Selected quad for the lemma: church_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n earth_n heaven_n loose_v 6,038 5 10.6252 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

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

There are 18 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v therein_o concern_v the_o outmaking_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n one_o syllabe_n whereof_o he_o do_v more_o value_n than_o all_o the_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n yea_o will_v not_o let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o rate_n of_o lay_v city_n and_o country_n desolate_a for_o it_o be_v in_o this_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n and_o exercise_v his_o bless_a thought_n even_o the_o bring_n about_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n ●_o now_o to_o clear_v this_o further_a i_o shall_v hold_v forth_o these_o follow_a ground_n whence_o it_o may_v appear_v first_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o write_v word_n be_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n and_o of_o such_o concernment_n that_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o god_n think_v it_o worthy_a of_o a_o place_n in_o his_o heart_n from_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v before_o he_o in_o his_o thought_n and_o counsel_n of_o old_a even_o that_o mervalous_a work_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o after-product_a and_o outmaking_n of_o his_o word_n to_o his_o church_n here_o within_o time_n and_o sure_o be_v such_o a_o plot_n and_o contrivance_n that_o as_o no_o less_o than_o infinite_a love_n wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v require_v to_o bring_v it_o about_o so_o it_o be_v well_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o all_o the_o three_o bless_a person_n of_o the_o trinity_n o_o if_o we_o can_v go_v down_o a_o little_a to_o this_o deep_a and_o see_v the_o wonder_n that_o be_v there_o we_o will_v find_v that_o knowledge_n which_o usual_o lessen_v our_o admiration_n of_o other_o thing_n will_v heighten_v it_o here_o it_o will_v be_v new_a to_o we_o every_o day_n to_o think_v how_o great_a and_o mervelous_a a_o thing_n that_o be_v which_o the_o word_n be_v bring_v forth_o 2._o it_o be_v upon_o this_o even_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o word_n that_o the_o present_a encouragement_n and_o after_o blessedness_n of_o the_o saint_n doth_o for_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n be_v adventure_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o embark_v with_o it_o which_o shall_v be_v lose_v yea_o their_o stock_n and_o treasure_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n and_o all_o that_o a_o christian_n be_v worth_a which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o promise_n be_v then_o perish_v if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v want_v a_o accomplishment_n the_o godly_a man_n have_v then_o run_v &_o labourn_v in_o vain_a &_o these_o who_o be_v fall_v asleep_a in_o christ_n have_v dye_v in_o a_o sad_a delusion_n providence_n will_v be_v like_o the_o work_n of_o the_o foolish_a builder_n who_o begin_v and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o finish_v o_o how_o heigh_o then_o be_v the_o lord_n concern_v in_o fulfil_v of_o his_o word_n that_o he_o may_v perfect_v what_o concern_v his_o people_n and_o have_v sure_o pay_v the_o price_n put_v they_o also_o in_o possession_n 3._o there_o be_v yet_o more_o than_o the_o interest_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n yea_o then_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v worth_a that_o depend_v upon_o the_o outmaking_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o especial_o the_o praise_n of_o that_o great_a attribute_n his_o faithfulness_n which_o he_o will_v have_v no_o less_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o word_n than_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o this_o great_a fabric_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o these_o mervelous_a production_n of_o nature_n for_o he_o have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o work_n therefore_o be_v his_o heart_n great_o set_v upon_o this_o even_o the_o bring_v to_o pass_v what_o he_o have_v speak_v which_o if_o in_o the_o least_o shall_v faill_n be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o falsify_v his_o word_n who_o be_v through_o all_o the_o church_n know_v by_o this_o bless_a name_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n 4._o we_o will_v consider_v this_o as_o that_o great_a trust_n which_o be_v put_v in_o his_o hand_n who_o only_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o counsel_n and_o loose_v the_o seal_v thereof_o a_o trust_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o adventure_v upon_o the_o angel_n the_o small_a promise_n be_v such_o as_o require_v no_o less_o than_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o ithovah_n to_o bring_v it_o about_o for_o which_o end_n he_o who_o the_o father_n have_v anoint_v be_v go_v forth_o as_o a_o mighty_a man_n who_o rejoice_v to_o run_v his_o race_n that_o he_o may_v perform_v his_o word_n and_o through_o this_o great_a design_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o providence_n about_o his_o church_n and_o people_n which_o he_o will_v not_o cease_v or_o give_v over_o until_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o that_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v put_v to_o a_o close_a when_o heaven_n and_o earth_n at_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o last_o vial_n shall_v give_v that_o solemn_a shout_n and_o exclamation_n it_o be_v finish_v it_o be_v finish_v o_o if_o this_o be_v once_o full_o perfect_a there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v than_o the_o winter_n be_v pass_v and_o the_o summer_n come_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o lamb_n shall_v be_v hear_v because_o the_o bride_n have_v make_v herself_o ready_a then_o let_v all_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n rejoice_v the_o hill_n break_v forth_o into_o sing_v and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o be_v glade_n because_o the_o scripture_n and_o great_a design_n thereof_o be_v full_o finish_v and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o perfect_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v 5._o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o such_o concernment_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v until_o it_o be_v once_o finish_v for_o this_o time_n must_v wait_v the_o sun_n must_v keep_v its_o course_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o heaven_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v the_o world_n be_v but_o a_o scaffold_n until_o this_o building_n be_v perfect_v for_o this_o the_o grave_n do_v still_o retain_v her_o prisoner_n and_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o saint_n must_v yet_o rest_v in_o hope_n the_o creation_n still_o groan_v and_o the_o marriage_n supper_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v defer_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o soul_n under_o the_o altar_n get_v not_o a_o full_a return_n until_o all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n be_v fulfil_v 6._o we_o will_v consider_v this_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n this_o day_n be_v carry_v on_o even_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o word_n for_o this_o be_v most_o bring_v upon_o debate_n of_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o world_n challenge_v it_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a do_v oft_o call_v it_o in_o question_n the_o atheist_n scoff_v at_o it_o and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n there_o be_v often_o to_o appearance_n insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o its_o performance_n therefore_o do_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n so_o much_o concern_v himself_o in_o this_o for_o bring_v about_o of_o which_o he_o be_v in_o a_o holy_a way_n restless_a and_o providence_n in_o a_o vucessant_a motion_n until_o he_o have_v do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v accomplish_v that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o he_o who_o count_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a unto_o god_n do_v take_v upon_o himself_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n this_o be_v of_o such_o account_n in_o his_o eye_n that_o what_o time_n he_o speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n or_o people_n ere_o it_o come_v not_o to_o passc_v he_o will_v rather_o put_v forth_o omnipotency_n for_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o change_v the_o very_a course_n of_o nature_n for_o this_o he_o will_v make_v the_o deep_a dry_a make_v a_o way_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o cause_n i_o ordan_n stand_v as_o in_o heap_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v promise_n to_o his_o people_n if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o bring_v about_o his_o word_n but_o through_o a_o sea_n of_o blood_n and_o over_o the_o bone_n and_o carcase_n of_o his_o enemy_n he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v though_o wall_v city_n and_o the_o son_n of_o anack_n mighty_a and_o strong_a shall_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n thereof_o abraham_n old_a age_n and_o sarahs_n dead_a womb_n must_v not_o frustrate_v this_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o church_n restauration_n can_v be_v make_v out_o without_o a_o wonder_n show_v upon_o dry_a bone_n scatter_v at_o the_o grave_n mouth_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v want_v when_o god_n say_v he_o will_v bring_v down_o
do_v commend_v itself_o to_o man_n conscience_n as_o a_o safe_a ground_n whereon_o they_o may_v repose_v their_o soul_n it_o be_v also_o clear_a how_o wonderful_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o original_a copy_n thereof_o keep_v through_o all_o age_n that_o what_o ever_o small_a variation_n there_o may_v appear_v as_o to_o some_o apiculi_n which_o in_o some_o place_n have_v cause_v divers_a reading_n yet_o in_o any_o necessary_a or_o save_a truth_n the_o great_a critic_n will_v confess_v they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o vary_v and_o it_o be_v know_v wherein_o we_o be_v to_o adore_v that_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o who_o this_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la be_v deliver_v do_v with_o such_o exact_a and_o singular_a care_n look_v to_o the_o same_o even_o in_o the_o least_o tittle_n or_o letter_n thereof_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n and_o study_v of_o the_o mazarite_n from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o to_o see_v to_o the_o preserve_n of_o that_o great_a record_n from_o be_v in_o the_o least_o vitiat_fw-la or_o corrupt_v and_o the_o great_a adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n can_v possible_o deny_v that_o aggreement_n betwixt_o these_o many_o original_a copy_n in_o the_o whole_a substance_n which_o may_v be_v very_o convince_a to_o the_o world_n and_o do_v not_o man_n see_v how_o marvellous_a the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v what_o a_o correspondency_n betwixt_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o that_o nothing_o in_o it_o do_v in_o the_o least_o vitiat_fw-la the_o proportion_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o work_n but_o all_o alongst_o a_o evident_a tendency_n to_o advance_v holiness_n and_o conform_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n with_o a_o wonderful_a consent_n and_o harmony_n in_o answer_v to_o this_o great_a end_n we_o see_v the_o simplicity_n and_o plain_n of_o its_o style_n yet_o back_v with_o a_o convince_a majesty_n and_o authority_n upon_o the_o conscience_n yea_o beside_o it_o have_v be_v attest_v by_o miracle_n that_o be_v great_a in_o themselves_o famous_a in_o their_o time_n transmit_v to_o the_o church_n in_o after_o age_n with_o unanswerable_a evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o word_n but_o other_o press_n and_o rational_a ground_n may_v let_v we_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n or_o imposture_n therein_o these_o be_v a_o great_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o i_o may_v say_v on_o very_o sure_a ground_n that_o next_o to_o that_o great_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o argument_n more_o convince_a to_o reach_v atheism_n a_o stroke_n and_o thorough_o satisfy_v a_o exercise_v spirit_n who_o may_v be_v plunge_v anent_o this_o great_a thing_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o its_o performance_n whilst_o under_o the_o assault_n of_o such_o a_o temptation_n if_o this_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n they_o may_v but_o retire_v within_o and_o then_o turn_v their_o eye_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n to_o see_v what_o a_o visible_a impress_n of_o the_o word_n be_v stamp_v on_o every_o piece_n of_o the_o work_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n now_o for_o further_a clear_v i_o will_v offer_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o first_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a public_a testimony_n from_o heaven_n to_o its_o divinity_n whilst_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o work_n through_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o view_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n do_v solemn_o avow_v that_o this_o be_v his_o word_n for_o we_o must_v say_v his_o work_n within_o on_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n &_o without_o about_o the_o church_n be_v such_o whereat_o man_n yea_o all_o the_o magician_n of_o the_o earth_n may_v stand_v amaze_v and_o confess_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a almighty_a power_n can_v accomplish_v the_o same_o 2._o this_o give_v in_o the_o witness_n of_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a who_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v prove_v the_o truth_n thereof_o yea_o seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o excellent_a christian_n some_o of_o who_o though_o they_o can_v not_o well_o disput_n for_o it_o yet_o have_v so_o strong_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n within_o as_o make_v it_o a_o easy_a work_n to_o die_v for_o the_o same_o 3._o this_o do_v clear_o show_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n that_o alter_v not_o but_o take_v place_n in_o all_o age_n whence_o such_o as_o be_v wise_a to_o bring_v providence_n in_o to_o the_o word_n and_o compare_v the_o experience_n and_o remark_n of_o one_o time_n with_o another_o may_v have_v a_o great_a reach_n and_o be_v thus_o lead_v in_o a_o sure_a path_n as_o to_o the_o for_o see_v of_o event_n 4._o this_o also_o do_v demonstrat_fw-la that_o it_o be_v his_o word_n who_o do_v rule_n and_o guide_v the_o world_n and_o have_v a_o sovereign_a dominion_n over_o the_o fame_n whilst_o we_o may_v here_o see_v such_o remarkable_a event_n which_o both_o in_o the_o present_a and_o in_o former_a time_n have_v fall_v out_o as_o may_v show_v a_o power_n that_o can_v reach_v the_o great_a with_o a_o stroke_n shake_v the_o most_o establish_a kingdom_n and_o even_o over_o the_o belly_n of_o insuperable_a difficulty_n accomplish_v the_o word_n yea_o that_o sure_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o wheel_n which_o move_v they_o be_v from_o he_o who_o word_n this_o be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o more_o clear_a that_o these_o curtain_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v stretch_v forth_o over_o the_o earrh_n then_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v stretch_v out_o over_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o frame_n of_o providence_n so_o as_o all_o the_o motious_a and_o step_n thereof_o even_o of_o the_o most_o casual_a thing_n that_o fall_v out_o have_v a_o visible_a tendency_n to_o accomplish_v these_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v hold_v forth_o 5._o this_o clear_o show_v it_o must_v be_v his_o word_n who_o have_v forseen_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be●all_v the_o church_n and_o the_o various_a change_n and_o adventure_n of_o every_o christian_n life_n through_o time_n whilst_o it_o be_v so_o wonderful_o shape_v and_o suit_v to_o every_o new_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o intend_a only_o for_o that_o time_n and_o to_o every_o case_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v alone_o write_v for_o they_o 6._o this_o also_o show_v that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v frame_v that_o admirable_a piece_n must_v have_v some_o immediate_a correspondence_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n know_v our_o sit_v down_o and_o rise_v up_o yea_o do_v search_n the_o heart_n and_o the_o reins_n for_o experience_n can_v tell_v how_o the_o word_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o heart_n do_v reach_v the_o most_o inward_a contrivance_n thereof_o do_v so_o clear_o reveall_a and_o open_v up_o a_o christian_a to_o himself_o that_o we_o may_v say_v of_o a_o truth_n he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o one_o great_a than_o our_o heart_n who_o it_o be_v 7._o i_o shall_v further_o add_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v show_v it_o be_v not_o a_o dead_a letter_n but_o have_v power_n and_o life_n and_o there_o must_v be_v a_o enlighten_v quicken_a spirit_n that_o sure_o go_v along_o with_o the_o same_o this_o clear_o demonstrate_v something_o above_o word_n yea_o above_o nature_n in_o the_o write_v word_n that_o can_v make_v such_o a_o change_n upon_o the_o soul_n give_v life_n to_o the_o dead_a open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a yea_o can_v turn_v a_o lump_n of_o earth_n that_o former_o tend_v downward_o now_o without_o any_o violence_n to_o move_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n towards_o god_n as_o the_o spark_n flee_v upward_o vi_o the_o aceomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o most_o pleasant_a and_o true_o delectable_a subject_n worthy_a of_o our_o serious_a thought_n and_o study_v for_o here_o be_v hold_v out_o the_o high_a truth_n for_o the_o judgement_n to_o contemplate_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n and_o here_o be_v also_o the_o great_a good_a for_o the_o affection_n to_o embrace_v and_o delight_n in_o as_o that_o wherein_o our_o whole_a happiness_n be_v certain_o wrap_v up_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o it_o be_v the_o godly_a man_n who_o know_v best_a what_o true_a and_o solid_a pleasure_n be_v which_o he_o do_v not_o loss_n by_o turn_v his_o heart_n from_o the_o creature_n to_o god_n but_o make_v a_o bless_a exchange_n o_o how_o far_o do_v the_o joy_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o soul_n exceed_v these_o of_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o christian_a how_o far_o
