, and the unsuita- 
 ble carriage of others to so great a calling ; and did express 
 much his foaf , that the ministry of Scotland would prove 
 the greatest persecutors of the gospel that it had. If there 
 were a full collection of those remarkable passages, which 
 have been known to others in his life, it would further wit- 
 ness what an extraordinary man that was. I shall only 
 shut this up with learned Didoclavius' testimony, in his 
 preface to his Altdre Damascenum : Robertus Brusius, 
 Vir generc et virtute nobilis, majestate^ vultus tener abilis y 
 quiplura animarum miliia Chfisto lucrifecit"; Ciifus anima t 
 n ullius mortalium (absit verbo invidiaj secltt in ecelesti- 
 but : anima mea, cum anima tua, Brusi, si ex alienci' fide 
 esset pendendum. 
 
 III. Mr. Davidson, minister of the gospel at Salt Pres- 
 toun, may be truly here instanced as one of an extraordina- 
 ry , prophetic spirit, who was likewise eminently zealous 
 and faithful for his Master in a time of the church's defec- 
 tion ; as Didoclavius in that forementioned pfeface terms 
 him, Cato et constant Cato sui temporis. He did then fore- 
 See prelacies breaking in upon the church, when king 
 James was pressing the setting wp of superintendents wwdev 
 a very specious pretext, and was for that ent\ him svl? pres- 
 ent at the assembly in Dundee, having engaged many, alas } 
 too many, to consent thereto ; but Mr. Davidson with great 
 boldness rose up, and warned the assembly of the hazard, 
 and told them he saw the knave bkhop] with his mitre., 
 
314 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 coming in under that mask, yea, did solemnly in his own 
 name, and name of the church of Scotland, enter a protes- 
 tation against that step of defection, and their yielding up 
 in so far the liberties of the church, to please men. 
 
 Whilst he was minister at Salt Prestoun, the building 
 of a church was by him much endeavoured, which he did 
 advance much out of his own private interest ; my lord 
 Newbatle, who then had a great interest in the parish, en- 
 gaging to help it forward : from which he after resiled, and 
 thereby frustrated the work. Whereupon Mr. Davidson 
 told him, these walls that were then begun to be builded, 
 should stand as a witness against him, and that ere long 
 God should root him and his estate out of that parish, 
 and he should not have a piece of land in the same ! which 
 •shortly after had a visible accomplishment. It was very 
 clear from many passages of his life, that the secret of the 
 Lord was in an extraordinary way with him. Some of 
 those which have been transmitted from them who particu- 
 larly knew the same, are indeed most worthy of a remark. 
 
 At a certain assembly of the church, Mr. John Spots- 
 "Wood, and Mr. fames Law, who were then entered into 
 the ministry, were processed for some gross acts of profan- 
 ity : where Mr. Davidson finding the assembly too easy to 
 pass the same, in regard of their parts and gifts, only with a 
 rebuke, he did with much vehemency press their deposi- 
 tion ; and after being crossed therein, said, Tou will needs 
 spare these two men, whereat I am grieved, but the time is 
 coming when they shall trample upon your necks and upon 
 the church #f Scotland. And it is well known w hat an ac- 
 complishment this prediction had. 
 
 Being with Mr. Bruce one time at dinner, who was then 
 in great-favour with the king, he had these words in giving 
 thanks after meat. Lord, thy servant here is now a great 
 favourite of the court, and in much respect : but he shall be 
 whhin a little as much persecuted as he is now in favour, and 
 go down the street 's, when many who have him this day in 
 esteem will not give him a salutation. Which was very 
 manifest afterwards. And at another time, whilst Mr. 
 Robert Bruce and he were dining together in the house of 
 one of the magistrates of the town, who was then a cordial 
 friend to godly ministers, he did also in his plain and free 
 way break forth with these words, whilst he was giving 
 thanks, Lord, this good man hath respect for thy sake to 
 thy servants, but be little knovocth that in a short time he 
 must carry us both, who are here to prison. Which words 
 did much trouble that honest man, though afterwards it 
 came most exactly to pass. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 315 
 
 There is one more remarkable passage, which I should 
 fear to set down, it is so strange, but that I had the same 
 confirmed by some worthy of credit, who shewed me, that 
 from those that were present, and familiar with Mr. Da- 
 vidson, they had it related. A gentleman nearly related to 
 a great family of that parish, but a most violent hater of pi- 
 ety, did upon that account beat a poor honest man who liv- 
 ed there, having not the least shadow of a pro\'ocation, and 
 among other sore strokes gave one upon the back with 
 these words, Take this for Mr. Davidson's sake. After 
 which the honest man was for a time forced to keep his 
 bed, and complained most of that stroke, which he gave 
 him on the back, as that which he felt more than all the 
 rest : but the sabbath following, Mr. Davidson speaking 
 in the close of his sermon about the oppression of the god- 
 ly, and enmity which wicked men had to such, did very 
 particularly touch that late instance, saying, // was a sad 
 time, a profane man would thus epenly adventure to vent 
 bis rage against those who were seekers of God in the place*, 
 whilst he could have no cause but the very appearance of his 
 image : and with great authority said, He who hath done 
 this, were he the laird, or the laird's brother, ere a few days 
 pass, God shall give him a stroke, that all the monarchs of 
 the earth dare not challenge. Which was then publickly 
 known how in the close of that week, standing before his 
 door, he was struck dead with a thunder Mt 3 and all his 
 bones crushed. 
 
 A little before the death of this great servant of Christ, 
 having an occasional rencounter with Mr. John Ker, a young 
 gentleman who lately came from France, and had then no 
 thoughts of the ministry, but was in a very courtly dress. 
 Mr. Davidson did in a solemn way charge him to cast eff 
 his scarlet cloak, and lay aside his gilded rapier, and take 
 him to his book, For you are the man, says he, who is to 
 succeed me in the ministry at this place. Which, so very 
 astonishing to that gentleman for the present, yet according- 
 ly fell out, he did immediately succeed him there, where 
 he was for many years an holy and faithful minister of the 
 gospel. This last passage many yet alive, who had the 
 same from the said Mr*. John Ker, can witness. 
 
 IV. Mr. Patrick Simpson, who was once minister of 
 Cramond, and after transported to Stirling, may be here 
 also instanced, as a very extraordinary man in the church. 
 In his youth he attained to great knowledge in the languag- 
 es, did much study Greek and Latin authors ; and gave 
 this reason to such who wondered he should spend so 
 much time in reading those who were but pagans, That he 
 
? 16 The Fulfilling- of the Scripture. 
 
 purposed to dedicate all these jewels which he borrowed 
 From the E?ijptians, to the building of the house of the 
 Lord. It fs known, with what geal he did oppose himself 
 to the corruptions of that time. In the year 1584, whilst 
 there was an express charge from the king, for acknowl- 
 edging Mr. Patrick Adamspn archbishop of $t. Andrews, 
 or else lose their maintenance, he did with great vehemency 
 appear against the same, though that man was his uncle up- 
 on the mother's side: and some who seemed willing to 
 crJSb thereto with such a condition, according to t/ic 
 Word of God, he did gravely rebuke, shewing them it 
 could be no salvo to their conscience, since it was repugn 
 
 fmtiain adjecto, to subscribe to arty human institution ac ? 
 rding to the word, when the word did expressly condemn 
 e same, it was also known, he refused the offer of a 
 hisboprick, and afterwards of a yearly pension from the 
 .king, which he looked on as a design only to bribe his. coa^ 
 science, which was more dear to him than all the world. 
 And when that assembly at Aberdeen was condemned by 
 the state, he did openly own and avow the same, and in a. 
 very solemn manner denounced the wrath and judgment of 
 God against these accusers and eonvicters. of those excel- 
 lent men, at Lwlitbgoiv, who stood for the liberty of that 
 assembly. That notable paper and protestation, given in 
 to the parliament 1606, (where prelacy was further estab- 
 lished) was by him penned, and out of his own hand given, 
 to the earl of Dumbar, subscribed by many ministers of 
 the church, who w;ere then there on that account. 
 
 His life, was most exemplary for piety, and faithfulness, in, 
 serving his Master ; which did preach no less to that part of 
 the country wherein he lived, than his doctrine. One ve- 
 -ry remarkable passage of Iris life I do here adventure to. set 
 down, having very satisfying grounds as to the certainty of 
 it, from those who knew the same, and had^a particular re- 
 lation of all its circumstances from a grave christian, who 
 liad it out of his own mouth, and likewise hath it written 
 under old Mr. Roiv^s hand, of Car nock, who was his famil- 
 iar intimate friend ; it is this. His wife, Martha Barron, 
 a gracious woman, the wife of his youth, wfth whom he 
 had lived in great love, fell sick, whick proved her last sick- 
 ness : when she was first sore assaulted by the devil, who 
 pressed in upon her that she should be given over to his 
 hand ; and after, it did resolve in a visible distraction, 
 which for a time grew upon her, so that most unlike to hen 
 former wav, she would have broke forth with dreadful and 
 horrid expressions ; it did most appear on a sabbath morn-, 
 ing, whilst Mr. Simpson was going to preach, and whilst 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture 317 
 
 for a time he was forced with a heavy countenance to stand 
 silent, he at last kneeled down, and prayed, which she did 
 no ways regard, but a little after he turning to the compa- 
 ny that were present, told them, he was sure that those wb& 
 now were witnesses of that sad hour, should yet see a gra- 
 cious work of Gad on this his servant, and that the •devil's 
 malice against thai [poor woman, s/jould have a shameful 
 foil. Her distraction did still continue until the Tuesday, 
 which was the 9ih of August, which morning at the very 
 dawning of it, he goeth to his garden, and shut the door be. 
 hind him, where for many hours he was alone, but a godly 
 woman who that night was with his wife, Helen Garner, 
 wife to one of the Bailyes of Stirling, being apprehensive 
 of his hazard, through his grief and fasting, could have no 
 rest till she knew his, case, and by some help climbed up, 
 2nd got into the garden ; but on a near approach to that 
 place where Mr. Simpson then was, she was terrified with 
 an extraordinary noise, which through fear made her fail to 
 the ground : It seemed, as. she related after to ethers, it 
 was like the noise of a great rushing af multitudes together, 
 and therewith such a melodious sound, as did make her 
 know, it was something mare than human, and turned 19 
 prayer, entreating the Lord would pardon her rashness* 
 which affection to his servant, who had been the instrument 
 of her good, had carried her to. And after, gokig fot»vraat! : , 
 finds him lying upon the ground ; it was with much en- 
 troeaty^ that he dki then reveal himself in that particular, 
 until she promised secrecy, not to speak it to others so fowg 
 as he lived, but had his allowance, if she should survive 
 him : which promise she kept, but after his. death, did re- 
 late it to those from whom I have had this: he said, O 
 what am. I, being dust and ashes, that the holy ministering 
 spirits should be sent by the Lord to deliver a- message to 
 me ! and shewed he had a vision of angels, who did with 
 an audible voice give him an answer from the Lord, of his 
 wife's cone 1 ition ; and coming over to his house, he said to 
 all who were present, Be of good comfort, for ere ten hours 
 of this day, lam sure that brand shall be plucked out of the 
 fire. After which- he went to prayer at his wife's bedside, 
 where for a time she lay quiet, but whilst he mentioned 
 facqfrs wrestling in prayer, she sits straight up in the bed, 
 casting aside the curtain, and sayeth, Thou art this day fa- 
 cob, who hast wrestled, and also prevailed ; and now Gad 
 hath made good his words, which he spake this morning to 
 you ; for I am plucked out of the hands of Satan, and he 
 shall have no power over me. Which interruption made 
 him for aspace silent, but after with great melting of heart 
 
318 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 proceeded in prayer, and magnified the riches of God's . 
 love towards him ; and after prayer there was sweet and 
 christian embrace ments betwixt tliem : yea, from that 
 hour she did speak most christianly and comfortably, even 
 to her death, which was on the Friday following, August 
 13, 1601, whose last words in the moment of her depart, 
 lire were with a loud voice, Come, Lord, into thy hands I 
 commend my spirit. 
 
 After this, Mr. Simpson lived several years, fervent and 
 faithful in the work of the Lord, and one who in private 
 walk witnessed such mortification, that all who knew him, 
 rnight clearly see, his converse was little in the world. In 
 March, 1618, he said, Now shall this month put an end to 
 all these things ! and accordingly, towards the close of it, 
 was removed by death ; at which time he expressed much 
 joy, blessing the Lord for his kindness, that he had not 
 btftw perverted by the sinful courses of these times ; and 
 might say, as the Lord fed Elijah in the wilderness, so in 
 some respect he had dealt with him all his life time. And 
 having these words upon some of his books written, Re- 
 member \ my soul, and never forget the 9th of August, 
 what consolation the Lord gave thee, and how he performed 
 what he spake, according to Zech. iii. 2. Is not this a brand 
 plucked out of the fire? Upon which some of his friends 
 speaking to him about the same, his answer was, Absit 
 mihi gloriari in aliqua, nisi in Domino Deo meo ! 
 
 Now, besides these great men, many others who at that 
 time did shine as lights in the church, may be here also 
 mentioned ; who were indeed stars of the first magnitude, 
 eminently zealous and faithful, and their ministry followed 
 with much of the power and authority of God. Such as 
 Mr. Andrew Mehin, of whom it might be said, he had the 
 face of a lion in his Master's cause, and feared not to speak 
 before princes and great men, when the truth called for it. 
 Likewise his nephew, Mr. fames Mehin, that holy grave 
 and prudent servant of .Christ, Mr. Andrew Dimkan, Mr. 
 John Scrimger, Mr. Charles Fereme, Mr. fames BaU 
 fure, fcfc. One passage I shall here set down, worthy of a 
 remark, of Mr. Andrew Mehin, who being prisoner in the 
 Tower, a gentleman of his acquaintance got access to visit 
 him, but found him in a sad deep muse about the defec- 
 tion of many ministers in Scotland, and did deplore the 
 state of the church there, having lately got an account of 
 their way at that assembly at Glasgow, 1610, where the 
 earl of Dumbar had been active to corrupt divers with mo- 
 ney : this gentleman, desiring to know what word he had 
 for his own country, got no answer ; but upon a second in- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 3 1? 
 
 quiry, he said, / have no word to send, but am heavily 
 grieved, that the glorious government of the church of Scot* 
 land should be so defaced, and a popish tyrannical govern- 
 ment set up, and thou Manderston (for out of that house 
 Dumbar was come, and he thus styled him) Hast thou no 
 other thing to do, but carry down to Scotland such commis- 
 sions, whereby the poor church there is wrecked: the Lord 
 shall be avenged upon thee, and thou shah never again go 
 down for all thy grandeur ! which words took such impres- 
 sion on that gentleman, that when he went forth, he desir- 
 ed some friends, who then waited to get a business at Court 
 expedited by Dumbar f s mediation, that they would in time 
 put their affairs to a close, for he was persuaded, the words 
 of that servant of Christ should not fall to the ground. And 
 truly this did very quickly take place, that earl being sud- 
 denly struck by death, within a few months after, and thus 
 thrown down from the top of his grandeur, whilst he was 
 busy, perfecting that great house of his at Berwick, and 
 had appointed a sumptuous feast for his daughter's mar- 
 riage, even then did/6/5 thoughts perish. 
 
 I shall here but add one instance more of one, whom 
 we before named, though not a minister, yet a great in- 
 strument for promoting the work of the gospel in the place 
 where he lived ; and one we may say, of an extraordinary 
 spirit, Hugh Kennedy, provost of Aire : of whom I would 
 mention these two passages, from sure knowledge. One 
 was this, whilst the merchant ships of that town were at 
 sea, amongst whom his son John, who was also a choice 
 christian, was at that time, he did one night rise before the 
 breaking of day, and came to the house of his familiar friend 
 John Steward, desiring he would rise and go along with 
 him to some room. Whereat the said John being exceed- 
 ingly astonished, he saith to him ; Lis no time to linger, 
 let us go pray, for my son with the rest of our friends now 
 at sea are at this hour on the very j nick of perishing. And 
 after they had spent some time in prayer, he arose cheer- 
 fully and said, Now they are safe ! Within a little after, 
 John Steward, who had writ this down, with the day and 
 hour, at the return of the ships did most particularly in- 
 quire, and found how it did answer in all the circumstances, 
 and in that very hour of that night they were to appearance 
 past hope of safety upon a very dangerous place, and by an 
 extraordinary unexpected providence then delivered. 
 
 The other is this, one day being for many hours alone 
 in prayer, whilst some of his christian friends did wait long 
 for him, at last with an unusual cheerfulnsss he can.e 
 forth, >nd upon their inquiry about his stay, he. told them, 
 
S20 The. Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 It was no wonder, for he bad that day got maty tdhitit^ 
 and alibis, And truly it was very evident, that not one of 
 his children, but there was large ground of charity $ that 
 they were truly godly. 
 
 Whilst he was dying, Mr. Ferguson, a godly minister 
 saith to him, You have cause, Sir, to be assured that the 
 angels of God arc now waiting at the stoups of tins bed to* 
 convoy your soul into Abraham's bosom. To whom his 
 answer was; I am sure thereof, and if the walls of ibis 
 bouse could speak, tbey could tell how many sweet days I 
 have had in secret fellowship with God, and how familiar 
 he hath been with my soul, I shall only add Mr. Welshes 
 testimony, in a letter from France to this great man : his 
 Words were these, Happy is that city, yea, happy is thai 
 nation, that hath a Hugh Kennedy in it ! I have myself 
 certainly found the answers of his prayers front the L or d 
 in my behalf 
 
 I. Reader, besides these more remarkable passaged 
 which in the perusal of this treatise thou wilt find dropped 
 apart, concerning the way of God with sortie of his more 
 eminently faithful servants, I have in this place cast togeth- 
 er some few instances, which in the former impression 
 were not hinted. 
 
 In the first place thou mayst take notice of these two, 
 concerning that walker with God, great master Bruce, of 
 whom some things have been spoken elsewhere : and 
 first, beside that blesseel frame of spirit which appeared in 
 the whole of his converse, he endeavoured more especially 
 whensoever he was to appear in public as an ambassador of 
 Jesus Christ, to have his spirit deeply impressed with the 
 majesty of that God, of whom he was to speak, and of the 
 high importance it was to the souls of men, to have the 
 mysteries of salvation unfolded unto them, not with enticing 
 words ofman y s wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit 
 and power ; without which this preached gospel, though 
 in itself the word of life, will never prove the power of God t& 
 salvation. Anel therefore though he was known to take 
 much pains in searching the scripture, that he might know 
 the mind of the Spirit of God, by comparing spiritual things 
 with spiritual, and in preparing apposite matter for the; 
 edification of his hearers, which he durst not neglect, anel 
 wherein he durst not be superficial, as knowing he was to 
 speak of God, and afraid of the curse threatened for doing 
 of his work negligently ; yet this was the least part of his 
 preparation work, the main of his business lay in having 
 his soid wrought up to some suitableness of frame for 
 preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ, and making- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 321 
 
 manifest the mystery of the gospel as he ought, that so his 
 Master by his service might see of the travail of his soul 
 and be satisfied. And knowing that the success of preach, 
 ing depended wholly upon the presence of God accompa- 
 nying the dispensing of ordinances, his manner was to be 
 much in prayer and supplication in private before his pub- 
 lic appearances; pouring forth his heart before God, and 
 wrestling with him, not so much for assistance to the mes- 
 senger, as to the message. One instance whereof take as 
 fclloweth : Being to preach at a solemn occasion, he was 
 long in coming to the congregation, some of the people be- 
 ginning to be weary* and others wondering at his stay, the 
 bells being long rung, and the time far spent, the beadle 
 was desired to go see what the matter meant : who coming 
 to his house, and finding his chamber door shut, and hear- 
 ing a sound, drew near, and listening overheard Mr. Bruce 
 often with much seriousness say, I protest 1 will not go y 
 except thou go with me. Whereupon the man supposing 
 that some person had been with him, withdrew without 
 knocking at the door ; who being asked at his return by a 
 gentleman the cause of his delay, answered, he could not 
 tell, but I suppose (said he) there is some with Mr. Bruce, 
 who is unwilling to come to church, and he is so pressing 
 and peremptory to have them come along, that I overheard 
 him protest most seriously he would not go, if they went 
 not with him.. However a little after, Mr. Bruce came ac- 
 companied with no man, but he came in the fulness of the 
 blessing of the gospel of Christ > and his speech and his 
 preaching was in such evidence and demonstration of the 
 Spirit, that by the shining .of his face, and that shower of 
 divine influence * wherewith the word spoken was accom- 
 panied, it was easy for the hearer to perceive that he had 
 been in the mount with God, and that he had indeed brought 
 that God, whom he had met with in private, into his moth- 
 er'' s house, and into the chambers of her that conceived him. 
 Nay, he preached ordinarily with so much life and power, 
 and the word spoken by him was accompanied with such a 
 manifest presence, that it was evident to the hearers he was 
 not alone at the work, but that in his strivings to persuade 
 the things which did belong to the kingdom of God, and to 
 present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, he laboured 
 thereunto striving according to his working which wrought 
 in him mightily. For though he was no Boanerges, as to 
 his voice, being of a slow and grave delivery, yet he spoke 
 with so much authority and weight (as becomes the ora- 
 cles ofGodJ that some of the most stout hearted of his hear- 
 ers were ordinarily made to trembk ; and by having those 
 
 R R 
 
S22 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 doors, which formerly had been bolted against Jesus Christ, 
 as by an irresistible power broke open, and the secrets of 
 their heart made manifest, they went away under convictions, 
 and carrying with them undeniable proofs of Christ's speak- 
 ingin him, and that God was ivith him of a truth. 
 
 The other passage, which I present thee with, is concern- 
 ing his death. Being now aged and through infirmity of 
 body confined to his chamber, where he was frequently visit- 
 ed by his friends (to whom a conversation in heaven and the 
 abundant grace of God in him had endeared him) and be- 
 in§ asked by one of them, How matters now stood betwixt 
 God and his soul ! he (with that severity of soul, which is 
 the effect of the love of God shed abroad in the heart, and 
 that plerophory, under which such walkers with God and 
 workers of righteousness as he was, are frequently taken 
 off the stage) made this return, W hen I was a young man, 
 said he, / was diligent, and lived by faith in the Son of God, 
 but now lam old and am not able to do so much, yet be con- 
 descends to feed me with lumps of sense. 
 
 And that morning before the Lord removed him (his 
 sickness then being mostly a weakness through age) he 
 came to breakfast at his table ; and having, as he used, 
 eaten one single egg, he said to his daughter, I think I am 
 yet hungry, ye may bring me another egg ; but instantly 
 thereafter falling into a deep meditation, and after having 
 mused a while he said, Hold, daughter hold ; my Master 
 calls me ! with these words nis sight failed him. Where- 
 upon he called for the bible ; but finding his sight gone, he 
 said, Cast up to me the eighth chapter to the Romans and 
 set my finger on these words. / am persuaded that neither 
 death nor life, Esfc. shall be able to separate me from the love 
 of God which is in Christ Jesus my Lord. m Now said he, 
 is my finger upon them ? when they told him it was, with- 
 out any more he said, Now God be with you, my children, 
 I have breakfasted w/th you, and shall sup with my Lord 
 Jesus Christ this night. And so gave up the ghost, death 
 shutting his eyes that he might see Gop. Thus that val- 
 iant champion for the truth, whom in his appearing to 
 plead for the crown and interest of Jesus Christ knew not 
 what it was to be daunted by the face and frowns of the 
 highest and most incensed adversaries, was by his Master 
 taken off the field as mo~e than a conqueror, and as the re- 
 ward of much faithful diligence about the souls of others, 
 and much pains and seriousness about making his own 
 ending and election sure, had an entrance ministered unte 
 him abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of his Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 323 
 
 II. In the next place, reader, I shall in prosecution of 
 my design, which is thy edification, hint to thee some 
 things concerning that burning and shining light Mr. John 
 Welsh, whose name is so famous and savoury for the great 
 things which God did by him and for him, that I shall 
 much disappoint thy expectation, if making mention of 
 him, I should not acquaint thee with something rare and 
 extraordinary : and therefore, though it be beside my de- 
 sign to give thee the full history of his or the rest of these 
 great men's lives, yet that I may not altogether frustrate 
 thy expectation, take these few remarkable passages which 
 follow. As first, an eminently holy minister, yet alive 
 and deservedly of esteem in the church of Christ, told me, 
 from certain knowledge, that two men coming with packs 
 of cloth to the town olAire from a neighbouring place, &c. 
 where there was yet no suspicion that the Lord's hand had 
 smitten it with the plague, which was then sore in the 
 land, the sentry at the bridge held them out, notwithstand- 
 ing they had a pass, till the magistrate came ; who though 
 he could not disprove their pass, yet would not permit 
 them to enter the town till he sent for Mr. Welsh : So the 
 bailiff bids them disburden their beasts, till he considered 
 what was to be done : a little after, Mr. Welsh coming, the 
 magistrate says to him, Sir, here are men come from such 
 a place, we have heard of no plague there ; besides, they 
 have a pass from known men, what shall we do ? Mr. 
 /fe/ft&made no answer, but uncovering his head, stood in 
 the midst of the company which then followed him, and 
 having his eyes directed to heaven (yet speaking nothing) 
 near half a quarter of an hour, at last said, Bailiff, cause 
 these men to put on their packs again and be gone ; for if 
 God be in heaven, the plague of God is in these packs. 
 These men returned and opened their packs in Comnock ; 
 and it was observed, that such contagion was therein, that 
 all in that village died, there was not a man left to bury the 
 dead. 
 
