any_o sight_n within_o time_n but_o when_o such_o come_v more_o close_a and_o near_o upon_o this_o trial_n and_o have_v once_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o greatness_n of_o that_o security_n which_o these_o have_v to_o adventure_v on_o and_o what_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o the_o sure_a spring_n of_o their_o supply_n for_o their_o work_n and_o trial_n within_o time_n then_o will_v this_o second_o wonder_n unspeakable_o exceed_v the_o first_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o be_v not_o of_o a_o more_o raise_v and_o enlarge_v spirit_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o short_a season_n they_o have_v here_o for_o it_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o how_o their_o difficulty_n shall_v not_o be_v more_o to_o bear_v the_o joy_n of_o so_o great_a a_o prospect_n and_o expectation_n than_o to_o bear_v any_o present_a grief_n and_o trouble_n yea_o how_o a_o man_n life_n who_o indeed_o sincere_o make_v the_o christian_a profession_n be_v not_o in_o 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off_o the_o cross_n and_o put_v on_o the_o crown_n whâ—n_v it_o shall_v be_v then_o no_o more_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o sense_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o inheritance_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o know_v those_o proper_a mansion_n in_o that_o state_n of_o glory_n and_o peculiar_a assignment_n thereunto_o which_o all_o the_o redeem_a shall_v then_o have_v and_o be_v put_v in_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o the_o elect_a angel_n to_o be_v as_o those_o pure_a flame_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n yea_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o street_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v as_o gold_n transparent_a as_o crystal_n and_o what_o that_o meeting-will_a be_v of_o his_o soul_n perfect_v and_o in_o a_o triumphant_a state_n with_o his_o glorify_a body_n raise_v incorruptible_a and_o never_o to_o part_v any_o more_o and_o to_o have_v his_o proper_a share_n of_o that_o bless_a and_o great_a solemnity_n that_o shall_v be_v celebrate_v in_o heaven_n the_o marriage_n supper_n of_o the_o lamb_n with_o the_o whole_a triumphant_a church_n and_o hear_v that_o honourable_a account_n which_o the_o great_a judge_n will_v then_o make_v of_o these_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o sharp_a conflict_n which_o he_o have_v go_v through_o within_o time_n with_o that_o solemn_a testimony_n of_o approbation_n which_o will_v be_v give_v hereof_o and_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o great_a thing_n must_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n can_v it_o be_v strange_a that_o such_o as_o will_v in_o that_o manner_n converse_v therewith_o though_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o see_v as_o no_o less_o undoubted_a reality_n than_o any_o present_a object_n of_o sense_n can_v be_v easy_o satisfy_v with_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o their_o judgement_n but_o will_v have_v their_o joy_n perfect_v so_o far_o as_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n can_v bear_v and_o so_o find_v it_o easy_a to_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n and_o to_o weep_v now_o for_o a_o season_n who_o be_v to_o rejoice_v for_o ever_o yea_o to_o say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o mephibosheth_n let_v they_o take_v it_o all_o and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o since_o he_o who_o be_v their_o life_n and_o exceed_v joy_n life_n and_o reign_v who_o be_v infinite_o better_a to_o they_o than_o all_o these_o thing_n 6._o he_o account_v the_o strengthen_v of_o his_o faith_n to_o be_v such_o a_o concern_n not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v his_o soul_n adventure_v for_o all_o eternity_n but_o as_o the_o high_a way_n of_o glorify_v god_n here_o that_o whatever_o tend_v to_o a_o more_o full_a confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o he_o reckon_v also_o one_o of_o the_o great_a addition_n to_o his_o joy_n and_o comfort_n within_o time_n and_o that_o these_o manifold_a assistance_n with_o such_o reduplication_n thereof_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v himself_o give_v for_o this_o end_n be_v such_o that_o no_o fragment_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o talon_n shall_v be_v lose_v and_o though_o he_o know_v the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n can_v add_v nothing_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o itself_o yet_o be_v they_o thus_o give_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o strong_a trial_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n and_o of_o what_o their_o weakness_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o support_v 7._o it_o be_v in_o this_o study_n he_o see_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n how_o not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n also_o call_v for_o such_o a_o reckon_n that_o he_o may_v have_v trial_n in_o that_o manner_n dispense_v that_o no_o visible_a refuge_n will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o least_o to_o stand_v by_o he_o but_o all_o humane_a comfort_n and_o assistance_n will_v fail_v he_o so_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o lay_v in_o ballast_n now_o in_o its_o season_n and_o be_v found_v thereon_o with_o that_o assurance_n of_o judgement_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o that_o day_n when_o he_o must_v either_o get_v through_o in_o the_o alone_a way_n of_o believe_v against_o sense_n or_o perish_v and_o though_o no_o such_o attainment_n of_o light_n can_v bear_v out_o then_o without_o present_a and_o immediate_a influence_n from_o above_o and_o that_o it_o be_v sure_o according_a to_o the_o day_n so_o must_v the_o christian_n strength_n be_v yet_o do_v he_o see_v also_o the_o want_n of_o a_o establish_a judgement_n and_o of_o some_o proper_a stock_n lay_v up_o of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n this_o way_n against_o a_o sharp_a storm_n be_v like_a to_o make_v sad_a work_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o age_n ere_o the_o trial_n of_o such_o a_o time_n have_v do_v their_o work_n 8._o he_o see_v also_o how_o the_o great_a contest_v which_o in_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n be_v betwixt_o god_n
opposition_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n make_v to_o any_o interest_n while_o the_o weapon_n of_o its_o warfare_n be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o carnal_a and_o with_o that_o success_n that_o make_v the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n hot_a persecution_n from_o heathen_n the_o time_n also_o of_o its_o most_o remarkable_a spread_v in_o the_o world_n iu._n that_o the_o same_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v this_o day_n which_o have_v have_v such_o discernible_a triumph_n and_o success_n when_o no_o external_a assistance_n can_v be_v have_v for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a power_n by_o which_o it_o gain_v the_o most_o savage_a and_o dark_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o take_v on_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o prefer_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o most_o desirable_a object_n of_o sense_n v._o yea_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o only_o have_v such_o vital_a influence_n on_o man_n heart_n and_o practice_n to_o change_v it_o into_o the_o same_o image_n but_o that_o herein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o great_a simplicity_n have_v still_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o its_o conquest_n and_o the_o great_a attractive_a on_o man_n soul_n to_o receive_v the_o same_o qu._n vi_o how_o be_v it_o demonstrable_a that_o such_o remarkable_a suffering_n of_o time_n pass_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o found_v on_o the_o alone_a certainty_n thereof_o and_o carry_v out_o by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n above_o any_o assistance_n of_o nature_n answ_n that_o it_o be_v sure_a i._n here_o be_v no_o comedy_n play_n or_o personate_a suffering_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n then_o and_o in_o after_o time_n do_v endure_v for_o christ_n or_o that_o these_o unexpressible_a torment_n and_o pain_n be_v any_o dream_n and_o delusion_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o the_o world_n and_o that_o their_o adversary_n do_v thus_o conflict_n and_o wrestle_v with_o their_o own_o shadow_n in_o so_o continue_v and_o cruel_a a_o opposition_n ii_o that_o the_o joy_n and_o exultation_n of_o spirit_n these_o witness_n have_v amid_o their_o torment_n who_o otherwise_o want_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n of_o their_o pain_n and_o suffering_n can_v have_v no_o rise_n but_o what_o be_v supernatural_a iii_o that_o this_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a dissimulation_n or_o counterfeit_n when_o they_o be_v step_v into_o eternity_n nor_o the_o product_n of_o a_o distemper_a judgement_n whilst_o all_o may_v see_v what_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n tenderness_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o their_o adversary_n they_o do_v then_o evidence_n iv_o that_o those_o great_a suffering_n be_v upon_o choice_n and_o christian_n hasten_v to_o endure_v they_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v safe_a at_o the_o rate_n of_o recede_v and_o depart_v in_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o truth_n v._o yea_o no_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v how_o such_o mean_a and_o feeble_a person_n as_o many_o of_o these_o be_v shall_v endure_v what_o will_v have_v make_v the_o great_a natural_a courage_n to_o faint_v as_o if_o they_o have_v forgo_v all_o humane_a passion_n which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n must_v needs_o have_v herein_o so_o that_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o see_v something_o no_o less_o marvellous_a and_o supernatural_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o martyr_n than_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n section_n iii_o qu._n i._o be_v it_o full_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o such_o a_o establishment_n as_o a_o religious_a worship_n must_v necessary_o determine_v man_n and_o constrain_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n on_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o can_v but_o see_v how_o religion_n have_v not_o another_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n answ_n it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a to_o make_v a_o rational_a trial_n herein_o and_o not_o see_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o demonstration_n to_o be_v thus_o clear_a i._o that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o for_o any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n but_o to_o come_v and_o see_v what_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o heathenism_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deny_v even_o under_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n its_o be_v the_o high_a reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o very_a mystery_n of_o that_o heathenish_a worship_n be_v so_o horrid_a and_o impure_a as_o they_o need_v a_o veil_n from_o the_o common_a view_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o rational_a reflection_n this_o day_n on_o that_o strange_a monster_n of_o mahumetanism_n but_o as_o of_o a_o visible_a prodigy_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n on_o these_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o their_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o give_v man_n up_o to_o such_o a_o imposture_n as_o expose_v the_o very_a name_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n to_o derision_n and_o can_v never_o claim_v a_o reception_n either_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o rule_n or_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o of_o its_o have_v any_o possible_a consistence_n with_o itself_o iii_o that_o its_o sure_a also_o that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v never_o another_o be_v but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christianity_n and_o where_o this_o foundation_n be_v divide_v from_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o yea_o that_o that_o people_n unto_o this_o day_n be_v such_o a_o confirm_v witness_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v strange_a this_o do_v not_o