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that_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o outletting_n thereof_o which_o do_v convince_o follow_v the_o gospel_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o these_o last_o time_n a_o truth_n which_o we_o must_v say_v have_v be_v manifest_a and_o by_o many_o solemn_a proof_n thereof_o demonstrat_fw-la no_o less_o then_o in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n it_o be_v undeniable_a how_o great_a a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o spirit_n &_o downpowring_a thereof_o be_v for_o this_o be_v god_n own_o seal_n which_o be_v not_o put_v to_o a_o lie_n or_o falsehood_n thus_o he_o bear_v witness_n to_o his_o work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o by_o this_o also_o the_o lord_n do_v seal_v and_o attest_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o commission_n of_o his_o servant_n who_o publish_v the_o same_o yea_o at_o some_o special_a season_n when_o the_o truth_n have_v least_o countenance_n or_o encouragement_n from_o without_o time_n of_o 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christian_n afterward_o it_o be_v the_o sow_v of_o a_o seed_n through_o clidesdeal_o so_o as_o many_o of_o most_o eminent_a christian_n in_o that_o country_n can_v date_n either_o their_o conversion_n or_o some_o remarkable_a confirmation_n in_o their_o case_n from_o that_o day_n and_o true_o this_o be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a that_o one_o after_o much_o reluctance_n by_o a_o special_a and_o unexpected_a providence_n be_v call_v to_o preach_v that_o sermon_n on_o the_o monday_n which_o then_o be_v not_o usual_o practise_v and_o that_o â—ight_a before_o by_o most_o of_o the_o christian_n there_o be_v spend_v in_o prayer_n so_o that_o the_o munday_n work_n as_o a_o convince_a return_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v discern_v 5._o i_o shall_v heâ—â—â—lso_o instance_n that_o solemn_a and_o great_a work_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n some_o
the_o enemy_n of_o his_o church_n if_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o ground_n shall_v arise_v down_o they_o must_v come_v how_o many_o great_a design_n of_o man_n have_v this_o bless_a design_n that_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v stand_v crush_v and_o break_v so_o that_o their_o work_n and_o counsel_n have_v be_v as_o the_o spider_n web_n when_o it_o stand_v cross_v to_o this_o end_n the_o godly_a need_v not_o fear_n that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o present_a help_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n for_o he_o will_v keep_v his_o word_n herein_o though_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v overturn_v and_o the_o mountain_n cast_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n o_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o counsel_n what_o be_v all_o these_o vicissitude_n and_o change_n here_o in_o the_o world_n but_o make_v way_n for_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n with_o what_o desire_n do_v he_o move_v towards_o this_o end_n so_o that_o as_o in_o zachary_n 6_o v._n 8._o the_o instrument_n by_o he_o appoint_v for_o execute_v his_o judgement_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v quiet_v his_o spirit_n his_o decree_n be_v mountain_n of_o brass_n which_o be_v unchangeable_a the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n take_v place_n in_o all_o generation_n therefore_o the_o word_n which_o be_v go_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n shall_v not_o return_v in_o vain_a but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v prosper_v in_o his_o hand_n iii_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o truth_n very_o clear_a and_o manifest_a whereof_o none_o can_v pretend_v ignorance_n if_o they_o do_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o force_v their_o own_o light_n from_o the_o fear_n of_o such_o a_o discovery_n for_o the_o obstruction_n do_v notâ—ly_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o object_n or_o that_o man_n can_v see_v this_o since_o we_o have_v it_o so_o clear_o hold_v forth_o in_o great_a and_o legible_a character_n nay_o we_o must_v say_v the_o cause_n be_v culpable_a there_o be_v much_o of_o the_o will_n in_o it_o which_o render_v such_o one_fw-mi ignorance_n without_o excuse_n o_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o little_o look_v after_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o near_a and_o weighty_a concernment_n when_o there_o need_v not_o a_o other_o demonstration_n but_o come_v and_o see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n through_o the_o earth_n for_o he_o have_v here_o so_o far_o condescend_v to_o his_o people_n to_o bring_v the_o truth_n near_o that_o they_o even_o feel_v and_o grip_v the_o same_o yea_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n say_v to_o every_o one_o as_o to_o thomas_n put_v in_o your_o band_n touch_v the_o word_n and_o truth_n thereof_o and_o be_v no_o long_o faithless_a taste_v but_o and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o that_o he_o be_v true_a in_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v we_o be_v indeed_o to_o look_v after_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o this_o truth_n the_o near_o the_o church_n be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n there_o be_v a_o labyrinth_n as_o it_o be_v of_o turn_n and_o wind_n through_o which_o we_o may_v see_v the_o word_n oft_o bring_v so_o as_o we_o lose_v sight_n thereof_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v anent_o its_o performance_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o most_o eminent_a confirmation_n the_o saint_n ever_o have_v of_o this_o truth_n have_v be_v after_o great_a shake_n thereanent_a yea_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o all_o age_n so_o visible_o seal_v his_o word_n by_o its_o performance_n that_o we_o may_v say_v can_v he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o a_o stranger_n to_o this_o in_o his_o experience_n and_o a_o serious_a on-looker_n on_o providence_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o he_o live_v and_o a_o stranger_n to_o it_o in_o his_o observation_n yea_o can_v any_o be_v so_o whole_o brutish_a not_o to_o discern_v a_o thing_n so_o clear_a that_o ofttimes_o these_o who_o run_v may_v read_v but_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v here_o point_v at_o some_o thing_n that_o may_v show_v how_o manifest_a this_o truth_n be_v 1._o be_v it_o not_o very_o clear_a which_o we_o see_v very_a day_n bring_v to_o light_v a_o truth_n so_o conspicuous_a both_o in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n with_o his_o church_n and_o in_o the_o several_a step_n and_o passage_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n for_o these_o mercy_n which_o bring_v the_o word_n and_o promise_v to_o pass_v be_v new_a every_o morning_n and_o cry_v aloud_o if_o we_o can_v hear_v great_a be_v his_o faithfulness_n this_o be_v indeed_o try_v and_o needs_o there_o more_o to_o convince_v a_o blind_a man_n that_o his_o sight_n be_v restore_v to_o he_o but_o that_o he_o certain_o see_v sure_o they_o never_o want_v confirmation_n here_o who_o do_v but_o servious_o seek_v to_o be_v confirm_v 2._o be_v it_o not_o a_o clear_a truth_n which_o not_o only_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o exact_a trial_n but_o be_v witness_v by_o such_o who_o ever_o try_v it_o in_o their_o most_o press_a strait_n and_o extremity_n for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a night_n this_o truth_n have_v most_o bright_o shine_v and_o these_o more_o remarkable_a ventorious_a act_n of_o faith_n have_v they_o not_o still_o bring_v forth_o most_o convince_a experiment_n thereanent_a we_o may_v say_v there_o be_v none_o can_v give_v a_o better_a account_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o word_n than_o these_o who_o against_o hope_n have_v believe_v in_o hope_n that_o this_o never_o make_v they_o ashamed_a 3._o be_v it_o not_o also_o clear_a whereof_o there_o be_v such_o solemn_a extraordinary_a comfirmation_n in_o all_o age_n for_o that_o his_o name_n be_v near_o his_o wondrous_a work_n declare_v i_o be_o sure_a no_o time_n can_v ever_o deny_v its_o witness_n how_o by_o great_a convince_a providence_n both_o of_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n it_o have_v be_v so_o seal_v as_o have_v force_v atheist_n to_o keep_v silence_n no_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n have_v not_o cause_n to_o erect_v a_o pillar_n and_o engrave_v thereon_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n the_o great_a and_o wondrous_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o