of_o its_o truth_n vii_o that_o herein_o have_v all_o divide_a party_n and_o sect_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v enforce_v still_o to_o meet_v and_o consent_v in_o one_fw-mi acknowledgement_n of_o the_o substance_n thereof_o viii_o that_o in_o the_o same_o light_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n about_o the_o messiah_n do_v the_o whole_a gentile_a church_n enter_v and_o make_v claim_v to_o their_o right_n for_o be_v adopt_v the_o seed_n and_o child_n of_o abraham_n on_o these_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_n give_v for_o the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n qu._n iii_o what_o confirmation_n be_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o for_o 4000_o year_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v defer_v after_o the_o promise_n ans_fw-fr though_o the_o sovereign_a pleasure_n of_o god_n shall_v silence_v and_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n herein_o yet_o be_v there_o such_o a_o sight_n to_o be_v have_v hereof_o and_o of_o insinit_fw-la divine_a wisdom_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o same_o as_o shall_v be_v most_o confirm_v for_o these_o end_n i._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o distinct_a represent_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o angel_n and_o man_n in_o such_o a_o gradual_a open_n up_o of_o the_o same_o ii_o to_o put_v that_o weight_n and_o high_a value_n on_o his_o own_o promise_n and_o testimony_n herein_o when_o on_o the_o alone_a credit_n thereof_o he_o will_v thus_o both_o try_v and_o bear_v out_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n for_o so_o many_o age_n and_o draw_v forth_o their_o desire_n and_o long_n in_o all_o that_o long_a space_n of_o time_n after_o the_o same_o iii_o to_o testify_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o sin_n and_o the_o apostasy_n of_o mankind_n by_o suffer_v the_o generality_n thereof_o to_o lie_v so_o long_o under_o its_o fatal_a effect_n iv_o to_o prepare_v the_o church_n for_o so_o great_a a_o reception_n by_o all_o that_o long_o preparatory_a service_n of_o legal_a institution_n as_o so_o high_o become_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o have_v so_o solemn_a and_o stupendous_a one_fw-mi introduction_n thereto_o v._o that_o thus_o the_o world_n may_v have_v its_o full_a trial_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o natural_a ability_n and_o of_o any_o improvement_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n for_o help_v after_o this_o have_v first_o be_v at_o the_o further_a height_n both_o in_o greece_n and_o rome_n before_o the_o alone_a redeemer_n of_o the_o church_n come_v qu._n iu._n what_o can_v offer_v further_a conviction_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n from_o its_o nature_n and_o internal_a excellency_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o essential_o good_a in_o its_o self_n then_o evident_o true_a ans_fw-fr i._o that_o its_o so_o undeniable_a even_o to_o these_o that_o live_v at_o a_o distance_n how_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n that_o though_o all_o visible_a and_o humane_a prop_n shall_v faill_n it_o can_v subsist_v by_o its_o owned_a evidence_n and_o authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o have_v thus_o ever_o preserve_v its_o station_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n ii_o that_o as_o it_o hold_v forth_o the_o most_o exquisite_a rule_n of_o perfection_n to_o follow_v so_o do_v bring_v the_o great_a relief_n to_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o these_o misery_n which_o attend_v humane_a state_n here_o so_o as_o a_o high_a glory_n do_v thus_o result_v to_o the_o holy_a god_n by_o this_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n to_o fall_v man_n then_o if_o he_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o primitive_a state_n iii_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v native_o tend_v to_o fix_v man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o communton_a with_o god_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n of_o such_o in_o their_o principle_n affection_n and_o conversation_n from_o the_o world_n iv_o that_o it_o do_v more_o bright_o shine_v forth_o in_o simplicity_n and_o truth_n and_o in_o its_o internal_a and_o vitallact_v then_o in_o any_o outward_a form_n or_o show_v yea_o in_o the_o way_n of_o self_n denial_n meekness_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n do_v such_o one_fw-mi excellency_n appear_v as_o in_o its_o owned_a nature_n have_v as_o visible_a a_o difference_n from_o the_o proud_a and_o vindictive_a spirit_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o day_n have_v from_o the_o night_n v._o how_o such_o be_v christianity_n as_o by_o no_o naked_a doctrinal_a discovery_n of_o the_o same_o to_o man_n judgement_n or_o such_o rule_n as_o any_o humane_a science_n be_v acquire_v by_o can_v be_v know_v without_o one_fw-mi inward_a power_n and_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n nor_o can_v there_o ever_o be_v a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o divinity_n until_o it_o be_v first_o ingraft_v in_o a_o divine_a heart_n so_o far_o be_v this_o mystery_n above_o all_o humane_a rule_n and_o contrivance_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o great_a opposition_n to_o any_o false_a show_n or_o hypocrisy_n yea_o bring_v such_o enforcement_n therewith_o of_o candour_n and_o truth_n and_o of_o love_n tenderness_n and_o sympathy_n