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wherein_o the_o gospel_n do_v come_v to_o the_o gentil_n church_n be_v clear_o show_v 1_o thess_n 1_o 5._o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o as_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o h._n ghost_n so_o also_o in_o much_o assurance_n of_o understanding_n upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n which_o be_v that_o way_n it_o do_v so_o wonderful_o prevail_v over_o the_o world_n against_o nature_n and_o stream_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o further_a opposition_n thereto_o viii_o that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a service_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o visit_v the_o church_n do_v express_o lie_v here_o act_v 14_o 22._o to_o confirm_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o first_o place_n on_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o then_o in_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o so_o as_o they_o may_v follow_v the_o
be_v give_v up_o to_o under_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o light_n so_o as_o all_o may_v see_v their_o be_v thus_o bind_v over_o in_o chain_n and_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n until_o death_n bring_v they_o forth_o to_o the_o execution_n and_o how_o no_o relief_n or_o application_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n have_v then_o any_o more_o access_n vii_o from_o such_o a_o mape_n &_o shadow_n of_o eternal_a vengeance_n in_o these_o terrible_a act_n of_o divine_a judgement_n inflict_v here_o on_o apostate_n and_o persecuter_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o other_o flagitious_a person_n which_o with_o the_o very_a first_o view_n may_v present_v a_o awful_a and_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o and_o that_o some_o strange_a and_o supernatural_a punishment_n be_v oft_o visible_a on_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n viii_o and_o what_o ever_o be_v of_o natural_a cause_n in_o such_o visible_a representation_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o that_o sulphureous_a lake_n where_o 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pledge_n hereof_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n iii_o from_o that_o tribulation_n and_o sore_a pain_n that_o the_o saint_n here_o in_o their_o outward_a man_n be_v expose_v to_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o in_o the_o holy_a justice_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o give_v such_o body_n for_o labour_n and_o for_o toil_n and_o to_o his_o martyr_n to_o endure_v unexpressible_a torment_n for_o christ_n to_o perish_v for_o ever_o iv_o from_o these_o visible_a resemblance_n and_o prefiguration_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n herein_o in_o the_o ordinare_fw-la course_n and_o production_n of_o nature_n so_o as_o all_o may_v see_v how_o every_o night_n be_v as_o the_o grave_n of_o the_o daylight_n and_o each_o morning_n a_o new_a resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o and_o how_o visible_a a_o image_n of_o death_n be_v in_o each_o season_n of_o the_o winter_n with_o so_o marvellous_a and_o beatiful_a a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o earth_n on_o every_o return_n of_o the_o spring_n in_o the_o herb_n flower_n and_o plant_n take_v life_n and_o rise_v again_o in_o the_o leaf_n blossom_n and_o fruit_n yea_o this_o in_o such_o a_o variety_n as_o may_v no_o less_o convince_o evidence_n a_o infinite_a divine_a power_n herein_o then_o that_o the_o same_o body_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v raise_v at_o the_o last_o day_n v._o from_o that_o continue_a miracle_n of_o the_o harvest_n after_o the_o seedtime_n with_o so_o amaze_a a_o production_n of_o the_o grain_n sow_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o first_o die_v there_o before_o it_o be_v quicken_v so_o as_o to_o be_v at_o last_o bring_v to_o 30_o 60_o yea_o sometime_o a_o hundred_o fold_n out_o of_o the_o very_a same_o grain_n which_o to_o these_o who_o have_v never_o before_o know_v the_o same_o will_v seem_v incredible_a &_o above_o all_o reason_n to_o conceive_v or_o bear_v credit_n thereto_o chapter_n iii_o the_o confirm_a work_n of_o religion_n improven_v which_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n to_o clear_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o before_o this_o generation_n and_o let_v we_o