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he_o anent_o the_o same_o his_o answer_n be_v absit_fw-la miht_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—_o aliquo_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o domino_fw-la deo_fw-la meo_fw-la now_o beside_o these_o great_a man_n many_o other_o who_o at_o that_o time_n do_v shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v here_o also_o mention_v who_o be_v indeed_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n eminent_o zealous_a and_o faithful_a and_o their_o ministry_n follow_v with_o much_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n such_o as_o mr_n andrew_n melâ—â—ne_n of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v he_o have_v the_o face_n of_o a_o lion_n in_o his_o master_n cause_n and_o fear_v not_o to_o speak_v before_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n when_o the_o truth_n call_v for_o it_o likewise_o his_o nevoy_n mr_n james_n melvine_n that_o holy_a grave_n and_o prudent_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr._n andrew_n dunkan_n mr_n john_n scringer_n mr_n chartes_n fereâ—â—â—_n mr._n james_n balfure_n etc._n etc._n one_o passage_n i_o shall_v here_o â—et_v down_o worthy_a of_o a_o remark_n of_o mr_n andrew_n melvine_n who_o be_v prisoner_n in_o the_o tower_n a_o gentleman_n of_o his_o acquaintance_n get_v access_n to_o visit_v he_o but_o find_v he_o in_o a_o sad_a and_o deep_a muse_n anent_o the_o defection_n of_o many_o minister_n in_o scotland_n and_o do_v deplore_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n there_o have_v late_o get_v a_o account_n of_o their_o way_n at_o that_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1610._o where_o the_o earl_n of_o dumbar_n have_v be_v active_a to_o corrupt_v divers_a with_o money_n this_o gentleman_n desire_v to_o know_v what_o word_n he_o have_v for_o his_o own_o country_n get_v no_o answer_n but_o upon_o a_o second_o enquiry_n he_o say_v i_o have_v no_o word_n to_o send_v
say_v they_o be_v bad_a casuit_n and_o have_v little_a respect_n to_o the_o church_n edification_n who_o make_v it_o their_o work_n not_o so_o much_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n as_o to_o show_v they_o quam_fw-la prope_fw-la ad_fw-la peccatum_fw-la sine_fw-la peccato_fw-la accedere_fw-la liceat_fw-la o_o what_o a_o become_a fear_n be_v that_o not_o to_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o to_o grieve_v the_o weak_a or_o confirm_v such_o who_o use_v to_o found_v their_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o same_o 2._o this_o excellent_a study_n of_o christian_a prudence_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o man_n take_v offence_n as_o well_o as_o their_o give_v it_o to_o our_o be_v sober_a in_o judge_v in_o personal_a reflection_n to_o cover_v and_o hide_v the_o infirmity_n of_o other_o rather_o then_o spread_v they_o even_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n yea_o to_o shut_v as_o it_o be_v our_o eye_n and_o cast_v a_o mantle_n on_o their_o nakedness_n who_o overtake_v with_o the_o violence_n of_o some_o temptation_n may_v yet_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n but_o especial_o this_o shall_v press_v we_o to_o a_o watchful_a regard_n of_o any_o breach_n and_o rend_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o study_v a_o heal_a spirit_n so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a without_o prejudice_n to_o truth_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o a_o concern_v piece_n of_o christian_a prudence_n how_o to_o walk_v wise_o towards_o these_o who_o be_v without_o when_o prejudice_n against_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v now_o in_o such_o a_o growth_n to_o study_v how_o we_o may_v convince_v gain_v ground_n and_o by_o christianly_o prudent_a and_o tender_a carriage_n conciliat_fw-la respect_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o thus_o commend_v holiness_n and_o these_o who_o profess_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o study_v that_o rule_n of_o expediency_n much_o in_o thing_n of_o themselves_o warrantable_a what_o fitness_n and_o advantage_n present_a circumstance_n may_v offer_v or_o deny_v for_o edification_n and_o promote_a that_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o our_o converse_n with_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o cease_v to_o trouble_v you_o further_o only_o will_v premit_fw-la some_o few_o thing_n with_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o follow_a essay_n 1._o shall_v we_o not_o with_o wonder_n and_o astonishment_n look_v on_o this_o great_a record_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v to_o man_n yea_o do_v as_o certain_o