quam necesse est hunc esse quem impossibile est non esse X. How plain is it that men cannot but see these effects of his Power on the Conscience in the Certainty of a Prophetick Light and Discovery as hath been oft given of Future things and in the undeniable Truth of Miracles so as such a Prodigy as a profest Atheist can have no claim to humane Race as a rational Being more than the greatest monster in Nature to be a true man Qu. II. Whâ—t doth witness the Worlds not being Eternal and its first Original and Beginning from God to Confirm your Faith herein by rational Demonstration Ans I. That Eternity is an Incommunicable Perfection of the first Cause and that which is made up of corruptible and perishing things as this Visible World cannot possibly be in it self Eternal nor could ever produce it self since thus it must both be and not be at the same time which is the greatest Contradiction II. That if there be such a thing now as time there can be no judging of Days Years and Ages to be Infinite or how one thing in a continued order should thus go before another without coming to some first beginning III. If there be a gradual Increase of human Learning on the Earth and a further discovery of Arts and Sciences and the greatest Experiments and Inventions have been but of a late Rise and Date then can there not possibly be an Eternal Succession of Mankind with a continued Progress and Experience this way nor can it be that but of late one part of the World is known and discovered to another IV. That so short an History as we have in the most Ancient Records of time were wholly Inconsistent with such an Eternal Duration or that Infinite Ages preceding should leave no remembrance to Posterity when so small a measure of time as a few thousand years have left so much V. Nor could men beget men Eternally without going back to some first man who could not beget himself VI. That if Eternity be preferable to time then should not the excellentest being in the Earth Man be thus corruptible and only this inanimate Mass of the Earth Eternal VII That infinite Ages past though they should have but multiplied the race of man in an Age to two or three more should have come to that at last that the whole Precinct of the Earth could not possibly bear the product of such an infinite Increase and no Wars or extraordinary Judgments were ever yet known to be such as to restrain such an unavoidable growth Qu. III. What infallible Evidence to Reason is there of a Supream Providence both in the Conservation and Government of the World for Confirming your Faith of the Scripture herein Ans I. That it is clear the support of this great frame of the Universe with that continued and regular course of nature herein is as simply impossible without an infinite Divine Power as its first Being and Creation II. That such an extent of Providence as respects so innumerable Objects with such a Contrariety both of Qualities and Passions in the same must needs be from an Infinite and Intelligent Cause III. That all things to this day continue in that established Order of second Causes wherein God hath placed them by a Law so Visibly Imprinted on the Nature of things without Reason that they do as exactly answer the same in their proper Course and Station as if they had a rational Knowledg of their Duty IV. That Universal respect the Sun in the Firmament hath to things here below though at so great a distance which doth neither cease or grow weary to send forth its beams and hidden influences to the meanest Creatures may let us clearly see how it hath the same Visible Use and End to Confirm an Incomprehensible and Infinite Providence about the meanest things as well as the greatest V. That immediate Precedency of the Soul in that lesser World of Man bears the same Evidence therewith which though we never saw with our eyes yet doth undeniably actuate the whole body in its Functions as the proper Spring of every act and Motion there VI. It is thus further confirmed by these continued vicissitudes and turns of Summer and Winter and of day and night that man might have both Light for his Labour and Darkness as a covering for his Rest VII By such Visible Discoveries of Divine Judgment and Execution of his Laws on men here as all may see his Hand therein who yet will not hear his Voice in the Word VIII By these extraordinary and wonderful Works of Providence which have been in all Ages IX By so evident a restraint both over Devils and wicked Men without which they would quickly disturb the whole frame of this Earth and make it uninhabitable for Human Society if their being thus Bounded and Chained were not as Visible as the Certainty of their Being X. By such a Natural Obligation to Moral Duties with the Sence of a difference betwixt good and evil as is founded in the very rational Nature of Man that none can possibly root out even where the Scripture is not known XI By that Natural Confidence also in God which all Men have and recourse to him on any present extream hazard to Witness not only that the most High bears Rule in the Kingdoms of men but that the Sence and Evidence hereof is unavoidable Qu. IV. But doth this great Administration of Providence about human Affairs as unchangeably appear in a diffâ—rencing betwixt the Righteous and the Wicked by some Recompence to the One and Punishment to the Other as in the established course of Nature Ans It is certain that such as desire a Confirming of their Faith herein want it not with the furthest Evidence but may ever see that