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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n believe_v faith_n fundamental_a 3,198 5 10.0998 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39770 The confirming work of religion, or, its great things made plain, by their primary evidences and demonstrations whereby the meanest in the church may soon be made to render a solid and rational account of their faith / written by R. Fleming ... ; now published by Daniel Burgess. Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694.; Burgess, Daniel, 1645-1713. 1693 (1693) Wing F1279; ESTC R6736 83,701 146

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which_o be_v more_o extraordinary_a and_o remote_a assistance_n thereto_o 2._o that_o these_o be_v give_v as_o such_o a_o great_a help_n to_o his_o joy_n and_o excitement_n of_o his_o affection_n to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o as_o may_v make_v he_o wonder_v how_o the_o greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o man_n be_v call_v to_o believe_v can_v come_v near_o their_o thought_n and_o yet_o no_o more_o take_v they_o up_o about_o this_o confirm_v work_n 3._o that_o the_o too_o visible_a neglect_n hereof_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o youth_n and_o community_n of_o professor_n in_o the_o church_n seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a and_o fundamental_a defect_n of_o this_o day_n the_o reason_n hereof_o with_o some_o clear_a view_n of_o these_o mean_n whic●●ight_v most_o answer_v such_o a_o end_n be_v brief_o offer_v in_o this_o precede_a work_n carat_n vii_o a_o true_o confirm_a christian_n may_v in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v herein_o also_o consider_v as_o such_o who_o faith_n be_v 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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 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some_o more_o continue_a transport_n of_o ravishment_n and_o wonder_v to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v sure_o make_v for_o their_o eternal_a state_n in_o another_o world_n and_o be_v among_o those_o on_o who_o the_o glorious_a god_n have_v choose_v to_o have_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n show_v forth_o in_o the_o region_n of_o blessedness_n above_o for_o ever_o 5._o he_o have_v another_o sight_n and_o prospect_n of_o the_o christian_a creed_n than_o most_o who_o give_v a_o easy_a assent_n thereunto_o and_o have_v his_o reason_n so_o dazzle_v with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o wonder_n thereof_o as_o have_v put_v he_o to_o such_o a_o exercise_n as_o that_o 2_o chron._n 6.18_o how_o to_o credit_v his_o eye_n therewith_o the_o more_o deep_a reflection_n he_o have_v upon_o the_o same_o but_o will_v god_n in_o very_a deed_n dwell_v with_o man_n on_o the_o earth_n he_o judge_v that_o they_o who_o after_o some_o fluctuate_a suspense_n be_v admit_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n with_o that_o certainty_n of_o its_o evidence_n as_o the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o discovery_n do_v require_v may_v have_v some_o resemblance_n to_o that_o transport_v which_o the_o angel_n have_v at_o the_o first_o creation_n when_o the_o morning_n star_n sing_v together_o and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shout_v for_o joy_n to_o see_v themselves_o thus_o who_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o pure_a nothing_o enter_v into_o that_o ineffable_a light_n of_o see_v god_n and_o also_o their_o own_o blessedness_n in_o he_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n so_o that_o he_o account_v it_o one_o of_o the_o high_a attainment_n of_o religion_n for_o a_o christian_a indeed_o to_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o have_v his_o soul_n as_o full_o persuade_v hereof_o as_o of_o his_o be_v that_o such_o a_o time_n assure_o be_v and_o be_v now_o many_o age_n since_o past_a when_o the_o glorious_a redeemer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o godhead_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v reveal_v in_o our_o nature_n that_o on_o he_o as_o surety_n to_o divine_a justice_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o elect_a church_n be_v the_o whole_a gild_n and_o sin_n thereof_o transfer_v and_o in_o this_o marvellous_a way_n do_v the_o holy_a god_n take_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o by_o himself_o that_o thus_o our_o nature_n be_v exalt_v by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n above_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n that_o the_o time_n be_v near_o when_o the_o mean_a afflict_a christian_a shall_v take_v in_o no_o other_o air_n than_o the_o breathe_n of_o the_o high_a paradise_n above_o and_o now_o have_v a_o eternity_n of_o joy_n and_o blessedness_n before_o he_o that_o within_o a_o very_a little_a time_n he_o shall_v know_v this_o welcome_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n to_o his_o follower_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n when_o he_o shall_v take_v off_o the_o cross_n and_o put_v on_o the_o crown_n wh●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
assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v now_o press_v to_o join_v in_o with_o that_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v most_o exact_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o in_o the_o genuine_a and_o perspicuous_a sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o have_v seek_v to_o know_v how_o he_o can_v embrace_v the_o popish_a creed_n and_o adventure_v his_o eternal_a state_n thereon_o or_o how_o he_o can_v extinguish_v his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n will_v ever_o impose_v such_o a_o faith_n upon_o man_n as_o this_o be_v 1._o where_o he_o must_v abandon_v these_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n in_o the_o most_o necessary_a use_n thereof_o which_o god_n have_v himself_o plant_v in_o man_n soul_n so_o as_o not_o to_o trust_v his_o own_o eye_n but_o other_o in_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o eternal_a state_n and_o with_o his_o own_o consent_n be_v shut_v out_o from_o all_o proper_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o religion_n yea_o account_v a_o blind_a and_o unlimited_a obedience_n to_o man_n among_o the_o high_a excellency_n of_o faith_n 2._o where_o he_o must_v at_o once_o believe_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o only_o fit_v for_o that_o great_a end_n of_o bring_v mankind_n to_o god_n but_o for_o such_o a_o universal_a use_n herein_o as_o to_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a and_o cause_v the_o poor_a to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o believe_v also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mass_n of_o dead_a and_o unsense_v character_n until_o the_o romish_a clergy_n put_v a_o just_a sense_n thereon_o though_o its_o sense_n and_o meaning_n be_v the_o very_a soul_n thereof_o yea_o thus_o pass_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o same_o and_o all_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n from_o intrinsic_a evidence_n and_o these_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o its_o divinity_n whereby_o the_o christian_a cause_n can_v be_v maintain_v against_o pagan_n 3._o where_o he_o must_v believe_v also_o that_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n joh._n 7.17_o if_o any_o man_n do_v my_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v my_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o that_o man_n err_v through_o not_o know_v the_o scripture_n mat._n 22._o and_o yet_o believe_v all_o the_o while_n that_o these_o sacred_a fountain_n of_o light_n shall_v be_v shut_v up_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o error_n and_o that_o the_o sole_a right_n of_o understand_v the_o same_o belong_v to_o a_o few_o not_o to_o the_o multitude_n who_o yet_o can_v pretend_v no_o extraordinary_a assistance_n or_o revelation_n herein_o nor_o will_v themselves_o come_v to_o these_o water_n of_o jealousy_n to_o be_v try_v 4._o where_o he_o must_v needs_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o the_o church_n to_o give_v answer_n in_o every_o dark_a case_n rom._n 3.2_o the_o type_n and_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n rom._n 6.17_o unto_o who_o sentence_n in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n we_o be_v express_o refer_v isa_n 8.20_o and_o yet_o believe_v also_o that_o it_o have_v no_o authority_n or_o decisive_n voice_n but_o what_o be_v precarious_a and_o dependent_a on_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o thus_o consent_v to_o have_v the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n visible_o unhinged_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o subject_v to_o a_o supreme_a visible_a and_o pretend_v infallible_a judge_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n with_o such_o a_o claim_n of_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n dare_v never_o own_o but_o do_v full_o disclaim_v 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 5._o where_o he_o must_v believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v for_o this_o end_n to_o save_v lose_v man_n and_o by_o one_o offer_v have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v heb._n 10.18_o and_o yet_o