Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n day_n lord_n time_n 5,344 5 4.0909 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39768 The true settlement of a Christians faith,bafter shaking assaults, by its own evidence; and by the internal sealing work of the spirit; pointed at, in some special inquiries thereon in a letter to a friend. With some serious reflections on the present times we are in, and those great vicissitudes of providence, wihch have been in the publick state of Britain in this last age, in a II. letter. By a minister of the Ghospel [sic]. Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694. 1692 (1692) Wing F1277A; ESTC R215628 111,123 216

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in_o these_o late_a time_n that_o age_n which_o have_v its_o first_o entry_n from_o the_o year_n 1517._o have_v a_o high_a splendour_n put_v thereon_o then_o have_v be_v know_v for_o a_o thousand_o year_n proceed_v the_o same_o but_o when_o i_o have_v think_v on_o the_o way_n and_o conduct_v of_o providence_n and_o marvellous_a discovery_n of_o god_n herein_o to_o this_o generation_n i_o can_v not_o but_o see_v something_o in_o a_o most_o singular_a way_n of_o his_o appearance_n before_o the_o world_n to_o the_o same_o as_o seem_v but_o yet_o little_o understand_v though_o this_o may_v be_v see_v that_o we_o have_v sure_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o wonder_n 2._o i_o have_v look_v on_o such_o a_o exercise_n to_o discern_v and_o understand_v aright_o the_o time_n we_o be_v in_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o singular_a mean_n for_o strenthn_v a_o christian_n faith_n on_o the_o certainty_n of_o sacred_a truth_n when_o with_o these_o more_o immediate_a discovery_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n 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lord_n to_o do_v after_o all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n this_o have_v look_v as_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o britain_n in_o the_o present_a day_n when_o such_o of_o a_o serious_a &_o excellent_a spirit_n have_v come_v to_o the_o throne_n if_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o generation_n as_o may_v be_v fear_v be_v not_o come_v to_o that_o height_n of_o a_o resolute_a opposition_n to_o any_o restore_a mean_n but_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v thus_o take_v off_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o so_o public_a abound_a atheism_n and_o impiety_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n will_v fall_v herewith_o before_o man_n 4._o they_o have_v a_o peculiar_a access_n also_o to_o such_o a_o service_n for_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o place_n they_o live_v in_o who_o have_v more_o advantage_n than_o other_o by_o the_o repute_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o example_n to_o walk_v in_o a_o countermotion_n to_o 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a_o short_a time_n depress_v and_o change_v the_o very_a genius_n of_o these_o once_o renown_v nation_n if_o there_o be_v no_o due_a application_n of_o the_o proper_a and_o adequate_a remedy_n for_o the_o same_o 4._o and_o do_v we_o not_o with_o too_o great_a evidence_n now_o see_v how_o much_o that_o old_a protestant_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v go_v and_o extinguish_v this_o day_n before_o which_o the_o romish_a interest_n can_v not_o possible_o stand_v when_o humane_a power_n and_o might_n do_v little_o concur_v therewith_o so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v a_o strange_a but_o too_o visible_a a_o remark_n how_o that_o distinction_n have_v get_v such_o place_n in_o britain_n bejond_v any_o other_o reform_v church_n else_o which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o protestant_a interest_n and_o politic_a concern_v thereof_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o its_o truth_n and_o efficacy_n 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abomination_n still_o answerable_a to_o that_o vision_n ezechiel_n 8_o when_o within_o the_o precinct_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n once_o so_o pure_o reform_v such_o a_o party_n be_v get_v up_o and_o grow_v who_o work_n be_v not_o only_o to_o take_v man_n off_o the_o serious_a work_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n but_o to_o subvert_v whole_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n under_o that_o late_a designation_n of_o deist_n and_o that_o man_n be_v now_o become_v so_o weary_v of_o the_o christian_a profession_n as_o be_v their_o power_n answerable_a to_o their_o will_n they_o will_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a model_n of_o paganism_n and_o fix_v themselves_o at_o last_o there_o and_o