this_o that_o exact_a correspondence_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o foundation_n and_o superstructure_n how_o the_o whole_a tract_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o one_o entire_a and_o complete_a mean_n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o restore_v fall_v man_n to_o the_o high_a blessedness_n how_o that_o excellent_a stream_n of_o sanctification_n do_v flow_v from_o that_o fountain_n head_n of_o one_fw-mi eternal_a decree_n herein_o which_o do_v still_o run_v under_o the_o ground_n until_o it_o break_v up_o at_o last_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o each_o christian_a by_o the_o effectual_a call_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o thus_o run_v down_o through_o time_n until_o it_o lose_v its_o self_n in_o that_o unconceivable_a deep_a of_o perfection_n and_o glory_n thus_o be_v it_o that_o each_o christian_n may_v attain_v some_o high_a degree_n of_o confirmation_n in_o his_o faith_n than_o most_o seem_v either_o to_o know_v or_o look_v after_o if_o he_o understand_v more_o how_o to_o improve_v this_o rare_a compare_v work_n of_o religion_n by_o set_v the_o great_a truth_n and_o principle_n thereof_o in_o their_o order_n &_o dependence_n so_o as_o each_o may_v be_v see_v in_o its_o necessare_fw-la coherence_n with_o other_o and_o under_o its_o proper_a aspect_n but_o the_o more_o deep_a reflection_n and_o enquiry_n he_o have_v herein_o he_o be_v the_o more_o make_v to_o wonder_n and_o find_v this_o one_o of_o the_o great_a assault_n to_o his_o faith_n that_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o christ_n and_o redemption_n by_o his_o blood_n shall_v have_v no_o great_a effect_n this_o day_n among_o man_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v not_o in_o some_o other_o manner_n awake_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o light_n and_o press_v after_o a_o large_a spread_n and_o diffusion_n of_o this_o high_a and_o universal_a good_a to_o poor_a mankind_n yea_o the_o more_o he_o consider_v this_o it_o do_v heighten_v his_o amazement_n to_o think_v how_o man_n design_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n and_o service_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v so_o low_a within_o time_n who_o design_n and_o hope_n in_o the_o close_a thereof_o be_v so_o high_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o enjoyment_n or_o take_v so_o little_a to_o heart_n that_o the_o whole_a day_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n amid_o the_o most_o dismal_a trial_n may_v fall_v in_o therewith_o be_v a_o continue_a time_n wherein_o we_o be_v call_v to_o keep_v the_o feast_n and_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o celebrate_v the_o same_o as_o a_o perpetual_a jubily_n of_o joy_n and_o exultation_n since_o christ_n our_o passover_n be_v sacrifice_v for_o we_o but_o oh_o how_o rare_a a_o thing_n seem_v this_o to_o be_v and_o how_o little_a of_o that_o flame_n and_o fervency_n of_o love_n to_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n be_v now_o kindle_v on_o his_o altar_n that_o may_v be_v expect_v on_o such_o wonderful_a incitment_n thereto_o and_o which_o once_o be_v in_o the_o church_n carat_n iii_o though_o a_o confirm_a christian_n must_v be_v special_o state_v as_o such_o who_o know_v the_o internal_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o seal_v work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o his_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o by_o word_n but_o thing_n of_o the_o high_a truth_n substance_n and_o reality_n yet_o be_v he_o herein_o not_o alone_o satisfy_v to_o know_v this_o by_o spiritual_a sense_n until_o he_o can_v see_v the_o same_o with_o the_o further_a evidence_n of_o light_n also_o to_o his_o mind_n and_o have_v no_o less_o a_o clear_a and_o judicious_a trial_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o experimental_a religion_n for_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n then_o to_o be_v sensible_o affect_v with_o the_o feel_a power_n thereof_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n why_o this_o be_v necessary_o requisite_a and_o call_v for_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o confirm_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v thus_o consider_v on_o some_o few_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n which_o must_v be_v experience_v within_o time_n be_v such_o sublime_a and_o wonderful_a mystery_n as_o may_v be_v just_a matter_n of_o astonishment_n and_o make_v man_n a_o wonder_n to_o themselves_o to_o think_v that_o these_o present_a pledge_n of_o so_o great_a a_o hope_n which_o be_v to_o come_v be_v no_o shadow_n no_o