towards_o other_o as_o all_o must_v see_v be_v not_o only_o the_o high_a ornament_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o the_o great_a blessing_n to_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v vii_o that_o such_o a_o native_a lustre_n and_o fragrancy_n do_v attend_v the_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a for_o humane_a be_v or_o cunning_a to_o represent_v this_o then_o to_o make_v the_o dead_a image_n of_o a_o man_n to_o live_v or_o to_o paint_v in_o a_o broad_a the_o vital_a scent_n of_o a_o violet_n or_o rose_n to_o our_o sense_n viii_o that_o in_o this_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n subdue_a man_n to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o by_o the_o power_n of_o inward_a grace_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n do_v more_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o then_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v for_o this_o end_n with_o the_o great_a outward_a majesty_n and_o attendance_n of_o angel_n to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v so_o visible_a how_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o that_o be_v without_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o place_n where_o horror_n falsehood_n and_o impiety_n do_v manifest_o reign_v qu._n v._n but_o how_o do_v you_o receive_v so_o wonderful_a a_o truth_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v when_o it_o be_v now_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o its_o first_o promulgation_n ans_fw-fr i._o that_o we_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a and_o persuade_v of_o the_o most_o visible_a and_o present_a object_n of_o sense_n then_o that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n which_o be_v still_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n whereby_o one_fw-mi innumerable_a company_n of_o all_o nation_n tongue_n and_o language_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v seal_v yea_o have_v make_v that_o change_n upon_o man_n in_o turn_v they_o from_o ungodlynesse_n and_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n as_o have_v be_v no_o less_o marvellous_a than_o the_o turn_n of_o so_o many_o wolf_n into_o lamb_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n which_o not_o only_o through_o a_o series_n of_o 16._o century_n have_v be_v attest_v but_o by_o such_o innumerable_a witness_n who_o count_v not_o their_o life_n dear_a unto_o the_o death_n for_o seal_v thereof_o and_o find_v it_o sweet_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o the_o flame_n for_o christ_n iii_o which_o in_o all_o age_n past_a have_v stand_v out_o the_o great_a opposition_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n make_v to_o any_o interest_n while_o the_o weapon_n of_o its_o warfare_n be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o carnal_a &_o with_o that_o success_n as_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n hot_a persecution_n from_o heathen_n be_v that_o period_n of_o time_n also_o of_o a_o most_o remarkable_a spread_v in_o the_o world_n iv_o that_o the_o same_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v this_o day_n which_o have_v have_v such_o discernible_a triumph_n and_o success_n when_o no_o external_a assistance_n can_v be_v see_v herein_o and_o no_o visible_a power_n by_o which_o it_o gain_v the_o most_o savage_a and_o dark_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o take_v on_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o prefer_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o most_o desirable_a object_n of_o sense_n v._o yea_o which_o have_v not_o only_o have_v such_o vital_a influence_n on_o man_n heart_n and_o practice_n to_o change_v it_o into_o the_o same_o image_n but_o that_o herein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o great_a simplicity_n have_v still_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o its_o conquest_n and_o the_o great_a attractive_a on_o man_n soul_n to_o receive_v
fit_v for_o that_o great_a end_n of_o bring_v mankind_n to_o god_n but_o for_o such_o a_o universal_a use_n herein_o as_o to_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a and_o that_o the_o poor_a may_v receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o believe_v also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mass_n of_o dead_a and_o unsense_v character_n until_o the_o romish_a clergy_n put_v a_o just_a sense_n thereon_o though_o its_o sense_n and_o meaning_n be_v the_o very_a soul_n thereof_o yea_o thus_o pass_v from_o the_o whole_a letter_n of_o the_o same_o or_o any_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n from_o intrinsic_a evidence_n and_o these_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o its_o divinity_n whereby_o the_o christian_a cause_n can_v be_v maintain_v against_o pagan_n 3._o where_o he_o must_v believe_v also_o that_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n joh._n 7_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n do_v my_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v my_o doctrine_n whither_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o that_o man_n err_v through_o not_o know_v the_o scripture_n math._n 22._o and_o yet_o believe_v therewith_o that_o these_o sacred_a fountain_n of_o light_n shall_v be_v shut_v up_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o go_v wrong_n and_o that_o the_o sole_a right_n of_o understand_v the_o same_o belong_v to_o a_o few_o but_o not_o to_o the_o multitude_n who_o