beget_v deep_a impression_n on_o man_n spirit_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n we_o must_v either_o forego_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n or_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n give_v and_o reveal_v for_o commerce_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v for_o this_o end_n hold_v forth_o that_o it_o be_v then_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o what_o be_v so_o high_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a as_o shall_v rather_o justify_v atheism_n q._n ii_o what_o special_a confirmation_n to_o christianity_n can_v this_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n bear_v who_o be_v in_o so_o express_v a_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n ans_fw-fr if_o this_o be_v bring_v near_o our_o thought_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o one_o of_o the_o great_a assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n i._n that_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v such_o a_o people_n and_o race_n as_o a_o live_n and_o visible_a evidence_n to_o our_o sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o renown_a nation_n and_o church_n of_o israel_n to_o which_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o thus_o be_v still_o as_o some_o part_n of_o the_o evident_a ruin_n of_o that_o once_o flourish_a state_n ii_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v such_o a_o people_n keep_v by_o themselves_o and_o not_o mix_v with_o the_o nation_n who_o father_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o do_v still_o own_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o do_v attest_v that_o doctrine_n in_o which_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o christianity_n lie_v even_o whilst_o with_o great_a malice_n they_o oppose_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o witness_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a collusion_n and_o deceit_n here_o iii_o their_o being_n under_o a_o stroke_n of_o that_o judicial_a induration_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n as_o no_o reason_n can_v possible_o comprehend_v such_o a_o thing_n how_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o light_n in_o the_o very_a noonday_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o be_v not_o express_o foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v conclude_v under_o such_o a_o arrest_n of_o judgement_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v bring_v in_o iv_o that_o so_o immediate_a a_o appearance_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o people_n both_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o as_o no_o instance_n can_v ever_o be_v find_v to_o resemble_v the_o same_o since_o man_n be_v form_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v as_o a_o conspicuous_a monument_n of_o divine_a wrath_n set_v up_o for_o every_o age_n and_o time_n of_o the_o church_n to_o turn_v aside_o and_o consider_v this_o great_a sight_n and_o inquire_v what_o mean_v so_o strange_a and_o amaze_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o scatter_a jew_n be_v now_o under_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o this_o desolation_n on_o they_o and_o stroke_n have_v such_o special_a concur_v circumstance_n for_o give_v light_n thereto_o as_o be_v not_o above_o forty_o eight_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n with_o their_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v hot_a and_o reak_a with_o that_o blood_n which_o they_o have_v wish_v on_o they_o and_o their_o child_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o that_o time_n
and_o new_a nature_n with_o as_o discernible_a evidence_n as_o if_o one_o man_n shall_v meet_v with_o another_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n in_o such_o a_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v only_o inhabit_v with_o beast_n 6._o by_o consider_v also_o with_o a_o deep_a and_o serious_a reflection_n hereon_o that_o sure_a and_o know_v conjunction_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o most_o rare_a experience_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n and_o the_o most_o search_a trial_n thereof_o with_o that_o uniform_a consent_n that_o have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o such_o marvellous_a thing_n as_o these_o 1._o what_o solemn_a token_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o acceptance_n be_v find_v usual_o to_o meet_v his_o people_n in_o the_o entry_n of_o some_o great_a trial_n or_o service_n for_o he_o even_o in_o some_o unusual_a manner_n then_o in_o the_o sense_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v with_o elijah_n they_o have_v be_v make_v to_o go_v many_o day_n after_o 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the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n or_o it_o be_v great_a thing_n make_v plain_a by_o their_o primary_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n whereby_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n may_v soon_o be_v make_v able_a to_o render_v a_o solid_a and_o rational_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n write_a by_o r._n fleming_n author_n of_o the_o fulfil_v of_o the_o scripture_n now_o publish_v by_o daniel_n burgess_n london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1693._o the_o publisher_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o high_a angel_n be_v most_o humble_a creature_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v full_a of_o their_o service_n but_o know_v next_o to_o nothing_o of_o their_o name_n their_o work_n praise_v their_o lord_n and_o we_o but_o not_o themselves_o and_o if_o the_o evangelical_n author_n of_o this_o book_n can_v have_v have_v his_o will_n the_o church_n of_o câ—rist_n shall_v not_o have_v have_v his_o name_n he_o will_v have_v 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show_n of_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o moon_n of_o a_o light_n whereof_o not_o any_o be_v in_o themselves_o root_v nation_n brit_n be_v paint_v tain_n be_v a_o nation_n sad_o it_o be_v see_v of_o all_o how_o too_o too_o proper_o we_o be_v still_o name_v britain_n the_o faith_n of_o most_o be_v such_o a_o paint_n as_o can_v but_o melt_v and_o vanish_v in_o any_o trial_n that_o be_v fiery_a memorable_a be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o learned_a unhappy_a spalleto_n to_o this_o effect_n as_o i_o remember_v to_o say_v that_o i_o do_v not_o myself_o know_v why_o i_o do_v believe_v a_o religious_a article_n but_o yet_o i_o do_v believe_v it_o because_o the_o church_n in_o which_o i_o be_o do_v believe_v it_o it_o be_v the_o self_n same_o as_o to_o say_v i_o do_v not_o myself_o open_a one_o of_o my_o eye_n but_o yet_o i_o do_v see_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o because_o the_o company_n in_o which_o i_o be_o do_v see_v it_o the_o good_a lord_n lessen_v among_o we_o the_o number_n of_o man_n so_o absurd_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o plain_o void_a of_o faith_n he_o have_v already_o make_v the_o leave_n of_o this_o book_n so_o heal_v unto_o some_o that_o in_o great_a hope_n i_o commend_v they_o unto_o all_o and_o especial_o to_o the_o society_n of_o young_a man_n that_o hold_v weekly_o state_v meeting_n for_o edify_v conference_n in_o which_o as_o i_o tell_v those_o of_o my_o own_o charge_n they_o shall_v not_o find_v more_o eligible_a argument_n than_o this_o book_n store_v they_o with_o happy_a they_o if_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n they_o do_v make_v they_o their_o own_o lord_n increase_v holy_a faith_n and_o quench_v fiery_a faction_n so_o pray_v bridges-street_n near_o covent-garden_n feb._n 28._o daniel_n burgess_n postscript_n understanding_n the_o foreign_a church_n want_v of_o this_o work_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o i_o purpose_v ere_o long_o to_o translate_v and_o send_v it_o forth_o in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n unless_o some_o good_a hand_n of_o more_o leisure_n do_v prevent_v i_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o london_n minister_n concern_v this_o treatise_n thing_n of_o unquestionable_a excellence_n in_o themselves_o and_o of_o great_a importance_n unto_o our_o welfare_n have_v not_o always_o the_o deep_a and_o most_o constant_a thought_n bestow_v upon_o they_o witness_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o mind_n about_o the_o matter_n and_o about_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o holy_a christian_n faith_n it_o seem_v too_o little_o observe_v but_o it_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o lament_v what_o we_o do_v observe_v of_o protestant_n neglect_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o yet_o our_o sad_a experience_n certify_v we_o that_o they_o be_v incomparable_o more_o heedless_a of_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o reason_n thereof_o we_o have_v very_o
many_o that_o do_v competent_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o every_o single_a man_n that_o can_v render_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o storm_n do_v make_v man_n look_v to_o their_o anchor_n and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o awful_a judgement_n be_v hasten_v on_o we_o be_v remote_a one_o do_v not_o awaken_v we_o to_o beat_v we_o out_o of_o our_o inconsiderate_o choose_a refuges_n our_o precarious_a and_o unexamined_a confidence_n which_o in_o very_a propriety_n be_v but_o fancy_n and_o not_o faith_n build_v upon_o any_o solid_a ground_n however_o we_o must_v all_o needs_o die_v and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o a_o near_a prospect_n of_o the_o future_a state_n may_v convince_o show_v the_o most_o obstinate_a that_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v not_o to_o be_v conquer_v and_o no_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n sen._n pecudum_fw-la ritu_fw-la euntes_fw-la non_fw-la qà _fw-la eundum_fw-la est_fw-la sed_fw-la qà _fw-la itur_fw-la sen._n or_o by_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v take_v up_o and_o walk_v in_o mere_o for_o company_n wherefore_o we_o give_v our_o great_a thanks_o to_o the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n who_o have_v draw_v this_o his_o rich_o furnish_v scribe_n to_o supply_v we_o with_o so_o very_o needful_a a_o treatise_n as_o be_v here_o offer_v some_o of_o we_o do_v profess_v that_o in_o read_v it_o we_o be_v surprise_v with_o joy_n and_o with_o wonder_n that_o a_o topick_n so_o little_o write_v discourse_v or_o think_v of_o shall_v be_v treat_v on_o with_o such_o depth_n of_o judgement_n and_o with_o such_o experience_n as_o be_v rare_o find_v in_o the_o most_o laudable_a writer_n through_o the_o divine_a blessing_n which_o we_o implore_v we_o hope_v that_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n throughout_o these_o nation_n shall_v find_v good_a success_n of_o our_o people_n use_n of_o this_o most_o instructive_a work_n for_o which_o with_o the_o excellent_a author_n who_o do_v but_o consent_n to_o this_o edition_n of_o it_o we_o be_v indebt_v unto_o the_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a publisher_n by_o who_o mean_n we_o receive_v it_o we_o join_v with_o both_o of_o they_o in_o prayer_n to_o the_o most_o high_a that_o this_o rich_a seed_n of_o the_o sower_n may_v be_v make_v bread_n of_o life_n to_o the_o eater_n william_n bates_z matthew_n mead._n thomas_n cole_n john_n howe_n matthew_n sylvester_n daniel_n williams_n john_n shower_n the_o author_n preface_n this_o small_a treatise_n here_o offer_v be_v on_o the_o great_a subject_n that_o can_v fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v a_o study_n which_o be_v never_o more_o press_o call_v for_o than_o in_o these_o day_n for_o make_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o gain_v such_o a_o assurance_n of_o his_o truth_n as_o may_v full_o quiet_a and_o support_v the_o soul_n though_o all_o sensible_a prop_n shall_v be_v break_v and_o fail_v great_a change_n do_v sure_o hasten_v on_o this_o generation_n and_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o another_o manner_n like_a to_o be_v put_v to_o trial_n than_o since_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o recovery_n from_o antichristian_a bondage_n the_o storm_n now_o visible_o grow_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o nothing_o aught_o to_o faint_a or_o shake_v the_o spirit_n of_o any_o who_o know_v their_o anchor_n be_v sure_a and_o cast_v within_o the_o veil_n but_o the_o strong_a difficulty_n in_o follow_v the_o lord_n when_o overcome_v yield_v the_o great_a