oh_o be_v it_o come_v to_o such_o a_o day_n after_o so_o bright_a a_o sun_n shine_v of_o the_o gospel_n have_v go_v before_o and_o after_o so_o great_a one_fw-mi effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o such_o a_o party_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o increase_n in_o so_o horrid_a a_o appearance_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o make_v void_a the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o justle_v our_o ever_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o once_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o nation_n off_o his_o throne_n to_o thrust_v the_o crown_n off_o his_o head_n the_o sceptre_n of_o who_o government_n be_v righteousness_n &_o peace_n and_o give_v if_o they_o can_v a_o mortal_a stroke_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o life_n and_o light_n of_o man_n and_o by_o who_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v yea_o as_o if_o they_o can_v make_v their_o party_n good_a against_o that_o rod_n of_o iron_n with_o which_o he_o bear_v rule_n over_o his_o adversary_n but_o what_o can_v these_o design_n to_o themselves_o to_o render_v humane_a be_v desirable_a here_o on_o the_o earth_n except_o to_o have_v a_o share_n of_o the_o same_o privilege_n with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n that_o within_o a_o little_a they_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o be_v and_z oh_o what_o a_o god_n do_v such_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o who_o only_o propitious_a to_o poor_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o otherwise_o not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o trust_n but_o of_o terror_n yet_o be_v this_o way_n now_o come_v to_o that_o length_n as_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o despise_v all_o moral_a relief_n 6._o i_o must_v yet_o add_v here_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a ungrateful_a subject_n how_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o a_o day_n when_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o way_n of_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o affect_a sense_n or_o regard_n on_o this_o generation_n and_o the_o great_a design_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o providence_n amid_o such_o marvellous_a change_n have_v go_v before_o in_o that_o manner_n withstand_v as_o most_o seem_v to_o unite_v there_o strength_n herein_o even_o when_o this_o may_v be_v in_o a_o singular_a way_n applicable_a to_o our_o time_n what_o the_o lord_n do_v once_o speak_v to_o israel_n by_o moses_n your_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o these_o great_a temptation_n the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o he_o have_v do_v in_o this_o last_o age_n yet_o if_o sovereign_a grace_n do_v not_o marvellous_o appear_v it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o both_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o work_n have_v discharge_v their_o commission_n without_o any_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o same_o and_o that_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n after_o such_o extraordinar_a method_n of_o divine_a patience_n have_v do_v their_o part_n and_o be_v now_o come_v to_o such_o a_o judicial_a withdraw_n and_o departure_n of_o that_o great_a ambassador_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o his_o church_n that_o there_o seem_v but_o small_a access_n to_o serious_a public_a humiliation_n and_o fast_v or_o to_o call_v for_o solemn_a assembly_n for_o this_o end_n
except_o to_o personate_v &_o act_n such_o a_o part_n as_o that_o of_o the_o mourn_a woman_n among_o the_o jew_n at_o funeral_n and_o among_o these_o of_o the_o most_o serious_a spirit_n in_o this_o day_n such_o a_o restraint_n may_v be_v find_v of_o that_o seriousness_n and_o fervour_n herein_o which_o once_o do_v appear_v as_o render_v it_o a_o more_o ominous_a presage_v that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o to_o follow_v but_o that_o last_o sentence_n let_v they_o alone_o and_o must_v not_o all_o thus_o reason_n and_o judge_n that_o as_o the_o interest_n of_o sacred_a truth_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o man_n subject_v thereto_o be_v of_o much_o high_a value_n than_o any_o temporal_a interest_n so_o be_v the_o vindication_n of_o the_o same_o before_o the_o world_n of_o a_o great_a concern_v then_o the_o stability_n or_o stand_v of_o kingdom_n yea_o to_o fear_n more_o deep_o that_o such_o a_o time_n how_o long_o so_o ever_o defer_v must_v at_o last_o take_v place_n when_o his_o spotless_a procedure_n of_o judgement_n shall_v be_v then_o clear_v full_o shall_v i_o not_o visit_v for_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o my_o soul_n