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christian_n church_n universal_a visible_a 1,943 5 9.1874 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39756 The fulfilling of the Scripture, or, An essay shewing the exact accomplishment of the Word of God in his works of providence, performed and to be performed for confirming the beleevers and convincing the atheists of the present time : containing in the end a few rare histories of the works and servants of God in the Church of Scotland. Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694. 1669 (1669) Wing F1265; ESTC R27365 219,887 314

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great_a atheist_n and_o mocker_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o age_n must_v sure_o be_v a_o clear_a truth_n but_o &c_n &c_n therefore_o iv_o argument_n that_o which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n in_o such_o and_o such_o period_n of_o time_n and_o have_v according_o come_v to_o pass_n the_o event_n exact_o answer_v to_o the_o prediction_n yea_o that_o whereof_o the_o great_a part_n be_v now_o fulfil_v and_o but_o a_o little_a at_o this_o day_n remain_v to_o be_v make_v out_o must_v be_v a_o certain_a truth_n but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o already_o fulfil_v and_o but_o a_o little_a thereof_o now_o remain_v therefore_o v._o argument_n that_o which_o not_o only_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n already_o accomplish_v but_o be_v a_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v such_o sure_a confirmation_n yea_o so_o great_a a_o pledge_n in_o our_o hand_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o what_o yet_o remain_v shall_v be_v certain_o fulfil_v must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a 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as_o may_v force_v its_o authority_n on_o man_n conscience_n and_o show_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fallacy_n or_o delusion_n in_o this_o witness_n if_o they_o but_o allow_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o reason_n see_v it_o be_v not_o the_o record_n of_o a_o few_o at_o one_o time_n or_o in_o one_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o a_o solemn_a witness_n from_o the_o saint_n and_o follower_n of_o god_n who_o judgement_n and_o integrity_n their_o adversary_n must_v often_o confess_v yea_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o every_o age_n through_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n in_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n most_o remote_a from_o other_o and_o this_o by_o most_o frequent_a renew_a prooff_n have_v find_v and_o experience_v the_o truth_n and_o real_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o word_n and_o now_o if_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_o convince_a i_o will_v but_o add_v o_o ●_o will_v you_o then_o come_v and_o see_v be_v but_o christian_n indeed_o and_o then_o you_o will_v no_o more_o debate_n that_o testimony_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o very_a poor_a shift_n for_o man_n who_o have_v the_o scripture_n before_o they_o which_o of_o itself_o do_v witness_v its_o authority_n and_o this_o back_v with_o so_o solemn_a a_o seal_n from_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o work_n and_o providence_n to_o debate_v the_o christian_n witness_n from_o their_o experience_n because_o they_o do_v not_o see_v this_o themselves_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o their_o choice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o same_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n seek_v credit_n from_o no_o man_n upon_o trust_n yea_o crave_v no_o more_o but_o that_o by_o a_o practical_a converse_n they_o will_v put_v it_o to_o a_o trial_n and_o then_o it_o shall_v not_o decline_v their_o judgement_n now_o to_o prosecute_v this_o argument_n a_o little_a i_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o special_a scripture-truth_n with_o which_o christian_n have_v most_o usual_a trade_n and_o converse_v in_o their_o own_o 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or_o airy_a notion_n but_o such_o as_o can_v witness_v their_o truth_n to_o the_o serious_a experience_a christian_a who_o on_o this_o account_n i_o dare_v attest_v i_o shall_v here_o instance_n 5._o special_a truth_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v much_o try_v and_o prove_v in_o christian_n experience_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o 2._o the_o deceitfulnes_n of_o man_n heart_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a adversary_n with_o who_o we_o have_v war_n 4._o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o word_n have_v undoubted_a accomplishment_n 5._o the_o truth_n also_o of_o the_o threaten_n i_o mean_v such_o under_o who_o reach_n the_o godly_a may_v fall_v i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v a_o truth_n very_o clear_o prove_v to_o the_o christian_a who_o experience_n though_o sad_a do_v undeniable_o verify_v and_o confirm_v the_o scripture_n gal._n 5_o v._n 17._o rom._n 7_o v._n 19_o 21_o 23._o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o word_n which_o hold_v forth_o man_n nature_n in_o its_o true_a shape_n and_o form_n whither_o their_o bias_n and_o inclination_n most_o easy_o turn_v yea_o so_o marvellous_o answer_v their_o experience_n that_o to_o question_v the_o same_o be_v to_o put_v it_o far_o beyond_o question_n that_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o a_o new_a nature_n or_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n within_o for_o who_o ever_o make_v earnest_a of_o religion_n but_o their_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o war_n it_o be_v then_o that_o the_o house_n divide_v and_o corruption_n set_v up_o a_o standard_n yea_o no_o soon_o can_v any_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o he_o must_v be_v a_o soldier_n also_o and_o ●e_n may_v say_v none_o ever_o attain_v such_o a_o 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the_o