exact Conformity in the whole Dispensation of Providence to the Rectitude and Perfection of the Divine Nature and how a firm belief that God is and that he is a Rewarder of them that Diligently seek him is one and the same Faith when we cannot but see I. That natural sense of good and evil and essential difference betwixt the same which is so firmly founded in the Reason of all Mankind as no human Laws or Custom could ever take this off their Conscience or make an indifference herein without extinguishing the very Nature of Man to shew that Eternal and Unchangeable difference which the Holy Nature of God hath put betwixt them II. That we see the worst of Men so constrain'd to an awful Sense and Regard of Truth and weldoing and to acknowledge the Loveliness and Excellency hereof as does make them seek their own repute by a false shew and counterfeit of the same and gives such a Being and Rise to that dreadful Imposture of Hypocrisie III. That it's the Truths Priviledge ever to outlive Falshood and prevail over the same yea to have the greater Triumph after its sorest Conflicts and how this is of
of the Passover which was the very same of the Sufferings of our blessed Lord there and pointing as with the finger at the same as also by the Romans whose Interest in their Opposition to Christ they pretended to own Qu. III. Is the way and manner of the Gospels Promulgation such as no other Profession could ever pretend to and where all may see there can be no human Interest or Contrivance in the same Ans It is undeniable that no Interest else was ever in such a way promoted and it does exceed all natural understanding how the Truth of Christianity could in this manner prevail I. To perswade men without any Motives or Inducements from this present World to imbrace a Doctrine so wholly repugnant to Nature yea to prefer an Interest of things not seen and which none ever in the Earth saw to the most desirable Objects of Sense II. To admit no implicite Reception from any but on their exactest Inquiry and Tryal herein or in another way claim an Interest in Mens Affections but by a full Assent of their Light and Judgment to the same III. To admit no Gratification to the most Predominant Desires and Inclinations of Men towards any Darling Sin which according to human Wisdom would be judged of an absolute necessity for gaining any Acceptance with such yea to give no partial respect to the greatest Princes more than to the meanest IV. To pursue its Interest by so plain a Discovery of the Death and Sufferings of our Blessed Lord with the whole Ignominy thereof when nothing could more evidently controul such an end by any Rules of human Wisdom and Policy if there had been consulting with Flesh and Blood herein V. And it 's sure there could be no design without an immediate Divine Power in such a manner to plead the Interest of Christianity with men by inserting Afflâ—ction and the Cross in the first entry as Essential to the Profession thereof and holding forth the Necessity of taking on the Yoke of Christ without which none can be his Disciples Qu. IV. But wherein doth the Evidence of that great Demonstration of the Gospel most clearly appear in the Love and Unity of Christians amongst themselves which we find Christ doth so specially press for this end that the World might know and have such a Visible Seal of his Divine Mission Joh. 17.21 Ans The greatness of this Demonstration may be thus evident to all I. That it 's so clearly demonstrative of the Purity of our Religion which can admit of no Bitterness Strife Recrimination or such Indecencies of Heat and Passion which are the fatal Effects of Discord in the Church and thus lets us see the Excellency of the Spirit and Rule of the Gospel II. That thus also we may know the Power and Efficacy of the Truth thereof which is according to Godliness upon Mens Hearts in subduing these Distempers of the Mind and Judgment III. That this doth so specially tend to make Religion Lovely and to draw forth matter of Praise and Blessing to God from the World when they see such a Native Effect of Christianity as this to make those who profess the same in that manner shine forth in Tenderness Humility and Brotherly Love so that they become as a Publick Good and Blessing to Mankind in the places they are in IV. This appears also from the Nature of that Union in the Church of Christ and amongst his Followers which only a Divine Power could both Frame and make Effectual and it 's sure that no Humane Society or Constitution could ever claim such an Unity therein as this is where not only Persons of all Nations and Languages and of all Conditions both high and low but of the most different Interests Humours and dividing Circumstances in other things do yet in so marvellous an Harmony meet in the Body of Christ which is his Church here in the Earth V. Because herein also doth the Glory and Honour of our Blessed Head more eminently appear in securing this Unity of his Church under a Diversity of Light and Judgment otherways by a Spirit of Love Meekness and Condescendence amongst his People than by imposing the most severe and absolute Uniformity in all things to be the alone Condition of Christian Communion Qu. V. But what strength and evidence doth this Demonstration of the Gospel now bear in so divided a State of Religion and when the wounds and breaches of the Church this day are like to bleed unto Death Ans Whatever just cause be of grief yet is there none for darkning the Truth of this Demonstration on these grounds