they_o shall_v have_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a 9_o i_o must_v add_v this_o further_a witness_n to_o the_o marvellous_a preservation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n can_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o we_o find_v no_o other_o party_n be_v ever_o bring_v so_o low_a and_o near_a death_n to_o be_v yet_o alive_a the_o knife_n be_v once_o at_o the_o church_n throat_n in_o isaac_n she_o do_v seek_v to_o adopt_v a_o bound-womans_n son_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o lawful_a heir_n when_o abraham_n agree_v to_o sara_n overture_n for_o the_o outmaking_n of_o the_o promise_n how_o near_o exspire_v do_v we_o find_v she_o in_o egypt_n when_o a_o sentence_n to_o destroy_v all_o her_o male_a issue_n be_v go_v forth_o yea_o what_o but_o a_o miracle_n can_v have_v preserve_v she_o when_o she_o be_v betwixt_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o red_a sea_n how_o low_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o after_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o captivity_n even_o break_v to_o piece_n with_o small_a appearance_n of_o life_n when_o her_o face_n be_v all_o blur_v with_o weep_v and_o her_o enemy_n make_v sport_n over_o her_o ruin_n at_o the_o river_n of_o babylon_n when_o the_o child_n of_o edom_n cry_v out_o let_v we_o raze_v she_o even_o to_o the_o foundation_n yea_o can_v the_o church_n be_v near_o the_o grave_n then_o when_o her_o bone_n be_v scatter_v at_o the_o grave_n mouth_n but_o above_o all_o in_o that_o dark_a night_n when_o her_o head_n and_o shepherd_n be_v smite_v and_o her_o hope_n seem_v to_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o grave_n with_o a_o stone_n put_v upon_o it_o when_o she_o can_v get_v no_o entertainment_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v wound_v in_o the_o house_n of_o her_o friend_n and_o the_o gentile_n in_o wrath_n rise_v up_o against_o she_o that_o for_o some_o hundred_o year_n the_o great_a empire_n which_o have_v tread_v down_o all_o the_o nation_n about_o put_v forth_o the_o outmost_a of_o power_n and_o malice_n for_o her_o undo_n o_o who_o can_v have_v think_v the_o church_n shall_v outlive_v this_o yea_o after_o all_o we_o find_v she_o toss_v and_o hurry_v by_o antichrist_n into_o the_o wilderness_n a_o adversary_n more_o cruel_a than_o any_o that_o have_v go_v before_o where_o the_o dragon_n watch_v to_o get_v she_o destroy_v but_o how_o in_o all_o these_o and_o through_o that_o long_a dark_a night_n she_o have_v continue_v and_o marvellous_o flourish_v as_o the_o palm_n tree_n under_o her_o great_a weight_n so_o that_o we_o can_v but_o see_v that_o which_o her_o enemy_n be_v judge_n will_v not_o deny_v that_o this_o promise_n to_o the_o church_n of_o her_o preservation_n be_v this_o day_n fulfil_v yea_o that_o it_o have_v not_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v bring_v about_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o enchantment_n against_o jacob_n nor_o divination_n against_o israel_n all_o her_o enemy_n have_v be_v find_v liar_n happy_a art_n thou_o above_o other_o people_n for_o the_o eternal_a god_n be_v thy_o refuge_n and_o underneath_o be_v everlasting_a arm_n else_o long_o since_o she_o shall_v have_v be_v swallow_v up_o may_v we_o not_o still_o say_v with_o astonishment_n o_o what_o have_v god_n wrought_v in_o her_o behalf_n second_o promise_v which_o i_o shall_v here_o instance_n that_o god_n have_v make_v to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o word_n of_o her_o increase_n and_o enlargement_n that_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v cover_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sea_n of_o water_n and_o her_o seed_n be_v as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n that_o her_o bound_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o sea_n to_o the_o utmost_a river_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o she_o shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o her_o enemy_n psal_n 89_o v._n 25._o psal_n 2_o v._n 8_o ifa_n 42_o v._n 4._o isa_n 54_o v._n as_o this_o prom●●●_n be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v say_v it_o be_v no_o less_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o its_o accomplishment_n that_o sure_o the_o lord_n have_v keep_v his_o word_n whereto_o the_o event_n do_v most_o exact_o answer_v and_o though_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o full_a make_v out_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v so_o much_o at_o this_o day_n manifest_a consider_v the_o former_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o undeniable_o prove_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o formentioned_a promise_n which_o even_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o great_a atheist_n may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la from_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o vast_a extent_n which_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n have_v have_v in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o great_a empire_n or_o monarchy_n can_v never_o so_o fa●_n extend_v their_o conquest_n as_o the_o church_n have_v do_v since_o the_o wall_n of_o partition_n be_v take_v down_o short_a be_v the_o limit_n of_o the_o grecian_a and_o roman_a empire_n consider_v with_o this_o who_o bound_n have_v be_v the_o end_n and_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o neither_o greece_n or_o rome_n do_v ever_o set_v up_o their_o trophy_n have_v not_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o sun_n make_v its_o circuit_n from_o the_o east_n to_o the_o west_n yea_o cross_v the_o sea_n to_o the_o dark_a northern_a nation_n thus_o fulfil_v its_o course_n in_o order_n to_o its_o return_n again_o to_o the_o place_n of_o its_o first_o rise_n that_o it_o may_v as_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o shall_v once_o visit_v the_o jew_n again_o and_o the_o eastern_a place_n of_o the_o world_n that_o now_o be_v bury_v in_o a_o night_n of_o darkness_n which_o i_o think_v will_v be_v as_o sure_a a_o presage_n of_o the_o break_n of_o day_n and_o second_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o morning_n star_n be_v to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o sun_n accomplish_v its_o course_n and_o that_o it_o be_v return_v again_o to_o the_o east_n be_v it_o shall_v rise_v have_v not_o the_o gospel_n now_o be_v through_o asia_n where_o it_o do_v not_o tarry_v for_o a_o night_n for_o many_o flourish_a church_n be_v there_o and_o the_o go_v back_o of_o the_o tide_n from_o thence_o be_v its_o flow_v to_o another_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v indeed_o observable_a of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o sea_n that_o what_o it_o have_v lose_a in_o one_o part_n it_o have_v gain_v in_o another_o do_v the_o vast_a distance_n of_o africa_n its_o great_a barren_a desert_n or_o scorch_a heat_n hinder_v the_o gospel_n make_v a_o visit_n thither_o so_o as_o it_o be_v once_o a_o fertile_a soil_n and_o bring_v forth_o many_o famous_a light_n yea_o something_o yet_o do_v both_o there_o and_o in_o the_o east_n part_n of_o the_o world_n remain_v to_o show_v the_o gospel_n be_v tru_o in_o these_o place_n and_o have_v europe_n though_o last_o be_v least_o on_o this_o account_n yea_o what_o do_v mean_v the_o late_a discovery_n of_o unknown_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o more_o full_a performance_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o the_o gospel_n may_v stretch_v its_o conquest_n over_o the_o line_n which_o sure_o be_v the_o gold_n and_o treasure_n christ_n design_v from_o thence_o that_o even_a america_n may_v have_v her_o day_n also_o and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o turtle_n be_v hear_v in_o these_o land_n 2._o not_o only_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o bound_n do_v witness_v this_o but_o also_o the_o great_a and_o numerous_a offspring_n of_o son_n &_o daughter_n which_o in_o these_o part_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v be_v bring_v forth_o to_o christ_n for_o we_o may_v say_v what_o john_n see_v in_o vision_n have_v be_v very_o manifest_a to_o after_o age_n a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o all_o tongue_n nation_n and_o language_n of_o who_o it_o can_v be_v say_v these_o be_v bear_v in_o zion_n o_o how_o great_a a_o harvest_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v even_o already_o gather_v what_o a_o fleece_n have_v every_o particular_a church_n cast_v what_o a_o marvellous_a increase_n have_v be_v in_o some_o place_n after_o special_a tide_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v we_o not_o say_v that_o truth_n be_v now_o beyond_o debate_n that_o out_o of_o one_o and_o he_o not_o only_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a but_o true_o dead_a there_o have_v come_v forth_o as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o star_n of_o heaven_n in_o number_n the_o church_n have_v inherit_v joseph_n blessing_n of_o the_o womb_n and_o the_o breast_n in_o a_o fruitful_a offspring_n the_o dew_n of_o christ_n youth_n have_v be_v as_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o morning_n o_o what_o a_o marvellous_a and_o goodly_a company_n will_v this_o once_o be_v when_o gather_v together_o then_o will_v the_o performance_n of_o these_o precious_a promise_n be_v full_o manifest_v 3._o
the_o fulfil_v of_o the_o scripture_n or_o a_o essay_n show_v the_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n perform_v and_o to_o be_v perform_v for_o confirm_v the_o believer_n and_o convince_v the_o atheist_n of_o the_o present_a time_n contain_v in_o the_o end_n a_o few_o rare_a history_n of_o the_o work_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n isai_n xlvi_o v._n x._o my_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o my_o pleasure_n john_n x_o v._n xxxv_o and_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v break_v act._n 1_o v._o xvi_o man_n and_o brethren_n this_o scripture_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v fulfil_v print_v in_o the_o year_n 1669._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n it_o be_v like_o you_o m●_n expect_v some_o account_n anent_o the_o rise_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o on_o so_o great_a and_o weighty_a a_o subject_n so_o small_a a_o essay_n shall_v venture_v abroad_o especial_o in_o a_o time_n when_o it_o seem_v more_o safe_a and_o prudent_a to_o keep_v silence_n to_o be_v swift_a to_o hear_v and_o slow_a to_o speak_v which_o seldom_o have_v a_o after_o challenge_n the_o author_n will_v say_v little_a for_o his_o apology_n herein_o though_o he_o hope_v he_o may_v find_v it_o more_o easy_a to_o satisfy_v other_o than_o he_o do_v himself_o this_o freedom_n only_o he_o shall_v take_v to_o confess_v that_o sometime_o it_o have_v be_v matter_n of_o earnest_n yea_o hat●_n cause_v some_o toss_n and_o exercise_v upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o press_v a_o more_o serious_a enquiry_n and_o search_v with_o a_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o case_n to_o be_v persuade_v anent_o the_o scripture_n divine_a authority_n that_o godliness_n be_v not_o a_o empty_a name_n or_o shadow_n but_o of_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n which_o indeed_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a and_o of_o most_o near_a concernment_n and_o true_o anent_o that_o this_o grave_a convince_a argument_n of_o the_o scripture_n certain_a accomplishment_n have_v not_o only_o oft_o stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n with_o a_o satisfy_a discovery_n and_o impression_n thereof_o as_o a_o most_o quiet_v and_o unanswerable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o he_o must_v also_o say_v that_o by_o very_o remarkable_a confirmation_n from_o the_o lord_n this_o have_v be_v so_o convince_o witness_v to_o his_o experience_n as_o leave_v he_o under_o engadgement_n be_v such_o a_o poor_a testimony_n of_o weight_n to_o put_v his_o seal_n to_o the_o word_n that_o it_o fall_v not_o to_o the_o ground_n neither_o do_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n fail_v it_o be_v a_o dark_a time_n now_o with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o see_v every_o where_o almost_o suffer_v and_o afflict_a while_o the_o whole_a earth_n beside_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o ease_n christian_n also_o even_o beyond_o other_o in_o their_o private_a lot_n try_v with_o very_o sharp_a trial_n though_o i_o think_v suffering_n may_v be_v the_o least_o of_o our_o fear_n at_o this_o day_n while_o atheism_a do_v now_o appear_v on_o so_o formidable_a a_o growth_n and_o have_v a_o more_o threaten_a aspect_n then_o the_o rage_n or_o violence_n of_o man_n we_o see_v a_o sa●_n d●cay_fw-fr likewise_o on_o the_o church_n abroad_o religion_n every_o where_n under_o a_o great_a consumption_n and_o wea●ing_v out_o that_o seem_v to_o have_v reach_v it_o in_o its_o vital_a part_n man_n search_v after_o a_o unusual_a way_n of_o sin_v as_o if_o they_o scorn_v to_o be_v wicked_a at_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a rate_n prejudice_n easy_o take_v up_o and_o entertain_v against_o the_o way_n of_o god_n while_o the_o good_a man_n do_v alace_o perish_v without_o any_o affect_a observation_n thereof_o the_o choice_n and_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n pluck_v away_o and_o none_o to_o fill_v their_o room_n christian_n burial_n now_o frequent_a but_o the_o birth_n and_o inbr_v of_o such_o to_o the_o church_n rare_a this_o be_v indeed_o a_o sad_a subject_n and_o so_o much_o the_o sad_a that_o few_o be_v find_v who_o eye_n affect_v their_o heart_n who_o tear_n and_o groan_v seem_v to_o answer_v such_o a_o stroke_n and_o ruin_v which_o now_o be_v like_a to_o fall_v under_o our_o hand_n but_o i_o shall_v leave_v this_o prayer_n will_v be_v the_o best_a cure_n and_o be_v this_o day_n more_o fit_a then_o complain_v to_o turn_v unto_o he_o who_o see_v the_o way_n of_o his_o people_n that_o he_o may_v heal_v they_o and_o can_v prevent_v these_o with_o mercy_n who_o seem_v least_o fit_a for_o the_o same_o only_o two_o or_o three_o sad_a remark_n of_o this_o time_n i_o can_v altogether_o pass_v which_o indeed_o be_v strange_a symptom_n of_o the_o church_n present_a case_n and_o distemper_n 1._o to_o see_v man_n own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o sanctification_n who_o yet_o can_v profess_o disow_v yea_o make_v it_o their_o work_n by_o reproach_n to_o beget_v a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o practice_n thereof_o oh_o strange_a to_o find_v such_o as_o will_v dip_v their_o pen_n in_o gall_n against_o a_o tender_a and_o strict_a walk_n in_o religion_n and_o revile_v it_o in_o the_o power_n thereof_o while_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v these_o truth_n and_o principle_n that_o necessary_o oblige_v to_o such_o a_o tender_a practice_n who_o in_o the_o most_o grave_a concern_v duty_n of_o christianity_n think_v it_o enough_o to_o charge_v their_o brethren_n with_o pharisaical_a ostentation_n and_o hypocrisy_n while_o they_o must_v confess_v these_o duty_n to_o be_v unquestionable_o bind_v and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o such_o a_o challenge_n which_o the_o great_a witness_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n of_o man_n can_v only_o determine_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o sad_a remark_n also_o of_o the_o time_n that_o protestant_a writer_n profess_v the_o reform_a religion_n shall_v state_n themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v ground_n thereof_o such_o as_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o justification_n by_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o call_v articulus_fw-la stantis_fw-la &_o cadentis_fw-la ecelesi●_n i_o can_v have_v that_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v from_o ignorance_n but_o from_o a_o height_n of_o malice_n that_o some_o of_o late_a reproach_n the_o protestant_a doctrine_n in_o this_o great_a fundamental_a of_o justification_n as_o if_o it_o press_v believe_v and_o rest_v upon_o christ_n without_o respect_n to_o work_n and_o holiness_n i_o confess_v we_o put_v not_o inherent_a righteousness_n in_o the_o room_n of_o impute_a though_o we_o assert_v each_o be_v necessary_a in_o their_o own_o place_n the_o one_o in_o order_n to_o ou●_n right_v the_o other_o in_o order_n to_o the_o actual_a participation_n of_o that_o right_n yea_o that_o holiness_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a not_o only_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la sed_fw-la medii_fw-la and_o justify_v faith_n do_v necessary_o require_v work_n sed_fw-la non_fw-la qua_fw-la &_o quatenus_fw-la justificat_fw-la but_o sure_o if_o these_o man_n grant_v we_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n they_o must_v needs_o confess_v it_o be_v by_o imputation_n since_o if_o the_o debtor_n be_v acquit_v by_o the_o cautioner_n payment_n be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o imputation_n there_o of_o to_o he_o o_o sad_a to_o see_v some_o put_v their_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n how_o to_o wound_v the_o church_n yea_o a_o death_n wound_v it_o will_v be_v if_o they_o can_v reach_v their_o end_n in_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o impute_a righteousness_n but_o it_o be_v best_o they_o deny_v that_o sixth_o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 4._o chap._n to_o the_o rom._n to_o be_v canonic_a scripture_n which_o none_o can_v read_v and_o shift_v it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o the_o bless_a man_n be_v there_o hold_v forth_o vuto_n who_o god_n impute_v righteousness_n without_o work_n sure_o that_o can_v be_v inherent_a righteousness_n else_o it_o be_v contradictio_fw-la in_o adjecto_fw-la i_o profess_v these_o what_o ever_o they_o pretend_v i_o must_v look_v on_o as_o adversary_n to_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o dangerous_a than_o a_o pirate_n go_v forth_o under_o a_o counterfut_o flag_n 3._o be_v it_o not_o likewise_o sad_a yea_o astonish_v to_o see_v minister_n now_o in_o these_o time_n who_o be_v the_o express_a ambassador_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o her_o edification_n stand_v so_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o their_o work_n and_o ministry_n many_o of_o who_o may_v be_v say_v that_o know_o and_o deliberate_o they_o oppose_v piety_n that_o such_o shall_v persecute_v who_o work_n be_v to_o feed_v and_o wound_n in_o stead_n of_o heal_a grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o shall_v be_v helper_n of_o their_o joy_n that_o none_o be_v a_o great_a plague_n to_o corrupt_v the_o church_n and_o cause_v the_o
sacrifice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v abhor_v than_o some_o of_o these_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o earth_n yea_o none_o more_o obstruct_v the_o treaty_n of_o the_o gospel_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n than_o minister_n who_o be_v call_v the_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n oh_o what_o a_o strange_a and_o astonish_a contradiction_n may_v this_o seem_v but_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o reproach_n to_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a call_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o of_o such_o the_o scripture_n have_v express_o warn_v i_o confess_v it_o may_v be_v say_v no_o atheist_n like_o a_o unsanctified_a minister_n yea_o no_o atheism_n of_o so_o black_a a_o dye_n as_o they_o who_o be_v still_o enure_v with_o holy_a thing_n have_v yet_o no_o sense_n thereof_o now_o in_o this_o very_a dark_a hour_n wherein_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v fall_v in_o a_o death_n like_o pang_n and_o oh_o many_o of_o her_o child_n in_o a_o sad_a lithargie_n that_o if_o we_o look_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n her_o wound_n may_v seem_v incurable_a there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o concern_v query_n that_o i_o think_v shall_v much_o take_v we_o up_o the_o one_o be_v to_o know_v what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n what_o solid_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n be_v there_o hold_v forth_o for_o true_o if_o we_o have_v not_o that_o sure_a testimony_n of_o the_o word_n we_o may_v fear_v religion_n shall_v quite_o wear_v out_o and_o truth_n perish_v from_o the_o earth_n but_o do_v the_o scripture_n speak_v peace_n all_o than_o be_v well_o that_o o_o that_o be_v sufficient_a security_n to_o put_v the_o church_n hope_v beyond_o further_a debate_n though_o man_n shall_v threaten_v though_o the_o earth_n be_v overturn_v and_o the_o foundation_n shake_v this_o be_v a_o determination_n above_o man_n above_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a policy_n yea_o above_o the_o star_n which_o frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o liar_n and_o make_v diviner_n mad_a even_o that_o reveal_v counsel_n of_o god_n take_v place_n anent_o his_o work_n and_o people_n i_o knw_n some_o grave_a writer_n of_o these_o late_a time_n do_v express_v their_o fear_n that_o the_o horrid_a wickedness_n &_o apostasy_n of_o the_o gentile_a church_n may_v at_o last_o resolve_n in_o the_o lord_n departure_n and_o a_o universal_a darkness_n that_o as_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v way_n for_o the_o gentile_n income_v so_o their_o fall_n may_v as_o remarkable_o precede_v that_o solemn_a return_n and_o restauration_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n it_o be_v also_o become_v the_o fear_n of_o many_o that_o popery_n may_v yet_o once_o overrun_v the_o whole_a reform_a church_n before_o antichrist_n fall_v but_o since_o these_o sad_a thought_n nor_o any_o appearance_n of_o the_o time_n be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o bible_n we_o shall_v learn_v neither_o to_o stretch_v our_o fear_n nor_o expectation_n beyond_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v and_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n and_o this_o his_o very_a word_n let_v we_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o wait_v for_o its_o accomplishment_n a_o 2._o quaere_fw-la which_o be_v ndeed_o no_o less_o concern_v in_o such_o a_o time_n may_v be_v anent_o duty_n what_o so_o imminent_a a_o liazard_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o great_a decay_n of_o christianity_n do_v most_o press_o call_v for_o but_o this_o be_v a_o subject_n which_o require_v another_o pen_n and_o too_o large_a to_o touch_v with_o a_o pass_a word_n yea_o we_o may_v say_v the_o great_a want_n of_o these_o day_n be_v not_o anent_o the_o discovery_n of_o duty_n but_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o know_v and_o discover_v duty_n for_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o certain_a and_o distinct_a sound_n in_o the_o dark_a time_n and_o have_v not_o leave_v we_o to_o doubtful_a inquiry_n and_o debate_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v therefore_o leave_v it_o with_o a_o few_o thing_n only_o to_o be_v in_o the_o general_a consider_v 1._o it_o be_v sure_a that_o every_o time_n have_v its_o present_a duty_n and_o the_o wise_a discerner_n thereof_o will_v knw_n thence_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o work_n and_o service_n