communicate_v his_o counsel_n and_o mind_n we_o may_v say_v more_o certain_o then_o if_o we_o have_v a_o immediate_a audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n o_o can_v we_o have_v such_o ordinary_a thought_n of_o this_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o near_o god_n come_v therein_o to_o we_o i_o think_v if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n though_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n where_o man_n may_v go_v and_o get_v a_o look_n of_o so_o wonderful_a and_o important_a a_o thing_n as_o god_n express_v will_n write_v and_o send_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o earth_n anent_o our_o duty_n here_o and_o blessedness_n for_o ever_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v it_o worth_a our_o cross_v the_o sea_n and_o of_o the_o great_a expense_n of_o time_n or_o labour_n it_o be_v true_o a_o wonder_n how_o we_o can_v read_v and_o consider_v the_o scripture_n without_o wonder_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o great_a concernment_n to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v such_o a_o witness_v as_o experience_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o trade_n &_o correspondence_n as_o this_o betwixt_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o word_n which_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o common_a road_n of_o the_o world_n o_o what_o a_o empty_a thing_n shall_v religion_n be_v if_o it_o have_v not_o this_o word_n experience_n in_o its_o grammar_n that_o secret_a &_o sure_a mark_n whereby_o the_o christian_a know_v the_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n how_o thus_o the_o lord_n have_v oft_o seal_v their_o instruction_n in_o a_o dark_a plunge_n how_o life_n and_o power_n inlve_a influence_n to_o the_o melt_a of_o their_o heart_n have_v oft_o try_v they_o there_o in_o a_o very_a dead_a frame_n and_o now_o they_o know_v that_o very_o god_n hear_v prayer_n now_o they_o be_v persuade_v and_o have_v learn_v by_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o comforter_n yea_o many_o can_v show_v how_o by_o the_o word_n their_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o lord_n do_v begin_v how_o some_o particular_a truth_n like_o a_o pickle_n of_o corn_n throw_v in_o at_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o great_a husbandman_n be_v make_v to_o take_v life_n and_o grow_v 3._o it_o much_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v what_o a_o excellent_a key_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o unlock_v that_o seal_a book_n of_o providence_n and_o that_o no_o other_o key_n can_v fit_v the_o same_o many_o have_v try_v another_o way_n but_o lose_v themselves_o on_o the_o search_n and_o the_o more_o they_o press_v by_o humane_a wisdom_n they_o become_v the_o more_o dark_a i_o true_o think_v there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o satisfy_a discovery_n within_o time_n than_o this_o to_o trace_v divine_a truth_n back_o until_o we_o see_v its_o first_o break_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o eternal_a decree_n and_o council_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o how_o thence_o it_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a sign_n and_o declaration_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o then_o how_o the_o word_n take_v hold_v of_o his_o work_n and_o providence_n where_o we_o may_v see_v the_o face_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n clear_o write_v out_o through_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n how_o providence_n keep_v a_o certain_a and_o steady_a course_n even_o amid_o the_o most_o perplex_a motion_n and_o reel_n of_o of_o the_o earth_n yea_o how_o all_o thing_n even_o these_o which_o will_v seem_v most_o contradictory_n run_v within_o that_o straight_a channel_n of_o the_o word_n and_o can_v go_v without_o tâ—ese_fw-mi bound_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o concern_v scripture-promise_n that_o be_v only_o touch_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n these_o which_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o a_o clear_a continue_a series_n of_o the_o church_n condition_n through_o time_n and_o show_v the_o most_o remarkable_a change_n of_o her_o lot_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o diverse_a prophecy_n and_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n the_o spirit_n do_v point_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o true_o it_o shall_v cause_v no_o mistake_n or_o prejudice_n thar_z we_o find_v several_a of_o the_o scripture_n prophecy_n express_v in_o such_o dark_a term_n since_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v it_o fit_a that_o