which_o he_o have_v witness_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o a_o manifest_a truth_n which_o even_o in_o the_o most_o strange_a and_o dark_a footstep_n of_o providence_n so_o clear_o shine_v forth_o these_o which_o at_o the_o first_o look_n be_v a_o astonishment_n and_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v yet_o after_o most_o clear_o verify_v the_o scripture_n that_o whilst_o the_o lord_n way_n go_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n yea_o out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a road_n of_o his_o work_n through_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o turn_n and_o cross_a dispensation_n yet_o at_o length_n it_o do_v evident_o clear_a and_o dissintangle_v itself_o which_o man_n may_v oft_o see_v break_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n out_o of_o a_o dark_a cloud_n that_o shive_v the_o more_o bright_o the_o more_o it_o be_v obscure_v 5._o be_v it_o not_o very_o clear_a which_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o such_o visible_a effect_n in_o these_o great_a change_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n hide_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o oft_o publish_v in_o the_o house_n top_n that_o man_n may_v see_v legible_o write_v upon_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n the_o desolate_a ruin_n and_o devastation_n of_o city_n &_o house_n great_a and_o fair_a which_o be_v make_v to_o be_v without_o inhabitant_n so_o as_o these_o who_o go_v by_o may_v clear_o read_v the_o cause_n and_o bear_v that_o witness_n lothereis_n sin_n visible_o punish_v according_a to_o the_o word_n 6._o how_o clear_a be_v this_o which_o we_o have_v so_o evident_o draw_v out_o and_o act_v over_o in_o a_o christian_a walk_n for_o what_o else_o be_v the_o spiritual_a conversation_n of_o such_o these_o visible_a effect_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n all_o along_o a_o christian_n way_n but_o a_o visible_a convince_a witness_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o word_n have_v not_o such_o a_o very_a audible_a echo_n and_o resound_v to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n where_o man_n may_v see_v the_o bible_n turn_v over_o into_o a_o practical_a history_n write_v forth_o and_o act_v on_o the_o heart_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o on_o a_o stage_n or_o theatre_n the_o word_n live_v speak_a move_a and_o clear_o diffuse_v itself_o through_o all_o the_o vein_n as_o it_o be_v and_o conduit_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n so_o that_o if_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v a_o thing_n manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a we_o must_v also_o see_v therein_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o the_o scripture_n 7._o i_o shall_v add_v we_o may_v
christ_n who_o have_v rather_o choif_v sin_n then_o affliction_n o_o be_v it_o not_o they_o judge_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o sufficient_a security_n to_o carry_v they_o through_o such_o a_o strait_a and_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v for_o if_o this_o be_v they_o shall_v reckon_v it_o their_o great_a safety_n to_o embark_v their_o interest_n on_o so_o sure_a a_o ground_n and_o with_o much_o quietness_n repose_v their_o soul_n and_o disburden_v their_o care_n by_o put_v it_o over_o on_o the_o word_n 6._o what_o do_v the_o frequent_a discouragement_n and_o unconfortable_a walk_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n speak_v forth_o do_v it_o not_o witness_v how_o little_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n with_o this_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n or_o establish_a thereanent_a what_o mean_v these_o distrustful_a fear_n and_o perplex_a complaint_n if_o their_o eye_n be_v but_o open_a to_o know_v they_o have_v such_o a_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n at_o their_o hand_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o small_a strait_n be_v so_o puzzle_v and_o ready_a to_o out_o wit_n they_o that_o they_o so_o usual_o stumble_v at_o the_o cross_n and_o as_o thing_n from_o without_o do_v appear_v their_o eucouragement_n make_v to_o ebb_v and_o flow_v be_v not_o here_o the_o cause_n that_o they_o stagger_v at_o the_o promise_n whilst_o probability_n in_o some_o visible_a way_n do_v not_o go_v along_o for_o its_o performance_n it_o be_v true_o easy_a to_o have_v some_o sweet_a notion_n of_o faith_n at_o a_o distance_n but_o whilst_o the_o trial_n come_v near_o upon_o such_o a_o close_a approach_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o other_o way_n but_o to_o put_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o particular_a interest_n on_o the_o word_n and_o on_o it_o alone_o many_o be_v then_o at_o a_o stand_n because_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o assure_v that_o though_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v overturn_v there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o take_v place_n now_o from_o these_o thing_n may_v it_o not_o appear_v that_o this_o grave_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n be_v but_o little_o know_v or_o study_v i_o confess_v we_o may_v think_v on_o it_o with_o astonishment_n how_o a_o matter_n so_o near_o concern_v be_v not_o more_o our_o work_n there_o be_v indeed_o many_o thing_n worthy_a to_o be_v knopw_v but_o our_o short_a life_n can_v scarce_o allow_v time_n or_o give_v leisure_n for_o the_o study_n thereof_o but_o o_o this_o thongh_v we_o have_v only_o 2_o day_n to_o live_v i_o think_v may_v require_v the_o one_o to_o be_v sure_a and_o persuade_v anent_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o whereon_o our_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a blessedness_n lie_v to_o which_o we_o must_v lay_v the_o dead_a grip_n when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o passage_n at_o that_o strange_a step_n betwixt_o time_n and_o eternity_n o_o what_o a_o wonder_n how_o rational_a soul_n who_o walk_v on_o the_o border_n of_o the_o great_a hope_n and_o fear_v imaginable_a can_v yet_o be_v so_o unconcern_v thereanent_fw-la such_o serious_a thought_n may_v force_v man_n to_o retire_v and_o go_v sit_v alone_o and_o true_o these_o thing_n grave_o consider_v may_v seem_v strange_a and_o hard_a to_o reconcile_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o very_a word_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n this_o day_n upon_o record_n wherewith_o we_o have_v so_o much_o to_o do_v which_o do_v offer_v itself_o to_o man_n trial_n and_o exact_a search_n and_o yet_o we_o put_v it_o so_o little_a to_o that_o touchstone_n that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o upon_o a_o other_o account_n than_o report_n or_o hear-say_n 2._o how_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o high_a importance_n as_o salvation_n through_o all_o eternity_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o hope_v i_o â—_o shall_v take_v the_o truth_n on_o a_o implicit_a faith_n or_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o common_a assent_n thereto_o as_o though_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o witness_v our_o believe_v the_o same_o because_o we_o do_v never_o doubt_v or_o call_v it_o in_o question_n i_o be_o sure_a man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o lax_n and_o so_o easy_a to_o satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o common_a interest_n they_o have_v here_o in_o the_o world_n 3._o how_o can_v man_n render_v to_o other_o a_o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n when_o it_o be_v inquire_v who_o do_v never_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o at_o themselves_o or_o will_v these_o seal_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o blood_n who_o never_o have_v it_o seal_v upon_o their_o heart_n by_o experierrce_n 4._o wence_n be_v it_o that_o man_n can_v have_v comfort_n in_o scripture_n who_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n thereof_o indeed_o these_o who_o be_v solid_o persuade_v anent_o the_o truth_n and_o its_o certain_a outmaking_n may_v have_v much_o joy_n and_o peace_n whilst_o they_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n can_v bear_v up_o any_o stress_n or_o burden_n they_o lie_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o what_o end_n do_v the_o lord_n witness_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o word_n by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o its_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o lie_v but_o that_o from_o so_o sure_a and_o strong_a a_o ground_n his_o people_n may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n 5._o how_o can_v any_o think_v