join_v with_o the_o same_o a_o faith_n of_o a_o human_a satisfaction_n for_o sin_n so_o as_o man_n may_v both_o merit_n mediate_v and_o supertrogate_v go_v above_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o themselves_o and_o so_o be_v save_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n ascribe_v no_o more_o to_o christ_n than_o the_o give_a salvation_n to_o man_n own_o merit_n which_o their_o own_o intrinsic_a value_n and_o condignity_n do_v require_v as_o a_o debt_n 6._o he_o find_v not_o how_o in_o the_o same_o creed_n he_o can_v possible_o hold_v by_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n where_o a_o plurality_n for_o this_o end_n be_v admit_v and_o by_o the_o reality_n of_o christ_n human_a nature_n and_o his_o have_v a_o true_a and_o finite_a body_n which_o be_v subject_v to_o have_v a_o new_a create_v be_v each_o time_n in_o the_o consecrate_a host_n or_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o suffering_n as_o now_o full_o accomplish_v and_o to_o be_v repeat_v no_o more_o when_o it_o be_v in_o that_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n still_o offer_v as_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a so_o on_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n he_o can_v find_v how_o one_o hold_v these_o principle_n shall_v go_v a_o further_a length_n than_o morality_n or_o claim_v another_o stand_v than_o by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n 7._o nor_o know_v he_o how_o to_o believe_v at_o once_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n and_o infinite_a purity_n and_o yet_o join_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n such_o a_o indulgence_n for_o man_n to_o sin_n that_o money_n may_v stand_v for_o merit_n and_o the_o rich_a may_v have_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o large_a entry_n into_o heaven_n conceit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n for_o man_n to_o destroy_v themselves_o and_o by_o external_n severity_n and_o penance_n to_o the_o flesh_n like_a to_o the_o lance_a and_o gash_v of_o baal_n priest_n supply_v the_o room_n of_o christian_a mortification_n 8._o yea_o he_o find_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o believe_v that_o sin_n can_v only_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v his_o alone_a work_n who_o have_v purge_v our_o sin_n himself_o heb._n 1.3_o or_o that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o two_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o man_n a_o straight_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o a_o life_n and_o a_o broad_a unto_o destruction_n mat._n 7.14_o and_o yet_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o purgatory_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o man_n must_v be_v torment_v and_o suffer_v extreme_a pain_n to_o expiate_v such_o venial_a sin_n as_o their_o prayer_n and_o penance_n here_o can_v not_o do_v yea_o he_o be_v make_v to_o wonder_v how_o any_o who_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n can_v ever_o have_v true_a peace_n or_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n conclude_v that_o papist_n do_v either_o take_v it_o as_o a_o fiction_n or_o forget_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v cheerful_a for_o the_o fear_n of_o such_o a_o place_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o release_n and_o how_o long_o a_o term_n it_o may_v be_v ere_o this_o purge_v work_n be_v complete_a when_o their_o own_o writer_n assign_v no_o less_o time_n than_o 10000_o year_n as_o needful_a to_o satisfy_v for_o some_o sin_n and_o fear_v lest_o it_o prove_v a_o real_a hell_n must_v still_o be_v a_o pierce_a terror_n nor_o can_v he_o believe_v that_o such_o shall_v credit_v themselves_o herein_o who_o assume_v this_o power_n to_o change_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o dead_a since_o be_v it_o real_o believe_v that_o the_o key_n of_o such_o a_o prison_n be_v here_o in_o man_n hand_n and_o folk_n can_v by_o the_o large_a bribe_n to_o the_o romish_a church_n get_v a_o safe_a deliverance_n thence_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a to_o see_v the_o temporal_a state_n of_o christendom_n in_o a_o short_a time_n make_v over_o to_o these_o we_o shall_v judge_v they_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a manner_n indeed_o privilege_v above_o the_o 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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 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book_n as_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o earth_n than_o that_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o alone_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o