for_o a_o time_n these_o truth_n shall_v be_v lock_v up_o and_o seal_v but_o now_o light_n have_v so_o far_o break_v up_o with_o the_o event_n as_o we_o may_v see_v how_o very_a significant_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o matter_n these_o most_o dark_a aenigmatick_a term_n be_v 5._o we_o will_v upon_o no_o account_n shut_v our_o ear_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o give_v we_o ground_n to_o wait_v that_o the_o outgoing_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o people_n in_o their_o deliverance_n and_o for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n now_o in_o these_o last_o time_n shall_v be_v very_o glorious_a yea_o by_o some_o stately_a and_o stupendous_a act_n of_o providence_n that_o he_o shall_v accomplish_v his_o judgement_n on_o antichrist_n neither_o must_v we_o take_v a_o prejudice_n at_o truth_n because_o of_o the_o wild_a fancy_n of_o many_o who_o will_v extend_v it_o beyond_o its_o bound_n or_o that_o near_a resemblance_n which_o the_o error_n of_o some_o in_o this_o time_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v thereto_o for_o that_o have_v be_v a_o old_a stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o prejudge_v the_o world_n at_o some_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o set_v up_o a_o counterfut_o thereto_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o only_o what_o account_n be_v give_v upon_o the_o close_a of_o the_o last_o argument_n of_o some_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o late_a time_n as_o herein_o the_o author_n have_v some_o confidence_n to_o profess_v he_o do_v endeavour_v what_o can_v be_v attain_v for_o certainty_n of_o the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o circumstance_n of_o these_o relation_n shall_v be_v find_v a_o mistake_n he_o dare_v say_v before_o he_o who_o be_v great_a than_o our_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n so_o he_o must_v also_o premit_fw-la the_o insert_v of_o they_o be_v upon_o no_o further_a intent_n then_o to_o be_v a_o witness_v to_o that_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n eminent_a appearance_n for_o his_o church_n in_o the_o
cause_n within_o ourselves_o we_o sow_v spare_o and_o venture_v little_a out_o therefore_o we_o have_v so_o small_a a_o increase_n their_o be_v a_o price_n for_o wisdom_n but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o fool_n who_o have_v no_o heart_n thereto_o but_o this_o not_o concern_v we_o here_o i_o only_o aim_v to_o hold_v out_o this_o that_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v give_v his_o people_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o unquestionable_a verity_n and_o have_v as_o real_a and_o sure_a performance_n in_o the_o saint_n experience_n as_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o which_o come_v most_o necessary_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o work_n and_o concurrence_n of_o natural_a cause_n as_o that_o the_o fire_n do_v burn_v when_o combustible_a matter_n be_v add_v or_o the_o sun_n rise_v after_o its_o go_v down_o for_o indeed_o this_o truth_n be_v so_o manifest_a prove_v by_o such_o innumerable_a experiment_n amid_o the_o various_a change_n of_o a_o christian_n condition_n that_o we_o may_v summon_v as_o many_o witness_n as_o have_v be_v follower_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o a_o few_o who_o in_o all_o age_n have_v put_v the_o promise_n to_o a_o essay_n and_o put_v their_o seal_n thereto_o that_o god_n be_v true_a yea_o to_o ask_v at_o such_o if_o they_o know_v whither_o there_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o scripture_n promise_n that_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v i_o think_v be_v to_o inquire_v at_o a_o live_a man_n whither_o he_o see_v and_o feel_v or_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o motion_n since_o they_o have_v as_o sure_o and_o sensible_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o one_o as_o he_o have_v of_o the_o other_o but_o ere_o i_o speak_v any_o thing_n particular_o to_o this_o i_o will_v first_o premit_fw-la some_o thing_n to_o clear_v what_o we_o understand_v here_o by_o the_o saint_n experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o we_o will_v consider_v though_o the_o scripture_n have_v here_o its_o accomplishment_n and_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a christian_a while_o on_o the_o way_n in_o his_o militant_a condition_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o promise_n of_o the_o word_n yea_o the_o great_a which_o belong_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o will_v not_o be_v fulfil_v until_o they_o have_v cast_v off_o their_o armour_n and_o be_v call_v