 He was famous in his generation for the power he had in 
 prevailing with God by prayer and supplication : whereof 
 take these following instances amongst the many which 
 might be given. 
 
 One is, that being on a certain night under an extraor- 
 dinary pressure of spirit to go and pour forth his heart to 
 God, he left his wife in bed, and going out to a garden, 
 spent most of the night in that exercise (a thing so ordinary 
 to him that he used to say, he wondered how a christian 
 could lie a bed all night, without rising to spend some of 
 the night in prayer and praise !) but his wife weary, at last 
 
324 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 went to seek for him, but missing him in his ordinary 
 place, went into other gardens, by such passages as she 
 knew, at last she heard a voice, and drawing near to it, 
 could hear him speak a few words, but with great force 
 and fervency, mixed and accompanied with floods of tears ; 
 which were these, God, wilt thou not give me Scotland ! 
 O God, wilt thou not give me Scotland ! She being weary, 
 and afraid to interrupt him, went home, and heard not the 
 close. At last he came home, and reentering his bed, his 
 /wife began to reprove his unmercifulness to his own body ; 
 then asked him, what it was he was saying? for she told, 
 she heard him. Well said he, you had better have been in 
 your bed, but since ye heard, J tell you, I have endured a 
 great fight for Scotland this night, and hardly could I get a 
 remnant reserved, yet he will be gracious. 
 
 After this he arose another night, but went not out of 
 doors, but in a chamber he travailed and groaned so, as 
 that his wife impatient did rise several times, calling him to 
 bed; but he waited his time: and when he came, she be- 
 gan a modest expostulation with him for tarrying. Hold 
 thy peace, said he, it will be well with us ; but I shall never 
 preach another preaching in Aire. And having fallen 
 asleep, before he awaked, the messenger was come, who 
 by command carried him prisoner to the castle of Edin- 
 burgh. 
 
 When he was prisoner in the castle of Edinburgh, the 
 lord Uchihry, was captain, whose sister was Mr. Welshes 
 mother in law, being John Knox's wife : yet being much 
 taken up in king James' 9 court, he took not time to be so 
 comfortable to his cousin Welsh as he should : but being 
 convinced of his own unkindness, he caused Mr. Welsh to 
 sup with him one night in the castle, where were also sev- 
 eral other gentlemen, and amongst them a popish youth sat 
 toward the lower end of the table ; Mr. Welsh being by the 
 captain set at the upper end, entertained the company with 
 grave and edifying discourse, which all delighted to hear, 
 save this young papist, who with laughter and derision la^ 
 boured to silence him, which was little regarded by Mr. 
 Welsh. But after supper, while the guests sat a little, this 
 youth stood up at the lower end of the table, and while Mr. 
 'Welsh proceeded from grave to gracious entertainment of his 
 company, the youth came to that height of insolence as with 
 the finger to point at him, and with the face to make flouting 
 grimaces, whereby he grieved the holy man, so as on a 
 sudden he was forced to a silence. 
 
 The whole company, who had heard him with delight, 
 were silent with him. Within a little, Mr. Welsh, as 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 325 
 
 moved by the Spiritof God, broke forth into these words : 
 Gentlemen, the Spirit of God is provoked against us, and I 
 shall entreat you not to be afraid to see what God shall do 
 among you before you rise from the table, for he ivill smite 
 one o) you with death before you go hence. All were silent- 
 ly astonished, waiting to see the issue with fear. And 
 while every man feared himself, except the insolent youth, 
 Af fell down dead suddenly at the foot of the table, to shew 
 the power of God's jealousy against the mockers of his 
 Spirit and of the offers of his grace. This history with va- 
 riation of some circumstances, is set down before. 
 
 One day while Mr. Welsh looked out at his chamber 
 window in the castle, he happened to see the captain, and 
 called unto him, saying, God save you, my lord ! The 
 captain acknowledging his neglect, and asking for Mr. 
 Welsh's welfare, desired to know how he might serve him. 
 In nothing, said Mr. Welsh, if you be well, except you 
 would carry my petition to his majesty, entreating for lib- 
 erty to preach the gospel I willingly will, said the captain, 
 therefore send it to me. Nay, said Mr. Welsh, I am your 
 kinsman, I love you so well as to warn you not to take it 
 in charge, except you resolve to deal truly in delivering it 
 and in getting me an answer. I shall bear the blame, said 
 the captain, if I do it not. I beseech you, my lord, said 
 the other, undertake not unless you mind to do it, for the 
 hazard is great. Well, Uchiltry takes it : but not com- 
 ing in an opportune season (for he carne when the king 
 was passionately moved on another occasion) he thought 
 not fit then to give it ; and as at that time he deferred, so 
 thereafter he neglected, and at last quite forgot to deliver it 
 at all. For which his heart smiting him, he durst hardly 
 be seen of Mr. Welsh {ox three months. Yet conscience 
 forgetting as well as he, he came to the same place where 
 Mr. Welsh at first called him. And now Mr. Welsh ask- 
 ed, how he did, and what was become of his petition ? 
 The captain surprised, answered, I delivered it to his maj- 
 esty, but he was in a passion, and it seems it hath fallen by, 
 for I have not gotten an answer. Nay, my lord, said Mr. 
 Welsh, you should not lie to God, and to me : I know you 
 delivered it not, I am sorry (my lord) for your lot, I warn- 
 ed you not to be false to God ; and now I tell you, God 
 shall take your estate and honours in Scotland, and shall 
 give them to your neighbouring, this in your own time. 
 This troubled the lord Uchiltry, and came truly to pass ; 
 for he being the eldest son of the good lord Uchiltry, a 
 reformer, was forced in his own time to quit all, and 
 give both estate and honours to James, the son of cap- 
 
326 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 tain James, the second brother, who was the last of that 
 house. 
 
 III. Concerning master John Scrimger, minister at 
 Kingborn. There was a godly woman under his charge, 
 called ■■» who fell sick of a very lingering sickness, 
 and was all the while assaulted with strong temptations, ap. 
 prehending she was a cast away, (yet had she not only giv- 
 en ground for charity, but her christian conversation for a 
 long time had put the reality of the grace of God in her 
 beyond debate with the more discerning who knew her) 
 Mr. Scrimger often visited her, while in this deep exercise, 
 conferred with her, prayed over her ; but her trouble re- 
 mained notwithstanding, and the terrors of God still lodg- 
 ed with her. When she drew near her dissolution, she 
 became worse both in body and spirit ; and sent for Mr. 
 Scrimger, who at that time took two of his elders with 
 him, and in their presence first endeavoured to comfort 
 her by exhortation and conference, then he prayed, and 
 seeing her the nearer l>er end seemingly the worse, he 
 made some of the elders to pray ; and again he himself 
 prayed. But Satan still raged the more, and her soul the 
 more removed from peace. Then he sat in a muse a little 
 space, and said, What is this ! our laying before her 
 grounds of comfort will not do it, conference will not do it, 
 prayer will not do it, we must use another remedy. Sure 
 J am, this is a (laughter of Abraham ; sure I am, I am the 
 elder ; sure I am, she hath sent for me. And therefore in 
 name of God the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who sent 
 him to redeem sinners ; in name of Jesus Christ, who obey, 
 ed the Father, and came to save us ; in name of the holy and 
 blessed Spirit, our quickener and sanctifier, 1 the elder com- 
 mand thee a daughter of Abraham to be loosed from these 
 bonds f And immediately peace and joy succeeded. 
 
 An example it is of God's power in that time, to make 
 our hair stand, at the force of faith and boldness of spirit ; 
 rather than to be imitated by such as wanting the ancient 
 holiness would rather have a spirit for miracles, than for 
 salvation. 
 
 IV. I shall here insert some special and edifying re,, 
 marks of the life of that great and worthy servant of Jesus 
 Christ, Mr. Robert Blair, (well known to this church, it 
 being but a few years since his death) who was deservedly 
 numbered among the first of those great and worthy instru- 
 ments, whom the Lord raised up amongst us for carrying 
 on the late blessed reformation. Some of which I knew 
 from himself (though from much humble modesty he too 
 much in these things concealed himself, and shunned the 
 
The fulfilling of the Scripture. 327 
 
 setting down thereof under his own hand, whereto he was 
 much pressed) but the most of them 1 had from one of his 
 special intimate friends, and a grave and eminent minister 
 of this church. 
 
 In his younger years, it was known how much he outrun 
 others in his studies, and gave those who knew him ground 
 to hope, what after was seen ; the Lord was pleased to 
 call him by the ministry of famous Trochrig, in whose 
 hand (these were his own words) did the Lord put the key 
 that first opened his heart. Upon his first coming forth to 
 preach, he by a remarkable providence had master Bruce, 
 whom you have formerly mentioned, to be his hearer ; and 
 as I heard himself declare, it was his desire to have the 
 judgment of so great a man upon his discourse ; whose 
 censure, he said, he^ would never forget, it had been so 
 much blessed. Which was this, / found (saith he) your 
 sermon very polished and digested (which was indeed easy 
 to one of his parts) but there is one thing I did miss in it, to 
 wit, the Spirit of God ; I found not that. This grave Mr. 
 Blair did often speak to others, which then took a deep 
 impression upon himself, and helped him to see it was 
 something else to be a minister of Jesus Christ, than to be 
 a knowing and eloquent preacher. He was for divers years 
 regent in the college of Glasgow ; where he made it his 
 work, to train up those under his charge in the study of 
 godliness, as well as of human learning : but by reason of 
 the prejudice of some who had power in that place, he 
 could not long stay. One passage whilst he was there, 
 I did hear him relate : upon the report of some sinful 
 oath to be pressed upon the masters of the college, he in- 
 quired at a fellow regent of his, Mr Gawin Forsyth, what 
 he would do in that matter ? whose answer was, By my 
 faith I must live. To whom Mr. Blair said, Sir, I will 
 not swear by my faith, as you do; but truly I intend to live 
 by my faith. Tou may choose your own way ; but I will 
 adventure on the Lord. That wretched man did continue, 
 to whom the matter of an oath was a small thing, after he 
 was gone : but which is worthy of a remark, many years 
 after, Mr. Forsy th fell into such poverty, as forced his sup- 
 plicating of the general assembly of the church for some 
 relief, where worthy Mr. Blair was then made choice of to 
 preside as moderator, and upon his appearance in that 
 deplorable case could not shun the observing of that for- 
 mer passage, and upon his address to him in private put 
 him in mind thereof, though with great tenderness, as he 
 said, not in the least to upbraid him in his low condition, 
 but to let him see that he had been truly carried through 
 by his faith, at which be formerly had scoffed. 
 
32% The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 After his being put from the college \ he went to visit hii* 
 brother, then minister at Dumbarton, and confessed that 
 by the way he could not forbear singing, from joy in the 
 remembrance of God's being with him, and helping him to 
 be instrumental in the good of the youth, who had been un- 
 der his inspection. He went after to Ireland, having re- 
 ceived a call from Bangor ; and upon the sight of land, his 
 heart was so immediately made to exuk within him for 
 joy, that (as he said) he could scarce bear the same. 
 Whilst he came near Bangor, he had a strong impression 
 borne in upon him, that the dean of Bangor was sick unto 
 death and should rise no more ; which at first he rejected, 
 as an impertinent suggestion ; but going further on his 
 way, it was with such power impressed upon his spirit, as 
 forced him to take notice of it. When he came to the 
 place, he found, the dean was indeed lying sick, and though 
 a most naughty man, made him not only welcome upon 
 his visit, but encouraged him to hold on in his way, and 
 told him he was to succeed him in that change ; yea, he 
 spoke so unlike himself, and in a strain so different from 
 what was usual unto him, that a gentlewoman standing by 
 said to some others, an angel is speaking out of the dean's 
 bed to Mr. Blair ; thinking it could not be such a man. 
 
 He had been once troubled with an appearing of the 
 devil, whilst he was a regent in the college ; who, like a 
 crooked boy that waited on him, stood up and laughed 
 him in the face, whilst he was serious in his chamber, and 
 immediately disappeared ; but after, whilst he was at B an- 
 gor, there was one in that parish, who went to Scotland 
 with horses to sell, and at a fair he met with a man who 
 at once was willing to buy them all; but pretending he 
 had not all that money at present, gave him bond until 
 Mertimess : the poor man having no suspicion, returns ; 
 and near that time, going homeward from Bangor one 
 night, his merchant meets him, who was the devil: now 
 said he, you know my bargain, how 1 bought you at such 
 a place, and I am corneas I promised, to pay you the 
 price. Bought me, said the other trembling, you bought 
 but my horses ; nay, says the devil, I will let you know I 
 bought yourself, and to the poor man confounded with fear, 
 said, he must either kill some body, and the more excel- 
 lent the person were, the better it would be for him : else 
 he would not free him, and particularly charged him to kill 
 Mr. Blair. The man overcome with terror, and through 
 the violence of that temptation, determined the thing, and 
 went to Mr. Blair's house with a dagger in his right hand, 
 hid beneath his cloak, and though much ccnicunded, was 
 
The Fulfilling of We Scripture. 329 
 
 moving toget.it out; but after Mr. Blair'' s speaking to 
 him, the poor man ft 11 a trembling so extremely, that upoa 
 a further inquiry he freely declared for what end he was 
 come, and told he had laboured to draw out his dagger, 
 but it would not Come from the scabbard, though he knew 
 not what hindered it ; for then, when he essayed to draw it 
 forth again; it came out with much ease. Master Blair 
 blessing the Lord, exhorted him to choose him for his ref- 
 uge. He was after threatened and much terrified by the 
 devil, but nothing mure followed. 
 
 After some time in the ministry at Bangor, he with oth- 
 ers of his worthy brethren was silenced by the bishop ; and 
 as he told himself, was in the church when the bishop, (one 
 EcklineJ did himself intimate the sentence. Upon which* 
 Mr. B/airrose up publicly in the congregation, and with 
 great authority did cite the bishop to appear before the tri- 
 bunal of Jesus Christ, to answer for what he was doing, 
 contrary to his own light and conscience, against those 
 whom he knew to be faithful ministers of the gospel ; 
 whereupon the man was so astonished, that he immediate- 
 ly cried out, I appeal from the tribunal of the justice of 
 God to the throne of his mercy ! To whom Mr. Blair re- 
 plies ; Sir,- your appeal is rejected ; for you know, what 
 yoi4 are doing is directly against your conscience, which 
 hath made you bear witness to us as the servants of Jesus 
 Christ. A few months after, the bishop fell sick ; and the 
 physicians inquiring about his case, he only could say, 
 My conscience / and so died. 
 
 Whilst under restraint, he was by his brethren sent to 
 England, to deal with the king for their liberty. When 
 he was on the road, he was taken with a mighty fit of the 
 stone, which made him lie upon his horse's neck, not he- 
 ir g able to hold up his back ; which much disquieted him, 
 as being a probable let upon such an important business. 
 And in this posture he turned to the Lord in prayer ; but 
 immediately after, essaying if he could possibly lift up his 
 back, he found to his astonishment, his tormenting pain 
 quite gone, and perfect ease, nor did it recur to him for 
 two years after. A few days after, in the same journey, 
 his horse fell very lame ; which did in some measure trou- 
 ble him, having no convenient access to provide himself of 
 another : and even upon this, did address to the Lord by 
 prayer, that in such a strait he might be helped, which he 
 graciously condescended to do, so that the horse was to 
 1 vis amazement healed, and without the least halt did carry 
 :o London. 
 
 $ s 
 
350 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 Whilst he was there, he did essay what he could to 
 accomplish his business, but could have no access to the 
 king ; yea, some who were his friends at court, after trial 
 assured him, he had no ground to hope in that matter ; 
 yet he resolved to continue, and roll the business over on 
 the Lord, for whose service he was only importuning an 
 open door. And one day^ having gone to Greenwich, 
 where the court then was, being wearied with waiting with- 
 out access, he retired into the park to pray, where after 
 much wresling with the Lord, he was in a more than 
 ordinary way brought near, and had so clear a return, that he 
 could not withstand the assurance he got, that his way 
 should be successful : but the appearance thereof in an or- 
 dinary way being so small, pressed him to ad venture hum- 
 bly the asking of a sig n from the Lord ; and immediately 
 after there being a considerable wind that blew hard and 
 made a noise among the bulrushes that grew there, so great 
 a calm did presently follow, that not the least plant of the 
 ground did any ways move or stir. He went thence to 
 London, and within a few days in a most strange way had 
 his petition presented to the king, and accepted : yea, in 
 St. James'' park was particularly called for, where the king, 
 with his own hand did not only sign it, but wrote these 
 words in the margin, which he directed to the deputy, In- 
 dulge the education of these ministers, for they are Scotch- 
 men. 
 
 ' When he was in England, he had a strange discovery of 
 his wife (an excellent gentlewoman) her dying, and that she 
 was lying in such a bed, and a christian friend of his par- 
 ticular acquaintance beside her. When he came home, 
 he found his wife in health ; but a little after, she fell sick 
 and died in that same bed, with that friend sitting by her, 
 and with all those particular circumstances. These are 
 but a few of many great and remarkable passages in that 
 excellent man's life, who was himself as great an observer 
 of providence, as any in the age he lived in ; and this he 
 had notably verified in himself, which was an usual saying 
 of his to others, Observable things do follow them who arc 
 given to observation. 
 
 V. This seems an eminent instance of the providence of 
 Gon-, and worthy to be on record, that concerns the laird 
 of Raith, of a known and ancient family in this country, 
 who in the beginning of the reformation was a professed 
 paf)is f : but the Lord directing that great servant of his, 
 Mr. Wishart, one night very late to his house, who after 
 some repulse from a servant got access to this gentleman, 
 -\sid told him, lie was come with the offer of the gospel of 
 
The Fulfilling 6/ the Scripture. 33* 
 
 Christ to him, and his family, if he would receive it; 
 which was in that manner backed with the authority of 
 God, and his power on that gentleman's conscience, that 
 he most kindly received Mr. fVishart, and told him, His 
 offer was welcome. And a little after, this visit was made 
 so successful, upon Mr. WisharVs^ instructing him and his 
 family in the truth, that they publicly professed the same, 
 and this worthy gentleman evidenced his being truly taken 
 by the heart. But sometime after, upon a snare laid for 
 him by cardinal Beaton, he was seized upon in the laird of 
 Grange's house, and thence carried prisoner to the castle 
 of Edinburgh, and so hotly pursued by this wretched 
 man's rage, who then was in his greatest power, that in a 
 short time he was sentenced to die : his lady's being over, 
 whelmed with grief, upon her husband's suffering and the 
 forfeiture of that estate, having five sons, Resides some 
 daughters, to provide, did move him. But as one then 
 much with God, he with much confidence told her, having 
 gotten this assurance from that God for whom he suffered, 
 concerning his house and posterity, that she had no cause 
 to be troubled : for, as to her outward case, she should yet 
 live to see the youngest of her sons in a better condition 
 than he had been himself. Which most clearly fell out, 
 and is well known to many in this time : his second son 
 went to France, was there raised to great honour, and up- 
 on his returning home, purchased a considerable estate, and 
 was made Lord Mehin ; and which calls for a remark, 
 bought a part of the cardinal' '$ estate, the then great instru- 
 ment of the present ruin of his house, which continues to 
 this clay. His third son was lord Tongland, as one of the 
 judges of the session ; and another of them laird of Halhill ; 
 but, which was most strange, the French king, (it seems 
 moved from the great respect he had, to that worthy gen- 
 tleman Sir Robert Mehin, the second son formerly men 
 tioned) did, upon some treaty with Scotland, press and pro- 
 cure the taking off the forfeiture of that estate of Raith, 
 whereby the eldest son was also restored. And it is known 
 to this day, % in what a measure the Lord hath graciously 
 witnessed his respect to that house and family, which now 
 is enjoyed by my lord Mehin, who, as he is by a cofttinu< 
 ed succession the descent of that worthy gentleman, who 
 thus suffered for the truth, so it is hoped he shall be found 
 walking in the steps of his truly renowned ancestors, who 
 "walked with God, and adhered to his truth, while forsaken 
 and persecuted. 
 
 VI. I shall mention, among these late instances, a nota- 
 ble passage of an excellent roan-, and deservedly of great 
 
332 The Fulfilling of the Scripture: 
 
 repute in his time among the first restorers of the gospel-. 
 and of learning in France, after the reformation, which 
 grave and famous Rivet sets down in a letter of his to his 
 brother, and is since his death printed in the French 
 tongue; which relation I shall give to those who have not 
 access to that book ; it is this. ^ James Faber, native of a 
 steeple in Piccardy, a most faithful and eminent minister* 
 of the gospel there, did in the persecution of that time flee, 
 with others, and for security retired to the queen of Na- 
 varre, then in Albrct in Gascoine, who had him in high es- 
 teem : on a certain day, die queen did advertise him, she 
 purposed to come and dine at his house, and for that end 
 did invite some learned men, in whose conference she took 
 much delight: at dinner Faber became exceedingly sad, 
 and now and then fell out in bitter weeping ; at which the 
 queen complained, and inquiring the cause, why he weep- 
 ed whilst she had come to be merry wi'th him, he in the 
 end said, Most serene queen, how can 1 be glad, or make 
 others glad; who am as wicked a man as the' earth bears ! 
 and what isthat wickedness, says she, you have commit- 
 ted, who are known from your youth to have lived so ho- 
 ly ? He answered, I am now the age of an hundred years, 
 free from the touch of any woman, and remember not that 
 I have committed what would burthen my conscience, or 
 make me afraid to leave die world ; except one sin, for 
 which I am assured propitiation is possible. And ^s she 
 pressed him to tell it, whilst he could scarce speak for abun- 
 dance of tears, he said, How can I stand before the throne of 
 God ? whohavingtaughtothersinpurity andsincerity theho- 
 ly evangel of the Son of God, many of whom having followed 
 my doctrine, have constantly suffered a thousand torments, 
 and death itself, and in the mean time I, an unconstant doc- 
 tor, did flee ; and though I had lived long enough, and 
 shduld not have feared death, but rather desired it, did yet 
 withdraw, and thus cowardly transgressed the command 
 of my God ! Whereupon the queen, as she was most elo- 
 quent, did by reason anel example shew him, this had be- 
 fallen others of the holy servants of God : and others there 
 also., did add such considerations, as that he became more- 
 cheerful; and said, there remains nothing, but that I go 
 from hence to God, and after I have now made my testa- 
 ment, I have that impression, I must delay no longer, 
 knowing the Lord calls for me. After he fixed his eyes 
 on the queen, and says, Madam, I make you my heir : 
 and to your preacher, Gerard, I leave my books ; and my 
 cl oaths, and other things I have, I leave to the poor. 
 Whereupon the queen smiling, asked, What then Mr. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 333 
 
 Faber, shall I have ? The care, said he, madam, to dis- 
 tribute this to the poor. It is well, said she ; I solemnly 
 profess, this legacy is more acceptable to me, than if the 
 king, my brother, had named me his heir. Thereafter 
 they saw him more joyful ; then he said, I have need of 
 some rest, be you merry and joyful, and in the mean time 
 adieu ; and having spoke this, he turned him over on a bed 
 that was near ; where, as they judged, lie lay sleeping, but 
 was indeed fallen asleep in the Lord, without the least sign 
 of a previous indisposition ; for when they were about to 
 awake him, they found him to their admiration dead. Such 
 was the end of this personage indubitably holy, which the 
 queen of Navarre did herself relate to the elector Freder- 
 ick the second of Palatine, when he was sick at Paris, in 
 his return from Spain, from the emperor Charles the fifth, 
 and it was communicated by a worthy gentleman Hubertus 
 Thomas, a counsellor of the said Frederick's, who was 
 present at this relation of the queen's, from whom Rivet 
 had it written by himself. 
 
 VII. I shall subjoin two passages worthy of observation, 
 which concern a grave and eminently godly minister in the 
 church of Ireland, Mr. Andrew Steward, minister at Duna- 
 gor, which, (together with some of these other remarkable 
 instances here mentioned) were transmitted unto me from 
 his worthy son, Mr. Andrew Steward, minister of Dona- 
 chade ; who both knew the certainty of them, and was 
 himself also a great observer of such confirmations of the 
 truth : whom I cannot mention without sorrow at the re- 
 membrance of the late removal of so eminent and useful a 
 minister of Jesus Christ. 
 
 The frst is an instance and evidence of the power and 
 prevalency of prayer with God. On a Monday after a 
 communion where a great multitude being gathered, and 
 these of the choicest of that country, whilst as a shepherd, 
 he was feeding his fleck in a large place, (for the numer- 
 ousness of the hearers imposed a necessity upon him to 
 preach in the field) an horrid black cloud, and fearful to 
 look on, hanged directly over their head, which to all pres- 
 ent threatened a strange pouring down of rain, whereby the 
 exercise would have been interrupted : yea, some drops 
 were begun to fall ; but Mr. Steward, then at great advan- 
 tage in his own spirit as to nearness with God, begged 
 their leave to retire a little from the place, and went to 
 another part for prayer, and while he prayed, it was ob- 
 servably seen, that the cloud did remove half a mile off on 
 the south hand, and there fell down in such a mighty rain, 
 that albeit it was the heat of summer, the brooks so swell. 
 