to_o adventure_v their_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o that_o whereon_o they_o fear_v to_o venture_v a_o outward_a interest_n or_o put_v over_o their_o dear_a thing_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o keep_n who_o can_v never_o say_v they_o know_v in_o who_o they_o believe_v 6._o may_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o man_n can_v believe_v a_o certain_a performance_n of_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o not_o be_v more_o deep_o affect_v therewith_o o_o be_v this_o true_a shall_v it_o sure_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o not_o one_o jot_n thereof_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o cause_v we_o awake_v in_o the_o night_n and_o bear_v we_o more_o company_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o think_v ourselves_o at_o a_o loss_n that_o day_n wherein_o we_o take_v not_o a_o turn_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o divine_a truth_n if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o must_v take_v place_n 7._o i_o will_v add_v if_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n which_o sure_o have_v a_o accomplishment_n o_o how_o be_v we_o so_o little_a christian_n why_o do_v man_n walk_n so_o sad_o jar_v with_o so_o great_a a_o hope_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v these_o be_v that_o be_v persuade_v within_o a_o little_a these_o heaven_n must_v pass_v away_o as_o a_o school_n the_o element_n melt_v with_o â—ervent_a heat_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v burn_v up_o i_o think_v if_o this_o will_v not_o press_v home_o on_o man_n to_o be_v serious_a and_o diligent_a they_o must_v be_v in_o a_o very_a sad_a lethargy_n v._o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o most_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a witness_n of_o its_o divinity_n that_o it_o be_v his_o word_n who_o be_v not_o like_a man_n to_o lie_v or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o repent_v and_o have_v this_o as_o its_o distinguish_a character_n that_o not_o one_o syllable_n thereof_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o be_v the_o undoubted_a privilege_n of_o god_n and_o of_o he_o alone_o to_o foresee_v thing_n contingent_a which_o be_v many_o age_n after_o to_o fall_v out_o and_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o necessary_a and_o natural_a cause_n and_o true_o this_o may_v be_v a_o convince_a argument_n yea_o we_o may_v say_v of_o all_o external_a testimony_n be_v the_o great_a but_o its_o strange_a to_o think_v what_o a_o generation_n there_o be_v who_o can_v sport_v at_o the_o scripture_n and_o question_v the_o truth_n thereof_o who_o yet_o do_v never_o once_o serious_o inquire_v if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a else_o so_o clear_a a_o witne_n may_v stare_v they_o in_o the_o face_n such_o a_o party_n we_o shall_v look_v on_o with_o compassion_n it_o be_v also_o sad_a to_o think_v at_o how_o poor_a a_o rate_n far_o below_o their_o allowance_n many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v here_o live_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o that_o excellent_a and_o more_o noble_a spirit_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o further_a comfort_n and_o establishment_n thereby_o it_o be_v true_a this_o bless_a record_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o itself_o and_o be_v know_v by_o its_o own_o light_n whereon_o there_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a impress_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n such_o convince_a mark_n of_o its_o true_a descent_n as_o may_v thorough_o show_v who_o it_o be_v and_o how_o far_o it_o exceed_v all_o humane_a invention_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n
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 thereof_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v clear_o point_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o do_v not_o the_o event_n here_o according_o answer_a 3._o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o that_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o gentiles_n and_o that_o their_o rejection_n shall_v make_v way_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n even_o the_o ingather_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o do_v not_o man_n see_v the_o event_n with_o this_o very_a circumstance_n 4._o we_o find_v the_o isle_n and_o outmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o foretell_v as_o a_o special_a part_n of_o the_o church_n increase_n and_o do_v we_o not_o clear_o see_v there_o be_v no_o place_n of_o the_o world_n where_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v more_o visible_a where_o more_o child_n have_v be_v beget_v to_o he_o by_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v say_v then_o in_o these_o northern_a place_n even_o in_o these_o isle_n of_o britain_n &_o ireland_n which_o be_v almost_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o little_a from_o that_o airth_n and_o near_o the_o pole_n which_o be_v inhabit_v yea_o we_o may_v judge_v have_v be_v that_o thule_n whereof_o the_o ancient_n do_v so_o much_o speak_v 5._o be_v it_o not_o also_o foretell_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o her_o enemy_n at_o who_o great_a increase_n the_o world_n shall_v wonder_v the_o prince_n thereof_o see_v and_o be_v trouble_v while_n god_n be_v know_v in_o her_o palace_n for_o a_o refuge_n and_o do_v not_o the_o event_n witness_v this_o that_o over_o all_o these_o counsel_n and_o essay_n which_o the_o world_n have_v have_v to_o hinder_v the_o church_n growth_n her_o rise_n have_v always_o be_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o her_o great_a enemy_n yea_o these_o who_o have_v be_v a_o terror_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n do_v oft_o fall_v and_o break_v themselves_o in_o that_o attempt_n can_v man_n deny_v the_o marvellous_a progress_n of_o the_o church_n how_o from_o a_o small_a beginning_n she_o at_o last_o possess_v the_o gate_n of_o both_o the_o east_n and_o western_a empire_n her_o old_a enemy_n and_o do_v we_o not_o this_o day_n see_v her_o conquest_n advance_v on_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichrist_n her_o last_o and_o great_a adversary_n 5._o as_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n anent_o the_o church_n increase_n be_v undeniable_a since_o man_n can_v contradict_v their_o sense_n therein_o we_o must_v also_o say_v this_o be_v a_o thing_n great_a and_o marvellous_a which_o no_o less_o than_o some_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n can_v bring_v about_o if_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o quick_a dispatch_n which_o the_o church_n growth_n under_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v make_v o_o may_v not_o the_o pagan_a world_n wonder_v how_o in_o the_o space_n of_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n it_o be_v almost_o become_v whole_o 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 dagon_n have_v no_o strength_n to_o stand_v before_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n 3._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o advance_v by_o such_o a_o mean_a as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n even_o of_o that_o which_o to_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n how_o this_o voice_n shall_v put_v to_o perpetual_a silence_n these_o oracle_n that_o for_o so_o many_o age_n have_v give_v a_o response_n to_o the_o world_n may_v be_v indeed_o astonish_v yea_o that_o the_o church_n increase_v shall_v thus_o be_v bring_v about_o at_o no_o less_o rate_n than_o the_o overturning_a of_o great_a kingdom_n the_o conversion_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n shall_v tame_v and_o civilize_v the_o most_o savage_a and_o barbarous_a cause_n the_o lion_n to_o lie_v down_o with_o the_o lamb_n and_o even_o make_v so_o great_a and_o universal_a a_o change_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universe_n 4._o do_v it_o not_o speak_v forth_o some_o divine_a power_n the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o church_n growth_n and_o increase_v not_o only_o over_o the_o violence_n of_o man_n but_o over_o all_o these_o dreadful_a error_n and_o invention_n these_o thick_a mist_n which_o both_o in_o former_a and_o late_a time_n have_v ascend_v out_o of_o the_o pit_n to_o choke_v she_o that_o we_o may_v say_v the_o church_n have_v not_o only_o be_v help_v to_o tread_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o dragon_n but_o ou_fw-fr the_o adder_n and_o cockatrice_n also_o and_o do_v carry_v the_o trophy_n of_o her_o conquest_n over_o all_o these_o at_o this_o day_n 5._o i_o will_v add_v be_v