to_o divide_v the_o spoil_n their_o experience_n of_o which_o will_v be_v the_o high_a prize_n of_o the_o call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n whereof_o all_o which_o they_o now_o enjoy_v be_v but_o a_o earnest_n 2._o we_o will_v consider_v that_o the_o great_a intent_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o promise_n thereof_o be_v not_o for_o contemplation_n but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v they_o by_o experience_n and_o drive_v a_o bless_a trade_n and_o commerce_n therewith_o the_o merchandise_n of_o which_o be_v better_a nor_o that_o of_o gold_n for_o herely_v the_o christian_n life_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o talon_n the_o promise_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o memory_n as_o in_o a_o napkin_n but_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n what_o experience_n they_o have_v gain_v thereby_o and_o thus_o the_o diligent_a hand_n shall_v make_v rich_a 3._o what_o ever_o be_v the_o different_a 'size_n and_o degree_n of_o experience_n among_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o their_o growth_n and_o age_n in_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o mean_a who_o have_v interest_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o do_v ever_o grip_v they_o in_o earnest_n and_o put_v they_o to_o trial_n must_v know_v something_o of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o samein_o their_o own_o case_n for_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o suffer_v his_o work_n in_o his_o people_n to_o want_v a_o seal_n 4._o the_o godlye_v experience_n hereof_o be_v then_o much_o make_v out_o when_o they_o be_v much_o in_o observation_n and_o we_o know_v little_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n because_o we_o be_v not_o more_o habitual_o in_o a_o frame_n to_o observe_v thus_o he_o go_v by_o and_o we_o perceive_v not_o but_o they_o never_o want_v confirmation_n who_o be_v serious_o seek_v to_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n 5._o the_o special_a mercy_n and_o providence_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n be_v a_o certain_a return_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o in_o that_o way_n do_v meet_v they_o as_o the_o proper_a channel_n of_o their_o conveyance_n for_o they_o be_v the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o how_o refreshful_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o several_a case_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o their_o outgate_n theteof_o their_o mean_a as_o well_o as_o their_o great_a necessity_n be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n and_o under_o some_o promise_n and_o be_v all_o forseen_v in_o his_o everlasting_a view_n who_o have_v so_o marvellous_o suit_v the_o same_o to_o all_o that_o his_o people_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v direct_v to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o christian_a only_o 6._o this_o help_v to_o make_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o godly_a man_n to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a and_o sweet_a relish_n and_o to_o be_v someway_o twice_o his_o mercy_n when_o he_o get_v they_o in_o so_o immediate_a a_o way_n reach_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o as_o a_o observable_a return_n from_o heaven_n when_o thus_o the_o lord_n seal_v his_o word_n to_o he_o by_o his_o work_n &_o the_o way_n of_o the_o word_n he_o find_v have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o his_o comfortable_a outgate_n that_o when_o he_o have_v have_v no_o other_o escape_n but_o to_o tuâ—n_v in_o to_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o cast_v himself_o upon_o it_o he_o gain_v this_o experience_n he_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o be_v help_v and_o can_v give_v in_o this_o testimony_n of_o he_o that_o he_o have_v both_o speak_v it_o and_o himself_o also_o have_v do_v it_o according_a to_o his_o word_n 7_o it_o be_v not_o any_o extraordinary_a thing_n we_o here_o understand_v by_o the_o christian_a man_n experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v not_o a_o rapture_n or_o revelation_n or_o such_o as_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n hauâ—_n upon_o some_o singular_a and_o special_a account_n have_v for_o we_o have_v not_o any_o promise_n for_o these_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v something_o well_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n which_o constant_o hold_v in_o the_o lord_n ordinary_a way_n of_o procedure_v with_o his_o people_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o his_o word_n do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o do_v