mankind_n qu._n vii_o how_o be_v the_o secure_a conveyance_n of_o the_o scripture_n demonstrable_a amid_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n past_a and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a tendency_n to_o its_o corruption_n answ_n i._o that_o it_o be_v so_o undeniable_o the_o first_o rule_v which_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o mankind_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o alone_a public_a standard_n of_o truth_n that_o have_v endure_v the_o trial_n and_o inquiry_n of_o all_o time_n past_a so_o as_o no_o pretence_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o antiquity_n can_v yet_o ever_o be_v to_o the_o contrary_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v so_o exact_a a_o harmony_n betwixt_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o one_o be_v a_o visible_a transcript_n of_o the_o other_o in_o its_o accomplishment_n that_o i_o 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way_n iv_o that_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffering_n be_v so_o express_o hold_v forth_o and_o foretell_v with_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n thereof_o in_o the_o 53._o chap._n of_o isaiah_n and_o 9_o of_o daniel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o v._o that_o even_o the_o special_a season_n and_o period_n of_o time_n for_o accomplish_v this_o great_a promise_n be_v so_o far_o make_v know_v as_o upon_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquiry_n its_o near_a approach_n may_v be_v discernible_a and_o clear_a to_o what_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n this_o do_v special_o relate_v for_o which_o both_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o monarchy_n and_o daniel_n seventy_o week_n be_v set_v up_o as_o highway_n mark_v to_o guide_v man_n faith_n herein_o vi_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n how_o the_o promise_a messiah_n can_v be_v yet_o to_o come_v except_o the_o jew_n be_v put_v in_o the_o same_o state_n 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the_o world_n may_v see_v do_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n as_o sure_a as_o man_n walk_v under_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o live_a soul_n iii_o that_o we_o now_o see_v what_o a_o length_n the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v come_v and_o how_o far_o thus_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v fulfil_v which_o once_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o all_o human_a appearance_n iv_o that_o so_o sure_a and_o exact_a a_o performance_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o undeniable_a in_o the_o event_n and_o of_o such_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n which_o be_v foretell_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n none_o can_v have_v believe_v what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o now_o have_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o former_a age_n the_o object_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v such_o a_o seal_n 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with_o their_o last_o and_o die_a breath_n to_o commend_v the_o same_o trial_n to_o their_o child_n and_o to_o charge_v their_o be_v earnest_a herein_o as_o the_o great_a interest_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o vii_o that_o whatever_o difference_n be_v oft_o among_o these_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n yet_o in_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o great_a trial_n of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o harmonious_a oneness_n in_o the_o same_o testimony_n in_o all_o time_n of_o the_o church_n viii_o that_o if_o any_o question_n this_o because_o so_o remote_a from_o man_n sense_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o carnal_a reason_n the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n do_v unanswerable_o prove_v both_o the_o reality_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o cause_n qu._n ii_o what_o clear_a and_o rational_a conviction_n can_v you_o offer_v of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_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 by_o grace_n which_o do_v raise_v they_o as_o far_o above_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n as_o reason_n do_v above_o the_o state_n of_o the_o beast_n ans_fw-fr though_o i_o shall_v strive_v against_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o a_o miracle_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o conversion_n be_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o deny_v