it_o not_o marvellous_a how_o the_o church_n increase_v have_v be_v advance_v in_o a_o way_n most_o contrare_fw-la to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o ordinary_a policy_n by_o which_o state_n and_o empire_n have_v rise_v not_o by_o dissimulation_n but_o great_a plain_n and_o free_a deal_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n do_v never_o flatter_v the_o world_n to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n not_o by_o open_a violence_n but_o a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n &_o power_n before_o which_o man_n can_v not_o stand_v where_o foolishness_n be_v make_v to_o confound_v and_o outwit_v humane_a wisdom_n and_o weakness_n to_o overcome_v strength_n that_o we_o may_v say_v o_o how_o little_a of_o man_n and_o much_o of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v see_v therein_o third_z promise_v which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o word_n be_v the_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n &_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v there_o express_o hold_v forth_o &_o promise_v zach._n 12_o 10._o joh._n 14_o 17._o ps_n 59_o 21._o and_o do_v concern_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n though_o in_o a_o more_o full_a measure_n to_o be_v let_v out_o in_o the_o day_n of_o
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 pursue_v with_o great_a malice_n and_o a_o dreadful_a impression_n they_o have_v of_o a_o pray_a people_n and_o their_o prayer_n 3._o this_o truth_n have_v have_v the_o clear_a witness_n in_o time_n of_o the_o church_n great_a strait_n and_o extremity_n when_o difficulty_n have_v appear_v insuperable_a and_o a_o outgate_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o providence_n most_o hopeless_a when_o visible_a mean_n have_v be_v withdraw_v all_o refuge_n fail_v and_o none_o to_o help_v that_o in_o such_o a_o day_n the_o lord_n have_v be_v see_v upon_o the_o mount_n and_o unexpected_o by_o very_o strange_a midse_n bring_v deliveranee_n to_o a_o break_a almost_o ruin_v church_n even_o as_o it_o be_v betwixt_o the_o bridge_n and_o the_o water_n so_o that_o these_o who_o will_v have_v a_o clear_a view_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n may_v but_o turn_v back_o on_o these_o more_o remarkable_a extreme_a exigence_n of_o the_o church_n condition_n aod_v there_o have_v it_o how_o oft_o 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 other_o hand_n have_v it_o not_o be_v very_o obvious_a how_o the_o church_n gain_n have_v be_v bring_v forth_o out_o of_o great_a lose_v that_o these_o wound_n which_o seem_v most_o deadly_a by_o the_o infinite_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v turn_v to_o her_o most_o effectual_a and_o through_o cure_n and_o man_n unreasonable_a violence_n and_o rage_n against_o the_o church_n have_v oft_o have_v a_o evident_a tendency_n to_o bring_v about_o even_o that_o whereto_o it_o seem_v most_o direct_o contrary_a some_o further_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n then_o can_v have_v be_v expect_v as_o the_o amorites_n refuse_v israel_n butâ—_n passage_n through_o their_o land_n do_v prove_v the_o very_a mean_a to_o give_v they_o more_o than_o they_o seek_v the_o possession_n of_o that_o land_n for_o a_o inheritance_n 5._o this_o witness_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n can_v bear_v to_o this_o promise_n that_o deliverance_n have_v oft_o spring_v up_o and_o be_v bring_v to_o her_o hand_n from_o a_o airth_n and_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o none_o will_v have_v expect_v by_o such_o as_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v a_o sudden_a report_n and_o rumour_n 1_o sam._n 23_o ver_fw-la 27._o mean_n that_o have_v be_v not_o only_o small_a and_o improbable_a but_o that_o look_v direct_o contrary_a as_o in_o bring_v the_o church_n out_o of_o egypt_n yea_o sometime_o by_o the_o wicked_a ensnare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n be_v it_o not_o obvious_a how_o the_o lord_n have_v try_v man_n private_a interest_n to_o put_v they_o on_o for_o befriend_v his_o church_n and_o have_v cause_v the_o earth_n to_o help_v the_o woman_n and_o raise_v up_o one_o oppressor_n to_o punish_v another_o yea_o often_o have_v prepare_v carpenter_n whence_o it_o be_v least_o think_v to_o cut_v the_o horn_n of_o these_o who_o have_v scatter_v his_o people_n 6._o there_o be_v this_o convince_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n that_o sudden_a remarkable_a change_n which_o may_v be_v oft_o discern_v both_o on_o man_n inward_a frame_n and_o the_o outward_a face_n of_o the_o church_n when_o a_o time_n of_o mercy_n and_o enlargement_n be_v come_v instrument_n raise_v of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o discernible_a elevation_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o act_v and_o do_v exploit_n the_o feeble_a than_o make_v strong_a and_o these_o who_o sometime_o will_v have_v faint_v at_o a_o ordinary_a piece_n of_o service_n dare_v with_o such_o a_o gale_n of_o divine_a assistance_n run_v as_o it_o be_v through_o a_o troup_n and_o overleap_v a_o wall_n '_o for_o indeed_o this_o may_v in_o all_o age_n be_v obvious_a how_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o move_v in_o the_o day_n when_o the_o lord_n move_v for_o his_o people_n and_o strengthen_v the_o girdle_n of_o their_o loin_n that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o bow_n or_o sword_n which_o get_v they_o the_o victory_n but_o the_o very_a finger_n of_o god_n something_o above_o the_o counsel_n of_o man_n or_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o have_v sometime_o be_v make_v clear_a as_o the_o noonday_n so_o that_o even_o at_o some_o distance_n these_o who_o be_v wise_a to_o discern_v the_o time_n do_v see_v when_o there_o be_v a_o break_n up_o of_o a_o dâ—y_n of_o a_o church_n hope_v how_o a_o previous_a motion_n and_o stir_v anongst_a the_o dry_a bone_n the_o sound_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mulberry_n tree_n have_v be_v then_o discernible_a and_o some_o pâ—â—mising_a appearance_n from_o the_o present_a disposition_n and_o tenper_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o that_o time_n though_o we_o must_v grant_v mâ—rcy_n &_o sovereign_a grace_n have_v oft_o try_v the_o church_n when_o little_a of_o this_o have_v appear_v which_o like_o the_o break_n up_o of_o thâ—t_a cloud_n in_o the_o of_o mount_n carmel_n to_o the_o prophet_n though_o at_o first_o but_o as_o a_o handbreath_n have_v show_v that_o liuâ—rance_n to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o far_o of_o â—_o i_o will_v add_v this_o witness_n also_o these_o convince_a prâ—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 goâ—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
upon_o the_o water_n shall_v make_v they_o appear_v as_o blood_n to_o the_o child_n of_o moab_n but_o we_o see_v what_o great_a thing_n the_o lord_n be_v thus_o bring_v about_o 3._o be_v it_o not_o oft_o manifest_a how_o not_o the_o small_a casuality_n or_o circumstance_n providence_n do_v loss_n without_o some_o improvement_n thereof_o yea_o that_o it_o guide_v the_o stroke_n of_o man_n sword_n in_o the_o battle_n and_o direct_v the_o bullet_n to_o its_o appoint_a mark_n and_o it_o do_v evident_o check_v the_o star_n and_o control_v that_o fatal_a necessity_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o fear_n may_v or_o will_v follow_v their_o aspect_n and_o it_o do_v even_o determine_v these_o which_o in_o themselves_o be_v most_o free_a and_o absolute_a the_o heart_n and_o will_v of_o man_n must_v not_o the_o crow_n of_o the_o cock_n the_o foldier_n divide_v of_o christ_n garment_n fall_v out_o for_o a_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o though_o it_o be_v at_o a_o venture_n that_o that_o man_n draw_v the_o bow_n which_o send_v ahab_n to_o his_o grave_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o chance_n do_v direct_v the_o arrow_n between_o the_o very_a joint_n of_o his_o armour_n 4._o amid_o the_o various_a emergent_n and_o hazard_n of_o man_n life_n may_v not_o experience_n tell_v that_o sure_o thing_n contingent_a be_v not_o abandon_v to_o fortune_n but_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n which_o do_v number_v our_o hair_n without_o which_o they_o can_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n o_o how_o astonish_n may_v it_o be_v to_o think_v how_o surprise_v hazard_n have_v be_v oft_o obviate_v by_o what_o unexpected_a mean_n man_n have_v be_v deliver_v from_o violent_a assault_n how_o help_n unlooked_a for_o have_v even_o try_v at_o a_o choke_v and_o a_o extremity_n yea_o while_o their_o foot_n be_v drip_v even_o betwixt_o their_o fall_n and_o fall_v they_o have_v be_v try_v