spirit_n and_o pour_v forth_o thereof_o in_o a_o large_a measure_n a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n triumph_n not_o by_o might_n or_o by_o power_n yet_o such_o as_o before_o it_o the_o world_n can_v not_o stand_v city_n and_o country_n may_v then_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o once_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v with_o the_o same_o that_o man_n be_v either_o scorch_v or_o true_o warm_v and_o gain_v thereby_o do_v not_o that_o marvellous_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n also_o attend_v the_o ministry_n of_o zuinglius_fw-la and_o oecolampadius_n in_o zurick_n and_o basile_n when_o so_o through_o a_o reformation_n follow_v to_o the_o throw_v down_o of_o image_n abolish_n of_o the_o mass_n by_o public_a authority_n notwitstand_v of_o its_o long_a continuance_n and_o this_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v very_o eminent_o appear_v also_o in_o these_o famon_n plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o 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the_o fulfil_v of_o the_o scripture_n or_o a_o essay_n show_v the_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n perform_v and_o to_o be_v perform_v for_o confirm_v the_o believer_n and_o convince_v the_o atheist_n of_o the_o present_a time_n contain_v in_o the_o end_n a_o few_o rare_a history_n of_o the_o work_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n isai_n xlvi_o v._n x._o my_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o my_o pleasure_n john_n x_o v._n xxxv_o and_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v break_v act._n 1_o v._o xvi_o man_n and_o brethren_n this_o scripture_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v fulfil_v print_v in_o the_o year_n 1669._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n it_o be_v like_o you_o m●_n expect_v some_o account_n anent_o the_o rise_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o on_o so_o great_a and_o weighty_a a_o subject_n so_o small_a a_o essay_n shall_v venture_v abroad_o especial_o 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such_o as_o will_v dip_v their_o pen_n in_o gall_n against_o a_o tender_a and_o strict_a walk_n in_o religion_n and_o revile_v it_o in_o the_o power_n thereof_o while_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v these_o truth_n and_o principle_n that_o necessary_o oblige_v to_o such_o a_o tender_a practice_n who_o in_o the_o most_o grave_a concern_v duty_n of_o christianity_n think_v it_o enough_o to_o charge_v their_o brethren_n with_o pharisaical_a ostentation_n and_o hypocrisy_n while_o they_o must_v confess_v these_o duty_n to_o be_v unquestionable_o bind_v and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o such_o a_o challenge_n which_o the_o great_a witness_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n of_o man_n can_v only_o determine_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o sad_a remark_n also_o of_o the_o time_n that_o protestant_a writer_n profess_v the_o reform_a religion_n shall_v state_n themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v ground_n thereof_o such_o as_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o justification_n by_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o call_v articulus_fw-la stantis_fw-la &_o cadentis_fw-la ecelesi●_n i_o can_v have_v that_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v from_o ignorance_n but_o from_o a_o height_n of_o malice_n that_o some_o of_o late_a reproach_n the_o protestant_a doctrine_n in_o this_o great_a fundamental_a of_o justification_n as_o if_o it_o press_v believe_v and_o rest_v upon_o christ_n without_o respect_n to_o work_n and_o holiness_n i_o confess_v we_o put_v not_o inherent_a righteousness_n in_o the_o room_n of_o impute_a though_o we_o assert_v each_o be_v necessary_a in_o their_o own_o place_n the_o one_o in_o order_n to_o ou●_n right_v the_o other_o in_o order_n to_o the_o actual_a participation_n of_o that_o right_n yea_o that_o holiness_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a not_o only_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la sed_fw-la medii_fw-la and_o justify_v faith_n do_v necessary_o require_v work_n sed_fw-la non_fw-la qua_fw-la &_o quatenus_fw-la justificat_fw-la but_o sure_o if_o these_o man_n grant_v we_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n they_o must_v needs_o confess_v it_o be_v by_o imputation_n since_o if_o the_o debtor_n be_v acquit_v by_o the_o cautioner_n payment_n be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o imputation_n there_o of_o to_o he_o o_o sad_a to_o see_v some_o put_v their_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n how_o to_o wound_v the_o church_n yea_o a_o death_n wound_v it_o will_v be_v if_o they_o can_v reach_v their_o end_n in_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o impute_a righteousness_n but_o it_o be_v best_o they_o deny_v that_o sixth_o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 4._o chap._n to_o the_o rom._n to_o be_v canonic_a scripture_n which_o none_o can_v read_v and_o shift_v it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o the_o bless_a man_n be_v there_o hold_v forth_o vuto_n who_o god_n impute_v righteousness_n without_o work_n sure_o that_o can_v be_v inherent_a righteousness_n else_o it_o be_v contradictio_fw-la in_o adjecto_fw-la i_o profess_v these_o what_o ever_o they_o pretend_v i_o must_v look_v on_o as_o adversary_n to_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o dangerous_a than_o a_o pirate_n go_v forth_o under_o a_o counterfut_o flag_n 3._o be_v it_o not_o likewise_o sad_a yea_o astonish_v to_o see_v minister_n now_o in_o these_o time_n who_o be_v the_o express_a ambassador_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o her_o edification_n stand_v so_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o their_o work_n and_o ministry_n many_o of_o who_o may_v be_v say_v that_o know_o and_o deliberate_o they_o oppose_v piety_n that_o such_o shall_v persecute_v who_o work_n be_v to_o feed_v and_o wound_n in_o stead_n of_o heal_a grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o shall_v be_v helper_n of_o their_o joy_n that_o none_o be_v a_o great_a plague_n to_o corrupt_v the_o church_n and_o cause_v the_o