yet_o can_v pretend_v no_o extraordinare_a assistance_n or_o revelation_n herein_o nor_o will_v themselves_o come_v to_o these_o water_n of_o jealousy_n to_o be_v try_v 4._o where_o he_o must_v needs_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o the_o church_n to_o give_v answer_n in_o every_o dark_a case_n rom._n 3_o 2._o the_o type_n and_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n rom._n 6.17_o unto_o who_o sentence_n in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n we_o be_v express_o refer_v is._n 8.20_o and_o yet_o believe_v also_o that_o it_o have_v no_o authority_n or_o decisive_a voice_n but_o what_o be_v precarious_a and_o dependent_a on_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o thus_o consent_v to_o have_v the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n visible_o unhinged_a of_o that_o foundation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o subject_v to_o a_o supreme_a visible_a and_o infallible_a judge_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n with_o such_o a_o claim_n of_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n dare_v never_o own_o but_o do_v full_o disclaim_v 2_o cor._n 1_o 24._o 5._o where_o he_o must_v believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v for_o this_o end_n to_o save_v lose_v man_n and_o by_o one_o offering_n have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v heb._n 10_o 18._o and_o yet_o join_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n herewith_o a_o human_a satisfaction_n for_o sin_n so_o as_o man_n may_v both_o merit_n mediate_v and_o supererogate_v above_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o themselves_o and_o be_v thus_o save_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n ascribe_v that_o only_a to_o christ_n to_o give_v salvation_n to_o their_o merit_n which_o yet_o their_o own_o intrinsic_a value_n and_o condignity_n do_v require_v as_o a_o debt_n 6._o he_o find_v not_o how_o in_o the_o same_o creed_n he_o can_v possible_o hold_v by_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n where_o a_o plurality_n for_o this_o end_n be_v admit_v and_o by_o the_o reality_n of_o christ_n human_a nature_n and_o his_o have_v a_o true_a and_o finit_a body_n which_o be_v subject_v to_o have_v a_o new_a create_v be_v each_o time_n in_o the_o consecrate_v hostia_fw-la or_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o suffering_n as_o now_o full_o accomplish_v and_o to_o be_v repeat_v no_o more_o when_o it_o be_v in_o that_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o mess_n still_o offer_v as_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a so_o as_o on_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n here_o he_o can_v find_v how_o one_o hold_v by_o these_o principle_n shall_v go_v a_o further_a length_n than_o morality_n or_o claim_v another_o stand_n then_o by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n 7._o nor_o know_v he_o how_o to_o believe_v at_o once_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n and_o infinite_a purity_n and_o yet_o join_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n herewith_o such_o a_o immunity_n and_o indulgence_n for_o man_n to_o sin_n as_o money_n can_v stand_v for_o merit_n and_o the_o rich_a have_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o large_a entrey_n to_o heaven_n and_o account_v it_o a_o privilege_n to_o destroy_v themselves_o yea_o where_o some_o external_a severity_n and_o penance_n to_o the_o flesh_n like_v to_o the_o launch_n and_o gash_v of_o baal_n priest_n be_v reckon_v enough_o to_o supply_v the_o room_n of_o christian_a mortification_n 8._o yea_o he_o find_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o believe_v that_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n can_v only_o be_v expiate_v and_o be_v his_o alone_a work_n who_o have_v purge_v our_o sin_n himself_o heb._n 1_o 3._o or_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o man_n a_o strait_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o a_o life_n and_o a_o broad_a unto_o destruction_n math._n 7_o 14._o and_o yet_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o purgatory_n after_o this_o life_n where_o man_n must_v be_v torment_v and_o suffer_v extreme_a pain_n there_o to_o expiate_v such_o venial_a sin_n as_o their_o prayer_n and_o pennance_n here_o can_v not_o do_v yea_o be_v here_o make_v to_o wonder_v how_o any_o that_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n can_v ever_o have_v true_a peace_n or_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n but_o do_v either_o take_v it_o as_o a_o fiction_n or_o forget_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v cheerful_a where_o the_o fear_n of_o such_o a_o place_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o release_n and_o how_o long_o a_o term_n it_o may_v be_v oer_o this_o purge_a work_n be_v complete_a when_o their_o own_o writer_n assign_v no_o less_o time_n then_o 10000_o year_n as_o needful_a to_o satisfy_v for_o some_o sin_n and_o lest_o it_o prove_v a_o real_a hell_n must_v still_o be_v a_o present_a terror_n nor_o can_v he_o believe_v that_o such_o possible_o do_v credit_v themselves_o herein_o who_o assume_v this_o power_n to_o change_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o dead_a since_o be_v it_o real_o believe_v that_o the_o key_n of_o such_o a_o prison_n be_v here_o in_o man_n hand_n and_o can_v by_o the_o large_a dotation_n to_o the_o romish_a church_n get_v a_o safe_a outgate_n thence_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a