appearence_n of_o thing_n but_o most_o sure_a and_o undoubted_a reality_n and_o that_o such_o be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n who_o know_v so_o near_o a_o converse_n with_o a_o invisible_a god_n and_o the_o supernatural_a truth_n of_o his_o word_n with_o the_o sensible_a feeling_n of_o that_o inestimable_a love_n of_o christ_n by_o this_o demonstration_n of_o experience_n yea_o who_o in_o such_o dismal_a time_n do_v assure_o know_v what_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o a_o immediate_a fellowshipe_n with_o their_o bless_a head_n be_v upon_o the_o great_a certainty_n of_o trial_n since_o these_o be_v so_o high_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n which_o exceed_v all_o natural_a understanding_n as_o the_o feel_a sweetness_n of_o their_o enjoyment_n shall_v not_o more_o deep_o take_v man_n up_o then_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o sureness_n of_o these_o principle_n whereon_o they_o find_v herein_o 2._o because_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o experimental_a religion_n shall_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o as_o it_o of_o high_a use_n for_o christian_n personal_a comfort_n and_o establishment_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o special_a trust_n repose_v thereon_o to_o have_v the_o credit_n of_o this_o great_a testimony_n and_o seal_n demonstrable_o clear_v with_o the_o further_a strength_n of_o harmonious_a and_o argumentive_a reason_n for_o such_o who_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n yet_o thereon_o as_o may_v not_o only_o awake_v they_o to_o some_o deep_a sense_n and_o impression_n hereof_o but_o constrain_v they_o to_o see_v how_o no_o natural_a science_n have_v more_o clear_a and_o firm_a demonstration_n than_o the_o experimental_a part_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n thereof_o may_v have_v to_o man_n reason_n and_o judgement_n though_o they_o never_o know_v it_o within_o themselves_o yea_o for_o this_o end_n shall_v such_o as_o have_v experience_v the_o truth_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n reckon_v themselves_o as_o witness_n who_o be_v judicial_o sist_v to_o put_v their_o seal_n thereunto_o &_o be_v now_o more_o call_v for_o in_o a_o age_n when_o no_o particular_a truth_n seem_v more_o strong_o impugn_a than_o the_o reality_n of_o experimental_a godliness_n be_v and_o become_v as_o a_o public_a theme_n of_o derision_n though_o man_n must_v either_o quit_v the_o whole_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o see_v this_o to_o be_v as_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o vital_a principle_n be_v to_o a_o live_a man_n 3._o yea_o its_o sure_a herein_o that_o such_o as_o take_v religion_n to_o heart_n must_v needs_o look_v to_o be_v put_v to_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o its_o certainty_n and_o shall_v most_o near_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v if_o they_o can_v abide_v as_o firm_o by_o their_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o by_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o do_v thus_o know_v as_o sure_o in_o themselves_o the_o operation_n and_o motion_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n as_o that_o they_o have_v be_v by_o nature_n and_o that_o here_o be_v no_o doubtful_a or_o abstract_a notion_n but_o who_o have_v have_v such_o deep_a trial_n and_o reflection_n on_o the_o same_o as_o these_o who_o dare_v venture_v their_o eternal_a state_n on_o the_o know_a certainty_n theirof_o as_o they_o can_v thence_o reason_v their_o soul_n to_o a_o steadfast_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o they_o be_v call_v to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n thereto_o from_o what_o rare_a experiment_n and_o proof_n they_o have_v oft_o have_v of_o the_o same_o in_o their_o own_o trial_n 4._o it_o do_v more_o special_o call_v for_o a_o demonstrative_a clear_n of_o the_o credit_n of_o this_o testimony_n as_o one_o of_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n amongh_v man_n which_o seem_v least_o improven_v of_o any_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o general_a state_n of_o such_o who_o be_v within_o the_o church_n who_o be_v so_o great_a stranger_n to_o the_o same_o yea_o shall_v be_v judge_v one_o of_o the_o great_a want_n of_o this_o day_n when_o atheism_n be_v now_o at_o so_o astonish_v a_o height_n that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o study_v to_o have_v the_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o in_o itself_o lie_v deep_a and_o hide_v and_o be_v a_o secret_a betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o christian_n soul_n with_o such_o clearness_n and_o by_o that_o manner_n of_o evidence_n demonstrat_fw-la to_o the_o world_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o beget_v some_o more_o awful_a sense_n and_o