the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o that_o time_n call_v for_o shall_v the_o earth_n have_v its_o season_n wherein_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a shall_v the_o stork_n and_o swallow_n know_v their_o time_n and_o yet_o christian_n not_o know_v how_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o their_o season_n and_o discern_v the_o special_a time_n and_o opportunity_n of_o duty_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o every_o christian_n in_o whatsoever_o capacity_n or_o condition_n as_o he_o have_v his_o measure_n and_o talon_n so_o have_v some_o work_n and_o opportunity_n of_o duty_n wherein_o they_o may_v serve_v the_o lord_n in_o their_o generation_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a lot_n or_o condition_n that_o shut_v that_o door_n upon_o any_o that_o they_o have_v no_o work_n for_o god_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v faithful_a for_o he_o oh_o that_o in_o this_o threaten_a time_n when_o darkness_n be_v like_a to_o overspread_v the_o church_n it_o be_v more_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n to_o strive_v together_o and_o contend_v by_o a_o serious_a improvement_n of_o their_o several_a capacity_n to_o preserve_v religion_n and_o transmit_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o posterity_n that_o the_o christian_a parent_n or_o master_n of_o family_n do_v witness_n more_o that_o great_a resolution_n in_o a_o time_n when_o many_o be_v draw_v back_o but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o and_o my_o house_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n 3._o it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o honourable_a service_n of_o the_o church_n do_v usual_o try_v she_o in_o a_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n when_o there_o have_v be_v but_o little_a strength_n many_o outward_a disadvantage_n then_o both_o their_o call_n and_o furniture_n have_v be_v most_o observable_a to_o confess_v the_o truth_n to_o endure_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o overcome_v by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o testimony_n a_o piece_n of_o service_n whereto_o more_o prosperous_a time_n do_v not_o give_v such_o a_o opportunity_n yea_o it_o have_v be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n dan._n 11_o 32._o that_o these_o who_o know_v their_o god_n be_v make_v strong_a to_o do_v exploit_n 4._o it_o do_v much_o concern_v we_o to_o put_v a_o high_a value_n on_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o time_n when_o man_n must_v either_o lose_v it_o or_o buy_v it_o and_z o_o what_o a_o choice_n purchase_n be_v that_o which_o can_v be_v buy_v too_o dear_a though_o at_o the_o rate_n of_o our_o liberty_n estate_n credit_n and_o reputation_n yea_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o peace_n when_o it_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v that_o great_a depositum_fw-la o●ce_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n the_o inheritance_n of_o our_o child_n that_o way_n whereby_o jesus_n christ_n keep_v intercourse_n with_o his_o bride_n on_o the_o earth_n yea_o the_o charter_n of_o all_o our_o mercy_n and_o of_o our_o hope_n through_o eternity_n 5._o though_o every_o line_n of_o di●ine_a truth_n be_v inestimable_a yet_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v a_o more_o press_a ca●l_n for_o our_o adherence_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v most_o controvert_v in_o the_o time_n for_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a testimony_n and_o it_o be_v know_v through_o all_o age_n what_o a_o singular_a bl●ssing_n have_v follow_v the_o contend_v and_o witness_v of_o a_o few_o for_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o spait_n of_o public_a defection_n to_o keep_v it_o alive_a when_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o yea_o to_o effect_n above_o rational_a belief_n unus_fw-la athanasius_n contratotum_fw-la orbem_fw-la many_o such_o remark_n have_v not_o be_v want_v 6._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o which_o be_v always_o necessary_a and_o bind_a yet_o we_o may_v say_v in_o a_o time_n of_o the_o church_n hazard_n and_o suffering_n be_v more_o press_o call_v for_o even_o the_o study_n of_o christian_a prudence_n a_o duty_n convince_o necessary_a for_o regulate_v of_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n case_n which_o do_v so_o near_o concern_v the_o interest_n and_o preservation_n of_o religion_n that_o i_o must_v say_v a_o breach_n in_o that_o concord_n betwixt_o zeal_n and_o christian_a prudence_n when_o there_o be_v not_o some_o equal_a respect_n study_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o both_o can_v but_o give_v the_o church_n a_o sore_a wound_n this_o be_v indeeda_fw-la large_a theme_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o point_v at_o in_o 3_o thing_n 1._o in_o our_o avoid_n and_o be_v tender_a to_o give_v offence_n not_o only_o to_o keep_v a_o distance_n from_o evil_n but_o from_o the_o small_a appearance_n thereof_o i_o must_v
of_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n that_o in_o every_o age_n be_v set_v before_o we_o how_o wicked_a man_n prosper_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o have_v a_o dreadful_a ishue_v and_o be_v sudden_o cast_v into_o destruction_n they_o spread_v as_o a_o green_a bay_n tree_n and_o within_o a_o little_a their_o place_n can_v be_v find_v how_o the_o godly_a be_v oft_o sore_o afflict_v yet_o flourish_a as_o the_o palm_n tree_n and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v depress_v the_o more_o they_o grow_v how_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oft_o lift_v up_o for_o a_o sore_a fall_n and_o the_o church_n bring_v low_a in_o order_n to_o her_o great_a enlargement_n how_o judgement_n find_v out_o sinner_n &_o be_v oft_o exact_o proportion_v in_o measure_n and_o kind_a to_o the_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o integrity_n be_v sore_o toss_v oft_o yet_o still_o fall_v upon_o its_o foot_n &_o overcloud_v that_o it_o may_v shine_v more_o bright_o after_o how_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n do_v visible_o overtake_v kingdom_n &_o nation_n bring_v down_o great_a house_n cause_v the_o scarlet_a embrace_v the_o dunghill_n &_o let_v not_o the_o hoary_a head_n of_o cruel_a &_o wicked_a man_n go_v oft_o into_o the_o grave_n in_o peace_n &_o again_o to_o consider_v how_o the_o lord_n forsake_v not_o his_o people_n but_z sheweth_z respect_n to_o their_o way_n the_o good_a man_n walk_v in_o his_o integrity_n and_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o be_v bless_v o_o how_o sweet_a a_o exercise_n be_v this_o for_o a_o christian_a even_o to_o loss_n himself_o in_o 5._o from_o thence_o we_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n discern_v what_o of_o the_o night_n it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v near_a day_n and_o what_o such_o a_o sinful_a case_n do_v threaten_v we_o will_v be_v skilful_a to_o feel_v the_o church_n pulse_n and_o thereby_o find_v what_o symptom_n there_o be_v of_o life_n or_o death_n and_o perceive_v a_o dark_a cloud_n of_o judgement_n cast_v up_o when_o it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o handbreadth_n sure_o this_o study_n shall_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v therein_o for_o among_o these_o various_a event_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o every_o age_n the_o lord_n way_n be_v constant_a with_o itself_o and_o with_o his_o truth_n if_o we_o be_v right_a on_o looker_n 6._o here_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o most_o pleasant_a and_o clear_a view_n how_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o full_a and_o perfect_a register_n of_o all_o the_o vicissitude_n and_o alteration_n which_o be_v to_o go_v over_o her_o head_n whilst_o in_o a_o militant_a condition_n and_o do_v also_o most_o exact_o point_v out_o these_o occurrence_n and_o remarkable_a event_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o course_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o may_v read_v they_o as_o evident_o in_o the_o word_n as_o we_o see_v they_o with_o our_o eye_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n for_o in_o follow_v this_o study_n we_o shall_v clear_o see_v how_o the_o scripture_n bring_v the_o church_n to_o light_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o eternal_a decree_n and_o do_v trace_v it_o from_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o fall_n throw_v these_o dark_a time_n before_o the_o stand_v while_o it_o be_v but_o in_o family_n and_o through_o that_o long_a trial_n in_o egypt_n and_o all_o its_o ill_a journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n until_o it_o bring_v it_o to_o it_o be_v se●led_v and_o flourish_a condition_n in_o canaan_n and_o carry_v she_o sordward_o through_o all_o the_o several_a change_n of_o her_o case_n under_o her_o follow_a decay_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n even_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n and_o dawn_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o it_o thus_o take_v in_o within_o its_o reach_n the_o whole_a estate_n and_o the_o special_a event_n which_o do_v befall_v the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n so_o we_o may_v see_v how_o the_o scripture_n also_o follow_v the_o church_n through_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v she_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n from_o a_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n until_o it_o bring_v she_o to_o perfection_n take_v she_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n from_o her_o infancy_n and_o go_v with_o she_o through_o all_o the_o turn_n of_o her_o condition_n through_o that_o long_a and_o dark_a night_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v point_v clear_o out_o her_o condition_n and_o various_a assault_n that_o she_o shall_v endure_v in_o that_o time_n and_o that_o bless_a victory_n which_o she_o shall_v after_o have_v though_o not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o gradual_o over_o her_o enemy_n and_o that_o the_o word_n and_o the_o church_n do_v never_o part_v but_o one_o walk_v step_n for_o step_n with_o the_o other_o until_o it_o bring_v her_o safe_a to_o land_n and_o as_o it_o be_v put_v she_o of_o its_o hand_n and_o guard_n at_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n 7._o this_o will_v also_o help_v we_o to_o sweet_a thought_n and_o give_v we_o matter_n of_o a_o song_n in_o the_o sad_a night_n of_o the_o church_n condition_n when_o we_o see_v how_o god_n great_a design_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o know_v that_o his_o end_n which_o he_o have_v hold_v forth_o therein_o can_v be_v frustrate_a it_o will_v serve_v to_o silence_v all_o our_o complaint_n with_o wonder_v at_o god_n way_n and_o triumph_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n we_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n a_o stormy_a time_n will_v not_o outwit_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o though_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v overturn_v it_o shall_v be_v sure_o well_o with_o the_o righteous_a the_o church_n must_v flourish_v and_o all_o her_o enemy_n be_v find_v liar_n because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v who_o word_n will_v as_o sure_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o the_o sun_n do_v return_v after_o a_o dark_a night_n vii_o it_o do_v now_o more_o especial_o concern_v the_o godly_a in_o these_o latter_a time_n to_o study_v this_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o set_v about_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n and_o search_v therein_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o shall_v yet_o be_v in_o a_o further_a measure_n discover_v and_o open_v up_o the_o near_a the_o church_n be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n which_o may_v thus_o appear_v 1._o herein_o be_v the_o word_n express_v that_o one_o piece_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o from_o former_a age_n be_v seal_v up_o shall_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n be_v clear_a and_o easy_a to_o understand_v dan_o lastch_n 4_o 9_o ver_fw-la the_o seal_n be_v there_o put_v on_o but_o go_v thy_o way_n daniel_n for_o these_o word_n be_v close_v and_o seal_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o end_n but_o rev._n last_o ch._n and_o ver_fw-la 9_o we_o have_v that_o bar_v take_v of_o seal_v not_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n because_o then_o the_o time_n do_v draw_v near_o to_o which_o a_o more_o full_a discovery_n and_o open_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v reserve_v &_o a_o more_o large_a manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n beyond_o former_a age_n now_o by_o the_o last_o day_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o it_o be_v thus_o term_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o these_o last_o time_n which_o be_v more_o especial_o point_v at_o even_o the_o close_a and_o evening_n of_o time_n that_o last_o epocha_n and_o period_n of_o prophetic_a chronology_n to_o which_o a_o greate●_n accomplishment_n of_o scripture_n prophecy_n be_v reserve_v 2._o this_o also_o be_v express_o promise_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n the_o church_n shall_v have_v a_o more_o full_a discovery_n of_o this_o truth_n how_o the_o scripture_n be_v verify_v dan._n last_o ch._n v._o 4._o many_o shall_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o knowledge_n shali_fw-la be_v increase_v which_o increase_n as_o it_o clear_o point_v at_o the_o last_o time_n and_o that_o bright_a day_n the_o church_n shall_v have_v when_o israel_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o christ_n it_o do_v also_o point_n at_o and_o promise_v some_o great_a light_n and_o a_o more_o full_a open_n up_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o word_n and_o fulfil_v thereof_o for_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n show_v that_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n do_v relate_v to_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o seal_v we_o wait_v and_o believe_v the_o further_a accomplishment_n
great_a atheist_n and_o mocker_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o age_n must_v sure_o be_v a_o clear_a truth_n but_o &c_n &c_n therefore_o iv_o argument_n that_o which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n in_o such_o and_o such_o period_n of_o time_n and_o have_v according_o come_v to_o pass_n the_o event_n exact_o answer_v to_o the_o prediction_n yea_o that_o whereof_o the_o great_a part_n be_v now_o fulfil_v and_o but_o a_o little_a at_o this_o day_n remain_v to_o be_v make_v out_o must_v be_v a_o certain_a truth_n but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o already_o fulfil_v and_o but_o a_o little_a thereof_o now_o remain_v therefore_o v._o argument_n that_o which_o not_o only_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n already_o accomplish_v but_o be_v a_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v such_o sure_a confirmation_n yea_o so_o great_a a_o pledge_n in_o our_o hand_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o what_o yet_o remain_v shall_v be_v certain_o fulfil_v must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n but_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o these_o special_a prediction_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o make_v out_o be_v such_o as_o concern_v which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v his_o people_n a_o very_a larg●_n pledge_n and_o strong_a confirmation_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n to_o believe_v their_o certain_a accomplishment_n therefore_o argument_n first_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n wherein_o our_o great_a hope_n and_o comfort_n do_v lie_v be_v certain_o true_a and_o have_v a_o real_a accomplishment_n may_v be_v thus_o demonstrat_fw-la that_o it_o be_v try_v and_o prove_v in_o the_o godly_a man_n experience_n to_o which_o in_o all_o age_n yea_o from_o innumerable_a proof_n the_o saint_n have_v put_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a and_o faithful_a testimory_n experience_n be_v indeed_o a_o strong_a demonstration_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o witness_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o debate_n for_o here_o the_o truth_n be_v feel_v prove_v and_o act_v on_o the_o heart_n which_o the_o christian_a know_v well_o and_o be_v as_o sure_a of_o as_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o live_v or_o that_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v have_v light_a and_o warmness_n therewith_o it_o be_v true_a the_o world_n live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n with_o this_o they_o only_o converse_v with_o the_o sound_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v the_o naked_a theory_n of_o scripture_n truth_n have_v but_o a_o short_a reach_n &_o that_o it_o differ_v as_o far_o from_o that_o which_o a_o serious_a practical_a christian_a have_v as_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o country_n in_o a_o map_n be_v from_o a_o real_a discovery_n of_o the_o same_o where_o the_o difference_n be_v not_o in_o the_o degree_n but_o in_o the_o kind_n yet_o though_o this_o grave_a testimony_n of_o experience_n be_v a_o thing_n whereto_o many_o alace_o too_o many_o be_v stranger_n yet_o we_o must_v say_v so_o much_o thereof_o be_v obvious_a as_o may_v force_v its_o authority_n on_o man_n conscience_n and_o show_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fallacy_n or_o delusion_n in_o this_o witness_n if_o they_o but_o allow_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o reason_n see_v it_o be_v not_o the_o record_n of_o a_o few_o at_o one_o time_n or_o in_o one_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o a_o solemn_a witness_n from_o the_o saint_n and_o follower_n of_o god_n who_o judgement_n and_o integrity_n their_o adversary_n must_v often_o confess_v yea_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o every_o age_n through_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n in_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n most_o remote_a from_o other_o and_o this_o by_o most_o frequent_a renew_a prooff_n have_v find_v and_o experience_v the_o truth_n and_o real_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o word_n and_o now_o if_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_o convince_a i_o will_v but_o add_v o_o ●_o will_v you_o then_o come_v and_o see_v be_v but_o christian_n indeed_o and_o then_o you_o will_v no_o more_o debate_n that_o testimony_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o very_a poor_a shift_n for_o man_n who_o have_v the_o scripture_n before_o they_o which_o of_o itself_o do_v witness_v its_o authority_n and_o this_o back_v with_o so_o solemn_a a_o seal_n from_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o work_n and_o providence_n to_o debate_v the_o christian_n witness_n from_o their_o experience_n because_o they_o do_v not_o see_v this_o themselves_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o their_o choice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o same_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n seek_v credit_n from_o no_o man_n upon_o trust_n yea_o crave_v no_o more_o but_o that_o by_o a_o practical_a converse_n they_o will_v put_v it_o to_o a_o trial_n and_o then_o it_o shall_v not_o decline_v their_o judgement_n now_o to_o prosecute_v this_o argument_n a_o little_a i_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o special_a scripture-truth_n with_o which_o christian_n have_v most_o usual_a trade_n and_o converse_v in_o their_o own_o case_n and_o give_v in_o therewith_o their_o testimony_n how_o these_o be_v clear_o prove_v and_o verify_v by_o most_o sure_a experieuce_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v here_o understand_v the_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n with_o respect_n to_o person_n time_n or_o other_o circumstance_n how_o the_o word_n do_v thus_o take_v place_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o convince_a to_o instance_n in_o the_o general_n such_o clear_a uncontroverted_a experience_n which_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o godly_a and_o have_v by_o they_o be_v oft_o prove_v amid_o the_o various_a change_n of_o their_o life_n though_o not_o by_o all_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n but_o in_o some_o suitable_a proportion_n to_o their_o different_a 'size_n trial_n and_o wrestle_n which_o can_v witness_v that_o real_a correspondence_n which_o the_o word_n have_v with_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o true_o concern_v these_o i_o may_v with_o some_o confidence_n assert_v they_o be_v not_o naked_a or_o airy_a notion_n but_o such_o as_o can_v witness_v their_o truth_n to_o the_o serious_a experience_a christian_a who_o on_o this_o account_n i_o dare_v attest_v i_o shall_v here_o instance_n 5._o special_a truth_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v much_o try_v and_o prove_v in_o christian_n experience_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o 2._o the_o deceitfulnes_n of_o man_n heart_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a adversary_n with_o who_o we_o have_v war_n 4._o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o word_n have_v undoubted_a accomplishment_n 5._o the_o truth_n also_o of_o the_o threaten_n i_o mean_v such_o under_o who_o reach_n the_o godly_a may_v fall_v i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v a_o truth_n very_o clear_o prove_v to_o the_o christian_a who_o experience_n though_o sad_a do_v undeniable_o verify_v and_o confirm_v the_o scripture_n gal._n 5_o v._n 17._o rom._n 7_o v._n 19_o 21_o 23._o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o word_n which_o hold_v forth_o man_n nature_n in_o its_o true_a shape_n and_o form_n whither_o their_o bias_n and_o inclination_n most_o easy_o turn_v yea_o so_o marvellous_o answer_v their_o experience_n that_o to_o question_v the_o same_o be_v to_o put_v it_o far_o beyond_o question_n that_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o a_o new_a nature_n or_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n within_o for_o who_o ever_o make_v earnest_a of_o religion_n but_o their_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o war_n it_o be_v then_o that_o the_o house_n divide_v and_o corruption_n set_v up_o a_o standard_n yea_o no_o soon_o can_v any_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o he_o must_v be_v a_o soldier_n also_o and_o ●e_n may_v say_v none_o ever_o attain_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o mortification_n or_o be_v so_o old_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o can_v privilege_v they_o from_o the_o stir_n of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o necessity_n of_o that_o complaint_n who_o shall_v deliver_v we_o from_o a_o body_n of_o death_n but_o what_o ever_o advantage_n some_o of_o the_o saint_n have_v above_o other_o yet_o in_o this_o their_o experience_n can_v witness_v 1._o they_o now_o know_v two_o different_a party_n within_o themselves_o that_o until_o once_o grace_n come_v they_o can_v not_o understand_v which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o action_n do_v act_v opposit_o one_o to_o the_o other_o yea_o that_o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a duty_n wherein_o the_o flesh_n though_o not_o always_o in_o such_o a_o prevalent_a degree_n do_v not_o show_v some_o active_a resistance_n 2._o that_o all_o the_o stir_n and_o
