confirm_v and_o give_v light_n to_o other_o vii_o that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n also_o wherein_o the_o gospel_n do_v come_v to_o the_o gentile_a church_n be_v clear_o show_v 1_o thess_n 1.5_o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o as_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o also_o in_o much_o assurance_n of_o understanding_n upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n which_o be_v that_o way_n it_o do_v so_o wonderful_o prevail_v over_o the_o world_n against_o nature_n and_o the_o stream_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o further_a opposition_n thereto_o viii_o that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a service_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o visit_v the_o church_n do_v express_o lie_v here_o act_v 14.22_o to_o confirm_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o then_o in_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o so_o as_o they_o may_v follow_v the_o lord_n with_o the_o further_a light_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n amid_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o such_o a_o time_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v this_o way_n also_o the_o world_n be_v render_v inexcusable_a for_o their_o misbelief_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o under_o such_o sufficiency_n of_o mean_n give_v for_o this_o end_n by_o so_o great_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o confirm_a evidence_n of_o its_o rruth_n so_o as_o they_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n herein_o but_o a_o obstinacy_n and_o resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v on_o which_o ground_n do_v our_o bless_a lord_n testify_v that_o it_o be_v no_o want_n of_o light_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o truth_n why_o man_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o but_o that_o they_o love_v darkness_n better_a than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o when_o such_o clear_a rational_a and_o convince_a evidence_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o their_o view_n how_o most_o man_n possible_o can_v get_v these_o put_v by_o or_o reject_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o comprehend_v but_o that_o a_o real_a irritation_n and_o torment_n of_o spirit_n from_o such_o clearness_n of_o evidence_n do_v thus_o more_o tend_v to_o harden_v than_o convince_v posit_n iv_o that_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a necessity_n of_o such_o a_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n to_o this_o day_n what_o ever_o can_v be_v object_v of_o so_o long_a a_o consent_n and_o prescription_n of_o time_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a on_o these_o ground_n i._o because_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o christian_a faith_n do_v still_o need_v these_o assistance_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a mistake_n that_o only_o for_o heathen_n and_o atheist_n such_o confirm_a evidence_n of_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v propose_v but_o not_o for_o any_o under_o a_o visible_a profession_n when_o the_o whole_a of_o divinity_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o full_a of_o demonstrative_a argument_n for_o the_o daily_a use_n of_o the_o most_o establish_a christian_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o time_n ii_o that_o as_o the_o high_a motive_n to_o all_o serious_a godliness_n and_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o christianity_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o its_o know_a certainty_n to_o we_o so_o be_v the_o continue_a use_n thereof_o to_o be_v still_o the_o same_o iii_o that_o these_o numerous_a trial_n and_o conflict_n of_o christian_n now_o do_v no_o less_o call_v for_o some_o high_a establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n on_o which_o they_o must_v alone_o rest_v when_o all_o visible_a prop_n fail_v in_o their_o judgement_n than_o of_o support_v grace_n nor_o be_v it_o conceivable_a how_o man_n can_v this_o day_n walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o any_o true_a joy_n and_o comfort_n without_o a_o more_o solid_a assurance_n of_o their_o be_v on_o safe_a ground_n herein_o than_o most_o seem_v to_o reckon_v iv_o because_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o a_o eternal_a state_n in_o another_o world_n be_v so_o great_a and_o wonderful_a as_o it_o be_v strange_a how_o this_o be_v not_o the_o high_a interest_n of_o man_n life_n to_o have_v their_o faith_n more_o deep_o confirm_v on_o the_o further_a trial_n of_o their_o security_n now_o by_o the_o way_n herein_o who_o must_v short_o make_v so_o great_a a_o trial_n thereof_o at_o death_n for_o if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o come_v thus_o far_o as_o to_o ask_v our_o own_o soul_n what_o the_o christian_a faith_n indeed_o be_v that_o we_o be_v thus_o call_v to_o believe_v it_o can_v not_o possible_o but_o beget_v some_o ecstasy_n of_o wonder_v at_o the_o greatness_n thereof_o and_o to_o reckon_v any_o light_n and_o implicit_a assent_n to_o the_o same_o as_o a_o degree_n both_o of_o atheism_n and_o indifferency_n in_o this_o matter_n v._o though_o there_o be_v no_o conflict_n with_o heathen_n as_o in_o the_o first_o time_n yet_o be_v such_o a_o spirit_n never_o at_o a_o high_a pitch_n than_o it_o be_v now_o to_o take_v off_o all_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n when_o atheism_n seem_v to_o be_v at_o its_o last_o attempt_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o so_o amaze_a a_o hour_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o make_v these_o latter_a time_n more_o remarkable_o perilous_a and_o try_v than_o the_o first_o vi_o yea_o if_o such_o a_o confirm_a work_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a mean_n to_o advance_v the_o repute_n and_o honour_n of_o religion_n when_o its_o wont_a awe_n and_o veneration_n be_v so_o far_o lose_v and_o to_o awake_a man_n to_o deep_a impression_n of_o its_o truth_n when_o so_o few_o seem_v now_o under_o any_o such_o weight_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v never_o more_o need_v of_o the_o same_o than_o in_o this_o day_n posit_n v._o that_o such_o a_o service_n to_o the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o respect_v the_o more_o know_v inquisitive_a and_o judicious_a part_n thereof_o but_o the_o mean_a professor_n of_o religion_n also_o of_o who_o this_o be_v necessary_o require_v be_v evident_a on_o these_o ground_n i._o because_o each_o christian_n shall_v have_v undoubted_o such_o a_o ballast_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o solid_a and_o rational_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o great_a part_n and_o endowment_n the_o promote_a of_o which_o be_v it_o more_o deep_o consider_v i_o dare_v humble_o adventure_v to_o say_v will_v be_v find_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a mean_n to_o promote_v christianity_n this_o day_n ii_o because_o this_o be_v not_o to_o drive_v any_o to_o doubt_n or_o question_v the_o least_o sincere_a degree_n of_o assent_n though_o it_o be_v not_o with_o such_o strength_n of_o evidence_n as_o in_o other_o nor_o can_v by_o that_o formal_a argumentation_n give_v the_o same_o account_n thereof_o since_o a_o few_o ground_n this_o way_n may_v special_o help_v to_o some_o solid_a conviction_n &_o confirm_v of_o their_o mind_n when_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o other_o cogent_a argument_n for_o this_o end_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o the_o great_a clearness_n of_o evidence_n do_v still_o in_o the_o appoint_a way_n of_o mean_n lead_v in_o to_o a_o more_o firm_a and_o strong_a assent_n of_o the_o judgement_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n iii_o because_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o foundation_n in_o itself_o can_v be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v not_o with_o such_o a_o know_a evidence_n as_o man_n may_v build_v firm_o and_o with_o assurance_n thereon_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n thus_o only_o design_v to_o give_v his_o people_n a_o infallible_a and_o sure_a testimony_n to_o adventure_v