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earth_n appearance_n experience_n great_a 16 3 2.1033 3 false
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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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and_o talon_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a nothing_o do_v more_o work_n on_o man_n soul_n and_o afford_v more_o sweet_a thought_n then_o what_o this_o way_n be_v make_v there_o own_o to_o know_v in_o themselves_o the_o internal_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n thereof_o and_o to_o know_v what_o great_a thing_n have_v pass_v between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o remarkable_a time_n have_v go_v over_o they_o and_o special_a remarke_n herein_o of_o divine_a conduct_n and_o his_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n 6._o it_o be_v of_o that_o kind_n as_o none_o possible_o can_v take_v on_o trust_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o or_o will_v satisfy_v without_o personal_a trial_n though_o this_o be_v more_o know_v to_o such_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_a hebr._n 5_o 14._o 7._o but_o whatever_o singular_a use_n be_v hereby_o to_o the_o support_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o the_o ground_n thereof_o since_o these_o be_v only_o what_o god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o work_n though_o they_o be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n who_o have_v begin_v late_a to_o observe_v the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a the_o great_a talon_n which_o be_v by_o inward_a observation_n and_o experiment_n which_o have_v be_v most_o deep_o affect_v in_o the_o present_a time_n do_v not_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o may_o as_o a_o dead_a stock_n upon_o a_o christian_n hand_n without_o fresh_a and_o immediate_a supply_n yet_o be_v they_o still_o the_o same_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o do_v ever_o evidence_n how_o far_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o a_o spiritual_a estate_n do_v exceed_v the_o great_a enjoiment_n of_o nature_n 8._o this_o also_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o inward_a sense_n but_o what_o come_v under_o the_o most_o exact_a and_o judicious_a trial_n as_o to_o the_o principle_n it_o lean_v on_o without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a enjoiment_n of_o the_o same_o if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o full_o satisfy_v of_o hold_v their_o experience_n by_o right_n as_o in_o possession_n and_o that_o these_o great_a thing_n be_v no_o shadow_n or_o appearance_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o high_a truth_n substance_n and_o reality_n 9_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n be_v not_o know_v in_o the_o earth_n or_o enjoy_v in_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o light_n of_o inward_a evidence_n and_o experience_n except_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o balaam_n to_o see_v he_o but_o not_o near_o but_o not_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o converse_n and_o fellowship_n with_o that_o god_n who_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v or_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v their_o soul_n inward_a and_o familiar_a with_o he_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n 10._o it_o be_v by_o inward_a experience_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o god_n do_v in_o a_o more_o special_a way_n secure_v and_o preserve_v that_o sacred_a record_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n then_o by_o humane_a law_n or_o authority_n by_o one_fw-mi internal_a conform_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n to_o his_o reveal_v truth_n whereby_o the_o inward_a man_n become_v as_o a_o repository_n thereof_o for_o when_o man_n once_o become_v christian_n in_o truth_n they_o be_v then_o the_o declare_a epistle_n of_o christ_n by_o one_fw-mi indissoluble_a union_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o soul_n together_o i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o the_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o perfect_v here_o but_o within_o a_o little_a there_o will_v be_v one_fw-mi entrance_n on_o one_fw-mi eternity_n of_o experience_n of_o what_o once_o with_o admiration_n and_o desire_v be_v hope_v for_o and_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o that_o state_n above_o will_v be_v no_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o sense_n and_o pure_o experimental_a a_o second_o intent_n of_o this_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v to_o clear_v how_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o one_o christian_n in_o the_o way_n of_o experience_n may_v be_v no_o measure_n or_o rule_v to_o other_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o state_n upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o least_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o truth_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o of_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o discern_v herewith_o as_o a_o few_o grape_n do_v difference_n between_o a_o vine_n and_o a_o bramble_n 2._o because_o the_o real_a work_n of_o god_n may_v be_v long_o without_o the_o witness_n thereof_o and_o the_o first_o give_v of_o the_o new_a life_n and_o a_o discern_a of_o the_o same_o be_v distinct_a act_n