of_o his_o word_n and_o to_o sanctify_v he_o before_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o important_a a_o duty_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a even_o with_o a_o moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o one_o short-coming_a when_o he_o call_v for_o the_o same_o numb_a 20_o 12._o and_o its_o sure_a in_o no_o time_n be_v such_o a_o special_a trust_n more_o repose_v thereon_o then_o in_o this_o age_n both_o as_o a_o public_a debt_n on_o the_o church_n &_o personal_a on_o each_o christian_a how_o to_o witness_v for_o the_o lord_n upon_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o for_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v by_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_v and_o testimony_n thereto_o ii_o to_o reckon_v ourselves_o also_o under_o some_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la call_v this_o day_n each_o in_o their_o present_a capacity_n and_o station_n how_o to_o appear_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o stem_v so_o visible_a and_o impetuous_a a_o tide_n as_o be_v now_o run_v of_o distrust_v and_o of_o a_o discreditable_a faint_a for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v never_o be_v the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o remarkable_o sist_v under_o such_o a_o trial_n as_o that_o wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n numb_a 14._o or_o have_v a_o more_o evident_a resemblance_n thereto_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n as_o in_o this_o day_n if_o they_o be_v serious_o ponder_v as_o i_o how_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o a_o false_a &_o evil_a report_n be_v too_o visible_o raise_v upon_o the_o bless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o discourage_v and_o faint_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n as_o be_v then_o by_o the_o spy_n that_o there_o be_v insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o anakim_v and_o of_o their_o wall_a city_n and_o do_v thus_o oppose_v the_o credit_n of_o sense_n to_o all_o these_o assurance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o their_o faith_n ii_o that_o this_o high_o dishonourable_a faint_a and_o distrust_n do_v so_o seize_v on_o that_o people_n as_o be_v like_a to_o resolve_v in_o a_o visible_a revolt_n and_o to_o cry_v for_o a_o leader_n to_o go_v back_o to_o egypt_n again_o which_o among_o too_o many_o in_o this_o time_n may_v be_v just_o fear_v iii_o that_o this_o be_v after_o such_o extraordinare_a confirmation_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n then_o who_o have_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a and_o outstretch_a hand_n so_o lat_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o from_o the_o iron_n furnace_n in_o egypt_n as_o render_v their_o misbelief_n to_o be_v a_o guilt_n under_o such_o aggravation_n as_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v in_o that_o manner_n plead_v vers_fw-la 22._o these_o ten_o time_n have_v they_o tempt_v i_o who_o have_v see_v my_o glory_n and_o my_o miracle_n which_o i_o do_v in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n iu._n but_o herein_o we_o hope_v and_o be_v confident_o sure_a of_o a_o bless_a disparity_n in_o this_o resemblance_n as_o to_o the_o numberousnesse_n of_o such_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o act_v something_o of_o that_o part_n which_o these_o heroic_a witness_n a_o caleb_n &_o joshua_n do_v &_o be_v then_o put_v to_o stand_v alone_o therein_o who_o through_o great_a shall_v yet_o appear_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o withstand_v so_o high_a a_o tide_n of_o fear_n discouragement_n and_o misbelief_n as_o be_v this_o day_n and_o thus_o to_o plead_v against_o the_o same_o as_o these_o do_v num._n 14_o 9_o if_o the_o lord_n delight_n in_o we_o then_o let_v we_o not_o rebel_v against_o he_o neither_o fear_v the_o great_a difficulty_n can_v be_v in_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n v._o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o precedent_n of_o providence_n of_o so_o singular_a a_o respect_n as_o the_o lord_n do_v then_o testify_v to_o his_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n who_o be_v of_o another_o spirit_n in_o follow_v he_o full_o in_o that_o day_n a_o continue_a assurance_n for_o all_o who_o shall_v be_v help_v to_o any_o honourable_a appearance_n of_o this_o kind_n by_o make_v they_o see_v and_o inherit_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n