on_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v sure_o also_o to_o they_o iv_o because_o none_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 22.3_o by_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o much_o the_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n for_o a_o save_a faith_n but_o that_o none_o can_v give_v a_o true_a assent_n and_o confession_n of_o the_o same_o but_o from_o these_o ground_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o man_n for_o this_o end_n and_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o character_n &_o evidence_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v imprint_v on_o the_o whole_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v clear_a and_o demonstrative_a to_o our_o judgement_n so_o be_v they_o as_o true_o divine_a as_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v thereby_o v._o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a cause_n for_o unbelief_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o any_o intricate_a obscureness_n of_o the_o same_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v such_o great_a assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v as_o milk_v for_o babe_n as_o well_o as_o meat_n to_o strong_a man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o further_a objective_n evidence_n of_o
man_n yea_o how_o visible_o many_o be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n by_o such_o prodigious_a and_o desperate_a act_n of_o wickedness_n as_o we_o shall_v think_v humane_a nature_n can_v not_o but_o tremble_v at_o iv_o that_o none_o can_v question_v the_o certainty_n both_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o apparition_n and_o bodily_a possession_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o can_v need_v no_o demonstration_n for_o this_o that_o in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o devil_n be_v both_o visible_o and_o audible_o know_v v._o that_o he_o be_v so_o manifest_a in_o his_o appearance_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o blasphemy_n which_o impetuous_o act_v man_n to_o war_n against_o heaven_n with_o their_o tongue_n in_o such_o oath_n and_o curse_v as_o have_v no_o sensual_a pleasure_n or_o gain_v herein_o yea_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n in_o so_o visible_a a_o excitement_n of_o other_o to_o such_o extravagancy_n under_o a_o show_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o any_o use_n of_o judgement_n or_o reason_n vi_o that_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o humane_a race_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v in_o a_o formal_a and_o express_v covenant_n with_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v undeniable_a upon_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n herein_o qu._n ii_o what_o special_a assistance_n to_o your_o faith_n do_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n bring_v therewith_o answ_n i._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o a_o party_n both_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o continue_a act_n be_v in_o a_o stare_v opposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n ii_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o the_o prey_n which_o these_o mighty_a hunter_n do_v follow_v after_o be_v not_o our_o body_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o it_o be_v the_o immortal_a soul_n and_o future_a state_n that_o man_n may_v be_v make_v sharer_n of_o the_o same_o misery_n under_o which_o they_o be_v conclude_v iii_o all_o may_v see_v their_o be_v under_o restraint_n of_o a_o supreme_a power_n above_o they_o and_o under_o such_o chain_n as_o do_v irresistible_o bind_v their_o rage_n and_o enmity_n against_o man_n by_o a_o invisible_a guard_n and_o hedge_n which_o they_o can_v break_v over_o iv_o their_o great_a rage_n and_o struggle_v be_v against_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n to_o god_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o his_o possession_n in_o such_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o more_o clear_o move_v for_o their_o rescue_n than_o these_o do_v to_o cross_v that_o bless_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n but_o find_v themselves_o pursue_v by_o such_o a_o adversary_n and_o have_v as_o discernable_o another_o party_n than_o themselves_o or_o the_o world_n to_o conflict_n with_o as_o if_o they_o see_v they_o in_o a_o visible_a shape_n vi_o that_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v discernable_o a_o much_o great_a restraint_n of_o satan_n dominion_n and_o power_n than_o in_o all_o the_o earth_n beside_o yea_o that_o the_o advantage_n of_o be_v within_o the_o external_a covenant_n of_o baptism_n be_v so_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o least_o yield_a or_o tendency_n to_o a_o renounce_n of_o the_o same_o or_o any_o act_n of_o homage_n for_o make_v use_n of_o his_o help_n have_v ever_o make_v way_n for_o some_o more_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o the_o devil_n over_o such_o than_o other_o vii_o thus_o be_v a_o most_o undeniable_a confirmation_n give_v of_o a_o invisible_a world_n and_o of_o such_o intellectual_a being_n there_o as_o be_v far_o above_o man_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o intercourse_n betwixt_o man_n and_o spirit_n such_o may_v clear_o show_v the_o interest_n that_o man_n soul_n have_v in_o another_o state_n and_o world_n than_o this_o qu._n iii_o be_v that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o never_o die_a state_n after_o death_n as_o full_o demonstrable_a to_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o further_a certainty_n of_o faith_n answ_n though_o it_o be_v so_o amaze_a a_o thing_n to_o believe_v a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o eternal_a state_n wherein_o it_o must_v short_o enter_v as_o by_o few_o seem_v to_o be_v apprehend_v yet_o be_v its_o demonstrative_a evidence_n such_o that_o except_o man_n lose_v all_o sense_n and_o use_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o immaterial_a and_o active_a substance_n as_o the_o soul_n which_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o cause_n either_o of_o its_o decay_n or_o dissolution_n from_o the_o body_n yea_o that_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o this_o visible_a creation_n be_v here_o that_o such_o a_o vital_a beam_n of_o life_n light_n and_o immortality_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v therein_o ii_o though_o we_o can_v see_v this_o rare_a and_o wonderful_a be_v yet_o we_o full_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o have_v a_o distinct_a interest_n both_o in_o its_o grief_n and_o comfort_n iii_o that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o dependence_n on_o the_o body_n in_o its_o be_v which_o do_v no_o way_n depend_v thereon_o in_o its_o act_n and_o exercise_n but_o be_v oft_o most_o vigorous_a and_o clear_a in_o its_o exercise_n not_o only_a when_o most_o separate_a and_o abstract_n from_o sensible_a thing_n but_o when_o the_o flesh_n be_v under_o the_o great_a decay_n and_o near_o its_o dissolution_n to_o show_v the_o soul_n lie_v not_o a_o die_a with_o the_o body_n but_o have_v its_o distinct_a subsistence_n to_o live_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n when_o it_o die_v iu._n it_o be_v be_v peculiar_o frame_v for_o converse_v and_o intercourse_n with_o spiritual_a being_n yea_o its_o being_n the_o only_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n admit_v to_o fellowship_n with_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o to_o have_v reflex_n act_n upon_o itself_o v._o it_o be_v a_o be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o value_n than_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o not_o only_o can_v know_v and_o conceive_v of_o thing_n above_o the_o evidence_n and_o impression_n of_o sense_n but_o make_v a_o rational_a choice_n of_o good_a though_o cross_a to_o any_o sensual_a pleasure_n yea_o to_o rejoice_v and_o have_v its_o proper_a delight_n when_o the_o body_n be_v afflict_v and_o in_o pain_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v defile_v from_o the_o most_o loathsome_a sore_n and_o defilement_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o