with_o some_o remarkable_a cast_n of_o mercy_n 5._o be_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o discern_v how_o many_o accident_n which_o seem_v most_o casual_a yet_o by_o no_o humane_a prudence_n or_o industry_n can_v be_v prevent_v but_o be_v observable_o bring_v about_o and_o guide_v to_o fulfil_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n on_o ungodly_a man_n how_o be_v sisera_n lead_v in_o to_o the_o house_n of_o jael_n by_o other_o place_n how_o shall_v haman_n suit_v for_o mordecais_n death_n tryst_n with_o that_o very_a morning_n when_o the_o king_n thought_n be_v favourable_a to_o he_o for_o it_o may_v seem_v have_v haman_n be_v one_o day_n soon_o he_o will_v have_v get_v his_o will_n the_o three_o argument_n for_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o christian_n experience_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o cnnrch_n bear_v witness_n thereto_o but_o it_o be_v also_o a_o truth_n which_o even_o to_o the_o view_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la from_o who_o it_o do_v oft_o force_v a_o testimony_n yea_o in_o every_o age_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v a_o thing_n very_o evident_a but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v thus_o witness_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a these_o sweet_a and_o sensible_a enjoyment_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v of_o this_o truth_n the_o world_n can_v reach_v but_o it_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o in_o every_o age_n the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o some_o more_o notour_n convince_a providence_n both_o of_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n do_v solemn_o invite_v man_n to_o observe_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o word_n therein_o yea_o no_o time_n have_v want_v something_o of_o a_o public_a witness_n from_o ungodly_a man_n even_o great_a mocker_n of_o religion_n who_o under_o that_o constrain_a power_n of_o conscience_n at_o death_n or_o in_o some_o day_n of_o their_o strait_n have_v be_v force_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n by_o a_o very_a open_a confession_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o lord_n bless_a design_n in_o make_v his_o work_n sometime_o so_o conspicuous_a that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n but_o render_v atheism_n inexcusable_a that_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v shine_v forth_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i_o confess_v we_o may_v wonder_n why_o the_o world_n look_v so_o little_a upon_o this_o and_o how_o the_o conviction_n of_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n which_o they_o can_v shun_v do_v not_o more_o press_v they_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v full_o resolve_v this_o the_o brutish_a man_n know_v not_o neither_o do_v fool_n lay_v to_o heart_n how_o the_o scripture_n take_v place_n and_o that_o the_o flourish_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v but_o in_o judgement_n for_o their_o further_a ruin_n to_o prosecut_v this_o argument_n a_o little_a there_o be_v some_o special_a truth_n i_o will_v instance_n wherein_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o fulfil_v his_o word_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o world_n yea_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a observer_n and_o though_o they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o which_o i_o shall_v here_o touch_v yet_o i_o must_v say_v they_o be_v such_o concern_v truth_n and_o have_v so_o near_o a_o reference_n to_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o man_n can_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o but_o must_v also_o confess_v the_o scripture_n divinity_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o reality_n in_o godliness_n and_o in_o christian_a religion_n true_o i_o may_v here_o with_o some_o confidence_n challenge_v the_o great_a atheist_n yea_o appeal_v they_o to_o their_o conscience_n and_o serious_a thought_n if_o in_o these_o follow_a instance_n though_o but_o a_o little_a of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o such_o a_o subject_n the_o truth_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o very_o manifest_a first_o i_o shall_v first_o hold_v forth_o this_o truth_n that_o man_n be_v sure_o fall_v from_o that_o excellent_a estate_n wherein_o once_o he_o be_v form_v rom._n 5_o ver_fw-la 18._o 19_o and_o now_o be_v not_o that_o which_o he_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n a_o truth_n so_o clear_a that_o we_o may_v say_v even_o without_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v easy_a for_o any_o serious_a onlooker_n to_o discern_v the_o same_o do_v not_o even_o heathen_n have_v some_o glance_n at_o this_o the_o evidence_n whereof_o they_o can_v not_o altogether_o shun_v it_o be_v true_a the_o cause_n and_o original_a of_o this_o dreadful_a contagion_n how_o sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n how_o it_o be_v derive_v to_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n by_o imputation_n as_o well_o as_o inhesion_n how_o that_o poison_n be_v carry_v from_o the_o fountain_n to_o the_o cistern_n the_o scriptnre_n do_v only_o discover_v but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a may_v be_v obvious_a to_o all_o that_o poor_a man_n be_v thus_o sick_a and_o disease_v and_o now_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o such_o a_o fall_n and_o ruin_n as_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o word_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v strange_a that_o when_o this_o be_v so_o very_a convince_a and_o manifest_a it_o shall_v not_o force_v man_n to_o some_o more_o serious_a enquiry_n whence_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o if_o there_o can_v be_v a_o recovery_n of_o so_o sad_a and_o desperate_a like_o case_n but_o to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a i_o will_v offer_v these_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o that_o excellent_a fabric_n which_o may_v yet_o appear_v among_o its_o ruin_n some_o print_n and_o appearance_n though_o dark_a of_o that_o primitive_a lustte_n and_o beauty_n some_o draught_n which_o sin_n have_v not_o whole_o wear_v out_o that_o may_v clear_o tell_v what_o man_n once_o be_v and_o point_n out_o his_o former_a excellency_n that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o other_o wight_n of_o who_o absaloms_n character_n may_v be_v true_o say_v without_o all_o blemish_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n for_o we_o see_v the_o deep_a impression_n of_o a_o deity_n still_o root_v in_o man_n even_o among_o the_o most_o wild_a and_o savage_a which_o no_o invention_n can_v utter_o raze_v we_o see_v some_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v imprint_v in_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a some_o innate_a notion_n and_o idea_n which_o the_o soul_n have_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a among_o all_o and_o in_o every_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n likewise_o these_o natural_a truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o may_v see_v be_v no_o way_n impress_v on_o the_o soul_n from_o any_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o such_o whereto_o man_n by_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n be_v force_v to_o assent_v and_o beside_o what_o mean_v the_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 thâ—_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 christian_a cause_n in_o relate_v that_o strange_a passage_n which_o near_o his_o time_n fall_v out_o how_o the_o jew_n by_o julian's_n warrant_v and_o permission_n do_v attempt_v to_o build_v the_o temple_n again_o but_o a_o fire_n break_v up_o from_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o which_o destroy_v many_o of_o the_o workman_n force_v they_o with_o much_o terror_n to_o desist_v 3._o must_v it_o not_o be_v some_o strange_a and_o dreadful_a provocation_n beyond_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o forefather_n whereat_o so_o strange_a and_o unusual_a a_o stroke_n do_v point_n while_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o notwithstanding_o frequent_a idolatry_n and_o depart_v from_o god_n when_o they_o be_v at_o that_o height_n in_o wickedness_n to_o offer_v up_o their_o child_n to_o molech_n and_o set_v up_o altar_n in_o the_o grove_n to_o reject_v the_o message_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o thrust_v some_o of_o they_o in_o a_o dungeon_n yet_o be_v only_o punish_v with_o 70_o year_n captivity_n and_o after_o by_o god_n very_o immediate_a hand_n bring_v again_o these_o who_o have_v take_v