334 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 ed, that some coming too late to sermon could not have 
 passage over ; but where they were gathered, there was 
 not one drop more. So that he went on with a full gale to 
 the close of the work, to the no small advantage and convic- 
 tion of his hearers. 
 
 The next concerns his death. B~ing called to the buri- 
 al of that excellent man of God, Mr. Jonah Welsh, son of 
 that great man formerly mentioned, who was his neighbour 
 minister, he stood sometime at the grave, as a sad observ- 
 er of such a thing, and to some who were by, said, Who 
 Jtnowj who will be next I -But none answering, he said to 
 them, I know ! and thus turned away, and went home to 
 Dunagor on foot, and entering into the church did bolt the 
 doors, where he tarried some two hours ; and aiier, gamg 
 to his house, he fell asleep on his bed with an excess of 
 griti', whence he never in health rose again, but was buri- 
 ed that day month. When his wife returned, whom he 
 had left with Mr. Welsh's widow, she inquired, what he 
 had been doing ? to whom he said, I have been taking my 
 leave of the church ofjDfrnagdr ; and 1 was there taking 
 timber and stones to witness, that in my short time I had 
 laboured to be faithful, and that according to my light 1 
 have revealed the whole c ninset of God to t he people. (How 
 great a testimony of the conscience was this !) After four- 
 teen nights lying, Mr. Ridge, a choice English minister 
 there, came to visit him, and said, I hope, sir, you do not 
 now rue that ye have been faithful. He answered, I rue 
 nothing, but that I was too long in beginning (he meant his 
 resisting, for several years, a call to the ministry, to which 
 he had been much pressed) and I will tell you a strange 
 thing which hath helped me to be faithful. These last sev- 
 en years there hath not one day passed me, without 
 thoughts of death, and renewed submission to it ; yea, this 
 made me neglect my body, which should have served the 
 Lord, us if it hath been mire in the street; which now 
 troubleth me. That night when he died, several godly 
 ftnd grave christians were witih him ; where for a long time 
 he fell in a deep silence ; which ended with heavy groan - 
 ings often reiterated : at last a christian there desired to 
 know what troubled him ? but he refused to tell. At last 
 being urged he said, I shall tell you, my hair stands, to be- 
 hold what I see coming on these lands. (This was in the 
 pear 1634.) And being further pressed, he said, the bhody 
 wars of Germany shall never be balanced with the wars of 
 these three kingdoms. What do you speak, sir ! said one 
 of the company. To whom he answered, The dead bod es 
 of many thousands, who this day despise the glorious gu 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 33& 
 
 shall lie upon the earth as dung unburied. And whilst ask- 
 ed, what then shall become of us and our posterity ? he 
 lifted up his voice, and said, He that is for the sword, to 
 the sword ; he that is for captiviti/, to captivity ; and he 
 that is for famine, to famine ; and God shall be avenged on 
 these lands. And whilst one said, Is there no remedy ? 
 he cried thiice, No remedy, no remedy, no remedy ! then 
 he held his peace a little, and said, / tell you what must be : 
 the broken covenant of Scotland must be renewed ; the for ^ 
 mality of Ireland must be purged : the prodigality of Eng- 
 land removed ; and the sons 0/Saui must be hung up before 
 the sun. By which last word, none knew what he meant. 
 Some of his own parish being present, asked, What he 
 would say to them ? to whom he replied, Wo to thee, Du- 
 nagor ! for the nettles and the long grass shall be in greater 
 plenty in thee, than ever were people to hear the word of 
 God. This the forementioned relater said, he was a wit- 
 ness to three years together after the late rebellion. They 
 asked, if he would have his children ? he said, No, he had 
 done with them. > And whilst they mentioned one of his- 
 daughters, he desired to be foreborne, and said, She should 
 see glorious days after all this ! and then takes his wife by 
 the hand, (who having but a fourth night lien in of child, 
 crept out of the bed to get and give a long farewel : to whom 
 he said, Thou hast in faithfulness suffered many things 
 with me in my pilgrimage, and now wherewith shall I com- 
 fort thee, my love ! (think, that he left her with four chil- 
 dren, much debt contracted whilst he resisted a call to ther 
 ministry, and but 30 shillings sterling then to do ail with) 
 A father to the fatherless, a judge to the widow, is God in 
 his holy habitation. As God is God, thou shah never 
 want, nor none of thine : but in all the sad days that are 
 coming, you shall be a wonder of mercy in every place 
 whither you are carried, and not a hair of your head shall 
 fall. Which was to the conviction and edification of ma- 
 ny fully accomplished ; which the forementioned relater 
 does himself also attest, though with much humble modes- 
 ty , because of his near relation. 
 
 VIII. This passage also I must instance, of a remarka- 
 ble providence to a grave and to this day famous christian 
 in our country, John Steward, provost of Aire ; who from 
 his very young years did witness a respect to godliness. 
 lie had a considerable estate left him by his father; but 
 having so great a weight and impression on his spirit, of 
 the distress and straitened condition of many good people 
 whom he knew in the country, and love to Jesus Christ 
 and his truth having got the command over him and all his 
 
336 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 interests, he did deliberately call them (as he had access) 
 together in Edinburgh, and having spent some time in 
 prayer, took their solemn promise, not to reveal while he 
 lived, what he was going to do : he said, lie knew in what 
 straits many of them were, to hold up the credit of the pro- 
 fession, and therefore he had brought a little money to lend 
 each of them ; yet so as they should never oner to repay it, 
 til] he required the same. This was not known until his 
 death, that some of these found themselves obliged to make 
 it. known. Some time after he had bestowed this money, 
 the plague having been sore in Aire, and trade much de- 
 cayed, he himself fell under some straits, and some of the 
 profane in that place began to make it their boast that re- 
 ligion had made him poor, and his giving much to others 
 like a fool had made him now want himself : the profession 
 and the credit of it, was always this godly man's darling, 
 which made him quit the country at that time ; and bor- 
 rowing a little money, he went over to France, that he 
 might the better conceal his strait. When he came to Ro- 
 chel, the salt and other commodities were become exceeds 
 ing cheap, because there had been no trading of a long 
 time, on which he adventured to freight a ship, and load 
 her upon credit ; he himself came over the nearest to Eng- 
 iand, and thence to Aire, with expectation of the ship's re- 
 turn. But after long waiting he was informed for certain, 
 that his ship was taken by the Turks ; which became mat- 
 ter of great exercise to him, (not because he knew not how 
 to be abased, as well as how to abound ; but fearing lest the 
 mouths of wicked men might so much the more on this 
 occasion be opened to reproach the profession) that for ma- 
 ny days he kept his chamber. At last a maid, who had 
 heard amongst the people, that John Steward's ship was 
 arrived in the road, came running, and cried at the door, 
 that his ship was come : but he being at prayer, could not 
 be moved from his Master's company, till he was satisfied, 
 and then went forth and saw it was a truth. But as a fur- 
 ther ground of present exercise to him, a worthy christian 
 and great intimate of his, John Kennedy, who for joy had 
 gone forth in a small boat to the ship, was by the sudden 
 falling down of a storm carried by the ship, and in the' 
 judgment of all that looked on, he and the boat were swal- 
 lowed up ; yea, the storm increased at that rate, that they 
 feared the loss of the ship also : which did so deeply affect 
 this gracious man, that for three days he could be seen by 
 none, under the weight of such a trial. But at last, having 
 gone forth to visit the widow (as then supposed) whilst with 
 that family they were m itoally witnessing grief, John Fen- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture* 337 
 
 fiedy immediately comes in ; who had not been cast away, 
 but by a strange providence the boat had been driven a far 
 way to another place of the coast. Here, at once many 
 mercies did meet ; he vended the commodities of the ship, 
 which having paid all his debt, returned him twenty thou- 
 sand marks more to himself. Thus was that bread, cast 
 upon the waters, and to appearance lost, after many days 
 returned: and this witnessed, that by liberal devices, the 
 liberal man doth stand. I must ado! a word upon the death 
 of this worthy man. Whilst then his friends came to see 
 him, he oft used this word, Be humble. And about his 
 own case, he said* I go the way of all flesh ; and it may 
 be some of you doubt nothing of my wcllbeing ; yea, I testi- 
 fy , that except when I slept, or was on business, I was not 
 these ten years without thoughts of God, so long as I could 
 be in going from my house to the cross ; and yet I doubt 
 myself, and am in great agony, yea, at the brink of despair* 
 But a day or two before he died, he turned his face to the 
 wall* from company, for two hours : and then Mr. John 
 Ferguson came in, a great and godly minister of that place,, 
 who asked what he was doing ? upon which he turned 
 himself, with these words, I have been fighting, and working 
 out my salvation with fear and trembling ; and now I bless 
 God, it is perfected, sealed, confirmed ; and all fears are 
 gone ! 
 
 It is a memorable instance, known yet to many in the 
 north of Ireland, of a choice and godly gentlewoman, when 
 the rebellion brake out there, w ho 'fled with some other 
 persons with her and three children, one of them upon the 
 breast : they had not gone far before they were stripped 
 naked by the Irish, who to admiration spared their lives 
 (it is like, thinking that the cold and hunger would kill 
 them.) Afterwards going on, at the foot of a river which 
 runs into Locheach, others met them, and would have 
 them cast into the river. But this godly woman not dis- 
 mayed, asked a little liberty to pray ; and as she lay naked 
 on the frozen ground, got resolution, not to go on her own 
 feet to such an unjust death : upon which having called 
 her, and she refusing, was dragged by the heels along that 
 rugged way to be cast in, with the rest of her company. 
 But she then turned, and on her knees says, You should ( I 
 am sure) be christians, and men I see you are ! In taking 
 away our miserable lives, you do us a pleasure: but know, 
 that as we never wronged you, nor yours, you must remem- 
 ber o die ^ also yourselves, and one day give an account of 
 this cruelty , to the judge of heaven and earth. On which 
 an Irish priest then present, said, Let us not take their 
 
 T T 
 
338 The Fulfilling of the Scripture, 
 
 lives ; but we will put them into this island of the lake. A 
 boat being at the river, all the eight naked and without 
 meat are turned into that island : where, after four days 
 staying some of the company died for hunger and cold ; 
 but not this woman, or any of her children, for she lived 
 by faith, upon the word of God, and not by bread only. A 
 day after, the two boys having crept aside, found the hide 
 of a beast, which had been killed, at the root of a tree ; 
 which the mother and they endeavoured to get cast over 
 them, then lying upon the snow. The next day a little 
 boat goes by, unto whom she calls, for God's sake to take 
 her in ; but they being Irish, would not. She desired a 
 little bread : they said, they had none. Then she begs a 
 foal of fire, which she obtained : for she had seen smoke 
 in. the boat. And thus with some fallen chips made a little 
 lire ; and the boys taking a piece of the hide, laid it on the 
 coals, and began to gnaw the leather ; but without an ex- 
 traordinary divine support what could this do ? Thus they 
 lived ten days without any visible means of help ; and that 
 good woman professed, it was by faith and joy in God, 
 that she did live ; nor had she any bread, but ice or snow ; 
 nor drink, except water ; but she thought, God put more 
 substance into it, and found it as it were clammy. The 
 next day a boat carried her out, to the side of the Band 
 water ; where she had yet been lost, but that she could 
 uot bear to see her children die in her sight ; and though 
 the two boys were young, and so starved, that they had no 
 strength, she pressed them to go out of her sight, under 
 pretence of their seeking some fire, and bid them bend 
 (heir face to such a quarter, where in that desolate country 
 she knew they could have no fire ; yet in such an extreme 
 left room for. God to work their safety. The poor children 
 were not able, and had not gone far before they saw two or 
 three great dogs, eating a man who had been killed ; the 
 children were afraid at the sight of the dogs (who needed 
 not fear any thing, but to live in such a condition) and one 
 of them came running and leaping upon one of the chil- 
 dren without doing him the least hurt, but fawned on 
 them, and would run a little before, and then tarry till the 
 children came up, and so led them on to a house where 
 smoke appeared, which was an Irishman's, protected by 
 the English in Antrum, by whose means they were mar- 
 vellously preserved, and the mother sent for and succoured 
 by a party from Antrum. I would shut this passage up 
 \iflth something truly observable about this gentlewoman's 
 husband: who was a sweet humoured gentleman, and 
 I'&dli/, and one who used to frequent that famous Friday's 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 339 
 
 meeting at Antrum before that rebellion brake out ; but 
 being ensnared by some Arminians then in the ( bounds, 
 the worthy ministers in that place, after some pains taken 
 on him, could not prevail. Mr. Blair being there, had 
 this word to a friend, who told it to a godly minister in 
 that place, from whom 1 had this passage, I am of opinion^ 
 that this gentleman shall either turn penitent, or mad, be- 
 fore many days. Which fell out, for he fell so furiously 
 mad, that they were driven to the necessity of binding him ; 
 and thus for a year continued, though with some morestf- 
 ber intervals, and then would bewail his case. At the end 
 of the year, being very furious, he was taught of the devil, 
 [but by an over reaching providence of God] to feign him- 
 self sober, and entreated his wife to be rid of the manacles, 
 which was done ; and at the break of day rising, he took 
 the coverlet of the bed about him, and went with resolution 
 to drown himself in the river : but when he was at the 
 brink thereof, had this suggested to him, He was a fool to 
 drawn the covering, for it might be useful, which made 
 him go a little back, and lay it down at the root of a tree, 
 and then with full resolution went to throw himself in ; but 
 this was suggested to him again at the very brink, Were it 
 not best to pray, before I die ? On which he turned a little, 
 and falls down to prayer ; but ere he had done, his wit. and 
 judgment was returned, with peace of conscience, and as- 
 surance of pardon, in as large measure as ever he enjoyed 
 these in his life ; and thus he returned in a sober frame to 
 the astonishment of his wife. 
 
 IX. There is a strange passage of judgment,, that 
 amongst the memorable things of the providence of God, 
 I think worthy of inserting ; it concerns a nobleman in our 
 own country (whose name, with respect to his house, I 
 forbear to mention) who for many years by blood and cru- 
 elty and oppression made himself a terror in that place of 
 the country where he lived. One day his second son, 
 who after succeeded to that house, by the death of his 
 brother, found a letter sealed and directed to his father, 
 bearing me style of his house, and without any suspicion 
 whence it came, carried it up to his chamber ; which that 
 lord breaking open, found it of a strange style ; for it had 
 
 these words, / summon you, - to appear before the 
 
 tribunal of God, and there answer for your murders, op- 
 pressions, &c. Subscribitur Diabolus. Upon which, 
 he being enraged, drew his sword, to have run his son 
 through, supposing it a contrived business by him ; but he 
 escaped, and was forced for many months to withdraw 
 from the house. However, upon the intercession of 
 
340 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 friends, his father did condescend to admit him again ; 
 but that very day, whilst they were met on this account, 
 that nobleman washing his hands in his bed chamber (and 
 one of his servants by) a letter from the roof of that cham- 
 ber drops down upon his hands, sealed and directed as be- 
 fore, which being opened, had the very sartie words of the 
 former letter, with that dreadful subscription, Diabolus. 
 After which, by immediate stroke of the Lord's hand, he 
 was struck with a remarkable iniatriation, and such an hor- 
 ror and fear upon Vis conscience, that upon the appearance 
 of the least boy he would have fled, and with howling sought 
 to have sheltered himself under a bed, and in this case 
 shortly died ; having been made a terror to himself, and 
 the meanest person able to quash him, who made it his 
 work to be terrible to others in his life. This (far from re- 
 flecting upon the house or family) with respect to the hold- 
 ing forth the holy and righteous judgment of the Lord, I 
 could not omit to insert the same, after some safe warrant 
 as to the certainty thereof from those 1 had ground to 
 believe. 
 
 Seventh witness to this truth, that the Lord hath in so 
 solemn and extraordinary a way appeared for his church in 
 these last times, is this ; Those great and marvellous prov- 
 idences ( 'which we may call Magnalia Dei) by which he 
 hath witnessed his truth, and confirmed the same, since the 
 breaking out of the gospel in this late raising of the church 
 from antichrist. For we may truly say, there hath not 
 wanted a visible attestation from heaven, and a convincing 
 testimony by some great >vorks of the Lord, to his truth, 
 as well as in the primitive times of the church. 
 
 We do here understand by such providences, those 
 wherein man cannot but see something above nature and 
 natural causes, yea, above the ordinary way of the Lord's 
 working, which do evidently witness his great and imme- 
 diate hand ; some whereof have been so wonderful, which 
 can be instanced in these late times, as might truly be call- 
 ed miracles. It is true, this is not the Lord's usual way, 
 neither rnakcth he use of such a solemn testimony, but on 
 special and weighty grounds; when the necessity of the 
 church calleth for it ; whilst he is about some extraordina- 
 ry piece of work ; or when the gospel cometh first to a 
 land that hath been long overspread with darkness ; when 
 ordinary means of conviction are wanting ; or in times of 
 great opposition, when the commission of his servants 
 needeth some extraordinary seal ; in such a time as that of 
 Ahab's, when the people are made to halt betwixt truth, 
 and a false way. Thus we find, the Lord did confirm the 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 341 
 
 first breaking out of the gospel, and make use of such a 
 mean to spread the christian church through the world ; 
 and should this seem strange, that in so great a change of 
 the church's case now in the latter days,, when he was to 
 raise her up after so long a ruin and desolation, wh il t an- 
 tichristianism so many ages had overspread the face of the 
 world, that he should thus appear, and give some signal 
 demonstration of his power in behalf of his people, such 
 as we have seen with our eyes, and our fathers did tell us ! 
 
 It is not miracles, or any extraordinary providence, on 
 which men should resolve their faith : nor do we here 
 mention these, for laying stress thereon in believing the 
 truth. No, the protestant doctrine and cause doth lean on 
 a stronger ground : it can with confidence appeal the ad- 
 versary to the scripture, those divine records, which they 
 do not pretend to deny. This, even this is the reason of 
 our hope, which we offer to all that ask for the same : and 
 there let the God of truth, who hath revealed his will and 
 answers men by the written word, be judge ; and we shall 
 demand no greater advantage or justice at the hand of our 
 enemies. We know, miracles cannot authorize a lie, or 
 be a seal to any thing repugnant to the scripture. And 
 truly those lying wonders, which have been so frequent in 
 the world, which the apostle doth foretell, that such an en- 
 gine the devil will make use of, to turn men aside from the 
 truth, besides other marks of their falsehood, they have 
 this one most discernible, that they are the support and 
 warrant of that which cannot stand with the word : and 
 thence are the popish miracles 'made use of, to confirm such 
 tenets, which of all their doctrine do mest directly contra- 
 dict the scripture, as the merit of works, purgatory, pray- 
 ing for the dead, &c. But as we will not boast of such, as 
 the authority or proof of our doctrine ; so we judge it a 
 grave and concerning duty, to observe the wondrous works 
 of the Lord in our times ; yea, to make a diligent search 
 therein, that we may tell posterity some of these greai 
 acts of our God, for his church, in bringing her again from 
 Babel. 
 
 I would desire to be very tender and cautious upon such 
 a subject : for I judge it horrid divinity, to make a lie for 
 God. It is not the truth, but a false way which requireth 
 such a help. And truly as to these following instances 
 (which are but a few of many that might be brought, if 
 there were more .serious inquiry) I dare attest the Lord, 
 the great witness, that I have not knowingly set down here 
 anything false ; yea, not without some diligent search, and 
 satisfying grounds about the certainty thereof, I judge it 
 
342 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 not necessary, to repeat those which are so known already 
 to the world from public records : and therefore shall but 
 briefly point at some of these, and add a few more particu- 
 lar instances of this kind, which I may with some confi- 
 dence bring to the light, from clear evidences of the truth 
 thereof. 
 
 I shall first mention that solemn testimony of Mr. Bay- 
 nam in queen Mary's time, who in the midst of the fire, 
 whilst his body was all in a flame, his arms and legs half 
 burnt, cried out to bystanders, papists, ye look after mir- 
 acles : lo ! here is one. lam now burning in this fire, but 
 feel no more pain, than if I were in a bed of roses. O must 
 not this be called a miracle, and an extraordinary seal from 
 the Lord to his truth ? wherein the world should consider, 
 this was the testimony of one, who was upon the borders of 
 eternity what he did declare before a great multitude ; at- 
 tested by Mr^fo, that holy servant of Christ, who in 
 things of that kind so extraordinary was most cautious, and 
 did much searui out the truth and certainty of what he 
 sets down, and by him was published, whilst many of that 
 time who might have been present, were alive ; yea, it is 
 the more remarkable, the sharp combat that this martyr 
 had through the terror of the fire a little before his death, 
 fearing he should never be able to endure the same. 
 
 What a remarkable providence was that at a town in the 
 Low Countries, whilst some of the saints were put to 
 death by the popish party, and among these one Michael 
 Bomboutius, & deacon of the reformed church ? Whilst 
 they were going to suffer, about midday, the heavens be- 
 ing most clear, there came suddenly so great a darkness, 
 and so horrible and unusual a tempest, which was only in 
 that place and above that city discerned, that men were 
 generally shaken with fear, thinking there should be a pres- 
 ent dissolution of the world. Famous Voetius, in that 
 piece de signis, doth witness, that from divers there pres- 
 ent, even some of them popish, he had this related to him- 
 self : and as he sayeth, such a thing papists would have 
 with greatest observation published, as the very finger of 
 God, if they had the same occasion. 
 
 At a town Alsa in West Flanders, whilst a godly man 
 whom the inquisition there had pursued, was leading to the 
 stake, and was by the way singing psalms, the captain of 
 those who guarded him, was so enraged that he caused 
 presently his tongue to be plucked out by the roots. But 
 lo ! a few months after, this wretched man hath a child 
 born with his tongue hanging out a gn ; r way, which by 
 no means could be kept within his m6uih I This, doctor 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 343 
 
 Hall being himself afterwards in that town, had shewed 
 him from some who were most considerable there, as he 
 sets down in his epistles. 
 
 Charles IX. of France, who was author of that horrid 
 massacre, where the blood of many thousand protestants 
 at Paris and other parts was shed, did a very little after die 
 in the strength of his years, by an extraordinary effusion of 
 blood from all passages of his body, that as Du Serrcs and 
 other French writers of that time do shew, he was made to 
 wallow in his own blood before his death. > O was not this 
 the very finger of God, a most convincing stupendous 
 piece of his judgment ? 
 
 What an extraordinary providence was that, which is 
 attested by divers witnesses thereto, in the late bloody mas- 
 sacre of Ireland ; a young woman, who by the Irish was 
 stripped almost naked, and after by one of them threaten- 
 ed, that except she would give him her money, he would 
 forthwith run her through ; to which she gravely answer- 
 ed, / know you cannot kill me, except God give you leave. 
 Whereupon he did three times with his sword run at her 
 naked body, but could not once pierce her skin ; which 
 did so confound this wretched man, that with a kind of 
 horror he went away, and ceased to trouble her further. 
 
 Did not God wonderfully appear in the raising of the late 
 king of Sweden, with that astonishing success, which did 
 attend him in breaking the power of the house of Austria, 
 whilst they were at so great an height, and had their hands 
 hot reeking in the blood of the protestants through Bohe- 
 mia, and other places oi Germany ! O but the Lord's hand 
 might be clearly seen in acting forth and fitting that party of 
 the Swedes, for such a piece of his service, even in a more 
 than ordinary way ; who, like that he goat, mentioned in? 
 Daniel, did come so swiftly, that they touched not the 
 ground, as it were ; but like a mighty torrent bare down 
 all before them. 
 
 The breaking of that great Spanish armada in the year 
 5 88,^ which had been three years in contriving, did con- 
 vincingly witness a divine hand opposing the same. And 
 how remarkable was that issue of all the counsels, ex- 
 pense, and cruelty, which Philip II. had made use of to 
 bear down the rising of the gospel in the Netherlands ! 
 For it is notorious, that after many essays, the loss of an 
 100 millions of gold, with near 400,000 lives, the reckon- 
 ing of all his gain and purchase was only the loss of a con- 
 siderable part of these countries, and helping forward the 
 establishment of the United Provinces. And truly we 
 must say the Lord did by his ?reat and outstretched hand 
 
344 The Fulfilling of tic Scripture. 
 
 wonderfully appear in raising that commonwealth, so that 
 they may^ date their flourishing in outward interest from 
 their owning of the interest of God. Religion did \ 
 them, and no people this day hath more cause, and are un- 
 der greater engagements, to be zealous for the truth, and 
 defence of the protectant cause. 
 
 The breaking of that formidable league of the catholics 
 in France, for rooting out the protestant religion there, was 
 very wonderful, how ail their counsels and designs should 
 e in their own ruin ; so that the most ordinary look- 
 ; could not but see a divine hand counteracting the 
 same. Davila, though an adversary, in setting down that 
 hist, t th a large account of this. 
 