see_v how_o nothing_o be_v so_o strange_a in_o the_o event_n of_o this_o day_n which_o shall_v not_o more_o strengthen_v then_o shake_v and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v still_o own_o the_o same_o interest_n according_a to_o his_o faithfulness_n which_o be_v here_o brief_o point_v at_o upon_o some_o special_a inquiry_n propose_v about_o the_o same_o section_n i._n qu._n what_o can_v afford_v both_o light_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o we_o see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n about_o his_o church_n to_o be_v most_o remarkable_o now_o a_o work_n of_o judgement_n with_o such_o dark_a and_o search_a trial_n therewith_o as_o former_a time_n have_v not_o know_v answ_n it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v have_v be_v too_o evident_o look_v for_o and_o that_o we_o can_v pretend_v no_o want_n of_o light_n herein_o upon_o these_o ground_n i._o that_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o talon_n of_o light_n &_o when_o this_o have_v be_v in_o some_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la way_n dispense_v that_o some_o remarkable_o search_v time_n may_v be_v expect_v to_o follow_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v now_o strange_a to_o we_o that_o such_o thing_n fall_v in_o with_o this_o day_n which_o do_v not_o meet_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o the_o reformation_n who_o then_o have_v not_o so_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o confirmation_n therein_o which_o have_v be_v since_o ii_o that_o some_o unusual_a trial_n and_o conflict_n in_o the_o lord_n usual_a method_n of_o providence_n shall_v be_v suit_v also_o to_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o work_n which_o he_o be_v bring_v forth_o may_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n and_o to_o see_v a_o time_n of_o such_o sore_a wrestle_n as_o this_o when_o all_o thing_n seem_v to_o cry_v be_v in_o pain_n as_o micah_n 4_o 20._o yea_o when_o some_o great_a event_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o near_o to_o its_o full_a height_n and_o period_n of_o accomplishment_n as_o we_o have_v safe_a ground_n for_o assurance_n of_o this_o â—ay_n iii_o nor_n have_v this_o sad_a and_o dismal_a hour_n on_o the_o church_n be_v more_o obvious_a than_o the_o provoke_a cause_n hereof_o in_o which_o the_o holy_a righteousness_n of_o god_n may_v be_v no_o less_o clear_a than_o the_o cloud_n now_o be_v dark_a when_o such_o a_o visible_a fall_n of_o have_v be_v from_o that_o love_n tenderness_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v former_o attend_v its_o profession_n as_o for_o these_o many_o year_n past_a we_o may_v have_v see_v that_o some_o sore_a and_o remarkable_a judgement_n be_v come_v and_o that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n undo_v we_o be_v under_o some_o sad_a strike_v of_o spiritual_a judgement_n ready_a to_o be_v undo_v iu._n yea_o it_o have_v be_v too_o visible_a that_o such_o evil_n follow_v the_o reform_a church_n as_o in_o no_o time_n it_o be_v ever_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v pass_v such_o by_o without_o some_o signal_n evidence_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o the_o same_o before_o the_o world_n v._o we_o know_v that_o carnal_a confidence_n have_v a_o curse_n ever_o wait_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o none_o can_v take_v of_o or_o make_v that_o thrive_v which_o god_n have_v himself_o curse_v and_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a how_o far_o we_o have_v go_v thus_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o strength_n by_o such_o eager_a seek_v human_a prop_n &_o support_v as_o we_o have_v forâ—ot_v the_o guide_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o convenant_n of_o our_o god_n and_o what_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v former_o do_v in_o the_o great_a strait_n of_o his_o church_n when_o there_o be_v much_o humble_a trust_n with_o little_a sense_n as_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v more_o to_o recover_v his_o truth_n than_o all_o human_a might_n or_o power_n ever_o can_v do_v section_n ii_o qu._n what_o talon_n be_v we_o still_o accountable_a for_o to_o support_v our_o faith_n against_o the_o great_a fear_n of_o this_o time_n from_o these_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n for_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o contend_v for_o which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n when_o so_o strong_a &_o unusual_a a_o tide_n now_o be_v against_o the_o same_o answ_n if_o man_n shut_v not_o their_o eye_n and_o hide_v this_o great_a talon_n of_o the_o work_n of_o