they_o captive_a concur_v with_o they_o to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n but_o now_o how_o long_o and_o dark_a have_v their_o night_n be_v since_o this_o judgement_n come_v on_o they_o and_o though_o they_o can_v not_o these_o many_o age_n charge_v themselves_o with_o idolatry_n yet_o no_o saviour_n or_o deliverer_n have_v be_v raise_v up_o no_o prophet_n send_v forth_o no_o sign_n or_o appearance_n at_o this_o day_n of_o relief_n now_o for_o these_o 1600_o year_n yea_o amid_o these_o frequent_a change_n and_o revolution_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n no_o change_n in_o their_o condition_n sure_o if_o that_o people_n be_v in_o speak_v term_n with_o their_o conscience_n this_o may_v put_v they_o to_o a_o strange_a demur_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n if_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o kill_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o blood_n pursue_v they_o what_o attrocious_a provocation_n beyond_o other_o they_o can_v condescend_v on_o for_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v so_o long_o and_o so_o sore_o by_o such_o a_o unusual_a and_o unheard_a of_o stroke_n thus_o contend_v 4._o what_o a_o marvellous_a concurrence_n of_o providence_n and_o convince_a appearance_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n be_v in_o this_o judgement_n the_o besiege_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n try_v with_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o passover_n while_o so_o great_a a_o confluence_n of_o people_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n be_v there_o on_o that_o account_n that_o both_o sword_n and_o famine_n may_v contribute_v their_o help_n to_o destroy_v what_o unreasonable_a and_o astonish_a obstinacy_n against_o all_o offer_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o most_o press_a insinuation_n thereof_o which_o titus_n vespasian_n make_v even_o while_o their_o ruin_n be_v otherwise_o inevitable_a a_o unheard_a of_o strife_n where_o the_o enemy_n do_v contend_v to_o save_v but_o they_o to_o undo_v themselves_o how_o judicial_o harden_v under_o most_o remarkable_a prodigy_n and_o warning_n which_o they_o have_v of_o that_o approach_a desolation_n divide_v whole_o among_o themselves_o yea_o so_o cruel_a one_o upon_o another_o within_o that_o their_o adversary_n without_o can_v not_o but_o look_v thereon_o with_o compassion_n o_o what_o a_o stroke_n be_v this_o wherein_n great_a atheist_n will_v grant_v a_o fatality_n for_o indeed_o man_n can_v consider_v the_o same_o without_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a hand_n and_o something_o above_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o cause_n where_o all_o do_v thus_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o solemn_a tryst_n to_o accomplish_v that_o people_n ruin_n 5._o but_o it_o be_v here_o we_o may_v see_v a_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o his_o church_n that_o these_o who_o of_o all_o the_o world_n be_v most_o violent_a enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a truth_n be_v also_o a_o most_o convince_a witness_v to_o the_o same_o while_o first_o these_o do_v clear_o attest_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v our_o alone_a charter_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o true_a copy_n whereof_o they_o do_v most_o tender_o preserve_v what_o ever_o absurd_a gloss_n some_o of_o their_o rabbi_n have_v thereon_o yea_o dare_v never_o offer_v in_o the_o least_o to_o vitiat_fw-la the_o original_n but_o have_v have_v the_o same_o transmit_v still_o from_o one_o age_n to_o a_o other_o to_o which_o record_v that_o be_v this_o day_n in_o their_o hand_n the_o christian_a church_n can_v with_o much_o confidence_n appeal_v and_o demonstrat_fw-la from_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o â—undoubted_a truth_n of_o the_o new_a yea_o in_o this_o we_o may_v appeal_v the_o atheist_n to_o his_o conscience_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o imposture_n or_o any_o cunning_a device_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v so_o far_o witness_v even_o by_o the_o great_a adversary_n and_o maligner_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o that_o strange_a induration_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o unreasonable_a reject_v of_o the_o truth_n who_o after_o so_o long_a a_o time_n can_v see_v the_o cause_n which_o be_v most_o discernible_a in_o their_o stroke_n o_o be_v not_o this_o also_o a_o most_o convince_a seal_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o clear_a fulfil_n thereof_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vail_n over_o their_o mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v while_o they_o read_v the_o law_n judicial_o smite_v by_o the_o lord_n with_o blindness_n that_o they_o can_v see_v until_o once_o this_o vail_n be_v take_v off_o and_o true_o we_o may_v say_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o their_o judgement_n more_o strange_a and_o astonish_a then_o such_o a_o continue_a obstinacy_n against_o the_o truth_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o dark_a in_o the_o noon_n day_n but_o that_o herein_o the_o scripture_n be_v fulfil_v so_o that_o we_o may_v even_o turn_v a_o poison_n unto_o a_o antidote_n ix_o that_o which_o be_v so_o express_o foretell_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n yea_o be_v the_o great_a drift_n of_o the_o prophecy_n thereof_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n and_o reveal_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o world_n 2_o thiss_v 2_o ver_fw-la 3_o 4_o 7_o 8_o 9_o have_v long_o since_o be_v accomplish_v wherein_o we_o may_v say_v the_o wonderful_a correspond_v of_o the_o event_n with_o the_o prophecy_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o this_o truth_n be_v now_o as_o plain_a and_o obvious_a as_o once_o it_o be_v dark_a to_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v undeniable_a 1._o how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n particular_a to_o point_n antichrist_n forth_o by_o such_o notour_n mark_n and_o character_n that_o after_o age_n may_v know_v he_o if_o they_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o strange_a the_o popish_a party_n shall_v seal-up_a the_o scripture_n and_o forbid_v the_o ordinary_a read_n of_o it_o since_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o that_o light_n will_v soon_o make_v their_o kingdom_n dark_a for_o if_o man_n will_v but_o set_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n over_o against_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v use_n of_o that_o notable_a key_n for_o open_v up_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o shall_v be_v then_o easy_a to_o know_v the_o antichrist_n be_v sure_o come_v and_o who_o this_o be_v and_o herein_o do_v the_o lord_n tender_a respect_n to_o his_o church_n appear_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o in_o a_o very_a solemn_a manner_n forewarn_v man_n anent_o this_o great_a trial_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n give_v a_o alarm_n that_o such_o a_o adversary_n be_v come_v yea_o of_o the_o time_n thereof_o who_o will_v do_v more_o hurt_n than_o all_o who_o have_v go_v before_o but_o do_v also_o make_v so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n rise_v
particular_a church_n may_v be_v in_o a_o sad_a wither_a condition_n while_o other_o part_n do_v flourish_v but_o these_o promise_n seem_v to_o point_v at_o a_o day_n which_o will_v concern_v the_o saint_n in_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o shall_v not_o want_v their_o share_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o bless_a time_n it_o may_v be_v also_o clear_a some_o more_o bright_a and_o hot_a sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v hold_v forth_o some_o such_o remarkable_a springtide_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v be_v as_o discernible_a as_o the_o church_n low_a ebb_n sometime_o be_v a_o day_n of_o the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n his_o presence_n very_o manifest_a among_o his_o people_n and_o with_o the_o ordinance_n beyond_o former_a time_n so_o that_o ezek._n 48_o ver_fw-la 35._o the_o name_n of_o that_o place_n shall_v be_v call_v jehovah_n shammah_n the_o lord_n be_v there_o yea_o that_o in_o this_o day_n christ_n visible_a kingdom_n in_o a_o settle_a church_n state_n shall_v more_o eminent_o flourish_v and_o the_o flow_a in_o of_o people_n and_o nation_n with_o much_o fervour_n who_o shall_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n pure_a ordinance_n a_o more_o universal_a oneness_n among_o the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n