Babylons downfall a sermon lately preached at Westminster before sundry of the honourable House…

When we do but begin a good work, God §2speaks of it as done already, Heb. 11. 17. It is said, by faith Abraham offered up Isaac; yet he did not actually offer him up, but intended it, and set him self to do it at Gods command; Exod. 4. 20. it is said, that Moses took his wife, and son, and returned to the land of Egypt; Yet he was but in the beginning of his return. When we have begun any good work for God, he speaks of it, as done altogether; therefore he having begun that great and good work for the Churches, the fall of Babylon, it is our duty also to speak of it, as if it were done already.

When wee doe but begin a good worke, God §2speaks of it as done already, Heb. 11. 17. It is said, by faith Abraham offered up Isaac; yet hee did not actually offer him up, but intended it, and set him selfe to doe it at Gods command; Exod. 4. 20. it is said, that Moses tooke his wife, and sonne, and returned to the land of Egipt; Yet hee was but in the beginning of his returne. When we have begun any good work for God, he speaks of it, as done altogether; therefore he having begun that great and good work for the Churches, the fall of Babylon, it is our duty also to speak of it, as if it were done already.

Let us therefore correct our manner of speaking.¹ If any storm or trouble arise upon the Churches, ⟨p. 32⟩we are ready to break forth into despondent conclusions, saying, God is now gone, mercy gone, the ordinances gone, we were in good hope to have seen good days, the ruin of the Churches enemies; but they do so prevail, as that we have no hope at all in this particular. But though the extremity of the Church be never so great, and the enemies never so flourishing, we ought to say, They are fallen, they are fallen.