we_o must_v needs_o see_v both_o its_o dominion_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o the_o body_n and_o have_v assure_o a_o subsistence_n without_o the_o same_o vi_o it_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o happiness_n beyond_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v these_o intellectual_a faculty_n which_o can_v possible_o want_v both_o object_n suitable_a thereto_o and_o enjoyment_n above_o the_o sense_n vii_o the_o most_o choice_a and_o excellent_a be_v usual_o most_v afflict_v and_o crush_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o their_o oppressor_n whilst_o the_o vile_a flourish_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n so_o that_o such_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a if_o in_o this_o life_n both_o their_o be_v and_o blessedness_n be_v terminate_v viii_o that_o there_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o sense_n of_o immortality_n that_o they_o who_o both_o fear_n and_o hate_v the_o evidence_n hereof_o yet_o under_o some_o constraint_n of_o reason_n have_v the_o same_o for_o a_o continue_a terror_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o certainty_n of_o death_n make_v it_o simple_o impossible_a for_o thing_n only_o suit_v to_o this_o life_n of_o sense_n to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a good_a or_o fruition_n of_o man_n since_o else_o the_o beast_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a happiness_n than_o such_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o respect_n to_o a_o after_o and_o immortal_a state_n qu._n iu._n what_o confirmation_n to_o your_o faith_n do_v that_o great_a and_o amaze_a change_n by_o death_n offer_v when_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v something_o mere_o natural_a answ_n though_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n move_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o it_o have_v various_a way_n of_o approach_n unto_o man_n yet_o may_v all_o see_v with_o the_o further_a conviction_n of_o rational_a evidence_n as_o well_o as_o certainty_n of_o faith_n i._n that_o death_n in_o its_o first_o constitution_n be_v penal_a and_o come_v by_o a_o divine_a appointment_n unto_o all_o not_o mere_o as_o man_n but_o as_o sinner_n and_o to_o be_v no_o natural_a accident_n and_o result_n of_o our_o primitive_a and_o original_a frame_n ii_o that_o its_o
which_o be_v more_o extraordinary_a and_o remote_a assistance_n thereto_o 2._o that_o these_o be_v give_v as_o such_o a_o great_a help_n to_o his_o joy_n and_o excitement_n of_o his_o affection_n to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o as_o may_v make_v he_o wonder_v how_o the_o greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o man_n be_v call_v to_o believe_v can_v come_v near_o their_o thought_n and_o yet_o no_o more_o take_v they_o up_o about_o this_o confirm_v work_n 3._o that_o the_o too_o visible_a neglect_n hereof_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o youth_n and_o community_n of_o professor_n in_o the_o church_n seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a and_o fundamental_a defect_n of_o this_o day_n the_o reason_n hereof_o with_o some_o clear_a view_n of_o these_o mean_n whicâ—â—ight_v most_o answer_v such_o a_o end_n be_v brief_o offer_v in_o this_o precede_a work_n carat_n vii_o a_o true_o confirm_a christian_n may_v in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v herein_o also_o consider_v as_o such_o who_o faith_n be_v oft_o try_v through_o all_o these_o stage_n of_o christianity_n he_o have_v be_v take_v have_v some_o proper_a record_n of_o the_o most_o choice_a and_o signal_n confirmation_n of_o his_o life_n to_o improve_v the_o same_o not_o only_o for_o his_o own_o support_n in_o that_o last_o warfare_n of_o death_n but_o for_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o wherein_o he_o do_v thus_o judge_n 1._o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a support_n or_o relief_n from_o religion_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n if_o it_o can_v bear_v out_o then_o and_o that_o death_n be_v the_o great_a toâ—chstone_n and_o trial_n when_o the_o true_a value_n and_o difference_n betwixt_o thing_n of_o a_o eternal_a truth_n and_o substance_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v be_v best_a see_v 2._o he_o reckon_v each_o real_a christian_a by_o his_o profession_n then_o engage_v and_o accountable_a even_o by_o some_o explicit_a personal_a testimony_n to_o put_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a and_o bear_v the_o same_o witness_n with_o his_o last_o and_o die_a breath_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o he_o give_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o of_o that_o joy_n complacence_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v find_v and_o now_o have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o press_v the_o same_o on_o his_o dear_a relation_n as_o their_o alone_a true_a interest_n 3._o he_o see_v also_o how_o honourable_a it_o be_v for_o the_o lord_n that_o such_o who_o faith_n have_v be_v oft_o try_v and_o when_o thus_o with_o joy_n and_o admiration_n he_o can_v look_v back_o on_o the_o most_o press_a and_o conspicuous_a conflict_n of_o time_n shall_v have_v it_o their_o last_o work_n to_o pay_v in_o some_o tribute_n of_o praise_n unto_o he_o who_o word_n and_o promise_v unto_o they_o do_v yet_o never_o fail_v 4._o he_o account_v the_o more_o weighty_a trial_n he_o have_v be_v carry_v through_o in_o his_o christian_a warfare_n do_v both_o add_v more_o to_o this_o service_n and_o impart_v more_o to_o the_o value_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n 5._o he_o judge_v this_o one_o special_a way_n and_o advantage_n whereby_o one_o generation_n may_v declare_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n unto_o another_o in_o a_o family_n line_n and_o relation_n to_o show_v forth_o thus_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v upright_o that_o he_o be_v their_o rock_n and_o with_o he_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n yea_o which_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o unspeakable_a joy_n when_o now_o in_o his_o turn_n he_o can_v say_v that_o such_o have_v the_o lord_n be_v to_o he_o what_o be_v david_n die_a word_n 1_o king_n 1.14_o who_o have_v deliver_v my_o soul_n out_o of_o all_o distress_n how_o that_o in_o no_o trouble_n or_o exigence_n of_o his_o life_n he_o be_v ever_o leave_v without_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n and_o thus_o also_o with_o caleb_n josh_n 14.10_o to_o give_v in_o some_o such_o witness_n for_o god_n i_o be_o now_o near_o the_o close_a of_o time_n and_o do_v testify_v that_o the_o word_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o promise_v he_o have_v sure_o accomplish_v which_o have_v bring_v i_o safe_a and_o honourable_o through_o when_o such_o as_o do_v distrust_v the_o same_o by_o misbelief_n and_o seek_v after_o another_o refuge_n find_v all_o their_o confidence_n fail_v 6._o and_o know_v likewise_o how_o great_a a_o suprizal_n death_n may_v be_v and_o that_o such_o as_o have_v shine_v in_o their_o day_n may_v yet_o set_v under_o a_o cloud_n and_o go_v silent_a off_o the_o stage_n he_o judge_v it_o the_o more_o needful_a to_o have_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o his_o die_a work_n prepare_v as_o one_o of_o the_o choice_a legacy_n he_o can_v bequeath_v to_o his_o survive_v friend_n in_o a_o season_n when_o it_o have_v usual_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o weight_n and_o acceptance_n it_o be_v still_o qualify_v with_o christian_a prudence_n and_o humble_a sobriety_n so_o as_o all_o may_v see_v its_o whole_a intent_n be_v to_o commend_v to_o man_n conscience_n the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o not_o themselves_o and_o thus_o direct_v it_o for_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o near_a relation_n i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v strange_a to_o some_o what_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o head_n but_o as_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o present_a day_n have_v its_o duty_n and_o each_o time_n of_o out_o life_n have_v some_o proper_a work_n so_o i_o humble_o