certain_o take_v place_n in_o the_o experience_n of_o every_o serious_a and_o diligent_a christian_a 8._o this_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o few_o but_o the_o record_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n since_o the_o beginning_n who_o experience_n do_v all_o most_o harmonious_o agree_v and_o bear_v one_o witness_n that_o he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v and_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o a_o christian_a have_v find_v once_o or_o twice_o in_o his_o life_n but_o the_o daily_a food_n of_o such_o as_o live_v by_o faith_n 9_o this_o do_v put_v a_o strong_a obligation_n on_o the_o godly_a man_n to_o the_o word_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o these_o who_o have_v try_v it_o often_o may_v with_o much_o confidence_n trust_v it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o strait_n 10._o the_o experience_n which_o the_o godly_a have_v of_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v a_o most_o convince_a evidence_n of_o his_o state_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o earnest_n and_o pledge_v of_o the_o inheritance_n and_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o that_o which_o remain_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v perfect_a what_o concern_v he_o who_o have_v be_v his_o help_n hitherto_o and_o will_v be_v his_o exceed_a great_a reward_n in_o the_o end_n who_o have_v make_v he_o find_v so_o much_o of_o the_o gain_n of_o godliness_n here_o by_o the_o way_n now_o have_v premit_v these_o thing_n i_o shall_v here_o instance_n some_o particular_a promise_n where_o in_o the_o christâ—â—â—s_v most_o usual_a trade_n and_o commerce_n doth_o and_o to_o which_o they_o give_v in_o their_o seal_n and_o witness_n i_o confess_v if_o all_o these_o proof_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v have_v of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o promise_n can_v be_v gather_v together_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o that_o divine_a hyperbole_n the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v thereof_o o_o what_o a_o admirable_a volume_n what_o a_o excellent_a commentary_n and_o copy_n shall_v this_o be_v of_o the_o scripture_n to_o see_v it_o thus_o turn_v over_o into_o the_o
year_n before_o the_o fall_n of_o prelacy_n about_o the_o year_n 1628._o &_o some_o year_n thereafter_o which_o as_o many_o grave_n and_o solid_a christian_n yet_o alive_a can_v witness_v who_o be_v there_o present_a be_v a_o bright_a and_o hot_a sun-blink_a of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o may_v with_o sobriety_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o large_a manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o most_o solemn_a time_n of_o the_o downpowr_a thereof_o that_o almost_o since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v see_v where_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v sensible_o accompany_v the_o word_n with_o a_o unusual_a motion_n upon_o the_o hearer_n and_o a_o very_a great_a tack_n as_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n to_o christ_n the_o go_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o full_a of_o majesty_n and_o the_o shout_n of_o a_o king_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n of_o his_o people_n that_o as_o a_o judicious_a old_a christian_n who_o be_v there_o present_a do_v express_v it_o he_o think_v it_o be_v like_o a_o dazzle_a beam_n and_o ray_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n with_o such_o a_o unusual_a brightness_n as_o even_o force_v by_o stander_n to_o a_o astonishment_n a_o very_a â—ffectual_a door_n open_v with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a enlargement_n which_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n there_o do_v find_v in_o preach_v the_o word_n while_o the_o people_n may_v be_v see_v hear_v the_o same_o in_o a_o melt_a frame_n with_o much_o tenderness_n of_o spirit_n sure_o this_o be_v the_o very_a power_n of_o god_n a_o convince_a seal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n who_o be_v then_o persecute_v by_o the_o prelate_n yea_o â—_o thing_n which_o as_o it_o be_v know_v have_v a_o awful_a impression_n and_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o their_o adversary_n i_o remember_v among_o other_o passage_n what_o a_o worthy_a christian_a tell_v i_o how_o sometime_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n such_o a_o power_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o lord_n presence_n be_v with_o it_o that_o he_o have_v be_v force_v to_o rise_v and_o look_v through_o the_o church_n and_o see_v what_o the_o people_n be_v do_v think_v from_o what_o he_o feel_v on_o his_o