such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n as_o the_o world_n have_v hereof_o i._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v essential_o requisite_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o the_o whole_a consent_n of_o the_o scripture_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v never_o yet_o a_o argument_n in_o nature_n for_o one_o being_n a_o christian_a in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n thereof_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v for_o a_o naked_a form_n or_o show_v iii_o that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o few_o but_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o all_o time_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n on_o who_o so_o great_a a_o change_n and_o difference_n have_v be_v make_v thus_o evident_a both_o from_o themselves_o what_o once_o they_o be_v and_o from_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n iu._n that_o this_o have_v be_v not_o only_o upon_o such_o as_o have_v be_v signal_o impious_a in_o their_o practice_n but_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v wont_a to_o deride_v holiness_n as_o a_o fancy_n so_o as_o atheist_n must_v grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v as_o profess_a atheist_n sometime_o as_o themselves_o who_o have_v be_v make_v such_o conspicuous_a monument_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o none_o can_v object_n here_o as_o once_o the_o jew_n do_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o such_o as_o the_o world_n count_v most_o wise_a and_o know_v stand_v witness_n to_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v so_o know_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v more_o wise_a learned_a and_o judicious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o reason_n upon_o the_o earth_n than_o such_o as_o have_v be_v eminent_a example_n of_o the_o power_n of_o conversion_n vi_o that_o its_o marvellous_a effect_n in_o subdue_a man_n from_o what_o once_o be_v their_o predominant_a interest_n and_o idol_n and_o to_o part_v from_o what_o have_v be_v as_o their_o right_a eye_n or_o hand_n can_v only_o be_v from_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n vii_o that_o such_o as_o be_v great_a adversary_n to_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v make_v no_o less_o eminent_a instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o choice_a vessel_n of_o honour_n than_o once_o they_o be_v in_o their_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n viii_o that_o this_o change_n have_v be_v discernible_a in_o time_n of_o most_o visible_a persecution_n and_o hazard_n when_o no_o outward_a advantage_n or_o gain_n can_v have_v the_o least_o influence_n thereon_o now_o as_o these_o be_v demonstrable_o clear_a so_o can_v
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 i●_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 truth_n have_v so_o bright_o shine_v this_o way_n of_o popery_n shall_v have_v prevalence_n or_o gain_v ground_n any_o more_o by_o seduction_n with_o argument_n to_o the_o reason_n or_o conscience_n of_o any_o yet_o since_o it_o be_v a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o of_o faint_v above_o all_o that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o know_v and_o man_n eye_n be_v arrest_v with_o such_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o time_n as_o be_v like_a to_o stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o most_o establish_a he_o be_v press_v as_o count_v it_o one_o of_o the_o high_a duty_n of_o this_o day_n to_o know_v and_o search_v out_o what_o may_v afford_v great_a assistance_n to_o his_o faith_n from_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n therein_o and_o to_o know_v the_o evidence_n and_o strength_n of_o such_o reflection_n as_o these_o be_v for_o this_o end_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a as_o the_o small_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v afford_v to_o strengthen_v and_o support_v against_o such_o a_o storm_n shall_v be_v serious_o improve_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n so_o do_v it_o lay_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o promise_n for_o have_v great_a thing_n give_v to_o our_o observation_n yea_o that_o now_o be_v the_o time_n when_o such_o as_o have_v be_v most_o comfort_v by_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n may_v be_v put_v to_o the_o sore_a trial_n in_o their_o faith_n of_o any_o to_o keep_v off_o stumble_v at_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n and_o be_v thus_o try_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o these_o confirmation_n 2._o though_o the_o church_n