and_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v because_o thou_o have_v judge_v tâ—us_o for_o they_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o thy_o saint_n and_o prophet_n and_o thou_o have_v give_v they_o blood_n to_o drink_v in_o great_a measure_n xv._o yea_o have_v we_o not_o see_v how_o four_o king_n of_o france_n successive_o be_v in_o less_o than_o 30._o year_n take_v away_o in_o the_o same_o continue_a pursuit_n how_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n there_o in_o who_o that_o whole_a race_n of_o the_o valois_n be_v thus_o extinct_a yea_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o death_n be_v most_o remarkable_a monument_n of_o divine_a judgement_n as_o the_o most_o famous_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n do_v attest_v xvi_o we_o have_v see_v what_o marvellous_a effect_n do_v follow_v these_o bloody_a year_n of_o queen_n mary_n reign_n in_o england_n to_o promote_v and_o commend_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n to_o man_n conscience_n there_o with_o so_o great_a a_o triumph_n it_o have_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o such_o choice_n and_o excellent_a witness_n for_o christ_n as_o have_v bring_v in_o more_o rent_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o bless_a head_n then_o may_v to_o the_o further_a compense_n all_o that_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n there_o though_o high_o precious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n xvii_o we_o have_v see_v likeways_o the_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n of_o late_a against_o the_o protestant_n in_o bohemia_n in_o a_o short_a time_n most_o observable_o return_v on_o the_o author_n thereof_o and_o how_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o god_n may_v be_v see_v in_o call_v forth_o the_o swede_n to_o avenge_v the_o same_o and_o in_o that_o desolate_v strike_v which_o follow_v on_o germany_n xviii_o we_o have_v see_v in_o these_o late_a time_n the_o issue_n of_o that_o horrid_a massacre_n on_o the_o protestant_n in_o ireland_n to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n in_o a_o very_a few_o year_n after_o of_o that_o barbarous_a party_n who_o have_v thus_o act_v herein_o xix_o we_o 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of_o the_o church_n in_o scotland_n for_o plant_v the_o reform_a religion_n there_o with_o that_o zeal_n and_o oneness_n of_o spirit_n as_o do_v then_o appear_v in_o all_o rank_n to_o embrace_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o profession_n thereof_o amid_o the_o great_a threaten_n of_o their_o adversary_n so_o as_o a_o few_o year_n do_v bring_v forth_o that_o which_o will_v have_v seem_v strange_a for_o a_o age_n to_o accomplish_v yea_o that_o we_o find_v betwixt_o the_o last_o martyr_n for_o the_o truth_n there_o who_o be_v burn_v at_o st._n andrews_n 1558._o and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o full_a abolishment_n of_o popery_n with_o the_o full_a concurrence_n of_o civil_a authority_n herein_o in_o july_n 1560._o be_v but_o little_a above_o two_o year_n to_o show_v what_o great_a thing_n the_o lord_n can_v do_v above_o all_o human_a council_n or_o confidence_n xxii_o it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v in_o what_o remarkable_a degree_n these_o last_o vial_n of_o the_o holy_a judgement_n of_o god_n have_v take_v place_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o how_o conspicuous_a the_o event_n have_v be_v of_o that_o prophecy_n 2_o thessaly_n 2_o 8._o in_o these_o great_a effect_n and_o consumption_n thereof_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o assure_a pledge_n of_o the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o what_o remain_v herein_o xxiii_o and_o as_o every_o step_n of_o the_o church_n rise_v have_v be_v still_o advance_v in_o a_o continue_a conflict_n betwixt_o the_o truth_n and_o antichrist_n so_o have_v we_o still_o see_v when_o the_o assault_n and_o opposition_n have_v be_v great_a it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a tendancy_n to_o a_o great_a victory_n which_o be_v it_o right_o consider_v upon_o clear_a and_o solid_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n