own_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o any_o can_v go_v away_o without_o some_o change_n upon_o they_o and_o then_o it_o be_v sweet_a and_o easy_a for_o christian_n to_o come_v 30_o 40_o mile_n to_o these_o solemn_a communion_n which_o they_o have_v and_o there_o continue_v from_o the_o time_n they_o come_v until_o they_o return_v without_o weary_v or_o make_v use_n of_o steep_a yea_o but_o little_a of_o either_o meat_n or_o drink_v and_o as_o some_o of_o they_o profess_a do_v not_o feel_v the_o need_n thereof_o but_o go_v away_o most_o fresh_a and_o vigorous_a their_o soul_n so_o fill_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n 6._o that_o be_v also_o a_o remarkable_a time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v let_v forth_o much_o of_o the_o spirit_n on_o his_o people_n in_o the_o year_n 1638_o when_o this_o nation_n do_v solemn_o enter_v in_o convenant_n which_o many_o yet_o alive_a at_o this_o day_n do_v know_v how_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v raise_v and_o wrought_v on_o by_o the_o word_n the_o ordinance_n lively_a and_o long_v after_o for_o than_o do_v the_o nation_n own_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v visible_o own_v by_o he_o much_o zeal_n and_o a_o enlarge_a heart_n do_v appear_v for_o the_o public_a cause_n personal_a reformation_n serious_o set_v about_o and_o then_o also_o be_v there_o a_o remarkable_a gale_n of_o providence_n that_o do_v attend_v the_o act_n of_o his_o people_n which_o do_v astonish_v their_o adversary_n and_o force_v many_o of_o they_o to_o feign_v subjection_n alace_o how_o be_v our_o night_n come_v on_o for_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o anger_n cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n with_o a_o dark_a cloud_n 7._o must_v not_o we_o also_o say_v since_o the_o land_n be_v engage_v by_o covenant_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o late_a time_n what_o a_o solemn_a outletting_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v see_v a_o large_a harvest_n with_o much_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n discernible_a which_o we_o may_v say_v with_o a_o warrant_n have_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o inbr_n of_o thousand_o to_o christ_n a_o part_n whereof_o now_o be_v in_o glory_n and_o many_o yet_o live_v who_o be_v a_o visible_a seal_n to_o this_o truth_n of_o who_o i_o be_o sure_a some_o will_v not_o lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o sweet_a refresh_a time_n which_o the_o land_n for_o several_a year_n do_v enjoy_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o many_o solemn_a communion_n where_o a_o large_a blessing_n with_o much_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v feel_v accompany_v the_o ordinance_n if_o it_o be_v expedient_a to_o set_v down_o circumstance_n i_o can_v here_o point_v at_o many_o such_o remarkable_a time_n and_o place_n which_o shall_v clear_o demonstrat_fw-la this_o now_o beside_o these_o more_o public_a and_o obvious_a proof_n it_o be_v know_v what_o a_o great_a testimony_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o these_o late_a time_n can_v give_v to_o this_o truth_n what_o they_o have_v in_o a_o large_a measure_n feel_v of_o the_o power_n and_o refresh_a outletting_n of_o the_o spirit_n within_o their_o â—oul_n yea_o how_o oft_o after_o sore_a downcasting_a have_v be_v wonderful_o raise_v above_o themselves_o and_o fill_v with_o the_o consolation_n of_o god_n and_o joy_v unspeakable_a this_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o great_a volume_n to_o reckon_v over_o all_o these_o instance_n even_o these_o who_o experience_n in_o these_o last_o age_n can_v in_o a_o large_a measure_n witness_v this_o truth_n only_o to_o sâ—ut_v this_o up_o i_o shall_v name_v these_o two_o 1._o mr_n welsh_a and_o mr_n forhes_n two_o great_a witness_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o land_n when_o they_o be_v prisoner_n give_v this_o account_n of_o their_o case_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o mr_n james_n melvin_n and_o his_o uncle_n then_o at_o london_n which_o under_o the_o say_a mr_n melvins_n hand_n be_v set_v down_o in_o a_o manuscript_n of_o he_o their_o wotd_n be_v these_o dear_a brethren_n we_o dare_v say_v by_o experience_n and_o our_o god_n be_v witness_v we_o lie_v not_o that_o unspeakable_a be_v the_o joy_n that_o be_v in_o a_o free_a and_o full_a testimony_n of_o christ_n royal_a authority_n unspeakable_a be_v the_o joy_n of_o suffer_v for_o his_o kingdomed_a for_o on_o that_o truth_n be_v their_o suffering_n state_v we_o have_v never_o such_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o preach_v of_o it_o as_o we_o have_v find_v in_o suffer_v