of_o the_o spirit_n which_o do_v rare_o go_v together_o so_o as_o to_o know_v when_o the_o pulse_n of_o this_o life_n do_v begin_v first_o to_o beat_v 3._o as_o there_o be_v different_a sise_n and_o growth_n among_o the_o saint_n within_o time_n so_o do_v the_o talon_n of_o experience_n and_o inward_a observation_n much_o differ_v in_o the_o state_n of_o some_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o and_o do_v answer_v to_o high_a conflict_n and_o assault_n in_o a_o christian_n warefare_n and_o high_a improvement_n of_o grace_n herein_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o patience_n bring_v forth_o experience_n and_o as_o it_o have_v so_o great_a a_o room_n and_o service_n for_o god_n bejond_v other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o have_v it_o a_o great_a income_n of_o reward_n by_o the_o most_o rare_a and_o enrich_v experience_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n thence_o be_v it_o that_o these_o of_o the_o high_a form_n of_o christian_n and_o of_o the_o choice_a spirit_n have_v be_v put_v to_o a_o high_a exercise_n thereof_o than_o other_o and_o make_v to_o be_v a_o more_o public_a blessing_n by_o example_n herein_o to_o their_o generation_n 4._o it_o be_v clear_a the_o experimental_a part_n of_o christianity_n may_v have_v respect_n to_o some_o special_a time_n and_o period_n of_o man_n life_n so_o as_o one_o day_n may_v be_v more_o memorable_a then_o as_o they_o have_v ever_o know_v before_o yea_o to_o such_o time_n when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o a_o high_a service_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o lead_v unto_o path_n of_o providence_n that_o may_v seem_v untrodden_a which_o have_v be_v usual_o a_o time_n of_o great_a observation_n as_o to_o a_o high_a light_n and_o evidence_n on_o the_o experimental_a trial_n of_o religion_n 5._o this_o different_a measure_n have_v respect_n also_o to_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o christian_n on_o some_o very_a dark_a path_n of_o providence_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o lead_v and_o incline_v they_o into_o a_o wilderness_n by_o give_v 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no_o possible_a rise_n from_o nature_n who_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o overcome_v nature_n i_o know_v this_o may_v seem_v astonish_v and_o not_o easy_a for_o many_o to_o bear_v that_o profess_a christian_n may_v have_v the_o same_o need_n to_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n that_o pagan_n have_v or_o perish_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n only_o or_o any_o length_n in_o ext_a all_o duty_n can_v save_v none_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o internal_a evidence_n or_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o christianity_n 2._o it_o do_v relate_v to_o this_o head_n to_o know_v that_o god_n and_o his_o people_n here_o in_o the_o world_n be_v no_o stranger_n to_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o enjoiment_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o as_o this_o be_v one_fw-mi essential_a part_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o sure_a and_o establish_v constitution_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o one_fw-mi unalterable_a rule_n so_o be_v it_o matter_n of_o undoubted_a enjoiment_n without_o which_o a_o christian_n course_n and_o passage_n through_o time_n be_v unpassible_a it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o may_v make_v the_o most_o experience_a christian_n to_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o himself_o and_o be_v not_o a_o subject_n of_o ordinary_a thought_n 3._o to_o this_o belong_v also_o the_o truth_n and_o enjoiment_n of_o supernatural_a comfort_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n such_o as_o peace_n immediate_o from_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o nature_n and_o be_v never_o know_v to_o man_n but_o on_o this_o trial_n of_o experience_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v sure_a with_o respect_n unto_o which_o the_o high_a experiment_n of_o nature_n be_v low_a and_o of_o mean_a concern_v yea_o which_o be_v comfort_n of_o that_o kind_n as_o can_v be_v only_o know_v by_o its_o contrary_n and_o have_v be_v still_o more_o ouwe_a to_o the_o sore_a conflict_n then_o to_o the_o sweet_a calm_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n and_o such_o as_o the_o elect_a angel_n do_v never_o know_v or_o partake_v of_o 4._o the_o prevalency_n of_o prayer_n with_o god_n and_o to_o know_v with_o assure_a evidence_n both_o the_o acceptance_n hereof_o in_o heaven_n and_o the_o return_v thereof_o upon_o the_o earth_n be_v also_o one_o of_o these_o great_a thing_n of_o experience_n and_o can_v never_o be_v know_v else_o as_o a_o subject_n of_o contemplation_n only_o which_o have_v be_v direct_a of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o prescript_n for_o such_o one_o where_n no_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o power_n can_v possible_o answer_v and_o be_v not_o bound_v by_o the_o most_o desperate_a case_n which_o will_v seem_v to_o shut_v out_o all_o hope_n and_o encouradgment_n but_o as_o to_o this_o i_o must_v say_v how_o little_a seem_v that_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n though_o one_o of_o the_o most_o wonderful_a part_n thereof_o to_o be_v improven_v in_o that_o manner_n now_o as_o in_o former_a time_n and_o in_o the_o most_o extraordinare_a exigence_n which_o christian_n have_v be_v in_o yea_o how_o low_o a_o trade_n be_v it_o which_o by_o most_o this_o day_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o way_n as_o this_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v establish_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o have_v such_o immediate_a correspondence_n with_o the_o whole_a inward_a life_n and_o vital_n of_o christianity_n to_o preserve_v and_o strengthen_v the_o same_o a_o 5._o head_n on_o this_o subject_a to_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a thought_n and_o reflection_n be_v this_o that_o here_o on_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o experience_n as_o a_o