the_o most_o formidable_a appearence_n of_o trouble_n from_o this_o adversary_n shall_v with_o more_o comfort_n than_o fear_v this_o day_n be_v look_v on_o so_o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o near_a and_o most_o immediate_a event_n yet_o be_v it_o sure_a as_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a who_o word_n be_v pass_v hereon_o that_o whosoever_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v that_o interest_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v lose_v the_o day_n and_o find_v their_o cause_n desperate_a for_o the_o party_n with_o who_o they_o contend_v herein_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n against_o who_o no_o human_a power_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v these_o be_v but_o a_o few_o which_o be_v here_o mention_v of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o our_o god_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v still_o as_o present_v in_o our_o sight_n in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v and_o faint_v and_o here_o mention_v to_o lay_v no_o stress_n or_o weight_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o profession_n thereon_o but_o on_o the_o alone_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o they_o be_v such_o a_o undeniable_a seal_n for_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o of_o so_o know_v public_a and_o famous_a evidence_n as_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o consider_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n now_o then_o in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n thus_o appear_v herein_o section_n iii_o qu._n what_o present_a judgement_n be_v we_o call_v to_o have_v of_o this_o time_n upon_o clear_a and_o assure_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v under_o what_o aspect_n thereof_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v under_o when_o so_o great_a a_o crisis_n be_v this_o day_n as_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o very_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o its_o conflict_n whither_o as_o to_o life_n or_o death_n answ_n it_o be_v no_o present_a appearence_n of_o the_o time_n must_v direct_v our_o faith_n nor_o shall_v we_o either_o streath_v our_o fear_n or_o expectation_n of_o thing_n and_o event_n beyond_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n do_v warrant_n in_o his_o word_n but_o its_o clear_a if_o we_o credit_n the_o same_o and_o admit_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o hesitation_n or_o darkness_n as_o to_o what_o the_o lord_n be_v bring_v forth_o for_o his_o church_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o pretence_n to_o seek_v a_o other_o light_n either_o from_o the_o star_n above_o or_o the_o diviner_n of_o this_o time_n when_o so_o woeful_a a_o trade_n have_v get_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n will_v thus_o go_v to_o the_o god_n of_o ekron_n as_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o israel_n or_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o his_o write_a oracle_n to_o inquire_v at_o when_o its_o sure_a these_o lie_v open_a and_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sound_n speak_v to_o all_o who_o have_v a_o serious_a and_o unprejudged_a spirit_n i._o that_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v now_o pass_v and_o go_v through_o that_o most_o dismal_a and_o continue_a trial_n herein_o which_o be_v to_o go_v over_o her_o head_n under_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o height_n and_o whatever_o appearance_n he_o now_o have_v in_o great_a wrath_n yet_o be_v it_o sure_a and_o evident_a that_o the_o winter_n be_v past_a and_o the_o church_n spring_v begin_v and_o a_o few_o step_v further_a of_o that_o judgement_n which_o be_v now_o hasten_v on_o will_v at_o length_n end_v the_o quarrel_n so_o that_o by_o a_o near_a converse_n with_o the_o word_n we_o may_v clear_o see_v from_o what_o point_n the_o church_n course_n and_o motion_n this_o day_n lie_v and_o how_o exact_o it_o keep_v in_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o by_o that_o clear_a conduct_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o a_o full_a map_n of_o her_o whole_a course_n and_o passage_n through_o
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