for_o the_o same_o we_o speak_v before_o in_o knowledge_n we_o now_o speak_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o in_o a_o other_o letter_n thus_o they_o say_v our_o joy_n have_v great_o abound_v since_o the_o last_o day_n which_o be_v after_o pass_a sentence_n of_o death_n on_o they_o by_o a_o assize_n at_o linlithgow_n so_o that_o we_o can_v enough_o wonder_v at_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n that_o shall_v have_v vouchafe_v such_o a_o gift_n upon_o we_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o kingdom_n in_o which_o there_o be_v joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a and_o we_o be_v rather_o in_o fear_n that_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o suffering_n be_v not_o conâ—â—nâ—â—ed_v and_o so_o we_o be_v rob_v of_o further_a consolation_n then_o that_o they_o â—hould_v increase_v sure_o there_o be_v great_a consolation_n in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n we_o thou_fw-mi not_o express_v unto_o you_o the_o joy_n which_o our_o god_n have_v cause_v abound_v in_o â—â—_o 2._o i_o shall_v also_o mention_v that_o great_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr_n rutherfoard_v who_o letter_n now_o publish_v can_v witness_v what_o solemn_a day_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o sensible_a outletting_n thereof_o he_o oft_o have_v in_o his_o experience_n though_o book_n can_v tell_v but_o little_a what_o he_o real_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v i_o shall_v only_o set_v down_o some_o of_o his_o last_o and_o die_a expression_n which_o i_o have_v from_o these_o who_o be_v then_o present_a and_o cause_v write_v down_o the_o same_o from_o his_o mouth_n that_o may_v show_v how_o lovely_a he_o also_o be_v in_o his_o death_n and_o how_o well_o that_o do_v correspond_v with_o his_o former_a life_n some_o of_o his_o word_n be_v these_o i_o shall_v shine_v i_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o all_o the_o fair_a company_n with_o he_o and_o shall_v have_v my_o large_a share_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o have_v get_v the_o victory_n and_o christ_n be_v hold_v forth_o his_o arm_n to_o embrace_v i_o i_o have_v have_v my_o fear_n and_o faint_n as_o a_o
other_o sinful_a man_n to_o be_v carry_v through_o creditable_o but_o as_o sure_a as_o ever_o he_o speak_v to_o i_o in_o his_o word_n his_o spirit_n witness_v to_o my_o heart_n say_v fear_v not_o he_o have_v accept_v my_o suffering_n and_o the_o outgate_n shall_v not_o be_v matter_n of_o prayer_n but_o of_o praise_n he_o say_v also_o thy_o word_n be_v find_v and_o i_o do_v eat_v it_o and_o it_o be_v to_o i_o the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o my_o heart_n and_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n after_o some_o faint_a he_o say_v now_o i_o feel_v i_o believe_v i_o enjoy_v i_o rejoice_v and_o turn_v to_o mr_n blair_n then_o present_v he_o say_v i_o feed_v on_o manna_n i_o have_v angel_n food_n my_o eye_n shall_v see_v my_o redeemer_n i_o know_v that_o he_o shall_v stand_v at_o the_o latter_a day_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v catch_v up_o in_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o air_n and_o afterward_o have_v these_o word_n i_o sleep_v in_o christ_n and_o when_o i_o awake_v i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v with_o his_o likeness_n o_o for_o arm_n to_o embrace_v he_o and_o to_o one_o speak_v anent_o his_o painfulness_n in_o the_o ministry_n he_o cry_v out_o iâ—disclaim_v all_o the_o port_n i_o will_v be_v in_o at_o be_v redemption_n and_o forgiveness_n if_o sin_n through_o his_o blood_n and_o thus_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o as_o it_o be_v overcome_v with_o sensible_a enjoyment_n he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n his_o last_o word_n be_v glory_n glory_n dwell_v in_o emâ—â—nuels_n land_n sixth_z witness_n be_v that_o convince_a appearance_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o apostolic_a spirit_n on_o some_o of_o these_o instrument_n who_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o in_o these_o last_o time_n and_o these_o great_a enduement_n wherewith_o they_o be_v send_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n a_o truth_n which_o we_o must_v say_v if_o not_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n yet_o have_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o in_o these_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v plant_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o enduement_n have_v be_v let_v forrh_n to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o with_o the_o first_o dawn_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v