earnest_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2_o corinth_n 1_o 22._o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n ephes._n 1_o 13._o in_o who_o also_o after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v by_o that_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n etc._n etc._n 2_o corinth_n 5_o 5._o now_o he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o for_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n be_v god_n who_o have_v also_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n i_o know_v there_o have_v be_v much_o inquiry_n on_o this_o subject_a as_o to_o a_o clear_a sense_n and_o judgement_n thereof_o both_o by_o schoolman_n and_o practical_a writer_n though_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o dark_a riddle_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o interpreter_n and_o some_o near_a intercourse_n with_o this_o great_a teacher_n that_o in_o his_o light_n we_o may_v see_v light_a but_o that_o it_o be_v sure_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o can_v
whole_a reform_a church_n this_o day_n a_o stand_a witness_n yea_o have_v we_o not_o see_v his_o appearance_n also_o in_o so_o unusual_a manner_n in_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n &_o with_o garment_n dye_v in_o blood_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o visible_a glory_n of_o his_o reign_n as_o we_o can_v see_v it_o be_v there_o foretell_v how_o the_o nation_n be_v angry_a and_o by_o their_o opposition_n to_o he_o make_v way_n for_o his_o wrath_n in_o such_o tremendous_a effect_n thereof_o as_o it_o have_v have_v these_o day_n past_a to_o show_v the_o time_n be_v at_o last_o come_v to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v no_o titular_a king_n he_o to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n nor_o will_v bear_v that_o name_n and_o style_v in_o vain_a or_o admit_v a_o complemental_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o but_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a his_o dominion_n &_o kingdom_n have_v a_o settle_a interest_n and_o revenue_n belong_v thereto_o which_o none_o may_v alienate_v from_o he_o and_o the_o great_a of_o humane_a power_n must_v be_v accountable_a for_o his_o claim_n thereto_o 5._o but_o now_o as_o our_o day_n and_o lot_n do_v thus_o meet_v in_o so_o extraordinar_a a_o period_n of_o time_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o expect_v and_o pray_v for_o in_o age_n past_a it_o may_v be_v a_o time_n of_o great_a thought_n and_o expectation_n of_o what_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v as_o to_o the_o visible_a reign_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n our_o bless_a head_n in_o the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o his_o kingdom_n without_o his_o personal_a reign_n or_o bodily_a appearance_n unto_o man_n which_o with_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n we_o sell_v now_o wait_v for_o when_o the_o voice_n of_o this_o trumpet_n shall_v bring_v with_o it_o such_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a of_o these_o dry_a bone_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n with_o so_o immediate_a a_o appearance_n of_o god_n alone_o herein_o as_o shall_v dazzle_v with_o astonishment_n all_o the_o nation_n about_o yea_o when_o its_o sound_n and_o voice_n also_o shall_v call_v the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n to_o that_o high_a gratulatory_a song_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o lamb_n as_o once_o be_v at_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o the_o final_a stroke_n &_o judgement_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n wherein_o the_o visible_a glory_n of_o his_o reign_n will_v then_o be_v see_v with_o that_o evidence_n and_o brightness_n as_o if_o he_o be_v personal_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o here_o be_v that_o true_a millennium_n which_o be_v now_o in_o some_o measure_n begin_v and_o we_o be_v sure_o call_v to_o expect_v in_o a_o gradual_a increase_n to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o in_o the_o value_n and_o splendour_n of_o this_o bless_a reign_n the_o light_n of_o one_o day_n shall_v be_v as_o seven_o day_n in_o one_o and_o the_o measure_n of_o one_o age_n then_o answer_n yea_o exceed_v a_o thousand_o year_n before_o and_o be_v so_o before_o he_o with_o who_o one_o day_n be_v as_o a_o thousand_o year_n this_o seem_v to_o many_o in_o such_o a_o time_n as_o a_o thing_n remote_a from_o their_o sense_n who_o thought_n be_v bound_v with_o present_a appearance_n whilst_o our_o bless_a head_n be_v now_o go_v unto_o a_o far_a country_n to_o receive_v a_o kingdom_n for_o himself_o and_o be_v invisible_a to_o man_n in_o these_o preparation_n he_o be_v make_v for_o this_o high_a glory_n of_o his_o reign_n upon_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o he_o be_v no_o object_n of_o humane_a sight_n nor_o can_v we_o come_v bodily_a to_o he_o to_o receive_v his_o verbal_a command_n from_o his_o mouth_n as_o from_o a_o earthly_a monarch_n and_o for_o these_o inward_a and_o great_a demonstration_n of_o his_o reign_n they_o lie_v deep_a and_o hide_v betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n but_o if_o our_o comfort_n and_o hope_v stand_v by_o the_o christian_a faith_n this_o day_n and_o on_o that_o assurance_n dare_v venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o a_o eternal_a state_n we_o shall_v then_o with_o as_o full_a certainty_n of_o mind_n as_o of_o any_o visible_a thing_n give_v faith_n to_o this_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v not_o lose_v the_o work_n he_o have_v begin_v and_o so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n on_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o alone_o high_a object_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n