sacrifice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v abhor_v than_o some_o of_o these_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o earth_n yea_o none_o more_o obstruct_v the_o treaty_n of_o the_o gospel_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n than_o minister_n who_o be_v call_v the_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n oh_o what_o a_o strange_a and_o astonish_a contradiction_n may_v this_o seem_v but_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o reproach_n to_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a call_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o of_o such_o the_o scripture_n have_v express_o warn_v i_o confess_v it_o may_v be_v say_v no_o atheist_n like_o a_o unsanctified_a minister_n yea_o no_o atheism_n of_o so_o black_a a_o dye_n as_o they_o who_o be_v still_o enure_v with_o holy_a thing_n have_v yet_o no_o sense_n thereof_o now_o in_o this_o very_a dark_a hour_n wherein_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v fall_v in_o a_o death_n like_o pang_n and_o oh_o many_o of_o her_o child_n in_o a_o sad_a lithargie_n that_o if_o we_o look_v in_o a_o 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time_n have_v its_o present_a duty_n and_o the_o wise_a discerner_n thereof_o will_v knw_n thence_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o work_n and_o service_n the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o that_o time_n call_v for_o shall_v the_o earth_n have_v its_o season_n wherein_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a shall_v the_o stork_n and_o swallow_n know_v their_o time_n and_o yet_o christian_n not_o know_v how_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o their_o season_n and_o discern_v the_o special_a time_n and_o opportunity_n of_o duty_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o every_o christian_n in_o whatsoever_o capacity_n or_o condition_n as_o he_o have_v his_o measure_n and_o talon_n so_o have_v some_o work_n and_o opportunity_n of_o duty_n wherein_o they_o may_v serve_v the_o lord_n in_o their_o generation_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a lot_n or_o condition_n that_o shut_v that_o door_n upon_o any_o that_o they_o have_v no_o work_n for_o god_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v faithful_a for_o he_o oh_o that_o in_o this_o threaten_a time_n when_o darkness_n be_v like_a to_o overspread_v the_o church_n it_o be_v more_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n to_o strive_v together_o and_o contend_v by_o a_o serious_a improvement_n of_o their_o several_a capacity_n to_o preserve_v religion_n and_o transmit_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o posterity_n that_o the_o christian_a parent_n or_o master_n of_o family_n do_v witness_n more_o that_o great_a resolution_n in_o a_o time_n when_o many_o be_v draw_v back_o but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o and_o my_o house_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n 3._o it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o honourable_a service_n of_o the_o church_n do_v usual_o try_v she_o in_o a_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n when_o there_o have_v be_v but_o little_a strength_n many_o outward_a disadvantage_n then_o both_o their_o call_n and_o furniture_n have_v be_v most_o observable_a to_o confess_v the_o truth_n to_o endure_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o overcome_v by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o testimony_n a_o piece_n of_o service_n whereto_o more_o prosperous_a time_n do_v not_o give_v such_o a_o opportunity_n yea_o it_o have_v be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n dan._n 11_o 32._o that_o these_o who_o know_v their_o god_n be_v make_v strong_a to_o do_v exploit_n 4._o it_o do_v much_o concern_v we_o to_o put_v a_o high_a value_n on_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o time_n when_o man_n must_v either_o lose_v it_o or_o buy_v it_o and_z o_o what_o a_o choice_n purchase_n be_v that_o which_o can_v be_v buy_v too_o dear_a though_o at_o the_o rate_n of_o our_o liberty_n estate_n credit_n and_o reputation_n yea_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o peace_n when_o it_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v that_o great_a depositum_fw-la o●ce_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n the_o inheritance_n of_o our_o child_n that_o way_n whereby_o jesus_n christ_n keep_v intercourse_n with_o his_o bride_n on_o the_o earth_n yea_o the_o charter_n of_o all_o our_o mercy_n and_o of_o our_o hope_n through_o eternity_n 5._o though_o every_o line_n of_o di●ine_a truth_n be_v inestimable_a yet_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v a_o more_o press_a ca●l_n for_o our_o adherence_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v most_o controvert_v in_o the_o time_n for_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a testimony_n and_o it_o be_v know_v through_o all_o age_n what_o a_o singular_a bl●ssing_n have_v follow_v the_o contend_v and_o witness_v of_o a_o few_o for_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o spait_n of_o public_a defection_n to_o keep_v it_o alive_a when_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o yea_o to_o effect_n above_o rational_a belief_n unus_fw-la athanasius_n contratotum_fw-la orbem_fw-la many_o such_o remark_n have_v not_o be_v want_v 6._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o which_o be_v always_o necessary_a and_o bind_a yet_o we_o may_v say_v in_o a_o time_n of_o the_o church_n hazard_n and_o 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fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v therein_o concern_v the_o outmaking_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n one_o syllabe_n whereof_o he_o do_v more_o