both_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n raise_v up_o it_o can_v be_v also_o deny_v that_o since_o the_o cannon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v close_v yea_o in_o these_o late_a age_n there_o have_v be_v very_o extraordinary_a man_n give_v to_o the_o church_n who_o have_v special_a revelation_n from_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o mind_n anent_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o now_o look_v after_o yet_o herein_o do_v the_o lord_n remarkable_o condescend_v when_o some_o great_a piece_n of_o service_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v more_o call_n for_o it_o and_o true_o these_o be_v lead_v in_o no_o other_o path_n then_o that_o of_o the_o word_n though_o they_o have_v a_o more_o special_a discovery_n and_o immediate_a inbrethe_n of_o god_n mind_n as_o to_o the_o application_n thereof_o in_o particular_a case_n neither_o do_v they_o press_v upon_o man_n conscience_n to_o credit_v the_o same_o but_o be_v most_o cautious_a witness_v much_o humble_a sobriety_n on_o that_o account_n it_o be_v know_v what_o extraordinary_a instrument_n how_o wonderful_o call_v and_o qualify_v luther_n zuingliuâ—_n calvine_n mr_n wishart_n and_o mr_n knox_n be_v who_o god_n send_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o grapple_v with_o antichrist_n and_o sound_v a_o retreat_n to_o his_o church_n from_o babylon_n likewise_o 〈◊〉_d beza_n bacere_fw-la and_o martyr_n with_o divers_a in_o england_n such_o as_o latimer_n ridley_n bradfoord_n etc._n etc._n who_o indeed_o be_v burn_v and_o shine_a light_n in_o their_o time_n mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n before_o which_o the_o world_n can_v not_o stand_v but_o beside_o these_o famous_a witness_n of_o who_o life_n we_o have_v something_o this_o day_n on_o public_a record_n i_o must_v here_o craveliberty_n to_o set_v down_o a_o few_o more_o more_o late_a instance_n of_o our_o own_o church_n in_o scotland_n to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n such_o as_o be_v but_o little_o know_v to_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o life_n publish_v which_o i_o think_v a_o great_a loss_n to_o after_o generation_n who_o we_o may_v say_v and_o this_o with_o a_o warrant_n and_o in_o sobriety_n be_v man_n true_o extraordinary_a eminent_o serviceable_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o of_o a_o prophetic_a and_o apostolic_a spirit_n and_o such_o who_o through_o grace_n do_v not_o even_o come_v short_a of_o the_o first_o three_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o these_o before_o mention_v but_o also_o some_o of_o these_o great_a light_n who_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n 1._o i_o shall_v instance_n mr_n john_n welsh_n who_o the_o lord_n call_v forth_o to_o the_o ministry_n at_o kirck_n cubright_a in_o galloway_n and_o afterward_o be_v transport_v to_o the_o church_n of_o a_o who_o mr_n rutherfoord_n in_o one_o of_o his_o book_n call_v that_o heavenly_a prophetical_a and_o apostolic_a man_n of_o god_n and_o show_v that_o from_o the_o witness_n of_o his_o life_n he_o have_v this_o account_n that_o of_o every_o 24_o hour_n he_o give_v usual_o eight_o to_o prayer_n if_o other_o necessary_a and_o urgent_a duty_n do_v not_o hinder_v yea_o spend_v many_o day_n and_o night_n which_o he_o set_v apart_o in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o i_o can_v also_o add_v this_o from_o very_o sure_a information_n and_o true_o anent_o any_o of_o those_o particular_n i_o serious_o study_v to_o have_v satisfy_v ground_n anent_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v his_o use_n even_o in_o the_o cold_a winter_n night_n to_o rise_v for_o prayer_n and_o oft_o time_n his_o wife_n who_o be_v a_o excellent_a woman_n have_v rise_v to_o seek_v after_o he_o where_o he_o have_v be_v find_v lie_v on_o the_o ground_n weep_v and_o wrestle_v with_o the_o lord_n yea_o sometime_o will_v have_v be_v much_o of_o the_o night_n alone_o in_o the_o church_n of_o air_n on_o that_o account_n one_o time_n especial_o his_o wife_n find_v he_o overcharge_v with_o grief_n he_o tell_v she_o he_o have_v that_o to_o press_v he_o which_o she_o have_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o 3000_o to_o answer_v for_o while_o he_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v with_o many_o of_o they_o and_o a_o other_o time_n while_o she_o find_v he_o alone_o his_o spirit_n almost_o overcharge_v with_o anguish_n and_o gry_a upon_o her_o serious_a enquiry_n say_v that_o the_o time_n which_o be_v to_o come_v on_o scotland_n be_v heavy_a and_o sad_a though_o she_o shall_v not_o see_v they_o and_o this_o for_o the_o contempt_n 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