assistence_n to_o your_o faith_n do_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n bring_v therewith_o answ_n i._o that_o such_o a_o party_n both_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o continue_a act_n be_v in_o a_o state_v opposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v so_o visible_a the_o prey_n which_o these_o mighty_a hunter_n do_v follow_v be_v not_o our_o body_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o one_fw-mi immortal_a soul_n and_o one_fw-mi after_o state_n and_o that_o thus_o man_n may_v be_v make_v sharer_n of_o the_o same_o misery_n under_o which_o they_o be_v conclude_v iii_o that_o all_o may_v see_v their_o be_v under_o restraint_n of_o a_o supreme_a power_n above_o they_o &_o under_o such_o chain_n as_o do_v irresistible_o bind_v their_o rage_n and_o enmity_n against_o man_n by_o one_fw-mi invisible_a guard_n and_o hedge_n which_o they_o can_v break_v over_o iv_o how_o their_o great_a rage_n and_o struggle_v be_v against_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n to_o god_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o his_o possession_n in_o such_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o more_o clear_o move_v for_o their_o rescue_n than_o these_o do_v to_o cross_v that_o bless_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o there_o be_v none_o serious_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n but_o find_v themselves_o pursue_v by_o such_o one_fw-mi adversary_n and_o to_o have_v as_o discernable_o another_o party_n than_o themselves_o or_o the_o world_n to_o conflict_n with_o as_o if_o they_o see_v they_o in_o a_o visible_a shape_n vi_o that_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o discernable_o a_o great_a restraint_n of_o satan_n dominion_n and_o power_n then_o in_o all_o the_o earth_n beside_o yea_o that_o the_o advantage_n of_o be_v within_o the_o external_a covenant_n of_o baptism_n be_v so_o demonstrable_a as_o the_o least_o yield_a or_o tendency_n to_o a_o renounce_n of_o the_o same_o or_o any_o act_n of_o homage_n for_o make_v use_n of_o his_o help_n have_v ever_o make_v way_n for_o some_o more_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o the_o devil_n over_o such_o than_o other_o vii_o thus_o also_o be_v a_o most_o undeniable_a confirmation_n give_v of_o one_fw-mi invisible_a world_n and_o of_o such_o intellectual_a being_n there_o as_o be_v far_o above_o man_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v so_o undoubted_a one_fw-mi intercourse_n betwixt_o man_n and_o spirit_n as_o may_v clear_o show_v that_o interest_n man_n soul_n have_v in_o another_o state_n and_o world_n than_o this_o qu._n iii_o be_v that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o never_o die_a state_n after_o death_n as_o full_o demonstrable_a to_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o further_a certainty_n of_o faith_n answ_n though_o it_o be_v so_o amaze_a a_o thing_n to_o believe_v one_fw-mi immortal_a soul_n and_o eternal_a state_n wherein_o it_o must_v short_o enter_v as_o by_o few_o seem_v to_o be_v apprehend_v yet_o be_v its_o demonstrative_a evidence_n such_o that_o except_o man_n lose_v all_o sense_n and_o use_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o one_fw-mi immaterial_a and_o active_a substance_n as_o the_o soul_n which_o can_v admit_v no_o cause_n either_o of_o its_o decay_n or_o dissolution_n from_o the_o body_n yea_o that_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o this_o visible_a creation_n be_v here_o that_o such_o a_o vital_a beam_n of_o life_n light_n and_o immortality_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v therein_o ii_o though_o we_o can_v see_v this_o rare_a and_o wonderful_a be_v yet_o it_o be_v here_o we_o both_o see_v and_o feel_v it_o to_o be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o have_v a_o distinct_a interest_n both_o in_o its_o grief_n and_o comfort_n iii_o how_o it_o can_v have_v no_o dependence_n on_o the_o body_n in_o its_o be_v which_o do_v no_o way_n depend_v thereon_o in_o its_o act_n and_o exercise_n but_o be_v oft_o most_o vigorous_a and_o clear_a in_o its_o exercise_n not_o only_a when_o most_o separate_a and_o abstract_n from_o sensible_a thing_n but_o when_o the_o flesh_n be_v under_o the_o great_a decay_n and_o near_o its_o dissolution_n to_o show_v the_o soul_n lie_v not_o a_o die_a with_o the_o body_n but_o have_v its_o distinct_a subsistence_n to_o live_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n when_o it_o die_v iu._n it_o be_v be_v peculiar_o frame_v for_o converse_v and_o intercourse_n with_o