victory_n and_o will_v be_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o joy_n here_o but_o to_o all_o eternity_n in_o have_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_v endure_v and_o get_v well_o through_o a_o throng_n of_o temptation_n and_o assault_n in_o a_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o man_n think_v it_o their_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v their_o private_a interest_n by_o divide_v it_o in_o such_o a_o time_n from_o the_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o make_v light_a of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n now_o assault_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n yea_o of_o their_o own_o eternal_a state_n by_o any_o coolness_n or_o shrink_n from_o the_o same_o they_o will_v find_v no_o temporal_a motive_n can_v ever_o compensate_a that_o loss_n and_o ruin_n which_o inevitable_o will_v meet_v such_o in_o the_o issue_n yea_o that_o these_o word_n of_o mordecai_n to_o esther_n esth_n 4.13_o 14._o have_v the_o same_o voice_n and_o weight_n in_o this_o day_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o follow_a work_n i_o may_v with_o humble_a confidence_n say_v be_v under_o some_o pressure_n to_o have_v such_o clear_a evidence_n and_o quiet_v persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o make_v it_o less_o easy_a to_o have_v my_o own_o spirit_n satisfy_v herein_o than_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v to_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o that_o bless_a assurance_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v i_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o can_v be_v comfort_v or_o make_v a_o rational_a be_v desirable_a some_o singular_a engagement_n i_o judge_v myself_o also_o to_o stand_v under_o for_o put_v to_o my_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n from_o many_o signal_n confirmation_n hereof_o in_o the_o course_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n if_o such_o a_o poor_a testimony_n may_v be_v of_o any_o weight_n let_v the_o bless_a lord_n gracious_o accept_v this_o small_a offering_n to_o he_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o truth_n by_o so_o mean_v a_o instrument_n and_o give_v some_o fruit_n hereof_o that_o may_v abide_v and_o be_v find_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n may_v find_v by_o a_o perusal_n of_o the_o i._o chapter_n of_o what_o serious_a use_n and_o intent_n the_o ii_o be_v yea_o that_o in_o this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o incongruous_a to_o the_o forego_n subject_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o iii_o chapter_n but_o oh_o it_o be_v sad_a and_o amaze_a to_o think_v how_o few_o be_v under_o that_o weight_n of_o religion_n as_o once_o to_o have_v a_o serious_a inquiry_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n thereof_o and_o to_o account_v the_o most_o special_a assistance_n to_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o great_a helper_n of_o their_o joy_n within_o time_n the_o content_n chapter_n i._o the_o primitive_a confirmation_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v in_o seven_o position_n posit_n i._o sad_a be_v the_o aspect_n which_o the_o implicit_a and_o traditional_a profession_n of_o this_o day_n have_v upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n page_n 1._o posit_n ii_o it_o be_v a_o great_a service_n for_o the_o church_n to_o have_v a_o clear_a sound_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o assent_n upon_o know_v and_o solid_a ground_n herein_o more_o universal_o promote_v page_n 3_o posit_n iii_o the_o true_a primitive_a confirmation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v from_o the_o scripture_n page_n 5_o posit_v iv_o the_o continue_a necessity_n thereof_o be_v no_o less_o convince_a now_o for_o the_o church_n use_n than_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n page_n 7_o posit_n v._o such_o a_o confirmatory_n work_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o more_o know_v and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o man_n but_o the_o mean_a within_o the_o church_n page_n 9_o posit_n vi_o what_o be_v special_o call_v for_o in_o the_o practical_a use_n of_o this_o primitive_a confirmation_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o some_o serious_a proposal_n for_o this_o end_n page_n 11_o posit_n vii_o special_a excitement_n we_o be_v under_o for_o promote_a the_o same_o in_o so_o remarkable_a a_o period_n of_o time_n as_o this_o and_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o great_a revive_n yet_o of_o such_o a_o catholic_n spirit_n to_o advance_v the_o high_a end_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n page_n 15_o chapter_n ii_o for_o give_v some_o clear_a view_n of_o these_o primary_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o the_o mean_a christian_n shall_v know_v and_o with_o the_o least_o expense_n of_o time_n may_v improve_v for_o their_o daily_a use_n on_o these_o great_a principle_n section_n i._o i._o of_o the_o glorious_a be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n page_n 17_o ii_o of_o the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o be_v eternal_a page_n 19_o iii_o of_o a_o supreme_a providence_n in_o the_o conservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n page_n 20_o iu_o of_o that_o special_a providence_n which_o in_o its_o continue_a administration_n of_o human_a affair_n do_v unchangeable_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a page_n 22_o v._n how_o such_o a_o wonderful_a record_n as_o that_o of_o a_o
immediate_a revelation_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n be_v so_o demonstrable_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n page_n 24_o vi_o of_o the_o special_a evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n which_o man_n must_v needs_o see_v to_o be_v infallible_a page_n 25_o vii_o of_o the_o secure_a conveyance_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n past_a page_n 27_o viii_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n and_o entry_n of_o sin_n into_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n page_n 28_o section_n ii_o i._o hold_v forth_o those_o great_a assistance_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v sure_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n before_o his_o come_n page_n 29_o ii_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o how_o it_o be_v now_o as_o sure_o in_o the_o event_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a he_o be_v promise_v page_n 30_o iii_o of_o the_o special_a advantage_n for_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n herein_o that_o for_o 4000_o year_n the_o promise_v come_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v defer_v page_n 32_o iu_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o internal_a excellency_n of_o christianity_n to_o bear_v further_a evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o page_n 33_o v._n that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n we_o now_o receive_v and_o enjoy_v which_o from_o the_o first_o promulgation_n thereof_o have_v have_v so_o great_a effect_n on_o the_o world_n page_n 34_o vi_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o time_n past_a be_v so_o demonstrable_o above_o the_o assistance_n of_o nature_n page_n 36_o section_n iii_o i._o for_o hold_v forth_o on_o what_o ground_n the_o faith_n of_o a_o deity_n must_v determine_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n page_n 37_o ii_o what_o confirmation_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o that_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n page_n 38_o iii_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o prevail_a on_o the_o world_n which_o no_o profession_n else_o can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o page_n 39_o iu._n the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a evidence_n which_o christ_n have_v himself_o give_v to_o the_o world_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n in_o the_o love_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o people_n joh_n 17.21_o page_n 40_o v._n how_o the_o strength_n of_o such_o a_o demonstration_n stand_v still_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o these_o divide_v time_n of_o the_o church_n page_n 42_o vi._n what_o in_o these_o last_o time_n be_v under_o our_o hand_n to_o compensate_a such_o a_o confirmation_n by_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n page_n 43_o section_n iu._n i._o for_o hold_v forth_o with_o the_o further_a rational_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o soul-quickning_a and_o experimental_a religion_n page_n 44_o ii_o the_o truth_n also_o of_o conversion_n of_o man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o new_a state_n of_o grace_n page_n 46_o iii_o of_o so_o great_a a_o experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o on_o earth_n page_n 48_o iu_o of_o so_o great_a a_o demonstration_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n and_o working_n of_o the_o conscience_n page_n 49_o v._o of_o that_o special_a confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n which_o do_v result_v from_o such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o conscience_n over_o man_n page_n 50_o section_n v._o i._o for_o hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n page_n 51_o ii_o what_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n the_o certainty_n hereof_o and_o of_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n do_v clear_o afford_v page_n 52_o iii_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o clear_a evidence_n to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n page_n 54_o iu._n how_o confirm_v a_o seal_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o great_a change_n which_o pass_v on_o all_o man_n by_o death_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v no_o natural_a accident_n page_n 55_o v._o some_o special_a assistance_n to_o the_o christian_n faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o serve_v a_o unavoidable_a conviction_n on_o the_o great_a atheist_n page_n 57_o vi_o something_n of_o a_o visible_a hell_n in_o some_o near_a approach_n hereof_o even_o to_o man_n sense_n hold_v forth_o to_o awake_v and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o horror_n and_o torment_n in_o another_o world_n page_n 59_o vii_o some_o assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n of_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n page_n 61_o chapter_n iii_o the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n further_o improve_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o dismal_a and_o amaze_a time_n we_o be_v now_o fall_v in_o section_n i._n to_o hold_v forth_o what_o may_v be_v both_o for_o light_n and_o confirmation_n upon_o this_o great_a distress_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o under_o page_n 63_o section_n ii_o how_o great_a a_o talon_n we_o stand_v accountable_a for_o in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o confirm_v the_o same_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n since_o the_o reformation_n which_o we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o adhere_v to_o page_n 65_o section_n iii_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n be_v the_o present_a lot_n of_o the_o church_n now_o fall_v in_o and_o what_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v hereof_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o further_a confirm_v in_o such_o a_o day_n page_n 73_o section_n iu._n some_o special_a service_n that_o we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o and_o accountable_a for_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o who_o be_v under_o so_o great_a a_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o same_o page_n 77_o the_o true_a and_o infallible_a way_n for_o attain_v a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n the_o primitive_a confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v in_o its_o continue_a necessity_n and_o use_n to_o this_o day_n in_o seven_o position_n posit_n i._o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o a_o more_o sad_a and_o threaten_a aspect_n on_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o utter_a estrangement_n most_o be_v under_o to_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o those_o fundamental_a difference_n betwixt_o christianity_n and_o every_o false_a way_n which_o no_o pretend_v religion_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o position_n be_v these_o i._o that_o it_o be_v too_o visible_o