place_n in_o man_n observation_n who_o do_v observe_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o time_n 3._o how_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n do_v clear_o shine_v upon_o the_o dark_a footstep_n of_o providence_n even_o these_o which_o will_v seem_v most_o strange_a and_o hard_o to_o understand_v so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la nothing_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n or_o befall_v the_o saint_n but_o what_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o scripture_n first_o branch_n as_o to_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v but_o instance_n five_o general_a promise_n which_o we_o find_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n concern_v the_o church_n and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o very_a clear_a and_o obvious_a the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o be_v if_o man_n do_v not_o willing_o shut_v their_o own_o eye_n first_o promise_v wherein_o we_o find_v the_o scripture_n express_v be_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o she_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o he_o make_v a_o end_n of_o other_o nation_n yet_o will_v he_o not_o make_v a_o utter_a end_n of_o she_o but_o while_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n do_v last_o and_o as_o the_o day_n of_o heaven_n so_o shall_v her_o day_n be_v prolong_v against_o her_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v ps_n 49_o ver_fw-la 16._o math._n 16_o 18._o now_o that_o god_n have_v true_o verify_v this_o his_o promise_n &_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n be_v a_o truth_n though_o marvellous_a yet_o so_o very_o clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o atheist_n can_v deny_v it_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o demonstrat_fw-la first_o that_o the_o church_n do_v continue_v and_o be_v keep_v alive_a to_o this_o day_n it_o do_v certain_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o she_o &_o none_o can_v say_v it_o be_v a_o lie_n she_o have_v outlive_v all_o her_o opposer_n the_o great_a of_o who_o have_v find_v their_o grave_n in_o the_o quarrel_n over_o who_o tomb_n that_o last_o confession_n of_o a_o great_a adversary_n julian_n may_v be_v write_v vicisti_fw-la tandem_fw-la galilaee_n have_v not_o this_o deadly_a and_o irreconciliable_a feed_v be_v perpetuat_fw-la from_o father_n to_o child_n but_o who_o have_v prosper_v in_o that_o enterprise_n the_o archer_n have_v oft_o shoot_v and_o wound_v she_o sore_o but_o her_o bow_n do_v abide_v in_o strength_n as_o at_o this_o day_n this_o be_v her_o motto_n persecute_v but_o not_o forsake_v cast_v down_o but_o not_o discourage_v she_o who_o have_v bring_v forth_o many_o child_n yet_o cease_v not_o to_o bear_v who_o age_n have_v not_o mar_v her_o beauty_n her_o eye_n be_v not_o dim_a hor_o her_o strength_n fail_v a_o sight_n which_o may_v cause_v we_o no_o less_o stand_v and_o consider_v this_o great_a wonder_n theu_o moses_n do_v at_o that_o which_o be_v but_o the_o shadow_n and_o emblem_n thereof_o a_o bush_n burn_v and_o not_o consume_v for_o behold_v a_o church_n keptalive_a yet_o still_o in_o the_o flame_n and_o when_o to_o appearance_n consume_v it_o do_v arise_v more_o glorious_a out_o of_o her_o own_o ash_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a phanix_n and_o we_o know_v no_o other_o of_o who_o that_o can_v be_v say_v have_v she_o not_o bear_v out_o these_o universal_a deluge_n which_o do_v like_o a_o inundation_n go_v over_o her_o head_n of_o idolatry_n and_o paganism_n in_o the_o first_o time_n and_o antichristianism_n with_o arrianism_n in_o the_o after_o age_n yet_o not_o swallow_v up_o which_o may_v be_v no_o less_o marvellous_a than_o when_o she_o be_v keep_v above_o the_o water_n in_o the_o ark_n and_o though_o her_o enemy_n have_v oft_o sing_v her_o funeral_n song_n and_o rejoice_v over_o the_o dead_a the_o dead_a body_n of_o her_o witness_n yet_o they_o have_v rise_v again_o her_o dry_a bone_n have_v take_v life_n and_o come_v together_o and_o behold_v she_o be_v alive_a at_o this_o day_n 2._o not_o only_o the_o church_n preservation_n but_o the_o continue_a series_n and_o succession_n thereof_o unto_o this_o time_n do_v witness_v the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n of_o her_o condition_n she_o have_v not_o altogether_o disappear_v even_o when_o she_o be_v so_o long_o hide_v in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o still_o in_o every_o age_n have_v some_o witness_n and_o though_o the_o church_n have_v oft_o cry_v out_o for_o the_o want_n of_o child_n and_o be_v hear_v weep_v bemoan_v herself_o because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o we_o may_v say_v she_o never_o want_v a_o offspring_n to_o this_o day_n she_o do_v never_o die_v without_o a_o heir_n and_o seed_n of_o she_o own_o to_o raise_v up_o her_o name_n even_o since_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o make_v with_o she_o in_o adam_n family_n and_o though_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o set_a time_n which_o like_o the_o sun_n have_v these_o usual_a period_n their_o first_o rise_n their_o height_n and_o flourish_a and_o afterward_o a_o gradual_a decay_n make_v way_n to_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o light_n yet_o this_o make_v never_o void_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o the_o church_n universal_a who_o lamp_n be_v never_o put_v out_o nay_o shall_v not_o while_o the_o day_n of_o heaven_n do_v last_o 3._o we_o must_v also_o say_v that_o the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v peculiar_a to_o she_o alone_o and_o can_v be_v say_v of_o no_o other_o interest_n and_o party_n beneath_o the_o sun_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v no_o kingdom_n or_o empire_n so_o firm_o root_v no_o society_n so_o well_o govern_v by_o law_n back_v with_o power_n which_o have_v have_v the_o best_a title_n and_o claim_v but_o time_n at_o last_o do_v prevail_v over_o it_o and_o make_v the_o same_o a_o trophy_n of_o her_o conquest_n yea_o the_o great_a monarchy_n and_o flourish_a city_n have_v at_o last_o yield_v so_o as_o of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v say_v nunc_fw-la seges_fw-la est_fw-la ubi_fw-la troia_n fuit_fw-la but_o time_n can_v to_o this_o day_n boast_v of_o a_o triumph_n over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n though_o no_o nation_n no_o family_n in_o the_o earth_n can_v ever_o plead_v antiquity_n with_o she_o this_o be_v that_o interest_n which_o have_v bear_v out_o all_o these_o great_a revolution_n that_o so_o oft_o change_v the_o very_a face_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o have_v outlive_v so_o many_o kingdom_n and_o succession_n thereof_o 4._o it_o do_v convince_o demonstrat_fw-la the_o truth_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o church_n preservation_n that_o the_o world_n yea_o great_a atheist_n may_v see_v this_o have_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v at_o a_o adventure_n nay_o not_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o providence_n but_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n most_o discernible_a therein_o while_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a 1._o that_o no_o interest_n or_o party_n have_v ever_o such_o adversary_n as_o the_o church_n against_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n have_v always_o be_v on_o foot_n 2._o that_o outward_a advantage_n have_v usual_o be_v on_o her_o adversary_n side_n not_o only_a 〈◊〉_d great_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o these_o of_o great_a part_n an●●●ilities_n 3._o that_o there_o will_v be_v never_o want_v to_o their_o power_n and_o their_o design_n no_o less_o than_o to_o raze_v she_o to_o the_o foundation_n 4._o that_o this_o enimity_n have_v be_v root_v and_o irreconciliable_a which_o time_n to_o this_o day_n can_v never_o take_v up_o 5._o that_o no_o interest_n do_v ever_o endure_v such_o violent_a assault_n so_o many_o sharp_a battery_n for_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o most_o of_o the_o war_n and_o commotion_n of_o every_o age_n have_v be_v some_o way_n state_v on_o the_o church_n account_n and_o what_o ever_o private_a quarrel_n man_n have_v have_v among_o themselves_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o hinder_v the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o malice_n against_o the_o woman_n and_o her_o seed_n 6._o that_o such_o who_o have_v come_v out_o of_o her_o bowel_n even_o the_o man_n of_o her_o own_o house_n have_v oft_o be_v her_o great_a enemy_n and_o lyen_fw-we in_o wait_n to_o take_v she_o at_o a_o advantage_n in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o halt_n 7._o that_o her_o real_a friend_n have_v oft_o faint_v in_o a_o time_n of_o she_o straight_o and_o stand_v afar_o off_o yea_o almost_o none_o of_o the_o child_n which_o she_o have_v bring_v forth_o have_v be_v then_o find_v to_o take_v she_o by_o the_o hand_n 8._o that_o the_o depth_n of_o satan_n in_o her_o enemy_n as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n have_v sometime_o give_v she_o a_o sore_a assault_n so_o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a and_o ordinary_a midse_n can_v have_v reach_v their_o end_n
this_o truth_n may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la not_o only_o from_o the_o real_a conquest_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o excellent_a trophy_n of_o her_o victory_n over_o many_o note_a enemy_n who_o have_v after_o be_v vessel_n of_o honour_n but_o also_o from_o the_o feign_a subjection_n that_o so_o many_o have_v be_v make_v to_o render_v be_v it_o not_o strange_a what_o a_o multitude_n do_v in_o these_o time_n profess_v the_o truth_n and_o yet_o hate_v it_o and_o be_v never_o draw_v with_o the_o cord_n of_o love_n how_o very_o many_o have_v court_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o woo_v the_o shadow_n of_o religion_n who_o never_o know_v the_o truth_n thereof_o which_o certain_o be_v a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n conquest_n that_o so_o many_o knee_n shall_v bow_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n who_o heart_n be_v never_o bow_v or_o real_o subdue_v to_o he_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a proof_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o we_o see_v the_o church_n increase_v &_o enlargement_n have_v come_v to_o pass_v most_o punctual_o after_o that_o manner_n yea_o with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n as_o be_v fortolde_v and_o promise_v so_o that_o the_o event_n do_v in_o every_o thing_n answer_v the_o word_n for_o first_o it_o be_v there_o hold_v out_o that_o from_o a_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n which_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o despise_v it_o shall_v grow_v up_o as_o a_o tender_a plant_n and_o spread_v forth_o its_o branch_n over_o the_o nation_n that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o desolat_a shall_v be_v more_o than_o of_o the_o marry_a wife_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o first_o &_o o_o have_v it_o not_o according_o come_v to_o pass_n 2._o this_o great_a increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o christ_n shall_v be_v lift_v up_o that_o then_o he_o shall_v draw_v all_o man_n after_o he_o for_o these_o promise_n we_o have_v thereof_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v clear_o point_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o do_v not_o the_o event_n here_o according_o answer_a 3._o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o that_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o gentiles_n and_o that_o their_o rejection_n shall_v make_v way_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n even_o the_o ingather_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o do_v not_o man_n see_v the_o event_n with_o this_o very_a circumstance_n 4._o we_o find_v the_o isle_n and_o outmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o foretell_v as_o a_o special_a part_n of_o the_o church_n increase_n and_o do_v we_o not_o clear_o see_v there_o be_v no_o place_n of_o the_o world_n where_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v more_o visible_a where_o more_o child_n have_v be_v beget_v to_o he_o by_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v say_v then_o in_o these_o northern_a place_n even_o in_o these_o isle_n of_o britain_n &_o ireland_n which_o be_v almost_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o little_a from_o that_o airth_n and_o near_o the_o pole_n which_o be_v inhabit_v yea_o we_o may_v judge_v have_v be_v that_o thule_n whereof_o the_o ancient_n do_v so_o much_o speak_v 5._o be_v it_o not_o also_o foretell_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o her_o enemy_n at_o who_o great_a increase_n the_o world_n shall_v wonder_v the_o prince_n thereof_o see_v and_o be_v trouble_v while_n god_n be_v know_v in_o her_o palace_n for_o a_o refuge_n and_o do_v not_o the_o event_n witness_v this_o that_o over_o all_o these_o counsel_n and_o essay_n which_o the_o world_n have_v have_v to_o hinder_v the_o church_n growth_n her_o rise_n have_v always_o be_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o her_o great_a enemy_n yea_o these_o who_o have_v be_v a_o terror_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n do_v oft_o fall_v and_o break_v themselves_o in_o that_o attempt_n can_v man_n deny_v the_o marvellous_a progress_n of_o the_o church_n how_o from_o a_o small_a beginning_n she_o at_o last_o possess_v the_o gate_n of_o both_o the_o east_n and_o western_a empire_n her_o old_a enemy_n and_o do_v we_o not_o this_o day_n see_v her_o conquest_n advance_v on_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichrist_n her_o last_o and_o great_a adversary_n 5._o as_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n anent_o the_o church_n increase_n be_v undeniable_a since_o man_n can_v contradict_v their_o sense_n therein_o we_o must_v also_o say_v this_o be_v a_o thing_n great_a and_o marvellous_a which_o no_o less_o than_o some_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n can_v bring_v about_o if_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o quick_a dispatch_n which_o the_o church_n growth_n under_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v make_v o_o may_v not_o the_o pagan_a world_n wonder_v how_o in_o the_o space_n of_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n it_o be_v almost_o become_v whole_o christian_n o_o strange_a a_o dioclesian_n &_o maximus_n so_o grievous_o persecute_v and_o trample_v on_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christianity_n &_o yet_o near_o that_o same_o age_n this_o great_a roman_a empire_n and_o emperor_n submit_v to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n 2._o how_o astonish_v be_v it_o for_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o increase_v to_o be_v bring_v about_o upon_o the_o ruin_n and_o dounfal_n of_o the_o idol_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o have_v their_o temple_n and_o be_v worship_v as_o god_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o renounce_v its_o bible_n and_o that_o religion_n which_o for_o so_o many_o age_n be_v deep_o root_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n these_o altar_n which_o be_v have_v in_o such_o reverence_n demolish_a and_o their_o temple_n make_v a_o ruinous_a heap_n yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o their_o god_n shall_v be_v thus_o obliterat_fw-la be_v not_o this_o indeed_o very_o wonderful_a but_o dagon_n have_v no_o strength_n to_o stand_v before_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n 3._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o advance_v by_o such_o a_o mean_a as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n even_o of_o that_o which_o to_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n how_o this_o voice_n shall_v put_v to_o perpetual_a silence_n these_o oracle_n that_o for_o so_o many_o age_n have_v give_v a_o response_n to_o the_o world_n may_v be_v indeed_o astonish_v yea_o that_o the_o church_n increase_v shall_v thus_o be_v bring_v about_o at_o no_o less_o rate_n than_o the_o overturning_a of_o great_a kingdom_n the_o conversion_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n shall_v tame_v and_o civilize_v the_o most_o savage_a and_o barbarous_a cause_n the_o lion_n to_o lie_v down_o with_o the_o lamb_n and_o even_o make_v so_o great_a and_o universal_a a_o change_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universe_n 4._o do_v it_o not_o speak_v forth_o some_o divine_a power_n the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o church_n growth_n and_o increase_v not_o only_o over_o the_o violence_n of_o man_n but_o over_o all_o these_o dreadful_a error_n and_o invention_n these_o thick_a mist_n which_o both_o in_o former_a and_o late_a time_n have_v ascend_v out_o of_o the_o pit_n to_o choke_v she_o that_o we_o may_v say_v the_o church_n have_v not_o only_o be_v help_v to_o tread_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o dragon_n but_o ou_fw-fr the_o adder_n and_o cockatrice_n also_o and_o do_v carry_v the_o trophy_n of_o her_o conquest_n over_o all_o these_o at_o this_o day_n 5._o i_o will_v add_v be_v it_o not_o marvellous_a how_o the_o church_n increase_v have_v be_v advance_v in_o a_o way_n most_o contrare_fw-la to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o ordinary_a policy_n by_o which_o state_n and_o empire_n have_v rise_v not_o by_o dissimulation_n but_o great_a plain_n and_o free_a deal_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n do_v never_o flatter_v the_o world_n to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n not_o by_o open_a violence_n but_o a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n &_o power_n before_o which_o man_n can_v not_o stand_v where_o foolishness_n be_v make_v to_o confound_v and_o outwit_v humane_a wisdom_n and_o weakness_n to_o overcome_v strength_n that_o we_o may_v say_v o_o how_o little_a of_o man_n and_o much_o of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v see_v therein_o third_z promise_v which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o word_n be_v the_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n &_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v there_o express_o hold_v forth_o &_o promise_v zach._n 12_o 10._o joh._n 14_o 17._o ps_n 59_o 21._o and_o do_v concern_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n though_o in_o a_o more_o full_a measure_n to_o be_v let_v out_o in_o the_o day_n of_o