to_o see_v the_o temporal_a state_n of_o christendom_n in_o a_o short_a time_n make_v over_o to_o these_o and_o shall_v judge_v they_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a manner_n indeed_o privilege_v by_o the_o whole_a residue_n of_o man_n who_o by_o such_o a_o power_n over_o the_o world_n to_o come_v can_v make_v so_o easy_a a_o purchase_n over_o this_o also_o which_o be_v present_a 9_o he_o find_v &_o be_v sure_a he_o can_v never_o get_v his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n bring_v to_o such_o a_o faith_n even_o though_o he_o make_v a_o simulate_v profession_n herein_o of_o that_o pretend_a supremacy_n of_o peter_n as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n on_o which_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o structure_n of_o the_o papacy_n lean_v and_o the_o virtue_n of_o all_o the_o pardon_n and_o absolution_n found_v thereon_o on_o which_o so_o many_o have_v adventure_v into_o a_o other_o world_n except_o he_o will_v thus_o build_v on_o the_o sand_n only_o but_o not_o on_o the_o rock_n 10._o he_o find_v also_o how_o such_o a_o erection_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n in_o her_o militant_a state_n here_o as_o the_o papacy_n in_o its_o complexe_n frame_n be_v unite_v in_o such_o a_o head_n as_o the_o pope_n who_o as_o the_o sole_a vicegerent_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v at_o once_o invest_v with_o a_o civil_a monarchy_n and_o universal_a impire_n over_o the_o church_n to_o impose_v and_o judge_v in_o the_o high_a transaction_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o eternal_a state_n and_o immortal_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o right_n be_v as_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o incompatible_a therewith_o as_o mahumitanisme_n can_v be_v and_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v a_o trust_n that_o no_o create_a being_n can_v ever_o exerce_fw-la 11._o he_o see_v &_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o must_v either_o lose_v sight_n both_o of_o the_o rule_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o have_v a_o just_a abhorrence_n at_o that_o way_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v inevitable_o involve_v in_o a_o virtual_a consent_n and_o accession_n to_o all_o that_o cruelty_n and_o blood_n which_o for_o so_o many_o age_n have_v be_v shed_v therein_o when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o this_o be_v no_o exorbitance_n
of_o this_o kind_n may_v tend_v more_o to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o day_n i_o shall_v but_o add_v this_o further_a on_o the_o present_a subject_n posit_n vii_o that_o as_o there_o be_v some_o more_o signal_n period_n of_o time_n to_o which_o a_o great_a brightness_n and_o increase_n of_o light_n have_v respect_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o do_v there_o now_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o remarkable_a call_n and_o excitment_n to_o such_o a_o confirm_a work_n in_o this_o day_n about_o the_o christian_a faith_n when_o we_o may_v hope_v that_o a_o more_o solemn_a and_o restore_a time_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v on_o a_o near_a approach_n though_o all_o sensible_a evidence_n will_v seem_v to_o control_v this_o and_o may_v be_v now_o more_o look_v after_o then_o prepare_v for_o under_o any_o suitable_a impression_n of_o these_o ground_n for_o the_o same_o i._o that_o the_o promise_a time_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v assure_o draw_v near_o and_o whatever_o be_v judge_v by_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n immediate_a appearance_n herein_o by_o a_o miracle_n yet_o be_v it_o unquestionable_a that_o nothing_o in_o the_o way_n of_o mean_n can_v be_v more_o promise_a and_o hopeful_a to_o promote_v this_o great_a end_n then_o in_o promote_a so_o great_a a_o service_n as_o this_o for_o the_o christian_a church_n ii_o that_o a_o great_a extent_n also_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n amongh_v the_o gentile_n and_o rent_v of_o the_o veil_n that_o be_v now_o over_o many_o dark_a nation_n seem_v clear_o insure_v therewith_o and_o what_o a_o hopeful_a evidence_n shall_v this_o be_v if_o such_o a_o public_a and_o catholic_a spirit_n be_v more_o see_v how_o to_o advance_v the_o high_a end_n of_o religion_n on_o such_o a_o account_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o partial_a or_o divide_a interest_n yea_o that_o this_o bless_a zeal_n of_o god_n may_v in_o that_o manner_n appear_v to_o have_v the_o dark_a world_n get_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o convince_a prospect_n of_o the_o high_a rational_a demonstration_n of_o christianity_n as_o may_v through_o the_o lord_n gracious_a concurrence_n bring_v man_n once_o to_o a_o inquisitive_a and_o serious_a spirit_n about_o the_o same_o oh_o that_o such_o may_v be_v thus_o raise_v up_o in_o this_o dismal_a hour_n with_o something_o of_o that_o ancient_a spirit_n to_o travel_v with_o desire_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o of_o bless_a nehemiah_n these_o be_v indeed_o come_v to_o seek_v the_o welfare_n of_o their_o people_n in_o their_o great_a interest_n iii_o and_o this_o far_a excitment_n we_o be_v now_o under_o for_o this_o end_n in_o a_o time_n when_o popery_n seem_v to_o be_v upon_o one_o of_o its_o last_o and_o great_a assault_n against_o the_o church_n since_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a what_o ever_o tend_v to_o confirm_v man_n