manifest_a how_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n know_v so_o little_a of_o their_o own_o profession_n of_o any_o human_a art_n or_o science_n as_o such_o who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n or_o be_v so_o general_o stranger_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o for_o maintain_v either_o a_o due_a valuation_n or_o powerful_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o on_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o a_o implicit_a and_o traditional_a profession_n be_v the_o only_a part_n and_o propriety_n which_o most_o can_v claim_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v ii_o that_o very_o rare_o also_o be_v any_o serious_a personal_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o experimental_a and_o soul-quickning_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o expense_n of_o the_o most_o dismal_a and_o afflict_a time_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o temporal_a revenue_n as_o peace_n with_o god_n a_o immediate_a communion_n with_o he_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o be_v under_o such_o pressure_n of_o trouble_n as_o be_v above_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n iii_o that_o the_o further_a account_n why_o most_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o other_o form_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o custom_n and_o education_n that_o it_o do_v bespeak_v they_o from_o their_o birth_n and_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n yea_o become_v in_o that_o manner_n natural_a to_o they_o as_o the_o custom_n and_o language_n of_o their_o country_n which_o be_v ground_n that_o will_v determine_v to_o the_o very_a opposite_a profession_n if_o they_o be_v state_v under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o have_v the_o same_o motive_n to_o be_v mahumetan_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o can_v found_v no_o other_o assent_n than_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o strength_n thereof_o iv_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o most_o numerous_a part_n of_o
confirm_v and_o give_v light_n to_o other_o vii_o that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n also_o wherein_o the_o gospel_n do_v come_v to_o the_o gentile_a church_n be_v clear_o show_v 1_o thess_n 1.5_o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o as_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o also_o in_o much_o assurance_n of_o understanding_n upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n which_o be_v that_o way_n it_o do_v so_o wonderful_o prevail_v over_o the_o world_n against_o nature_n and_o the_o stream_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o further_a opposition_n thereto_o viii_o that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a service_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o visit_v the_o church_n do_v express_o lie_v here_o act_v 14.22_o to_o confirm_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o then_o in_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o so_o as_o they_o may_v follow_v the_o lord_n with_o the_o further_a light_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n amid_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o such_o a_o time_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v this_o way_n also_o the_o world_n be_v render_v inexcusable_a for_o their_o misbelief_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o under_o such_o sufficiency_n of_o mean_n give_v for_o this_o end_n by_o so_o great_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o confirm_a evidence_n of_o its_o rruth_n so_o as_o they_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n herein_o but_o a_o obstinacy_n and_o resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v on_o which_o ground_n do_v our_o bless_a lord_n testify_v that_o it_o be_v no_o want_n of_o light_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o truth_n why_o man_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o but_o that_o they_o love_v darkness_n better_a than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o when_o such_o clear_a rational_a and_o convince_a evidence_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o their_o view_n how_o most_o man_n possible_o can_v get_v these_o put_v by_o or_o reject_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o comprehend_v but_o that_o a_o real_a irritation_n and_o torment_n of_o spirit_n from_o such_o clearness_n of_o evidence_n do_v thus_o more_o tend_v to_o harden_v than_o convince_v posit_n iv_o that_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a necessity_n of_o such_o a_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n to_o this_o day_n what_o ever_o can_v be_v object_v of_o so_o long_a a_o consent_n and_o prescription_n of_o time_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a on_o these_o ground_n i._o because_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o christian_a faith_n do_v still_o need_v these_o assistance_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a mistake_n that_o only_o for_o heathen_n and_o atheist_n such_o confirm_a evidence_n of_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v propose_v but_o not_o for_o any_o under_o a_o visible_a profession_n when_o the_o whole_a of_o divinity_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o full_a of_o demonstrative_a argument_n for_o the_o daily_a use_n of_o the_o most_o establish_a christian_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o time_n ii_o that_o as_o the_o high_a motive_n to_o all_o serious_a godliness_n and_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o christianity_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o its_o know_a certainty_n to_o we_o so_o be_v the_o continue_a use_n thereof_o to_o be_v still_o the_o same_o iii_o that_o these_o numerous_a trial_n and_o conflict_n of_o christian_n now_o do_v no_o less_o call_v for_o some_o high_a establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n on_o which_o they_o must_v alone_o rest_v when_o all_o visible_a prop_n fail_v in_o their_o judgement_n than_o of_o support_v grace_n nor_o be_v it_o conceivable_a how_o man_n can_v this_o day_n walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o any_o true_a joy_n and_o comfort_n without_o a_o more_o solid_a assurance_n of_o their_o be_v on_o safe_a ground_n herein_o than_o most_o seem_v to_o reckon_v iv_o because_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o a_o eternal_a state_n in_o another_o world_n be_v so_o great_a and_o wonderful_a as_o it_o be_v strange_a how_o this_o be_v not_o the_o high_a interest_n of_o man_n life_n to_o have_v their_o faith_n more_o deep_o confirm_v on_o the_o further_a trial_n of_o their_o security_n now_o by_o the_o way_n herein_o who_o must_v short_o make_v so_o great_a a_o trial_n thereof_o at_o death_n for_o if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o come_v thus_o far_o as_o to_o ask_v our_o own_o soul_n what_o the_o christian_a faith_n indeed_o be_v that_o we_o be_v thus_o call_v to_o believe_v it_o can_v not_o possible_o but_o beget_v some_o ecstasy_n of_o wonder_v at_o the_o greatness_n thereof_o and_o to_o reckon_v any_o light_n and_o implicit_a assent_n to_o the_o same_o as_o a_o degree_n both_o of_o atheism_n and_o indifferency_n in_o this_o matter_n v._o though_o there_o be_v no_o conflict_n with_o heathen_n as_o in_o the_o first_o time_n yet_o be_v such_o a_o spirit_n never_o at_o a_o high_a pitch_n than_o it_o be_v now_o to_o take_v off_o all_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n when_o atheism_n seem_v to_o be_v at_o its_o last_o attempt_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o so_o amaze_a a_o hour_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o make_v these_o latter_a time_n more_o remarkable_o perilous_a and_o try_v than_o the_o first_o vi_o yea_o if_o such_o a_o confirm_a work_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a mean_n to_o advance_v the_o repute_n and_o honour_n of_o religion_n when_o its_o wont_a awe_n and_o veneration_n be_v so_o far_o lose_v and_o to_o awake_a man_n to_o deep_a impression_n of_o its_o truth_n when_o so_o few_o seem_v now_o under_o any_o such_o weight_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v never_o more_o need_v of_o the_o same_o than_o in_o this_o day_n posit_n v._o that_o such_o a_o service_n to_o the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o respect_v the_o more_o know_v inquisitive_a and_o judicious_a part_n thereof_o but_o the_o mean_a professor_n of_o religion_n also_o of_o who_o this_o be_v necessary_o require_v be_v evident_a on_o these_o ground_n i._o because_o each_o christian_n shall_v have_v undoubted_o such_o a_o ballast_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o solid_a and_o rational_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o great_a part_n and_o endowment_n the_o promote_a of_o which_o be_v it_o more_o deep_o consider_v i_o dare_v humble_o adventure_v to_o say_v will_v be_v find_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a mean_n to_o promote_v christianity_n this_o day_n ii_o because_o this_o be_v not_o to_o drive_v any_o to_o doubt_n or_o question_v the_o least_o sincere_a degree_n of_o assent_n though_o it_o be_v not_o with_o such_o strength_n of_o evidence_n as_o in_o other_o nor_o can_v by_o that_o formal_a argumentation_n give_v the_o same_o account_n thereof_o since_o a_o few_o ground_n this_o way_n may_v special_o help_v to_o some_o solid_a conviction_n &_o confirm_v of_o their_o mind_n when_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o other_o cogent_a argument_n for_o this_o end_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o the_o great_a clearness_n of_o evidence_n do_v still_o in_o the_o appoint_a way_n of_o mean_n lead_v in_o to_o a_o more_o firm_a and_o strong_a assent_n of_o the_o judgement_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n iii_o because_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o foundation_n in_o itself_o can_v be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v not_o with_o such_o a_o know_a evidence_n as_o man_n may_v build_v firm_o and_o with_o assurance_n thereon_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n thus_o only_o design_v to_o give_v his_o people_n a_o infallible_a and_o sure_a testimony_n to_o adventure_v on_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v sure_o also_o to_o they_o iv_o because_o none_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 22.3_o by_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o much_o the_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n for_o a_o save_a faith_n but_o that_o none_o can_v give_v a_o true_a assent_n and_o confession_n of_o the_o same_o but_o from_o these_o ground_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o man_n for_o this_o end_n and_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o character_n &_o evidence_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v imprint_v on_o the_o whole_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v clear_a and_o demonstrative_a to_o our_o judgement_n so_o be_v they_o as_o true_o divine_a as_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v thereby_o v._o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a cause_n for_o unbelief_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o any_o intricate_a obscureness_n of_o the_o same_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v such_o great_a assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v as_o milk_v for_o babe_n as_o well_o as_o meat_n to_o strong_a man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o further_a objective_n evidence_n of_o