I. That none can deny the Perfection of the Rule of the Gospel for there is a most firm and intire Unity amongst all the Followers of Christ on the Earth II. That no Opposition is made thereto but what hath been foretold as one of the greatest Tryals of the Church under the New Testament and the Spirit of God doth most expresly point at in these latter times III. Because the furthest Opposition thereto can be no more cause for any to stumble or question the Truth of this Demonstration than whether there is a Devil whose greatest design hath ever been to divide and break Christians amongst themselves IV. Because this Union which is chiefly Mystical and Invisible is much greater often than what this way may appear to the World and of that kind as is not interrupted by distance of place or any want of Local Communion V. That such a guard is set by the Lord unto this piece of his Glory to oppose any Invasion thereon that there stands an Angel with a flaming Sword upon every hand in the Commands and Threatnings of the Gospel to secure this Blessed Unity of the Saints amongst themselves so as none can invade the same but on their highest Peril of opposing that which is as the Apple of Christs eye VI. That it 's ever found that this Demonstration hath some clear Evidence amongst such who are indeed the Disciples of Christ and according to their advance in the Life and Power of Christianity doth the more brightly shine forth so that the nearer the Lines are to the Centre the nearer also are they amongst themselves VII That in all times there hath been some tremendous mark of the Judgment of God made visible on such who are Contentious and have made it their work to Cause Division in the Church and sow discord among Brethren Qu. VI. But what hath the Church now in these latter days to Compensate and make up the want of that great Demonstration by Miracles and such extraordinary Confirmations of the Christian Faith as were in the first times Ans I. We may hereby see that the Seal of Martyrdom which came in the room of Miracles to the Church hath exceeded that which was in the first times of the Gospel II. That there have been since such innumerable shining Examples of Holiness yea these continued to this day whom
immediate revelation of God unto men is so demonstrably extant in the world page 24 VI. Of the special evidences of the Scriptures Divinity which men must needs see to be infallible page 25 VII Of the secure conveyance of the Scripture though all the changes of times past page 27 VIII Of the fall of man and entry of sin into the World as it is fully demonstrable to reason as well as by the certainty of Faith page 28 SECTION II. I. HOlding forth those great assistances to the Christian faith and of the Messias being surely promised to the Church before his coming page 29 II. Of the truth and accomplishment of this great promise of the Messias and how it is now as sure in the event as it 's clear he was promised page 30 III. Of the special advantage for confirmation of our faith herein that for 4000 years the promised coming of the Messias was deferred page 32 IV. Of the nature and internal excellency of Christianity to bear furthest evidence to the truth thereof page 33 V. That this is the same Gospel we now receive and enjoy which from the first promulgation thereof hath had so great effects on the world page 34 VI. That the sufferings of the Saints in times past was so demonstrably above the assistance of Nature page 36 SECTION III. I. FOR holding forth on what grounds the faith of a Deity must determine men to be Christians page 37 II. What confirmation the Christian Religion hath from that visible State of the Jews page 38 III. The way and manner of its prevailing on the world which no profession else could ever pretend to page 39 IV. The nature of that great evidence which Christ hath himself given to the world of his divine mission in the love and unity of his people Joh 17.21 page 40 V. How the strength of such a demonstration stands still clear and evident in these dividing times of the Church page 42 VI. What in these last times is under our hand to compensate such a confirmation by miracles which was in the first times of the Gospel page 43 SECTION IV. I. FOR holding forth with the furthest rational certainty and evidence the truth and doctrine of Christ to be a soul-quickning and experimental Religion page 44 II. The truth also of conversion of men from a state of nature to a new state of grace page 46 III. Of so great an experiment of Religion as Communion betwixt God and men here on Earth page 48 IV. Of so great a demonstration of Religion in the power and workings of the Conscience page 49 V. Of that special confirmation to our faith which doth result from such a demonstration of this power of the Conscience over men page 50 SECTION V. I. FOR holding forth the Truth of a Kingdom of Darkness in the World in opposition to the Kingdom of Christ page 51 II. What confirmation to our Faith the certainty hereof and of these Powers of Darkness doth clearly afford page 52 III. That great truth of the immortality of the Soul with the clearest evidence to reason as well as by the certainty of Faith page 54 IV. How confirming a Seal to the Scripture that great change which passeth on all men by death is and how it 's no natural accident page 55 V. Some special assistances to the Christians Faith of an eternal Glory in Heaven and to serve an unavoidable conviction on the greatest Atheists page 57 VI. Something of a visible