judge_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o fall_v in_o as_o the_o last_o service_n of_o a_o die_a christian_a to_o his_o generation_n to_o deliver_v off_o his_o hand_n the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o have_v oft_o prove_v with_o his_o confirmatory_n seal_n and_o testimony_n thereto_o and_o now_o be_v it_o in_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n call_v for_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o great_a darkness_n when_o if_o the_o security_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n stand_v not_o good_a to_o the_o church_n we_o may_v fear_v religion_n may_v quick_o wear_v out_o and_o truth_n perish_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o so_o solemn_a and_o weighty_a a_o thing_n shall_v it_o be_v manage_v with_o much_o humble_a prudence_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o serious_a and_o observe_v christian_n but_o have_v some_o peculiar_a engagement_n under_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o hold_v even_o beyond_o other_o yea_o some_o such_o singular_a confirmation_n in_o the_o journal_n of_o their_o life_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o hide_v under_o the_o ground_n where_o the_o strengthen_n of_o other_o hereby_o be_v concern_v and_o that_o such_o shall_v not_o then_o leave_v the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n at_o a_o loss_n or_o part_v therewith_o without_o their_o testimony_n which_o have_v leave_v they_o at_o so_o grâ—at_a a_o advantage_n and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o offer_v particular_a rule_n in_o such_o a_o duty_n but_o that_o christian_a wisdom_n must_v direct_v herein_o as_o the_o present_a case_n be_v circumstantiate_v yet_o may_v it_o be_v hope_v be_v this_o more_o take_v to_o heart_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o singular_a mean_n to_o make_v more_o deep_a impression_n of_o man_n die_a work_n on_o their_o spirit_n even_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o health_n to_o excite_v their_o survive_a friend_n and_o to_o keep_v religion_n thus_o alive_a in_o a_o family_n state_n and_o relation_n and_o gain_v a_o more_o venerable_a respect_n to_o the_o same_o on_o man_n conscience_n yea_o to_o fix_v also_o strong_a engagement_n on_o the_o succeed_a offspring_n thus_o be_v present_v here_o a_o short_a idea_n of_o the_o solid_a and_o judicious_a work_n of_o christian_a confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n under_o these_o forego_n character_n to_o show_v how_o rare_a a_o attainment_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v yea_o to_o present_a herein_o a_o special_a series_n and_o scale_n of_o the_o great_a step_n in_o this_o confirmatory_n work_n by_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v follow_v and_o none_o of_o these_o may_v be_v part_v from_o other_o though_o some_o be_v of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o absolute_a use_n for_o such_o a_o end_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v here_o what_o need_v any_o such_o expense_n of_o time_n or_o pain_n in_o this_o case_n when_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o essential_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o question_v and_o that_o without_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n no_o external_a mean_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v be_v of_o use_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o alone_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o beget_v a_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a faith_n without_o which_o the_o further_a light_n and_o objective_a evidence_n though_o back_v with_o a_o continue_a dispensation_n of_o external_n miracle_n can_v never_o bear_v christian_n out_o either_o as_o to_o
immediate_a revelation_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n be_v so_o demonstrable_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n page_n 24_o vi_o of_o the_o special_a evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n which_o man_n must_v needs_o see_v to_o be_v infallible_a page_n 25_o vii_o of_o the_o secure_a conveyance_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n past_a page_n 27_o viii_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n and_o entry_n of_o sin_n into_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n page_n 28_o section_n ii_o i._o hold_v forth_o those_o great_a assistance_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v sure_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n before_o his_o come_n page_n 29_o ii_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o how_o it_o be_v now_o as_o sure_o in_o the_o event_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a he_o be_v promise_v page_n 30_o iii_o of_o the_o special_a advantage_n for_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n herein_o that_o for_o 4000_o year_n the_o promise_v come_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v defer_v page_n 32_o iu_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o internal_a excellency_n of_o christianity_n to_o bear_v further_a evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o page_n 33_o v._n that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n we_o now_o receive_v and_o enjoy_v which_o from_o the_o first_o promulgation_n thereof_o have_v have_v so_o great_a effect_n on_o the_o world_n page_n 34_o vi_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o time_n past_a be_v so_o demonstrable_o above_o the_o assistance_n of_o nature_n page_n 36_o section_n iii_o i._o for_o hold_v forth_o on_o what_o ground_n the_o faith_n of_o a_o deity_n must_v determine_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n page_n 37_o ii_o what_o confirmation_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o that_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n page_n 38_o iii_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o prevail_a on_o the_o world_n which_o no_o profession_n else_o can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o page_n 39_o iu._n the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a evidence_n which_o christ_n have_v himself_o give_v to_o the_o world_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n in_o the_o love_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o people_n joh_n 17.21_o page_n 40_o v._n how_o the_o strength_n of_o such_o a_o demonstration_n stand_v still_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o these_o divide_v time_n of_o the_o church_n page_n 42_o vi._n what_o in_o these_o last_o time_n be_v under_o our_o hand_n to_o compensate_a such_o a_o confirmation_n by_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n page_n 43_o section_n iu._n i._o for_o hold_v forth_o with_o the_o further_a rational_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o soul-quickning_a and_o experimental_a religion_n page_n 44_o ii_o the_o truth_n also_o of_o conversion_n of_o man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o new_a state_n of_o grace_n page_n 46_o iii_o of_o so_o great_a a_o experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o on_o earth_n page_n 48_o iu_o of_o so_o great_a a_o demonstration_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n and_o working_n of_o the_o conscience_n page_n 49_o v._o of_o that_o special_a confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n which_o do_v result_v from_o such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o conscience_n over_o man_n page_n 50_o section_n v._o i._o for_o hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n page_n 51_o ii_o what_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n the_o certainty_n hereof_o and_o of_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n do_v clear_o afford_v page_n 52_o iii_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o clear_a evidence_n to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n page_n 54_o iu._n how_o confirm_v a_o seal_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o great_a change_n which_o pass_v on_o all_o man_n by_o death_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v no_o natural_a accident_n page_n 55_o v._o some_o special_a assistance_n to_o the_o christian_n faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o serve_v a_o unavoidable_a conviction_n on_o the_o great_a atheist_n page_n 57_o vi_o something_n of_o a_o visible_a hell_n in_o some_o near_a approach_n hereof_o even_o to_o man_n sense_n hold_v forth_o to_o awake_v and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o horror_n and_o torment_n in_o another_o world_n page_n 59_o vii_o some_o assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n of_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n page_n 61_o chapter_n iii_o the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n further_o improve_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o dismal_a and_o amaze_a time_n we_o be_v now_o fall_v in_o section_n i._n to_o hold_v forth_o what_o may_v be_v both_o for_o light_n and_o confirmation_n upon_o this_o great_a distress_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o under_o page_n 63_o section_n ii_o how_o great_a a_o talon_n we_o stand_v accountable_a for_o in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o confirm_v the_o same_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n since_o the_o reformation_n which_o we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o adhere_v to_o page_n 65_o section_n iii_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n be_v the_o present_a lot_n of_o the_o church_n now_o fall_v in_o and_o what_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v hereof_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o further_a confirm_v in_o such_o a_o day_n page_n 73_o section_n iu._n some_o special_a service_n that_o we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o and_o accountable_a for_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o who_o be_v under_o so_o great_a a_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o same_o page_n 77_o the_o true_a and_o infallible_a way_n for_o attain_v a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n the_o primitive_a confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v in_o its_o continue_a necessity_n and_o use_n to_o this_o day_n in_o seven_o position_n posit_n i._o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o a_o more_o sad_a and_o threaten_a aspect_n on_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o utter_a estrangement_n most_o be_v under_o to_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o those_o fundamental_a difference_n betwixt_o christianity_n and_o every_o false_a way_n which_o no_o pretend_v religion_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o position_n be_v these_o i._o that_o it_o be_v too_o visible_o manifest_a how_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n know_v so_o little_a of_o their_o own_o profession_n of_o any_o human_a art_n or_o science_n as_o such_o who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n or_o be_v so_o general_o stranger_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o for_o maintain_v either_o a_o due_a valuation_n or_o powerful_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o on_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o a_o implicit_a and_o traditional_a profession_n be_v the_o only_a part_n and_o propriety_n which_o most_o can_v claim_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v ii_o that_o very_o rare_o also_o be_v any_o serious_a personal_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o experimental_a and_o soul-quickning_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o expense_n of_o the_o most_o dismal_a and_o afflict_a time_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o temporal_a revenue_n as_o peace_n with_o god_n a_o immediate_a communion_n with_o he_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o be_v under_o such_o pressure_n of_o trouble_n as_o be_v above_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n iii_o that_o the_o further_a account_n why_o most_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o other_o form_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o custom_n and_o education_n that_o it_o do_v bespeak_v they_o from_o their_o birth_n and_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n yea_o become_v in_o that_o manner_n natural_a to_o they_o as_o the_o custom_n and_o language_n of_o their_o country_n which_o be_v ground_n that_o will_v determine_v to_o the_o very_a opposite_a profession_n if_o they_o be_v state_v under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o have_v the_o same_o motive_n to_o be_v mahumetan_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o can_v found_v no_o other_o assent_n than_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o strength_n thereof_o iv_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o most_o numerous_a part_n of_o
visible_a professor_n be_v destitute_a of_o any_o defence_n from_o internal_a motive_n and_o solid_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o there_o be_v never_o more_o cause_n to_o fear_v some_o unusual_a apostasy_n from_o the_o very_a visible_a profession_n of_o christ_n upon_o any_o violent_a trial_n and_o assault_v this_o way_n when_o such_o find_v it_o more_o easy_a to_o render_v up_o their_o religion_n than_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o same_o under_o strong_a temptation_n who_o yet_o never_o know_v that_o substance_n advantage_n or_o certainty_n herein_o as_o can_v preponderate_v with_o the_o want_n of_o all_o external_a motive_n for_o such_o a_o profession_n posit_n ii_o that_o thus_o one_o of_o the_o high_a service_n of_o these_o time_n for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v convince_o lie_v here_o to_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o firm_a certainty_n of_o the_o judgement_n on_o its_o own_o evidence_n more_o vigorous_o promote_v and_o the_o proper_a mean_n and_o assistance_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v for_o this_o end_n in_o some_o other_o manner_n yet_o improve_v than_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o this_o day_n for_o a_o more_o universal_a use_n the_o ground_n to_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n hereof_o be_v these_o i._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a wherever_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o man_n it_o come_v with_o so_o full_a a_o assurance_n of_o understanding_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o objective_a evidence_n as_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o possible_a doubtfulness_n herein_o which_o be_v the_o credit_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o in_o no_o other_o way_n it_o do_v require_v acceptance_n but_o with_o the_o further_a conviction_n of_o evidence_n ii_o because_o the_o express_a design_n and_o tendency_n of_o this_o bless_a revelation_n be_v no_o less_o to_o find_v such_o a_o rational_a assurance_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o its_o truth_n than_o to_o engage_v the_o will_n and_o consent_n for_o embrace_v thereof_o and_o though_o such_o great_a demonstration_n for_o this_o end_n can_v only_o in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la have_v a_o convince_a influence_n to_o persuade_v the_o understanding_n yet_o be_v they_o of_o such_o weight_n here_o as_o next_o to_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o great_a mean_n to_o bring_v up_o man_n assent_n to_o a_o full_a and_o quiet_v rest_n on_o that_o security_n to_o which_o they_o must_v trust_v themselves_o for_o ever_o and_o to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o this_o even_o here_o by_o the_o way_n be_v assure_o full_a though_o not_o yet_o their_o enjoyment_n iii_o because_o this_o faith_n of_o assent_n shall_v be_v first_o follow_v in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o conversion_n to_o know_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n wherein_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o the_o objective_a but_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o be_v not_o the_o internal_a work_n and_o testimony_n he_o give_v on_o the_o soul_n the_o first_o testimony_n but_o must_v still_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n without_o and_o such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n thereof_o wherewith_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n