enchantment_n have_v fall_v on_o man_n what_o that_o can_v be_v which_o the_o more_o they_o seek_v to_o bear_v down_o the_o more_o it_o increase_v that_o make_v the_o rich_a choose_v poverty_n and_o these_o who_o dwell_v in_o palace_n take_v themselves_o with_o chearfulnes_n to_o the_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o in_o a_o large_a measure_n the_o spirit_n have_v be_v let_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n in_o after_o age_n yea_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n where_o the_o light_n have_v shine_v but_o have_v have_v its_o special_a time_n some_o solemn_a day_n of_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n before_o the_o sun_n go_v down_o which_o may_v be_v observe_v either_o at_o the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o at_o some_o other_o remarkable_a time_n and_o change_v of_o her_o condition_n whence_o a_o great_a tack_n of_o soul_n to_o christ_n have_v follow_v in_o a_o day_n wherein_o a_o effectual_a door_n be_v open_v beside_o the_o reach_a of_o the_o conscience_n and_o stir_v the_o affection_n of_o many_o other_o under_o a_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o usual_o go_v along_o with_o such_o solemn_a time_n 6_o the_o go_v back_o of_o the_o tide_n and_o visible_a withdraw_v of_o the_o spirit_n from_o particular_a church_n where_o it_o have_v sometime_o in_o a_o large_a measure_n be_v let_v forth_o be_v a_o very_a convince_a witness_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o promise_n for_o it_o be_v clear_o see_v at_o what_o a_o stand_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o these_o place_n where_o it_o most_o eminent_o shine_v that_o the_o land_n which_o blossom_v and_o be_v like_o a_o water_a garden_n have_v be_v make_v as_o the_o heath_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o rain_n be_v withdraw_v and_o then_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o lot_n have_v fall_v in_o such_o a_o time_n be_v put_v to_o very_o sore_a work_n to_o work_v as_o it_o be_v with_o oar_n for_o want_n of_o wound_n to_o cast_v out_o the_o net_n all_o night_n and_o catch_v nothing_o a_o shut_v door_n be_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n duty_n be_v make_v lurthensome_a because_o the_o lord_n be_v against_o they_o there_o be_v a_o evident_a restraint_n upon_o the_o word_n and_o its_o intercourse_n be_v more_o with_o the_o ear_n then_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o any_o liberty_n they_o find_v be_v to_o execut_v a_o commission_n of_o judgement_n and_o to_o denounce_v the_o woe_n of_o the_o gospel_n o_o do_v not_o so_o manifest_a withdraw_a of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v the_o outletting_n thereof_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o real_a thing_n 7._o do_v not_o the_o stir_n and_o strange_a conviction_n which_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v sometime_o under_o the_o word_n witness_v a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o power_n go_v along_o therewith_o that_o which_o force_v a_o assent_n from_o their_o conscience_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o otherways_o they_o hate_v yea_o make_v they_o for_o the_o time_n wonder_v they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v more_o serious_a in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n yea_o it_o do_v often_o put_v a_o thorn_n in_o the_o bed_n of_o their_o security_n for_o indeed_o the_o word_n and_o the_o light_n thereof_o do_v torment_v these_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n which_o win_v in_o uponm_fw-la mens_fw-la secret_a design_n and_o counsel_n do_v reveal_v to_o they_o the_o most_o close_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o they_o be_v sure_a man_n eye_n can_v not_o reach_v take_v they_o down_o through_o themselves_o and_o yet_o that_o the_o world_n know_v not_o whence_o it_o be_v yea_o be_v they_o not_o force_v to_o confess_v what_o a_o great_a difference_n they_o find_v betwixt_o the_o word_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o some_o who_o be_v holy_a and_o serious_a though_o hold_v out_o in_o great_a simplicity_n then_o from_o other_o even_o of_o great_a gift_n and_o accompany_v with_o more_o show_n of_o eloquence_n that_o sure_o the_o one_o have_v a_o other_o sound_n and_o relish_v speak_v more_o feel_o home_v to_o their_o heart_n than_o the_o most_o polish_a discourse_n of_o great_a orator_n 8._o one_o witness_n more_o i_o shall_v here_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o promise_n even_o these_o eminent_a example_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o in_o every_o age_n have_v shine_v in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n some_o in_o love_n and_o zeal_n some_o in_o patience_n and_o humility_n some_o in_o the_o strong_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o self-denial_n which_o do_v certain_o demonstrat_fw-la a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n then_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n whence_o they_o appear_v with_o another_o lustre_n in_o their_o walk_n and_o carriage_n and_o have_v a_o sweet_a and_o fragrant_a savour_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o very_o discern_v of_o bystander_n which_o true_o show_v that_o his_o wind_n do_v blow_v on_o his_o garden_n when_o the_o spice_n send_v forth_o so_o pleasant_a a_o scent_n four_o we_o find_v a_o express_a promise_n in_o the_o word_n of_o deliverance_n to_o the_o church_n ●n_v a_o low_a and_o oppress_a condition_n that_o sure_o the_o lord_n will_v plead_v her_o cause_n will_v deliver_v his_o people_n when_o he_o see_v their_o strength_n be_v go_v and_o save_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n ps_n 18_o 47_o 48_o 50._o ps_n 22_o 4_o 5._o be_v 54_o 17._o be_v 51_o 23._o it_o be_v true_a this_o promise_n have_v its_o bound_n limit_n and_o provision_n which_o shall_v be_v take_v along_o in_o the_o application_n thereof_o we_o know_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o particular_a church_n be_v conditional_a only_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o while_o they_o be_v with_o he_o yea_o it_o be_v oft_o see_v and_o there_o be_v no_o jar_n here_o with_o this_o promise_n that_o a_o people_n profess_v the_o gospel_n confederate_a with_o god_n follow_v duty_n have_v even_o turn_v their_o back_n before_o the_o enemy_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v for_o a_o time_n be_v give_v up_o to_o their_o fierce_a rage_n and_o violence_n but_o it_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o this_o promise_n have_v a_o accomplishment_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o church_n straight_o the_o lord_n have_v oft_o appear_v by_o a_o strong_a outstretch_a hand_n for_o her_o help_n his_o own_o arm_n bring_v salvation_n to_o his_o people_n when_o they_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o god_n be_v know_v in_o her_o palace_n for_o a_o refuge_n yea_o sure_o the_o church_n may_v oft_o sing_v that_o song_n on_o such_o clear_a ground_n as_o though_o with_o israel_n she_o have_v be_v stand_v at_o the_o red_a sea_n thy_o right_a hand_n o_o lord_n be_v full_a of_o power_n thy_o right_a hand_n have_v dash_v in_o piece_n thy_o enemy_n for_o what_o nation_n or_o people_n be_v like_o this_o to_o who_o he_o have_v show_v such_o marvellous_a thing_n now_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o his_o promise_n i_o will_v offer_v some_o few_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o most_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a witness_n thereto_o 1._o there_o be_v few_o age_n but_z we_o have_v some_o record_n of_o the_o church_n condition_n which_o hold_v forth_o such_o signal_n convince_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o oppress_a church_n and_o people_n as_o may_v be_v a_o manifest_a seal_n to_o this_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a some_o time_n have_v be_v more_o remarkable_a for_o suffer_v time_n of_o judgement_n &_o of_o a_o grow_a trial_n wherein_o this_o truth_n have_v not_o so_o clear_o shine_v forth_o yea_o that_o long_a night_n which_o the_o church_n have_v under_o antichrist_n may_v seem_v to_o call_v it_o in_o question_n but_o never_o the_o less_o if_o man_n take_v a_o serious_a look_n of_o the_o lord_n way_n and_o series_n of_o providence_n in_o age_n past_a compare_v one_o time_n with_o another_o what_o the_o strait_n and_o most_o extreme_a case_n of_o the_o church_n have_v at_o last_o resolve_v in_o they_o will_v find_v cause_n to_o cry_v with_o astonishment_n great_a deliverance_n give_v he_o to_o his_o people_n yea_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v gteat_fw-la thing_n for_o they_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v a_o full_a record_n with_o that_o true_a account_n which_o may_v be_v give_v of_o these_o more_o remarkable_a deliurance_n that_o particular_a church_n have_v meet_v with_o since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o wherein_o god_n very_o immediate_a hand_n for_o their_o help_n have_v be_v discernible_a it_o shall_v nonplus_n the_o world_n and_o great_a atheist_n anent_o the_o real_a outmaking_n of_o this_o promise_n 2._o the_o confession_n even_o
undoubted_a ●e●dency_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o church_n good_a as_o though_o they_o ●d_a intentional_o act_v for_o the_o same_o there_o will_v indeed_o one_o day_n be_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o marvellous_a discovery_n of_o this_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v perfect_v his_o work_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v finish_v the_o church_n bring_v safe_a to_o the_o harbour_n then_o shall_v it_o be_v full_o manifest_a to_o what_o end_n all_o these_o storm●s_n and_o cross_a wind_n in_o the_o counsel_n and_o design_n of_o man_n we_o these_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o time_n can_v not_o be_v understand_v but_o seem_v perplex_v and_o strange_a do_v real_o work_v forth_o church_n good_a for_o then_o man_n will_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n afull_a performance_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o we_o must_v say_v even_o here_o in_o every_o age_n amid_o the_o various_a change_n of_o the_o church_n case_n this_o have_v so_o clear_a a_o outmaking_n that_o there_o be_v no_o serious_a observer_n of_o providence_n but_o may_v bear_v winess_n to_o it_o 1._o that_o not_o only_o the_o church_n good_a but_o ever_o her_o great_a good_a have_v most_o clear_o have_v its_o rise_n and_o be_v bring_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o hurt_v intend_v against_o she_o that_o if_o we_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v turn_v over_o these_o after_o record_n of_o the_o church_n condition_n we_o shall_v there_o find_v the_o most_o remarkable_a attempt_n and_o plot_n such_o as_o pharaoh_n last_o essay_n to_o destroy_v the_o isiaelite_n haman_n great_a design_n to_o root_v out_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o great_a masterplot_n satan_n once_o have_v on_o ●oot_n to_o crush_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o crucify_a her_o head_n yea_o in_o these_o last_o time_n antichrist_n kill_v the_o witness_n have_v all_o as_o if_o real_o intend_v by_o the_o instrument_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o mover_n bring_v forth_o the_o church_n great_a good_a so_o as_o the_o after-mercy_n and_o outgate_v have_v carry_v some_o visible_a proportion_n to_o her_o trial_n and_o to_o the_o greatness_n of_o her_o adversary_n design_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o clear_a if_o we_o but_o trace_v back_o these_o memorable_a changes●_n which_o have_v be_v up_o and_o down_o the_o earth_n how_o direct_a a_o tendency_n they_o have_v have_v to_o this_o end_n do_v not_o the_o bring_n down_o that_o great_a image_n of_o the_o monarchy_n witness_v this_o we_o find_v nebuchadnezar_n raise_v up_o as_o a_o rod_n to_o the_o church_n and_o cyrus_n for_o a_o deliverer_n we_o may_v see_v the_o persian_a and_o grecian_a monarchy_n bring_v down_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o messiah_n his_o kingdom_n antiochus_n must_v stand_v up_o a_o little_a for_o a_o sharp_a trial_n and_o his_o downfall_n give_v the_o church_n a_o new_a breathe_n and_o hold_v forth_o to_o after_o age_n a_o remarkable_a monument_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o his_o enemy_n peaceable_a augustus_n most_o try_v with_o his_o time_n in_o who_o day_n shall_v be_v abundance_n of_o peace_n we_o find_v a_o titus_n set_v up_o to_o execute_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n on_o the_o jew_n to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o further_a enlargement_n to_o the_o ●gentil_a church_n a_o nero_n and_o domitian_n to_o help_v forward_o the_o church_n suffering_n and_o a_o constantine_n to_o give_v she_o some_o rest_n after_o so_o long_o and_o sore_o a_o assault_n and_o at_o last_o the_o roman_a empire_n moulder_a down_o for_o antichrist_n upsetting_n to_o accomplish_v what_o do_v remain_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n by_o that_o adversary_n 3._o we_o may_v oft_o see_v a_o very_a strange_a tryst_n and_o concurrence_n of_o thing_n how_o instrument_n act_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o lord_n end_n and_o advance_v his_o church_n interest_n even_o while_o each_o one_o do_v most_o vigorous_o drive_v their_o own_o proper_a end_n and_o design_n which_o show_v there_o be_v sure_o a_o live_a spirit_n in_o the_o wheel_n that_o order_v these_o motion_n a_o supreme_a and_o first_o mover_n that_o can_v thus_o determine_v they_o whither_o they_o will_v or_o not_o to_o serve_v his_o end_n and_o the_o church_n good_a when_o they_o most_o direct_o intend_v the_o contrary_n 4._o we_o have_v see_v how_o in_o man_n plot_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v oft_o a_o unseen_a hand_n determine_v their_o judgement_n and_o inclination_n to_o fall_v upon_o that_o very_a way_n than_o which_o we_o will_v think_v nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o direct_a for_o her_o good_a and_o their_o own_o ruin_n how_o a_o hushai_n have_v be_v send_v in_o or_o some_o have_v be_v stir_v up_o among_o themselves_o upon_o their_o own_o interest_n to_o break_v the_o pernicious_a counsel_n and_o design_n of_o other_o 5._o we_o have_v also_o see_v the_o personal_a quarrel_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n among_o themselves_o bring_v to_o such_o a_o height_n and_o to_o try_v so_o seasonable_o that_o onlooker_n might_n clear_o perceive_v that_o it_o have_v be_v from_o the_o lord_n a_o judgement_n for_o their_o rage_n and_o violence_n against_o his_o poor_a oppress_a people_n 6._o we_o have_v see_v the_o church_n enemy_n raise_v to_o a_o strange_a height_n all_o advantage_n favour_v they_o until_o their_o plot_n and_o i_o have_v be_v ripe_a for_o spring_v and_o lo_o at_o that_o very_o choke_v something_o unexpected_a have_v fall_v out_o which_o do_v turn_v their_o former_a success_n to_o their_o further_a ruin_n yea_o disappoint_v all_o this_o the_o world_n be_v ready_a to_o call_v some_o fata_fw-la and_o malevolent_a conjunction_n which_o can_v be_v resist_v and_o what_o be_v this_o in_o effect_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n conscience_n to_o a_o divine_a hand_n 7._o have_v we_o not_o see_v some_o sore_a dash_n and_o overthrow_v in_o the_o church_n bring_v forth_o her_o good_a and_o a_o more_o full_a victory_n when_o visible_a help_n and_o mean_n have_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o something_o above_o mean_n may_v be_v see_v in_o her_o condition_n even_o in_o that_o day_n when_o all_o have_v be_v give_v for_o lose_v yea_o truth_n lose_v the_o day_n upon_o the_o field_n bring_v forth_o her_o triumph_n on_o the_o scaffold_n and_o at_o the_o stake_n 8._o we_o have_v see_v most_o despicable_a and_o ordinary_a thing_n make_v subservient_fw-fr for_o some_o great_a piece_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n make_v the_o first_o rise_v of_o strange_a revolution_n that_o remarkable_a change_n have_v be_v oft_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o common_a providence_n yea_o true_o we_o find_v both_o scripture_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o after_o age_n witness_v that_o the_o church_n deliverance_n and_o outgate_v do_v almost_o never_o come_v that_o way_n by_o such_o a_o method_n and_o mean_n as_o she_o have_v most_o expect_v the_o same_o and_o that_o god_n time_n of_o work_v may_v be_v oft_o very_o contrary_a to_o our_o time_n of_o expect_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v be_v it_o not_o oft_o see_v which_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o age_n can_v witness_v how_o man_n endeavour_n to_o darken_v the_o truth_n by_o error_n have_v be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n for_o its_o further_a clear_n that_o the_o grow_a of_o a_o trial_n a_o violent_a and_o sore_o exact_v upon_o the_o church_n have_v kind_o wrought_v towards_o her_o outgate_n and_o enlargement_n her_o meat_n have_v be_v oft_o bring_v even_o out_o of_o the_o eater_n by_o midse_n most_o destructive_a thereto_o and_o a_o sword_n must_v pierce_v the_o church_n heart_n that_o the_o thought_n of_o many_o may_v be_v discover_v a_o time_n of_o persecution_n must_v help_v to_o cure_v the_o division_n among_o the_o godly_a and_o bring_v they_o together_o in_o the_o furnace_n which_o prosperity_n can_v not_o do_v yea_o it_o be_v oft_o see_v which_o former_a age_n can_v also_o witness_n that_o the_o very_a undo_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v god_n bless_a way_n to_o keep_v she_o from_o be_v undo_v the_o second_o branch_n do_v concern_v these_o scripture_n threaten_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n with_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o against_o a_o people_n profess_v the_o gospel_n that_o no_o privilege_n they_o have_v above_o other_o shall_v exeem_v they_o from_o judgement_n yea_o and_o from_o very_o sad_a stroke_n he_o have_v know_v they_o above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n he_o will_v contend_v with_o they_o most_o severe_o because_o of_o sin_n and_o such_o particular_a evil_n as_o we_o find_v the_o word_n threaten_v i_o touch_v a_o little_a some_o scripture-threatening_n in_o the_o precede_a argument_n as_o concern_v christian_n in_o their_o private_a experience_n what_o i_o here_o intend_v be_v to_o point_v at_o this_o truth_n as_o it_o