be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o people_n but_o now_o in_o the_o three_o place_n there_o be_v one_o inquiry_n that_o shall_v lie_v near_o and_o have_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a call_n for_o the_o same_o in_o such_o a_o day_n to_o know_v what_o be_v yet_o leave_v and_o accessible_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n that_o may_v be_v as_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n for_o the_o lord_n return_v once_o more_o and_o his_o respiting_a of_o imminent_a judgement_n when_o so_o great_a a_o ruin_n be_v like_a to_o fall_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o this_o generation_n i_o know_v any_o such_o thing_n will_v be_v to_o most_o as_o matter_n of_o derision_n who_o fear_n and_o hope_n of_o this_o kind_n go_v no_o high_a than_o present_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v little_a i_o can_v adventure_v to_o speak_v hereon_o but_o as_o to_o any_o measure_n of_o light_n i_o have_v attain_v i_o can_v no_o more_o question_n that_o the_o same_o voice_n from_o the_o lord_n be_v now_o go_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n and_o ireland_n then_o that_o i_o read_v what_o be_v speak_v to_o juda_n ezechiel_n 22_o 30._o and_o i_o seek_v for_o a_o man_n among_o you_o that_o shall_v make_v up_o the_o hedge_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o gate_n before_o i_o for_o the_o land_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o destroy_v it_o but_o i_o find_v none_o therefore_o have_v i_o pour_v out_o my_o indignation_n upon_o they_o i_o have_v consume_v they_o with_o the_o fire_n of_o my_o wrath_n their_o own_o way_n have_v i_o recompense_v on_o their_o head_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n it_o be_v sure_a than_o wrath_n be_v near_o to_o a_o break_n forth_o when_o this_o last_o call_n come_v yet_o with_o a_o offer_n of_o peace_n nor_o be_v it_o questionable_a there_o be_v a_o serious_a part_n than_o who_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o such_o a_o time_n though_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v one_o of_o a_o true_o raise_v spirit_n to_o do_v and_o endure_v something_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la for_o god_n when_o so_o great_a a_o ruin_n be_v ready_a to_o fall_v under_o their_o hand_n but_o to_o clear_v the_o import_n of_o such_o a_o call_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n under_o this_o allusion_n here_o make_v use_v off_o to_o stand_v in_o a_o gape_v and_o breach_n when_o the_o church_n as_o a_o defence_a city_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o a_o extreme_a and_o imminent_a hazard_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v what_o must_v follow_v if_o no_o intercessor_n be_v find_v to_o answer_v the_o voice_n of_o this_o call_n by_o a_o suitable_a appearance_n herein_o 1._o though_o it_o may_v be_v now_o reckon_v that_o the_o sky_n be_v more_o clear_a as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o britain_n then_o for_o many_o year_n past_a when_o the_o breach_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v sure_a against_o either_o foreign_a or_o intestine_a assault_n and_o that_o in_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o ordinare_fw-la course_n of_o humane_a affair_n thing_n be_v come_v to_o a_o more_o secure_a and_o settle_a state_n yet_o be_v there_o a_o other_o aspect_n of_o thing_n that_o shall_v deep_o affect_v our_o spirit_n when_o the_o public_a hazard_n of_o the_o time_n be_v great_a than_o from_o all_o humane_a power_n and_o the_o party_n to_o be_v most_o fear_v be_v assure_o divine_a wrath_n after_o a_o long_a interval_n of_o forbearance_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o break_v forth_o in_o some_o extraordinar_a act_n of_o judgement_n for_o where_o a_o day_n of_o atonement_n go_v not_o before_o can_v no_o true_a deliverance_n be_v expect_v to_o raise_v and_o settle_v these_o nation_n yet_o how_o rare_a be_v they_o who_o take_v this_o to_o heart_n or_o tremble_v within_o themselves_o on_o the_o thought_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v near_o if_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o natural_a or_o visible_a cause_n though_o nothing_o be_v more_o discernible_a from_o moral_a sign_n 2._o what_o ever_o present_v calm_a be_v from_o these_o terror_n and_o fear_n that_o have_v be_v of_o late_a yet_o may_v it_o be_v judge_v whither_o it_o be_v a_o serious_a business_n or_o not_o to_o stand_v in_o such_o a_o breach_n as_o be_v this_o day_n when_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o such_o numerous_a assault_n as_o there_o seem_v no_o less_o cause_n to_o stand_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o interest_n now_o in_o these_o nation_n