value_n than_o all_o the_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n yea_o will_v not_o let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o rate_n of_o lay_v city_n and_o country_n desolate_a for_o it_o be_v in_o this_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n and_o exercise_v his_o bless_a thought_n even_o the_o bring_n about_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n ●_o now_o to_o clear_v this_o further_a i_o shall_v hold_v forth_o these_o follow_a ground_n whence_o it_o may_v appear_v first_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o write_v word_n be_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n and_o of_o such_o concernment_n that_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o god_n think_v it_o worthy_a of_o a_o place_n in_o his_o heart_n from_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v before_o he_o in_o his_o thought_n and_o counsel_n of_o old_a 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in_o his_o hand_n who_o only_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o counsel_n and_o loose_v the_o seal_v thereof_o a_o trust_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o adventure_v upon_o the_o angel_n the_o small_a promise_n be_v such_o as_o require_v no_o less_o than_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o ithovah_n to_o bring_v it_o about_o for_o which_o end_n he_o who_o the_o father_n have_v anoint_v be_v go_v forth_o as_o a_o mighty_a man_n who_o rejoice_v to_o run_v his_o race_n that_o he_o may_v perform_v his_o word_n and_o through_o this_o great_a design_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o providence_n about_o his_o church_n and_o people_n which_o he_o will_v not_o cease_v or_o give_v over_o until_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o that_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v put_v to_o a_o close_a when_o heaven_n and_o earth_n at_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o last_o vial_n shall_v give_v that_o solemn_a shout_n and_o exclamation_n it_o be_v finish_v it_o be_v finish_v o_o if_o this_o be_v once_o full_o perfect_a there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v than_o the_o winter_n be_v pass_v and_o the_o summer_n come_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o lamb_n shall_v be_v hear_v because_o the_o bride_n have_v make_v herself_o ready_a then_o let_v all_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n rejoice_v the_o hill_n break_v forth_o into_o sing_v and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o be_v glade_n because_o the_o scripture_n and_o great_a design_n thereof_o be_v full_o finish_v and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o perfect_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v 5._o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o such_o concernment_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v until_o it_o be_v once_o finish_v for_o this_o time_n must_v wait_v the_o sun_n must_v keep_v its_o course_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o heaven_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v the_o world_n be_v but_o 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do_v commend_v itself_o to_o man_n conscience_n as_o a_o safe_a ground_n whereon_o they_o may_v repose_v their_o soul_n it_o be_v also_o clear_a how_o wonderful_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o original_a copy_n thereof_o keep_v through_o all_o age_n that_o what_o ever_o small_a variation_n there_o may_v appear_v as_o to_o some_o apiculi_n which_o in_o some_o place_n have_v cause_v divers_a reading_n yet_o in_o any_o necessary_a or_o save_a truth_n the_o great_a critic_n will_v confess_v they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o vary_v and_o it_o be_v know_v wherein_o we_o be_v to_o adore_v that_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o who_o this_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la be_v deliver_v do_v with_o such_o exact_a and_o singular_a care_n look_v to_o the_o same_o even_o in_o the_o least_o tittle_n or_o letter_n thereof_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n and_o study_v of_o the_o mazarite_n from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o to_o see_v to_o 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the_o fame_n whilst_o we_o may_v here_o see_v such_o remarkable_a event_n which_o both_o in_o the_o present_a and_o in_o former_a time_n have_v fall_v out_o as_o may_v show_v a_o power_n that_o can_v reach_v the_o great_a with_o a_o stroke_n shake_v the_o most_o establish_a kingdom_n and_o even_o over_o the_o belly_n of_o insuperable_a difficulty_n accomplish_v the_o word_n yea_o that_o sure_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o wheel_n which_o move_v they_o be_v from_o he_o who_o word_n this_o be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o more_o clear_a that_o these_o curtain_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v stretch_v forth_o over_o the_o earrh_n then_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v stretch_v out_o over_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o frame_n of_o providence_n so_o as_o all_o the_o motious_a and_o step_n thereof_o even_o of_o the_o most_o casual_a thing_n that_o fall_v out_o have_v a_o visible_a tendency_n to_o accomplish_v these_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v hold_v forth_o 5._o this_o clear_o show_v it_o must_v be_v his_o word_n who_o have_v forseen_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be●all_v the_o church_n and_o the_o various_a change_n and_o adventure_n of_o every_o christian_n life_n through_o time_n whilst_o it_o be_v so_o wonderful_o shape_v and_o suit_v to_o every_o new_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o intend_a only_o for_o that_o time_n and_o to_o every_o case_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v alone_o write_v for_o they_o 6._o this_o also_o show_v that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v frame_v that_o admirable_a piece_n must_v