nor_o may_v any_o ever_o separate_a that_o which_o god_n have_v himself_o so_o indissoluble_o join_v iv_o that_o there_o be_v so_o convince_a a_o necessity_n and_o use_n hereof_o to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o a_o special_a way_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o youth_n for_o a_o more_o firm_a lay_n of_o the_o groundwork_n of_o their_o christian_a profession_n and_o for_o the_o seedplot_n of_o a_o bless_a and_o desirable_a growth_n among_o such_o in_o this_o day_n that_o they_o may_v thus_o know_v early_o something_o of_o these_o primary_n ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o also_o be_v it_o a_o study_n of_o that_o high_a importance_n as_o i_o humble_o judge_v shall_v be_v of_o notable_a use_n for_o a_o manuduction_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o student_n of_o divinity_n before_o they_o launch_v forth_o in_o that_o vast_a and_o immense_a ocean_n of_o the_o speculative_a part_n thereof_o and_o for_o be_v at_o some_o great_a advantage_n thus_o for_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o confirm_a work_n in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o future_a service_n v._o yea_o of_o what_o use_n may_v this_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o many_o who_o may_v be_v sore_o haunt_v with_o hide_a and_o dreadful_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n and_o to_o weaken_v they_o in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o be_v whole_o unfurnished_v of_o any_o such_o ground_n and_o argument_n in_o their_o judgement_n to_o repel_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o believe_v firm_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o save_v man_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n a_o much_o high_a act_n of_o faith_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v save_v we_o since_o as_o the_o one_o do_v unspeakable_o more_o transcend_v all_o human_a reason_n than_o the_o other_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n thus_o argue_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o less_o rom._n 8.32_o that_o he_o who_o give_v his_o own_o son_n to_o the_o death_n will_v he_o not_o also_o with_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n posit_n iii_o that_o such_o a_o confirm_v work_n be_v most_o special_o follow_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n to_o have_v this_o faith_n of_o assent_n and_o doctrinal_a certainty_n thereof_o on_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o evidence_n deep_o found_v in_o man_n judgement_n be_v so_o clear_a as_o can_v come_v under_o debate_n i._o that_o this_o way_n do_v the_o great_a author_n of_o our_o profession_n himself_o take_v not_o only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o power_n and_o energy_n of_o grace_n but_o with_o that_o convince_v evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o man_n understanding_n as_o might_n find_v also_o a_o firm_a and_o rational_a assurance_n hereof_o ii_o that_o for_o this_o end_n he_o do_v pray_v the_o father_n joh._n 17.21_o and_o be_v so_o much_o press_v herein_o that_o so_o great_a a_o external_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o concord_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o people_n may_v be_v keep_v clear_a that_o the_o world_n may_v thus_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o deep_a conviction_n hereof_o wrought_v in_o they_o by_o such_o a_o evidence_n iii_o that_o one_o special_a intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o luke_n be_v for_o this_o end_n luke_n 1.4_o that_o man_n may_v know_v not_o only_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o a_o naked_a relation_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v former_o instruct_v iv_o that_o herein_o do_v the_o ministry_n of_o apollo_n so_o bright_o shine_v forth_o act._n 18.28_o and_o be_v then_o of_o most_o singular_a use_n to_o the_o church_n by_o that_o clearness_n of_o rational_a conviction_n and_o demonstrative_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o great_a gainsayer_n can_v not_o withstand_v v._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v then_o without_o exception_n express_o require_v of_o the_o mean_a within_o the_o church_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o render_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n to_o all_o who_o ask_v and_o not_o only_o to_o know_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v but_o why_o they_o do_v so_o as_o be_v clear_a 1_o pet._n 3.15_o this_o can_v not_o be_v by_o bring_v forth_o of_o internal_a evidence_n for_o conviction_n of_o other_o but_o by_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o the_o most_o cogent_a ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v be_v most_o prevalent_a and_o confirm_v to_o the_o weak_a and_o leave_v other_o inexcusable_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v then_o special_o press_v in_o these_o primitive_a time_n as_o a_o proper_a test_n of_o their_o christian_a profession_n vi_o and_o we_o see_v herein_o also_o how_o much_o these_o excellent_a berean_o be_v take_v up_o and_o be_v so_o high_o commend_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 17.11_o to_o know_v the_o demonstrative_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o its_o own_o evidence_n with_o that_o entire_a harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o scripture_n therein_o and_o their_o be_v thus_o diligent_o intent_n in_o that_o comparing-work_n of_o religion_n to_o see_v the_o truth_n thereof_o not_o single_o and_o apart_o by_o themselves_o alone_o but_o in_o that_o joynt-union_n &_o coherence_n wherein_o they_o stand_v each_o in_o their_o own_o room_n for_o
death_n as_o a_o penalty_n which_o keep_v the_o fear_n and_o dread_v thereof_o so_o much_o on_o all_o live_n it_o be_v in_o that_o last_o period_n that_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o man_n be_v decide_v iii_o that_o the_o sting_n and_o bitterness_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o manifest_a in_o innumerable_a disease_n and_o stroke_n of_o death_n which_o many_o feel_v a_o 100_o time_n ere_o they_o die_v once_o beyond_o any_o other_o of_o the_o creature_n iv_o though_o the_o sentence_n of_o die_v be_v on_o all_o yet_o so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v betwixt_o the_o saint_n and_o residue_n of_o man_n here_o that_o its_o penal_a execution_n on_o the_o ungodly_a be_v such_o as_o nature_n can_v give_v no_o support_n under_o it_o v._o that_o supernatural_a presage_n and_o warning_n hereof_o ere_o it_o come_v be_v in_o all_o time_n know_v and_o sure_a yea_o such_o extraordinary_a evidence_n be_v sometime_o of_o the_o precise_a time_n as_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o any_o natural_a cause_n vi_o that_o its_o immediate_a commission_n from_o a_o supreme_a and_o invisible_a power_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o such_o execution_n oft_o of_o this_o sentence_n by_o sword_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n as_o the_o visible_a finger_n of_o god_n in_o a_o just_a retribution_n unto_o man_n for_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o less_o see_v and_o a_o supernatural_a causality_n than_o the_o effect_n have_v be_v undoubted_a and_o clear_a to_o show_v that_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n that_o this_o great_a revolution_n by_o death_n do_v each_o moment_n depend_v on_o a_o call_n from_o heaven_n vii_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o something_o supernatural_a in_o this_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v so_o know_v that_o as_o no_o relief_n can_v possible_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n to_o set_v man_n both_o above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o a_o after_o state_n when_o once_o it_o come_v near_o viii_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v sure_o above_o the_o possibility_n of_o nature_n which_o can_v bear_v out_o in_o this_o great_a adventure_n and_o trial_n of_o man_n faith_n both_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o strength_n thereof_o at_o death_n for_o which_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v