spiritual_a being_n yea_o be_v only_o of_o the_o visible_a creation_n admit_v to_o fellowship_n with_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o to_o have_v reflex_n act_n upon_o itself_o v._o how_o it_o be_v a_o be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o value_n than_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o not_o only_o can_v know_v and_o conceive_v of_o thing_n above_o the_o evidence_n and_o impression_n of_o sense_n but_o to_o make_v a_o rational_a choice_n of_o good_a though_o cross_a to_o any_o sensual_a pleasure_n yea_o to_o rejoice_v and_o have_v its_o proper_a delight_n when_o the_o body_n be_v afflict_v and_o in_o pain_n nor_o can_v be_v defile_v from_o the_o most_o loathsome_a sore_n and_o defilement_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o i_o must_v needs_o see_v both_o its_o dominion_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o the_o body_n and_o to_o have_v assure_o a_o subsistence_n without_o the_o same_o vi_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o happiness_n beyond_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o the_o world_n &_o have_v these_o intellectual_a faculty_n which_o can_v possible_o want_v both_o object_n suitable_a thereto_o and_o enjoyment_n above_o the_o sense_n vii_o that_o the_o most_o choice_n and_o excellent_a be_v usual_o most_v afflict_v and_o crush_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o their_o oppressor_n whilst_o these_o flourish_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n so_o as_o such_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a if_o in_o this_o life_n both_o their_o be_v and_o blessedness_n be_v found_v viii_o that_o there_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o sense_n of_o immortality_n as_o these_o who_o both_o fear_n and_o hate_v the_o evidence_n hereof_o yet_o under_o some_o constraint_n of_o reason_n have_v the_o same_o for_o a_o continue_a terror_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o certainty_n of_o death_n make_v it_o simple_o impossible_a for_o thing_n only_o suit_v to_o this_o life_n of_o sense_n to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a good_a or_o fruition_n of_o man_n since_o else_o the_o beast_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a happiness_n than_o such_o if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o respect_n to_o one_fw-mi after_o and_o immortal_a state_n qu._n iu._n what_o confirmation_n to_o your_o faith_n do_v that_o great_a and_o amaze_a change_n by_o death_n offer_v when_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v something_o mere_o natural_a answ_n though_o the_o only_a wife_n god_n move_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o that_o it_o have_v various_a way_n of_o approach_n unto_o man_n yet_o may_v all_o see_v with_o the_o further_a conviction_n of_o rational_a evidence_n as_o well_o as_o certainty_n of_o faith_n i._n how_o death_n in_o its_o first_o constitution_n be_v penal_a and_o come_v by_o a_o divine_a appointment_n unto_o all_o not_o mere_o as_o man_n but_o as_o sinner_n and_o to_o be_v thus_o no_o natural_a accident_n and_o result_n of_o our_o primitive_a and_o original_a frame_n ii_o that_o its_o death_n as_o a_o penalty_n which_o keep_v the_o fear_n and_o dread_v thereof_o so_o much_o on_o all_o live_n as_o that_o last_o period_n when_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o man_n be_v then_o cast_v iii_o that_o the_o sting_n and_o bitterness_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o manifest_a in_o innumerable_a disease_n and_o stroke_n of_o death_n which_o many_o feel_v a_o 100_o time_n ere_o they_o die_v once_o beyond_o other_o of_o the_o creature_n iv_o though_o the_o sentence_n of_o die_v be_v on_o all_o yet_o so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v betwixt_o the_o saint_n and_o residue_n of_o man_n here_o that_o its_o penal_a execution_n on_o the_o ungodly_a be_v such_o as_o nature_n can_v give_v no_o support_n herein_o v._o that_o supernatural_a presage_n and_o warning_n hereof_o ere_o it_o come_v be_v in_o all_o time_n so_o know_v and_o sure_a yea_o such_o extraordinare_a evidence_n sometime_o of_o the_o precise_a time_n as_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o any_o natural_a cause_n vi_o that_o its_o immediate_a commission_n from_o a_o supreme_a and_o invisible_a power_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o such_o execution_n oft_o of_o this_o sentence_n by_o sword_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n as_o the_o visible_a finger_n of_o god_n in_o a_o just_a retribution_n unto_o man_n for_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o less_o see_v and_o a_o supernatural_a