have_v some_o immediate_a correspondence_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n know_v our_o sit_v down_o and_o rise_v up_o yea_o do_v search_n the_o heart_n and_o the_o reins_n for_o experience_n can_v tell_v how_o the_o word_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o heart_n do_v reach_v the_o most_o inward_a contrivance_n thereof_o do_v so_o clear_o reveall_a and_o open_v up_o a_o christian_a to_o himself_o that_o we_o may_v say_v of_o a_o truth_n he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o one_o great_a than_o our_o heart_n who_o it_o be_v 7._o i_o shall_v further_o add_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v show_v it_o be_v not_o a_o dead_a letter_n but_o have_v power_n and_o life_n and_o there_o must_v be_v a_o enlighten_v quicken_a spirit_n that_o sure_o go_v along_o with_o the_o same_o this_o clear_o demonstrate_v something_o above_o word_n yea_o above_o nature_n in_o the_o write_v word_n that_o can_v make_v such_o a_o change_n upon_o the_o soul_n give_v life_n to_o the_o dead_a open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a yea_o can_v turn_v a_o lump_n of_o earth_n that_o former_o tend_v downward_o now_o without_o any_o violence_n to_o move_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n towards_o god_n as_o the_o spark_n flee_v upward_o vi_o the_o aceomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o most_o pleasant_a and_o true_o 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and_o be_v not_o that_o agrave_n duty_n which_o at_o all_o time_n in_o every_o station_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n shall_v engage_v man_n to_o this_o study_n thus_o every_o christian_a may_v become_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o put_v his_o seal_n thereto_o for_o which_o he_o shall_v think_v his_o life_n true_o desirable_a and_o he_o do_v in_o no_o small_a measure_n attain_v the_o true_a end_n thereof_o though_o he_o have_v no_o other_o opportunity_n for_o his_o master_n service_n and_o we_o may_v say_v this_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n like_o a_o great_a roll_n have_v be_v transmit_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o attest_v and_o as_o it_o be_v subscrybed_n by_o so_o many_o witness_n it_o do_v thus_o come_v to_o our_o time_n and_o to_o every_o man_n door_n and_o require_v their_o personal_a witness_v and_o seal_v of_o the_o same_o 2._o this_o shall_v make_v it_o a_o easy_a work_n to_o trust_v the_o word_n and_o to_o adventure_v thereon_o in_o the_o ordinary_a occurrence_n of_o their_o life_n they_o may_v well_o trust_v god_n in_o strait_a who_o have_v so_o strong_a a_o argument_n to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o oft_o they_o have_v try_v he_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n by_o many_o many_o experience_n will_v not_o these_o that_o know_v his_o name_n trust_v in_o he_o which_o be_v a_o notable_a testimony_n from_o a_o serious_a christian_a in_o a_o very_a sharp_a trial_n oft_o have_v i_o try_v god_n and_o shall_v i_o not_o learn_v to_o trust_v he_o once_o 3._o this_o do_v lay_v the_o christian_a in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o promise_n psal_n 107._o last_o ver_fw-la a_o promise_n true_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a but_o little_o consider_v that_o such_o as_o be_v wise_a to_o observe_v the_o work_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v see_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o in_o their_o own_o particular_a case_n make_v out_o to_o they_o yea_o whilst_o they_o be_v serious_a to_o observe_v his_o work_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o his_o way_n to_o other_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o loser_n thereby_o at_o home_n but_o find_v this_o promise_n meet_v they_o and_o to_o turn_v their_o general_a observation_n unto_o personal_a experience_n of_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n 4._o thus_o the_o saint_n by_o experience_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n get_v a_o conyince_a seal_n thereby_o to_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n for_o begin_v possession_n be_v indeed_o a_o strong_a witness_n to_o this_o right_n when_o they_o can_v say_v they_o have_v get_v as_o certain_a return_n of_o the_o word_n when_o they_o have_v put_v it_o to_o a_o essay_n in_o some_o particular_n of_o their_o life_n as_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v ever_o see_v so_o from_o unquestionable_a experience_n they_o set_v up_o a_o pillar_n and_o write_v thereon_o hither_o to_o have_v the_o lord_n help_v we_o 5._o thus_o shall_v christian_n with_o much_o advantage_n be_v help_v to_o convince_v gainsayer_n for_o its_o sure_a atheism_n can_v not_o make_v so_o bold_a and_o public_a a_o appearance_n if_o man_n do_v not_o so_o much_o take_v their_o religion_n on_o trust_n o_o the_o serious_a experience_a man_n can_v with_o a_o other_o confidence_n own_o the_o truth_n who_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n give_v he_o a_o argument_n that_o none_o can_v answer_v while_o not_o only_o he_o can_v assert_v but_o conduct_v and_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o they_o may_v see_v if_o in_o such_o and_o such_o particular_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o true_o fulfil_v 6._o thus_o the_o providenee_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o more_o sweet_a refresh_a countenance_n when_o from_o this_o great_a height_n that_o watchtower_n of_o christiau_n observation_n we_o take_v a_o look_v thereof_o and_o true_o otherways_o man_n will_v stumble_v at_o the_o most_o ordinary_a dispensation_n and_o think_v god_n work_n be_v a_o mass_n 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this_o truth_n may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la not_o only_o from_o the_o real_a conquest_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o excellent_a trophy_n of_o her_o victory_n over_o many_o note_a enemy_n who_o have_v after_o be_v vessel_n of_o honour_n but_o also_o