Hell in some near approach hereof even to mens senses held forth to awake and convince the World of such a state of horrour and torment in another World page 59 VII Some assistances to our Faith of that great truth of the Resurrection of the Body page 61 CHAPTER III. The Confirming work of Religion further improved with respect to this dismal and amazing time we are now fallen in SECTION I. TO hold forth what may be both for light and confirmation upon this great distress the Churches of Christ are now under page 63 SECTION II. HOW great a talent we stand accountable for in this day of such immediate and extraordinary appearances of the Lord for confirming the same publick cause of the Reformed Church since the Reformation which we are now called to adhere to page 65 SECTION III. WHat manner of time is the present lot of the Church now fallen in and what judgment we ought to have hereof from the Scripture for our furthest confirming in such a day page 73 SECTION IV. SOme special service that we are now called to and accountable for in behalf of the truth and for sanctifying the Lord in the eyes of others who are under so great a talent of Light and confirmation in the same page 77 The True and Infallible WAY For attaining a confirmed State in Religion c. CHAP. I. The Primitive Confirmation in the truth of Christianity held forth and cleared in its continued necessity and use to this day in seven Positions Posit I. THAT nothing can be of a more sad and threatning aspect on the present state of Religion in all the Churches of Christ than that utter estrangement most are under to the true grounds of Faith and to those fundamental differences betwixt Christianity and every false way which no pretended Religion can lay claim to The reasons of the Position are these I. That it is too visibly manifest how no men in the world know so little of their own profession of any human art or science as such who bear the Name of Christians Or are so generally strangers to the Truth and firmness of the Principles thereof for maintaining either a due Valuation or powerful sence of the same on their Soul so that an implicit and Traditional Profession is the only part and propriety which most can claim in the Truth and Doctrine they profess II. That very rarely also is any Serious Personal Inquiry and Tryal if there be indeed such a thing as an Experimental and Soul-quickning Religion in the Earth That can bear the expence of the most dismal and afflicting times and hath so great a temporal Revenue as Peace with God an Immediate Communion with him the Joy and Comforts of the Holy Ghost when we are under such pressures of trouble as are above the support of Nature III. That the furthest account why most go under the name of Christians rather than of any other form can rise no higher than Custom and Education that it did bespeak them from their Birth and was the Religion of their Ancestors yea become in that manner natural to them as the Customs and Language of their Country Which are grounds that would determine to the very opposite Profession if they were stated under the same circumstances and had the same motives to be Mahumetans since it is sure these can found no other Assent than is suitable to the Nature and Strength thereof IV. That thus it is plain the most numerous part of
to a further establishing of the Reformed Churches there as though such had Intentionally acted for the same when if second Causes had brought forth their Ordinary effects it might have been judged impossible to fail XIII We have seen that issue of all the Councels Expence and Cruelty of Philip the II. of Spain to bear down the Truth of the Gospel in the Netherlands which was to the furthest setling of this Illustrious State and the Church of Christ there yea how their Conspicuous Rise and Flourishing even in the Externals and their resolute adherence to the Truth of Christ did most visibly keep together XIV We know that deluge of Blood which so quickly followed the French Massacre and the most dismal time which ever that Nation knew did then visibly Contemporate with such a time of their greatest Rage and Persecution against the Truth and that Event of the Third Vial most clearly fulfilled herein Rev. 16.5 6. Thou art Righteous O Lord which art and wast and shalt be because thou hast judged thus for they have shed the Blood of thy Saints and Prophets and thou hast given them Blood to drink in great measure XV. Yea have we not seen how four Kings of France Successively were in less than thirty years taken away in the same continued pursuit how to destroy the Church there in whom that whole race of the Valois was thus extinct yea in the manner of their Death were most remarkable Monuments of Divine Judgment as the most famous Writers of that time do attest XVI We have seen what marvellous effects did follow those Bloody Years of Queen Mary's Reign in England to promote and commend the Protestant Doctrine to Mens Consciences there with so great a Triumph as it had in the Sufferings of such choice and excellent witnesses for Christ and hath brought in more Rent to the Praise and Glory of their Blessed Head than may to the furthest compense all that Blood of the Saints there though highly Precious in the Eyes of the Lord. XVII We have seen likewise the Blood and Cruelty of late against the Protestants in Bohemia in a short time most Visibly returned on the Authors thereof and how the immediate Finger of God might be seen in calling forth the Swedes to avenge the same and in