be_v now_o call_v to_o and_o accountable_a for_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o who_o be_v under_o so_o great_a a_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o same_o pag._n 99_o finis_fw-la a_o idea_n of_o the_o confirm_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o dismal_a and_o shake_a time_n though_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o christian_n establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o alike_o to_o all_o but_o must_v have_v respect_n to_o the_o different_a trial_n talon_n &_o improvement_n of_o such_o for_o this_o end_n yet_o may_v it_o be_v cause_n of_o astonishment_n how_o rare_a any_o study_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v now_o to_o be_v sound_n when_o it_o be_v not_o only_a one_o of_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o christianity_n but_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n call_v for_o as_o the_o work_n of_o this_o day_n yea_o that_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o seem_v least_a improven_v of_o any_o for_o the_o more_o general_a state_n of_o professor_n within_o the_o church_n under_o some_o conviction_n hereof_o be_v this_o essay_n design_v where_o with_o humble_a confidence_n i_o may_v say_v the_o truth_n have_v be_v seek_v with_o that_o serious_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n hold_v forth_o as_o i_o judge_v needful_a for_o such_o who_o have_v so_o great_a one_fw-mi interest_n &_o venture_v not_o only_o through_o time_n but_o for_o all_o eternity_n to_o support_v upon_o the_o alone_a certainty_n hereof_o &_o oer_o these_o day_n of_o trial_n which_o we_o now_o see_v pass_v over_o this_o generation_n it_o may_v be_v find_v this_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o without_o cause_n direct_v to_o such_o a_o time_n if_o the_o lord_n gracious_o bless_v the_o same_o nor_o will_v it_o i_o hope_v be_v find_v incongruous_a &_o without_o use_n to_o present_v yet_o further_o in_o such_o a_o method_n &_o way_n of_o example_n some_o clear_a prospect_n of_o a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n &_o what_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v who_o with_o light_n &_o assurance_n of_o mind_n will_v follow_v the_o lord_n full_o in_o such_o a_o day_n as_o be_v here_o offer_v in_o a_o 7_o fold_v character_n under_o which_o a_o true_o confirm_v christian_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o profession_n may_v be_v state_v character_n i._o that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o have_v one_fw-mi other_o sense_n &_o impression_n of_o this_o great_a study_n for_o attain_v to_o a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n &_o be_v on_o high_a ground_n press_v to_o follow_v the_o same_o than_o what_o most_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n seem_v to_o apprehend_v &_o shall_v be_v thus_o consider_v 1._o as_o one_o to_o who_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n dear_a &_o to_o have_v the_o world_n see_v that_o such_o as_o embrace_v the_o same_o &_o do_v most_o full_o adventure_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v these_o also_o who_o walk_v on_o the_o high_a principle_n of_o true_a &_o enlighten_v reason_n yea_o who_o take_v deep_o to_o heart_n that_o obligation_n which_o be_v on_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o advance_v the_o repute_n &_o honour_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v in_o such_o term_n therewith_o upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n as_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o serve_v a_o rational_a conviction_n both_o on_o atheist_n &_o insidel_n if_o call_v thereunto_o 2._o who_o see_v also_o how_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o fall_a man_n as_o stands_z in_o need_n of_o all_o the_o contribution_n that_o can_v be_v not_o only_o to_o strengthen_v the_o christian_n faith_n and_o bear_v out_o against_o the_o strong_a assault_n of_o infidelity_n but_o to_o gain_v also_o more_o credit_n and_o veneration_n to_o the_o truth_n with_o these_o who_o be_v not_o easy_o deal_v with_o but_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o bear_v some_o congruity_n to_o