from_o the_o feign_a subjection_n that_o so_o many_o have_v be_v make_v to_o render_v be_v it_o not_o strange_a what_o a_o multitude_n do_v in_o these_o time_n profess_v the_o truth_n and_o yet_o hate_v it_o and_o be_v never_o draw_v with_o the_o cord_n of_o love_n how_o very_o many_o have_v court_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o woo_v the_o shadow_n of_o religion_n who_o never_o know_v the_o truth_n thereof_o which_o certain_o be_v a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n conquest_n that_o so_o many_o knee_n shall_v bow_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n who_o heart_n be_v never_o bow_v or_o real_o subdue_v to_o he_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a proof_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o we_o see_v the_o church_n increase_v &_o enlargement_n have_v come_v to_o pass_v most_o punctual_o after_o that_o manner_n yea_o with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n as_o be_v fortolde_v and_o promise_v so_o that_o the_o event_n do_v in_o every_o thing_n answer_v the_o word_n for_o first_o it_o be_v there_o hold_v out_o that_o from_o a_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n which_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o despise_v it_o shall_v grow_v up_o as_o a_o tender_a plant_n and_o spread_v forth_o its_o branch_n over_o the_o nation_n that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o desolat_a shall_v be_v more_o than_o of_o the_o marry_a wife_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o first_o &_o o_o have_v it_o not_o according_o come_v to_o pass_n 2._o this_o great_a increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o christ_n shall_v be_v lift_v up_o that_o then_o he_o shall_v draw_v all_o man_n after_o he_o for_o these_o promise_n we_o have_v 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christian_n o_o strange_a a_o dioclesian_n &_o maximus_n so_o grievous_o persecute_v and_o trample_v on_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christianity_n &_o yet_o near_o that_o same_o age_n this_o great_a roman_a empire_n and_o emperor_n submit_v to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n 2._o how_o astonish_v be_v it_o for_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o increase_v to_o be_v bring_v about_o upon_o the_o ruin_n and_o dounfal_n of_o the_o idol_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o have_v their_o temple_n and_o be_v worship_v as_o god_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o renounce_v its_o bible_n and_o that_o religion_n which_o for_o so_o many_o age_n be_v deep_o root_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n these_o altar_n which_o be_v have_v in_o such_o reverence_n demolish_a and_o their_o temple_n make_v a_o ruinous_a heap_n yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o their_o god_n shall_v be_v thus_o obliterat_fw-la be_v not_o this_o indeed_o very_o wonderful_a but_o 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of_o the_o church_n enemy_n have_v oft_o witness_v this_o truth_n that_o in_o pursue_v their_o malice_n to_o trouble_v and_o undo_v she_o they_o have_v but_o undo_v themselves_o how_o torment_v disappointment_n have_v cause_v their_o very_a flesh_n to_o pine_v away_o and_o the_o close_a and_o issue_n of_o their_o rage_n force_v this_o conviction_n from_o they_o at_o last_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o burdensome_a stone_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o a_o party_n with_o who_o it_o be_v full_a of_o hazard_n to_o meddle_v have_v not_o such_o be_v make_v to_o discern_v something_o of_o a_o divine_a hand_n so_o clear_o against_o they_o blast_v their_o counsel_n and_o most_o promise_a attempt_n as_o if_o their_o eye_n with_o balaam_n have_v be_v open_v to_o see_v the_o angel_n in_o their_o way_n yea_o in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v know_v how_o the_o conscience_n even_o of_o the_o worst_a have_v oft_o bewray_v something_o of_o a_o presage_a fear_n they_o have_v have_v of_o these_o who_o they_o 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a_o sweet_a sunshine_n have_v follow_v the_o most_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a time_n a_o rage_a storm_n have_v resolve_v into_o a_o refresh_a calm_a yea_o that_o with_o a_o further_a growth_n of_o the_o church_n trial_n and_o double_v of_o her_o burden_n her_o enlargement_n and_o outgate_n have_v break_v up_o with_o so_o great_a and_o obvious_a remarke_n therein_o that_o it_o be_v a_o convince_a return_n of_o prayer_n &_o wrestle_v have_v further_a addition_n of_o some_o new_a and_o singular_a mercy_n therewith_o yea_o some_o eminent_a act_n of_o judgement_n upon_o her_o adversary_n 4._o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o victory_n which_o man_n have_v get_v over_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n can_v also_o bear_v witness_n to_o this_o that_o when_o the_o wicked_a have_v spring_v up_o like_o the_o grass_n and_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n seem_v to_o flourish_v this_o very_a way_n have_v the_o lord_n take_v to_o bring_v about_o a_o more_o full_a deliverance_n yea_o on_o the_o 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convince_a pr●vidences_n which_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v show_v against_o the_o enenye_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o man_n can_v not_o pass_v without_o some_o remark_n what_o a_o issue_n these_o have_v have_v who_o have_v sometime_o be_v a_o sore_a rod_n on_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yea_o a_o terour_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n how_o they_o have_v become_v a_o most_o abject_a and_o contemptible_a party_n like_o bee_n who_o have_v lose_v their_o sting_n their_o countenance_n have_v be_v change_v and_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v any_o more_o a_o fear_n when_o once_o their_o work_n be_v do_v and_o the_o date_n of_o their_o commission_n for_o the_o humble_v and_o try_v of_o the_o church_n