and_o though_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a yet_o do_v the_o world_n stand_v thereby_o so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v just_o say_v sine_fw-la praecibus_fw-la &_o pielate_fw-la non_fw-la staret_fw-la mundus_fw-la nor_o be_v it_o questionable_a but_o that_o his_o work_n will_v be_v answerable_a this_o day_n to_o his_o reveal_v will_n &_o intent_n or_o can_v it_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a to_o we_o what_o he_o be_v now_o do_v in_o the_o world_n when_o he_o have_v make_v such_o public_a intimation_n hereof_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o last_o trumpet_n as_o shall_v render_v this_o the_o most_o desirable_a part_n that_o man_n can_v act_v to_o fall_v in_o with_o this_o great_a and_o rise_a interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o season_n and_o opportunity_n hereof_o &_o it_o will_v sure_o be_v find_v in_o this_o time_n that_o where_o the_o downfall_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n be_v make_v remarkable_a in_o a_o nation_n where_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o rise_n and_o growth_n have_v so_o late_o go_v before_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o set_v up_o in_o its_o room_n nor_o with_o a_o high_a regard_n subject_v to_o that_o it_o must_v then_o quick_o ripen_v and_o make_v way_n for_o some_o great_a outbreaking_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n in_o such_o a_o place_n for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o nation_n which_o have_v embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n must_v stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o their_o concurrence_n with_o that_o interest_n on_o which_o the_o lord_n be_v now_o go_v forth_o who_o work_n carry_v not_o for_o man_n nor_o be_v dependent_a on_o humane_a counsel_n yea_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o great_a minister_n of_o providence_n the_o angel_n though_o not_o see_v to_o we_o be_v eminent_o join_v in_o on_o this_o service_n who_o be_v the_o state_v servant_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n &_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v according_o there_o delegate_v charge_n and_o commission_n to_o particular_a church_n and_o kingdom_n as_o that_o great_a design_n of_o providence_n for_o the_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n do_v require_v and_o if_o the_o give_v forth_o of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o glorious_a upon_o that_o solemn_a entry_n which_o the_o church_n head_n then_o make_v on_o his_o regal_a office_n over_o israël_n by_o so_o extraordinar_a a_o ministration_n of_o the_o angel_n what_o a_o high_a glory_n must_v be_v on_o his_o enter_v on_o the_o great_a discovery_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o visible_a reign_n within_o time_n bless_v be_v they_o among_o man_n who_o may_v have_v one_fw-mi interest_n in_o this_o service_n though_o with_o most_o it_o come_v not_o under_o their_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n but_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o dux_n de_fw-fr alva_n upon_o one_fw-mi eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v then_o when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o hot_a pursuit_n of_o the_o war_n that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o to_o do_v upon_o the_o earth_n as_o give_v he_o no_o leisure_n to_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n foe_n be_v the_o great_a noise_n and_o business_n of_o this_o day_n how_o thing_n may_v stand_v sure_a with_o we_o upon_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v become_v the_o proverb_n of_o these_o time_n we_o be_v in_o that_o interest_n will_v not_o lie_v because_o according_a to_o this_o man_n will_v always_o appear_v and_o discover_v themselves_o and_o when_o ever_o that_o word_n interest_n be_v make_v use_n of_o it_o be_v judge_v to_o bear_v no_o other_o sense_n then_o of_o some_o temporal_a concern_v only_o because_o the_o scent_n that_o most_o of_o this_o generation_n seem_v to_o be_v whole_o on_o be_v how_o to_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n but_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v true_o the_o same_o for_o man_n to_o reckon_v that_o their_o soul_n be_v a_o foreign_a thing_n to_o themselves_o and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o real_a interest_n in_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o hope_n bejond_fw-fr time_n but_o it_o be_v well_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o such_o a_o party_n this_o day_n on_o the_o earth_n who_o be_v way_n can_v give_v that_o proverb_n the_o lie_n and_o be_v of_o another_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o lay_v their_o great_a temporal_a interest_n down_o that_o they_o may_v intense_o pursue_v the_o
and_o darkness_n which_o be_v not_o found_v by_o positive_a institution_n only_o but_o in_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o these_o thing_n themselves_o and_o though_o i_o design_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o to_o this_o hereafter_o yet_o shall_v this_o be_v of_o high_a use_n to_o strengthen_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o look_v in_o with_o the_o serious_a use_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o paganism_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n or_o of_o mahumetism_n in_o this_o day_n where_o even_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n such_o a_o sight_n be_v enough_o to_o expose_v the_o very_a name_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v just_a matter_n of_o abhorrence_n and_o to_o be_v the_o high_a reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o thus_o see_v whither_o so_o brutish_a and_o horrid_a a_o thing_n can_v ever_o