 What a great appearance of the Lord's hand, yea, of an 
 extraordinary providence, was there in the throwing down 
 of the popish Images and altars, almost in one night, through 
 much of the I\ -ids, which for so many hundred years 
 
 had been made use of for idolatry ? O did not Satan thus 
 fall as lightning from heaven! it being very evident, how 
 strange an impulse did carry out the people in this over all 
 difficulties or fear of hazard, what a wonderful consent and 
 agreement amongst places so remote, about one thing, and 
 almost at one time ; how quickly also was it executed 
 through these provinces, almost in an instant ! The au- 
 thors did never appear, nor any noise of their boasting 
 thereabout ; and which was strange, the magistrates of the 
 cities having both power and will to hinder, yet were so 
 overruled and struck with astonishment, that they could 
 not resist. And as Famianus Strada, a great enemy to 
 the truth, doth shew, what fell out in Antwerp, and other 
 places, considering the greatness of the work, the multitude 
 and height of those idolatrous monuments, it might have 
 been enough for many days, what was done in one night ; 
 and yet not any in the least prejudiced or hurt thereby, 
 which made him cry out, that sure this was the work of the 
 devil, and his help eminently therein. But*! do not won- 
 der, to hear these in such a manner blaspheme, whilst they 
 are tormented with so clear a discovery of God's hand 
 against them. 
 
 Must we not here mention that great deliverance of the 
 town of Ley den from the Spaniard, with a special remark, 
 whilst it was then, manifest, if the enemy had made use of 
 cannon in battering the walls, they could not have come 
 short of their design ? In what an extraordinary way also 
 were the winds combined to raise the waters, in order to 
 the town's relief, when they were at the utmost t xtrernity : 
 yea, for driving the waters back again, when the town 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 345 
 
 once delivered ; and which was very marvellous, that the 
 same night wherein the Spaniards were forced to retire, a 
 part of the walls fell down, which if it had fallen out a little 
 before, that city had been Utterly lost, O was not this a 
 divine hand, which even the greatest atheists, and such 
 who judge things to fall out by change, must confess ? 
 
 What wonderful providences ' did attend the actings of 
 that' poor handful of protestants in the vallies of Piemont^ 
 for their necessary self defence ! Mr. Fox, and other wri- 
 ters, give a clear account in setting down that horrid perse- 
 cution, which they endured in the year 1555. I shall here 
 only touch some passages mentioned by Mr. Morland, in 
 his history ; who upon the account of that bloody massacre, 
 which was there within these few years, was then near that 
 place, ami from sure knowledge and information doth very 
 gravely hold forth the same. And truly they are provi- 
 dences so marvellous and astonishing, that men cannot but 
 see the Lord in an extraordinary way helping that poor 
 people, his acting forth a few to do such exploits, beyond 
 any thing that can be mentioned of those great heroes, 
 whom the world in former years did admire ; so that we 
 must say, as this was a convincing proof of the great power 
 of Gop, put forth for his people, when help in an ordinary 
 way failed, it Was also a solemn testimony to their pause, 
 and of the Lord*s approbation of his peopled standing for 
 their own defence, against the cruelty and violence of a 
 persecuting magistrate. We have there held forth, how 
 after that bloody persecution, by an order from the duke of 
 Sawy, a small number was in a remarkable Way raised up, 
 and upon their first essay seven or eight under the conduct 
 of that worthy gentleman Joshua Gianavel (whom God 
 made use of as a choice instrument, to help that poor scau 
 tered remnant) was made to fight 300 soldiers, who were 
 sent to exercise further cruelty in that place, killing many 
 of them, and pursuing the rest for a considerable time. 
 After, a party of 500 being sent by the marquis o^Pianeza^ 
 who then commanded the duke ofSawy's forces, were 
 opposed by eleven of the protestants, and other six with 
 slings : and after a short conflict, were forced to flee with 
 a considerable slaughter ; the terror of the Lord upon the 
 one, and a spirit of courage and resolution in the other be- 
 ing very manifest. After these, there was another party 
 sent forth of 700 soldiers, to seize on all the passages : 
 upon which about 17 masters of families, whose hearts God 
 had in signal manner strengthened to the battle, for 
 their poor brethren's preservation, resolved to cast them- 
 selves upon the Lord for the success of their undertakings, 
 v v 
 
346 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 and with such marvellous boldness faced their adversaries^ 
 as put them in amazement, and made them draw off, re- 
 solving to take another way ; but were still pursued by 
 this little handful, who killed many without the loss of one 
 man. At another time the protestants there joining in a 
 greater number, being 300 under the conduct of the fore- 
 mentioned captain Gianavel, were assaulted by 2500 of 
 the adversaries : but the Lord so ordered, that this little 
 party getting the advantage of the place, after some conflict 
 did force them to retire, pursuing them into the woods and 
 steep rocks with great slaughter ; and thus with a marvel- 
 lous courage in a continued fight for eight hours together, 
 did drive the enemy before them. Divers other remarka- 
 ble passages of this kind are more at length mentioned in 
 that history ; which the author, after most exact search and 
 inquiry, cloth solemnly attest.^ And truly it might be 
 much cause for wonder (as it is there observed) that 
 through the Lord's eminent appearance, and his blessing 
 on his poor people's endeavours, for the interest of religion, 
 and their own preservation, they did in a short time dis- 
 pute the matter with such a prosperous success, against all 
 the forces, which the duke of Savoy sent, that their ene- 
 mies at last began to fear what effect it might produce : 
 and therefore having no better game to play, were glad by 
 a treaty of peace, to get the sword out of their hands ; how- 
 ever they pretended it as a compliment, put on neighbour- 
 ing princes, who did intercede for the same. 
 
 Wave we not also to reckon among the great works of 
 the Lord in these last times, Henry VIII. of England, 
 most violent in opposition to the truth, who by the pope 
 Was styled Defender of the Faith, upon that account, and 
 for his writing against Luther : and yet the same man shall 
 be the instrument made use of by the Lord, to throw down 
 the pope, and his power in his dominions, and give some 
 beginning to a great reformation of the church there. 
 
 Vergerius, the pope's nuncio, for many years in Ger- 
 many, whilst he is writing against this truth, is even then 
 converted, and forced to yield to the power of the same, 
 turns protestant, and a zealous preacher of the gospel to 
 his death. 
 
 Galeae teus Carracciolus, an Italian marquis, of great 
 pla :e and estate in the world, was so taken by the heart 
 with one word, hearing Peter Martyr, as made him quit 
 not only all his hopes of preferment, a most pleasant place 
 as was in the earth, and a great inheritance ; but to with'- 
 stand the most pressing entreaties and insinuations of his 
 friends, the weeping cries of his lady and children; and go 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 347 
 
 to a strange place, quitting all/that he might preserve hi* 
 conscience, and enjoy fellowship with the church. O what 
 a solemn witness was this to the truth, and of the conquer- 
 ing power of Christ ! 
 
 And in a word, what a marvellous thing was it, that 
 poor Luther ', against whom so much of the vvorld was 
 aloft with greatest rage and violence, should yet live to an 
 Mage, and go to the grave in peace ! And truly the spirit 
 and appearance of this great and first witness to the truth, 
 might be a convincing evidence, that ^ the Lord was then 
 about to raise up a people to himself, in whom he would 
 be glorified, by an active testimony, as well as by suf- 
 fering. 
 
 Besides these instances, I would here mention some 
 remarkable providences, worthy indeed to be observed, 
 though they are little known to the world : which, we may 
 say, do not only witness the power of God, but are a con- 
 vincing seal to his truth, and the church's reformation in 
 these last times. 
 
 It is a remarkable passage, which worthy Mr. Forbes 
 sets down under his hand, whilst he was banished for the 
 truth ; whose words are these. In the year 1607, being 
 at Ruan in France, and meeting with Monsieur Figureus, 
 that ancient and famous divine, and then pastor of the re- 
 formed church in that city, he had from him this following 
 relation. After the close of the council of Trent in the 
 time of Pius V. there was a consultation in Italy, by the 
 pope and cardinals, for an utter extirpation of the n form- 
 ed churches in Europe : and to this end, every prince of 
 the Romish religion, had a certain part assigned where 
 this great project should be put in practice. The death of 
 Pius V. hindered a present prosecuting of this design. 
 And his successor Gregorins XIII. did suffer it to lie dead, 
 having no heart that way ; and so until that time of Clem- 
 ens VIII. it was not revived ; but then this bloody resolu- 
 tion was of new ratified by him and his cardinals, under 
 their hands and seals. The only difficulty was in this, to 
 find a fit and trusty person, whom they should make use of 
 to the princes of the Romish religion, for engaging them to 
 subscribe the said ordinance, and set about the execution 
 thereof. At length a gentleman of good parts, near in 
 blood to the cardinal Baronius, is chosen ; which to him 
 was a matter of much grief and sorrow ; for, unknown to 
 -■ them, he was of the reformed religion. But this grief in 
 his countenance and carriage put his friends, who observed 
 the same, to strange thoughts ; and so much the more, 
 that he did expressly declare to some of those who askej 
 
348 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 thereabout, that what to them seemed a cause of rejoicing, 
 was to him a just occasion of grief. Yet at last finding hh 
 hazard, upon a bitter challenge from the foresaid cardinal 
 who had heard thereof, he judged it his wisdom to dissem- 
 ble : shewing him, his unsuitableness to so great an em- 
 ployment could not but be ground of trouble and fear ; and 
 so was some way forced to engage } getting his commis- 
 sions, the decree of the conclave, with letters to the fore, 
 said princes, sealed and subscribed. But lo ! whilst this 
 poor gentleman is on his journey, having found ways to 
 free himself of his servants and other company, his spirit 
 was in great perplexity betwixt these two grievous temp- 
 tations, either to be # instrument of utter ruin to the truth 
 and churches of Christ, or to forsake his country, inherit- 
 ance and all he had in the world. Upon which he resolv- 
 ed to retire himself out of the highway to an obscure vil- 
 lage, where for three days he gave himself to fasting and 
 prayer for direction and resolution from the Lord : and 
 after this had his heart so strengthened against the care of 
 his worldly estate, that he resolved to forsake all, and tore - 
 veaj this bloody conspiracy to the churches of Christ, and 
 cast himself on God's hand for bis future 'state. So that 
 he turned his face from Spain, and took journey to France, 
 and to Paris, where at that time remained the sister of 
 Henry IV. a religious princess, afterwards dutchess of Lor- 
 raine, to whom the foresaid Monsieur Figureus was her 
 preacher : and unto him he made his address (though after 
 divers refusals of admission upon suspicion) shewing him 
 the whole business, and delivered the sealed decree, with 
 his letters of commission for that effect ; and did likewise 
 shew him (who was then astonished at such a wonderful 
 providence of Gop, in fostering some of his own children 
 in the midst of Babylon, and that to so comfortable an use 
 for his church's safety) that there were many; others in 
 Italy ) yea, in Rome itself, of the reformed religion /who 
 had their secret meetings, and even Gregory XIII. before 
 his advancement to the papacy, was thoroughly clear there- 
 about in his judgment, whereof he gave him divers evi- 
 dences. This foresaid relation did so affect Mr. Forbes, 
 that he shewed his marvellous desire to see that man who 
 had done so worthy and gracious a work for the glory of 
 God and good of his church; and by a recommendation 
 from Monsieur Figureus, he did afterwardsgo of set pur- 
 pose to that place, taking the first opportunity for Heidel- 
 berg, where this gentleman was jhen retired for his further 
 security, and honourably entertained by that prince, where 
 he sheweth that he saw him, and from his own mouth re- 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 349 
 
 ceived the assurance of this former narration, to his great 
 satisfaction and comfort. This is the very sum, which I 
 have here set down and truly transcribed off the orig- 
 inal ; which I had beside me, both written, and subscrib- 
 ed, by Mr. Forbes'' own hand. 
 
 A remarkable providence I shall also here set down 
 which was attended with some very convincing circum- 
 stances, at the parliament 1621, at their bringing in of po~ 
 pish ceremonies upon the church, which was then a sad 
 step of the land's defection from the truth, contrary to their 
 engagements ; whilst the faithful ministers of Jesus Christ 
 dt that time did with greatest seriousness and freedom ob- 
 test and warn those who were in power (alas ! that now 
 there is little of such a spirit appearing) that they would 
 not, to please men, corrupt the worship of God : but the 
 current being violent, it did at last resolve in a law. At 
 which very time, whilst the king's commissioner didrise from 
 the throne to ratify thiswoful act, by the touch of the sceptre, 
 even in this moment of that ratification, the God of heaven 
 sent extraordinary lightnings, with very unusual great claps 
 of thunder, and these followed with a most strange and ex- 
 traordinary darkness, which both for the suddenness and 
 greatness of the same did astonish and affright all who were 
 present ; and after all so violent a downpouring of rain, as 
 made the streets to run like a river, imprisoning the lords 
 within that house for an hour and an half. And truly as 
 we are not hereon to lay stress, or be peremptory in the ap- 
 plication of particular providences, yet this was so very 
 convincing, as should not be passed without a special re- 
 mark ; considering (1.) How at that time many of the 
 choice ministers of the land were together near the town, 
 at fasting and pray er ', bewailing before the Lord such an 
 avowed defection from the truth. (2.) That likewise this 
 horrid tempest and darkness appeared to those who were 
 at some distance to be most directly above the town, the 
 darkness overshadowing that part only, and was not so in 
 other places. (3.) That they had, by the instigation of 
 the prelates, ^war^o/ the entry to the parliament that day, 
 lest any ministers should have entered a protestation in be- 
 half of the church against these articles ; and thus thought 
 themselves secure from any opposition of that kind : but 
 whilst they least suspected, they are met with a more pub- 
 lic and visible witness from heaven against the same. 
 (4.) Which was also most strange, upon the Monday fol- 
 lowing, whilst these acts were proclaimed, the heavens did 
 m the same manner put on darkness, with a most fearful 
 tempest of thunder, lightning, and rain, which continued 
 
350 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 aU the time of their reading at the cross. And truly whea 
 the Lord thus doubled n is warnings, it might cry aloud for 
 men's observation (hereof. 
 
 The breaking of that journey to New England, which 
 about the year 1636, was seriously intended by some of 
 the choice ministers and christians in Ireland : who were 
 then much persecuted by the prelates, though not from 
 any fear of their own sufferings, but with a respect to the 
 further liberty to serve the Lord in the >vork of the gospel, 
 when that door was siiut upon them in their own country. 
 This was truly a strange and remarkable providence, and 
 their preservation in some kind miraculous : about which 
 these circumstances are worthy to be observed. (1.) 
 That whilst their vessel, amidst a tempestuous sea, and far 
 from any land, was like a riddle with so many leaks ; yea, 
 the rudder of the ship breaking, so that the pilots were turn- 
 ed wholly hopeless, and could not see any ground of safety 
 in an ordinary way, a poor seaman by a remarkable provi- 
 dence, whose company they had much shunned, was made 
 the instrument of preserving the whole vessel, with a mar- 
 vellous dexterity fastening the rudder (which others had 
 given over) as one visibly sent by the Lord for that end. 
 C2.) The strong persuasion that some of these worthy min- 
 isters had of their safety* which with great confidence they 
 declared before the passengers ; whilst the master and 
 others were giving hover as a hopeless business, and see- 
 ing a convincing necessity for a return, though it was very 
 astonishing and bitter at the first look, yet was afterwards 
 followed with a clear discovery from the Lord, as one of 
 them with much freedom did express his assurance to the 
 rest of his brethren, that since the Lord would not accept 
 their service in America, they should not want work and 
 set vice x where he was sending them back by so remarkable 
 a providence : as within a short time was evident, the 
 downfall of the prelates in Scotland and after in Ireland, 
 falling out shortly upon the back thereof. So that it may 
 be said, this was a convincing presage thereof, the Lord 
 by a strong hand bringing back such choice and useful in- 
 struments, for that great harvest, which did after follow : 
 So that they could not but say, The Lord did in a very 
 marvellous and immediate way appear in that cross wind 
 and storm ; and thereby, as if with an audible voice, did 
 witness his mind in such a disappointment. (3.) It was 
 also most observable, that none of those, who on the ac- 
 count of their consciences (that they might enjoy the puri- 
 ty of the ordinances) went in that journey, were the worse, 
 but had a safe return ; only some persons, who upon an. 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 35l 
 
 other account, expecting a fat soil, and outward advantage 
 in that place, and had unexpectedly slipped into the vessel, 
 did all die upon the sea, save one, being five in number : 
 and it was also wonderful, upon their return, how the Lord 
 as he had stayed the rage of the sea, did also still the tu- 
 mults of people ; which they found by experience, so 
 that it did evidently give a dash, and become a terror to 
 their adversaries. 
 
 I must here also set down a very singular and strange 
 instance, we may say, both of judgment and mercy, which 
 was in this land not many years ago. A gentleman, whose 
 style was JFastranv, a most bloody man, and otherwise 
 notorious for profanity, but most in this, that it was his 
 great work and pleasure, to put difference betwixt men, 
 and as it was at that time very easy to engage them in 
 blood, whilst he had thus stirred up a neighbour gentleman 
 to kill another in that place : finding him afterwards sore 
 troubled in mind thereabout, he told him, more of that 
 practice would be the best cure : for he himself had killed 
 six, and that the first time he was much disquieted, but the 
 longer he did continue, it became the more easy. But one 
 day, whilst he was on such an account riding to a place, 
 where two had appointed to decide a private quarrel by 
 fighting, his horse stumbles on the side of a steep rock, and 
 he falls a great way down, his sword falling out before him, 
 yet without any hurt : and here by such a strange piece of 
 providence did the Lord step in, and break in upon his 
 conscience, so that he quits hisjourney, turns home with 
 great trouble and remorse ; a most kindly change follow- 
 ing thereon, and for some years after witnessed much ten- 
 derness and repentance by his afterwalk, spent much time 
 alone mourning before his death. And that day he died, 
 having no visible appearance thereof to those who looked 
 on, he was heard in his chamber at much wrestling in 
 prayer ; and after long continuance, those of the house 
 were forced to break open the door, getting no answer after 
 long knocking ; they find him dead in the room, but upon 
 his knees in a prayer posture ; and the whole blood of his 
 body, which from every passage thereof had issued out, 
 flowing about him on the floor ; it being visible how all 
 these passages were opened for that effect. A most aston- 
 ishing instance ! declaring this to the world, though God 
 pardon the iniquity of his people, yet some sins he will not 
 let pass without a visible mark of his anger, but will take 
 vengeance on their inventions. 
 
 What an observable passage is that also,known to many 
 yet alive, about a notorious robber in the south parts of this 
 
352 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 land, called John of the Score , who for many years, having 
 driven that woful trade ; did one day rencounter a poor 
 man travelling with two horses, which he according to his 
 custom takes away. The poor countryman falling down 
 on his knees, did earnestly beg, that for Jesus Christ's sake 
 he would give the one again, for he had no more to main- 
 tain his poor family, but what he could gain by them ; but 
 it was in vain. He carrieth them home with him, leaving 
 the poor man in that desolate condition : but a little after, 
 he turns dumpish and melancholy, could get no rest or 
 quiet, not knowing the cause, but as he professed, that 
 those words which the poor man had spoke to him (though 
 he was so great an atheist, that he understood not what he 
 meant when he spake of Christ J were lying like a heavy 
 weight upon his spirit ; and whilst he was sought after for 
 his robberies, he desired his sons to shift for themselves, 
 for he could not go out of the way, there being a restraint 
 upon him, and something within him that in a sort bound 
 him from going out of the way : and thus staid at his house 
 until he was apprehended, brought into Edinburgh , and 
 there put up in prison. Upon which a godly minister, 
 Mr. Henry Blyth, with a christian gentleman, William 
 Cuningham, tutor of Bonitoun y who had sometimes known 
 him, make a visit ; holding forth to him his miserable es* 
 tate, and the hazard of his soul (for he was judged by the 
 law to die) and amongst other words, shewing him the ne- 
 cessity to flee to Jesus Christ, he doth suddenly break out 
 with a cry, what word is that / for it hath been my 
 death: That is the word, that hath lain upon my hearty 
 since the poor man spake it to me ; so that I had no power 
 from that time to go out of the way. And after being told 
 what an one Christ was, without whom he could not be 
 saved, he crieth ; will he ever look to me ! and shew mer- 
 cy to one that for his sake would not shew mercy to that 
 poor man, ana give him back his horse ! But after further 
 instruction, a most real and gracious change did appear 
 upon him ; he gave most convincing evidences of the real- 
 ity thereof ; attained to great assurance, before his death ; 
 and upon the scaffold, in the public streets where he was 
 executed, did speak so wonderfully of the Lord's dealing 
 with him, and with such knowledge and judgment, as left 
 a conviction on all present, and forced them to see a truth 
 and reality in the grace of God. 
 
 Another notable instance of grace, with a very remark- 
 able passage in his condition, I shall here mention : one 
 Patrick Mackehvrath, who lived in the west of Scotland, 
 a hose heart the Lord in a remarkable way touched, and 
 
The Fulfilling of the Scripture; 35 3 
 
 nfter his conversion (as he shewed to many of his christian 
 friends) was in such a frame, so affected with a new world 
 wherein he was entered, the discoveries of God, and of a 
 Hfe to come, that for some months together he did scarce 
 ever sleep, but was still taken up in 'wondering : His life 
 was very remarkable for tenderness, and near converse 
 with God in his walk j and which was worthy to be notic- 
 ed, one day after a sharp trial, having his only son suddenly 
 taken away by death, he retired alone for several hours* 
 and when he came forth, did look so cheerfully, that to 
 those who asked him the reason thereof, and wondered at 
 die same in such a time, he told them, He had got that in 
 his retirement with the Lord, that to have it afterwards re- 
 newed, he would be content to lose a son every day ! This 
 one remarkable passage I would set down : it had been 
 long his burden, the want of memory ± that he could retain 
 almost nothing of what he heard from the word, and bitter- 
 ly complaining thereof to worthy Mr. James English* 
 minister of Daly, his counsel to him was, when he heard 
 any truth which he desired to remember^ to hold it up to 
 the Lord, and desire him to keep it for him, and give it 
 him back according to his need ; which accordingly this 
 blessed man did with much seriousness practise : and oa 
 his death bed, to his minister, and divers christians that 
 were present, he did solemnly declare, how wonderfully 
 the Lord had answered, and condescended to him in that 
 particular. For as they knew how much formerly it had 
 been his burden, the want of memory, now the Lord had 
 given him back all those truths that he had put in his keep- 
 ing : so that what for many years before he had heard, was 
 now most clearly brought to his remembrance ; which he- 
 witnessed by repeating many particular truths, and notes 
 of sermons which at such and such times he had heard. 
 
 Now to shut up this-, we have truly cause to say, even 
 from late experience, since this dark night came upon the 
 church in these nations, with so sharp a storm of persecu- 
 tion, there have not wanted some very signal and convinc- 
 ing providences, witnessing the Lord's appearance for his 
 people and against their enemies, which are worthy of are- 
 mark, and may let men see that there is one higher than the 
 highest, who ruleth ni the kingdoms of the children of men. 
 For it is manifest, 
 
 1. How eminently the Lord did appeaf in breaking that 
 party, who had been the great instruments both in coun- 
 cil and action, to break the government of the church of 
 Christ in this land, and lay so much of his vineyard waste 
 aBd desolate, and this in the heirht of their power and 
 w w 
 
354 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 
 
 greatness, whilst they seemed most firmly rooted. O how 
 evident was a divine hand there, that this cabal, who made 
 it their work to raise up prelacy , and oppress the poor 
 church, and like a violent tempest did carry all before 
 them, in a moment when they could have least expected, 
 should be made to fall ; yea, in so short a time be turned 
 out of their places and offices, who but a little before had 
 turned out so many of the faithful ministers of Christ I 
 And that great man, who put forth his power and authority 
 so much to turn many of the godly of the land, both minis- 
 ters and others, out of their houses and families, tossing 
 them from place to place, should thus be dealt with from 
 the Lord, and recompensed with that measure ; being 
 forced to quit his lodging once and again, yea, even to ban- 
 ish himself out of the country, who had been the chief in- 
 strument to banish some of the most choice servants of 
 Christ !. And this stroke also made to come upon them 
 from that hand whence they could have least expected, 
 whose interest they studied to promote in opposition to 
 God's ! I should desire to study sobriety and fear in appli- 
 cation of the judgments of God ; but when the Lord doth 
 so clearly reveal himself, and shew forth such an evident 
 resemblance betwixt men's sin and their stroke, I think it 
 crieth aloud for a serious observing thereof. 
 
 2. Should we pass without a remark, so solemn a wit- 
 ness from the Lord of his respect to his people's sufferings 
 m this late time ? for it is known, with what marvellous 
 resolution and cheerfulness, those have been carried 
 through, who were called forth to resist unto the blood in 
 their adherence to the truth ; witnessing to the conviction 
 of lookers on, even their greatest enemies, something above 
 Roman gallantry, yea, something above nature, in that 
 stayedness and elevation of their spirits. And as some of 
 ail ranks in the land the Lord would have brought forth 
 to seal and witness his truth, and the work of reformation : 
 so it hath been also clear, that none wanted a large meas- 
 ure of support and strength for the trial, their suffering still 
 giving a further dash to their adversaries. 
 