exspire_v yea_o a_o judicial_a stroke_n from_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v often_o see_v upon_o their_o very_a judgement_n and_o resolution_n which_o can_v not_o then_o serve_v they_o to_o trouble_v and_o afflict_v the_o church_n the_o day_n be_v turn_v and_o the_o time_n of_o her_o deliverance_n come_v five_o there_o be_v this_o promise_n also_o which_o concern_v the_o church_n in_o general_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n in_o their_o personal_a case_n that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o go●d_n of_o these_o who_o live_v god_n rom._n 8_o 28._o the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v write_v out_o in_o providence_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o man_n i_o will_v here_o touch_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a comprehensive_a promise_n which_o in_o the_o constant_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o providence_n about_o the_o church_n we_o may_v see_v it_o do_v take_v place_n how_o these_o turring_n and_o change_n of_o the_o world_n the_o most_o strange_a emergent_n of_o the_o time_n the_o various_a motion_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n do_v cooperat_fw-la together_o and_o have_v a_o
child_n who_o be_v these_o that_o flee_v as_o a_o cloud_n like_o the_o dove_n to_o their_o window_n o_o bless_a day_n in_o which_o the_o light_n do_v first_o break_v up_o on_o the_o poor_a offspring_n of_o japhet_n who_o then_o dwell_v in_o the_o shadow_n and_o region_n of_o death_n o_o bless_a day_n that_o bring_v salvation_n with_o it_o to_o the_o gentiles_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v visit_v these_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n i_o think_v the_o sense_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n shall_v never_o let_v we_o want_v a_o errant_a for_o give_v thanks_o yea_o put_v much_o to_o silence_v our_o other_o complaint_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o also_o clear_a that_o not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o time_n but_o these_o very_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o esai_n and_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v particular_o point_v at_o this_o promise_n have_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n for_o it_o be_v this_o day_n manifest_v the_o isle_n which_o we_o find_v so_o frequent_o mention_v that_o these_o shall_v wait_v for_o his_o law_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n whence_o he_o shall_v bring_v th●_n daughter_n of_o his_o disperse_a may_v have_v a_o clear_a commentar_n upon_o the_o same_o from_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v to_o britain_n and_o ireland_n with_o other_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n yea_o have_v not_o the_o aethiopian_n be_v make_v to_o stretch_v out_o their_o hand_n even_o in_o these_o sunburn_a place_n of_o africa_n have_v not_o christ_n also_o have_v a_o conquest_n where_o many_o a_o black_a moor_n be_v through_o grace_n make_v as_o the_o snow_n of_o salmon_n and_o the_o feather_n of_o a_o dove_n so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a how_o these_o particular_a place_n which_o be_v so_o oft_o point_v at_o by_o the_o prophet_n have_v be_v visit_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o fall_v to_o the_o share_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o this_o change_n which_o by_o the_o incoming_a of_o the_o gentiles_n to_o the_o church_n be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o great_a and_o astonish_v that_o be_v it_o still_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o this_o not_o yet_o fulfil_v it_o will_v true_o stagger_v our_o faith_n how_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o miracle_n that_o the_o world_n can_v possible_o deny_v even_o this_o great_a work_n of_o god_n in_o bring_v of_o the_o gentiles_n which_o without_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n can_v not_o be_v effectuate_v if_o man_n will_v consider_v first_o that_o swift_a progress_n which_o then_o the_o gospel_n have_v how_o it_o do_v run_v and_o be_v glorify_v through_o the_o further_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o like_o a_o ligtning_n break_v forth_o from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o so_o that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o scripture_n do_v show_v how_o most_o of_o the_o conspicuous_a province_n of_o asia_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o tertullian_n who_o live_v in_o the_o second_o century_n in_o his_o book_n contra_fw-la judaos_n do_v there_o witness_v how_o many_o nation_n and_o these_o most_o remote_a from_o other_o parthian_n mede_n armenia_n phrygia_n cappadocia_n pontus_n and_o pamphilia_n with_o much_o of_o egypt_n and_o diverse_a part_n of_o africa_n beside_o rome_n spain_n and_o other_o place_n of_o europe_n be_v in_o his_o time_n almost_o whole_o christian_n for_o it_o be_v indeed_o clear_a that_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n be_v then_o of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o it_o be_v now_o at_o this_o day_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o undeniable_a that_o in_o this_o solemn_a day_n of_o the_o gospel_n spread_v among_o the_o nation_n suffer_v and_o persecution_n do_v all_o that_o time_n attend_v the_o church_n yea_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n that_o as_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o time_n do_v witness_v neither_o famine_n pestilence_n nor_o the_o sword_n do_v destroy_v so_o many_o of_o the_o world_n as_o then_o be_v of_o christian_n in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n put_v to_o death_n for_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o great_a work_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o swift_a spread_n of_o the_o church_n be_v most_o discernible_a in_o these_o time_n of_o hot_a persecution_n yea_o then_o be_v she_o most_o effectual_a growth_n and_o increase_v which_o upon_o she_o get_v