claim_v a_o reception_n either_o on_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o rule_n or_o any_o internal_a evidence_n of_o truth_n or_o possible_a consistence_n with_o its_o self_n so_o that_o to_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o belief_n of_o the_o glorious_a be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o worse_o or_o more_o dreadful_a then_o to_o have_v the_o high_a contumely_n and_o affront_n thus_o put_v on_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o which_o tend_v rather_o to_o justify_v atheism_n this_o enquiry_n be_v it_o suitable_o improven_v can_v not_o but_o render_v that_o dilemma_n unanswerable_a either_o a_o christian_n or_o of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o either_o that_o which_o we_o enjoy_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o else_o a_o absolute_a nullity_n as_o to_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o no_o such_o sacred_a thing_n have_v a_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n inquiry_n ii_o but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o hold_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o godhead_n or_o to_o have_v any_o true_a enjoiment_n of_o religion_n without_o a_o further_a and_o unavoidable_a progress_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n so_o must_v the_o first_o entry_n hereof_o be_v on_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o by_o a_o necessary_a result_n upon_o this_o inquiry_n if_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n give_v such_o a_o promise_n of_o a_o redeemer_n to_o mankind_n after_o the_o fall_n and_o that_o on_o this_o great_a assurance_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v entir_o rest_v that_o so_o glorious_a a_o person_n as_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o be_v anoint_v to_o that_o work_n of_o redeemingman_n and_o bring_v he_o again_o to_o god_n since_o t●is_n must_v be_v first_o clear_v and_o our_o faith_n fix_v on_o the_o same_o ere_o we_o can_v enter_v on_o any_o enjoiment_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o attainable_a else_o but_o in_o such_o a_o order_n and_o settlement_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o old_a and_o have_v one_fw-mi absolute_a dependence_n on_o the_o same_o wherein_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o enquiry_n lie_v 1._o to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o first_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n to_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o absolute_a and_o give_v to_o be_v declarative_a of_o the_o immutable_a purpose_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n herein_o and_o not_o dependent_a upon_o any_o condition_n in_o man_n 2._o how_o this_o one_o great_a promise_n be_v give_v to_o be_v the_o original_a right_n and_o warrant_v of_o all_o other_o promise_n which_o do_v whole_o centre_n in_o he_o in_o who_o they_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_n 3._o as_o a_o promise_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o reason_n must_v stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o greatness_n hereof_o and_o cry_v out_o can_v this_o possible_o be_v yea_o the_o more_o deep_a enquiry_n herein_o must_v heighten_v such_o one_fw-mi astonishment_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a sink_n under_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v in_o very_a deed_n bear_v such_o regard_n to_o man_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o that_o concern_v as_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a how_o one_o day_n shall_v pass_v over_o man_n without_o some_o fresh_a revive_n of_o such_o a_o reflection_n 4._o to_o see_v how_o high_a a_o value_n and_o account_n god_n put_v upon_o that_o one_o promise_n by_o so_o long_a a_o delay_n and_o procrastination_n of_o the_o same_o as_o a_o promise_n worthy_a of_o the_o church_n wait_v and_o expectation_n of_o the_o same_o for_o 4000_o year_n 5._o this_o enquiry_n must_v lie_v here_o to_o see_v the_o first_o entry_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n on_o the_o world_n in_o its_o precise_a time_n and_o date_n and_o how_o such_o a_o light_n do_v not_o shine_v on_o adam_n and_o eve_n in_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n whilst_o they_o stand_v in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n upon_o a_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o their_o god_n but_o with_o the_o fall_n down_o of_o that_o dismal_a night_n of_o there_o fall_v do_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o light_n first_o dawn_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o utter_a darkness_n in_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o fall_v angel_n whereby_o the_o final_a condemnatory_a sentence_n on_o the_o one_o and_o relief_n for_o the_o other_o be_v make_v know_v and_o promulgate_v together_o and_o the_o room_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n fill_v up_o with_o a_o high_a glory_n by_o the_o second_o 6._o how_o this_o bless_a light_n though_o with_o a_o gradual_a increase_n do_v never_o cease_v to_o shine_v on_o this_o world_n since_o it_o begin_v to_o dawn_n nor_o have_v there_o ever_o cease_v a_o peculiar_a people_n in_o a_o church_n relation_n who_o be_v distinct_a and_o separate_v from_o the_o residue_n of_o man_n who_o profession_n be_v found_v in_o the_o alone_a faith_n of_o a_o redeemer_n so_o as_o one_o day_n have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o that_o promise_n wherein_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v on_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v not_o shine_v also_o by_o vital_a influence_n of_o light_n and_o power_n and_o where_o the_o church_n head_n have_v not_o some_o part_n of_o his_o body_n here_o to_o converse_v with_o