 .3. It is also manifest, and may be truly matter of won- 
 der, by what a marvellous providence so many suffering 
 apjd desolate families have been carried through without 
 any obvious noise of their straits, now for these divers 
 years, with such convincing cheerfulness ; yea, the experi- 
 ence of many made to witness, that they never less knew a 
 
 trait, than since they were put from the ordinary means of 
 tlkir support ; and others who have been more sharply 
 ti-iec!, could not reckon any such plunging strait and diffiv 
 
The Fulfill"^ *f the Scripture. 35 J 
 
 culty, but have also found relief by some remarkable prov- 
 idence occurring. I am very sure, amongst other advan- 
 tages yet of these times, this shall be one, a large register 
 of experience ,and remarkable confirmations of the truth of 
 the word and promise, which the godly have had under 
 this sharp trial ; that will be sweet matter for an after reck- 
 oning, and a greater gain than any loss their former suffer- 
 ings did occasion. Yea, have we not seen, what in an or- 
 dinary way looked as irrecoverable, a stroke which a gene- 
 ration could not have made up, hath been a mean the Lord 
 hath chosen to promote his glory , and thereby declare 
 himself to be God ? Hath he not made us see, how easy it 
 is for him to turn the sharpest storm to the great advantage 
 of his church, that he can act in desperate cases, above the 
 skill both of angels and men ? And truly, though we should 
 be brought yet more low, even to the place of dragons, this 
 may uphold the shaking hearts of his people, and be solid 
 ground of confidence, that Christ's power and faithfulness is 
 this day engaged for his church, and truth ! He must in- 
 crease, his kingdom is upon the rising hand, and shall yet 
 have a more glorious appearance in the world, whatever 
 become of instruments; the reviving of his work is not in 
 the reverence of men. And since we know the Lord hath 
 solemnly declared war against antichrist, and all who will 
 oppose the spreading of the gospel in these last times, yea, 
 hath passed his word to the church for the fall and ruin of 
 that adversary, fall he must, though the dust of the earth 
 should rise for that end : and it is sure prelacy must also 
 wither, that hath its life and sap from that accursed root ! 
 They have this day a desperate cause in hand, who do en- 
 gage their power to support the throne of the beast, for they 
 run in the way of the wrath and vengeance of the Lord, and 
 shall surely involve themselves in that ruin ; though they 
 were the greatest princes of the earth. I shall only add, we 
 have much ground in these times to believe, that the Lord 
 shall yet appear, and make himself known in the earth, by 
 as great and convincing providences, both of judgment and 
 mercy, as in any former ages, and thus vindicate his glory, 
 and refute the atheism of this generation, by such an argu- 
 ment, as shall force iniquity to stop its mouth. 
 
 Now since this is sure, which none can deny, if they 
 will but allow some serious thoughts thereabout, that the 
 scripture falleth not to the ground, for God's way is per- 
 fect, and his word is tried, Psal. xviii. 30. O is it not 
 also sure, and a conclusion well grounded, that he is a buck- 
 ler to those who trust in him. None needs iear to venture 
 his interests through time, on the word : yea, if there 
 
356 Appendix. 
 
 could be any thing greater than a heaven or eternal salva- 
 tion, the testimony of the God of truth might be sufficient 
 security for the same. It is a small matter how this world 
 doth reel and stagger, or what be the changes of outward 
 things : That is enough, the promises of the u ord shall cer- 
 tainly take place, and the expectation of the saints shall not 
 make them ashamed. * - 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 IT is sure, the demonstration of divine truth held forth in 
 the scripture, is the greatest discovery, that ever came 
 to the sons of men : which with a more excellent light and 
 greater lustre, doth enlighten those parts of the earth, on 
 which it shines, than the sun, in its noonday brightness. 
 This \s the nvord of fife, even the hidden wisdom of God in a 
 mystery ; which most of the world, do not understand, 
 but flee from the same, as their plague and torment ; but 
 hereby the followers of God know they are of the truth, and 
 do assure their heart before him. It should be matter of 
 astonishment, if thus the scripture were not confirmed, to 
 see what rage the breaking out of this light eauseth amongst 
 men ; which now in the present time does in a strange 
 manner appear, not against some particular truth only, and 
 the uppermost boughs, but by a remarkable assault .seems 
 to strike at the root, the very being of truth and godliness. 
 It may be said, whilst superstition in times of greater igno- 
 rance, did overcloud and darken the visible church, athc- 
 ?sm hath taken up its room, to wear this generation out 
 from under the awe of God, and weaken their assent to the 
 truth : for we see men every where making it their work, 
 to load his way with reproach, and' put discredit on his 
 faithfulness, who is the God of truth. As a witness there- 
 to is this smallessay directed, and now again comes forth 
 to the world with an enlargement ; which I may say, was 
 not intended, if there had not been a pressing motive from 
 rhe incorrectness of the first impression ; and for this I 
 shall make no further apology. But if a subject of so great 
 an import, suffer no prejudice from such an unfit pen, the 
 favourable testimony of men, or their censures, I should 
 desire to look on (as they are indeed) at a distance, and far 
 below that solid peace of the soul, which in the acceptation 
 ofGoo is alone to be found. Whavaccess it may have to 
 many of this generation, I know not, who are taking all ad- 
 vantage to strengthen their prejudice against the truth, and 
 
Appendix, 357 
 
 unsettle others therein ; it is like, such may pass their judg- 
 ment thereon at the first look, and throw it aside. Bnt as 
 a minister of Jesus Christy who believes an appearing be- 
 fore the Judge, and would desire mercy to be found faithful 
 in that day, being pressed in some measure, upon the hor- 
 rid appearance of the atheismand blasphemy of the time, 
 with that avowed indifferency now within the visible 
 church, in these great interests of religion and godliness, I 
 lay this witness to the truth at their doer : and shall here 
 offer a few thoughts further on this subject, in some clear 
 inferences from that great truth, the verification of the 
 scripture. 
 
 Inference I. Which we may see clear, is this, the great 
 advantage a christian hath for his establishment : that his 
 security is indeed greater than his interest,, or any thing he 
 hath to adventure thereon ; and sure, that is not small ; 
 since the matter is of no less earnest .(besides his concern- 
 ments through time) than an eternity, a heaven, or the haz- 
 ard of hell for ever. This must require a solid and sure 
 foundation, yea, we may judge, the furthest degree of cer, 
 tainty, where the superstructure is so great: for it is not 
 opinion, or a probable conjecture, can be a suitable basis, to 
 bear up that weight. But here to answer such an interest 
 and give thorough quiet and repose to the soul, we have 
 the truth and testimony of God, with this great witness 
 thereto, that it assuredly takes place, and not one syllable 
 falls to the ground, without an evident performance. 
 There are two things, which, I am sure, men could not 
 with such ordinary thoughts consider, yea, nor think 
 thereon without amazement, if they made it not their 
 choice, to keep at u distance. One is, that such a thing is 
 in the world this day as the very IVordofGod, that is more 
 sure than an audible voice from heaven, to declare his 
 iv hole counsel, and hold forth unjo men the true way up to- 
 wards that country ; and does thus marvellously discover 
 itself, (1.) To come so low down, even his word and tes- 
 timony who speaks from heaven, that therewith it hatha 
 solemn appeal to men's sense and feeling about its certain- 
 ty. (2.) Which commends itself upon the nearest ap- 
 proach, and is found the more invaluable and of the greater 
 price, the more it is searched into by an inquiry. (3.) 
 That though clear and plain in itself, yet by a supernatural 
 light and evidence can pnly be known, which no human. sa- 
 gacity nor reason in its highest elevation, without this, 
 can reach : but riseth far above the greatest capacity and 
 endowments, of which by nature the most excellent spirits 
 of men can boast. In a word, when once it shines in upon 
 
358 Appendix. 
 
 the soul, does then discernibly stamp the very same image 
 thereon, and begets sueh a marvellous likeness betwixt 
 them, as may show the world this is a living thing. But 
 there is a second, we may also consider with astonishment, 
 how great it is, to be a christian, and of what marvellous 
 import that is. I suppose, there were but one or two such, 
 to be found in the world, who were certainly known to be 
 partakers of the divine nature, to have a real converse with 
 God, and (by experience) with the word ; might not the 
 report thereof give men a strange alarm ? yea, put them 
 upon an impatient search and inquiry, to know if this be 
 sure, and what such a discovery means ? O is it small to 
 be the son of a kin? / But the hope and claim of a christian 
 riseth higher, and hath another reach ; that such within a 
 short time, whilst now in so mean a garb, shall be assured- 
 ly entered into glory, in the immediate enjoyment of God, 
 and of the fulness of joy, among that triumphant society of 
 the angels, the prophets, and apostles, and all those who 
 are before the throne, washed, and made white in the blood 
 of the Lamb, and thus continue through the ages of eterni- 
 ty ; yea, in that very instant of the soul's quitting the bo- 
 dy, must admit so great a change, and enter there, where 
 heaven only can make us know what heaven is ! It is sure- 
 ly a strange sleep men are in, who in such concernments 
 are not awaked to a further inquiry. It were well, if some 
 would but allow reason its true use (whilst they travel be- 
 twixt the poles, and can adventure to the furthest parts of 
 the earth to pursue that which they must so shortly forego) 
 to judge seriously and bring the thoughts of this near, 
 what a greater interest, and at a more easy rate, and of an 
 inexpressibly greater value, than that gold and treasure, 
 which ever came from the Indies, does offer itself ! I say 
 the professed atheism of some gives not more cause of won- 
 der, than the strange stupidity^ of others, and that common 
 and easy way men have in giving an assent to divine truth : 
 I do not mean, from the want of evidence and perspicuity, 
 but because of the greatness of the things h°re held forth. 
 This was not so strange, that we find two of the disciples of 
 Christ at a stand, from joy and wondering, to credit his res- 
 urrection, even whilst they saw it verified ; so great was 
 this in their eyes. Now to this, I must further point at two 
 or three things, which seriously considered, may seem a 
 strange contradiction to reason. (1.) How men can find 
 a pillow to rest on, who certainly know, their ireafh (for . 
 these few hours in the night) is not made sure ; but if by a 
 bidden arrest of death it should be stopped, which is no 
 sUaage thing in the world, they know not what is next ; • 
 
Appendix. 5$9 
 
 but every night, sleep at an adventure of being ere the 
 next day*, in an irrecoverably lost estate ! Yea, is not here 
 cause of wonder, that whilst we see time make such swift 
 dispatch, dying men can be in that measure estranged 
 from the thoughts of death ; who so oft may hear it sound, 
 and the bell ringing for others, yea, by previous assaults? 
 discern its approach on themselves^ which once come, then 
 man goes off the stage, to return no more, nor shall he for 
 all the ages of eternity ever act that scene of life here 
 over again. (2.) How strange it is, that the supposal of 
 the truth and certainty of the scripture, that such a thing 
 may be, does not more alarm men, and mar their quiet ; 
 or that they can so much as think of an eternal estate with- 
 out trembling, whilst they are at no solid determination in 
 such a matter : yea, when the scripture of Gon does not 
 only witness a heaven and immortality, but shews the 
 world, there is such a thing as the first fruits and earnest 
 of it ; whereof men here may be fully assured. I would 
 know, if such an atheism is to be found, that puts the athe- 
 ist beyond fear and doubting even in his most professed 
 confidence, and scoffing at the truth ; or can sufficiently 
 salve that heart aching and continued hesitation he is under, 
 that such a thing may be true. (3.) I shall add., it is 
 matter of wonder, men should admit the report and attesta- 
 tion of other s, about the truth and reality of godliness, who 
 yet live strangers to it themselves ; yea, should be at some 
 toil and pains, and come a length to be almost christians \ 
 without pursuing this in greater earnest. 
 
 Inference II. Which from the scripture's accomplish, 
 mem is clear, is this, that there is a special debt on each 
 christian, on whose soul the truth and faithfulness of Gor> 
 is sealed, to give in his seal thereto, and bear witness, that 
 God is true. Thus is there a mutual sealing, which is un- 
 deniably clear, you see f2 Cor. i. 22.) the Lord's putting 
 to his seal, which by all his people is well known : and 
 have you not also {.John iii. 33.) the christian's seal and 
 witness most expressly held out and called for ? This is in- 
 deed a duty, in which (we may say) the meanest of the 
 saints bears his part, who hath that witness within h'nnself 
 whereby he knows the certainty of the words of truth ; 
 which is a great thing, that such on solid ground can say. 
 He does not more clearly see the truth, written in the bible 
 before him, than he knows andean read, (but by another 
 character and engraving) this written within him ; though 
 none else can read the same, but he who hath it. I know, 
 there is a debt to the least scripture truth, which those who 
 profess the same rid owe. when a witness and co~f«" 
 
360 Appendix. 
 
 is called for, and hath thus special access, in a suSeri'ngJ 
 time, to set to his seal by a close adherence thereto. But 
 we must say, this is something else, that concerns the con- 
 firmed christian, as a peculiar debt he owes to the truth 
 and faithfulness of his God (which his soul knows right 
 well, and hath had oft confirmed) to give unto him the glo- 
 ry of his faithfulness ; we find David ( Psalm lxxxix. 1.) 
 thus speaking, as one pressed upon such a duty. And 
 though some have a more special call and greater advan- 
 tage to this than others ; yet we may say the confirming 
 and sealing of the truth is like a great and public treasure, 
 wherein the meanest christian wants not access to cast in 
 his mite. Now for further clearing this, what the chris- 
 tian'' s seal and attestation of the truth means, and what ac- 
 cess or advantage he hath for acquitting himself of such a 
 debt, 1 would point a little at, in these few particulars. 
 (1.) It is clear, that he who believes, and receives the testi- 
 mony of Jesus Christ, does thus set to his seal, that he is 
 true, and subscribes (as it were) the truth and doctrine of 
 the gospel. John iii. 33. (2.) It is also clear, the shew- 
 ing forth of the power of godliness, and the virtues of him 
 who hath called him, is through the tract of a christian^ 
 life, a living and visible witness thereto. (3.) We may 
 judge the converted man upon that new and marvellous 
 discovery, he hath got of the truth, upon his first entering 
 into a christian state, when he hath passed that great step, 
 and is as one come into another world, hath then a special 
 call, and advantage for such a duty, that if it were asked. 
 What is the first service he owes to the truth ? Is it not 
 even this, to commend by his seal and testimony to others^ 
 what God hath so marvellously commended to bis soul ? 
 And thus needs not want access to let the world know, 
 who may wonder at such a change, that though once he 
 was blind, he does now see ; and assuredly knows, the 
 truth is the power of God to salvation, which he no more 
 believes upon the report and testimony of others, since now 
 he sees it with his own eyes. He then is to answer that 
 call, Luke xxii. When you are converted, strengthen your 
 brethren. (4.) When a christian is confirmed, upon some 
 remarkable fainting and staggering, and hath got a new seal 
 of the faithfulness of God, is he not under some new debt, 
 to restore with advantage what he had taken from the cred- 
 it of the truth, and give that good report and witness there- 
 to, which maj r obviate any reflection he might have caused 
 by his f tinting ? Sure it is, the christian's testimony hath 
 then this special advantage, to confirm others in the way of 
 the Lord, that his former fears and shakings have been so* 
 
Appendix, 361 
 
 discernible. Thus we see, Hezekiah after such a remark- 
 able plunge and fainting, comes, in with his witness, Isa. 
 xxxviii. 15. What shall I say ? He hath both spoken, and 
 himself also hath done it, Sec. And David, PsaL xxxL 
 22. How concerned was he in such a duty, / said I ant 
 cast out of thy si got ; yet thou hearedst the voice of my sup* 
 plication. (5.) When we see atheism much abound, and 
 hath a public appearance, when it is not a particular truth, 
 but the truth and faithfulness of God is challenged, we may 
 judge, it then calls and calls aloud to the godly man, for his 
 appearance, even by some more obvious testimony, than 
 at other times., to so great an interest. Sure it is, when the 
 lot of a christian is in such a time cast, and amongst a gen- 
 eration of mockers, he will not want access and a special 
 call, by a christianly grave, and prudent witness, to own 
 the truth, as that which he is obliged to seal, though there 
 were none else ; yea, we may think, this should be a call 
 and incitement, where 2eal for Jesus Christ hath got a 
 command over his soul, as might burst his tongue strings 
 which before were tied, when the faithfulness of his God> 
 which he so oft hath proved, is by men brought in ques- 
 tion : which to David was like a sword that thrust him 
 through, and he could not bear it when they said unto 
 him, Where is your God? (6.) Upon the close of some 
 sharp and remarkable trial, when the christian after a storm 
 comes safe to land, such a new discovery he hath of the 
 truth andfaithfulness of God, lays then a new debt on him, 
 tobear witness thereto. Is he not thus concerned, not to 
 leave the cross of Jesus Christ at a loss, which hath left him 
 at so great an advantage ? or part therewith without such a 
 testimony, that may endear the way of the Lord to others ? 
 Thus afflicted Job, after along continued storm, comes in 
 the close to pay the truth's rent, by his seal and testimony 
 thereto. Job xlii. I have heard of thee, Sec. I hope, this 
 debt, in a large measure shall be yet found on many of this 
 generation, when this storm is over, to press their spirits 
 for bearing such a testimony, that they thirsted not when 
 he led them through the deserts : but have oft there been ' 
 surprised with his immediate help, to astonishment. Isa. 
 xlviii. 21. (7.) Is not the experience of a christian and 
 those grave remarks he hath of the faithfulness of God, a 
 special trust put into bis hand, and a piece of his talent, that 
 calls for his seal, as a rent which such owe to the truth ; 
 - 1 should have some further reach, than his own personal 
 establishment ? I must say as to this, none of the saints 
 want their peculiar engagements, which they may judge 
 **e upon them, even beyond others ; yea, such singular 
 x x 
 
36 c 2 Appendix. 
 
 confirmations they have had of the way of the Lord, and 
 oft with those astonishing circumstances, that to smother 
 the same, without some gain and advantage thence paid in 
 to the truth, might be reckoned a stealth from the genera- 
 tion. We may judge, such a thing pressed David's soul 
 for a vent, Psal. Ixxj. 16. And truly something of this 
 practice, managed with humble prudence, in a grave 
 intercourse and communication of some special confirma- 
 tions of the truth, were a choice improvement of christian 
 society and fellowship. I confess, to manage this well, 
 seems one of the most difficult pieces of duty, a christian 
 owes to others ; and I humbly judge, may be mistaken, in 
 its chief end by too much dwelling sometimes on the cases 
 of a christian, and debating these, to which their light and 
 judgment may give more arise, than a present pressure and 
 weight of the same ; the multiplying of which I have oft 
 looked on as a darkening the solid and plain way of godli- 
 ness, and making it perplexed and thorny, which lies in 
 little bounds, when well understood. But we see what a 
 special improvement of christian fellowship is held forth, 
 Mai. iii. Id. for their mutual joy and establishment in the 
 truth, in a time when it was in question ; what advantage 
 there is to serve the Lord. I should wish so excellent a 
 means were more directed to this end : nor should this hin- 
 der such a duty, that there may be an empty show and 
 counterfeit of that also, and the shallowest brooks-some- 
 time make the greatest noise. (8.) Here is a special call 
 for the christian's seal and witness to the truth, under some 
 remarkable exigence and strait^ whilst thronged with mani- 
 fold temptations, then is he concernedby his appearance to 
 e,hew forth the faithfulness of God,* and his testimony 
 thereto ; that may let others know, who in such times will 
 be great observers of his way, that he is satisfied with God, 
 and with the security of his word, to rest on, when he hath 
 no resting place elsewhere : that he thinks not his burden 
 too great, to roll over on the promise ; but hath this to say, 
 in behalf of the truth, Persecuted, yet not forsaken ; cast 
 down, yet not destroyed. You may see the apostle paying 
 such a debt on this account, Having nothing, I possess all 
 things, 2 Cor. vi. 10. (Lastly) 1 must say, a call to this 
 waits the christian in a special manner, at the close of 
 .//. Then, O then, is he concerned to acquit himself 
 L debt, by commending the way of the Lord, and con- 
 finrting others therein. Would it not be a choice appen- 
 dix to the testament and last will of a dying christian, to 
 'nh \\\b Lth die faithfulness oj God ; and then 
 
 w htfi his words are of more weight than at other times, to 
 
Appendix. 363 
 
 bear this witness, that through the various steps of his life 
 he knows God is true, and hitherto hath helped. It is sure, 
 the present day has its duty, and each remarkable time of 
 one's life hath some proper work : but this, I must say, 
 seems to fall in, as the last service of a dying christian to 
 his generation, to deliver the truth off his hand, which he 
 had received and oft proved, with his seal and testimony 
 thereto : this were to bequeath a choice legacy to others. 
 It is not here understood, that particular rules can be 
 given for the-practice of this duty ; but christian wisdom is 
 profitable to direct, as occasion offers, and the present case 
 is circumstanced. But sure it is, each christian is thus a 
 witness, and as it were judicially assisted in behalf of that 
 attribute of the faithfulness of God, to attest by his seal, as a 
 confirmatory sign thereof, that God is true ; and as there is 
 an implicit seal by believing, there is something more ex- 
 plicit then called for, in times which seem to evacuate the 
 promise, when the reality oj godliness is so expressly im- 
 pugned by the adversary as fanaticism. And these things 
 I shall further add ; (1.) That through the whole scripture 
 we see in frequent instances, how much the saints have 
 been thus taken up, and in those times of the church, when 
 there was not Such access another way, to keep up a je- 
 membrance of the faithfulness of God, and transmit 3 
 testimony thereto, we find a pillar and stone of witness 
 erected, 1 Sam. vii. 12. (2.) Thus hath the christian ac- 
 cess, in the returns of thankfulness to God ; no mercy be- 
 ing so small, on which his faithfulness is not engraven, as 
 we find David often, and Jacob, Gen. xxxii. 10. And 
 sure it is, the discovery of this to an observing christian 
 hath sometimes a greater joy and satisfaction therewith. 
 than the mercy in which it appears. I must say, it is a 
 great defect in that excellent duty, when some testimony 
 to the faithfulness of God is not carried on therewith. 
 (3.) Hath not the christian an occasional call thereto, when- 
 ever this liesjn his way, to speak to its credit, and bear his 
 witness ? We may see, the truth and faithfulness of God 
 came never David's way, but we find him speak honoura- 
 bly thereof, from the sense of his peculiar engagements. 
 (4.) There is no piece of a christian's suffering staled on a 
 particular truth, but a confession is therewith called for of 
 the faithfulness of God ; thus to bear witness before t'c 
 world, mat he is not of ended, nor is ashamed of the cross 
 of Christ, because he knows whom he hath believed ; whilst 
 others by choosing sin, rather than affUcnon, uo what in 
 them lieth to make God a liar. 
 
364 Appendix. 
 
 Inference III. From the scripture's accomplishment, is, 
 this, that as there is a personal debt on the christian, there is 
 a public debt also on the church, and a special trust repos- 
 ed on every age thereof, to seal the truth, and deliver that 
 great interest off its hand, to the ages to come, with a wit- 
 ness to the faithfulness of God. The scripture herein is 
 clear; yea, we have it in an express prophecy field forth, 
 ( 'Psalm cxlv. 4, 5, 6.) that one generation, in a continued 
 series, should seal the truth to another, and thus carry for- 
 ward a witness to the same. For each time hath some pe- 
 culiar rent, which it should pay to the posterity, from a 
 new addition of the great and remarkable works of the 
 Lord : and it is sure, the greater things he hath witnessed, 
 by his more eminent appearance for the church, in one age 
 beyond another, do' add to this debt, and put some further 
 engagements upon it, to record and transmit the works of 
 the Lord and the memory of his goodness to after times. 
 Now with respect to this weighty truth, I would offer a 
 few particulars (which this day, we may sadly regret, are 
 so much wanting) wherein something of this debt, that one 
 age of the church owes to another, in behalf of the truth, 
 may appear. 
 
 ].. It may be judged a debt on the church to posterity, to 
 pursue that great interest of the truth, by an adding further, 
 for confirming of the faith of the saints therein, from that 
 discovery and peculiar advantages the present time affords 
 and thus effectually endeavour to advance the repute and 
 credit of the truth, on solid demonstrative grounds of its 
 certainty. This hath the greater call, when it is so much 
 the work of the time, and of not a few labouring therein, to 
 shake and unsettle men, as to this great foundation: yea, 
 so much written, that hath a visible tendency to this end. 
 (One thing particularly should be wished, that the public re- 
 cords of every age, as they concern the church, did carry 
 therewith more clearly some history of the verification of 
 the truth, by transmitting those great and conspicuous re- 
 marks of the way of God with the church, to posterity ; by 
 which the scripture then hath been signally confirmed : 
 thus should one age declare its faithfulness to the next, 
 which were a choice piece of service, being gravely and 
 with caution managed. 
 