declining_n under_o great_a measure_n of_o light_n may_v be_v too_o visible_a and_o that_o religion_n gain_v not_o by_o persecution_n as_o former_o with_o such_o a_o amaze_a change_n as_o be_v now_o in_o her_o external_n condition_n yet_o he_o see_v it_o to_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n when_o most_o signal_n warning_n have_v go_v before_o of_o such_o a_o trial_n with_o too_o evident_a disposition_n towards_o the_o same_o and_o discovery_n of_o its_o approach_n in_o all_o the_o cause_n thereof_o yea_o may_v be_v forseen_v by_o all_o that_o the_o holy_a god_n will_v not_o still_o bear_v with_o a_o impure_a and_o unenlivened_a profession_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o glorious_a truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v now_o long_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o sad_a and_o mortal_a sign_n in_o the_o public_a state_n of_o religion_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v find_v that_o ever_o any_o church_n do_v decline_v and_o fall_v from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o lose_v ground_n herein_o by_o external_n persecution_n where_o a_o judicial_a departure_n of_o its_o life_n and_o power_n do_v not_o remarkable_o go_v before_o so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o of_o late_a this_o have_v be_v clear_o presage_v that_o some_o dark_a and_o unusual_a measure_n of_o trial_n from_o antchrist_n and_o the_o last_o havoc_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v draw_v near_o which_o will_v be_v sore_o ere_o it_o have_v do_v its_o work_n 3._o he_o see_v also_o how_o this_o present_a hour_n be_v not_o more_o search_v and_o dark_a than_o it_o may_v be_v clear_a herewith_o 1._o that_o now_o after_o the_o issue_n of_o that_o opposition_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o die_a apostate_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o next_o with_o the_o pagan_a empire_n after_o that_o new_a erection_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n among_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v now_o over_o so_o be_v the_o great_a trial_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n fix_v on_o the_o decision_n of_o that_o long_o depend_v controversy_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n 2._o that_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o as_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o egypt_n that_o glorious_a triumph_n and_o delivery_n of_o the_o church_n from_o antichrist_n will_v be_v sure_o carry_v on_o so_o the_o more_o near_o it_o come_v to_o the_o last_o assault_n and_o when_o this_o fall_v in_o to_o have_v its_o proper_a room_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o administration_n of_o providence_n the_o great_a extremity_n terror_n and_o darkness_n may_v be_v expect_v also_o such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v in_o any_o former_a time_n yea_o with_o that_o unite_a and_o formidable_a conjunction_n of_o strength_n and_o grow_a success_n of_o this_o adversary_n for_o a_o time_n that_o the_o most_o establish_a christian_n may_v be_v in_o hazard_n to_o stagger_v 3._o that_o now_o be_v the_o day_n wherein_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v man_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o bible_n as_o the_o alone_a security_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n on_o which_o they_o must_v entire_o rest_v no_o less_o than_o as_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n and_o standard_n thereof_o which_o be_v a_o trial_n worthy_a of_o all_o that_o expense_n of_o the_o pain_n anguish_n and_o wrestle_n that_o can_v now_o possible_o attend_v the_o same_o 4._o whilst_o the_o great_a standard_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n be_v visible_o set_v up_o and_o bring_v to_o the_o open_a field_n as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o all_o humane_a help_n take_v out_o of_o sight_n yet_o do_v he_o see_v herewith_o 1._o how_o this_o now_o be_v conclude_v as_o the_o most_o infallible_a remedy_n to_o recover_v popery_n and_o that_o argument_n to_o which_o they_o trust_v more_o than_o to_o peter_n key_n to_o wit_n these_o sanguinary_a law_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o rack_n which_o they_o have_v again_o betake_v themselves_o to_o though_o such_o a_o argument_n the_o scripture_n never_o know_v and_o sober_a heathen_n will_v abhor_v and_o which_o give_v up_o the_o credit_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o atheism_n 2._o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o evidence_n of_o a_o desperate_a and_o sink_a cause_n than_o be_v here_o and_o nothing_o else_o can_v