their_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n for_o which_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v afford_v these_o ministerial_a help_n to_o render_v the_o misbelief_n of_o the_o world_n or_o any_o pretence_n of_o hesitation_n about_o his_o truth_n more_o full_o inexcusable_a 3._o he_o thus_o see_v how_o the_o most_o important_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o christianity_n needs_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n &_o for_o these_o who_o enter_v in_o so_o high_a &_o discriminate_v a_o profession_n from_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n to_o know_v in_o what_o manner_n they_o embrace_v the_o same_o yea_o that_o the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n do_v absolute_o require_v to_o have_v the_o foundation_n sure_o lay_v on_o which_o so_o great_a a_o superstructure_n must_v rest_v so_o as_o he_o judge_v it_o a_o work_n by_o its_o self_n and_o to_o need_v some_o peculiar_a retire_v his_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o serious_a recess_n and_o composure_n thereof_o to_o attain_v a_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o own_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o know_v the_o strong_a and_o firm_a convoyance_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o needs_o no_o pawn_v of_o a_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o but_o he_o know_v here_o that_o no_o sharpness_n of_o man_n natural_a understanding_n about_o the_o truth_n can_v ever_o attain_v a_o true_a rest_n and_o settlement_n of_o mind_n therein_o without_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a spirit_n stoop_v down_o before_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o enter_v as_o little_a child_n into_o his_o school_n yea_o that_o by_o humble_a practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v one_fw-mi undoubted_a come_n up_o to_o the_o great_a assurance_n and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o same_o as_o joh._n 7_o 17._o 4._o he_o know_v that_o as_o nothing_o tend_v more_o to_o shake_v man_n spirit_n and_o stagger_v they_o about_o the_o truth_n than_o a_o light_n and_o transient_a view_n hereof_o so_o do_v the_o great_a establishment_n follow_v on_o the_o near_a approach_n by_o a_o deep_a and_o serious_a enquiry_n about_o the_o same_o and_o thus_o clear_o see_v that_o if_o such_o who_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n on_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n do_v but_o once_o come_v that_o length_n of_o trial_n as_o to_o have_v their_o spirit_n separat_fw-la by_o a_o more_o serious_a reflection_n thereon_o the_o first_o view_n they_o shall_v have_v can_v not_o but_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o amazement_n to_o think_v what_o can_v determine_v and_o support_v in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o way_n as_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v so_o visible_o above_o nature_n and_o wherein_o they_o must_v do_v violence_n to_o the_o same_o where_o they_o must_v part_v with_o the_o multitude_n and_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o strong_a tide_n of_o exemple_n and_o must_v endure_v also_o in_o hope_n and_o believe_v for_o thing_n not_o see_v which_o be_v never_o the_o object_n of_o humane_a sense_n to_o any_o in_o this_o earth_n and_o be_v oft_o call_v to_o part_v with_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n of_o sense_n upon_o the_o alone_a credit_n of_o their_o faith_n yea_o where_o they_o must_v enter_v in_o that_o profession_n on_o no_o other_o term_n then_o to_o be_v martyr_n for_o the_o same_o and_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n so_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o see_v a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o great_a riddle_n and_o wonder_v of_o any_o sight_n within_o time_n but_o when_o such_o come_v more_o close_a and_o near_o upon_o this_o trial_n and_o have_v once_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o greatness_n of_o that_o security_n which_o these_o have_v to_o adventure_v on_o yea_o what_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o the_o sure_a spring_n of_o their_o supply_n for_o their_o work_n and_o trial_n within_o time_n then_o will_v this_o second_o wonder_n unspeakable_o exceed_v the_o first_o how_o its_o possible_a that_o such_o be_v not_o of_o a_o more_o 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