as_o fundamental_a a_o constitution_n in_o the_o course_n of_o providence_n as_o the_o most_o firm_a establishment_n of_o nature_n iv_o that_o in_o no_o time_n since_o man_n be_v form_v in_o the_o earth_n do_v true_a joy_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o native_a result_n of_o welldoing_a or_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o be_v peace_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n nor_o have_v it_o ever_o want_v a_o witness_n even_o before_o any_o word_n give_v of_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n herein_o v._o that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o most_o dismal_a time_n what_o a_o public_a blessing_n such_o be_v who_o by_o more_o extraordinary_a trial_n have_v be_v put_v to_o the_o high_a exercise_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o patience_n yea_o how_o visible_o such_o have_v be_v promote_v to_o the_o most_o honourable_a service_n for_o god_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o credit_n of_o religion_n before_o man_n who_o on_o the_o first_o sight_n and_o view_n have_v be_v account_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o any_o vi_o whilst_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o may_v be_v ever_o see_v how_o with_o the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a here_o there_o be_v punishment_n of_o another_o kind_n dispense_v and_o more_o dreadful_a than_o any_o outward_a affliction_n such_o as_o judicial_a obstinacy_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n in_o opposition_n to_o god_n even_o when_o their_o own_o ruin_n be_v make_v visible_a to_o they_o herein_o vii_o how_o oft_o man_n be_v thus_o evident_o condemn_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n by_o some_o strange_a measure_n of_o temporal_a success_n and_o prosperity_n before_o some_o great_a fall_n and_o ruin_n as_o the_o issue_n hereof_o in_o the_o last_o scene_n of_o providence_n do_v full_o attest_v viii_o that_o it_o be_v see_v also_o how_o sin_n do_v ever_o bring_v its_o own_o punishment_n with_o it_o in_o some_o begin_a degree_n both_o of_o shame_n and_o torment_n and_o as_o seneca_n a_o heathen_a can_v say_v that_o wickedness_n be_v the_o most_o exquisite_a contriver_n of_o human_a misery_n so_o the_o world_n likewise_o may_v see_v how_o a_o present_a immunity_n from_o judgement_n be_v no_o release_n but_o when_o its_o sentence_n be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v yet_o be_v it_o at_o last_o sure_o execute_v ix_o and_o how_o evident_a be_v it_o that_o the_o great_a hater_n of_o godliness_n be_v yet_o enforce_v to_o justify_v the_o same_o and_o the_o christian_n choice_n herein_o as_o the_o great_a wisdom_n upon_o any_o surprise_v state_n and_o extremity_n yea_o how_o such_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o join_v interest_n then_o with_o such_o in_o their_o death_n who_o they_o most_o contemn_v in_o their_o life_n qu._n v._n how_o be_v it_o convince_v and_o demonstrable_a that_o god_n have_v give_v any_o clear_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o counsel_n unto_o man_n and_o that_o such_o a_o wonderful_a record_n be_v undoubted_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n ans_fw-fr that_o i._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o establish_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o commerce_n betwixt_o he_o and_o man_n here_o so_o as_o to_o know_v both_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v expect_v and_o hope_v from_o he_o ii_o that_o this_o also_o must_v be_v know_v and_o display_v its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o by_o such_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n as_o may_v render_v all_o inexcusable_a who_o give_v not_o entire_a credit_n thereto_o iii_o i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o clear_a and_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n than_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o fountain_n and_o repository_n of_o sacred_a light_n about_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o scripture_n and_o its_o be_v the_o alone_a public_a standard_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n iu._n that_o no_o way_n be_v ever_o make_v know_v to_o recover_v mankind_n from_o a_o state_n of_o bondage_n darkness_n and_o misery_n consistent_a with_o the_o very_a use_n of_o reason_n but_o by_o this_o bless_a light_n which_o shine_v there_o v._o yea_o that_o there_o be_v as_o visible_a a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o same_o and_o any_o pretend_a religion_n which_o ever_o be_v beside_o in_o the_o world_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o vi_o that_o there_o be_v one_o proper_a sphere_n where_o this_o glorious_a light_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v fix_v and_o wherein_o it_o shine_v forth_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o which_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n qu._n vi_o but_o what_o more_o peculiar_a evidence_n can_v you_o show_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o all_o may_v see_v they_o to_o be_v of_o infallible_a truth_n ans_fw-fr i._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a such_o a_o book_n be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o no_o create_v wisdom_n can_v ever_o have_v make_v and_o contain_v such_o thing_n of_o high_a concern_v to_o mankind_n as_o do_v infinite_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o human_a ability_n and_o invention_n and_o can_v never_o have_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o god_n himself_o ii_o that_o it_o give_v forth_o such_o exquisite_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o man_n must_v needs_o see_v the_o holy_a nature_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n most_o bright_o shine_v forth_o therein_o iii_o which_o do_v discover_v so_o great_a and_o proper_a a_o relief_n for_o all_o those_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o do_v attend_v this_o fall_a estate_n of_o man_n as_o none_o but_o a_o all-sufficient_a god_n can_v work_v iv_o that_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o bless_a record_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o have_v determine_v the_o change_n and_o revolution_n thereof_o when_o it_o be_v not_o more_o evident_a that_o these_o visible_a heaven_n be_v stretch_v forth_o over_o the_o earth_n than_o that_o this_o line_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v stretch_v over_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o frame_n of_o providence_n and_o do_v most_o clear_o and_o bright_o illuminate_v the_o same_o v._o that_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o matter_n shall_v meet_v with_o so_o visible_a a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n in_o one_o perfect_a and_o entire_a frame_n yea_o knit_v in_o so_o close_a a_o bond_n of_o union_n together_o as_o make_v the_o whole_a bible_n to_o be_v entire_o one_o piece_n though_o in_o the_o write_n of_o each_o distinct_a part_n thereof_o it_o can_v never_o have_v possible_o be_v contrive_v or_o foresee_v by_o human_a wisdom_n as_o we_o see_v here_o of_o so_o admirable_a a_o agreement_n and_o correspondence_n as_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o vi_o that_o none_o else_o can_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o world_n in_o so_o majestic_a a_o way_n and_o so_o become_v the_o greatness_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n to_o assume_v such_o a_o supremacy_n and_o give_v forth_o law_n for_o absolute_a obedience_n from_o all_o mankind_n thereto_o and_o on_o such_o a_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n or_o that_o any_o impostor_n either_o possible_o can_v or_o dare_v have_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n personate_v the_o same_o vii_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v his_o word_n who_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o have_v a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n thereof_o who_o thus_o not_o only_o give_v law_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o our_o inward_a part_n but_o do_v establish_v a_o internal_a religion_n there_o no_o less_o absolute_o than_o what_o respect_v our_o external_a work_n and_o action_n viii_o yea_o where_o all_o may_v see_v the_o penman_n thereof_o under_o so_o entire_a a_o subjection_n to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o contrivance_n of_o their_o own_o as_o they_o do_v record_v their_o own_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v thus_o also_o require_v all_o just_a respect_n and_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n when_o through_o the_o whole_a earth_n they_o be_v then_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n ix_o that_o this_o must_v be_v his_o word_n who_o alone_o can_v derive_v principle_n of_o life_n to_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o animate_v the_o same_o with_o a_o quicken_a spirit_n and_o be_v a_o work_n above_o the_o contrivance_n of_o angel_n or_o man_n when_o direct_v to_o each_o new_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n and_o personal_a case_n of_o christian_n as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v alone_o write_v for_o that_o time_n so_o that_o i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o persuade_v in_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o
of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n there_o and_o point_v as_o with_o the_o finger_n at_o the_o same_o as_o also_o by_o the_o roman_n who_o interest_n in_o their_o opposition_n to_o christ_n they_o pretend_v to_o own_o qu._n iii_o be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o gospel_n promulgation_n such_o as_o no_o other_o profession_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o and_o where_o all_o may_v see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o human_a interest_n or_o contrivance_n in_o the_o same_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o no_o interest_n else_o be_v ever_o in_o such_o a_o way_n promote_v and_o it_o do_v exceed_v all_o natural_a understanding_n how_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n can_v in_o this_o manner_n prevail_v i._o to_o persuade_v man_n without_o any_o motive_n or_o inducement_n from_o this_o present_a world_n to_o embrace_v a_o doctrine_n so_o whole_o repugnant_a to_o nature_n yea_o to_o prefer_v a_o interest_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o which_o none_o ever_o in_o the_o earth_n see_v to_o the_o most_o desirable_a object_n of_o sense_n ii_o to_o admit_v no_o implicit_a reception_n from_o any_o but_o on_o their_o exact_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n herein_o or_o in_o another_o way_n claim_v a_o interest_n in_o man_n affection_n but_o by_o a_o full_a assent_n of_o their_o light_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o same_o iii_o to_o admit_v no_o gratification_n to_o the_o most_o predominant_a desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n towards_o any_o darling_n sin_n which_o according_a to_o human_a wisdom_n will_v be_v judge_v of_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o gain_v any_o acceptance_n with_o such_o yea_o to_o give_v no_o partial_a respect_n to_o the_o great_a princess_n more_o than_o to_o the_o mean_a iv_o to_o pursue_v its_o interest_n by_o so_o plain_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n with_o the_o whole_a ignominy_n thereof_o when_o nothing_o can_v more_o evident_o control_v such_o a_o end_n by_o any_o rule_n of_o human_a wisdom_n and_o policy_n if_o there_o have_v be_v consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n herein_o v._o and_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o can_v be_v no_o design_n without_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n to_o plead_v the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n with_o man_n by_o insert_v affliction_n and_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o first_o entry_n as_o essential_a to_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o necessity_n of_o take_v on_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n without_o which_o none_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n qu._n iu._n but_o wherein_o do_v the_o evidence_n of_o that_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n most_o clear_o appear_v in_o the_o love_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o which_o we_o find_v christ_n do_v so_o special_o press_v for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o world_n may_v know_v and_o have_v such_o a_o visible_a seal_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n joh._n 17.21_o ans_fw-fr the_o greatness_n of_o this_o demonstration_n may_v be_v thus_o evident_a to_o all_o i._o that_o it_o be_v so_o clear_o demonstrative_a of_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o bitterness_n strife_n recrimination_n or_o such_o indecency_n of_o heat_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v the_o fatal_a effect_n of_o discord_n in_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o let_v we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n ii_o that_o thus_o also_o we_o may_v know_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n upon_o man_n heart_n in_o subdue_a these_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n iii_o that_o this_o do_v so_o special_o tend_v to_o make_v religion_n lovely_n and_o to_o draw_v forth_o matter_n of_o praise_n and_o blessing_n to_o god_n from_o the_o world_n when_o they_o see_v