from_o heaven_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n do_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o man_n which_o in_o these_o day_n be_v most_o notour_n and_o famous_a but_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v produce_v one_o contradictory_n testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o relation_n by_o any_o adversary_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o at_o that_o time_n or_o since_o sure_o the_o world_n want_v no_o malice_n and_o these_o great_a thing_n be_v air_o publish_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n while_o much_o of_o that_o generation_n be_v alive_a yet_o it_o be_v clear_a though_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o concernment_n which_o make_v then_o so_o great_a a_o noise_n and_o be_v at_o that_o time_n put_v the_o earth_n all_o in_o a_o flame_n none_o be_v find_v either_o among_o jew_n or_o gentiles_n who_o can_v or_o dare_v put_v forth_o a_o manifesto_fw-la to_o discover_v the_o least_o cheat_n or_o falsehood_n in_o these_o thing_n attest_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n 4._o what_o ever_o different_a party_n and_o sect_n do_v break_v up_o with_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n to_o opppse_v the_o truth_n in_o other_o thing_n yet_o in_o this_o they_o have_v all_o one_o consent_n that_o he_o who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o christ_n which_o true_o do_v witness_v the_o clear_a irresistible_a manifestation_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o these_o time_n since_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v the_o least_o ground_n to_o challenge_v any_o imposture_n or_o deceit_n in_o this_o great_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a these_o bitter_a contention_n follow_v with_o such_o animosity_n and_o heat_n and_o irritation_n of_o these_o who_o the_o apostle_n and_o church_n in_o that_o time_n do_v with_o much_o zeal_n and_o sharp_a censure_n pursue_v will_v have_v engage_v they_o to_o put_v all_o the_o disgrace_n upon_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o can_v if_o they_o may_v have_v have_v where_o to_o fasten_v their_o tooth_n i_o will_v further_a add_v that_o even_o the_o argument_n and_o objection_n which_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v ever_o bring_v to_o oppose_v the_o same_o be_v indeed_o a_o convince_a witness_n and_o confirmation_n and_o show_v how_o little_o they_o can_v any_o way_n say_v in_o give_v their_o malice_n a_o vent_n we_o find_v that_o absurd_a alledgeance_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o great_a work_v christ_n do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n be_v by_o steal_v the_o name_n jehovah_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n which_o they_o allege_v he_o sew_v up_o in_o his_o thigh_n which_o true_o need_v no_o further_a refutation_n but_o the_o recite_v therefore_o and_o here_o they_o be_v even_o force_v to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o relation_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o evangelist_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o find_v also_o these_o late_a atheist_n such_o as_o vanninus_fw-la cardan_n etc._n etc._n dare_v not_o challenge_v or_o debate_n only_o they_o will_v ascrive_v these_o great_a work_n which_o christ_n then_o wrought_v to_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n a_o challenge_n so_o absurd_a that_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o to_o relate_v it_o vii_o we_o have_v that_o remarkable_a prophecy_n of_o the_o incoming_a of_o the_o gentile_n a_o truth_n indeed_o great_a and_o marvellous_a which_o as_o it_o be_v express_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o be_v there_o mention_v be_v 54_o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o be_v 60_o ver_fw-la 3_o 9_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o clear_o now_o write_v forth_o in_o the_o event_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o great_a atheist_n can_v have_v no_o shift_n here_o that_o in_o this_o strange_a work_n of_o god_n about_o his_o church_n the_o scripture_n have_v a_o undeniable_a accomplishment_n now_o to_o clear_v this_o let_v we_o but_o consider_v 1._o that_o for_o many_o age_n this_o truth_n anent_o the_o incalling_a of_o the_o gentiles_n be_v seal_v up_o in_o a_o prophecy_n a_o thing_n so_o great_a and_o astonish_v to_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n that_o they_o can_v not_o well_o comprehend_v the_o same_o until_o once_o the_o event_n bring_v it_o forth_o for_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n how_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v fellow_n heir_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o christ_n than_o the_o bound_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o exceed_v judea_n that_o small_a enclosure_n while_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o do_v lie_v bury_v like_o a_o out_o field_n in_o dark_a paganism_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o most_o pleasant_a place_n of_o africa_n asia_n and_o europe_n where_o afterward_o many_o famous_a church_n be_v within_o these_o 1600_o year_n be_v but_o a_o savage_a wilderness_n britain_n germany_n and_o france_n do_v then_o worship_v the_o sun_n and_o star_n they_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_n yea_o these_o eastern_a part_n on_o which_o the_o sun_n do_v first_o rise_v do_v not_o then_o know_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n a_o truth_n which_o not_o only_o the_o roman_n and_o grecian_a history_n but_o the_o record_n of_o particular_a nation_n can_v clear_o attest_v 2._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o hold_v forth_o in_o a_o general_a but_o we_o find_v the_o time_n also_o prefix_v with_o other_o special_a circumstance_n when_o it_o shall_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o messiah_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v reveal_v to_o israel_n before_o which_o time_n a_o bar_n be_v draw_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o a_o wall_n of_o partition_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o church_n until_o he_o stand_v up_o who_o shall_v hold_v forth_o a_o ensign_n to_o the_o people_n and_o gather_v the_o gentiles_n under_o his_o standard_n which_o esay_n do_v clear_o show_v es_fw-ge 11_o v._n 10._o and_o 34_o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o and_o 60_o ver_fw-la 1_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o must_v the_o mountain_n flow_v down_o at_o his_o presence_n nation_n be_v bear_v at_o once_o yea_o the_o light_n break_v forth_o to_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n then_o shall_v the_o child_n of_o the_o desolate_a be_v more_o than_o of_o the_o marry_a wife_n when_o this_o time_n even_o the_o set_a time_n for_o the_o gentiles_n be_v once_o come_v and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o convince_a which_o be_v indeed_o observable_a that_o notwithstanding_o of_o a_o more_o flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o former_a age_n when_o her_o grandour_n and_o prosperity_n be_v more_o tempt_a and_o the_o neighbourhood_n and_o commerce_n which_o the_o nation_n about_o have_v with_o that_o people_n yea_o though_o by_o the_o captivity_n they_o be_v scatter_v among_o the_o persian_n and_o babylonian_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o stir_n or_o change_v of_o the_o world_n until_o the_o appoint_a time_n once_o come_v 3._o it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o prove_v the_o event_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o its_o manifest_a accomplishment_n even_o at_o the_o time_n thereof_o for_o this_o man_n can_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v visit_v the_o gentile_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n which_o then_o cause_v such_o a_o change_n in_o the_o earth_n as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o have_v be_v bring_v from_o heathenish_a idolatry_n to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o such_o who_o once_o be_v stranger_n and_o alien_n now_o make_v to_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n thereof_o of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n sure_o this_o truth_n need_v not_o want_v a_o witness_v while_o nation_n and_o much_o of_o the_o know_a world_n have_v be_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n be_v a_o visible_a proof_n thereof_o a_o truth_n of_o such_o concernment_n that_o in_o former_a age_n make_v a_o great_a and_o stupendous_a change_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o not_o only_o a_o innumerable_a company_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n but_o the_o generality_n the_o very_a complex_fw-la body_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n can_v bear_v witness_v thereto_o now_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v through_o much_o of_o the_o world_n yea_o we_o may_v say_v few_o part_n thereof_o where_o there_o have_v not_o be_v some_o face_n of_o a_o church_n though_o the_o promise_n have_v not_o yet_o have_v its_o full_a accomplishment_n but_o we_o wait_v for_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n a_o more_o flourish_a time_n and_o great_a harvest_n among_o the_o nation_n when_o israel_n shall_v be_v gather_v how_o ever_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o lord_n have_v in_o a_o great_a part_n fulfil_v this_o his_o promise_n so_o that_o the_o church_n may_v then_o with_o astonishment_n cry_v out_o who_o have_v beget_v all_o these_o
child_n who_o be_v these_o that_o flee_v as_o a_o cloud_n like_o the_o dove_n to_o their_o window_n o_o bless_a day_n in_o which_o the_o light_n do_v first_o break_v up_o on_o the_o poor_a offspring_n of_o japhet_n who_o then_o dwell_v in_o the_o shadow_n and_o region_n of_o death_n o_o bless_a day_n that_o bring_v salvation_n with_o it_o to_o the_o gentiles_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v visit_v these_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n i_o think_v the_o sense_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n shall_v never_o let_v we_o want_v a_o errant_a for_o give_v thanks_o yea_o put_v much_o to_o silence_v our_o other_o complaint_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o also_o clear_a that_o not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o time_n but_o these_o very_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o esai_n and_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v particular_o point_v at_o this_o promise_n have_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n for_o it_o be_v this_o day_n manifest_v the_o isle_n which_o we_o find_v so_o frequent_o mention_v that_o these_o shall_v wait_v for_o his_o law_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n whence_o he_o shall_v bring_v th●_n daughter_n of_o his_o disperse_a may_v have_v a_o clear_a commentar_n upon_o the_o same_o from_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v to_o britain_n and_o ireland_n with_o other_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n yea_o have_v not_o the_o aethiopian_n be_v make_v to_o stretch_v out_o their_o hand_n even_o in_o these_o sunburn_a place_n of_o africa_n have_v not_o christ_n also_o have_v a_o conquest_n where_o many_o a_o black_a moor_n be_v through_o grace_n make_v as_o the_o snow_n of_o salmon_n and_o the_o feather_n of_o a_o dove_n so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a how_o these_o particular_a place_n which_o be_v so_o oft_o point_v at_o by_o the_o prophet_n have_v be_v visit_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o fall_v to_o the_o share_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o this_o change_n which_o by_o the_o incoming_a of_o the_o gentiles_n to_o the_o church_n be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o great_a and_o astonish_v that_o be_v it_o still_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o this_o not_o yet_o fulfil_v it_o will_v true_o stagger_v our_o faith_n how_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o miracle_n that_o the_o world_n can_v possible_o deny_v even_o this_o great_a work_n of_o god_n in_o bring_v of_o the_o gentiles_n which_o without_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n can_v not_o be_v effectuate_v if_o man_n will_v consider_v first_o that_o swift_a progress_n which_o then_o the_o gospel_n have_v how_o it_o do_v run_v and_o be_v glorify_v through_o the_o further_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o like_o a_o ligtning_n break_v forth_o from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o so_o that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o scripture_n do_v show_v how_o most_o of_o the_o conspicuous_a province_n of_o asia_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o tertullian_n who_o live_v in_o the_o second_o century_n in_o his_o book_n contra_fw-la judaos_n do_v there_o witness_v how_o many_o nation_n and_o these_o most_o remote_a from_o other_o parthian_n mede_n armenia_n phrygia_n cappadocia_n pontus_n and_o pamphilia_n with_o much_o of_o egypt_n and_o diverse_a part_n of_o africa_n beside_o rome_n spain_n and_o other_o place_n of_o europe_n be_v in_o his_o time_n almost_o whole_o christian_n for_o it_o be_v indeed_o clear_a that_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n be_v then_o of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o it_o be_v now_o at_o this_o day_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o undeniable_a that_o in_o this_o solemn_a day_n of_o the_o gospel_n spread_v among_o the_o nation_n suffer_v and_o persecution_n do_v all_o that_o time_n attend_v the_o church_n yea_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n that_o as_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o time_n do_v witness_v neither_o famine_n pestilence_n nor_o the_o sword_n do_v destroy_v so_o many_o of_o the_o world_n as_o then_o be_v of_o christian_n in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n put_v to_o death_n for_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o great_a work_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o swift_a spread_n of_o the_o church_n be_v most_o discernible_a in_o these_o time_n of_o hot_a persecution_n yea_o then_o be_v she_o most_o effectual_a growth_n and_o increase_v which_o upon_o she_o get_v some_o rest_n and_o beginning_n to_o flourish_v with_o external_a peace_n be_v at_o a_o visible_a stand_n 3_o how_o marvellous_a a_o thing_n be_v this_o to_o be_v bring_v about_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o many_o different_a language_n that_o do_v then_o stop_v correspondence_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o how_o can_v the_o truth_n thus_o spread_v among_o the_o nation_n yea_o in_o such_o remote_a place_n of_o the_o world_n church_n be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v and_o make_v legible_a to_o they_o without_o that_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o for_o that_o end_n be_v then_o give_v from_o the_o lord_n sure_o beside_o sacred_a authority_n anent_o this_o reason_n may_v convince_o witness_v to_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o miracle_n 4._o how_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a a_o change_n be_v this_o that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n the_o gospel_n shall_v thus_o enlighten_v and_o put_v such_o a_o lustre_n on_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o savage_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o scarce_o humanity_n have_v be_v and_o bring_v they_o from_o the_o condition_n of_o beast_n to_o man_n shall_v thus_o tame_v and_o civilize_v the_o great_a barbarian_n and_o cause_v the_o lion_n to_o lie_v down_o with_o the_o lamb_n yea_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o that_o gospel_n and_o of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n which_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n so_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v not_o this_o indeed_o a_o miracle_n how_o in_o a_o mattet_n of_o such_o high_a concernment_n as_o that_o wherein_o man_n soul_n and_o everlasting_a interest_n lie_v they_o shall_v be_v turn_v off_o their_o old_a way_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o and_o their_o father_n have_v be_v so_o long_o root_v &_o that_o a_o little_a spark_n which_o do_v break_v up_o in_o judea_n shall_v bring_v down_o the_o idol_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o burn_v up_o their_o temple_n alace_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o a_o large_a heart_n of_o that_o primitive_a zeal_n and_o fervour_n this_o day_n among_o christian_n for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o church_n that_o such_o merchant_n be_v now_o rare_a who_o will_v venture_v out_o to_o trade_n with_o other_o part_n for_o this_o excellent_a ware_n the_o merchandise_n whereof_o be_v better_a than_o of_o gold_n o_o that_o in_o these_o part_n where_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v and_o profess_v the_o lord_n will_v raise_v up_o man_n of_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o such_o a_o magistrate_n who_o will_v make_v it_o their_o work_n and_o lay_v down_o solid_a ground_n how_o to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o reckon_v their_o interest_n in_o a_o foreign_a plantation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o less_o then_o on_o the_o account_n of_o trade_n we_o will_v pray_v and_o yet_o hope_v for_o this_o viii_o what_o we_o find_v foretell_v by_o daniel_n yea_o by_o christ_n himself_o anent_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o cease_v of_o the_o jewish_a daily_a sacrifice_n with_o the_o rejection_n of_o that_o people_n dan._n 12._o ver_fw-la 11._o matth._n 24_o ver_fw-la 2._o have_v many_o age_n pass_v come_v to_o pass_v wherein_o the_o world_n may_v see_v how_o clear_o the_o event_n do_v answer_v this_o prophecy_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o do_v need_v no_o other_o witness_n than_o the_o scatter_a remnant_n and_o desolate_a ruin_n of_o that_o once_o flourish_a church_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n at_o this_o day_n who_o present_a state_n be_v so_o great_a a_o monument_n of_o divine_a judgement_n so_o clear_a a_o witness_v to_o the_o scripture_n that_o i_o think_v man_n can_v look_v thereon_o if_o they_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n serious_a but_o must_v have_v such_o a_o conviction_n 2._o what_o have_v befall_v this_o people_n may_v it_o not_o be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o the_o world_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n a_o stroke_n that_o have_v put_v they_o in_o a_o more_o sad_a condition_n than_o any_o nation_n or_o people_n we_o ever_o yet_o hear_v of_o that_o have_v cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o land_n scatter_v they_o as_o vagabond_n through_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o these_o many_o age_n they_o have_v have_v no_o sceptre_n
church_n ruin_n and_o witness_v their_o detestation_n and_o grief_n for_o the_o grow_a apostasy_n of_o such_o time_n 3._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o as_o the_o prophecy_n do_v point_n at_o some_o more_o remarkable_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o meet_v with_o from_o antichrist_n beyond_o all_o it_o have_v endure_v from_o that_o adversary_n in_o former_a age_n yea_o a_o special_a permission_n from_o the_o lord_n to_o that_o party_n to_o vent_v their_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n against_o the_o saint_n which_o shall_v fall_v out_o after_o the_o witness_n finish_v their_o testimony_n who_o have_v so_o long_o in_o a_o abject_a low_a condition_n as_o in_o sackcloth_n prophesy_v yea_o when_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v at_o his_o height_n and_o his_o kingdom_n upon_o the_o turn_n that_o then_o must_v this_o remarkable_a kill_n of_o the_o witness_n be_v accomplish_v so_o likewise_o do_v the_o event_n convince_o verify_v the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o upon_o the_o close_a of_o antichrist_n reign_v while_o the_o truth_n begin_v to_o break_v up_o this_o sore_a storm_n of_o persecution_n beyond_o all_o that_o have_v be_v before_o do_v then_o break_v upon_o the_o church_n even_o in_o its_o bud_n forth_o that_o we_o may_v say_v that_o adversary_n do_v not_o only_o put_v forth_o the_o outmost_a of_o his_o power_n and_o rage_n against_o the_o saint_n but_o seem_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o bring_v his_o cruel_a design_n to_o pass_v which_o the_o dreadful_a massacre_n in_o france_n province_n and_o the_o valley_n of_o piedmont_n the_o sore_a and_o violent_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n through_o the_o netherlands_o under_o the_o duke_n of_o alba_n and_o in_o england_n by_o queen_n mary_n in_o germany_n after_o the_o defeat_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o saxony_n and_o landgrave_n of_o hesse_n can_v clear_o witness_v 4._o be_v it_o not_o also_o clear_a how_o this_o remarkable_a storm_n and_o cut_v down_o of_o the_o saint_n over_o who_o dead_a body_n their_o adversary_n do_v rejoice_v be_v according_a to_o this_o prophecy_n to_o be_v previous_a to_o some_o eminent_a enlargement_n and_o revive_v of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v according_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o event_n like_o a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o the_o world_n that_o immediate_o follow_v upon_o the_o back_n thereof_o so_o that_o when_o their_o enemy_n think_v they_o have_v gain_v their_o end_n as_o they_o do_v conclude_v by_o such_o persecution_n particular_o that_o french_a massacre_n that_o the_o protestant_a interest_n shall_v be_v quite_o ruin_v they_o be_v force_v to_o see_v their_o labour_n in_o vain_a and_o the_o church_n more_o eminent_o flourish_a after_o the_o same_o i_o shall_v but_o further_a add_v that_o antichrist_n have_v not_o only_o be_v reveal_v and_o his_o kingdom_n come_v to_o its_o height_n but_o it_o be_v clear_v this_o day_n that_o it_o be_v on_o the_o fall_a hand_n and_o his_o ruin_n be_v now_o begin_v upon_o which_o account_n we_o may_v say_v yea_o have_v cause_n to_o sing_v that_o the_o winter_n be_v past_a the_o fig_n tree_n put_v forth_o her_o leaf_n that_o show_v the_o summer_n approach_n yea_o the_o sing_n of_o bird_n be_v hear_v in_o our_o land_n let_v we_o go_v forth_o and_o meet_v he_o who_o be_v now_o go_v out_o as_o a_o mighty_a man_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o take_v the_o field_n against_o this_o great_a adversary_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o people_n on_o who_o side_n victory_n do_v sure_o wait_v ii_o what_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v accomplish_v have_v touch_v a_o little_a some_o of_o the_o most_o concern_v prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o under_o the_o new_a &_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v already_o fulfil_v and_o the_o truth_n thereof_o so_o clear_o write_v forth_o in_o the_o history_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o may_v say_v the_o most_o ordinary_a observer_n if_o they_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n can_v want_v a_o conviction_n thereof_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n point_n at_o that_o which_o yet_o remain_v of_o the_o prophetical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v accomplish_v these_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n in_o these_o last_o time_n whereby_o we_o may_v have_v a_o sure_a demonstration_n how_o far_o the_o night_n be_v spend_v and_o of_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o that_o bless_a day_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o this_o do_v finish_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o full_o perfect_v his_o work_n if_o once_o that_o which_o remain_v of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o word_n be_v fulfil_v there_o be_v these_o truth_n