in_o christianity_n from_o their_o own_o trial_n and_o inquiry_n upon_o the_o confirm_a evidence_n thereof_o must_v have_v the_o same_o native_a result_n to_o make_v such_o confirm_a protestant_n yea_o nothing_o be_v more_o demonstrable_a than_o that_o the_o method_n and_o ground_n that_o be_v take_v both_o to_o engage_v and_o fix_v man_n in_o the_o popish_a profession_n have_v the_o same_o rational_a tendency_n to_o promote_v atheism_n and_o to_o give_v infidel_n the_o great_a advantage_n to_o reject_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n chapter_n ii_o the_o confirm_a work_n of_o religion_n reduce_v to_o practical_a use_n in_o some_o clear_a view_n of_o these_o primary_n ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o none_o shall_v pretend_v ignorance_n of_o who_o enter_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n upon_o choice_n and_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n section_n i._n qu._n i._n what_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n can_v you_o give_v for_o so_o great_a a_o faith_n of_o the_o glorious_a be_v of_o god_n when_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o humane_a sense_n since_o this_o be_v the_o fundation_n of_o all_o religion_n answ_n though_o on_o the_o sacred_a truth_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o own_o word_n this_o be_v principal_o found_v yet_o i_o be_o with_o the_o further_a infallible_a evidence_n herein_o confirm_v i._o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a this_o marvellous_a frame_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v a_o be_v and_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n then_o that_o a_o supreme_a infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n must_v be_v the_o first_o cause_n hereof_o and_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a it_o can_v ever_o otherwise_o have_v be_v ii_o that_o he_o have_v thus_o make_v himself_o visible_a to_o our_o eye_n by_o such_o a_o visible_a world_n and_o in_o so_o exquisite_a a_o order_n and_o correspondence_n there_o to_o support_v the_o same_o as_o nothing_o stand_v alone_o by_o itself_o but_o in_o a_o line_n of_o mutual_a respect_n which_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a creation_n who_o we_o may_v as_o clear_o thus_o see_v as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a soul_n in_o a_o live_a body_n iii_o that_o this_o harmony_n be_v among_o thingh_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o contrare_fw-la and_o destructive_a to_o other_o for_o to_o hold_v this_o wonderful_a frame_n as_o all_o must_v abandon_v reason_n or_o see_v a_o infinite_o wise_a conduct_n herein_o and_o no_o need_n of_o extraordinary_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v what_o the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o nature_n do_v witness_v iv_o that_o this_o rare_a frame_n of_o man_n can_v never_o have_v come_v in_o be_v but_o by_o he_o who_o can_v unite_v such_o different_a substance_n as_o a_o material_a body_n and_o a_o immaterial_a soul_n in_o so_o near_o and_o marvellous_a a_o union_n v._o that_o such_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n be_v in_o all_o age_n thereto_o as_o show_v religion_n to_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o as_o essential_a to_o his_o be_v as_o his_o reason_n be_v yea_o how_o the_o ultimate_a difference_n of_o man_n from_o the_o beast_n and_o most_o essential_a property_n of_o human_a nature_n lie_v here_o vi_o that_o though_o every_o one_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o what_o torment_v he_o yet_o be_v it_o never_o possible_a for_o a_o atheist_n to_o free_v himself_o from_o that_o unavoidable_a sense_n and_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n nor_o in_o a_o world_n so_o much_o lose_v in_o wickedness_n can_v ever_o extinguish_v the_o awe_n of_o religion_n or_o make_v any_o rational_a opposition_n to_o this_o great_a article_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o mankind_n vii_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o thing_n here_o be_v so_o great_a as_o without_o shut_v out_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o see_v how_o nothing_o possible_o can_v have_v be_v better_o and_o that_o any_o want_n hereof_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o universe_n will_v be_v as_o the_o dislocation_n of_o a_o joint_n of_o the_o body_n and_o be_v not_o conceivable_a to_o be_v otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n appoint_v viii_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a that_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o shall_v not_o exist_v or_o that_o this_o universe_n which_o be_v a_o work_n so_o high_o become_v the_o greatness_n of_o its_o maker_n can_v possible_o subsist_v for_o one_o hour_n or_o minute_n of_o time_n without_o a_o supreme_a independent_a power_n and_o be_v on_o which_o all_o visible_a being_n have_v their_o dependence_n since_o they_o can_v depend_v upon_o nothing_o ix_o that_o such_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o faith_n also_o of_o a_o godhead_n as_o without_o this_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n can_v not_o moral_o subsist_v or_o any_o possible_a order_n subjection_n piety_n and_o justice_n be_v to_o support_v human_a society_n but_o as_o bradwardine_n say_v o_o quam_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la hunc_fw-la esse_fw-la quem_fw-la impossibile_fw-it est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la o_o that_o man_n can_v