the_o walk_n of_o christian_n with_o a_o discernible_a lustre_n of_o holiness_n make_v to_o commend_v the_o gospel_n christ_n go_n full_a of_o majesty_n and_o the_o shout_n of_o a_o king_n which_o then_o shall_v be_v hear_v among_o his_o people_n the_o noise_n of_o such_o sad_a complaint_n and_o bitter_a exercise_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n not_o so_o much_o among_o the_o saint_n as_o in_o former_a time_n and_o though_o we_o see_v no_o sure_a ground_n from_o the_o word_n to_o expect_v such_o a_o favourable_a time_n wherein_o the_o church_n militant_a shall_v not_o have_v trouble_n and_o persecution_n from_o the_o world_n yet_o there_o seem_v so_o much_o clear_o import_v in_o some_o of_o these_o great_a promise_n as_o point_v at_o a_o great_a calm_n and_o more_o favourable_a gale_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n which_o the_o church_n shall_v then_o have_v yea_o this_o in_o some_o long_a continuance_n then_o in_o former_a age_n a_o day_n wherein_o the_o hater_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v even_o be_v make_v to_o feign_v subjection_n with_o much_o of_o the_o countenance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o civil_a authority_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o a_o time_n of_o much_o holy_a fear_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o of_o much_o terror_n and_o awe_n upon_o his_o enemy_n to_o which_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o time_n shall_v then_o effectual_o contribute_v and_o cause_v they_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n iv_o we_o have_v a_o prophecy_n hold_v forth_o rev._n 16_o ver_fw-la 12._o which_o compare_v with_o rev._n 9_o ver_fw-la 13._o seem_v clear_o to_o point_n at_o the_o fall_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o turkish_a empire_n who_o have_v be_v these_o many_o age_n so_o great_a a_o scourge_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o dry_n up_o of_o the_o river_n of_o euphrates_n must_v relate_v to_o that_o very_a party_n which_o we_o find_v in_o that_o 9_o chap_n raise_v up_o from_o about_o that_o river_n where_o the_o turk_n have_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o his_o dominion_n it_o be_v true_a the_o event_n will_v more_o clear_o make_v this_o know_v yet_o these_o be_v undeniable_a 1._o that_o such_o a_o party_n be_v foretell_v by_o john_n in_o â—â—at_n 9_o chap._n and_o a_o solemn_a warning_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o so_o dreadful_a a_o storm_n the_o time_n also_o there_o point_v forth_o when_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v at_o a_o great_a height_n yea_o the_o portraiture_n of_o such_o a_o adversary_n most_o evident_o hold_v forth_o such_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o terrible_a cruel_a destroy_a party_n and_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o have_v breastplate_n of_o fire_n their_o number_n also_o there_o hold_v out_o to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a multitude_n which_o these_o huge_a army_n usual_o bring_v by_o the_o turk_n to_o the_o field_n can_v witness_v 2._o the_o cause_n why_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v up_o so_o dreadful_a a_o enemy_n and_o thus_o let_v they_o louse_n be_v also_o express_o declare_v in_o that_o 9_o cha._n 20_o ver_fw-la that_o it_o be_v in_o judgement_n and_o for_o a_o plague_n on_o man_n for_o antichristian_a idolatry_n which_o then_o have_v so_o much_o overspread_v the_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o when_o so_o much_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v turn_v almost_o brutish_a in_o their_o religion_n and_o from_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v carry_v after_o idol_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n the_o work_n of_o man_n hand_n that_o so_o brutish_a and_o barbarous_a a_o adversary_n shall_v be_v let_v out_o for_o a_o scourge_n i_o true_o think_v that_o as_o antichrist_n and_o the_o abomination_n of_o that_o party_n have_v be_v hitherto_o the_o let_v of_o success_n against_o the_o turk_n so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v the_o prosper_a of_o any_o such_o design_n and_o his_o fall_n and_o ruin_n until_o the_o cause_n be_v remove_v for_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v make_v use_n of_o this_o dreadful_a rod._n 3._o that_o such_o a_o party_n be_v raise_v up_o according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n yea_o at_o the_o appoint_a time_n thereof_o be_v very_o clear_a who_o like_o a_o mighty_a deluge_n do_v overflow_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o with_o strange_a prodigious_a success_n do_v overrun_v much_o of_o asia_n some_o part_n of_o africa_n and_o break_v in_o on_o europe_n to_o give_v work_n to_o these_o king_n and_o great_a man_n and_o be_v a_o scourge_n to_o they_o who_o have_v give_v their_o power_n to_o uphold_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o beast_n 4._o there_o be_v also_o clear_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v as_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o fall_n and_o destruction_n of_o this_o adversary_n as_o in_o the_o raise_n of_o they_o up_o and_o that_o by_o their_o fall_n he_o be_v to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o his_o promise_n anent_o the_o church_n further_o increase_v his_o perfect_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o bring_v in_o his_o ancient_a people_n whereto_o this_o prophecy_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a respect_n this_o we_o be_v to_o look_v after_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o latter_a day_n which_o shall_v no_o less_o show_v forth_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n even_o the_o dry_n up_o of_o that_o great_a euphrates_n then_o in_o the_o day_n that_o he_o divide_v the_o sea_n and_o make_v jordan_n a_o dry_a channel_n for_o his_o people_n to_o go_v through_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v further_a positive_a anent_o mean_n and_o instrument_n how_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v bring_v about_o it_o be_v enough_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v and_o the_o word_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n shall_v not_o return_v in_o vain_a v._o now_o to_o close_v this_o there_o be_v yet_o one_o great_a assault_n which_o we_o find_v the_o church_n shall_v have_v before_o the_o end_n and_o then_o her_o warfare_n will_v be_v near_o finish_v anent_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a that_o satan_n for_o a_o little_a must_v be_v let_v louse_n and_o that_o solemn_a and_o perfect_a victory_n which_o the_o church_n in_o the_o close_a of_o time_n will_v get_v over_o all_o her_o adversary_n shall_v be_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o very_a sharp_a trial_n and_o once_o again_o this_o ungodly_a world_n will_v show_v its_o rage_n ralley_o it_o be_v break_v scatter_a force_n in_o a_o general_a muster_n rev._n 20_o 8._o with_o as_o much_o fury_n as_o ever_o and_o there_o shall_v the_o lord_n eminent_o appear_v that_o by_o one_o full_a stroke_n he_o may_v for_o ever_o decide_v that_o long_o continue_a war_n and_o feed_v betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o her_o enemy_n a_o deliverance_n which_o as_o it_o will_v be_v the_o last_o so_o one_o of_o the_o great_a that_o ever_o the_o church_n have_v the_o lord_n thus_o finish_v his_o work_n of_o providence_n by_o so_o stately_a and_o magnificent_a a_o close_a and_o true_o after_o this_o we_o know_v no_o more_o of_o canonic_a scripture_n to_o be_v fulfil_v but_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o poor_a toss_v afflict_a church_n shall_v enter_v unto_o a_o triumphant_a estate_n above_o all_o the_o violence_n and_o oppression_n of_o man_n o_o bless_a and_o long_o look_v for_o day_n of_o christ_n return_n to_o judgement_n when_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o for_o some_o thousand_o year_n past_a have_v be_v rest_v in_o