 2. This debt does the church owe to posterity, with re- 
 spect to the truth, to endeavour its transmitting purely, 
 and without hurt and prejudice. For it is to the church, 
 the oracles of God are committed ; and for that great trust 
 must she in every time be responsible. But as to this, I 
 must say, that article of the truth of God, which is more 
 
Appendix. 56S 
 
 sharply assaulted, and hath endured greatest opposition 
 from the adverse party, makes this debt the^ greater, to de- 
 liver that off her hand, with all care and circumspection^ 
 yea, with some peculiar testimony thereto. It is true, 
 there want not in every age some to appear upon the truth's 
 interest ; yea, it is a duty lies at each christian's door, when 
 called to give a confession of the same ; but as no private 
 appearance can answer to a public record and monument, 
 it is thence clear, that in a time of great encroachment on 
 the truth, when a remarkable breach is like to be made, 
 and the assault not from a private adversary, but a public 
 formidable combination of a party, some more solemn au - 
 thoritative and united concurrence is then called for, in the 
 church's testimony, for her exoneration ; that with such an 
 advantage may witness to the ages to come, whereat their 
 fathers left, how they held out, and wrestled to keep their 
 ground, in defence of the gospel. This, we may say, is 
 like the casting up of a bank to guard against a further 
 breach, when the enemy comes in- like a flood : and it is 
 •known, the confessions of the church in every age, with 
 such a public testimony to the truth, whilst followed with 
 visible hazard and suffering, have been more effectually 
 subservient to the truth's conservation, than all the disputes 
 of men. Thus did they overcome {Rev. xii. I.J by the 
 blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony. 
 
 3. This special debt also is upon the church, with a re- 
 spect to posterity, to contend for the truth once delivered to 
 the saints, and but once, since it can admit no change or 
 alteration to the second coming of the Lord. O how bless- 
 ed a debate and strife this is, though in such an interest re- 
 sisting unto blood should be called for ! But whilst I men- 
 tion this duty, it cannot be understood with respect to that 
 great interest of religion only, or the weightier matters of 
 the law, that are more fundamental, whilst under a profess- 
 ed zeal to these, a latitude and indifferency in other con- 
 cernments of the truth is sheltered. It is indeed strange, 
 though no strange thing in this time. But let me ask, can 
 a piece of truth held forth in the scripture, be of that low 
 value, to warrant the quitting or yielding up of it if brought 
 in a debate ; when one line of this is of more inestimable 
 worth, than the crowns and sceptres of all the monarchs of 
 the earth ? Sure it is, the God. of truth hath prized it at 
 another rate ; who declares heaven and earth should rather 
 fall, ere one tittle of his word perish. And can those, in 
 greater things be faithful, who are not thus in alittje ? It is 
 too clearly seen, how small a yieldingmakesa great breach. 
 Truths comparatively small may be great in their season. 
 
266 Appendix* 
 
 when tliey are the word of his patience ; yea, we may say, 
 the lesser it seems, and of mean value with many, it makes 
 the christian's adherence thereto a greater testimony. It 
 is clear, what a close concatenation there is among the 
 truths of God, held forth in the scripture ; that one part 
 thereof cannot be struck at, without a special prejudice to 
 the whole ; yea, it may be said, every corruption of the 
 truth hath an aim at the very soul of religion, by a direct 
 tendency thereto. 
 
 4. It h a great duty the church owes the posterity, for 
 which this day there seems a more than ordinary call, to 
 study the transmitting of truth and godliness, not in a naked 
 form only, but in the life and power thereof Sure it is now 
 too obvious, which gives ground both for grief and aston- 
 ishment, that through a large part of the reformed church, 
 and in those places where sometime the truth hath brightly 
 shined, with much state and uarmness; yea, where re- 
 ligion in its purity is yet professedly countenanced, and the 
 worship of God owned, even there we may see the power 
 and spirituality of this is a strange and unknown thing ; 
 that by many within the church and of some repute there- 
 in, it might be questioned, Is there indeed a Holy Ghost, 
 and an inward teaching of the spirit, which by its working 
 and efficacious influences is known upon the soul ? Or, is 
 there such a thing as real fellowship and converse with God, 
 in the secret and the more public duties of a christian, 
 that is assuredly found ? Oh what cause is there to fear, 
 the shadow and form will be quickly gone, when the power 
 thereof is so great a mystery ! I know, it is a sore chal- 
 lenge, and may seem strange to some. I do here profess, 
 it is not to reflect on any place, or particular church, more 
 than another. But we may say, this want and decay is too 
 great and universal to be hid ; and now the tide seems so 
 far spent and gone back, yea to a small appearance of its 
 return, and the chureh of Christ at that pass, that if the 
 faithfulness of God were not surety, which stands good for 
 all, we might upon ordinary appearance judge, nothing else 
 is left, but now To your tents every man ! that each one 
 should shift for himself, and give over the church. But 
 sure I am (I bless the Lord, without debate in this matter) 
 upon a better warrant than appearance, our safety is this 
 day to keep by the vessel, and not part interests with an af- 
 flicted and almost sinking church ; & public spirit may yet 
 be found the choicest way to secure a private interest. Oh 
 what do we see! Is not almost every where .m?n*s hands 
 upon their loins ; and so little inquiry in that crrcme ex- 
 igence, what point of duty can yet be essayed, to gctrelig- 
 
Appendix. * 367 
 
 ion up again, which now is at so sore a backset ! We 
 might hope, a great outcoming should be, where little is 
 expected, even upon a small stirring of duty. Some things 
 I am sure, arc to be wished, that would be of singular use 
 to promote this interest : which I shall very briefly point at. 
 First, It should be wished, this great mean of prayer y 
 yet left to the church, were with more singleness and/ifr- 
 *oency improved, both by the christian alone, and in con- 
 verse with others. This is well knowa, in the most dark 
 and dismal times of her condition, what marvellous help it 
 hath brought at an extremity, when it hath seemed in some 
 manner idtimus conatus ecclesia, and all other things gone. 
 O a spirit of prayer, what advantage hath remarkably fol- 
 lowed upon this, to fetch the wind, yea, to get the vessel as 
 it were put on float, when it hath been a low ebb with the 
 church ! to hasten her delivery, and in the mean time 
 keep her wounds bleeding before the Lord ! We may say, 
 thus hath the meanest of the saints access to do a great 
 piece of service, even to the church universal, and the re- 
 covery again of the power of godliness, that is now so far 
 gone. 
 
 2. With respect to this, it is to be wished, that a greater 
 correspondence through the reformed church were more ef- 
 fectually pursued ; to know others case, what eminent 
 hazard appears to the truth, or sore trial and assault that 
 some particular church may have bej r ond others ; for wit- 
 nessing mutual sympathy ; for communication of coun- 
 sels ; the obviating prejudices and mistakes ; a grave in- 
 citement and upstirring of others, to the duty of the time ; 
 ami thus a farther concurrence endeavoured, in promoting 
 the great interest of the gospel. Oh sad, that since the re- 
 formation brake up, so little of this hath been practised ! 
 but now much more gone, that except by ordinary iramel- 
 lers, or some time public gazettes, the great concernments 
 of the neighbouring churches, and the more remarkable 
 ©ccurrences of providence therein, are but little known. I 
 should account it a token for good, if something of a public 
 spirit, with respect to such a mean, did more appear. We 
 know not what advantage might follow this essay. 
 
 3. This should be wished, and might be a notable and 
 useful help, yea, of no great difficulty (now whilst there is 
 such plodding in religion, by airy notions, as if that great 
 interest were the essay of men's wit and invention) to stu^ 
 dy the translating of some of our choice English pieces, in 
 other languages, which do most nervously hold forth the 
 truth of godliness, both in its simplicity, and in the life and 
 poner thereof, S . . sire most fit to put men on another 
 
368 Appendix. 
 
 scent, for bringing the naked speculation of truth down to 
 that more near feeling, and absolutely necessary soul con- 
 verse therewith ; yea, such as with greatest clearness 
 night shew the world something of the inestimable advan- 
 tage of that excellent study, how well godliness suits, and 
 is a singular help in every calling and condition of men, to 
 make their way easy and pleasant, amidst the plunges of 
 their life : but especially, that may hold forth the indispen- 
 sable necessity thereof. It is sad to think in what a meas- 
 ure excellent holiness is wounded, and darkened by so 
 great a cloud of prejudice, almost through the reformed 
 church, which is much pretended, upon the extravagance 
 and unsuitable practice of many professing the same, and 
 yet so little care to obviate and prevent this. 
 
 4. 1 must further add what, I am sure, is to be wished, 
 when so small ground seems of hope therein, and calls now 
 for much prayer, to see a spiritual and faithful ministry , 
 given to the church ; of whom it might be said, these are 
 the ambassadors of Jesus Christ, with their Master's au- 
 thority impressed on them ; who in earnest do travail in 
 birth, to have Christ formed in their hearers, and preach 
 with a feeling of that they speak, to themselves, as well as 
 others ; such who truly watch for men's souls, with an aw- 
 ful impression of that, lest their blood be required at their 
 hands. How great a blessing should this be to a decayed 
 church, and what a ground of hope were it of a recovery I 
 For it is seen and clearly witnessed, that connexion which 
 is betwixt the church's case, and the ministry thereof. 
 Was it not seen at the breaking out of the gospel, and the 
 marvellous success it had in the beginning of the reforma- 
 tion after that long darkness under antichrists reign, how 
 choice and excellent a ministry was then sent forth ; yea, 
 what a remarkable constellation of great lights did appear, 
 who did both burn and shine in their time. Oh ! these 
 are gone ; and but a few (comparatively with that time) 
 of such a spirit now to be found : but this sad remark we 
 cannot shun, that the greatest plague the christian world 
 and much of the reformed church this day is under, is 
 from the watchmen ; by whom the truth, in its power, hath 
 been more wounded, than its most professed adversaries. 
 I know, there wants not such a horrid party in this time, 
 who take advantage to reflect on and decry that excellent 
 office and appointment of Jesus Christ for his church, be- 
 cause of the abuse thereof ; whom I dare not, from the awe 
 of God, answer in their dialect, which is only railing, and 
 is ail their strength : but the Lord rebuke that evil spirit, 
 now abroad in the worJc! ! Whilst I. speak to that ^'(-nt ad* 
 
Appendix. 369 
 
 vantage, the church and the power of religion hath by a 
 faithful ministry, I must further add this, as a debt the pres- 
 ent generation owes to the posterity, to witness a particu- 
 lar care and respect to such who are looking forth with 
 some aim to this great calling ; that in so saddening a day 
 these might be encouraged and stirred up (I mean where 
 there is some promising appearance) to follow their aim, 
 and not faint, when elifficulties seem togrow in their way, 
 and the sickle now taken out of the hand of many faithful 
 labourers ; but especially for their taking along with other 
 studies, that more excellent study, sanctifi 'cation , which is 
 so indispensably necessary to make able ministers of the 
 A T tiv Testament. Sure those have now a special advantage 
 to witness their love and respect to Jesus Christ, who keep 
 their face that way forward, when there seems no other in- 
 citement, but the service of such a Master J They may 
 have a mean appearance, and at this day conflict with many 
 difficulties, on whom great service may yet wait for the 
 church of Christ. 
 
 Inference IV. It is a duty of special use, with respect to 
 a right understanding and distinct conception of the fulfill- 
 ing of the scripture, to discern the times K and inquire seri- 
 ously thereabout : since it is clear, that in particular ages 
 and periods of time the scripture must take place, and the 
 prophecies thereof, which relate to each period of time, 
 have their particular and exact accomplishment therein. 
 It is sure, this can be no matter of debate, that such a duty 
 is called for in so dark an hour upon the church ; yea, the 
 greater the darkness grows, it seems to have a more press- 
 ing call ; when we see the clouds gathering, that they are 
 like to cover the face of the sky ; the church universal so 
 sore benighted, that she hath almost lost her way amidst 
 these mists, and among the multitude of these bypaths : 
 for then it is not only incumbent on the public watchmen, 
 but we may say, concerns the godly every where, to be on 
 this account seers, to know the times, and what Israel ought 
 to do. Sure it is, no christian wants his watch tower, 
 where he may get up, by a near converse with God in the 
 scripture, and thence as from a great height consider the 
 present time ; yea, have a clear view of the most strange 
 perplexing occurrences thereof, how amidst these his work 
 about the church keeps its way, and moves still forward, 
 without losing of ground, and his truth does convincingly 
 take place. 
 
 Now with respect to this I shall here offer some thoughts, 
 what in so necessary a duty concerns the godly, and calls 
 for their serious inquiry, for a right discovery and under- 
 
 v Y. 
 
370 % Appendix. 
 
 standing of the time; and shall shortly touch it in a few 
 particulars. 
 
 First , It is of great import to know from the scripture, 
 V) bat of the night it is, how far it seems to be spent, and 
 now /';; what wnpch thereof the church is fallen, as to her 
 present state. For thus we might know to what period of 
 her condition these great and remarkable things, which fall 
 out in the world, do relate. This, 1 confess, would be a 
 perplexed business, if the appearance of things were our 
 guide, and wanted that blessed conduct of the written 
 word, when the church's way seems involved in so strange 
 a labyrinth. One tiling is sure that the Lord hath founded 
 Zion, and is now building' her up : which marvellous work 
 cannot halt, but in all ages is in a continued progress, 
 wherein the great builder doth lose no time. And from 
 the scripture these things seem clear and manifest, 
 
 1. That as the whole election must obtain, so now are 
 there a great many of that elect church already entered in- 
 to a triumphant condition, and are now got safe on shore. 
 There is this day a great and innumerable company of all 
 nations, tongues and languages, that were of old commit- 
 ted to the Mediator's trust, and to be brought forth under 
 the times of the New Testament, who are perfected and 
 before the throne ; after whom the gospel did follow,, and 
 made many a long step to bring them in from the furthest 
 corners of the earth. 
 
 2. This also is clear, that the church militant hath now 
 passed and is gone through that long continued and most 
 dismal trial, which under the times of the gospel and until 
 the close of time was to go over her head, even that sore 
 bondage from antichrist, and under his reign. It is true, 
 tins adversary- does not cease, nor give over the quarrel : 
 for he wants not wrath, when his power is abated ; and 
 this day we see him in a great stir, to raise up that accurs- 
 ed interest, and set it in its own place, that hath so remark- 
 ably been brought down, and begun to fall before the gos- 
 pel. But a step further of that judgment (which assuredly 
 is not sleeping J will end the business. However, this is 
 now manifest, that the winter is past, and the church's 
 spring begun, yea, in a large measure advanced ; whose 
 growth and tender blossom the cold nor storm cannot 
 blast, but must be subservient thereto, and hasten the 
 summer's approach. 
 
 3. Upon this inquiry, where the church now is ? and in 
 what, or what manner of time, her present state seems to 
 fall ? I think there are clear and convincing symptoms, 
 by which some notable crisis in her condition may be dis- 
 
Appendix. 271 
 
 cerned ; that after many conflicts, and sore wrestling, 
 since her victory begun over antichrist, this time of the 
 church seems to fall under that more remarkable assault, 
 which may be looked for from this adversary before the 
 pouring out of the fifth vial on his throne and seat ; which, 
 as the prelude of so great a victory, may in some pro- 
 portion thereto be more dreadful and sharp, for a time, than 
 any we have seen. I humbly judge, the scripture points 
 clearly at this, which shews the wrestling condition of the 
 church and a war continued betwixt antichrist and the 
 Lamb, even in his failing state, (Rev. xvii. 14.) until 
 that last decision (which is made sure in the church's fa. 
 vour) put him off the field ; For the Lamb shall overcome, 
 and they that are on his side, who are called, and. chosen ana 
 faithful. And since it is thus, that the church's interest is 
 advanced, by the renewed assaults of that adversary, should 
 it be strange, that the several steps of her rising have some 
 conflict and opposition proportioned thereto ? Must she 
 not be in pain and labour, as a woman in travail, for her 
 bringing forth ? Yea, do not the sharpest showers both 
 presage and hasten the delivery I For this doth the scrip- 
 ture witness, which i3 written for the ages to come, Micah 
 iv. 13. Be in pain, daughter of Zion, and go forth unto 
 Babylon, for there shalt thou be delivered. 1 must judge, 
 so formidable an approach of antichrist this day, and the 
 advantage he seems to have, with these sore smugglings of 
 the church of Christ, as in an extreme betwixt life and 
 death, do more promise, than threaten ; and are a hopeful 
 presage ofi further enlargement, and the bringing forth 
 some great nd important truth in its season to a perform- 
 ance ; yea, have a direct tendency, under the wonderful 
 conduct of the blessed disposer of these things, to help for- 
 ward such a mercy. 
 
 4. This we may know from the scripture, though now 
 it seem a contradiction both to sense and reason, that the 
 churches interest is on a present advance, and at this day on 
 the prevailing hand. It is true, under all the changes of 
 her condition, and through the whole time of the New 
 Testament, this truth must be made out (John iii. 30.) 
 that Jesus Christ in his kingdom must increase even when 
 choicest instruments wear out, and to appearanee are in a 
 most languishing decay ; that interest doth then flourish as 
 the palm tree, the more it is depressed ; nor hath the 
 church bounds set to its continued increase, until it once 
 come to the perfect day when the kingdom shall be deliver- 
 ed up to the Father, and all powers subdued and brought 
 under the Mediator's feet. But this rise and increase of 
 
372 Appendix. 
 
 the church, which is here understood, on the falling of an- 
 tichrist, I must say, hath a further reach, and is in a more 
 eminent conspicuous way pointed at in the scripture, as 
 that which waits on a more solemn and remarkable period 
 of the church's state. It is true, such hours may fall in, 
 with some sad intervals, in which success and all advan* 
 tage appears on the adversary's side ; for thus we find the 
 scripture point forth antichrist's ruin, and the progress of 
 his judgment and downcasting in the various steps there- 
 of, with a special resemblance to the Lord's way with Pha- 
 raoh ; of whom he appears to have been a type, such ju- 
 dicial strokes of induration on both, a gradual procedure 
 by one plague after another, with the same effect and pro- 
 duct, to give the church a new assault, on any favourable 
 interval ; until the great God make his power known, as 
 once he did at the Red Sea. For there we may say, did 
 the Lord first found a national church, with a special type 
 of the great works and deliverances he would do for her in 
 after times, and by this represent that marvellous stroke he 
 is to bring on antichrist. It is not strange, to see the truth 
 brought down to the grave, yea, as it were buried, when 
 even this thing, by the overruling providence of him who 
 maketh all things work together for her good, is turned to 
 her advantage, and tends to her rising with a greater lustre 
 and brightness ! Who could in an ordinary way judge the 
 reformed church then upon an advance, in the French mas- 
 sacre, the catholic league there, and the Low Country per- 
 secution by Aha ? Yet these were an antecedent prepara- 
 tion to her further rise, which a little time made appear. 
 
 5. This further I shall add as to the present time of the 
 church, which from the scripture seems clear, that blessed 
 and much longed for, and glorious day of the secofid coming 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ (which, as^ the last period of the 
 full accomplishment of all that is written, will once for all 
 and for ever put a glorious close to the church's warfare ; 
 the soldier's sword and helmet shall then be laid aside, and 
 give place to the victor's harp and crown, never to be laid 
 down again) hasteth apace. O let him who writeth, and 
 him who readeth, say, even so ! come, Lord Jesus, quickly. 
 It is sure, that God who hath appointed man his time, and 
 with whom is the number of his months and years, hath 
 set time its glass also, and bounded the duration of this 
 world, that it cannot continue one minute more ? And 
 though the particular time falls not under our inquiry, 
 which the majesty of God hath concealed from the angels : 
 yet is this clear, there are signs given of its near approach, 
 Which in their season will be discernible, though little no- 
 
Appendix. 2TA 
 
 ticed by the world ; it being in such a lethargy, and men 
 then so thronged with the cares of this life, that these grave 
 fore warnings will not rouse them up. But it is evident, 
 such signs are not given in vain : for therewith the church 
 hath a call to discern wisely what appearance there is of 
 the approach of that day ; yea, on such an account to 
 lift up their head with a solemn congratulation. O what a 
 marvellous truth is this, the serious thoughts of which 
 might give men new subject for wonder each day, that the 
 time is hastening, when the Redeemer of the church shall 
 appear in the clouds of heaven, inflaming fire, with an in- 
 numerable company of the angels ; and now the dust of 
 the saints hath not long to sleep, before they be awaked, 
 with that unspeakable sweet and ravishing sound of the 
 last trumpet ! Faithful is he who hath promised: yea, for 
 further assurance, we have a solemn oath thereto, by him 
 who lives for ever and ever. It is long since John gave 
 this warning to the church, Behold, he cometh with clmds ! 
 and then did these primitive christians solace themselves 
 on that ground. Some few evidences of this day's approach 
 with a safe warrant from the scripture we may discern ; 
 which as the blossoming of the spring doth witness the 
 summer is novy near. ( (1.) If the whole days of the gospel, 
 since that glorious triumph of the Mediator in his suffer- 
 ing for the church and his resurrection, be upon the scrip- 
 ture's reckoning the last times, we must then judge, the 
 night is far spent, and the day at hand. (2.) If in the days 
 of the seventh trumpet the mystery of God shall be finish- 
 ed, is not this clear, that two ages are almost past since it 
 begun to blow, under which the interest of the gospel hath 
 a most remarkable advance ? (3.) If the last stroke and 
 utter abolishing of antichrist sha 1 } be by the brightness of 
 Christ's second coming, (2 Thess. ii. 8.) is there not solid 
 ground thence to judge, this blessed day hasteth, when his 
 falling is so far advanced ? It is sure, we have seen his 
 kingdom in a great measure darkened, his consuming and 
 mouldering down by the breath of Christ's mouth in the 
 preached gospel : and now wait in hope for that more re- 
 markable step of his judgment, which the scripture, I think, 
 gives as a near sign of the coming of the Lord ; even such 
 as the white sky and morning brightness is to the watch- 
 man, of the day's being near. And thus, as we see the ru- 
 in and downfall of the man of sin advance, there seems to 
 be a proportional ground of certainty thence to conclude 
 the near approach of the day of Christ's second coming. 
 