yea_o that_o such_o a_o residue_n who_o outlive_v this_o great_a and_o amaze_a storm_n shall_v have_v something_o of_o that_o testimony_n to_o bear_v also_o which_o caleb_n give_v josh._n 14_o 8_o 10._o my_o brethren_n which_o go_v up_o with_o i_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n faint_a but_o i_o full_o follow_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o now_o behold_v the_o lord_n have_v keep_v i_o alive_a etc._n etc._n o_o bless_v they_o who_o soul_n be_v raise_v with_o that_o holy_a zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o this_o great_a breach_n by_o a_o resolute_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o witness_v to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o such_o great_a and_o extraordinar_a confirmation_n give_v thertho_fw-la now_o call_v for_o iii_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a duty_n of_o this_o day_n we_o stand_v also_o accountable_a for_o how_o to_o stem_v this_o high_a and_o grow_a tide_n of_o prejudice_n and_o reproach_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o in_o some_o unusual_a way_n be_v now_o aloft_o and_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o gain_v some_o more_o awful_a regard_n hereof_o on_o man_n conscience_n that_o they_o may_v see_v something_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o maintain_v its_o conquest_n as_o no_o way_n else_o can_v possible_o claim_v i._n which_o reckon_v none_o else_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a professor_n hereof_o who_o embrace_v not_o the_o same_o upon_o evidence_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o worth_n nor_o do_v judge_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n to_o go_v by_o number_n and_o poll_n where_o this_o be_v want_v but_o to_o pursue_v that_o end_n to_o have_v man_n engage_v first_o to_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o therefore_o can_v admit_v no_o such_o method_n of_o any_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o humour_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n which_o its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v ii_o which_o in_o its_o course_n be_v ever_o regular_fw-la and_o certain_a according_a to_o that_o rule_n of_o a_o uncheangable_a and_o eternal_a truth_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o will_n of_o man_n herein_o or_o any_o mutable_a revolution_n of_o the_o time_n iii_o which_o do_v with_o the_o great_a lustre_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o bright_a light_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n yea_o by_o the_o further_a plainness_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n towards_o all_o commend_v itself_o so_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v it_o espouse_v not_o man_n affection_n before_o it_o gain_v on_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o have_v their_o judgement_n fix_v on_o a_o judicious_a trial_n before_o their_o resolution_n nor_o account_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n can_v ever_o subsist_v by_o a_o external_a show_n and_o profession_n without_o be_v know_v evidence_n and_o the_o efficacy_n thereof_o on_o man_n soul_n iv_o which_o sincere_o follow_v the_o catholic_n interest_n of_o christianity_n and_o public_a good_a of_o mankind_n in_o promot_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o the_o world_n may_v see_v its_o high_a intent_n be_v to_o exalt_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o advance_v the_o simplicity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o gospel_n administration_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v rule_n amongh_v man_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o near_o conceirn_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n and_o one_fw-mi inward_a life_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n v._n which_o plead_v a_o impartial_a trial_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n whither_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o profession_n or_o of_o popery_n give_v the_o great_a security_n to_o civil_a government_n &_o find_v the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o magistracy_n and_o to_o all_o civil_a and_o moral_a duty_n by_o which_o the_o awe_n and_o venerable_a esteem_n of_o religion_n be_v keep_v up_o in_o a_o nation_n it_o be_v high_a time_n that_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v implicit_a upon_o this_o great_a interest_n they_o have_v within_o time_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o a_o deceit_n or_o mistake_n here_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a conceirn_fw-mi upon_o which_o account_n without_o respect_n to_o interest_n party_n or_o education_n i_o have_v this_o day_n seek_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o what_o adversary_n can_v possible_o pretend_v to_o reproach_n or_o prejudge_v any_o at_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o can_v only_o amount_v to_o charge_v man_n corruption_n and_o offence_n in_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o