against_o such_o who_o be_v under_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o then_o once_o be_v against_o the_o heathen_n whilst_o that_o primitive_a spirit_n which_o be_v then_o a_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o of_o glory_n do_v too_o rare_o appear_v or_o these_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o impression_n as_o be_v then_o that_o be_v under_o a_o sad_a and_o judicial_a restraint_n most_o be_v take_v up_o so_o entire_o with_o private_a refentment_n of_o personal_a injury_n and_o bitter_a in_o estine_a conflict_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o such_o a_o hazard_n can_v be_v hear_v until_o it_o be_v feel_v it_o be_v the_o power_n and_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n on_o man_n soul_n that_o do_v first_o make_v protestant_n and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o plant_n &_o settlement_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n but_o it_o will_v seem_v now_o reckon_v that_o the_o protestant_a interest_n can_v stand_v though_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v extinct_a in_o the_o power_n and_o vital_n thereof_o and_o may_v easy_o be_v give_v up_o by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o generation_n if_o its_o outwork_n can_v be_v preserve_v where_o a_o temporal_a interest●enders_n ●enders_z that_o necessary_a whilst_o that_o magnetic_a power_n and_o virtue_n which_o the_o truth_n once_o have_v on_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v or_o any_o deep_a sense_n of_o that_o interest_n which_o religion_n once_o have_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o a_o passive_a testimony_n for_o the_o same_o 3._o be_v not_o the_o gape_v and_o breach_n we_o have_v to_o stand_v in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n that_o where_o the_o ancient_a love_n of_o these_o renown_a church_n the_o love_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o kindness_n of_o their_o espousal_n unto_o god_n do_v so_o bright_o shine_v forth_o after_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n it_o be_v now_o resolve_v unto_o so_o dismal_a a_o change_n as_o with_o most_o what_o ever_o be_v most_o lovely_a excellent_a and_o desirable_a in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v have_v the_o most_o attractive_a influence_n on_o man_n soul_n be_v visible_o despise_v and_o vilify_v yea_o which_o render_v this_o breach_n and_o gape_v more_o dreadful_a that_o after_o all_o the_o cost_n &_o expense_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v ware_v in_o plant_v and_o let_v forth_o a_o vine_n yard_n to_o britain_n send_v more_o servant_n then_o at_o the_o first_o with_o the_o 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bind_v up_o but_o that_o they_o must_v widen_v further_a if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o some_o singular_a manner_n a_o stand_v up_o in_o this_o breach_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n which_o be_v a_o service_n that_o come_v now_o under_o our_o hand_n as_o may_v not_o linger_v or_o stay_v when_o warning_n of_o so_o extraordinar_a a_o kind_n be_v reinforce_v for_o this_o be_v a_o call_n have_v a_o limit_a time_n and_o season_n allot_v thereto_o that_o may_v have_v a_o short_a period_n than_o we_o apprehend_v when_o a_o door_n of_o intercession_n have_v be_v in_o such_o unusual_a manner_n keep_v open_a and_o grace_n have_v so_o long_o interpose_v before_o judgement_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o final_a execution_n 4._o i_o must_v add_v hereto_o what_o sense_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o the_o hazard_n of_o such_o a_o breach_n when_o a_o height_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o ungodliness_n be_v turn_v so_o open_a and_o visible_a as_o if_o satan_n do_v essay_n to_o have_v a_o open_a throne_n 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19_o that_o there_o be_v a_o most_o choice_n and_o serious_a part_n yet_o in_o these_o nation_n as_o be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v unquestionable_a but_o even_o such_o who_o in_o these_o difficult_a &_o perilous_a time_n pass_v have_v be_v help_v to_o stand_v and_o go_v through_o a_o variety_n of_o dark_a and_o strange_a dispensation_n i_o suppose_v have_v not_o find_v a_o time_n in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n try_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o conscience_n then_o be_v this_o day_n and_o that_o there_o be_v never_o more_o hazard_v of_o a_o insensible_a wear_n out_o from_o under_o former_a impression_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n which_o once_o they_o have_v or_o a_o more_o difficult_a part_n to_o have_v that_o ancient_a fear_n and_o tenderness_n of_o light_n keep_v in_o