as_o the_o peculiar_a object_n of_o his_o complaisance_n and_o love_n and_o do_v rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n though_o that_o some_o age_n have_v have_v a_o high_a glory_n assign_v thereto_o and_o a_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o will_v he_o not_o restrict_n the_o ingather_n of_o his_o elect_a to_o any_o special_a period_n of_o time_n or_o let_v each_o age_n want_v a_o share_n of_o this_o glory_n and_o of_o a_o seed_n to_o be_v as_o salt_n to_o the_o earth_n 7._o but_o this_o enquiry_n go_v further_a to_o see_v these_o measure_n of_o evidence_n and_o divine_a condeshendence_n which_o be_v give_v to_o support_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n on_o that_o great_a promise_n even_o by_o a_o ocular_a discovery_n to_o the_o outward_a sense_n as_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o successive_a course_n of_o 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possible_a for_o humane_a be_v and_o invention_n to_o represent_v than_o it_o be_v to_o draw_v a_o live_a man_n on_o a_o broad_a or_o for_o one_o to_o draw_v forth_o the_o natural_a send_v of_o a_o violet_n or_o rose_n 4._o it_o be_v here_o also_o you_o will_v find_v it_o special_o strengthen_v to_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o service_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n how_o here_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v servile_a or_o to_o affright_v any_o to_o come_v under_o such_o a_o bless_a yoke_n which_o in_o its_o whole_a constitution_n be_v so_o full_a of_o a_o holy_a sweetness_n to_o allure_v and_o impose_v no_o law_n of_o bondage_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n but_o what_o have_v inward_a motive_n to_o render_v it_o both_o easy_a and_o comfort_a do_v prescribe_v no_o duty_n to_o be_v a_o task_n and_o no_o service_n but_o from_o love_n and_o where_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v pure_o evangelic_n and_o administer_v to_o we_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o mediator_n yea_o of_o 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disrelish_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o most_o this_o day_n than_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o with_o such_o let_v my_o soul_n be_v join_v in_o 9_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o sure_a that_o here_o be_v no_o illusion_n or_o imaginary_a thing_n where_o any_o fallacy_n or_o deceit_n lie_v to_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o observe_a christian_n who_o know_v herein_o what_o make_v they_o glad_a and_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o how_o no_o assistance_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n or_o in_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n can_v possible_o impart_v such_o a_o thing_n so_o may_v it_o be_v astonish_v how_o such_o who_o live_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v any_o design_n on_o one_fw-mi eternal_a stare_n in_o heaven_n can_v take_v this_o on_o report_n or_o be_v so_o little_a inquisitive_a about_o so_o wonderful_a a_o truth_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o one_fw-mi enjoiment_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n which_o without_o any_o 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so_o dark_a and_o incomprehensible_a a_o thing_n yea_o how_o great_a a_o difference_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o clear_a act_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n about_o divine_a thing_n and_o a_o real_a feeling_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n thereof_o betwixt_o the_o most_o sublime_a apprehension_n by_o theory_n and_o the_o sensible_a impression_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o what_o a_o present_a and_o marvellous_a change_n this_o make_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_n 2._o to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o no_o less_o under_o a_o full_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o as_o the_o alone_a and_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n then_o in_o their_o feel_a power_n and_o sweetness_n &_o that_o here_o be_v no_o casual_a thing_n or_o matter_n of_o doubtfulness_n or_o uncertainty_n but_o where_o they_o can_v clear_o see_v the_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n now_o to_o be_v the_o object_n 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time_n past_a and_o may_v be_v fear_v if_o our_o faith_n stand_v not_o sure_a otherways_o that_o the_o light_n shall_v be_v quick_o extinguish_v and_o the_o candlestick_n take_v away_o from_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n when_o most_o under_o such_o a_o profession_n yet_o never_o know_v the_o power_n virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v on_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o evidence_n or_o teach_n then_o by_o moral_a suasion_n only_o or_o another_o key_n to_o open_v the_o heart_n then_o external_a mean_n and_o thus_o must_v either_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o so_o torment_v a_o light_n or_o be_v unavoidable_o condemn_v hereby_o but_o with_o this_o inquiry_n as_o to_o the_o credit_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n who_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n bear_v the_o same_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n from_o their_o experience_n it_o be_v undeniable_a also_o but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n sist_v and_o under_o more_o peculiar_a engagement_n than_o other_o to_o appear_v on_o such_o a_o testimony_n and_o who_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o enjoiment_n of_o experience_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a road_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o people_n