 Second particular, which in our discerning the time calls 
 for a serious inquiry is this, what the present appearance 
 
374 Appendix. 
 
 and signs of the time seem to point at. For these, as the 
 pulse to the body, are of special use to give a clear discor^ 
 cry of its temper and disposition ! but this is a prognostics- 
 tion, that goeth above the stars and all the rules of astrolo- 
 gy, which the scripture only can make us know. I con- 
 fess, this day they seem sad, and every where look with a 
 threatening aspect on the church. We see not n§w our 
 signs, and those tokens for good, which sometimes have 
 appeared : but there are presages, if we could gravely look 
 thereon, that might cause us with astonishment to inquire, 
 What can such things portend, and when will be the end 
 of these wonders ? Some few I shall briefly point at, which 
 concern this time ; that if we be not much asleep, might 
 be very rousing, and make us regard the same with an aw- 
 ful and humbling impression ; for they truly threaten. 
 Yet I must say, with a reference to the scripture, and upon 
 an inquiry into that unerring record about their meaning ? 
 First, we have a safe warrant from them to conclude, that 
 whatever may befall a particular church, yet nothing thence 
 can be concluded as demonstrative of a mortal prejudice to 
 the church universal. For though this or that particular 
 church may be cut off, and spewed out of bis mouth (as many 
 have, and most of the particular churches may this day 
 meditate terror : If he spared not the natural branches, take 
 heed lest he also spare not thee, should sound an alarm to 
 each church ; those very things with highly aggravating 
 circumstances, being too obvious and easy to be found 
 with them, for which he casts others off) yet he must in- 
 crease, and his kingdom must be a coming kingdom : yea, 
 when he seems to lose ground in one place of the world, it 
 is made up with advantage by the enlargement of the same 
 in another place ; and often out of the very ruins and dissi- 
 pation of that church which he casts off, he carries mate- 
 rials to build him an house elsewhere. In which case wc 
 are, instead of a querulous saying, Why is it thus? to adore 
 and bless the glory of the Lord from his place, to justify his 
 procedure, and be glad, that they to whom he was not spok- 
 en of shall see, and they who had not heard shall under* 
 stand. Secondly, we may also say with the same warrant, 
 that even a particular church, which hath very death pre- 
 saging symptoms, and scarce a token for good, can by him 
 who healeth backslidings and loveth freely, be recovered. 
 He can make dry bones to flourish as a green herb ; for 
 the issues from spiritual death belong to him. He can 
 make them who had fallen from their first love, repent 
 and do the first works ; whereby the departing of the glo* 
 ry, and the removing of the candlestick out of his place % 
 
Appen&x. 375 
 
 shall be prevented. I am so much the more pressed to 
 touch this a little, because the very few serious, who 
 are yet left Cor delivered from that spiritual stupidity, 
 which hath seized on others) while they lay to heart the 
 things which concern the kingdom of Jesus Christy are, 
 upon the frightful aspect of affairs, and on the considera- 
 tion of what they observe in the temper of men, and ten- 
 dency of things, ready to cost away all confidence, and 
 abandon themselves to a simple despondency : they al- 
 most question, whether they ought to entertain any hope* 
 that we shall any more be called by that blessed name, Je- 
 hovah Shammah, the Lord is there ; seeing nothing ap- 
 pears at present in the disposition of men, or dispensation 
 of God, which doth not seem to portend a final departure. 
 Notwithstanding whereof I would desire such, as to be- 
 ware lest in their heartlessness they limit the holy one of Is- 
 rael, and circumscribe the sovereignty of grace within its 
 just latitude and limits, so for their establishment against 
 such a despondency and for their excitement to a serious 
 wrestling with him in order to his abode with us, to con- 
 sider these particulars, 
 
 First, We may call this one of the signs and presages 
 of the time, that the devil is now so much aloft, and in a 
 strange way bestirring himself against the church ; to be- 
 get every where a prejudice at the truth, which this day by 
 very remarkable effects of his power may be seen. It is 
 sure, he is a bad neighbour ; yet we must say, he endan- 
 gers the church most, when because he makes no great noise 
 he is least discerned. His being apparently quiet and stili 
 hath been found in experience more fatal to the flourishing 
 and real success of the gospel, than his rage ; and in his 
 feigned flight more prevalent, than in his more furious 
 assaults. But we have the scripture to ask concerning 
 this; which makes these dear. (1.) That his appearing 
 with great wrath, shews his time to be short, and that it 
 will be no continued or long storm, Rev. xii. 12. (2.) 
 We thence know, his being let loose, with a more than usu- 
 al liberty, to trouble the church, is previous to some great 
 and remarkable restraint $ which you may read, Rev. xx, 
 7, 3. where he is in a more special way let loose, but we 
 find v. 10. his being chained up for ever follow. (3.) We 
 may clearly see from the scripture the devil much abft, 
 with a more remarkable stir and noise, when some great 
 thing from the Lord is to be brought forth for the church. 
 When the set time, that solemn and blessed time, was now 
 £ome of completing by that me sacrifice for ever the work 
 ©f redemption, so that this hour and power of darkness did 
 
376 Appendix. 
 
 introduce an everlasting sunshine upon the church : and 
 Satan, by pursuing the Prince of Life, unto the death, had 
 a most fatal overthrow. For by death he overcame him 
 who had the power of death, that is, the devil : and by be- 
 ing lifted up upon the cross, he spoiled principalities and 
 powers, triumphing openly over them; and thus dying, 
 sung the victory, and said, It is finished! whereby a vic- 
 tory over all enemies is eternally ensured to the saints. 
 Yea, is it not clear, what a hot alarm the church may ex- 
 pect from him, upon the approach of that great victory, 
 and the decision of the last battle betwixt Michael and 
 the dragon ? see Rev- xx. 9, 10. what an appearance 
 he will then have, and in what a manner will he bestir 
 himself, 
 
 2. Is not this a present sign of the time, about which 
 we may with some astonishment inquire, what it doth 
 mean, and if it hath any favourable aspect on the churches, 
 That we see almost every where the most united and 
 formidable assault of the adversaries of the truth ; and its 
 special aim at the kingly power and supremacy of the Mc- 
 diater, as head over his church ; at which great truth the 
 opposition of this time seems most directly to be levelled ; 
 yea, we may say, the crown of Christ which becomes him 
 alone to wear, and this piece of his glory, is now betwixt 
 antichrist and the princes of the earth divided, each con- 
 tending for his share. Sure, this is too discernible : and 
 at present the adversary seems to prevail, even to a bearing 
 down and bringing under of that great interest of our bless- 
 ed Master. But it is as sure there is no ground to fear this 
 (being well understood) which is a most hopeful and prom- 
 ising sign to the church : for we must thus reason from the 
 scripture ; if Christ must reign until all his enemies be. 
 brought in subjection, it is then sure, the greater the oppo- 
 sition and assault be, the victory must be the greater. And 
 if that be not only prayed for, but a clear prophecy, That 
 Jesus Christ will take unto himself his great power, ^ a?id 
 reign, must we not then expect he will take it, yea, in a 
 more eminent and conspicuous manner, when men are 
 seeking, in the height of their rebellion and rage against 
 the Lord and his anointed, to seize on his sceptre, and 
 snatch it from him ? And if this also be sure, and in the 
 volume of that record of the scripture written concerning 
 him, that his crown must flourish \>n his own head, shall 
 not then his enemies be clothed wjth shame ? Yea, hath 
 not this truth a dreadful aspect on the crowns and scep- 
 tres of many princes, who would rob the Mediator of 
 his ? 
 
Appendix. 377 
 
 3. Is it not a strange presage and sign of the time, that 
 yje now see most hopeful and promising appearances for the 
 church's good, remarkably blasted ; things, which in an 
 ordinary way looked to be grounds of encouragement, 
 made to fail I We see human props almost every where re- 
 moved, or broken ; the truth deserted by great men ; yea, 
 the families of such falling off this day from the Lord, 
 whose ancestors for a long time had been zealous for his 
 interest. I confess, this is a threatening appearance, by 
 which many now seem to be shaken : but I would hum- 
 bly reason on scripture grounds, that it is no bad sign, but 
 hath therewith some comfortable aspect on the church ; it 
 being clear, (1.) That such a connection is no strange thing 
 in the bible, betwixt an extreme exigence of the church's 
 case,«and the Lord's eminent appearing for her relief. See 
 Is a. xxx. 18. lxiii. 5. li. 20, 21, 22. Yea, I must say, it 
 is hard to find any great mercy and remarkable deliverance 
 of the church, but hath at some such backset surprised 
 her. (2.) Is not such a disadvantage and forsaken case 
 expressly held forth as. one of graced opportunities of [do- 
 ing good to his people ? Read Jer. xxx. 14, 15, &c. and 
 you will see it ; that when none is to plead her cause, no 
 healer ■, and Zion called an outcast, which no man seeketb 
 after ; thence does the Lord allow his people to be en- 
 couraged, and to take it as a ground of hope, that he will 
 by his oyvn immediate hand appear. (3.) Is it not from? 
 the word clear , that a people at such a disadvantage, and 
 under most visible weakness when in God's way, may be 
 then made use of for greatest service ? They were in as 
 sore distress, of whom (Hcb. xi. 34.^ it is written, Out of 
 weakness they were made strong^ &c. I shall farther add„ 
 Can'there be cause, from the withdrawing of human help 
 and probable means of safety, to fear the church's ruin, 
 when it falls under his hand, who by things most destruc- 
 tive can serve his interest, and bring salvation at such a* 
 time, when none but God could save ? and why are those 
 wonderful providences, that have so oft met the church in av 
 forsaken case, written before us in the scripture ? Is it not 
 for after times, to witness to posterity how the church may 
 be cast down, but not destroyed ; phd though she fall, she 
 cannot lie still, but must arise? Hos. vi. 1, 2, 3. Nor 
 have her adversaries any cause of triumph thence, Micah 
 vii. 8, 9, 10. 
 
 4. As to the present^ appearance of the time, is not this 
 a threatening sign, which hath a very dreadful aspect on 
 the church, even that discernible loss and disadvantage the 
 best noiy seem to be at, in their frame > and that under a 
 
 z z 
 
S78 Appendix. 
 
 growing trial of the church; and the great distemper mav 
 ny of these appear to be in, whilst we may see much of 
 that holy fear and tenderness, that did formerly shew itself 
 amongst the godly, gone ; corruption aloft ; prejudice eas- 
 ily taken ; a spirit of jealousy poured out ; yea, very 
 strange and unusual out breakings in offence and scandal. 
 And oh I is there not here cause of fear,, that the righteous 
 God be on a further departure from his people, and that 
 his judgment shall yet more hotly pursue such, until he 
 have consumed this generation ? On which account if he 
 should make us a generation of his wrath », we are called to 
 adore and justify the unspotted way of the Lord. Yet ev- 
 en as to this, I must adventure with respectto sovereignty 
 of grace (which is only like itself, and infinitely above our 
 thoughts) to offer some discovery, from the scripture, of 
 what he hath done in like cases. How marvellously hath 
 the gracious and long suffering God interposed, and at such 
 a sore extremity helped his church ? For it is clear, (1.) 
 That when the church hath had no argument to make use of, 
 no confidence to plead, but broken and confounded under 
 the sense of horrid guilt, he finds one in himself, Isai. xlviii. 
 9, For my name's sake will I defer my anger, &c. 
 (2.) We find the covenant made use of by the Lord, to 
 assist ajudicial procedure against his people. Psal. cvi. 44. 
 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard 
 their cry ; and remembered for them his covenant. (3.) 
 We find the rage and violence of the adversary, and their 
 taking advantage to blaspheme, made use of as an argument 
 by him to own his people, who had otherwise forfeited all 
 the former grounds of confidence. JDeut. xxxii. 26. (4.) 
 We may read how sovereign grace hath thus marvellously 
 stepped in, when the rod did not humble, and smiting 
 would not do the turn, i" smote them, and they went on 
 frowardly in the way of their heart, Isai. lvii- 17. Yet; 
 says the Lord, I will not thus quit them, there is one cure 
 for all , I have seen their ways, and will heal them. Such 
 a discovery also have we^ thereof, when a people's ruin is 
 of themselves, and iniquity hath brought them low. Hos. 
 xiii. 9. Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself ; but in me is 
 thy help. Yea, hath not grace rescued those on whom 
 their mercy must be forced, and while on a hot chase in de- 
 parting from God ! Eos. ii. 7, 9. (5.) Have we not this 
 choice discovery of the Lord's way with his people held 
 forth in the scripture, that whilst he works all their works 
 for them, He will work these in them also, Isai. xxvi. 12. 
 I shall add, thus hath the freedom of grace (O marvellous 
 grace!) shined forth in former ages of the church. But 
 
Appendix. 379 
 
 they sadly mistake its meaning, who are thus made secure 
 and not thereby led unto repentance. 
 
 5. This looks like one of the signs of our time, that 
 there is a great ceasing of the godly, yea, the choice there- 
 of, even by a more than usual dispatch : and is not this a 
 sad scripture presage of evil coming, when such are, (as it 
 were) hastened away, that they may be hid in the grave, 
 from a further storm ? Yet these things seem clear also, 
 (1.) What a remarkable consumption did almost wear out 
 the church in the wilderness, whilst even then there was a 
 hastening of her after enlargement ; and though a sore 
 judgment, yet the church's mercy, in a greater repair of 
 that loss, was helped forward ; yea, we find Moses and 
 Aaron, with many of those who had been most eminent in- 
 struments in Israel's coming forth out of Egypt, taken 
 away on a near approach of their entry into Canaan^ (2.) 
 It is sure, some of the greatest promises of the scripture, 
 waits on the church, when brought to a very small rem- 
 nant, Ezek. vi. 8, 9. Isai. xxxvii. 31. (3,) Hath not the 
 Lord said in such a case, The consumption determined shall 
 overflow with righteousness ? Isai. x. 20. That the next 
 tide can bring in as many, with a marvellous increase, as 
 these former consuming strokes had taken away ; yea, is it 
 not seen, with a wearing out of the godly, and a declining of 
 religion, in one part of the world, or of a country, where 
 many have been called, that it doth break out remarkably 
 in another ? And thus the gospel recovers that interest , 
 which it seemed to have lost. 
 
 6. Does not the present appearance of the time, threat- 
 en, by very unusual signs and presages, some sharp storm 
 to come now upon the world ? which in many instances 
 we may discern, that there is some remarkable work of 
 judgment to be brought forth, and a great break amongst 
 the nations near. (Though the earth seems this day in a 
 strange measure quiet, yea, so extraordinary a calm as is 
 now through the world, may it not be a presage of some 
 great storm, which as too clear and hot a sunshine foretells 
 a break of the weather.) Sure it is, there is a sound of 
 great wrath and judgment, in the ears of many, who know 
 what it is to discern the times. It is well, the scripture is 
 near ; a prognostication that can answer all the ages of the 
 church : and it is there we should inquire, what such a 
 sign does portend ? We may not wish the evil day ; but 
 on such an appearance of the time, that awful impression 
 (Hab. iii. 16) is called for, to be in a trembling frame, 
 when God threatens and does thus utter his voice : yet is it 
 clear, that from these threatening signs there is a corhforta- 
 
580 Appendix. 
 
 ble sound of much good to the church. For, (I.) We find 
 days of vengeance on the world, held forth as necessary for 
 the accomplishing of the scripture, Luke xxi. 22, and 
 made subservient to the bringing forth some special truth 
 thereof unto a performance^ (2.) We find in times of great- 
 est judgment, the church's interest then set apart and secur- 
 ed with a large warrant to the godly, not to fear ; even whilst 
 his garments are dyed with blood. Isa. Win. 1. Ezek. 
 ix. 4. Rev. iii. 10. (3.) May we not see also the 
 church's enlargement, and some of her greatest mercies 
 thus ushered in ? Which is clear, Isa. lxiii. 4. Zeph. 
 iii. 8. And O what a strange connexion is there ? That 
 the^ putting the earth in a flame, and overturning the 
 nations, when the Lord, as a lion does rouse himself up to 
 the prey, should Be the very rise to an accomplishing of 
 some great promises for the church's advantage, yea, 
 and as a prelude to the same ! Yet nothing more evident 
 to such who understand the scripture ; and by such a sign 
 does the Lord speak comfortably to his people. We find 
 a dreadful winter storm on the world, pointed out as a 
 spring time to the church, and the trees putting forth their 
 blossom, as Luke xxi. 25. It is clear, her deliverance may 
 be begun, and the storm then breaking, which may for a 
 time put the church under greater difficulties than before ; 
 yea, cause the godly to mistake, and tremble at the sight of 
 their mercy, because of those things by which it is ushered 
 in, even when it is before their eyes. I shall add no more 
 but this, It is our great concernment, to fear him who 
 guides all things, to whom alone the determination of 
 events doth belong; and this is the wisdom of his people, 
 not to faun at the strange appearance of the time or the 
 signs thereof, but to know what is called for, and^ thence 
 read personal duties, from the sad presages of public judg- 
 ments, and to pursue more nearness with God, and ensure 
 a retreat under his shadow until the indignation pass over. 
 For behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to visit the in- 
 habitants of the earth, and the earth shall disclose her blood, 
 and no more cover her slain. Isai. xxvi. 21. 
 
 A third particular, which concerns the godly with much 
 circumspection to notice and understand, in their discern- 
 i?ig the time, is the peculiar snares and hazards thereof 
 This is the scripture character of the wise man, to discern 
 time and judgment, it being so oft verified, (Eccles. ix. 
 12.) that in an evil time the children of men are ensnared, 
 when it falls suddenly upon them." 8ure,^ it is, there are 
 searching times, when the christian's way is more difficult 
 and narrow (though each day hath its siaares, which in Si 
 
Appendix, , 381 
 
 special way waits thereon) and then is it the wisdom of the 
 prudent, to under strtid his yoay^ and know his ground, 
 which the adversary by subtile and indiscernible approach- 
 es will seek to draw him off; then is a quick sagacious 
 discerning in the fear of the Lord called for, to have their 
 eyes in their head, and be in a watching posture, when the 
 net is closely spread under their feet. It is a sad remark, 
 too clearly verified oft times on a people professing the 
 truth, which is said of Ephraim^ Strangers have devoured 
 their ^ strength, and they knew it not ; yea, their not dis- 
 cerning of the same, proves a special cause of their further 
 ruin. And is it not written for the ages to come, in what 
 a secure and sleeping posture Sams&n had his hair cut ! 
 He first lost his discerning of such a snare, ere he lost his 
 eyes. We find David (through many of the psalms) in 
 his wrestlings witlvGop, more solicitous for the prevent- 
 ing the snares of wicked men, and a delivery thence, than 
 From their rage and violence. There is a feeling the pulse 
 of the times, by which the present distemper and hazard of 
 the church may be known, as well as of the body of man : 
 and I must say, this day in a special manner calls us to this 
 grave study. I intend no further application, but a very 
 short touch at some things in general, which rightly pursu- 
 ed in the godly man's serious study, may help to discern 
 something of the public snares of the time, and how they 
 get advantage in their approach, for these closely wait 
 their season, for in vain is the net spread in the sight of 
 the bird. 
 
 First, It is clear, each time hath its peculiar distemper 
 and evils, that have then a special power and prevalency 
 therewith', the observing of which concerns the godly, for 
 their more watchful adverting to the snares of that time. 
 For then the temptation of the time goes therewith, as the 
 present distemper discovers itself, whether in a hot boiling 
 fevtr, or in a dead lethargy ; and follows those evils, which 
 are in that time most contagious, where the current of the 
 multitude runs, which is giving the godly the greatest as- 
 sault, and seem to be warmed under the favourable aspect 
 and countenance of great men ; yea, those evils which 
 promise some outward advantage and security from trou- 
 ble, when the question is stated between sin and suffering, 
 it is there the present snare does haunt, and there lies a 
 special piece of the godly man's work, to hold off and keep 
 a distance from the least accession thereto ; yea, I may 
 say next to the salvation of their soul, to be solicitous all 
 along their way, to have their garments kept from the 
 smallest stain and spot thereof. A touch, a small defile- 
 
5S2 Appendix. 
 
 ment from a public prevailing evil, being found to draw 
 more deep on the conscience, and with more difficulty do 
 men recover and escape thence, than from many other per- 
 sonal infirmities. 
 
 2. It is also clear, there is some piece of the truth of God 
 in each time of the church, that is more questioned and 
 brought in debate* by which with greater advantage and 
 clearness we may know where a public snare doth lie. For 
 here is its aim directed, to entangle and assault the godly 
 man, where in a special way he is called to his post, to 
 contend for such an interest : and thus it may be said, if 
 one keep sight well of present duty, he will with more fa- 
 cility find out the scent, on which the snare of the time is, 
 how it directs its motion to darken or cast an obstructioa 
 in the way of that duty. 
 
 b 3. We may thus discern a prevailing snare, and its get- 
 ting ground, by that tendency there is in a day of trial, to 
 question and make new inquiry about duties which were 
 once clear and unquestionable, when their judgment vyas not 
 biassed from any outward incitements. For this speaks 
 men's finding a sad invention, to be rid of their conscience* 
 by extenuating present controversies : a design, which 
 (in the righteous judgment of the Lord) is seldom set on 
 foot by any, but they too visibly thrive therein, for their 
 further ruin, and get an answer according to the idol of their 
 heart. Thus Balaam, we have in divine record as a 
 dreadful instance, who tried that way, and therein was 
 successful. And is it not a known remark, that a hesita- 
 tion and fainting upon the heart, from want of resolution 
 to suffer for the truth, will not long want a scruple in the 
 bead, to cause a debate thereabout ; and then it is easy for 
 a snare to enter. O with what fear and tenderness should 
 light be guarded ; which, as the apple of the eye, may by 
 the least thing be hurt, but is not easily healed ! Thus is 
 it, men do insensibly wear out from under those former 
 impressions they had upon them of duty ; and ere they 
 are aware have their judgment by a judicial stroke deter- 
 mined in that, which was before their desire. They know 
 little that depth of a man's heart, who are not jealous over 
 a change on their judgment in an hour of trial, when its 
 tendency is, to spare themselves. 
 
 4. We may discern a public snare in its approach, by 
 that advantage the adversary gets thereby to dhide the 
 godly, and those who appear for the truth amongst them- 
 selves. t For then it is easy to enter by such a breach, and 
 throw in the bait in so muddy a water : it being too obvi- 
 ous, what an advantage a snare hath, where jealousy, with 
 
Appendix. 3#3 
 
 these bitter effects of private strife and quarrelling, turns 
 men's eyes off the public hazard, and blunts that edge of 
 contending for the truth, in smiting one another. I do not 
 mean but there may be a necessity oft on the godly, to 
 withstand their friends td their face, yea,the most eminent 
 in the church, were it a Peter, (Gal. ii. 11.7 when the 
 truth is concerned ; but this should be with greatest cau- 
 tion and tenderness, to obviate a breach, or quarrel, which 
 is like the breaking in of waters, whilst the watching adver- 
 sary waits his advantage in such a day of their halting. 
 And it is too sadly known, how small a wedge, that is driv- 
 en with a tendency to that end, makes way for the entry of 
 a further snare \ see } Cor. xi. 16. what a sad connexion 
 there is betwixt a dividing time of the church, and a further 
 departing from the truth. But we must always take heed, 
 that we so pursue union amongst ourselves, as that Christ 
 and his cause be not left alone. 
 
 5. A present snare may be seen by the sudden change of 
 known adversaries, and the friendly insinuations of those 
 who are wont to threaten. m That in such an appearance 
 there lies an ambush, and is but a change of weapons for a 
 seen advantage, sure this should be ground of fear, and a 
 cautious advertence to be much alone with God, that men 
 may know the voice of the shepherd, lest they follow after zl 
 stranger ; it being more usual, to be stolen off their feet in 
 a calm, tban blown down by a storm ; it is hard to stand 
 before the blandishments of men, where that more endear- 
 ing and sweet relish of peace with God is not kept on the 
 soul, which is a choice mean to make the ear deaf to the 
 most charming voice of the enchanter : oft hath it been 
 3een, that adders'* poison is under their lips, whilst wrath is 
 boiling in their heart, fPsal. cxl.) yea, that the cruel man 
 can change his countenance, when it is fit to lay a snare, 
 and with Joab embrace them in their arms, whom they in- 
 tend to smite under the fifth rib. 
 
 6. May not thus a snare be seen in its approach, by that 
 prevalence the fear of man hath over the time, and that un- 
 usual command it seems to have sometimes over the spir- 
 its of men, even those whose former Zealand resolution for 
 the truth hath in other trials with much advantage appear- 
 ed ? Here is indeed cause to watch ; for in the fear of man 
 there is a snare fProv. xxix. 25 J which then will take ad- 
 vantage to pursue, when it finds men in a flying posture, 
 and shrunk so far below their former appearance. We 
 find the godly man hath his breastplate : but he hath no 
 piece of armour for his back, when he turns his face from 
 resisting. It is sad, when the adversary is taught to foi- 
 
384 Appendix. 
 
 low, by our fainting : and that spirit which is in the world; 
 seems to be upon the ascendent, with a prevalence even 
 over the spirits of the godly : yea, those debased and made 
 contemptible in their eyes, in whom the appearance of God 
 and his authority upon them at another time would have 
 made the hearts of their enemies to tremble. This is too 
 obvious, in a humbling and judicial time of the church, 
 until once that hour ojf her trial go over. 
 
 7. A public snare is then to bz feared, and calls for a 
 watching eye, by that success which waits on a sinful 
 course ; especially when such a shine is of any continuance. 
 For then new queries will be started, strange reports spread, 
 with much subtile reflection on the way of the Lord, to 
 make the godly question the same. The psalmist found 
 it not easy to stand before this, which put him to bring un- 
 der debatehis principles, and the advantage of his cause, 
 Psal. lxxiii. 13. And in such a trial doth the adversary, 
 by some continued observation, know how to assault the 
 followers of the truth, and attack them at their weakest : 
 then is it the scandal of the cross causeth many to offend ; 
 then it is sore for such to suffer, who know not the fellow- 
 ship of the cross of Christ, which is a piece of the greatest 
 and most near fellowship with him upon the earth : yea, 
 then the church may run more hazard from some of her 
 friends, than from the professed adversary. For thus oft is 
 a prevailing snare helped forward ; it cannot but be a 
 searching and hazardous time, when many are turning 
 aside, and some of understanding suffered to fall, who are 
 ready to press their sin as duty, on others ; for seldom do 
 such fall off, but are found more stirring and active in such 
 a way to engage others, than they were while holding their 
 former integrity, to pursue the truth's interest ; thus we 
 have seen it, so it is, let us hear it and know it for our good. 
 
 8. Thus a snare of the time may be discerned, by the 
 tendency thereof to corruption in the church, and a produc- 
 ing still the same effects, whatever be pretended, when by 
 the hands of Esau, it discovers itself, though it have the 
 voice of Jacob. And doth not the ruin of many, who have 
 dashed on such a rock, and have been thus taken, put a 
 sad mark thereon ? For it may be said, no snare or subtile 
 contrivance of the adversary awaits the godly in the pres- 
 ent time, but. if men do not consent to shut their eyes, they 
 may from the scripture and observation of the church, see 
 at others cost seme discernible beacon set thereon ; what 
 a sad tendency such a thing hath still had, to a making ship- 
 wreck of faith and a good conscience ; how hard it is to 
 dance about the fire and not be burned, or stand in the way 
 and counsels of ungodly men and" not be ensnared. 
 