but_o for_o strenthn_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 touchstone_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 sist_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 &_o promise_n 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 give_v more_o access_n to_o this_o service_n and_o add_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 a_o other_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_o 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 outgate_n and_o thus_o also_o with_o caleb_n josh._n 14_o 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 dicredit_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 likeways_o how_o great_a a_o suprizall_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 fetch_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_a 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 only_o direct_v 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 its_o sure_a the_o present_a day_n have_v its_o duty_n and_o each_o time_n of_o our_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 of_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_v and_o testimony_n thereto_o and_o now_o in_o some_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la way_n call_v for_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o great_a darkness_n when_o if_o that_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 be_v manage_v with_o much_o humble_a prudence_n so_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v that_o no_o serious_a and_o observe_v christian_n but_o have_v some_o peculiare_a ingadgment_n under_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o sist_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 be_v not_o easy_a to_o hide_v under_o the_o ground_n where_o the_o strenthn_n of_o other_o hereby_o be_v conceirn_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 great_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_a 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 put_v a_o more_o deep_a impression_n of_o man_n die_a work_n on_o their_o own_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 ingadgment_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_v character_n to_o show_v how_o rare_a a_o atteanment_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 where_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 its_o 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 its_o 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_a miracle_n can_v never_o bear_v christian_n out_o either_o as_o to_o duty_n or_o comfort_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o time_n yea_o nothing_o be_v in_o the_o least_o here_o to_o subject_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o man_n rational_a comprehension_n but_o rather_o tend_v to_o enervate_v whole_o the_o strength_n of_o any_o such_o tenet_n and_o take_v off_o all_o pretence_n for_o the_o same_o but_o its_o sure_a also_o i_o must_v quite_o all_o solid_a security_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o any_o clear_a sound_n in_o the_o light_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o admit_v these_o thing_n as_o undeniable_a 1_o that_o supernatural_a faith_n be_v the_o most_o high_o rational_a light_n that_o be_v within_o time_n and_o that_o none_o who_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v of_o so_o low_a a_o size_n as_o shall_v not_o be_v press_v and_o excite_v to_o be_v much_o about_o this_o ground_n work_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o profession_n upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n yea_o be_v thus_o call_v as_o new_o bear_v babe_n to_o drink_v in_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o pet._n 2._o which_o as_o it_o be_v clear_o in_o the_o original_n be_v the_o rational_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v thus_o receive_v no_o less_o on_o conviction_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o judgement_n