but_o see_v these_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n on_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o profetick_a light_n and_o discovery_n as_o have_v be_v oft_o give_v of_o future_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o undeniable_a truth_n of_o miracle_n so_o as_o such_o a_o prodigy_n as_o a_o profess_a atheist_n can_v have_v no_o claim_n to_o human_a race_n as_o a_o rational_a be_v more_o than_o the_o great_a monster_n in_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o true_a man_n qu._n ii_o what_o do_v witness_v the_o world_n not_o be_v eternal_a and_o its_o first_o original_a and_o beginning_n from_o god_n to_o confirm_v your_o faith_n herein_o by_o the_o further_a rational_a demonstration_n ans_fw-fr i._o that_o as_o a_o eternity_n be_v only_o communicable_a to_o the_o first_o cause_n so_o that_o which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o corruptible_a &_o perish_a thing_n as_o this_o visible_a world_n can_v possible_o
and_o judgement_n to_o the_o same_o iii_o to_o admit_v no_o gratification_n to_o the_o most_o predominant_a desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n upon_o any_o darling_n sin_n which_o according_a to_o human_a wisdom_n will_v be_v judge_v of_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o gain_v any_o acceptance_n with_o such_o yea_o to_o give_v no_o partial_a respect_n to_o the_o great_a princess_n more_o than_o to_o the_o mean_a iv_o to_o pursue_v its_o interest_n by_o so_o plain_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n with_o the_o whole_a ignominy_n thereof_o when_o nothing_o can_v more_o evident_o control_v such_o a_o end_n by_o any_o rule_n of_o human_a wisdom_n and_o policy_n if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o possible_a access_n to_o consult_v flesh_n and_o blood_n herein_o v._o and_o its_o sure_a there_o can_v be_v no_o design_n without_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n to_o plead_v the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n with_o man_n by_o insert_v affliction_n and_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o first_o entry_n as_o essential_a to_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o necessity_n of_o take_v on_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n without_o which_o none_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n qu._n iu._n but_o wherein_o do_v the_o evidence_n of_o that_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n most_o clear_o appear_v in_o the_o love_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n amongh_v themselves_o which_o we_o find_v christ_n do_v so_o special_o press_v for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o world_n may_v know_v and_o have_v such_o a_o visible_a seal_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n joh._n 17_o 21._o answ_n the_o greatness_n of_o this_o demonstration_n may_v be_v thus_o evident_a to_o all_o i._o that_o its_o so_o clear_o demonstrative_a of_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o bitterness_n strife_n recrimination_n or_o such_o indecency_n of_o heat_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v these_o fatal_a effect_n of_o discord_n in_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o let_v we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n ii_o that_o thus_o also_o we_o may_v know_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n upon_o man_n heart_n in_o subdue_a these_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n iii_o that_o this_o do_v so_o special_o tend_v to_o make_v religion_n lovely_a and_o to_o draw_v forth_o matter_n of_o praise_n and_o blessing_n to_o god_n from_o the_o world_n when_o they_o see_v such_o a_o native_a effect_n of_o christianity_n as_o this_o to_o make_v those_o who_o profess_v the_o same_o in_o that_o manner_n shine_v forth_o in_o tenderness_n humility_n and_o brotherly_a love_n so_o that_o they_o become_v as_o a_o public_a good_a and_o blessing_n to_o mankind_n in_o the_o place_n they_o be_v in_o iv_o this_o appear_v also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o union_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o among_o his_o follower_n which_o only_o a_o divine_a power_n can_v both_o frame_n and_o make_v effectual_a and_o its_o sure_a no_o human_a society_n or_o constitution_n can_v ever_o claim_v such_o a_o unity_n therein_o as_o this_o be_v where_o not_o only_a person_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n and_o of_o all_o condition_n both_o high_a and_o low_a but_o of_o the_o most_o different_a interest_n humour_n and_o divide_v circumstance_n in_o other_o thing_n do_v yet_o in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o harmony_n meet_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n v._o because_o herein_o also_o do_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n more_o eminent_o appear_v in_o secure_v this_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n under_o a_o diversity_n of_o light_n and_o judgement_n otherways_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n meekness_n and_o condescendence_n among_o his_o people_n then_o by_o impose_v the_o most_o severe_a and_o absolute_a uniformity_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o alone_a condition_n of_o christian_a communion_n qu._n v._n but_o what_o strength_n and_o evidence_n do_v this_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o bear_v in_o so_o divide_v a_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o the_o