Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20

I. Inference.

In the first Place, hence it follows, That we have this day before our Eyes a great Seal and confirmation of the truth of the Scriptures. No miracles can seal it firmer than the events of it do, which are visible to all that will observe them. What you read in the Word, you may see every day fulfilled before your Eyes; you read, 2 Cor. 2. 15, 16. We are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish. To the one we are the savour of death unto death, and to the other the savour of life unto life. And again, Acts 28. 24. it is observed, that when ⟨p. 310⟩Paul in his lodgings had expounded and testified the Kingdom of God to the people, and persuading them to believe from morning till-evening; it is observed, I say, that some believed […] things that were spoken, and some believed not. Here you see the different, yea, contrary events of the preaching of the Gospel, according to the Scripture account of it; it quickens some, and kills others; it brings some to Faith, and leaves others still fixed in unbelief. Compare this account with what is daily before your Eyes; do you not see Souls differently influenced to contrary effects under the same word? One melting and tender, another hardened, and wholly unconcerned? Tell me, you that are apt to ascribe all to nature, how comes it to pass that men exercising reason alike, men that have the same inbred fears and hopes of things eternal, who have the same passions and affections, and are in the self same condition and state with others; yet one Mans Heart shall be wounded and go away trembling from under the self same word, which affects the other no more than if it had been preached among the Tombs to the dead that lye there? Say not, some have more courage than others, or clearer understandings, for it is most certain the Word hath convinced as rational and courageous persons as those upon whom it hath had no such effect. I doubt not but the Jailer that was cast into such tremblings and astonishment,