exercise_n which_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o the_o eye_n may_v be_v easy_o hurt_v but_o not_o so_o easy_o help_v but_o though_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o voice_n and_o call_v for_o stand_v 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god_n from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o generation_n they_o live_v among_o and_o the_o imminent_a hazard_n of_o wrath_n and_o approach_a judgement_n yea_o it_o be_v these_o who_o from_o internal_a motive_n can_v find_v it_o easy_a to_o lay_v their_o dear_a thing_n at_o the_o stake_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o land_n they_o belong_v to_o and_o without_o respect_n to_o private_a interest_n lay_v themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o public_a hazard_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o bless_a bernard_n as_o he_o speak_v malo_fw-la in_o nos_fw-la murmur_n bominum_fw-la sit_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la bonum_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la deus_fw-la i_o digne●ur_fw-la uti_fw-la pro_fw-la clypeo_fw-la 2._o they_o be_v in_o a_o special_a way_n fit_v to_o answer_v this_o call_n and_o service_n who_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o singular_a engagement_n they_o be_v under_o to_o god_n much_o on_o their_o heart_n and_o what_o hereby_o they_o owe_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n to_o do_v for_o he_o and_o for_o a_o more_o special_a service_n to_o the_o age_n they_o live_v in_o to_o seek_v the_o interest_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o people_n to_o who_o they_o have_v the_o near_a natural_a tie_n which_o be_v that_o service_n for_o the_o generation_n and_o public_a trust_n should_o near_o these_o who_o have_v have_v more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la receipt_n of_o mercy_n from_o the_o lord_n &_o of_o these_o special_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o dare_v stand_v up_o for_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o truth_n though_o they_o shall_v stand_v alone_o herein_o which_o sure_o in_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v find_v a_o safe_a stand_v then_o with_o the_o multitude_n or_o such_o who_o design_n for_o the_o public_a interest_n go_v no_o further_o than_o their_o private_a concern_v do_v influence_n it_o be_v sure_a the_o word_n of_o mordechai_n esth_n 4_o 13._o be_v still_o direct_v to_o this_o day_n think_v not_o with_o thyself_o thou_o shall_v escape_v for_o if_o thou_o altogether_o hold_v thy_o peace_n at_o this_o time_n enlargement_n and_o deliverance_n shall_v arise_v from_o another_o place_n but_o thou_o and_o thy_o father_n house_n shall_v be_v destroy_v 3._o but_o it_o be_v undoubted_a that_o this_o service_n do_v in_o some_o peculiar_a way_n lie_v to_o the_o door_n of_o prince_n and_o ruler_n according_a to_o their_o station_n who_o be_v of_o more_o public_a relation_n than_o other_o their_o authority_n come_v in_o with_o the_o second_o covenant_n which_o by_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n be_v render_v necessary_a and_o have_v their_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o by_o who_o king_n rule_n and_o prince_n decree_v judgement_n proverb_n 8._o 15._o so_o as_o the_o advance_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preservation_n of_o sacred_a truth_n both_o in_o its_o purity_n and_o power_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o their_o high_a trust_n yea_o what_o a_o singular_a blessing_n this_o be_v to_o a_o time_n when_o such_o do_v eminent_o interpose_v upon_o any_o imminent_a hazard_n to_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o bear_v evidence_n that_o they_o have_v one_fw-mi unction_n from_o god_n on_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o their_o office_n and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v 2_o chron._n 34_o 19_o that_o when_o the_o king_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n that_o he_o rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o command_v hilkia_n the_o son_n of_o shaphan_n etc._n etc._n go_v and_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o i_o and_o for_o they_o that_o be_v leave_v in_o israël_n and_o in_o juda_n concern_v the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v find_v for_o great_a be_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v pour_v upon_o we_o because_o our_o father_n keep_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o
thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v alone_o sacred_a to_o he_o what_o concern_v the_o public_a right_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o visible_a politic_a body_n with_o the_o high_a respect_n to_o his_o royal_a authority_n who_o be_v the_o alone_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n thereto_o it_o be_v know_v that_o he_o have_v give_v one_fw-mi express_n charter_n for_o the_o same_o to_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n according_a to_o which_o the_o due_a limit_n and_o bound_n of_o that_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n which_o he_o have_v settle_v there_o and_o the_o full_a extent_n hereof_o shall_v be_v both_o keep_v clear_a and_o close_o adhere_v to_o as_o one_fw-mi interest_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n he_o have_v join_v also_o these_o two_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a power_n in_o so_o entire_a a_o harmony_n that_o though_o they_o be_v to_o be_v 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nothing_o more_o high_o irrational_a then_o to_o sist_z in_o one_fw-mi exterior_a profession_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o prove_v once_o upon_o their_o own_o trial_n the_o truth_n hereof_o in_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o whither_o it_o have_v not_o a_o vital_a part_n which_o lie_v in_o one_fw-mi inward_a life_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o as_o this_o alone_a be_v such_o a_o ministry_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o blessing_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n so_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o distinguish_a profession_n though_o in_o its_o self_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v of_o no_o regard_n where_o this_o be_v want_v as_o a_o test_n for_o so_o sacred_a one_fw-mi office_n it_o be_v i_o hope_v unquestionable_a that_o the_o trust_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v great_a than_o any_o temporal_a concern_v of_o a_o kingdom_n or_o state_n and_o how_o this_o ordinance_n be_v that_o which_o have_v the_o most_o peculiar_a influence_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o day_n for_o that_o bless_a and_o near_a approach_a time_n of_o his_o more_o conspicous_a reign_n on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o glory_n thereof_o i_o abstract_a here_o from_o any_o thing_n controversal_a as_o thing_n be_v state_v in_o the_o present_a day_n only_o as_o to_o what_o i_o hope_v there_o may_v be_v one_fw-mi unite_v agreement_n in_o by_o all_o who_o have_v a_o deep_a sense_n on_o their_o spirit_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o perish_v of_o immortal_a soul_n this_o way_n and_o a_o serious_a respect_n to_o that_o catholic_n interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n among_o man_n i_o know_v it_o be_v never_o a_o hard_a part_n than_o in_o this_o age_n to_o stem_v such_o a_o tide_n as_o seem_v yet_o on_o the_o grow_a hand_n of_o prejudice_n against_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n when_o so_o many_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a tear_v one_o another_o and_o count_v it_o desirable_a to_o have_v where_o at_o they_o may_v offend_v and_o stumble_v whilst_o that_o study_n be_v not_o more_o follow_v to_o prevent_v so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a man_n taking_n of_o offence_n even_o where_o it_o be_v not_o give_v according_a that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o the_o excess_n of_o dispute_v in_o this_o age_n have_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o the_o manage_n thereof_o so_o little_a to_o that_o end_n of_o edification_n but_o the_o defect_n may_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o the_o suitable_a improvement_n of_o christian_a prudence_n as_o a_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o god_n so_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o regulate_v of_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n case_n and_o what_o the_o present_a day_n can_v bear_v without_o coolness_n or_o indifference_n in_o any_o concern_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v that_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v too_o little_o improven_v we_o be_v indeed_o bless_v with_o a_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o sacred_a truth_n which_o have_v no_o dependence_n on_o humane_a counsel_n or_o power_n to_o change_v or_o alter_v the_o same_o or_o on_o the_o mutable_a revolution_n of_o time_n and_o can_v never_o vary_v from_o its_o self_n yet_o be_v the_o tenderness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a condescendence_n in_o the_o application_n thereof_o to_o be_v so_o far_o regard_v as_o on_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a part_n of_o religion_n lie_v therein_o how_o present_a duty_n may_v be_v with_o a_o judicious_a discretion_n direct_v to_o that_o great_a end_n of_o edification_n since_o that_o which_o may_v be_v necessare_fw-la in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o other_o circumstance_n may_v be_v hurtful_a and_o destructive_a this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a