wound_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n this_o day_n be_v like_a to_o blood_n unto_o death_n answ_n whatever_o just_a cause_n be_v of_o grief_n yet_o be_v there_o none_o for_o darken_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o demonstration_n on_o these_o ground_n i._o that_o none_o can_v deny_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o entire_a unity_n amongh_v all_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o earth_n ii_o that_o no_o opposition_n which_o be_v make_v thereto_o but_o what_o have_v be_v fortolde_v as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v most_o express_o point_v at_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n iii_o because_o the_o further_a opposition_n thereto_o can_v be_v no_o more_o cause_n for_o any_o to_o stumble_v or_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o demonstration_n then_o that_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n who_o great_a design_n have_v ever_o be_v to_o divide_v and_o break_v christian_n among_o themselves_o iv_o because_o this_o union_n which_o be_v chief_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a be_v much_o great_a oft_o then_o what_o this_o way_n may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o of_o that_o kind_a as_o be_v not_o interrupt_v by_o distance_n of_o place_n or_o any_o want_n of_o local_a communion_n v._o that_o such_o a_o guard_n be_v set_v by_o the_o lord_n unto_o this_o piece_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o to_o oppose_v any_o invasion_n thereon_o that_o there_o stand_v a_o angel_n with_o a_o flame_a sword_n upon_o every_o hand_n in_o the_o command_n and_o threating_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o secure_v this_o bless_a unity_n of_o the_o saint_n amongh_v themselves_o so_o as_o none_o can_v invade_v the_o same_o but_o on_o their_o high_a peril_n of_o oppose_v that_o which_o be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o christ_n eye_n vi_o that_o its_o ever_o find_v how_o this_o demonstration_n have_v some_o clear_a evidence_n amongh_v such_o who_o be_v indeed_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o according_a to_o their_o advance_n in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v the_o more_o bright_o shine_v forth_o so_o that_o the_o near_a the_o line_n be_v to_o the_o centre_n the_o near_a also_o be_v they_o amongh_v themselves_o vii_o that_o in_o all_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o tremenduous_a markeâ—f_n â—f_z the_o judgement_n of_o god_n make_v visible_a on_o such_o who_o be_v contentious_a and_o have_v make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o cause_v division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o sow_v discord_n among_o brethren_n qu._n vi_o but_o what_o have_v the_o church_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o compense_v the_o want_n of_o that_o great_a demonstration_n by_o miracle_n and_o such_o extraordinare_a confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n answ_n i._o that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o that_o seal_n of_o martyrdom_n which_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o church_n have_v exceed_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n ii_o that_o there_o have_v be_v since_o such_o innumberable_a shine_a example_n of_o holiness_n yea_o these_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n who_o the_o world_n may_v see_v do_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n as_o sure_a as_o man_n walk_n under_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o live_a soul_n iii_o that_o we_o now_o see_v what_o a_o length_n the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v come_v and_o how_o far_o thus_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v fulfil_v which_o once_o be_v so_o contrare_fw-la to_o all_o human_a appearance_n iv_o that_o so_o sure_a and_o exact_a a_o performance_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o undeniable_a in_o the_o event_n and_o of_o such_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n which_o be_v fortolde_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o in_o a_o ordinare_fw-la way_n none_o can_v have_v believe_v what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o now_o have_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o former_a age_n the_o object_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n make_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o its_o sure_a this_o be_v such_o a_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n in_o these_o last_o time_n as_o do_v much_o exceed_v the_o great_a miracle_n which_o be_v with_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o though_o we_o may_v not_o resolve_v our_o faith_n on_o any_o extraordinare_a providence_n or_o lay_v the_o least_o weight_n hereon_o to_o support_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o doctrine_n