that desolating stroak which followed in Germany XVIII We have seen in these late Times the Issue of that horrid Massacre on the Protestants in Ireland to the utter ruine in a very few years after of that Barbarous Party who had thus acted herein XIX We have seen what wonderful Providences did attend the actings of that poor handful of Protestants in the Valleys of Piedmont since the Reformation upon the account of that Bloody Massacre which was set on foot there against them which was so astonishing as all might see an extraordinary Appearance of the Lord herein as is clearly attested by the most Faithful Histories of that time XX. And can it be forgot unto this day how visibly a Divine Hand did appear in breaking that great Spanish Armado in the Year 1588. which had been for some years in Contriving against England XXI Astonishing and specially Demonstrative of the immediate Power and Presence of God and matter of Wonder and Praise also for after Ages was that solemn time of the Reformation of the Church in Scotland for planting the Reformed Religion there with that zeal and oneness of Spirit as did then appear in all ranks to imbrace and adhere to the Profession thereof amidst the greatest threatnings of their Adversaries so as a few Years did bring forth that which would have seemed strange for an Age to accomplish yea that we find betwixt the last Martyr for the Truth there who was burnt at St. Andrews 1558. and the establishment of the Protestant Religion and full abolishment of Popery with the full Concurrence of Civil Authority herein in July 1560. was but little above two Years to shew what great things the Lord can do above all Humane Council or Confidence XXII It 's sure we have seen in what remarkable degrees these last Vials of the Holy Judgment of God have taken place on the Kingdom of Antichrist and how Conspicuous the Event hath been of that Prophecy 2 Thes 2.8 in these great Effects and Consumption thereof by the Ministry of the Gospel as an assured Pledge of the full Accomplishment of what remains herein XXIII And as every step of the Churches Rise hath been still advanced in a continued Conflict betwixt the Truth and Antichrist so have we still seen when the Assault and Opposition hath been greatest it s most remarkable tendency to a greater Victory which were it rightly considered upon clear and solid grounds from the Scripture the most formidable appearances of Trouble from this Adversary would with more Comfort than Fear this day be looked on so that whatever be the nearest and most immediate events yet is it sure as the Lord is true whose Word is passed hereon that whosoever gives their Power and Strength to support that Interest of Antichrist shall lose the day and find their Cause desperate for the party with whom they contend herein is the Son of God against whom no humane Power shall ever be able to stand These are but a few which are here mentioned of the great Acts of our God in behalf of his Truth to be still as present in our sight in a time when the Spirits of many are ready to Stagger and Faint and here mentioned to lay no stress or weight of the Authority of the Truth and Doctrine of our Profession thereon but on the alone Revelation of the Scripture but they are such an undeniable Seal for Confirming our Faith and of so known Publick and famous Evidence as should be no less considered and taken to Heart now than in the time when the Lord thus appeared herein SECTION III. Qu. VVHat present Judgment are we called to have of this Time upon clear and assured grounds from the Scripture that we may know under what aspect thereof the present State of Religion and of the Reformed Churches is under when so great a Crisis is this day as would seem to be in the very Height of its Conflict whether as to Life or Death Ans It is no present Appearance of the time that must Direct our Faith nor should we either stretch our Fears or Expectations of Things and Events beyond what the God of Truth doth warrand in his Word but it 's clear if we credit the same and admit the Divinity of the New Testament there is no just Cause of Hesitation or Darkness as to what the Lord is bringing forth for his Church now in these latter days nor can there be any pretence to seek another Light either from the Stars above or the Diviners of this Time when so woful a Trade hath got up in the World that men wtll thus go to the God of Ekron as though there were not a
concern the Vitals of Religion and an Inward Life of Communion with God V. Which Pleads an Impartial Tryal of all its Adversaries whether the Principles of our Profession or of Popery give the greatest Security to Civil Government and founds the strongest Obligations to Magistracy and to all Civil and Moral Duties by which the awe and venerable esteem of Religion is kept up in a Nation It is high time that men should cease to be implicite and become express upon this greatest Interest they have within time which is the Truth of their Profession in the matter of Religion when a Deceit or Mistake here is of an Eternal Concern Upon which account without respect to Interest Party or Education I have this day sought to know the Truth and what Adversaries could possibly pretend to Reproach or Prejudge any for the Reformed Religion All they can do is but to charge mens Corruption and Offences in their Practice upon the Rule and Principles of their Profession that can never give the least Latitude or Connivance thereto but is clear as the Sun when on the other hand I could know