though_o this_o must_v in_o no_o other_o sense_n be_v understand_v extraordinary_a then_o from_o so_o judicial_a a_o time_n as_o this_o and_o the_o great_a decay_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n with_o this_o generation_n why_o these_o be_v so_o rare_a and_o not_o in_o be_v any_o way_n cross_n to_o the_o firm_a and_o settle_a constitution_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o without_o that_o precinct_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o war_n and_o the_o same_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v yet_o to_o enter_v on_o such_o enjoiment_n of_o experience_n that_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o believe_v in_o this_o day_n we_o be_v in_o be_v they_o tell_v we_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o what_o i_o mean_v 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their_o god_n but_o as_o this_o be_v not_o the_o standard_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v so_o shall_v this_o witness_n be_v to_o i_o no_o further_o strenthn_v than_o it_o have_v some_o great_a height_n in_o humility_n and_o tenderness_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n go_v alongst_o herewith_o and_o some_o more_o singular_a eminency_n of_o grace_n as_o do_v answer_n to_o that_o isai_n 57_o 15._o john_n 14_o 21._o 2._o i_o must_v judge_v these_o also_o have_v a_o high_a room_n in_o this_o witness_n for_o god_n on_o their_o experience_n of_o his_o truth_n who_o have_v in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n than_o other_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o sustain_a grace_n under_o extraordinar_a trial_n i_o mean_v such_o christian_n as_o have_v be_v try_v not_o only_o in_o the_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o divine_a grace_n at_o another_o rate_n than_o other_o who_o i_o must_v reckon_v among_o the_o great_a witness_n for_o god_n in_o this_o day_n when_o 1._o this_o render_v their_o testimony_n to_o be_v of_o a_o high_a value_n and_o evidence_n according_a to_o the_o height_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o conflict_n and_o trial_n who_o thus_o the_o lord_n have_v choise_v and_o separate_v as_o joseph_n be_v from_o the_o residue_n of_o his_o brethren_n for_o such_o a_o service_n of_o example_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o grace_n may_v here_o more_o bright_o shine_v forth_o 2._o because_o the_o deposition_n herein_o be_v in_o a_o matter_n on_o which_o most_o do_v stumble_v at_o the_o way_n of_o god_n upon_o that_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o on_o this_o account_v it_o may_v be_v say_v they_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n and_o spy_n to_o witness_v what_o manner_n of_o allowance_n he_o do_v then_o impart_v to_o bear_v the_o expense_n of_o a_o more_o extraordinare_a time_n of_o affliction_n and_o suffer_v and_o what_o immediate_a support_n be_v then_o find_v above_o the_o allowance_n of_o ordinary_a time_n that_o with_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n they_o may_v bear_v a_o honourable_a report_n for_o god_n unto_o other_o 3._o the_o credit_n of_o this_o testimony_n rise_v the_o high_a as_o it_o have_v cost_v they_o so_o dear_a who_o bear_v the_o same_o and_o have_v not_o be_v easy_o attain_v nor_o be_v a_o offering_n unto_o god_n of_o that_o which_o cost_v they_o nothing_o who_o have_v be_v help_v bejond_v other_o to_o glorify_v he_o in_o the_o fire_n 4._o they_o be_v such_o above_o the_o residue_n of_o christian_n who_o have_v usual_o a_o record_n of_o more_o special_a confirmation_n and_o great_a remark_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o the_o journal_n and_o history_n of_o their_o life_n i_o know_v most_o will_v fear_v to_o have_v a_o room_n in_o such_o a_o testimony_n but_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o there_o be_v many_o such_o witness_n this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n so_o i_o must_v reckon_v it_o one_o of_o the_o most_o honourable_a service_n for_o god_n 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seize_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n than_o other_o of_o the_o high_a and_o wonderful_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o to_o themselves_o and_o what_o be_v their_o personal_a interest_n herein_o on_o which_o their_o soul_n venture_v for_o eternity_n lie_v so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n under_o any_o doubtful_a suspense_n this_o way_n or_o have_v their_o soul_n at_o rest_n with_o that_o manner_n of_o assent_n wherewith_o most_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o day_n 3._o yea_o it_o be_v these_o alone_a who_o have_v another_o idea_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n settle_v on_o their_o spirit_n than_o the_o residue_n of_o man_n who_o thus_o see_v what_o great_a thing_n be_v before_o they_o and_o short_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o how_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v not_o easy_o attain_v but_o that_o a_o continue_a weight_n and_o exercise_v herein_o on_o 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thus_o as_o the_o most_o of_o christian_n be_v with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n so_o as_o i_o can_v possible_o credit_v you_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o your_o own_o profession_n and_o herein_o can_v any_o exerce_fw-la reason_n and_o not_o see_v the_o faith_n of_o christianity_n be_v another_o thing_n then_o most_o this_o day_n do_v ever_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v and_o a_o much_o high_a attainment_n than_o a_o christian_n particular_a interest_n herein_o for_o where_o the_o first_o be_v assure_o attain_v it_o may_v seem_v not_o possible_a but_o the_o other_o must_v follow_v that_o man_n great_a