the_o gospel_n it_o be_v true_a the_o christian_n inward_a experience_n can_v best_o witness_v this_o for_o these_o have_v a_o argument_n from_o within_o they_o know_v and_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n by_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o understand_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v but_o that_o which_o here_o be_v intend_v it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v true_o let_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n that_o it_o do_v accompany_v the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n as_o a_o thing_n which_o from_o clear_a undeniable_a evidence_n may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o great_a atheist_n for_o i_o must_v think_v even_o bystander_n such_o who_o never_o know_v any_o save_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o live_v in_o these_o part_n where_o the_o ordinance_n be_v dispense_v with_o purity_n and_o power_n if_o they_o shut_v not_o their_o eye_n may_v oft_o clear_o see_v something_o go_v forth_o with_o the_o word_n that_o be_v beyond_o word_n a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o power_n which_o send_v forth_o its_o savour_n in_o the_o daily_a administration_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o by_o its_o effect_n and_o some_o convince_a discovery_n thereof_o do_v force_v this_o truth_n in_o upon_o man_n conscience_n who_o be_v otherways_o stranger_n thereto_o now_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o promise_n that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a therein_o i_o will_v give_v in_o these_o clear_a and_o convince_v witness_n to_o the_o same_o 1._o these_o excellent_a gift_n and_o endument_n give_v to_o the_o church_n be_v they_o not_o a_o visible_a proof_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v undeniable_a where_o once_o the_o gospel_n come_v that_o instrument_n be_v raise_v with_o another_o spirit_n reaper_n send_v forth_o while_o there_o be_v a_o harvest_n to_o be_v gather_v and_o shape_v for_o their_o work_n yea_o these_o who_o be_v of_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a part_n when_o call_v forth_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n will_v have_v another_o lustre_n that_o it_o may_v be_v oft_o see_v with_o astonishment_n how_o far_o not_o only_o they_o exceed_v themselves_o but_o these_o who_o be_v of_o more_o eminent_a natural_a endument_n i_o will_v but_o serious_o ask_v man_n who_o never_o lay_v this_o truth_n to_o heart_n whence_o be_v that_o variety_n of_o gift_n so_o suitable_o dispense_v to_o the_o various_a employment_n and_o different_a piece_n of_o service_n the_o church_n do_v call_v for_o how_o be_v they_o thus_o suit_v to_o the_o several_a time_n yea_o to_o the_o very_a genius_n and_o temper_n of_o such_o a_o time_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o every_o gift_n and_o qualification_n be_v so_o fit_v and_o dispose_v for_o its_o proper_a use_n some_o most_o peculiar_o shape_v out_o to_o awake_v and_o threaten_v these_o boanerges_n while_o other_o be_v set_v forth_o with_o a_o spirit_n eminent_o fit_v to_o comfort_n some_o mighty_a in_o persuasion_n yet_o not_o so_o fit_a to_o expound_v other_o most_o dexterous_a to_o instruct_v yet_o not_o so_o powerful_a to_o apply_v some_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o other_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o the_o weary_a to_o some_o the_o face_n of_o a_o lion_n be_v give_v when_o a_o heroic_a spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o resolution_n be_v call_v for_o to_z other_o the_o face_n of_o a_o calf_n for_o patient_a endure_v in_o suffering_n time_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o choice_a meditation_n to_o think_v how_o with_o as_o great_a wonder_n we_o may_v say_v of_o this_o excellent_a body_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o man_n how_o curious_a yea_o marvellous_o be_v it_o frame_v where_o every_o part_n do_v answer_v another_o and_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a each_o have_v its_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o something_o proper_a to_o every_o one_o gift_n may_v be_v then_o see_v as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o face_n of_o man_n by_o which_o in_o something_n they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o 2._o these_o more_o eminent_a extraordinary_a outletting_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v also_o witness_v this_o truth_n which_o at_o some_o special_a time_n when_o the_o church_n necessity_n require_v it_o have_v be_v most_o discernible_a when_o the_o lord_n send_v forth_o his_o servant_n about_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a piece_n of_o work_n either_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v when_o he_o be_v to_o plant_v the_o church_n in_o some_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n will_v meet_v with_o much_o opposition_n be_v it_o not_o then_o manifest_a how_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a power_n and_o irresistible_a efficacy_n do_v accompany_v the_o truth_n before_o which_o there_o be_v no_o stand_n the_o disputer_n be_v then_o in_o his_o reason_n confound_v by_o something_o above_o reason_n the_o untoward_a and_o rude_a be_v force_v to_o stoop_v before_o the_o word_n and_o to_o confess_v they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o power_n and_o not_o with_o word_n yea_o these_o who_o the_o lord_n make_v use_v of_o who_o be_v feeble_a and_o weak_a as_o other_o in_o that_o day_n be_v make_v as_o a_o brazen_a wall_n &_o defence_a city_n 3._o be_v it_o not_o also_o undeniable_a that_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o of_o a_o dead_a letter_n and_o empty_a sound_n that_o with_o the_o word_n there_o go_v along_o a_o ministration_n of_o power_n and_o life_n whence_o a_o majesty_n and_o authority_n attend_v the_o public_a ordinance_n be_v oft_o so_o discernible_a that_o even_o these_o who_o know_v not_o what_o the_o spirit_n be_v be_v make_v to_o see_v something_o therein_o which_o do_v dazzle_v they_o with_o astonishment_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o at_o sometime_o such_o a_o beauty_n and_o power_n shine_v forth_o with_o ordinance_n like_o a_o glance_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n even_o go_v before_o man_n eye_n which_o for_o the_o present_n have_v make_v a_o wondered_a change_n upon_o some_o very_a gross_a man_n and_o put_v they_o in_o a_o other_o temper_n yea_o force_v they_o with_o fear_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o sure_o god_n be_v near_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o peopleâ—_n and_o i_o will_v ask_v whence_o be_v it_o the_o word_n give_v law_n to_o man_n conscience_n shall_v speak_v with_o such_o a_o authority_n as_o make_v they_o all_o to_o shiver_v that_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n be_v sometime_o make_v to_o stand_v before_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n like_o man_n stand_v at_o the_o bar_n upon_o life_n and_o death_n before_o a_o judge_n who_o authority_n they_o dare_v not_o decline_v 4._o it_o be_v very_o discernible_a what_o a_o great_a difference_n &_o a_o other_o appearance_n there_o be_v both_o on_o minister_n and_o christian_n at_o one_o time_n from_o what_o they_o be_v at_o a_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o duty_n as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o the_o same_o person_n which_o appear_v not_o only_o in_o the_o enlargement_n and_o streatn_v of_o their_o gift_n but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o life_n be_v it_o not_o see_v with_o what_o liberty_n these_o do_v sometime_o pray_v be_v as_o a_o ship_n with_o a_o full_a gale_n before_o the_o wound_n that_o it_o be_v then_o easy_a to_o preach_v when_o at_o other_o time_n there_o be_v like_o a_o shut_v door_n that_o even_o onlooker_n may_n perceive_v a_o sensible_a languish_a and_o they_o hamper_v in_o their_o very_a expression_n yea_o as_o man_n row_v against_o a_o contrary_a wind_n the_o word_n want_v that_o savour_n &_o relish_v it_o have_v have_v at_o other_o time_n and_o this_o not_o through_o a_o natural_a indisposition_n or_o want_n of_o preparation_n but_o that_o which_o all_o who_o ever_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n must_v confess_v have_v most_o sensible_o try_v they_o when_o they_o have_v think_v themselves_o at_o the_o great_a advantage_n for_o go_v about_o duty_n o_o who_o can_v deny_v this_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o thing_n in_o all_o age_n so_o sensible_o feel_v yea_o even_o obvious_a to_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n 5._o it_o be_v also_o clear_a that_o where_o ever_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v a_o church_n at_o some_o special_a turn_n of_o her_o condition_n there_o have_v usual_o be_v some_o more_o solemn_a time_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o high_a spring-tyde_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v indeed_o marvellous_a flow_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n after_o christ_n ascension_n which_o like_o a_o mighty_a current_n do_v carry_v all_o before_o it_o at_o which_o time_n more_o success_n do_v follow_v one_o sermon_n then_o have_v be_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o many_o other_o in_o a_o age_n this_o make_v the_o world_n wonder_n as_o if_o some_o universal_a