such_o a_o native_a effect_n of_o christianity_n as_o this_o to_o make_v those_o who_o profess_v the_o same_o in_o that_o manner_n shine_v forth_o in_o tenderness_n humility_n and_o brotherly_a love_n so_o that_o they_o become_v as_o a_o public_a good_a and_o blessing_n to_o mankind_n in_o the_o place_n they_o be_v in_o iv_o this_o appear_v also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o union_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o among_o his_o follower_n which_o only_o a_o divine_a power_n can_v both_o frame_n and_o make_v effectual_a and_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o no_o humane_a society_n or_o constitution_n can_v ever_o claim_v such_o a_o unity_n therein_o as_o this_o be_v where_o not_o only_a person_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n and_o of_o all_o condition_n both_o high_a and_o low_a but_o of_o the_o most_o different_a interest_n humour_n and_o divide_v circumstance_n in_o other_o thing_n do_v yet_o in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o harmony_n meet_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n v._o because_o herein_o also_o do_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n more_o eminent_o appear_v in_o secure_v this_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n under_o a_o diversity_n of_o light_n and_o judgement_n otherways_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n meekness_n and_o condescendence_n among_o his_o people_n than_o by_o impose_v the_o most_o severe_a and_o absolute_a uniformity_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o alone_a condition_n of_o christian_a communion_n qu._n v._n but_o what_o strength_n and_o evidence_n do_v this_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o bear_v in_o so_o divide_v a_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o the_o wound_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n this_o day_n be_v like_a to_o bleed_v unto_o death_n ans_fw-fr whatever_o just_a cause_n be_v of_o grief_n yet_o be_v there_o none_o for_o darken_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o demonstration_n on_o these_o ground_n i._o that_o none_o can_v deny_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v a_o most_o firm_a and_o entire_a unity_n among_o all_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o earth_n ii_o that_o no_o opposition_n be_v make_v thereto_o but_o what_o have_v be_v foretell_v as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v most_o express_o point_v at_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n iii_o because_o the_o further_a opposition_n thereto_o can_v be_v no_o more_o cause_n for_o any_o to_o stumble_v or_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o demonstration_n than_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n who_o great_a design_n have_v ever_o be_v to_o divide_v and_o break_v christian_n among_o themselves_o iv_o because_o this_o union_n which_o be_v chief_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a be_v much_o great_a often_o than_o what_o this_o way_n may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o of_o that_o kind_a as_o be_v not_o interrupt_v by_o distance_n of_o place_n or_o any_o want_n of_o local_a communion_n v._o that_o such_o a_o guard_n be_v set_v by_o the_o lord_n unto_o this_o piece_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o oppose_v any_o invasion_n thereon_o that_o there_o stand_v a_o angel_n with_o a_o flame_a sword_n upon_o every_o hand_n in_o the_o command_v and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o secure_v this_o bless_a unity_n of_o the_o saint_n among_o themselves_o so_o as_o none_o can_v invade_v the_o same_o but_o on_o their_o high_a peril_n of_o oppose_v that_o which_o be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o christ_n eye_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v ever_o find_v that_o this_o demonstration_n have_v some_o clear_a evidence_n among_o such_o who_o be_v indeed_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o according_a to_o their_o advance_n in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v the_o more_o bright_o shine_v forth_o so_o that_o the_o near_a the_o line_n be_v to_o the_o centre_n the_o near_a also_o be_v they_o among_o themselves_o vii_o that_o in_o all_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o tremendous_a mark_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n make_v visible_a on_o such_o who_o be_v contentious_a and_o have_v make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o cause_n division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o sow_v discord_n among_o brethren_n qu._n vi_o but_o what_o have_v the_o church_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o compensate_a and_o make_v up_o the_o want_n of_o that_o great_a demonstration_n by_o miracle_n and_o such_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n ans_fw-fr i._o we_o may_v hereby_o see_v that_o the_o seal_n of_o martyrdom_n which_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o church_n have_v exceed_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n ii_o that_o there_o have_v be_v since_o such_o innumerable_a shine_a example_n of_o holiness_n yea_o these_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n who_o
death_n as_o a_o penalty_n which_o keep_v the_o fear_n and_o dread_v thereof_o so_o much_o on_o all_o live_n it_o be_v in_o that_o last_o period_n that_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o man_n be_v decide_v iii_o that_o the_o sting_n and_o bitterness_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o manifest_a in_o innumerable_a disease_n and_o stroke_n of_o death_n which_o many_o feel_v a_o 100_o time_n ere_o they_o die_v once_o beyond_o any_o other_o of_o the_o creature_n iv_o though_o the_o sentence_n of_o die_v be_v on_o all_o yet_o so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v betwixt_o the_o saint_n and_o residue_n of_o man_n here_o that_o its_o penal_a execution_n on_o the_o ungodly_a be_v such_o as_o nature_n can_v give_v no_o support_n under_o it_o v._o that_o supernatural_a presage_n and_o warning_n hereof_o ere_o it_o come_v be_v in_o all_o time_n know_v and_o sure_a yea_o such_o extraordinary_a evidence_n be_v sometime_o of_o the_o precise_a time_n as_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o any_o natural_a cause_n vi_o that_o its_o immediate_a commission_n from_o a_o supreme_a and_o invisible_a power_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o such_o execution_n oft_o of_o this_o sentence_n by_o sword_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n as_o the_o visible_a finger_n of_o god_n in_o a_o just_a retribution_n unto_o man_n for_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o less_o see_v and_o a_o supernatural_a causality_n than_o the_o effect_n have_v be_v undoubted_a and_o clear_a to_o show_v that_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n that_o this_o great_a revolution_n by_o death_n do_v each_o moment_n depend_v on_o a_o call_n from_o heaven_n vii_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o something_o supernatural_a in_o this_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v so_o know_v that_o as_o no_o relief_n can_v possible_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n to_o set_v man_n both_o above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o a_o after_o state_n when_o once_o it_o come_v near_o viii_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v sure_o above_o the_o possibility_n of_o nature_n which_o can_v bear_v out_o in_o this_o great_a adventure_n and_o trial_n of_o man_n faith_n both_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o strength_n thereof_o at_o death_n for_o which_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v thus_o choose_v that_o by_o so_o strange_a a_o entry_n and_o at_o so_o dark_a a_o port_n they_o shall_v first_o pass_v to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o glorious_a state_n above_o qu._n v._n what_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n can_v you_o show_v to_o confirm_v so_o great_a a_o faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a glory_n prepare_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o its_o earnest_n and_o first_o fruit_n here_o as_o may_v strike_v a_o undeniable_a conviction_n hereof_o on_o the_o world_n answ_n i._o the_o visible_a ripen_n and_o resemblance_n to_o such_o a_o state_n in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o christian_n growth_n to_o a_o more_o full_a stature_n of_o the_o man_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o the_o natural_a growth_n of_o our_o body_n ii_o though_o the_o open_n of_o these_o gate_n of_o the_o second_o world_n be_v hide_v so_o as_o no_o humane_a sense_n can_v discern_v the_o spirit_n in_o its_o ascent_n through_o those_o high_a region_n to_o that_o unconceivable_a paradise_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o three_o heaven_n yet_o be_v the_o triumphant_a entry_n and_o passage_n of_o innumerable_a christian_n at_o death_n such_o as_o have_v oft_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n iii_o such_o also_o be_v both_o humble_a tender_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o life_n and_o then_o in_o so_o great_a a_o composure_n of_o judgement_n that_o all_o may_v see_v they_o know_v what_o make_v they_o glad_a and_o can_v swallow_v up_o both_o the_o fear_n and_o bitterness_n of_o death_n yea_o and_o this_o be_v not_o give_v for_o their_o own_o support_n only_o but_o for_o a_o more_o public_a use_n for_o the_o conviction_n and_o confirmation_n of_o other_o iv_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n be_v demonstrable_a and_o have_v be_v oft_o bring_v down_o to_o man_n sense_n by_o these_o ravish_a joy_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o christ_n and_o exultation_n of_o spirit_n even_o in_o the_o flame_n v._o supernatural_a comfort_n attend_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n and_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o the_o flesh_n and_o outward_a cause_n with_o that_o joy_n and_o peace_n which_o by_o so_o natural_a a_o result_n follow_v well-doing_n and_o any_o service_n of_o love_n for_o christ_n which_o all_o may_v see_v to_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o that_o harvest_n which_o be_v above_o vi_o rare_a and_o marvellous_a a_o frame_n of_o the_o new_a man_n set_v up_o in_o this_o low_a region_n of_o grace_n in_o so_o discernible_a a_o conformity_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o resemblance_n to_o another_o state_n than_o here_o to_o which_o the_o world_n be_v but_o as_o a_o place_n of_o pilgrimage_n trial_n and_o a_o preparatory_a state_n only_o vii_o visible_a return_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n christian_n have_v after_o sad_a conflict_n and_o down-castings_a and_o such_o daybreak_n of_o vital_a quicken_a beam_n of_o divine_a light_n that_o have_v often_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o that_o of_o the_o martyr_n at_o the_o stake_n who_o cry_v out_o now_o he_o be_v come_v he_o be_v come_v viii_o their_o breathe_n of_o love_n after_o a_o unseen_a christ_n and_o visible_a effect_n of_o its_o power_n on_o man_n may_v show_v some_o begin_a translation_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o far_o herein_o as_o to_o be_v more_o where_o it_o love_v than_o where_o it_o live_v ix_o though_o we_o can_v see_v here_o that_o ineffable_a glory_n which_o be_v above_o but_o shall_v have_v our_o faith_n instead_o of_o eye_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o holiness_n as_o do_v not_o only_a evidence_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n partake_v of_o a_o future_a glory_n so_o as_o every_o degree_n and_o act_n thereof_o do_v enter_v in_o a_o begin_v state_n of_o fruition_n and_o blessedness_n and_o make_v it_o simple_o impossible_a for_o a_o good_a man_n in_o any_o true_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n not_o to_o be_v happy_a also_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o more_o near_a capacity_n to_o know_v that_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o x._o by_o so_o sure_a know_v and_o try_v a_o passage_n betwixt_o heaven_n and_o man_n soul_n in_o prayer_n with_o so_o settle_a a_o trade_n of_o commerce_n this_o way_n and_o certain_a return_n as_o with_o assurance_n such_o can_v say_v though_o they_o must_v change_v their_o place_n yet_o not_o their_o company_n xi_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n in_o israel_n passage_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o so_o excellent_a a_o country_n as_o canaan_n be_v no_o less_o sure_a in_o its_o self_n than_o that_o it_o be_v give_v for_o a_o emblem_n and_o type_n of_o the_o journey_v and_o militant_a state_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o and_o to_o be_v a_o solemn_a pledge_n of_o that_o canaan_n 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no_o more_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n and_o party_n as_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n than_o the_o reality_n of_o some_o such_o a_o horrid_a region_n and_o place_n also_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o be_v adjudge_v to_o ii_o from_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o human_a race_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o visible_a service_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n but_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o enmity_n against_o the_o holy_a god_n and_o his_o image_n which_o do_v clear_o witness_v their_o respect_n and_o tendency_n to_o the_o same_o state_n and_o place_n and_o confederacy_n in_o their_o judgement_n as_o here_o in_o their_o sin_n iii_o such_o visible_a impression_n of_o vindictive_a justice_n be_v on_o man_n soul_n with_o such_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o unsufferable_a torment_n