part_n that_o such_o have_v allot_v to_o they_o in_o the_o time_n we_o be_v fall_v in_o who_o will_v stand_v in_o such_o a_o gape_v &_o breach_n where_o opposition_n now_o thereto_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o it_o may_v seem_v almost_o hopeless_a to_o crave_v justice_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n conscience_n when_o a_o latitude_n on_o principle_n have_v come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o the_o authority_n of_o light_n be_v without_o fear_n control_v yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o the_o answer_v of_o that_o command_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o suitable_o take_v to_o heart_n &_o the_o great_a consequence_n thereof_o which_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n towards_o these_o who_o be_v without_o though_o not_o be_v in_o that_o sense_n without_o the_o church_n yet_o as_o no_o less_o state_v in_o a_o visible_a enmity_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n than_o such_o can_v be_v there_o have_v be_v much_o serious_a study_n and_o design_n by_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o age_n to_o promote_v his_o kingdom_n in_o britain_n and_o ireland_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o there_o eminent_o fit_v for_o so_o difficult_a a_o service_n how_o to_o gain_v and_o prevail_v with_o the_o further_a measure_n of_o prudence_n and_o judgement_n upon_o the_o most_o obstinate_o prejudge_v as_o any_o in_o this_o day_n there_o have_v be_v also_o of_o late_a a_o singular_a improvement_n make_v and_o blessed_v for_o a_o more_o unite_v contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o so_o hazardous_a a_o time_n but_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v yet_o some_o further_a length_n and_o essay_n call_v for_o upon_o this_o great_a service_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o take_v off_o let_v and_o stumble_a blok_n out_o of_o their_o way_n who_o may_v be_v upon_o a_o sad_a precipice_n of_o break_v and_o further_a alienation_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o some_o more_o full_a clear_n of_o the_o same_o from_o these_o design_a reflection_n cast_v thereon_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o conviction_n may_v thus_o insensible_o prevail_v and_o gain_v ground_n with_o the_o great_a gainsayer_n whilst_o we_o know_v little_a what_o design_n grace_n may_v in_o this_o day_n have_v on_o such_o and_o as_o the_o further_a regard_n shall_v be_v keep_v to_o light_v upon_o any_o controvert_v truth_n without_o lose_v ground_n herein_o yet_o shall_v i_o judge_v it_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o see_v these_o who_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n once_o meet_v in_o a_o more_o joint_a concurrence_n in_o behalf_n of_o these_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o controvert_v when_o the_o face_n of_o this_o generation_n be_v so_o threaten_v as_o to_o a_o further_a revolt_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n both_o in_o the_o pureness_n and_o power_n thereof_o this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o work_n by_o its_o self_n which_o as_o its_o of_o the_o high_a public_a concern_v so_o do_v it_o require_v a_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la measure_n of_o judiciousnes_n in_o follow_v the_o same_o my_o unfitness_n to_o speak_v on_o such_o a_o subject_a shall_v have_v restrain_v i_o herein_o be_v it_o not_o to_o witness_v something_o of_o a_o serious_a desire_n under_o which_o my_o soul_n be_v press_v for_o such_o one_fw-mi end_n when_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o perish_v of_o so_o many_o who_o have_v one_fw-mi eternal_a state_n before_o they_o be_v so_o visible_a this_o day_n and_o yet_o no_o further_o trial_n make_v to_o gain_v and_o recover_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o i_o may_v gain_v some_o other_o can_v more_o fit_o judge_n as_o to_o the_o suitable_a manage_n of_o such_o a_o service_n and_o how_o to_o fall_v in_o on_o the_o right_n lithe_a of_o duty_n herein_o only_a something_n i_o shall_v wish_v be_v more_o design_v for_o take_v off_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o break_v thus_o one_o of_o the_o great_a engine_n of_o satan_n this_o day_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o in_o come_v a_o great_a length_n by_o these_o who_o be_v of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n to_o sacrifice_v private_a resentment_n to_o that_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o truth_n upon_o