then_o with_o the_o out_o go_v of_o their_o affection_n 2._o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o a_o true_a and_o firm_a assent_n can_v be_v to_o divine_a truth_n but_o on_o its_o know_a certainty_n so_o here_o be_v no_o resolve_v of_o the_o christian_n faith_n on_o the_o strong_a rational_a evidence_n hereof_o yet_o must_v it_o still_o be_v resolve_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n make_v clear_a &_o evident_a to_o they_o to_o be_v such_o 3._o it_o be_v sure_a also_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v so_o large_a a_o measure_n of_o these_o ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o truth_n with_o such_o redouble_a argument_n of_o that_o kind_n to_o be_v of_o so_o small_a regard_n as_o be_v with_o most_o but_o for_o some_o great_a and_o universal_a use_n hereof_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o know_v how_o needful_a such_o assistance_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n will_v be_v whilst_o they_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n 4._o that_o these_o mean_n which_o tend_v most_o convince_o to_o found_v a_o rational_a assurence_n in_o the_o judgement_n be_v the_o proper_a vehicle_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o his_o seal_a work_n shall_v be_v both_o seek_v and_o expect_v nor_o can_v i_o judge_v how_o the_o credit_n and_o use_n hereof_o shall_v be_v so_o small_a and_o not_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n quite_o any_o external_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o without_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v never_o profit_v nor_o how_o we_o shall_v expect_v and_o suit_n his_o confirm_a work_n on_o the_o soul_n when_o these_o great_a confirm_v mean_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n have_v no_o just_a weight_n but_o o_o how_o wonderful_a a_o teacher_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o such_o ordinare_fw-la mean_v fail_v and_o be_v inaccessible_a by_o furnish_v his_o people_n then_o with_o these_o strong_a argument_n of_o love_n and_o power_n who_o have_v have_v but_o small_a measure_n of_o light_n yet_o be_v not_o unfaithful_a to_o improve_v the_o small_a degree_n of_o such_o a_o talon_n 5._o yea_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o attain_v a_o solid_a faith_n of_o thing_n whole_o remott_v from_o our_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n and_o apprehension_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o have_v a_o absolute_a reliance_n on_o a_o invisible_a refuge_n for_o our_o present_a and_o eternal_a state_n as_o no_o common_a assent_n can_v answer_v when_o the_o very_a rest_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o lie_v in_o the_o sure_a and_o firm_a persuasion_n hereof_o 6._o it_o be_v too_o visible_a also_o how_o little_a the_o practical_a use_n of_o such_o a_o mean_a have_v yet_o be_v assay_v in_o the_o church_n that_o all_o who_o be_v member_n thereof_o may_v no_o less_o know_v the_o strength_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n than_o the_o general_a article_n of_o religion_n but_o whilst_o the_o most_o usual_a instruct_v work_n lie_v almost_o whole_o about_o the_o noetick_a part_n of_o divinity_n there_o seem_v not_o that_o serious_a regard_n to_o press_v the_o dianoetick_a part_n hereof_o on_o man_n conscience_n as_o if_o this_o be_v to_o be_v restrict_v to_o a_o few_o who_o be_v more_o know_v learned_a and_o of_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n about_o the_o rational_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o who_o these_o choice_n and_o abundant_a help_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v in_o this_o age_n seem_v more_o peculiar_o direct_v it_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o first_o time_n do_v remarkable_o then_o spread_v and_o prevail_v by_o these_o clear_a evidence_n hereof_o to_o the_o judgement_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n more_o than_o by_o extraordinare_a miracle_n nor_o know_v they_o otherwise_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v christian_n but_o by_o embrace_v the_o truth_n with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n no_o less_o then_o of_o delight_n and_o affection_n but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o case_n now_o where_o religion_n be_v plant_v in_o a_o nation_n and_o have_v a_o uncontrollable_a public_a profession_n under_o the_o support_n of_o humane_a law_n i_o know_v no_o weight_n this_o can_v have_v except_o that_o shall_v be_v admit_v therewith_o quod_fw-la nunc_fw-la nascuntur_fw-la christiani_n sed_fw-la non_fw-la fiunt_fw-la 7._o yea_o be_v it_o not_o sure_a though_o it_o seem_v little_o understand_v that_o the_o primary_n ground_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o as_o to_o their_o â—nd_n demonstrative_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n such_o demonstration_n also_o which_o most_o native_o result_v from_o the_o same_o by_o infallible_a consequence_n