Appendix. 385 
 
 9. It seems to threaten a snare, when inquiry about the 
 duty of the time is pursued without respect to the present 
 case and circumstances thereof. For thus a snare may 
 wait in a thing at other times indifferent ', the neglect where- 
 of under some special circumstances may be a quitting 
 their duty ; and the doing also, or yielding to something 
 in another case warrantable,^ at sometimes may fall under 
 a moral prohibition. As this, when a thing in itself indif- 
 ferent, Circa sacra et cultum Dei, is pressed by the magis- 
 trate, as necessary by virtue of his sole command, and to 
 the subjecting the godly in things wherein they are not sub- 
 ject, and to the prejudice of another jurisdiction ; can 
 there be an inquiry about this in the general, without a: 
 particular application to the complex case ? It may be said 
 a snare is then on the entry, when that consideration of the 
 prophet is not much regarded in the present question, Is 
 this a time for such a thing ? For the disciples to refresh 
 themselves with sleep, was a piece of innocent duty ; but 
 that they could not watch this me hour with their Master 
 in his sufferings, must needs vary the case ; for it was in 
 so far a deserting him* 
 
 10. I shall further add* is not this a sad appearance of 
 some public snare getting advantage, which is witnessed by 
 a previous disposition, and that prevalence private engage- 
 ments to an autward interest hath upon men's spirits ? For 
 a snare enters not without a call, and finds within, its 
 greatest strength and advantage ; yea, a conformity to the 
 world, with an insensible wearing out of soul tenderness, 
 is too oft known to have a tendency for conforming to an 
 evil course. For the motion is then down the hill ; and 
 there is cause to fear, the snare will follow in there, and lie 
 about that interest, which otherwise hath got the mastery 
 over them. How many in embracing the world, have af 
 the next step fallen off from the truth ? No weapon hath 
 been more made use of against the church, and hath ruin- 
 ed more : so that it may be said, where other snares have 
 killed their thousands, this its ten thousands. I must say, 
 such an appearance in a time of the church's trial is like 
 the breaking forth of her gray hairs ; nor is it easy for those 
 to stand, or resist, who are so far gone backward, or keep 
 their feet before a snare, where the truth ceaseth to get a 
 command over their heart. 
 
 A fourth particular, which calls for a serious inquiry, 
 from those who know the time, and are wise to discern the 
 same, is this, What can the righteous do ? when there is a 
 growing darkness on the church, and the very foundations 
 like to be shaken : yea, the hearts of many so far down, 
 
 A A A 
 
336 Appendix. 
 
 that they are like to lose their hand therewith, in the mat- 
 ter of duty, and give over, as men astonished, seeing this 
 evil is from the Lord, It is no small thing, to manage well 
 such a time of the church's trial, and in so sharp a storm 
 there is need of much ballast ; but we know, the scripture 
 of God is near, which stands good for his people's con- 
 duct, to let them know how to steer their course in the 
 darkest night, and from that blessed record there is one 
 thing clearly held forth to answer such a time, which is a 
 great duty ; Let the righteous hold on his way, and he who 
 hath clean hands wax stronger and stronger, Job xvii. 9. 
 For it is sure, they have cause and solid ground for this, 
 though the earth should in a more strange manner reel, and 
 the pillars thereof seem to be dissolved : since it is certain 
 and true, 
 
 (1.) That all is well, and^ nothing can fall wrong, whilst 
 the foundation of God, which is his eternal counsel held 
 forth in the scripture, abides sure. Though other founda- 
 tions be shaken, the godly man does then lie at a safe anchor, 
 which will not drive in a stormy day : his great interest is 
 beyond hazard, though more than an immortal soul were 
 in that adventure : his heaven is sure, whereof he cannot 
 be beguiled, whilst things upon the earth seem most uncer- 
 tain ; and must it not then be well with the church, were 
 it even sinking into the grave, since the Mediator will 
 bring it up again ? Men's evil eye cannot hurt, nor their 
 cursing biast that interest, which God hath blessed. For 
 it is then sure, there is no enchantment against Jacob, nor 
 divination against Israel. 
 
 (2.) Is not the truth, and the great interest of godliness, 
 that to a christian, and in such a manner known to him, 
 that it needs no testimony from men, or incitement from ex- 
 ample of others ? For to these it commends itself, and 
 does witness its reality, though by all the generation 
 amongst whom they live, it should be cried down. It is 
 sure, to be a christian indeed, requires this, to know the 
 truth, and be founded on such a ground, that can support 
 and quiet the soul in the greatest falling off of others, though 
 none else were to walk in that way ; that if it were suppos- 
 ed, one serious christian in such an age were in the whole 
 world, and thus left alone, there is so great a discovery and 
 certainty of the truth to be known upon the soul, as should 
 oblige him to such a declaration with Joshua, But as for 
 { will seme the Lord. O to see a generation of men of 
 siich mettle, who with resolute peremptoriness would for- 
 uikc ail men, and follow the -Lord, and serve him without 
 -nmpany, if better might not be : we might by the hand of 
 
Appendix. 387 
 
 such expect to be led through Jordan, after our Moseses 
 are dead, by whom we were led through the Red sea : but 
 alas, where are they ! 
 
 (3.) Have not those ground in the darkest time to be 
 confirmed, who may see cause to improve the most shaking 
 things, which fall out in their day, for their further estab- 
 lishment ; and strengthen their hand in the way of the 
 Lord, by those dispensations at which many stumble ? It 
 is strange, to observe what a challenge and upcast sonie 
 have in their reflecting on the truth, on those grounds which 
 in their conscience they must admit to be a convincing wit- 
 ness thereto. But having at some length elsewhere touch- 
 ed this, I shall but add these few things more, which as ev- 
 ident grounds of establishment in the way of tl*e Lord, and 
 for our further strengthening therein, should be improved, 
 which yet are an usual challenge by many against the same. 
 
 First, That ,the number seems so small, who follow the 
 truth, and are found serious in the study of godliness, can 
 be no ground to question this, without a strange mistake ; 
 since men must either quit the scripture, or admit, the way 
 to life is strait, and few enter therein : yea, that the small 
 convoy the truth hath in the world is an express verifica- 
 tion of it. Is there the least warrant, to make the suffrage 
 of* the multitude a test of the way of the Lord ? But it is 
 sure, we can <hew them the contrary, that his followers are 
 a select number, chosen out of the world, the great bulk 
 whereof is outlawed, and put out of the intercession of the 
 Mediator; eke the scripture could not be fulfilled. And 
 is not the falling of many from the truth a great seal there- 
 to, no less than the incoming of others r and that excellent 
 way of holiness, the more discernibly known by such a 
 character, that it is every where spoken against ? 
 
 2. That so great contempt and reproach does this day at- 
 tend the truth and practice of godliness, should prejudice 
 none thereat : but be a further ground of strengthening, to 
 help the christian to hold on his way ; since it is nothing- 
 else but what is foretold, and what the most excellent of 
 the earth in their time have met with, to be accounted the 
 filth and off scouring of the world. In no age hath the truth 
 wanted such an assault, and in no age hath it wanted a tri- 
 umph over the same : yea, hath not the greatest reproach- 
 er sometimes been forced to give in his retraction, and 
 make earnest of that which before he scoffed at ? When 
 Gon comes near by a stroke of his judgment, then do the 
 proud change their style ; and speak in another language, 
 upon the awful appearance of death. But this also doth 
 witness, what a marvellous tiling religion is, which with 
 
3S8 Appendix. 
 
 those who know it, loseth no weight, when under the great- 
 est cloud of detraction and contempt ; for then is Christ 
 still precious \ and his way desirable, unto those who believe. 
 
 3. That sentence is not speedily executed against an evil 
 course, we see what improvement the world makes thereof, 
 to be more desperately wicked : but is not this also a seal 
 and confirmation of the truth ? and a ground for establish- 
 vient in the way of the Lord, which verifies the scripture, 
 Eccles. viii. 11. And it is there men may see, a short re- 
 prieve from punishment is no pardon, or acquittance, 
 whilst sin runs on to an after account ; that judgment de- 
 ferred, when therewith a further hardening appears, doth 
 threaten more, than a quick and present dispatch ; and 
 shews, the stroke will be the greater, when it comes. 
 Surely if this fell not out, whereof the world takes such ad- 
 vantage, it might in so far put us to question the truth, of 
 which one syllable must not fail to the ground. 
 
 4. So great an abounding of profanity and ungodliness 
 within the church, is it not an undeniable seal to the verity 
 of the scriptures which thus takes place, and should help 
 the godly man to hold on his way ? it being unanswerably 
 clear, there could be no darkness, if there vvere not such a 
 thing as light ; or folly, if there were no wisdom : and is 
 not excellent holiness thus evidently made known in its op- 
 posite, to which there could be no contrariety, if itself were 
 not most real, 
 
 5. That the truth seems so much entangled in a confu- 
 sion of contrary doctrines, and we see it without ceasing 
 pursued by error, and the assault of those adversaries, who 
 in every age are seeking to darken the same, can be no 
 ground of prejudice and shaking, without a strange mis- 
 take : but should strengthen the godly in their way, and 
 help them to wax stronger, who have the scripture thus 
 so expressly fulfilled before their eyes. It is sure, the 
 Lord hath made his way plain, nor does that blessed record 
 give any ground to turn aside u.nto crooked paths : for those 
 are clouds of men's own creating, which have such a ten- 
 dency to darken the same. But we see truth in all ages 
 waited on by error, which (with any brighter discovery 
 thereof) breaks out like a thick fog ; though these can nev- 
 er unite, no more than gold and clay can join together: and 
 it is clear, the notion of error were inconceivable, if the 
 truth had not a certainty and real being ; nor doth it con^ 
 flict with such an adversary, but for its further triumph. 
 Oh if the solid persuasion of the scripture were in earnest 
 pursued, and men's souls once brought under the power 
 aud authority of the truth, as that which is the word and tes- 
 
Appendix. 389 
 
 timony of the Irving God, it would prove a more effectual 
 cure to so dreadful a distemper of the church, than all the 
 disputes of the time ; which are of special use also. May 
 not atheism be found, upon a serious inquiry, the great rise 
 of error, and of men's bold adventuring to make the scrip- 
 ture of God a sport of their invention, to make it subservi- 
 ent to their interest, and run after such a bias ? And should 
 it not be for a lamentation, that a humble serious inquiry 
 after the truth, under an awful impression of that God 
 whose word it is, is this day so rare a thing in the world ? 
 Now this being so sharp a trial of the church, and one of 
 those things whereat many pretend to be most shaken, 
 though I have in another part touched it a little, I would add 
 further some few remarks, how clearand express a confir- 
 mation of the word even this is, which should more fix 
 and establish those who love the truth. (1.) It is mani- 
 fest, that no error or corrupt doctrine assaults the church, 
 but is in such a manner pointed forth, yea, by so express 
 an opposition thereto, in the scripture, that we may see a 
 prophetical forewarning thereof, and of men's endeavour 
 to corrupt and darken such a piece of the truth. It is sure, 
 the word is written, and in a special way directed to every 
 time of the church, and to all her after trials and assaults 
 is peculiarly suited, by him who knew and did foresee 
 what opposition his truth in after ages should meet with : 
 and in this marvellous record men may clearly see (if 
 there were such a serious inquiry) that there is no poison 
 or corruption in doctrine, which infests the church, but 
 hath its proper antidote there provided. I must here as 
 to one particular instance say, if I were not persuaded of a 
 determined species of governmciitfor the church under the 
 New Testament (which is clear in the scripture holding 
 forth its constitution to be aristocratic, with a parity 
 amongst the officers of Jesus Christ in the administration 
 of their power, and a subordination of the lesser parts to 
 the greater) I could not shun so clear a remark, of that ex T 
 press prohibition of any disparity and lordly prelacy in his 
 house ; yea, how manifestly the all seeing God, when he 
 was about to found the christian church, doth point in 
 such plain terms as this, that we may there read a very di- 
 rect prediction of that ruin and prejudice, it would on this 
 account sustain in after times. I speak this on no particu- 
 lar interest, or from bitterness and prejudice at the persons 
 of any, but have confidence to say, it is from the awe and 
 persuasion of the truth. Sure, on politic grounds and 
 with respect to an outward interest, it is easy to judge, 
 that way wants not a persuading bait ; if something great- 
 
390 Appendix, . 
 
 -cr were not. to preponderate, and a destroying hook did not 
 wait thereon, which should make the purchase too dear, 
 at the rate of denying Jesus Christ in a piece of his truth, 
 when a confession thereof is called for before men. (2.) 
 Do we nor see even in those things, which in that marvel- 
 lous depth of error and delusion on men's souls seem most 
 strange, the scripture thence most exactly confirmed, and 
 in that power and energy which attends it, and is to many 
 matter of astonishment, may discern how these clouds are 
 carried about with a tempest (2 Pet. ii. 17. ) and driven on 
 by a judicial stroke. And though it is amazing to see at 
 what a rate many are this way turned mad, with a discern- 
 ible bewitching of their judgment, and a besotting into 
 most strange and absurd extravagancies ; yea, how tena- 
 cious and^ violent in their way, when silenced with the 
 clearest discoveries of the truth ; yet is not this also wit- 
 nessed, there is a righteous God giving up to strong delu- 
 sion, in which Satan is let loose With a remarkable power 
 to deceive. 2 Thcs. ii. 12 . O how dreadful is that stroke 
 which is inflicted on the judgment and reason, which in 
 some respect we may say is greater than that which is on 
 the affections ! (3.) Find we not the scripture by a clear 
 prophetical discovery points at that influence human au- 
 thority, and the patrociny of such, who have a name and 
 repute in the church, should have on the corrupting the 
 doctrine thereof ? And therefore does the Holy Ghost so 
 particularly guard against the same, and oppose the author- 
 ity of the written word to the highest pretences of any par- 
 ty ; that here an apostle must not be admitted, or have 
 credit, to the truth's prejudice ; not an angel, yea, not a 
 voice from heaven, may oppose itself to this more sure testi- 
 viony of God in his word. (4.) Is it not here even in that 
 great depth of error we see this truth take place, deceiving 
 and being deceived; how strangely these meet, and by a 
 marvellous stroke men's judgment made captive to their 
 will, and their deliberate acting to deceive others have the 
 same effect on themselves. (5.) Thus also is the scripture 
 made out, where we see how hardk is for men to fix, in 
 such a way ; or find land, when they are once carried off 
 the truth, and do launch out in that horrid gulf of error : 
 but- seducers wax worse and worse. 
 
 Inference V. The truth of God revealed in the scripture 
 is in its i?n-port not more marvellous and great, than we 
 may say is clear and obvious in the evidence of its verifica- 
 tion: which hath every where such a witness, that there 
 can be no escape from this discovery, but if men will not 
 receive its testimony, they must have it forced on them as 
 
Appendix. 391 
 
 fhcir torment. For it is here invention doth fail, and poli- 
 tics are found too weak, to ward off some impression of 
 that, which with an awful appearance and authority does 
 justify itself to the conscience, without their consent ; nor 
 can this secure them from that lash of inward terror, which" 
 will make these tremble alone, when they seem to have 
 confidence before others \ but this advantage the truth hath 
 of her adversaries, that even atheism must bear a %vitness 
 thereto, and against itself ; which if men would but weigh 
 in the balance of sober reason, it should appear a sufficient 
 antidote against its own poison, and a great seal to the 
 scripture, which would want a special confirmation, if it 
 wanted such an adversary. Now to clear it a little more, 
 and thus shut up what hath been on this subject held forth, 
 I must in behalf of the glorious truth of God (which in ail 
 ages of the church did never want some, discovery ot'its ac- 
 complishment) attest the reproacbers of this time, who are 
 so much at work to challenge his unspotted way, and call 
 in question his faithfulness, to the weakening of the assent 
 of many thereto, and do appeal them to that tribunal which 
 the great God hath placed in the conscience, if they can 
 without doing violence thereto, and putting out the eye of 
 reason, withstand the clear evidences of divine truth, and 
 the certainty of its performance. About which these few 
 tilings I shall here add, 
 
 (1.) If it be the great pret vgative of God, and to him 
 alone belongs to declare things from the beginning to the 
 end, and hold forth the various and most remarkable events 
 which should fall out within time, with their proper cir- 
 cumstances, yea, to discover the great revolutions of the 
 world through all the ages thereof, when second causes in 
 their remotest tendency thereto could noi be discerned ; 
 is not this then clear and undeniably true of the scripture ? 
 (2.) As to sure and e*xact performance of the same, I must 
 make that -challenge and attestation, which that great ser- 
 vant of the Lord Joshua did in such a case (Josh, xxiii. 
 14.) if any thing 'bath hitherto failed, of all which the 
 Lord hath spoken in the scripture ! or if men can instance, 
 what special prediction or promise (which to this day 
 should have taken place in the season thereof) hath miscar- 
 ried, or turned abortive ; what truth wants its seal and 
 confirmation ; yea, what step of providence can you point 
 at, which does not qiiadrate and marvellously accord with 
 meuiord? I challenge an instance. But this, I am sure, 
 men must see, there are such things fallen out in the event, 
 that are particularly foretold in the scripture ; so strange 
 and marvellous, that in an ordinary way none could have 
 
$$2 appendix. 
 
 believed, which they now see with their own eyes, (3.) 
 Do you not see the written word as a bright lantern attend 
 the church, from the very porch and entry of time in all her 
 journey ; and evidently point at the remarkable times and 
 revolutions of her case, which have now in a great part 
 gone over her head ? Yea, is it not demonstratively clear ^ 
 that the sun doth not more truly shine on this terrestrial 
 globe, than the scripture shineth, and doth illuminate the 
 whole frame and structure of Providence : and in all those 
 strange parts which are acted in the world, most certainly 
 takes place ; that there is none can walk at random, or by 
 his own counsel direct and stear his course ! But though it 
 is marvellous, it is sure also, that the innumerable millions 
 of men, who are this day upon earth, in all their various 
 motions, are at present fulfilling the determined counsel of 
 God; and their actings (whatever they design therein) must 
 be concentric with his great end, norout of that boundscan 
 they possibly move. (4.) I must attest the world, if they 
 do not see, this way of godliness, which seems to day to be 
 every where spoken against, to be that good and old way, 
 in which are the footsteps of the saints to be found since the 
 beginning ; and that it is no new light now broke out in 
 the world : but it is clear, through all ages past there hath 
 not wanted a continued succession of these, who in this re- 
 proached way did serve the God of their fathers ; and have 
 sealed the truth, which now, from one time to another, we 
 find still delivered off their hands, to the present gener- 
 ation. And I here challenge the greatest atheists, f 
 which of the saints can they turn, or whom can they in- 
 stance of that blessed company, since there was a church 
 in the earth, who could never contradict this, or bear anoth- 
 er witness ! (£.) Must you not confess, there is no such 
 deep in the heart of man, or so close and subtile a convoy of 
 wickedness there, which is not found out m the scripture, 
 and there pointed at ; and that none can get themselves 
 hid, or get beyond the reach of this, in those things which 
 they are sure the observing world could never know : but 
 the most secret haunts of their soul are unveiled, which 
 from their dearest friend they have concealed. (6.) Can 
 this demonstration of the scripture, and so manifest a wit- 
 ness thereto be denied, that whilst man is a free agent in 
 his actions, and doth therein act spontaneously, he hath 
 notwithstanding of this in his own breast both a judge, and 
 accuser ; which, though within him, doth without his con- 
 sent exercise a power over him, and such an authority 
 which he would, yet cannot decline ? (7.) I dare attest, 
 the conscience of men, who are themselves strangers i& 
 
Appendix. 393 
 
 the way Of Goc, if they can so far shut their eyes, but they 
 must see that serious godliness is a marvellous thing, and 
 that there is something here above nature, which by its ef- 
 fects on others, may shew a divine spirit and power ; that, 
 wherever it comes, makes so great a change, and one to ex- 
 ceed another most discernibly, though of the same parts ; 
 that suits and does accommodate itself to the various con- 
 ditions and employments of men ; it puts a special honour 
 on the greatest prince, and does instruct the wise and pru- 
 dentj yet will it lodge with the poorest artificer in his shop, 
 or labouring man in the field ! And does it not also ap- 
 pear, that here must be a native motion unconstrained and 
 from inward principles, when on outward grounds there is 
 not the least incitement ; which shews it is a living thing, 
 that hath its discernible languishing and wearing out, and 
 its more vigorous actings, as well as any living man ! It is 
 strange, the report of this is not matter of astonishment ; 
 to bring men once to question, if such an account as others 
 give of this marvellous thing (religion J can be true ; how 
 it is here, the christian's joy is sown by weeping, and his 
 tears the seed whencegladness of heart-breaks forth ; how 
 sweet that rest is, which is found in his work and labour ; 
 and with his sowing to the spirit \ the harvest then begins, 
 in a present reaping : and his laying forth himself, with a 
 giving of the heart unto God, does enrich the giver by 
 such a gift : yea, that here men should differ so much 
 when alone with God and brought near him, from what 
 they are at other times ; and in those retirements of their 
 suul, have that discovery and conception of the truth, 
 which is not to be found in turning over the voluminous 
 tractates of the greatest writers. (.8.) If men have any se- 
 rious reflection, and do not shut up the bible, can they 
 shun this remark thereof ? How well it answers the various 
 successions of time, and so marvellous a variety of things, 
 that are so many ages distant from other ; yea, that all 
 along there is a gradual discovery, and breaking outof the 
 gospel, in the several times of the church ; where it is easy 
 to discern the antiquity of this excellent record, and so 
 great a distance of time betwixt the penmen thereof, yet in 
 its composure is one entire piece, so connex and closely 
 knit together, that men may see the same spirit ^ in the 
 whole, and in each part thereof, moving and carrying for- 
 ward one great design ! (9.) I shall but further add, if re- 
 ligion hath a being and reality, which men cannot lose the 
 sense of, and deny, without falling so far below reason, in- 
 to the condition of the beasts, must there not be a rule al- 
 so ? For it is easy to judge, ia what a strange andmon- 
 itl 
 
394 Appendix. 
 
 strOus shape this would appear, were it left to the choice 
 and arbitrement of men. Now let the most professed athe- 
 ists turn their eyes through the whole earth, and in a calm 
 and sober composure of spirit but judge, if there be any 
 thing more absurd \ and to astonishment irrational, than 
 that face and appearance, which religion hath amongst 
 those where this excellent rule of the scripture is not own- 
 ed. Yea, could these subject themselves to such extrava- 
 gancies, and therein turn so mad, without a divine stroke 
 on their Judgment and reason, which the righteous God, In 
 verification of his wordy inflicts on such as do even shut 
 their ears from the report of the truth, the sound whereof 
 goes forth through the -earth J And here I challenge men, 
 though strangers themselves to serious religion, if at a dis- 
 tance it doth not appear, how great a difference there is be- 
 twixt those parts of the world, where the gospel shines in its 
 power, and the rest of the nations. 
 
Doddridge s Family Expositor, 
 
 PROPOSALS, 
 by S. ETHERIDGE, for PUBLISHING by 
 
 SUBSCRIPTION, 
 
 THE 
 
 FAMILY EXPOSITOR. 
 
 OR 
 
 4 PARAPHRASE AND VERSION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 New Testament; 
 
 WITH CRITICAL NOTES, 
 AND A PRACTICAL IMPROVEMENT OF EACH SECTION, 
 
 CONTAINING THE 
 
 fflSTORT OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, 
 AS RECORDED BY THE FOUR EVANGELISTS. 
 
 DISPOSED IN THE ORDER OF AN HARMONY, 
 
 By P. DODDRIDGE, D. D. 
 FROM THE EIGHTH LONDON EDITION. 
 
 TO WHICH IS BREFIXED, 
 
 A LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, 
 
 By ANDREW KIPPIS, D. D. F. R. S. and S. A. 
 
 ClFthe numberless Divines, who, by their admirable 
 works, have promoted the cause of Christianity, it may be 
 questioned, if any have excelled Dr. Doddridge. His 
 mind was enriched with all the stores of ancient and mod- 
 
crn literature, whence his piety, though always fervent, 
 never "degenerates into enthusiasm. Aware that learning 
 was the best substitute for that inspiration, whieh ceased 
 with the Apostles, he early studied with diligence, the 
 Greek and Roman classics, and exercised his critical tal- 
 ents on Homer, as preparatory to the profound investiga- 
 tion of the Holy Scriptures. Though correct and ortho- 
 dox in his own faith, he was charitable toward those who 
 dissented from him. He was beloved and respected by 
 Christians of all denominations j by his own countrymeri 
 and by foreigners, by the wealthy and the poor, by the 
 Episcopalian and the Dissenter, by the mitred dignitary 
 and the village curate ,' such was the mildness of his spirit, 
 the fervor of his piety, and the extent of his knowledge. 
 His valuable works have been translated into most Euro- 
 pean languages, and been admired m proportion as they 
 have been read. 
 
 Among these, the Family Expositor holds a distin- 
 guished rank ; the proposed edition of which, the Editor 
 flatters himself, will receive the same extensive patronage, 
 from the American public, as he has already experienced 
 in his publication of Ortoi^s Exposition. An interesting 
 biography of Dr. Doddridge will be prefixed to the first 
 Volume, from the able pen of the celebrated Dr. Kippis* 
 
 CONDITIONS. 
 
 1. The work shall be neatly and correctly printed on a fine wove papery 
 and a new type. 
 
 2. The work to be printed page for page with the latest London Edition y 
 to be comprised in six volumes octavo, averaging- 550 pages a volume. 
 
 3. The price to subscribers will be two dollars a volume, in boards ; to 
 be p ' '•»: on the delivery of each volume. On the delivery of the fifth 
 vol ' . he sixth to be paid for in advance. 
 
 4 'he se who procure nine subscribers, and will pay for nine sets, shall 
 receive a tenth gratis, and in that proportion for any greater number, 
 
 Cbar/cstown, Oct. 1, 1805. 
 


V 
 
 
v m i 
 
 
 *?-'■•' 
 
 9HH| 
 
 rfiW—BB 
 
 ■9 I