thus_o choose_v that_o by_o so_o strange_a a_o entry_n and_o at_o so_o dark_a a_o port_n they_o shall_v first_o pass_v to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o glorious_a state_n above_o qu._n v._n what_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n can_v you_o show_v to_o confirm_v so_o great_a a_o faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a glory_n prepare_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o its_o earnest_n and_o first_o fruit_n here_o as_o may_v strike_v a_o undeniable_a conviction_n hereof_o on_o the_o world_n answ_n i._o the_o visible_a ripen_n and_o resemblance_n to_o such_o a_o state_n in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o christian_n growth_n to_o a_o more_o full_a stature_n of_o the_o man_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o the_o natural_a growth_n of_o our_o body_n ii_o though_o the_o open_n of_o these_o gate_n of_o the_o second_o world_n be_v hide_v so_o as_o no_o humane_a sense_n can_v discern_v the_o spirit_n in_o its_o ascent_n through_o those_o high_a region_n to_o that_o unconceivable_a paradise_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o three_o heaven_n yet_o be_v the_o triumphant_a entry_n and_o passage_n of_o innumerable_a christian_n at_o death_n such_o as_o have_v oft_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n iii_o such_o also_o be_v both_o humble_a tender_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o life_n and_o then_o in_o so_o great_a a_o composure_n of_o judgement_n that_o all_o may_v see_v they_o know_v what_o make_v they_o glad_a and_o can_v swallow_v up_o both_o the_o fear_n and_o bitterness_n of_o death_n yea_o and_o this_o be_v not_o give_v for_o their_o own_o support_n only_o but_o for_o a_o more_o public_a use_n for_o the_o conviction_n and_o confirmation_n of_o other_o iv_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n be_v demonstrable_a and_o have_v be_v oft_o bring_v down_o to_o man_n sense_n by_o these_o ravish_a joy_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o christ_n and_o exultation_n of_o spirit_n even_o in_o the_o flame_n v._o supernatural_a comfort_n attend_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n and_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o the_o flesh_n and_o outward_a cause_n with_o that_o joy_n and_o peace_n which_o by_o so_o natural_a a_o result_n follow_v well-doing_n and_o any_o service_n of_o love_n for_o christ_n which_o all_o may_v see_v to_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o that_o harvest_n which_o be_v above_o vi_o rare_a and_o marvellous_a a_o frame_n of_o the_o new_a man_n set_v up_o in_o this_o low_a region_n of_o grace_n in_o so_o discernible_a a_o conformity_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o resemblance_n to_o another_o state_n than_o here_o to_o which_o the_o world_n be_v but_o as_o a_o place_n of_o pilgrimage_n trial_n and_o a_o preparatory_a state_n only_o vii_o visible_a return_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n christian_n have_v after_o sad_a conflict_n and_o down-castings_a and_o such_o daybreak_n of_o vital_a quicken_a beam_n of_o divine_a light_n that_o have_v often_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o that_o of_o the_o martyr_n at_o the_o stake_n who_o cry_v out_o now_o he_o be_v come_v he_o be_v come_v viii_o their_o breathe_n of_o love_n after_o a_o unseen_a christ_n and_o visible_a effect_n of_o its_o power_n on_o man_n may_v show_v some_o begin_a translation_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o far_o herein_o as_o to_o be_v more_o where_o it_o love_v than_o where_o it_o live_v ix_o though_o we_o can_v see_v here_o that_o ineffable_a glory_n which_o be_v above_o but_o shall_v have_v our_o faith_n instead_o of_o eye_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o holiness_n as_o do_v not_o only_a evidence_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n partake_v of_o a_o future_a glory_n so_o as_o every_o degree_n and_o act_n thereof_o do_v enter_v in_o a_o begin_v state_n of_o fruition_n and_o blessedness_n and_o make_v it_o simple_o impossible_a for_o a_o good_a man_n in_o any_o true_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n not_o to_o be_v happy_a also_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o more_o near_a capacity_n to_o know_v that_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o x._o by_o so_o sure_a know_v and_o try_v a_o passage_n betwixt_o heaven_n and_o man_n soul_n in_o prayer_n with_o so_o settle_a a_o trade_n of_o commerce_n this_o way_n and_o certain_a return_n as_o with_o assurance_n such_o can_v say_v though_o they_o must_v change_v their_o place_n yet_o not_o their_o company_n xi_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n in_o israel_n passage_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o so_o excellent_a a_o country_n as_o canaan_n be_v no_o less_o sure_a in_o its_o self_n than_o that_o it_o be_v give_v for_o a_o emblem_n and_o type_n of_o the_o journey_v and_o militant_a state_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o and_o to_o be_v a_o solemn_a pledge_n of_o that_o canaan_n above_o xii_o such_o be_v the_o magnificence_n harmony_n and_o order_n of_o these_o visible_a heaven_n and_o celestial_a body_n there_o with_o their_o different_a degree_n of_o glory_n though_o all_o illuminate_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o light_a the_o sun_n as_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o a_o divine_a ordination_n to_o have_v some_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o that_o end_n to_o awake_v and_o raise_v our_o thought_n to_o these_o high_a region_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o all_o these_o by_o what_o be_v thus_o visible_a to_o our_o eye_n where_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v ever_o fix_v and_o shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n qu._n vi_o what_o visible_a and_o awaken_n evidence_n be_v there_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o hell_n and_o that_o state_n of_o horror_n and_o torment_n in_o another_o world_n which_o even_o to_o man_n sense_n here_o may_v present_v the_o certainty_n thereof_o answ_n i._o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n and_o party_n as_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n than_o the_o reality_n of_o some_o such_o a_o horrid_a region_n and_o place_n also_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o be_v adjudge_v to_o ii_o from_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o human_a race_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o visible_a service_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n but_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o enmity_n against_o the_o holy_a god_n and_o his_o image_n which_o do_v clear_o witness_v their_o respect_n and_o tendency_n to_o the_o same_o state_n and_o place_n and_o confederacy_n in_o their_o judgement_n as_o here_o in_o their_o sin_n iii_o such_o visible_a impression_n of_o vindictive_a justice_n be_v on_o man_n soul_n with_o such_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o unsufferable_a torment_n