no other way to imbrace such a Profession as Popery but by turning Atheist in the first Place and then quitting both Religion and Reason at once But I can say in a resolute Adherence to the Doctrine of the Reformed Church I fear not to adventure my Soul and enter into an Eternal State FINIS AN IDEA Of the Confirmed State of a Christian in Dismal and Shaking Times THo' the Measure of all Christians Establishment in the Truth be not alike but must have respect to their different Trials Talents and Improvements for this end yet may it cause Astonishment to see how rare any Study of this kind is now to be found When it 's not only one of the highest concerns of Christianity but in a more than ordinary way called for as the Work of this day yea being this is a part of Religion which seems least improved of any for the more general State of Professours within the Church under some Conviction hereof was this Essay designed wherein with humble Confidence I may say the Truth hath been sought with that Serious Enquiry into the Nature of these things held forth as I judged needful for such who have so great an Interest and Adventure not only through Time but for all Eternity to support themselves upon the alone Certainty hereof and ere these days of Trial which we now see pass over this Generation it may be found this was not unseasonable or without cause directed to such a time if the Lord graciously bless the same nor will it I hope be found unnecessary to present yet further some clear prospect of a Confirmed State in Religion and what those ought to be who with Light and Assurance of Mind are like to follow the Lord fully in such a day which is here offered in a seven fold Character under which a truly Confirmed Christian in the Truth of his Profession may be Stated CHARACTER I. He is one who hath another Sence and Impression of this great Study for attaining to a Confirmed State in Religion and is on higher grounds pressed to follow the same than most of the Visible Church do apprehend and should be thus Considered 1. As one to whom the Glory of the Christian Profession is in the highest Degree dear and who would have the World see that such as imbrace the same and do most fully Adventure on the Testimony of God in his Word are those who walk on the highest Principles of true and enlightned Reason yea who take deeply to Heart that Obligation which is on all who desire to advance the Repute and Honour of the Truth to be in such Terms therewith upon its own Evidence that they may know how to Confute and Shame Atheists and Infidels if called thereunto 2. Who see also that such is the State of fallen Man as stands in need of all the Contributions that can be not only to strengthen the Christians Faith to bear our against the strong Assaults of Infidelity but to gain also more Credit and Veneration to the Truth with those who are not easily dealt with but by such means as bear some Congruity to their Natural Light and Reason for which end the Lord hath afforded his Ministerial helps to render the Unbelief of the World and all pretence of Hesitation about his Truth more inexcusable 3. He also sees that the most important and Fundamental Truths of Christianity need the greatest Confirmation in his Faith and those who enter into so high and discriminating a Profession from the residue of the World need to know in what manner they embrace the same He sees that the natural Order of things does absolutely require to have the Foundation sure laid on which so great a superstructure must rest so as he judgeth it a Work by it self and to need some peculiar retiring his Soul in the most serious recess and Composure thereof to attain a stedfastness in the Truth and to know the strong and firm Conveyances of that greatest Mystery of the Gospel in such a manner as needs not a new Miracle to Confirm the same But he knows that no sharpness of mens Natural Understanding about the Truth can ever attain a true Rest and Settlement of Mind therein without an humble and serious Spirit stooping down before the Wisdom of God and entring as a little Child into his School and by that humble Practice and Obedience of the Gospel there is an undoubted coming up to the greatest Assurance and clearest Demonstrations of the same as Joh. 7.17 4 He knows that as nothing tends more to shake Mens Spirits and stagger them about the Truth than a Light and Transient View hereof so does the greatest Establishment follow on the nearest approach by a deep and serious Enquiry about the same and he clearly sees that if such who look but at a distance on the way of Religion did but once come to have their Spirits exceed in a more serious Reflection thereon the first view they should have could not but be matter of Wonder and Amazement to think what can support a Soul in so marvellous a way as the Life and Practice of Christianity Which is so visibly above Nature and that wherein they must do violence to the same wherein they must part with the Multitude and oppose themselves to the strongâ—st Tide of Example and must endure also in Hope and believe for things not seen which were never the Object of Humane Sence to any in this Earth and are oft called to part with the most desirable things of Sence upon the alone Credit of their Faith yea wherein they must enter that Profession on no other Terms than to be Martyrs for the same and Seal it with their Blood so that he must needs see a Christian according to the Rule and Institution of the Gospel to be the greatest Riddle and Wonder of