support_v it_o but_o these_o weapon_n which_o be_v not_o against_o the_o conscience_n or_o by_o any_o terror_n of_o the_o second_o death_n but_o of_o the_o first_o 3._o that_o this_o be_v such_o a_o argument_n if_o they_o have_v not_o in_o a_o strange_a manner_n forget_v which_o have_v within_o these_o 100_o year_n be_v so_o full_o answer_v and_o by_o such_o a_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n that_o according_a to_o these_o measure_n of_o cruelty_n against_o the_o protestant_n there_o so_o be_v it_o return_v in_o a_o deluge_n of_o their_o own_o blood_n yea_o so_o both_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o truth_n be_v more_o deep_o root_v and_o though_o we_o yet_o see_v not_o the_o end_n of_o these_o wonder_n but_o the_o dark-side_n only_o of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o such_o a_o day_n yet_o do_v we_o know_v this_o sore_a rod_n on_o the_o church_n be_v but_o as_o the_o saw_n and_o axe_n in_o the_o carpenter_n hand_n who_o shall_v never_o undo_v that_o glorious_a work_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o be_v still_o further_o perfect_v on_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n 5._o though_o some_o unusual_a deep_n and_o method_n of_o subtlety_n be_v now_o on_o foot_n also_o against_o the_o truth_n yet_o he_o can_v but_o see_v how_o nothing_o can_v more_o effectual_o tend_v to_o confirm_v the_o protestant_a cause_n and_o take_v the_o credit_n of_o popery_n off_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o in_o their_o own_o profession_n who_o be_v considerate_a and_o in_o the_o least_o serious_a herein_o when_o the_o world_n must_v thus_o see_v 1._o how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o such_o to_o take_v any_o measure_n and_o latitude_n in_o the_o doctrinal_n of_o their_o profession_n when_o this_o can_v most_o serve_v the_o juncture_n of_o such_o a_o time_n and_o heighten_v or_o narrow_a the_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o reform_a church_n at_o their_o pleasure_n so_o as_o to_o sacrifice_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n unto_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n if_o no_o less_o can_v secure_v that_o end_n 2._o that_o the_o most_o horrid_a turkish_a slavery_n over_o man_n body_n come_v no_o such_o length_n as_o that_o strange_a claim_n that_o these_o now_o make_v of_o a_o absolute_a empire_n over_o man_n conscience_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o such_o a_o tribute_n of_o their_o obedience_n that_o they_o shall_v then_o be_v secure_a if_o they_o but_o come_v the_o length_n to_o sin_n against_o their_o light_n and_o adventure_v on_o so_o small_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o go_v to_o hell_n and_o perish_v eternal_o since_o it_o be_v a_o external_a and_o feign_a profession_n of_o such_o away_o that_o they_o do_v thus_o force_v from_o those_o who_o they_o see_v can_v in_o faith_n be_v persuade_v hereof_o 3._o yea_o it_o have_v be_v too_o visible_a how_o much_o that_o master-plot_n and_o engine_n have_v in_o these_o time_n be_v work_v to_o take_v man_n first_o off_o from_o all_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o destroy_v they_o in_o the_o moral_n of_o christianity_n to_o make_v this_o conquest_n more_o easy_a that_o such_o may_v have_v no_o inward_a defence_n and_o support_v against_o the_o terror_n of_o humane_a violence_n yea_o in_o this_o way_n when_o they_o have_v seek_v how_o to_o divide_v protestant_n among_o themselves_o and_o betwixt_o ruler_n and_o they_o this_o seem_v the_o last_o and_o great_a engine_n of_o all_o how_o to_o divide_v betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o god_n act_v the_o same_o plot_n which_o be_v lay_v betwixt_o balak_n and_o balaam_n as_o know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o naked_a show_n or_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n they_o need_v fear_n so_o much_o as_o that_o old_a protestant_a spirit_n in_o the_o power_n and_o life_n thereof_o before_o which_o their_o interest_n can_v never_o stand_v and_o dread_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o revive_n hereof_o which_o as_o the_o hand-writing_n upon_o the_o wall_n do_v ever_o more_o threaten_v the_o fatal_a ruin_n of_o that_o kingdom_n than_o any_o humane_a power_n or_o strength_n 6._o here_o also_o he_o find_v just_a cause_n of_o astonishment_n how_o king_n or_o great_a man_n in_o the_o earth_n shall_v give_v their_o power_n to_o support_v the_o romish_a interest_n which_o have_v be_v so_o visible_o destructive_a to_o they_o when_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v how_o its_o first_o advance_v and_o progress_n to_o that_o supreme_a height_n