some_o rest_n and_o beginning_n to_o flourish_v with_o external_a peace_n be_v at_o a_o visible_a stand_n 3_o how_o marvellous_a a_o thing_n be_v this_o to_o be_v bring_v about_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o many_o different_a language_n that_o do_v then_o stop_v correspondence_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o how_o can_v the_o truth_n thus_o spread_v among_o the_o nation_n yea_o in_o such_o remote_a place_n of_o the_o world_n church_n be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v and_o make_v legible_a to_o they_o without_o that_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o for_o that_o end_n be_v then_o give_v from_o the_o lord_n sure_o beside_o sacred_a authority_n anent_o this_o reason_n may_v convince_o witness_v to_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o miracle_n 4._o how_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a a_o change_n be_v this_o that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n the_o gospel_n shall_v thus_o enlighten_v and_o put_v such_o a_o lustre_n on_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o savage_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o scarce_o humanity_n have_v be_v and_o bring_v they_o from_o the_o condition_n of_o beast_n to_o man_n shall_v thus_o tame_v and_o civilize_v the_o great_a barbarian_n and_o cause_v the_o lion_n to_o lie_v down_o with_o the_o lamb_n yea_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o that_o gospel_n and_o of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n which_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n so_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v not_o this_o indeed_o a_o miracle_n how_o in_o a_o mattet_n of_o such_o high_a concernment_n as_o that_o wherein_o man_n soul_n and_o everlasting_a interest_n lie_v they_o shall_v be_v turn_v off_o their_o old_a way_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o and_o their_o father_n have_v be_v so_o long_o root_v &_o that_o a_o little_a spark_n which_o do_v break_v up_o in_o judea_n shall_v bring_v down_o the_o idol_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o burn_v up_o their_o temple_n alace_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o a_o large_a heart_n of_o that_o primitive_a zeal_n and_o fervour_n this_o day_n among_o christian_n for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o church_n that_o such_o merchant_n be_v now_o rare_a who_o will_v venture_v out_o to_o trade_n with_o other_o part_n for_o this_o excellent_a ware_n the_o merchandise_n whereof_o be_v better_a than_o of_o gold_n o_o that_o in_o these_o part_n where_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v and_o profess_v the_o lord_n will_v raise_v up_o man_n of_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o such_o a_o magistrate_n who_o will_v make_v it_o their_o work_n and_o lay_v down_o solid_a ground_n how_o to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o reckon_v their_o interest_n in_o a_o foreign_a plantation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o less_o then_o on_o the_o account_n of_o trade_n we_o will_v pray_v and_o yet_o hope_v for_o this_o viii_o what_o we_o find_v foretell_v by_o daniel_n yea_o by_o christ_n himself_o anent_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o cease_v of_o the_o jewish_a daily_a sacrifice_n with_o the_o rejection_n of_o that_o people_n dan._n 12._o ver_fw-la 11._o matth._n 24_o ver_fw-la 2._o have_v many_o age_n pass_v come_v to_o pass_v wherein_o the_o world_n may_v see_v how_o clear_o the_o event_n do_v answer_v this_o prophecy_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o do_v need_v no_o other_o witness_n than_o the_o scatter_a remnant_n and_o desolate_a ruin_n of_o that_o once_o flourish_a church_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n at_o this_o day_n who_o present_a state_n be_v so_o great_a a_o monument_n of_o divine_a judgement_n so_o clear_a a_o witness_v to_o the_o scripture_n that_o i_o think_v man_n can_v look_v thereon_o if_o they_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n serious_a but_o must_v have_v such_o a_o conviction_n 2._o what_o have_v befall_v this_o people_n may_v it_o not_o be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o the_o world_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n a_o stroke_n that_o have_v put_v they_o in_o a_o more_o sad_a condition_n than_o any_o nation_n or_o people_n we_o ever_o yet_o hear_v of_o that_o have_v cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o land_n scatter_v they_o as_o vagabond_n through_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o these_o many_o age_n they_o have_v have_v no_o sceptre_n
nor_o lawgiver_n no_o piece_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o can_v call_v their_o own_o but_o at_o the_o mercy_n and_o arbitrary_a disposal_n of_o every_o place_n they_o reside_v in_o no_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n but_o a_o naked_a permission_n to_o brook_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n during_o the_o pleasure_n of_o these_o under_o who_o they_o get_v shelter_v a_o people_n put_v by_o themselves_o with_o a_o visible_a mark_n of_o divine_a wrath_n upon_o they_o like_o a_o beacon_n set_v up_o for_o all_o the_o nation_n to_o look_v on_o even_o these_o who_o be_v once_o eminent_o own_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v know_v in_o their_o palace_n for_o a_o refuge_n yea_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o no_o stir_n or_o essay_n that_o ever_o they_o make_v for_o their_o relief_n but_o be_v still_o to_o their_o further_a ruin_n and_o find_v god_n hand_n visible_o cross_v to_o they_o therein_o sure_a ammianus_n marcellinus_n a_o heathen_a writer_n do_v intend_v no_o testimony_n to_o the_o 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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 ●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 s●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 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