conceive_a injury_n when_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a wat_fw-mi one_fw-mi influence_n personal_a prejudice_n this_o day_n have_v to_o keep_v up_o distance_n to_o heighten_v difference_n and_o cause_n further_a estrangement_n on_o such_o a_o account_n from_o any_o fervent_a appearance_n for_o god_n and_o this_o be_v sure_o one_o of_o the_o most_o honourable_a part_n of_o a_o christian_n work_n how_o far_o he_o may_v overcome_v the_o distemper_n of_o other_o by_o humility_n tenderness_n and_o love_n and_o walk_v in_o such_o a_o countermotion_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o this_o day_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o service_n this_o day_n much_o call_v for_o to_o have_v stumbling_n more_o prevent_v against_o these_o unquestionable_a settle_a administration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n so_o as_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n may_v be_v right_o understand_v the_o proper_a object_n whereof_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o inward_a man_n and_o it_o be_v great_a design_n to_o restore_v &_o edify_v which_o be_v in_o such_o a_o way_n that_o where_o it_o be_v true_o answer_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o tender_a and_o heal_a and_o to_o attract_v any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n to_o join_v in_o herewith_o for_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a measure_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v sufler_n from_o the_o weakness_n or_o exorbitancy_n of_o any_o it_o be_v suitable_a for_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o plead_v that_o from_o heathen_n that_o the_o offence_n and_o practice_n of_o none_o shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n 3._o it_o be_v desirable_a also_o that_o further_a conviction_n may_v be_v serve_v on_o these_o who_o be_v prone_a to_o stumble_v how_o in_o the_o promote_a of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n there_o be_v no_o pursue_v any_o divide_a interest_n of_o a_o party_n and_o that_o if_o such_o will_v once_o try_v and_o see_v they_o can_v then_o judge_v where_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a interest_n within_o time_n lie_v which_o all_o be_v joint_o concern_v to_o promote_v who_o have_v any_o design_n on_o the_o christian_a profession_n for_o eternal_a thing_n 4._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v this_o more_o wat_fw-mi one_fw-mi advantage_n shall_v it_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o conciliate_v a_o great_a respect_n thereto_o that_o all_o may_v see_v how_o sweet_a a_o contemperature_n and_o harmony_n there_o be_v betwixt_o pure_a zeal_n for_o god_n which_o be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o further_a prudence_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o man_n and_o how_o the_o rule_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o bitterness_n wrath_n or_o recrimination_n which_o be_v so_o abound_v this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n in_o pursue_v of_o difference_n upon_o any_o concern_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o herein_o do_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n more_o eminent_o appear_v in_o secure_v the_o concord_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n under_o a_o diversity_n of_o light_n and_o judgement_n in_o some_o lesser_a difference_n about_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o man_n heart_n in_o subdue_n the_o distemper_n of_o their_o mind_n then_o by_o impose_v the_o most_o severe_a and_o absolute_a uniformity_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o it_o be_v ever_o find_v how_o this_o have_v be_v most_o easy_a and_o practicable_a among_o such_o who_o have_v make_v the_o high_a advance_v in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n then_o any_o else_o since_o he_o near_o the_o line_n be_v to_o the_o centre_n the_o near_a also_o be_v they_o among_o themselves_o and_o i_o must_v add_v herewith_o that_o it_o may_v be_v little_o know_v what_o convictive_a power_n may_v follow_v in_o a_o time_n of_o such_o high_a distemper_n as_o this_o on_o a_o suitable_a application_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o dwell_v with_o prudence_n and_o come_v from_o above_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n give_v for_o the_o same_o james_z 3_o 17._o to_o make_v a_o high_a interest_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o then_o now_o in_o a_o ordinare_fw-la way_n will_v seem_v possible_a 4._o as_o the_o further_a tenderness_n and_o prudence_n be_v call_v for_o to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o further_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o take_v out_o of_o