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christ_n come_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o the_o darkness_n be_v such_o as_o no_o moon_n or_o star_n may_v for_o many_o day_n yet_o appear_v of_o any_o visible_a sign_n of_o hope_n yet_o be_v his_o soul_n thus_o at_o rest_n whilst_o he_o can_v see_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n clear_v on_o which_o he_o have_v more_o in_o dependence_n then_o any_o adventure_n within_o time_n and_o do_v rejoice_v whatever_o miscarry_v may_v be_v of_o inferior_a end_n that_o this_o great_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v secure_v herein_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n do_v shine_v forth_o in_o the_o most_o strange_a and_o amaze_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n whereat_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v when_o they_o do_v not_o wise_o consider_v the_o same_o 4._o he_o see_v now_o likewise_o so_o high_a a_o value_n which_o the_o lord_n put_v on_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n and_o that_o the_o great_a dispensation_n whereby_o he_o deal_v with_o 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faith_n be_v both_o seek_v and_o look_v after_o 5._o it_o be_v in_o this_o rare_a study_n he_o attain_v also_o the_o great_a confirmation_n to_o his_o faith_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v desire_v within_o time_n to_o see_v now_o when_o it_o be_v so_o near_a the_o close_a thereof_o and_o after_o all_o the_o revolution_n of_o time_n past_a how_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n have_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o strength_n still_o keep_v its_o way_n straight_o and_o fix_v amid_o all_o these_o dark_a cloud_n which_o have_v be_v to_o darken_v the_o same_o and_o be_v now_o go_v its_o course_n until_o it_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a day_n yea_o thus_o to_o see_v how_o signal_o this_o present_a age_n be_v sist_v upon_o that_o same_o appeal_n and_o solemn_a testimony_n which_o as_o josua_n give_v josh._n 23_o 14._o that_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n speak_v concern_v you_o all_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v to_o you_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n have_v fail_v thereof_o and_o solomon_n do_v bear_v also_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n 1_o king_n 8_o v._n 56._o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v give_v rest_n unto_o his_o people_n israel_n according_a to_o all_o that_o he_o promise_v there_o have_v not_o fail_v one_o word_n of_o all_o his_o good_a promise_n which_o he_o promise_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n so_o be_v this_o now_o that_o great_a testimony_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o the_o high_a tribute_n of_o praise_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v give_v by_o man_n that_o this_o present_a generation_n stand_v accountable_a to_o make_v the_o same_o yea_o much_o great_a appeal_n to_o the_o world_n if_o they_o can_v instance_n one_o promise_n or_o prediction_n of_o that_o sacred_a record_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o fail_v or_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o may_v be_v this_o 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be_v thus_o also_o state_v as_o one_o who_o have_v not_o only_o attain_v a_o solid_a rest_n and_o settlment_n of_o mind_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o do_v know_v the_o pure_a genuine_a truth_n of_o christianity_n amid_o such_o high_a opposition_n betwixt_o the_o romish_a and_o reform_a church_n herein_o and_o in_o the_o 1_o place_n have_v in_o this_o manner_n sist_v himself_o upon_o such_o a_o trial_n i_o as_o one_o who_o know_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o save_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n to_o which_o god_n have_v annex_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o can_v never_o be_v divide_v against_o itself_o 2._o who_o know_v that_o within_o a_o little_a his_o religion_n will_v be_v try_v in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n where_o each_o must_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n 3._o as_o such_o who_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a indifference_n in_o the_o exterior_a profession_n of_o either_o way_n but_o that_o so_o high_a a_o contrariety_n of_o principle_n be_v in_o this_o opposition_n that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v sure_a antichristianisme_n must_v be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n 4._o yea_o who_o have_v in_o that_o abstract_n manner_n seek_v to_o state_n the_o case_n herein_o with_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o be_v come_v out_o of_o paganism_n to_o give_v a_o serious_a assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o thus_o press_v to_o join_v in_o with_o that_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v most_o exact_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o in_o the_o genuine_a and_o perspicuous_a sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o have_v seek_v to_o know_v how_o he_o can_v embrace_v the_o popish_a creed_n and_o adventure_v his_o eternal_a state_n thereon_o or_o can_v extinguish_v his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n will_v ever_o impose_v such_o a_o faith_n upon_o man_n as_o this_o be_v ay_o where_o he_o must_v abandon_v these_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n in_o the_o most_o necessare_fw-la use_n thereof_o which_o god_n have_v himself_o plant_v in_o man_n soul_n so_o as_o not_o to_o trust_v his_o own_o eye_n but_o other_o in_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o eternal_a state_n and_o with_o his_o own_o consent_n be_v shut_v out_o from_o all_o proper_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o religion_n yea_o account_v a_o blind_a and_o unlimited_a obedience_n to_o man_n among_o the_o high_a excellency_n of_o say_v 2._o where_o he_o must_v at_o once_o believe_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v not_o only_o