and_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v account_v not_o as_o human_a but_o divine_a argument_n give_v we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 8._o i_o shall_v but_o further_o add_v how_o such_o as_o do_v serious_o ponder_v thing_n will_v find_v this_o demonstration_n to_o be_v not_o more_o important_a than_o clear_a that_o to_o be_v a_o confirm_a christian_a and_o a_o confirm_a protestant_n be_v convertible_a term_n and_o that_o if_o these_o as_o be_v under_o that_o deplorable_a bondage_n and_o darkness_n of_o popery_n be_v but_o once_o awake_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n &_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o its_o intrinsic_a and_o objective_a evidence_n and_o take_v off_o that_o brutish_a credulity_n and_o dependence_n on_o the_o alone_a credit_n of_o other_o herein_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o strong_a engine_n to_o hold_v up_o that_o profession_n be_v then_o break_v and_o shall_v see_v the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o such_o full_a and_o perspicuous_a evidence_n from_o the_o scripture_n as_o without_o blasphemy_n they_o can_v not_o seek_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v they_o a_o plain_a rule_n than_o what_o he_o have_v there_o give_v reader_n it_o be_v like_o you_o may_v think_v strange_a how_o these_o few_o sheet_n in_o the_o close_a fall_n in_o here_o after_o the_o forego_v part_n be_v finish_v but_o though_o they_o meet_v in_o one_o design_n and_o interest_n yet_o be_v not_o this_o then_o intend_a until_o the_o former_a be_v do_v and_o if_o it_o may_v tend_v to_o a_o solid_a use_n and_o fruit_n unto_o any_o i_o shall_v forbear_v a_o further_a apology_n herein_o i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o subject_n have_v carry_v it_o some_o further_a length_n than_o be_v design_v when_o i_o so_o much_o seek_v to_o be_v short_a as_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o through_o my_o desire_n to_o avoid_v any_o unnecessare_n multiply_v of_o thord_n i_o sarâ—_n lest_o it_o may_v make_v some_o thing_n seem_v a_o little_a dark_a at_o the_o first_o look_n though_o i_o hope_v not_o upon_o any_o serious_a perusal_n of_o the_o same_o two_o thing_n i_o must_v further_o crave_v leave_n to_o add_v 1_o that_o when_o some_o succinct_a view_n of_o the_o great_a assistance_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v here_o offer_v which_o these_o of_o the_o low_a capacity_n of_o the_o church_n may_v with_o that_o advantage_n improve_v as_o in_o a_o few_o hour_n by_o read_v it_o some_o time_n over_o may_v be_v so_o far_o impress_v on_o their_o mind_n and_o judgement_n that_o they_o can_v give_v some_o clear_a and_o judicious_a account_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v by_o such_o but_o serious_o weigh_v &_o take_v to_o heart_n of_o what_o conceirn_n the_o use_n hereof_o be_v 2._o that_o i_o will_v humble_o judge_v also_o it_o be_v a_o most_o special_a service_n for_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o day_n to_o have_v some_o short_a directory_n and_o remembrancer_n of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o monument_n of_o his_o providence_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o that_o manner_n hold_v forth_o as_o might_n most_o tend_v to_o some_o universal_a use_n of_o all_o within_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v my_o desire_n press_v i_o to_o some_o small_a essay_n herein_o with_o intent_n to_o have_v join_v it_o to_o this_o work_n but_o have_v with_o much_o conviction_n lay_v this_o whole_o aside_o as_o to_o any_o further_a appearance_n that_o way_n so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n that_o some_o more_o qualify_v may_v take_v to_o heart_n and_o under_o their_o hand_n so_o great_a a_o service_n both_o for_o their_o generation_n and_o posterity_n it_o be_v sure_a the_o lord_n have_v design_v his_o people_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n as_o well_o as_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o word_n and_o as_o no_o duty_n be_v more_o press_v than_o this_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o as_o to_o public_a and_o family_n instruction_n so_o be_v we_o no_o less_o accountable_a iâ—_n these_o last_o time_n for_o this_o improvement_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o know_v public_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n and_o shall_v be_v thâ—_n care_n of_o each_o age_n to_o have_v that_o solemn_a remembrance_n keep_v up_o hereof_o so_o as_o not_o a_o few_o but_o the_o very_a multitude_n within_o thâ—_n church_n may_v be_v as_o a_o public_a library_n and_o repository_n of_o thâ—_n same_o finis_fw-la