the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a warrant_n to_o expect_v before_o the_o end_n first_o the_o full_a ruin_n and_o downfall_n of_o babylon_n 2._o the_o conversion_n and_o incal_v of_o the_o jew_n to_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o a_o solemn_a day_n of_o the_o church_n flourish_a both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n which_o shall_v follow_v the_o outmaking_n of_o the_o former_a promise_n 4._o the_o fall_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o turkish_a empire_n that_o cruel_a party_n who_o have_v be_v raise_v up_o and_o establish_v for_o judgement_n with_o who_o the_o lord_n shall_v yet_o reckon_v for_o all_o that_o christian_a blood_n by_o they_o so_o unjust_o shed_v seem_v clear_o hold_v forth_o rev._n 16_o ver_fw-la 12._o 5._o we_o be_v also_o to_o expect_v after_o all_o these_o that_o full_a and_o last_o stroke_n upon_o gog_n and_o magog_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v then_o be_v finish_v and_o at_o a_o bless_a close_o i._o we_o have_v the_o full_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o antichrist_n and_o his_o kingdom_n clear_o prophesy_v and_o in_o very_o express_a term_n promise_v to_o the_o church_n 2_o thess_n 2_o ver_fw-la 2_o 8._o rev._n 16_o ver_fw-la 10_o &_o 17._o the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o we_o do_v yet_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n wait_v for_o that_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v or_o repent_v shall_v in_o due_a time_n assure_o bring_v about_o and_o that_o this_o day_n approach_v when_o that_o solemn_a cry_n shall_v be_v hear_v babylon_n be_v fall_v anent_o which_o we_o will_v consider_v 1._o that_o this_o judgement_n be_v already_o begin_v and_o the_o first_o step_n thereof_o visible_a be_v now_o clear_a wherein_o man_n may_v see_v the_o event_n most_o exact_o answer_v the_o prophecy_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v begin_v to_o consume_v antichrist_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o since_o the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o the_o light_n his_o kingdom_n have_v be_v moulder_v down_o before_o the_o word_n have_v not_o nation_n fall_v off_o at_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o preach_v gospel_n it_o be_v true_a the_o church_n want_v not_o sore_a conflict_n even_o under_o the_o vial_n and_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n way_n to_o try_v his_o people_n with_o such_o various_a uncertainty_n that_o when_o thing_n have_v be_v most_o promise_a another_o providence_n come_v like_o a_o cross_a wave_n which_o seem_v to_o drive_v they_o as_o far_o back_o as_o once_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v forward_o yet_o it_o be_v sure_a and_o shall_v be_v beyond_o debate_n that_o antichrist_n overthrow_n be_v upon_o a_o present_a advance_v and_o that_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o church_n deliverance_n be_v go_v fordward_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v salvation_n by_o christ_n upon_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v we_o not_o also_o with_o much_o assurance_n believe_v that_o antichrist_n wound_n be_v deadly_a and_o incurable_a which_o he_o have_v get_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o all_o the_o physician_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v never_o help_v 2._o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o signal_n act_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n on_o his_o church_n enemy_n one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o he_o have_v reserve_v for_o the_o last_o time_n wherein_o the_o appearance_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o great_a power_n shall_v be_v very_o manifest_a and_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v by_o this_o remarkable_a stroke_n that_o way_n shall_v be_v make_v for_o that_o glorious_a house_n which_o christ_n be_v to_o have_v for_o himself_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n which_o shall_v be_v build_v upon_o antichrist_n ruin_n when_o that_o new_a bride_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v be_v prepare_v for_o the_o marriage_n supper_n of_o the_o lamb._n 3._o though_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v on_o clear_a ground_n from_o the_o word_n the_o lord_n eminent_a appear_v by_o his_o immediate_a hand_n in_o this_o great_a work_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o convince_a in_o that_o day_n and_o witness_v a_o
that_o people_n have_v yet_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o christ_n 3._o we_o have_v much_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n that_o this_o day_n this_o great_a day_n of_o jezreel_n shall_v be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a and_o solemn_a time_n which_o will_v even_o cause_v astonishment_n to_o the_o nation_n about_o and_o make_v a_o wonderful_a change_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n a_o time_n of_o god_n eminent_a appearance_n for_o that_o people_n when_o his_o singular_a respect_n shall_v be_v as_o manifest_a as_o former_o his_o great_a displeasure_n and_o anger_n be_v a_o time_n on_o which_o many_o of_o the_o choice_a mercy_n of_o the_o church_n do_v certain_o wait_v the_o return_n of_o many_o prayer_n a_o large_a pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n even_o on_o the_o body_n of_o that_o people_n and_o all_o rank_n not_o only_o the_o family_n of_o david_n nathan_n and_o levi_n but_o also_o the_o family_n of_o shimei_n with_o a_o large_a outletting_n of_o gift_n yea_o such_o a_o time_n wherein_o the_o convert_v of_o israel_n shall_v then_o see_v and_o understand_v how_o far_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n do_v exceed_v that_o of_o the_o first_o and_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a conspicuous_a part_n of_o christ_n universal_a kingdom_n eminent_a for_o the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n to_o which_o other_o shall_v look_v as_o to_o a_o most_o choice_n and_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o a_o pure_o reform_v and_o glorious_a church_n 4._o beside_o the_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o be_v not_o like_a ma●_n to_o lie_v or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o repent_v there_o want_v not_o some_o very_a convince_a providence_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n anent_o this_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o this_o people_n be_v still_o keep_v by_o themselves_o amid_o all_o their_o scatter_n not_o mix_v or_o incorporat_a with_o other_o nation_n which_o be_v most_o usual_a through_o long_o converse_v that_o people_n of_o several_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v unite_v and_o join_v in_o one_o be_v not_o their_o great_a increase_n also_o remarkable_a what_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o eastern_a part_n yea_o through_o most_o of_o asia_n in_o africa_n and_o in_o these_o place_n of_o europe_n where_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v and_o all_o this_o time_n their_o land_n not_o possess_v but_o by_o a_o rabble_n of_o the_o turk_n under_o who_o yoke_n they_o groan_v and_o though_o the_o genealogy_n of_o particular_a family_n be_v at_o this_o day_n much_o lose_v yet_o there_o be_v still_o so_o much_o sure_a and_o evident_a as_o to_o the_o series_n and_o genealogy_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o do_v difference_n they_o from_o any_o other_o people_n 5._o it_o be_v true_a the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v silence_v all_o our_o thought_n how_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n shall_v be_v bring_v about_o yet_o we_o may_v judge_v that_o as_o a_o mean_a this_o shall_v eminent_o contribute_v to_o the_o same_o such_o a_o convince_a stroke_n upon_o antichrist_n which_o must_v go_v before_o their_o conversion_n wherein_o so_o manifest_a a_o appearance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v but_o then_o stare_v they_o in_o the_o face_n and_o with_o this_o the_o take_v away_o of_o that_o stumble_a block_n of_o idolatry_n which_o have_v so_o long_o help_v to_o harden_v they_o against_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o must_v shut_v up_o this_o with_o a_o sad_a regrate_a that_o while_o we_o have_v so_o clear_a a_o promise_n there_o be_v no_o more_o tender_a respect_n and_o further_a essay_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o that_o people_n who_o know_v what_o a_o blessing_n may_v attend_v the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n since_o this_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a duty_n and_o man_n know_v not_o when_o they_o sow_v the_o seed_n whither_o this_o or_o that_o shall_v prosper_v alace_o that_o the_o usual_a deportment_n of_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v do_v oft_o further_o help_v to_o heighten_v their_o prejudice_n against_o christianity_n let_v we_o long_o and_o pray_v more_o for_o this_o day_n a_o day_n which_o shall_v bring_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n with_o it_o to_o the_o gentile_n iii_o there_o be_v many_o prophecy_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o do_v clear_o point_v at_o a_o great_a flourish_a and_o prosperity_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o humble_o conceive_v be_v not_o yet_o full_o make_v out_o but_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o remarkable_a accomplishment_n before_o the_o close_a of_o time_n isai_n 60._o ver_fw-la 13._o isai_n 65_o ver_fw-la 25._o isai_n 66_o ver_fw-la 12._o mich._n 4_o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o i_o confess_v the_o event_n will_v be_v the_o sure_a commentar_n and_o until_o this_o appear_v man_n shall_v be_v sober_a and_o cautious_a that_o they_o darken_v not_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n with_o any_o wild_a fancy_n and_o aim_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v yet_o i_o must_v think_v that_o with_o sobriery_n and_o on_o solid_a ground_n it_o may_v be_v safe_a to_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v great_a thing_n lay_v up_o in_o these_o promise_n for_o the_o church_n that_o we_o can_v now_o well_o reach_v yea_o will_v scarce_o get_v believe_v until_o the_o appoint_a time_n unveil_v their_o meaning_n i_o shall_v here_o but_o only_o touch_v ●ow_o it_o may_v appear_v these_o promise_n be_v not_o yet_o full_o accomplish_v and_o what_o with_o a_o safe_a warrant_n we_o may_v expe●●_n in_o their_o accomplishment_n as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o will_v consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o these_o great_a promise_n which_o hold_v forth_o so_o eminent_a a_o enlargement_n and_o flourish_a of_o the_o church_n do_v also_o point_v at_o some_o particular_a limit_a time_n some_o period_n and_o revolution_n of_o the_o church_n condition_n which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a and_o common_a to_o other_o time_n until_o which_o these_o promise_n do_v not_o take_v place_n 2._o this_o promise_a flourish_a concern_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o the_o word_n do_v clear_o point_v at_o some_o further_a increase_n of_o the_o gentle_a church_n by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o that_o solemn_a time_n of_o israel_n restauration_n and_o antichrist_n ruin_v a_o time_n on_o which_o the_o return_n of_o many_o prayer_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o many_o promise_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n do_v sure_o wait_v so_o that_o as_o esay_n and_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v put_v over_o this_o great_a flourish_a of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n rom._n 11._o do_v point_n at_o a_o more_o precise_a time_n wherein_o this_o in_o a_o large_a measure_n shall_v be_v make_v out_o 3._o we_o can_v find_v the_o christian_a church_n do_v ever_o enjoy_v so_o great_a a_o enlargement_n and_o flourish_a state_n as_o these_o promise_n seem_v to_o import_v for_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n have_v most_o be_v her_o lot_n first_o from_o the_o jew_n next_o from_o her_o heathen_a adversary_n and_o last_o from_o antichrist_n who_o fall_n and_o ruin_n we_o have_v ground_n to_o expect_v shall_v make_v room_n for_o so_o great_a a_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n for_o how_o much_o power_n antichrist_n have_v in_o so_o far_o be_v the_o church_n keep_v under_o yea_o it_o be_v clear_a how_o very_a short_a all_o her_o breathe_n have_v be_v 4._o it_o will_v appear_v so_o solemn_a a_o time_n of_o the_o church_n flourish_a whereat_z the_o prophet_n do_v so_o oft_o point_n as_o it_o have_v a_o undoubted_a respect_n to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o in_o its_o full_a accomplishment_n must_v answer_v to_o that_o remarkable_a day_n of_o satan_n bind_v and_o the_o saint_n reign_v with_o christ_n when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n become_v the_o lord_n which_o we_o find_v do_v immediate_o precede_v satan_n last_o louse_v and_o his_o go_v forth_o to_o gather_v his_o break_a force_n for_o that_o great_a battle_n which_o be_v to_o be_v very_o near_o the_o end_n i_o shall_v but_o add_v we_o have_v ground_n to_o judge_v the_o lord_n will_v usher_v in_o that_o glorious_a everlasting_a state_n of_o the_o church_n even_o by_o some_o preparative_n degree_n here_o the_o latter_a time_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v reckon_v the_o more_o bless_a the_o more_o near_o they_o approach_v to_o the_o dawn_n of_o glory_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o shall_v but_o point_v at_o something_n which_o with_o a_o safe_a warrant_n we_o may_v understand_v and_o look_v after_o in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o promise_n it_o be_v very_o clear_a they_o hold_v forth_o a_o great_a enlargement_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n
particular_a church_n may_v be_v in_o a_o sad_a wither_a condition_n while_o other_o part_n do_v flourish_v but_o these_o promise_n seem_v to_o point_v at_o a_o day_n which_o will_v concern_v the_o saint_n in_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o shall_v not_o want_v their_o share_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o bless_a time_n it_o may_v be_v also_o clear_a some_o more_o bright_a and_o hot_a sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v hold_v forth_o some_o such_o remarkable_a springtide_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v be_v as_o discernible_a as_o the_o church_n low_a ebb_n sometime_o be_v a_o day_n of_o the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n his_o presence_n very_o manifest_a among_o his_o people_n and_o with_o the_o ordinance_n beyond_o former_a time_n so_o that_o ezek._n 48_o ver_fw-la 35._o the_o name_n of_o that_o place_n shall_v be_v call_v jehovah_n shammah_n the_o lord_n be_v there_o yea_o that_o in_o this_o day_n christ_n visible_a kingdom_n in_o a_o settle_a church_n state_n shall_v more_o eminent_o flourish_v and_o the_o flow_a in_o of_o people_n and_o nation_n with_o much_o fervour_n who_o shall_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n pure_a ordinance_n a_o more_o universal_a oneness_n among_o the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n the_o walk_n of_o christian_n with_o a_o discernible_a lustre_n of_o holiness_n make_v to_o commend_v the_o gospel_n christ_n go_n full_a of_o majesty_n and_o the_o shout_n of_o a_o king_n which_o then_o shall_v be_v hear_v among_o his_o people_n the_o noise_n of_o such_o sad_a complaint_n and_o bitter_a exercise_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n not_o so_o much_o among_o the_o saint_n as_o in_o former_a time_n and_o though_o we_o see_v no_o sure_a ground_n from_o the_o word_n to_o expect_v such_o a_o favourable_a time_n wherein_o the_o church_n militant_a shall_v not_o have_v trouble_n and_o persecution_n from_o the_o world_n yet_o there_o seem_v so_o much_o clear_o import_v in_o some_o of_o these_o great_a promise_n as_o point_v at_o a_o great_a calm_n and_o more_o favourable_a gale_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n which_o the_o church_n shall_v then_o have_v yea_o this_o in_o some_o long_a continuance_n then_o in_o former_a age_n a_o day_n wherein_o the_o hater_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v even_o be_v make_v to_o feign_v subjection_n with_o much_o of_o the_o countenance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o civil_a authority_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o a_o time_n of_o much_o holy_a fear_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o of_o much_o terror_n and_o awe_n upon_o his_o enemy_n to_o which_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o time_n shall_v then_o effectual_o contribute_v and_o cause_v they_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n iv_o we_o have_v a_o prophecy_n hold_v forth_o rev._n 16_o ver_fw-la 12._o which_o compare_v with_o rev._n 9_o ver_fw-la 13._o seem_v clear_o to_o point_n at_o the_o fall_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o turkish_a empire_n who_o have_v be_v these_o many_o age_n so_o great_a a_o scourge_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o dry_n up_o of_o the_o river_n of_o euphrates_n must_v relate_v to_o that_o very_a party_n which_o we_o find_v in_o that_o 9_o chap_n raise_v up_o from_o about_o that_o river_n where_o the_o turk_n have_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o his_o dominion_n it_o be_v true_a the_o event_n will_v more_o clear_o make_v this_o know_v yet_o these_o be_v undeniable_a 1._o that_o such_o a_o party_n be_v foretell_v by_o john_n in_o ●●at_n 9_o chap._n and_o a_o solemn_a warning_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o so_o dreadful_a a_o storm_n the_o time_n also_o there_o point_v forth_o when_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v at_o a_o great_a height_n yea_o the_o portraiture_n of_o such_o a_o adversary_n most_o evident_o hold_v forth_o such_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o terrible_a cruel_a destroy_a party_n and_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o have_v breastplate_n of_o fire_n their_o number_n also_o there_o hold_v out_o to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a multitude_n which_o these_o huge_a army_n usual_o bring_v by_o the_o turk_n to_o the_o field_n can_v witness_v 2._o the_o cause_n why_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v up_o so_o dreadful_a a_o enemy_n and_o thus_o let_v they_o louse_n be_v also_o express_o declare_v in_o that_o 9_o cha._n 20_o ver_fw-la that_o it_o be_v in_o judgement_n and_o for_o a_o plague_n on_o man_n for_o antichristian_a idolatry_n which_o then_o have_v so_o much_o overspread_v the_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o when_o so_o much_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v turn_v almost_o brutish_a in_o their_o religion_n and_o from_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v carry_v after_o idol_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n the_o work_n of_o man_n hand_n that_o so_o brutish_a and_o barbarous_a a_o adversary_n shall_v be_v let_v out_o for_o a_o scourge_n i_o true_o think_v that_o as_o antichrist_n and_o the_o abomination_n of_o that_o party_n have_v be_v hitherto_o the_o let_v of_o success_n against_o the_o turk_n so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v the_o prosper_a of_o any_o such_o design_n and_o his_o fall_n and_o ruin_n until_o the_o cause_n be_v remove_v for_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v make_v use_n of_o this_o dreadful_a rod._n 3._o that_o such_o a_o party_n be_v raise_v up_o according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n yea_o at_o the_o appoint_a time_n thereof_o be_v very_o clear_a who_o like_o a_o mighty_a deluge_n do_v overflow_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o with_o strange_a prodigious_a success_n do_v overrun_v much_o of_o asia_n some_o part_n of_o africa_n and_o break_v in_o on_o europe_n to_o give_v work_n to_o these_o king_n and_o great_a man_n and_o be_v a_o scourge_n to_o they_o who_o have_v give_v their_o power_n to_o uphold_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o beast_n 4._o there_o be_v also_o clear_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v as_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o fall_n and_o destruction_n of_o this_o adversary_n as_o in_o the_o raise_n of_o they_o up_o and_o that_o by_o their_o fall_n he_o be_v to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o his_o promise_n anent_o the_o church_n further_o increase_v his_o perfect_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o bring_v in_o his_o ancient_a people_n whereto_o this_o prophecy_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a respect_n this_o we_o be_v to_o look_v after_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o latter_a day_n which_o shall_v no_o less_o show_v forth_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n even_o the_o dry_n up_o of_o that_o great_a euphrates_n then_o in_o the_o day_n that_o he_o divide_v the_o sea_n and_o make_v jordan_n a_o dry_a channel_n for_o his_o people_n to_o go_v through_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v further_a positive_a anent_o mean_n and_o instrument_n how_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v bring_v about_o it_o be_v enough_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v and_o the_o word_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n shall_v not_o return_v in_o vain_a v._o now_o to_o close_v this_o there_o be_v yet_o one_o great_a assault_n which_o we_o find_v the_o church_n shall_v have_v before_o the_o end_n and_o then_o her_o warfare_n will_v be_v near_o finish_v anent_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a that_o satan_n for_o a_o little_a must_v be_v let_v louse_n and_o that_o solemn_a and_o perfect_a victory_n which_o the_o church_n in_o the_o close_a of_o time_n will_v get_v over_o all_o her_o adversary_n shall_v be_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o very_a sharp_a trial_n and_o once_o again_o this_o ungodly_a world_n will_v show_v its_o rage_n ralley_o it_o be_v break_v scatter_a force_n in_o a_o general_a muster_n rev._n 20_o 8._o with_o as_o much_o fury_n as_o ever_o and_o there_o shall_v the_o lord_n eminent_o appear_v that_o by_o one_o full_a stroke_n he_o may_v for_o ever_o decide_v that_o long_o continue_a war_n and_o feed_v betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o her_o enemy_n a_o deliverance_n which_o as_o it_o will_v be_v the_o last_o so_o one_o of_o the_o great_a that_o ever_o the_o church_n have_v the_o lord_n thus_o finish_v his_o work_n of_o providence_n by_o so_o stately_a and_o magnificent_a a_o close_a and_o true_o after_o this_o we_o know_v no_o more_o of_o canonic_a scripture_n to_o be_v fulfil_v but_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o poor_a toss_v afflict_a church_n shall_v enter_v unto_o a_o triumphant_a estate_n above_o all_o the_o violence_n and_o oppression_n of_o man_n o_o bless_a and_o long_o look_v for_o day_n of_o christ_n return_n to_o judgement_n when_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o for_o some_o thousand_o year_n past_a have_v be_v rest_v in_o