this_o way_n as_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v know_v by_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n when_o not_o in_o the_o least_o distemper_n of_o their_o natural_a reason_n that_o may_v present_v to_o man_n sense_n something_o of_o a_o visible_a hell_n as_o convince_o as_o if_o one_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o same_o iv_o a_o tremble_a sense_n and_o terror_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n oft_o follow_v upon_o horrid_a act_n of_o wickedness_n and_o so_o eminent_o break_v forth_o upon_o a_o surprise_a sight_n of_o death_n that_o all_o may_v see_v something_o more_o dreadful_a herein_o than_o in_o the_o dissolution_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o power_n and_o present_a arrest_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v make_v visible_a in_o the_o same_o v._o there_o be_v begin_v degree_n of_o blaspheme_v and_o rage_n against_o god_n because_o of_o his_o plague_n and_o such_o prodigy_n of_o cruelty_n exercise_v by_o man_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o may_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o to_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a and_o rather_o the_o effect_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n act_v in_o a_o humane_a shape_n vi_o so_o clear_a a_o prelude_n and_o beginning_n of_o hell_n be_v in_o that_o judicial_a obduration_n and_o blindness_n which_o many_o be_v give_v up_o to_o under_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o light_n that_o all_o may_v see_v their_o be_v thus_o bind_v over_o in_o chain_n and_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n until_o death_n bring_v they_o forth_o to_o the_o execution_n and_o that_o no_o relief_n or_o application_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n have_v then_o any_o success_n vii_o such_o a_o map_n and_o shadow_n of_o eternal_a vengeance_n be_v in_o these_o terrible_a act_n of_o divine_a judgement_n inflict_v here_o on_o apostate_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o other_o flagitious_a person_n which_o with_o the_o very_a first_o view_n may_v present_v a_o awful_a and_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o some_o strange_a and_o supernatural_a punishment_n be_v oft_o so_o visible_a on_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n viii_o and_o whatever_o be_v of_o natural_a cause_n in_o such_o visible_a representation_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o that_o sulphureous_a lake_n where_o once_o sodom_n be_v and_o those_o burn_a mountain_n of_o haecla_n aetna_n and_o vesuvius_n yet_o we_o may_v true_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v thus_o set_v before_o the_o world_n as_o visible_a memorial_n of_o the_o infernal_a flame_n and_o as_o it_o be_v so_o many_o chimny's_n or_o vent-hole_n thereof_o for_o such_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o same_o because_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o see_v or_o feel_v such_o a_o thing_n qu._n vii_o what_o assistance_n have_v our_o faith_n of_o that_o great_a and_o wonderful_a truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n after_o its_o dissolution_n in_o the_o grave_a unto_o dust_n answ_n i._o it_o have_v great_a assistance_n from_o that_o visible_a and_o stupendous_a frame_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n when_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o same_o infinite_a power_n that_o have_v not_o only_o make_v man_n but_o the_o whole_a creation_n can_v as_o easy_o collect_v and_o reunite_v the_o disperse_a ash_n of_o the_o body_n as_o form_v the_o same_o ii_o from_o that_o great_a pledge_n hereof_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n iii_o from_o that_o tribulation_n and_o sore_a pain_n that_o the_o saint_n here_o in_o their_o outward_a man_n be_v expose_v to_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o in_o the_o holy_a justice_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o give_v such_o body_n for_o labour_n and_o for_o toil_n and_o to_o his_o martyr_n to_o endure_v unexpressible_a torment_n for_o christ_n at_o last_o to_o perish_v for_o ever_o iv_o from_o these_o visible_a resemblance_n and_o pâ—efigurations_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n herein_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n and_o production_n of_o nature_n so_o as_o all_o may_v see_v how_o every_o night_n be_v as_o the_o grave_a of_o the_o day_n light_n and_o each_o morning_n a_o new_a resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o and_o how_o visible_a a_o image_n of_o death_n be_v in_o each_o season_n of_o the_o winter_n with_o so_o marvellous_a and_o beautiful_a a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o earth_n on_o every_o return_n of_o the_o spring_n in_o the_o herb_n flower_n and_o plant_n take_v life_n and_o rise_v again_o in_o the_o leaf_n blossom_n and_o fruit_n yea_o this_o in_o such_o a_o variety_n as_o may_v no_o less_o convince_o evidence_n a_o infinite_a divine_a power_n herein_o than_o that_o the_o same_o body_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v raise_v at_o the_o last_o day_n v._o from_o that_o continue_a miracle_n of_o the_o harvest_n after_o the_o seedtime_n with_o so_o amaze_a a_o production_n of_o the_o grain_n sow_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o first_o die_v there_o before_o it_o be_v quicken_v so_o as_o to_o be_v at_o last_o bring_v to_o 30_o 60_o yea_o sometime_o a_o hundred_o fold_n out_o of_o the_o very_a same_o grain_n which_o to_o these_o who_o have_v never_o before_o know_v the_o same_o will_v seem_v incredible_a and_o above_o all_o reason_n to_o conceive_v or_o give_v credit_n thereto_o chap._n iii_o the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n improve_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n to_o clear_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o before_o this_o generation_n and_o let_v we_o see_v how_o nothing_o be_v so_o strange_a in_o the_o event_n of_o this_o day_n which_o shall_v not_o more_o strengthen_v then_o shake_v and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v still_o own_o the_o same_o interest_n according_a to_o his_o faithfulness_n which_o be_v here_o brief_o point_v at_o upon_o some_o special_a inquiry_n propose_v about_o the_o same_o section_n i._n qu._n i._n what_o can_v afford_v both_o light_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o we_o see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n about_o his_o church_n to_o be_v most_o remarkable_o now_o a_o work_n of_o judgement_n with_o such_o dark_a and_o search_a trial_n therewith_o as_o former_a time_n have_v not_o know_v ans_fw-fr it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v have_v be_v too_o evident_o look_v for_o and_o that_o we_o can_v pretend_v no_o want_n of_o light_n herein_o upon_o these_o ground_n i._o that_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o when_o this_o have_v be_v in_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n dispense_v that_o some_o remarkable_o search_v time_n may_v be_v expect_v to_o follow_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v now_o strange_a to_o we_o that_o such_o thing_n fall_v in_o with_o this_o day_n which_o do_v not_o meet_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o the_o reformation_n who_o then_o have_v not_o so_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o confirmation_n therein_o which_o have_v be_v since_o ii_o that_o some_o unusual_a trial_n and_o conflict_n in_o the_o lord_n method_n of_o providence_n shall_v be_v suit_v also_o to_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o work_n which_o he_o be_v bring_v forth_o may_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n and_o to_o see_v a_o time_n of_o such_o sore_a wrestle_n as_o this_o when_o all_o thing_n seem_v to_o cry_v and_o be_v in_o pain_n as_o micah_n 4.20_o yea_o when_o some_o great_a event_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o near_o to_o its_o full_a height_n and_o period_n of_o accomplishment_n as_o we_o have_v safe_a ground_n for_o assurance_n of_o this_o day_n iii_o nor_n have_v this_o sad_a and_o dismal_a hour_n on_o the_o church_n be_v more_o obvious_a than_o the_o provoke_a cause_n hereof_o in_o which_o the_o holy_a righteousness_n of_o god_n may_v be_v no_o less_o clear_a than_o the_o cloud_n now_o be_v dark_a when_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o visible_a fall_v off_o from_o that_o love_n tenderness_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v former_o attend_v its_o profession_n for_o these_o many_o year_n past_a we_o may_v have_v see_v that_o some_o sore_a and_o remarkable_a judgement_n be_v come_v and_o that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n undo_v we_o be_v under_o some_o sad_a stroke_n of_o spiritual_a judgement_n ready_a to_o be_v utter_o undo_v iu._n yea_o it_o have_v be_v too_o visible_a that_o such_o evil_n follow_v the_o reform_a church_n as_o in_o no_o time_n it_o be_v ever_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v pass_v by_o without_o some_o signal_n evidence_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o the_o same_o before_o the_o world_n v._o we_o know_v that_o carnal_a confidence_n have_v a_o curse_n ever_o wait_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o none_o can_v take_v it_o