which_o it_o once_o attain_v and_o the_o decline_a of_o the_o civil_a empire_n do_v by_o the_o same_o step_n go_v together_o until_o magistracy_n be_v turn_v unto_o a_o dead_a image_n and_o shadow_n except_z its_z be_v enliven_v by_o their_o breath_n and_o authority_n as_o it_o be_v during_o the_o whole_a height_n of_o that_o antichristian_a power_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v deny_v that_o in_o these_o late_a time_n the_o french_a monarchy_n be_v never_o more_o near_o its_o dissolution_n in_o its_o right_a line_n than_o by_o the_o catholic_n league_n there_o and_o it_o will_v seem_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v forget_v how_o henry_n the_o three_o who_o have_v most_o seek_v to_o crush_v the_o protestant_n in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o league_n be_v at_o last_o constrain_v to_o flee_v to_o such_o for_o help_v or_o by_o who_o he_o be_v kill_v and_o that_o heroic_a prince_n henry_n the_o four_o who_o be_v first_o stab_v in_o the_o mouth_n and_o then_o in_o the_o heart_n yea_o that_o the_o public_a record_n of_o that_o nation_n can_v possible_o deny_v but_o the_o house_n of_o bourbon_n owe_v its_o power_n and_o preservation_n more_o to_o the_o protestant_n without_o who_o it_o have_v be_v full_o extinct_a than_o ahashuerus_n do_v to_o mordecai_n the_o jew_n for_o what_o he_o find_v write_v in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o persia_n when_o the_o decree_n be_v then_o past_a to_o destroy_v all_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o jew_n 7._o as_o in_o no_o time_n past_a be_v ever_o a_o great_a expectation_n than_o be_v now_o which_o way_n the_o scale_n will_v turn_v and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o wonder_n when_o the_o near_a event_n of_o providence_n be_v so_o dark_a and_o amaze_a so_o do_v he_o find_v this_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n call_v for_o to_o be_v still_o and_o see_v what_o god_n will_v do_v for_o his_o church_n and_o with_o humble_a confidence_n look_v for_o some_o such_o dispensation_n as_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v in_o this_o extreme_a exigence_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o that_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o in_o former_a time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o way_n more_o signal_o glorious_a beyond_o what_o have_v former_o be_v yea_o he_o do_v in_o faith_n thus_o judge_n that_o then_o be_v the_o church_n day_n break_v and_o have_v find_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o her_o strength_n and_o right_a line_n of_o duty_n when_o her_o hope_n and_o confidence_n be_v take_v off_o from_o all_o visible_a refuge_n and_o entire_o settle_v on_o her_o invisible_a head_n and_o his_o promise_n put_v to_o suit_n by_o prayer_n without_o faint_v herein_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n stand_v engage_v for_o antichrist_n fall_v as_o well_o as_o for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o since_o he_o have_v say_v this_o adversary_n shall_v be_v break_v and_o bring_v down_o it_o must_v sure_o be_v though_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o ground_n shall_v rise_v for_o this_o end_n and_o now_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n call_v for_o become_v the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o assurance_n on_o which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n of_o the_o elect_a angel_n yea_o of_o the_o glorious_a god_n to_o see_v who_o do_v indeed_o credit_v he_o in_o this_o day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a support_n herein_o and_o though_o it_o now_o threaten_v sore_o the_o departure_n of_o many_o from_o the_o faith_n who_o have_v some_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o yet_o may_v it_o be_v hope_v for_o that_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o next_o tide_n shall_v bring_v in_o more_o with_o a_o solid_a and_o true_a increase_n to_o the_o church_n than_o these_o sad_a day_n do_v now_o take_v off_o carat_n vi_o it_o be_v thus_o a_o confirm_a christian_n shall_v be_v special_o consider_v as_o one_o who_o be_v not_o only_o at_o rest_n on_o the_o know_a certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v some_o account_n of_o the_o solid_a rational_a ground_n and_o demonstration_n hereof_o unto_o all_o who_o ask_v after_o the_o same_o and_o do_v thus_o judge_n 1._o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o appoint_a mean_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v afford_v for_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o man_n faith_n within_o time_n yea_o preferable_a to_o any_o external_a miracle_n