off_o or_o make_v that_o thrive_v which_o god_n have_v himself_o curse_v and_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a how_o far_o we_o have_v go_v thus_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o strength_n by_o such_o eager_a seek_v humane_a prop_n and_o support_v that_o we_o have_v forget_v the_o guide_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o covenant_n of_o our_o god_n and_o what_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v former_o do_v in_o the_o great_a strait_n of_o his_o church_n when_o there_o be_v much_o humble_a trust_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v more_o to_o recover_v his_o truth_n than_o all_o humane_a may_v or_o power_n can_v do_v section_n ii_o qu._n what_o talon_n be_v we_o still_o accountable_a for_o to_o support_v our_o faith_n against_o the_o great_a fear_n of_o this_o time_n from_o these_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n for_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o contend_v for_o which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n when_o so_o strong_a and_o unusual_a a_o tide_n now_o be_v against_o the_o same_o ans_fw-fr if_o man_n shut_v not_o their_o eye_n and_o hide_v this_o great_a talon_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n under_o the_o ground_n it_o be_v sure_a none_o can_v question_v such_o a_o seal_n which_o before_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o amazement_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v put_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v now_o bring_v under_o such_o a_o call_v as_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v deut._n 4.34_o to_o ask_v of_o the_o time_n that_o be_v past_a since_o israel_n come_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gentile_a church_n by_o the_o gospel_n whether_o there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o this_o in_o the_o earth_n that_o god_n have_v assay_v to_o take_v to_o himself_o a_o people_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o nation_n by_o temptation_n by_o sign_n and_o by_o wonder_n and_o by_o war_n and_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o outstretch_v arm_n and_o by_o great_a terror_n according_a to_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v do_v for_o the_o rescue_n of_o his_o people_n in_o these_o last_o time_n from_o antichristian_a bondage_n and_o darkness_n and_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o church-state_n but_o unto_o we_o be_v this_o show_v that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o beside_o he_o you_o be_v still_o call_v to_o see_v and_o be_v as_o eye_n witness_n to_o these_o thing_n i._n how_o bright_a a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v go_v before_o this_o great_a darkness_n on_o the_o church_n and_o what_o a_o solemn_a triumph_n in_o these_o late_a age_n the_o truth_n have_v have_v over_o antichrist_n so_o as_o the_o full_a stroke_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o establish_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o now_o more_o marvellous_a and_o above_o humane_a appearance_n than_o what_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o begin_v degree_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n ii_o in_o how_o few_o year_n also_o there_o be_v as_o a_o new_a christian_a world_n bring_v forth_o in_o that_o swift_a course_n and_o progress_n which_o the_o ingather_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v so_o as_o between_o the_o year_n 1560_o and_o 1621._o such_o famous_a plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v settle_v in_o a_o church-state_n which_o all_o may_v see_v be_v the_o immediate_a work_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o show_v that_o none_o shall_v fear_v or_o stagger_v at_o his_o promise_n though_o the_o water_n yet_o swell_v and_o come_v to_o the_o flow_n of_o jordan_n and_o difficulty_n appear_v unsuperable_a to_o humane_a sense_n after_o these_o great_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v iii_o how_o extraordinary_a a_o call_v and_o excitement_n of_o instrument_n be_v then_o evident_a for_o the_o service_n of_o that_o time_n and_o reaper_n thus_o eminent_o prepare_v for_o so_o great_a a_o harvest_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v put_v the_o world_n to_o inquire_v whence_o these_o be_v in_o so_o numerous_a a_o concurrence_n when_o a_o few_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n be_v so_o rare_o to_o be_v find_v in_o many_o age_n before_o iu._n yea_o such_o a_o accession_n also_o of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o endowment_n be_v then_o for_o building_n of_o the_o church_n â—s_n have_v not_o be_v former_o know_v since_o the_o first_o come_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o glory_n of_o these_o last_o time_n have_v even_o in_o some_o degree_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o first_o v._o and_o can_v the_o most_o dismal_a thing_n of_o this_o time_n countervail_v the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o have_v so_o clear_o see_v with_o the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n come_v therewith_o to_o the_o world_n as_o a_o seal_n and_o attestation_n thereto_o beyond_o any_o miracle_n yea_o how_o innumerable_a a_o company_n in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o different_a tongue_n and_o language_n and_o these_o so_o remote_a from_o one_o another_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o same_o truth_n but_o with_o such_o resolution_n adventure_v their_o soul_n thereon_o as_o may_v full_o witness_v they_o have_v another_o prospect_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v in_o some_o other_o manner_n ravish_v with_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o same_o than_o be_v now_o in_o these_o time_n vi_o such_o high_a spring_n tide_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o after_o so_o sad_a a_o restraint_n have_v be_v for_o so_o many_o age_n before_o under_o antichristian_a darkness_n for_o whatever_o be_v then_o as_o a_o private_a seal_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o christian_n whilst_o the_o witness_n do_v prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o such_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o a_o public_a confirmatory_n seal_v to_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v after_o the_o reformation_n vii_o yea_o be_v it_o not_o the_o most_o sober_a serious_a and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o man_n upon_o a_o sure_a trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o do_v most_o firm_o embrace_v the_o same_o and_o how_o many_o of_o these_o also_o be_v of_o the_o great_a part_n and_o ability_n who_o none_o can_v judge_v to_o adventure_v so_o far_o herein_o without_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o this_o be_v their_o undoubted_a interest_n and_o salvation_n viii_o we_o have_v see_v not_o only_o man_n of_o mean_a and_o low_a estate_n but_o such_o of_o the_o high_a place_n and_o quality_n most_o cheerful_o adventure_v whatever_o interest_n can_v be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o find_v that_o such_o as_o be_v most_o acquaint_v with_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o its_o power_n and_o live_v up_o in_o their_o practice_n to_o what_o they_o profess_v thereof_o be_v those_o who_o with_o the_o great_a assurance_n most_o resolute_o still_o adhere_v thereto_o ix_o we_o have_v see_v also_o it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a spread_v in_o the_o world_n when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a pretence_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n or_o external_n motive_n for_o the_o same_o x_o we_o have_v see_v something_o not_o only_o extraordinary_a but_o even_o miraculous_a in_o the_o joy_n and_o resolution_n of_o innumerable_a martyr_n since_o the_o reformation_n who_o do_v bear_v out_o with_o a_o more_o than_o humane_a strength_n against_o a_o cruelty_n so_o visible_o inhuman_a and_o savage_a yea_o which_o do_v in_o some_o degree_n exceed_v that_o measure_n of_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o be_v against_o a_o great_a light_n than_o they_o xi_o and_o have_v we_o not_o see_v of_o what_o spirit_n such_o still_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n who_o be_v the_o most_o notorious_a instrument_n in_o the_o church_n persecution_n and_o how_o visible_o such_o do_v act_n herein_o under_o so_o impetuous_a a_o incitement_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o as_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n speak_v of_o nero_n the_o truth_n may_v boast_v in_o have_v such_o adversary_n xii_o it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v yet_o ever_o undo_v this_o bless_a inteterest_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n though_o no_o way_n or_o change_v of_o weapon_n have_v be_v leave_v untried_a but_o we_o have_v thus_o see_v whither_o so_o strong_a and_o unite_v a_o confederacy_n as_o the_o catholic_n league_n in_o france_n do_v at_o last_o resolve_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o great_a actor_n and_o contriver_n therein_o but_o
concern_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o inward_a life_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n v._n which_o plead_v a_o impartial_a trial_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n whether_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o profession_n or_o of_o popery_n give_v the_o great_a security_n to_o civil_a government_n and_o find_v the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o magistracy_n and_o to_o all_o civil_a and_o moral_a duty_n by_o which_o the_o awe_n and_o venerable_a esteem_n of_o religion_n be_v keep_v up_o in_o a_o nation_n it_o be_v high_a time_n that_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v implicit_a and_o become_v express_a upon_o this_o great_a interest_n they_o have_v within_o time_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o a_o deceit_n or_o mistake_v here_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a concern_v upon_o which_o account_n without_o respect_n to_o interest_n party_n or_o education_n i_o have_v this_o day_n seek_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o what_o adversary_n can_v possible_o pretend_v to_o reproach_n or_o prejudge_v any_o for_o the_o reform_a religion_n all_o they_o can_v do_v be_v but_o to_o charge_v man_n corruption_n and_o offence_n in_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o profession_n that_o can_v never_o give_v the_o least_o latitude_n or_o connivance_n thereto_o but_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n when_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o can_v know_v no_o other_o way_n to_o embrace_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o popery_n but_o by_o turn_v atheist_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o quit_v both_o religion_n and_o reason_n at_o once_o but_o i_o can_v say_v in_o a_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o adventure_v my_o soul_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o eternal_a state_n finis_fw-la a_o idea_n of_o the_o confirm_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o dismal_a and_o shake_v time_n though_o the_o measure_n of_o all_o christian_n establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o alike_o but_o must_v have_v respect_n to_o their_o different_a trial_n talent_n and_o improvement_n for_o this_o end_n yet_o may_v it_o cause_v astonishment_n to_o see_v how_o rare_a any_o study_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v when_o it_o be_v not_o only_a one_o of_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o christianity_n but_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n call_v for_o as_o the_o work_n of_o this_o day_n yea_o be_v this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o seem_v least_o improve_v of_o any_o for_o the_o more_o general_a state_n of_o professor_n within_o the_o church_n under_o some_o conviction_n hereof_o be_v this_o essay_n design_v wherein_o with_o humble_a confidence_n i_o may_v say_v the_o truth_n have_v be_v seek_v with_o that_o serious_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n hold_v forth_o as_o i_o judge_v needful_a for_o such_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o interest_n and_o adventure_v not_o only_o through_o time_n but_o for_o all_o eternity_n to_o support_v themselves_o upon_o the_o alone_a certainty_n hereof_o and_o ere_o these_o day_n of_o trial_n which_o we_o now_o see_v pass_v over_o this_o generation_n it_o may_v be_v find_v this_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o without_o cause_n direct_v to_o such_o a_o time_n if_o the_o lord_n gracious_o bless_v the_o same_o nor_o will_v it_o i_o hope_v be_v find_v unnecessary_a to_o present_v yet_o further_o some_o clear_a prospect_n of_o a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n and_o what_o those_o aught_o to_o be_v who_o with_o light_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n be_v like_a to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o in_o such_o a_o day_n which_o be_v here_o offer_v in_o a_o seven_o fold_v character_n under_o which_o a_o true_o confirm_v christian_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o profession_n may_v be_v state_v character_n i._n he_o be_v one_o who_o have_v another_o sense_n and_o impression_n of_o this_o great_a study_n for_o attain_v to_o a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v on_o high_a ground_n press_v to_o follow_v the_o same_o than_o most_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v apprehend_v and_o shall_v be_v thus_o consider_v 1._o as_o one_o to_o who_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n dear_a and_o who_o will_v have_v the_o world_n see_v that_o such_o as_o embrace_v the_o same_o and_o do_v most_o full_o adventure_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v those_o who_o walk_v on_o the_o high_a principle_n of_o true_a and_o enlighten_v reason_n yea_o who_o take_v deep_o to_o heart_n that_o obligation_n which_o be_v on_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o advance_v the_o repute_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v in_o such_o term_n therewith_o upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o confute_v and_o shame_v atheist_n and_o infidel_n if_o call_v thereunto_o 2._o who_o see_v also_o that_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o fall_a 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the_o same_o he_o see_v that_o the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n do_v absolute_o require_v to_o have_v the_o foundation_n sure_o lay_v on_o which_o so_o great_a a_o superstructure_n must_v rest_v so_o as_o he_o judge_v it_o a_o work_n by_o itself_o and_o to_o need_v some_o peculiar_a retire_v his_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o serious_a recess_n and_o composure_n thereof_o to_o attain_v a_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o know_v the_o strong_a and_o firm_a conveyance_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o need_v not_o a_o new_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o but_o he_o know_v that_o no_o sharpness_n of_o man_n natural_a understanding_n about_o the_o truth_n can_v ever_o attain_v a_o true_a rest_n and_o settlement_n of_o mind_n therein_o without_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a spirit_n stoop_v down_o before_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o enter_v as_o a_o little_a child_n into_o his_o school_n and_o by_o that_o humble_a 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visible_o above_o nature_n and_o that_o wherein_o they_o must_v do_v violence_n to_o the_o same_o wherein_o they_o must_v part_v with_o the_o multitude_n and_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o strong_a tide_n of_o example_n and_o must_v endure_v also_o in_o hope_n and_o believe_v for_o thing_n not_o see_v which_o be_v never_o the_o object_n of_o humane_a sense_n to_o any_o in_o this_o earth_n and_o be_v oft_o call_v to_o part_v with_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n of_o sense_n upon_o the_o alone_a credit_n of_o their_o faith_n yea_o wherein_o they_o must_v enter_v that_o profession_n on_o no_o other_o term_n than_o to_o be_v martyr_n for_o the_o same_o and_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n so_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o see_v a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o great_a riddle_n and_o wonder_v of_o
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how_o the_o truth_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v so_o express_v a_o transcript_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o external_n revelation_n that_o the_o impress_n do_v not_o more_o clear_o answer_v the_o seal_n on_o the_o wax_n than_o it_o do_v beget_v the_o same_o form_n and_o image_n of_o itself_o in_o such_o as_o believe_v yea_o also_o that_o conformity_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o ever_o bless_a archetype_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o reveal_v rule_n and_o how_o bright_a a_o discovery_n be_v this_o of_o so_o glorious_a a_o be_v and_o nature_n to_o which_o it_o be_v conform_v who_o be_v the_o alone_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o discovery_n as_o he_o be_v make_v to_o wonder_n that_o man_n in_o this_o age_n be_v so_o much_o awaken_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n though_o in_o its_o own_o room_n a_o most_o choice_a study_n and_o special_o desirable_a and_o will_v be_v as_o in_o a_o transport_v upon_o some_o rare_a natural_a experiment_n as_o make_v one_o in_o that_o manner_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v find_v i_o have_v find_v whilst_o here_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o demonstration_n and_o of_o more_o transcendent_a interest_n than_o all_o these_o can_v ever_o amount_v to_o on_o which_o the_o eye_n of_o most_o be_v this_o day_n shut_v 4._o by_o consider_v that_o unchangeable_a congruity_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n enjoin_v in_o the_o whole_a institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o man_n be_v make_v happy_a thereby_o now_o in_o their_o present_a state_n and_o how_o great_a a_o temporal_a revenue_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n as_o inward_a confidence_n peace_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n do_v as_o native_o follow_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n hereof_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n answer_v to_o its_o kind_n and_o be_v ever_o find_v the_o alone_a true_a relief_n of_o mankind_n against_o all_o the_o grief_n and_o bitterness_n of_o time_n yea_o that_o it_o be_v no_o distance_n of_o place_n but_o of_o man_n spirit_n by_o impurity_n and_o corruption_n that_o make_v so_o sad_a a_o distance_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n 5._o he_o be_v thus_o further_o confirm_v upon_o this_o great_a testimony_n of_o experimental_a religion_n by_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v sure_a such_o as_o do_v bear_v this_o witness_n be_v know_v 1._o to_o be_v such_o who_o be_v of_o the_o most_o discern_a and_o judicious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o any_o else_o 2._o who_o walk_n and_o practice_n use_v to_o have_v the_o great_a authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v 3._o who_o be_v find_v most_o intense_o take_v up_o in_o the_o retire_a work_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o witness_n and_o observation_n of_o other_o 4._o who_o seek_v no_o implicit_a credit_n from_o any_o herein_o but_o do_v pray_v man_n to_o come_v and_o see_v and_o prove_v the_o same_o in_o their_o own_o experience_n with_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o most_o exact_a inquiry_n and_o rational_a trial_n of_o all_o mankind_n if_o here_o be_v any_o casual_a thing_n and_o if_o that_o testimony_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a and_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o still_o one_o and_o the_o same_o 5._o who_o also_o out_o of_o the_o most_o remote_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o otherwise_o stranger_n among_o themselves_o do_v yet_o most_o harmonious_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o witness_n and_o be_v thus_o mutual_o disclose_v to_o each_o other_o by_o a_o near_a and_o feel_a intercourse_n of_o their_o soul_n from_o such_o a_o oneness_n in_o a_o spiritual_a state_n and_o those_o specific_a property_n of_o a_o spiritual_a
such_o a_o erection_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n in_o her_o militant_a state_n here_o as_o the_o papacy_n in_o its_o complex_fw-la frame_n be_v unite_v in_o such_o a_o head_n as_o the_o pope_n who_o as_o the_o sole_a vicegerent_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v at_o once_o invest_v with_o a_o civil_a monarchy_n and_o universal_a empire_n over_o the_o church_n to_o impose_v and_o judge_v in_o the_o high_a transaction_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o eternal_a state_n and_o immortal_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o right_n be_v as_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o inconsistent_a therewith_o as_o mahumetanism_n can_v be_v and_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v a_o trust_n that_o no_o create_v be_v can_v ever_o exercise_n 11._o he_o see_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o must_v either_o lose_v sight_n both_o of_o the_o rule_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o have_v a_o just_a abhorrence_n of_o that_o way_n wherein_o he_o shall_v be_v inevitable_o involve_v in_o a_o virtual_a consent_n and_o accessoriness_n to_o all_o that_o cruelty_n and_o blood_n which_o for_o so_o many_o age_n have_v be_v shed_v therein_o when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o this_o be_v no_o exorbitance_n only_o of_o practice_n but_o a_o native_a result_n of_o their_o tenet_n and_o principle_n and_o not_o only_o dispense_v with_o but_o count_v a_o high_o meritorious_a service_n yea_o when_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o under_o no_o secular_a government_n of_o the_o most_o tyrannical_a state_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o arbitrary_a violence_n and_o oppression_n be_v exercise_v or_o so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n be_v shed_v as_o by_o this_o party_n 12._o and_o though_o his_o judgement_n stand_v indetermine_v and_o in_o a_o equal_a balance_n upon_o this_o great_a controversy_n he_o can_v not_o exercise_v reason_n and_o not_o see_v upon_o what_o hand_n such_o a_o decision_n be_v as_o be_v in_o solomon_n time_n of_o the_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o child_n and_o who_o do_v most_o rueful_o seek_v to_o interest_n themselves_o in_o the_o imminent_a hazard_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o who_o under_o the_o least_o influence_n of_o any_o temporal_a motive_n do_v this_o day_n stand_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o christianity_n and_o plead_v that_o iâ—_n be_v not_o destroy_v in_o envy_n and_o hatred_n to_o they_o or_o on_o what_o side_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o this_o manner_n of_o conquest_n be_v most_o follow_v to_o gain_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o prevail_a evidence_n of_o their_o own_o light_n and_o judgement_n herein_o and_o to_o require_v their_o exact_a personal_a trial_n and_o enquiry_n about_o the_o same_o in_o the_o three_o place_n though_o he_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n of_o doctrinal_a waver_a about_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o find_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o comprehend_v how_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o age_n wherein_o the_o 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