and_o in_o their_o great_a strength_n that_o by_o a_o strong_a hand_n he_o do_v make_v room_n for_o his_o truth_n when_o both_o law_n and_o force_n do_v withstand_v the_o same_o and_o put_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o wrath_n on_o such_o who_o will_v oppose_v the_o spread_a of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o they_o have_v be_v as_o visible_a as_o sometime_o their_o rage_n and_o violence_n against_o the_o church_n be_v yea_o since_o the_o lord_n begin_v to_o lift_v up_o a_o standard_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o call_v forth_o his_o people_n to_o act_v have_v it_o not_o be_v see_v they_o have_v lose_v their_o ground_n more_o by_o underhand_a treaty_n and_o turn_v aside_o to_o carnal_a politic_a shift_n then_o by_o open_a force_n and_o violence_n which_o the_o french_a massacre_n with_o other_o sad_a instance_n can_v witness_v for_o indeed_o the_o church_n have_v still_o lose_v least_o by_o great_a opposition_n 2._o have_v we_o not_o see_v by_o what_o dreadful_a shake_n and_o alteration_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o late_a glorious_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o antichristianisme_n have_v be_v usher_v in_o which_o have_v be_v more_o strange_a and_o frequent_a then_o in_o many_o age_n before_o have_v not_o the_o lord_n cause_v the_o nation_n shake_v and_o the_o earth_n to_o reel_v like_o a_o drunken_a man_n to_o show_v man_n that_o though_o he_o suffer_v long_o in_o former_a time_n of_o the_o world_n ignorance_n he_o will_v not_o so_o now_o bear_v with_o oppose_v his_o truth_n 3._o have_v we_o not_o also_o see_v the_o lord_n raise_v up_o man_n fit_a for_o action_n in_o these_o last_o time_n man_n of_o a_o great_a heroic_a spirit_n with_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a elevation_n of_o the_o same_o to_o appear_v for_o his_o interest_n such_o we_o may_v say_v that_o many_o former_a age_n can_v not_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n help_v his_o people_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n his_o suit_v they_o with_o endument_n for_o the_o service_n and_o work_n of_o the_o time_n have_v be_v most_o discernible_a be_v not_o that_o excellent_a man_n the_o admiral_n of_o france_n with_o many_o other_o in_o that_o place_n eminent_o raise_v up_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o that_o time_n and_o do_v we_o not_o find_v these_o prince_n of_o orange_n william_n and_o maurice_n and_o mauritius_n of_o saxony_n who_o the_o lord_n raise_v against_o charles_n the_o v._o and_o cause_v he_o flee_v over_o the_o alps_n yea_o what_o marvellous_a resolution_n and_o courage_n do_v attend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o confederate_n of_o the_o low_a country_n &_o in_o latter_a time_n do_v we_o not_o find_v gustavus_n king_n of_o sweden_n bernard_n duke_n of_o weymar_n lantsgrave_n of_o hesse_n with_o many_o other_o eminent_o raise_v to_o avenge_v the_o lord_n quarrel_n against_o that_o bloody_a house_n of_o austria_n have_v we_o not_o also_o see_v very_o great_a instrumemt_n raise_v up_o in_o britain_n and_o ireland_n who_o be_v follow_v with_o wonderful_a success_n to_o act_v for_o the_o truth_n against_o antichristian_a prelacy_n and_o true_o we_o must_v say_v the_o withdraw_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o that_o spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o resolution_n which_o once_o be_v so_o visible_o let_v forth_o in_o the_o first_o dawn_n of_o the_o reformation_n may_v sad_o point_v at_o a_o great_a decay_n of_o zeal_n self_n confidence_n unfaithfulnes_n as_o to_o the_o improve_n of_o opportunity_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o his_o people_n while_o they_o be_v with_o he_o and_o do_v single_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o way_n but_o alace_o with_o their_o depart_n it_o may_v be_v say_v their_o strength_n have_v depart_v from_o they_o however_o the_o quarrel_n be_v clear_a for_o a_o oppress_a peoples_n act_v upon_o so_o just_a so_o necessary_a a_o account_n as_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o cruelty_n and_o violent_a encroachment_n of_o antichrist_n wherein_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v eminent_o own_v his_o people_n so_o i_o dare_v not_o question_v he_o will_v yet_o appear_v and_o silence_v the_o adversary_n of_o this_o truth_n by_o such_o a_o argument_n against_o which_o they_o shall_v not_o debate_v 4._o that_o unusual_a deludge_n of_o blood_n which_o for_o the_o 100_o year_n past_n have_v overflow_v much_o of_o europe_n can_v be_v a_o witness_n to_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v peace_n from_o man_n who_o will_v not_o embrace_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n offer_v in_o these_o last_o time_n and_o give_v his_o enemy_n who_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n blood_n to_o drink_v in_o great_a measure_n i_o be_o sure_a poor_a germany_n can_v prove_v this_o which_o for_o 20_o year_n together_o be_v a_o field_n of_o dead_a man_n &_o france_n from_o the_o day_n of_o henry_n the_o ii_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o henry_n the_o iv_o how_o long_o be_v the_o low_a country_n make_v a_o stage_n of_o war_n where_o many_o a_o cruel_a spanjard_n do_v fall_v under_o the_o sword_n of_o a_o avenge_a god_n beside_o the_o late_a bloody_a war_n in_o britain_n and_o ireland_n and_o what_o do_v this_o declare_v but_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v take_v the_o field_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v now_o with_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o oppress_v his_o church_n and_o withstand_v the_o truth_n as_o in_o former_a time_n i_o shall_v but_o add_v how_o wonderful_o have_v the_o lord_n appear_v in_o deliver_v his_o church_n at_o the_o great_a extremity_n have_v turn_v his_o enemy_n counsel_n and_o design_n upon_o themselves_o bring_v about_o the_o great_a work_n of_o these_o last_o time_n by_o mean_n so_o unexpected_a and_o improbable_a that_o we_o may_v say_v as_o to_o what_o of_o his_o judgement_n be_v already_o execute_v against_o antichrist_n have_v be_v no_o less_o marvellous_a than_o that_o jerichoe_n wall_n shall_v fall_v at_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n of_o ram-horn_n or_o a_o cake_n of_o barley_n bread_n tumble_v into_o the_o host_n of_o midian_a shall_v smite_v and_o overthrow_v the_o same_o sure_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v and_o how_o exact_o that_o do_v answer_v the_o scripture_n we_o may_v have_v much_o to_o confirm_v we_o anent_o the_o further_a accomplishment_n of_o his_o word_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o term_n of_o his_o long_a suffering_n towards_o babylon_n be_v at_o a_o end_n war_n be_v denounce_v and_o the_o execution_n already_o begin_v which_o must_v not_o have_v a_o close_a until_o judgement_n be_v accomplish_v into_o victory_n iv_o ground_n which_o may_v confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v as_o a_o pledge_n in_o their_o hand_n of_o the_o full_a accomplish_n of_o the_o scripture_n yea_o that_o this_o be_v near_o be_v this_o that_o the_o day_n be_v now_o turn_v and_o that_o prophesy_v victory_n which_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v over_o antichrist_n before_o the_o end_n be_v not_o only_o begin_v but_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n advance_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a confirmation_n when_o we_o see_v so_o marvellous_a a_o crisis_n in_o the_o church_n case_n her_o recovery_n from_o so_o desperate_a and_o hopeless_a a_o disease_n already_o begin_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v further_a perfect_v we_o be_v make_v to_o wonder_v at_o the_o greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n yet_o promise_v but_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o also_o wonder_v at_o that_o which_o god_n have_v already_o do_v for_o his_o church_n in_o our_o day_n the_o scripture_n do_v show_v that_o antichrist_n ruin_n must_v begin_v by_o the_o word_n that_o this_o stroke_n shall_v be_v gradual_a and_o however_o that_o great_a work_n of_o god_n meet_v with_o much_o opposition_n yet_o it_o shall_v no_o more_o go_v back_o in_o the_o whole_a and_o must_v we_o not_o say_v in_o all_o this_o the_o word_n be_v fulfil_v it_o have_v not_o hitherto_o fail_v the_o church_n but_o the_o event_n in_o every_o circumstance_n make_v to_o answer_v to_o the_o same_o now_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o will_v consider_v these_o two_o first_o that_o the_o church_n victory_n over_o antichrist_n be_v this_o day_n so_o far_o advance_v 2._o how_o the_o lord_n very_o immediate_a hand_n have_v be_v most_o discernible_a therein_o i._o the_o first_o i_o need_v but_o name_n while_o it_o be_v so_o manifest_a what_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v for_o his_o church_n for_o we_o have_v see_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o truth_n the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n grow_v dark_a with_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o light_n and_o many_o of_o his_o follower_n make_v to_o gnash_v their_o tooth_n be_v scorch_v with_o the_o heat_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o how_o great_a a_o measure_n be_v that_o interest_n now_o shake_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v wrough_a what_o a_o great_a reformation_n have_v be_v in_o britain_n
preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o his_o death_n galeacaeus_fw-la garracceolus_n a_o italian_a marquesse_n of_o great_a place_n and_o estate_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o take_v by_o the_o hear●_n with_o one_o word_n in_o hear_v peter_n martyr_n as_o make_v he_o quite_o not_o only_o all_o his_o hope_n of_o preferment_n a_o most_o pleasant_a place_n as_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o a_o great_a inheritance_n but_o to_o go_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o most_o press_a entreaty_n and_o insinuation_n of_o his_o friend_n the_o weep_a cry_n of_o his_o lady_n and_o child_n and_o go_v to_o a_o strange_a place_n quit_v all_o that_o he_o may_v preserve_v his_o conscience_n and_o enjoy_v fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n o_o what_o a_o solemn_a witness_n be_v this_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o conquer_a power_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o word_n what_o a_o marvellous_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o poor_a luther_n against_o who_o so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n be_v aloft_o with_o great_a rage_n and_o violence_n shall_v yet_o live_v to_o a_o old_a age_n and_o go_v to_o the_o grave_n in_o peace_n and_o true_o the_o spirit_n and_o appearance_n of_o this_o great_a and_o f●●st_v witness_v to_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v a_o convince_a evidence_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v then_o to_o raise_v up_o a_o people_n to_o himself_o in_o who_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v by_o a_o active_a testimony_n as_o well_o as_o by_o suffer_v beside_o these_o instance_n i_o will_v here_o mention_v some_o remarkable_a providence_n worthy_a indeed_o to_o be_v observe_v though_o they_o be_v little_o know_v to_o the_o world_n which_o we_o may_v say_v do_v not_o only_o witness_v the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o be_v a_o convince_a seal_n to_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o church_n reformation_n in_o these_o last_o time_n it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a passage_n which_o worthy_a mr_n forbes_n set_v down_o under_o his_o hand_n while_o he_o be_v banish_v for_o the_o truth_n who_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o year_n 1607._o be_v at_o ruan_n in_o france_n and_o meet_v with_o mounseur_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d that_o ancient_a and_o famous_a divine_a and_o then_o pastor_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o that_o city_n he_o have_v from_o he_o this_o follow_a relation_n after_o the_o close_a of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o the_o time_n of_o pius_n the_o v._o there_o be_v a_o consultation_n in_o italy_n by_o the_o pope_n and_o cardinal_n for_o a_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n and_o to_o this_o end_n every_o prince_n of_o the_o romish_a religion_n have_v a_o certain_a part_n design_v where_o this_o great_a project_n shall_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n the_o death_n of_o pius_n the_o v._o hinder_v a_o present_a prosecute_n of_o this_o design_n and_o his_o successor_n gregorius_n xiii_o do_v suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v dead_a have_v no_o heart_n that_o way_n and_o so_o until_o that_o time_n of_o clemens_n viii_o it_o be_v not_o revive_v but_o then_o this_o bloody_a resolution_n be_v of_o new_a ratify_v by_o he_o and_o his_o cardinal_n under_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_n the_o only_a difficulty_n be_v in_o this_o to_o find_v a_o fit_a and_o trusty_a person_n who_o they_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o romish_a religion_n for_o engadgeing_n they_o to_o subscrive_v the_o say_a ordinance_n and_o set_v about_o the_o execution_n thereof_o at_o length_n a_o gentleman_n of_o good_a part_n near_o in_o blood_n to_o the_o cardinal_n baronius_n be_v choise_v which_o to_o he_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o much_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n for_o unknown_a to_o they_o he_o be_v of_o the_o reform_a religion_n but_o this_o grief_n in_o his_o countenance_n and_o carriage_n put_v his_o friend_n who_o observe_v the_o same_o to_o strange_a thought_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o that_o he_o do_v express_o declare_v to_o some_o of_o these_o who_o ask_v thereanent_a that_o what_o to_o they_o seem_v a_o cause_n of_o rejoice_v be_v to_o he_o a_o just_a occasion_n of_o grief_n yet_o at_o last_o find_v his_o ha●ard_n upon_o a_o bitter_a challenge_n from_o the_o foresay_a cardinal_n who_o have_v hear_v thereof_o he_o judge_v it_o his_o wisdom_n to_o dissemble_v show_v he_o his_o unsuitablenes_n to_o so_o great_a a_o employment_n can_v not_o but_o be_v ground_n of_o trouble_n and_o fear_v and_o so_o be_v someway_o force_v to_o engage_v get_v his_o commission_n the_o decree_n of_o the_o conclave_n with_o letter_n to_o the_o foresay_a prince_n seal_v and_o subscribe_v but_o lo_o while_o this_o poor_a gentleman_n be_v on_o his_o journey_n have_v find_v way_n to_o free_v himself_o of_o his_o servant_n and_o other_o company_n his_o spirit_n be_v in_o great_a perplexity_n betwixt_o these_o two_o grievous_a temptation_n either_o to_o be_v instrument_n of_o utter_a ruin_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o forsake_v his_o country_n inheritance_n and_o all_o he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n upon_o which_o he_o resolve_v to_o retire_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o high_a way_n to_o a_o obscure_a village_n where_o for_o three_o day_n he_o give_v himself_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n for_o direction_n and_o resolution_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o after_o this_o have_v his_o heart_n so_o strengthen_v against_o the_o care_n of_o his_o worldly_a estate_n that_o he_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v all_o and_o to_o reveal_v this_o bloody_a conspiracy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o cast_v himself_o on_o god_n hand_n for_o his_o future_a estate_n so_o that_o he_o turn_v his_o face_n from_o spain_n and_o take_v journey_n to_o france_n and_o to_o paris_n where_o at_o that_o time_n remain_v the_o sister_n of_o henry_n the_o four_o a_o religion_n princess_n afterward_o duchess_n of_o lorraine_n to_o who_o the_o foresay_a mounseur_fw-fr figureus_n be_v her_o preacher_n and_o unto_o he_o make_v his_o address_n though_o after_o divers_a refusal_n of_o admission_n upon_o suspicion_n show_v he_o the_o whole_a bussine_n and_o deliver_v the_o seal_a decree_n with_o his_o letter_n of_o co●●mission_n for_o that_o effect_n and_o do_v likewise_o show_v he_o who_o be_v then_o astonish_v at_o such_o a_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o foster_a some_o of_o his_o own_o child_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o babylon_n and_o that_o to_o so_o comfortable_a a_o use_n for_o his_o church_n safety_n that_o there_o be_v many_o other_o in_o italy_n yea_o in_o rome_n itself_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n who_o have_v their_o secret_a meeting_n and_o even_o gregory_n the_o xiii_o before_o his_o advancement_n to_o the_o papacy_n be_v thorough_o clear_a thereanent_a in_o his_o judgement_n whereof_o he_o give_v he_o divers_a evidence_n this_o foresay_a relation_n do_v so_o affect_v mr_n forbes_n that_o he_o show_v his_o marvellous_a desire_n to_o see_v that_o man_n who_o have_v do_v so_o worthy_a and_o gracious_a a_o work_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o by_o a_o recommendation_n from_o monsieur_fw-fr figureus_n he_o do_v afterward_o go_v of_o set_a ●●●pose_n to_o that_o place_n take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n for_o he●delberg_n where_o this_o gentleman_n be_v then_o retire_v for_o his_o further_a security_n and_o honourable_o entertain_v by_o that_o prince_n where_o he_o show_v that_o he_o see_v he_o and_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n receive_v the_o assurance_n of_o this_o former_a narration_n to_o his_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n this_o be_v the_o very_a sum_n which_o i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o and_o true_o ●●●scribed_v off_o the_o principale_a which_o i_o have_v beside_o i_o both_o write_v and_o subscribe_v by_o mr_n forbes_n his_o own_o hand_n a_o remarkable_a providence_n i_o shall_v also_o here_o set_v down_o which_o do_v tryst_n with_o some_o very_a convince_a circumstance_n at_o the_o parliament_n 1621._o at_o their_o bring_n in_o of_o popish_a geremony_n upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v then_o a_o sad_a step_n of_o the_o land_n defection_n from_o the_o truth_n contraire_fw-fr to_o their_o engadgement_n while_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n at_o that_o time_n do_v with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o freedom_n obtest_v and_o warn_v these_o who_o be_v in_o power_n alace_o that_o now_o there_o be_v little_a of_o such_o a_o spirit_n appear_v that_o they_o will_v not_o to_o please_v man_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o the_o speat_v be_v violent_a it_o do_v at_o last_o resolve_n in_o a_o law_n at_o which_o very_a time_n while_o the_o king_n commissioner_n do_v rise_v from_o the_o throne_n to_o ratify_v this_o woeful_a act_n by_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o sceptre_n be_v even_o in_o this_o moment_n of_o that_o ratification_n try_v by_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a lightning_n and_o very_o unusual_a great_a clap_n of_o thunder_n and_o these_o