business_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v to_o have_v a_o sure_a evidence_n for_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v ripen_v for_o so_o great_a a_o change_n i_o have_v know_v some_o who_o trial_n and_o conflict_n in_o their_o warefare_n have_v be_v extraordinare_a and_o strange_a who_o have_v profess_v their_o high_a releaf_n still_o lie_v herein_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o divine_a truth_n more_o 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great_a pretender_n to_o reason_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n lest_o they_o shall_v thus_o be_v unavoidable_o bring_v to_o that_o faith_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o tremble_v which_o sure_o be_v a_o unconceavable_a and_o extreme_a horror_n that_o these_o apostate_n spirit_n have_v herein_o whilst_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o glorious_a be_v of_o god_n to_o his_o attribute_n yea_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o such_o one_fw-mi inevitable_a constraint_n that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a access_n for_o they_o to_o be_v atheist_n so_o be_v their_o dréad_n and_o torment_v heigtn_v be_v such_o know_v intellectual_a essence_n as_o that_o power_n and_o subtlety_n of_o delusion_n whereby_o they_o deal_v with_o mankind_n will_v not_o work_v on_o themselves_o this_o i_o must_v judge_v to_o be_v the_o last_o effort_n of_o the_o horrid_a wickedness_n of_o this_o present_a age_n to_o strengthen_v such_o a_o way_n and_o since_o 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and_o that_o all_o inward_a temptation_n or_o assault_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o operate_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v but_o a_o deplorable_a fascination_n and_o bewitchment_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v so_o long_o under_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v there_o be_v little_a need_n for_o such_o a_o work_n to_o take_v this_o generation_n we_o be_v now_o in_o off_o all_o watch_n and_o guard_n against_o these_o destroy_a adversary_n and_o to_o render_v they_o more_o secure_a herein_o than_o they_o seem_v already_o to_o be_v and_o that_o this_o confidence_n must_v have_v some_o strange_a rise_n to_o go_v forth_o not_o only_o in_o the_o most_o direct_a opposition_n to_o sacred_a truth_n but_o to_o the_o universal_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n except_o he_o hope_v to_o find_v a_o numerous_a party_n who_o
yea_o that_o without_o this_o the_o further_a of_o objective_a evidence_n to_o cause_n irresistable_o a_o clear_a and_o rational_a assurance_n of_o divine_a truth_n though_o it_o be_v follow_v with_o a_o dispensation_n of_o miracle_n will_v not_o quiet_a the_o spirit_n of_o such_o who_o under_o some_o deep_a exercise_n may_v be_v haunt_v with_o hide_v and_o dreadful_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n until_o they_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o power_n and_o evidence_n as_o go_v above_o any_o moral_a influence_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v not_o expressible_a to_o other_o and_o they_o must_v come_v and_o see_v who_o will_v know_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bear_v evidence_n to_o his_o own_o truth_n and_o what_o strong_a impression_n his_o work_n have_v on_o the_o internal_a sense_n of_o a_o christian_a yea_o what_o pierce_a intelligence_n be_v betwixt_o such_o who_o sure_o know_v and_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o their_o bless_a head_n in_o this_o 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in_o this_o last_o age_n that_o shall_v be_v still_o matter_n of_o sweet_a remembrance_n but_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o day_n we_o see_v the_o ebb_n as_o low_o in_o these_o place_n in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o visible_a revive_n almost_o any_o where_n can_v be_v hear_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v to_o i_o so_o far_o a_o hopeful_a sign_n of_o a_o near_o incal_v of_o the_o jew_n since_o it_o will_v then_o find_v the_o gentile_a church_n in_o so_o judicial_a a_o period_n of_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o life_n from_o the_o dead_a 4._o yet_o it_o be_v sure_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o have_v be_v most_o signal_n honour_n and_o glory_n put_v on_o this_o age_n and_o with_o a_o special_a respect_n to_o britain_n and_o ireland_n in_o as_o great_a a_o harvest_n of_o serious_a and_o solid_a christian_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o have_v be_v in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n since_o 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the_o protestant_n yea_o how_o this_o great_a instrument_n of_o judgement_n and_o patron_n of_o the_o romish_a interest_n shall_v most_o active_o make_v way_n to_o defeat_v his_o own_o project_n and_o counsel_n by_o a_o irresistible_a conduct_n of_o providence_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o unusual_a conjunction_n in_o humane_a affair_n such_o as_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o western_a part_n of_o christendom_n be_v hereby_o cast_v in_o a_o new_a mould_n wherein_o we_o be_v call_v to_o adore_v god_n and_o his_o dominion_n over_o all_o second_o cause_n though_o it_o be_v a_o depth_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v yet_o not_o open_v up_o only_o herewith_o some_o reflection_n on_o the_o same_o i_o can_v whole_o pass_v 1._o what_o may_v be_v too_o
just_o fear_v of_o a_o inordinate_a respect_n to_o man_n and_o concurrence_n of_o visible_a mean_n above_o what_o it_o can_v bear_v when_o nothing_o be_v more_o effectual_a to_o cause_v the_o great_a humane_a succour_n miscarry_v and_o sink_v under_o this_o weight_n they_o relyance_n thereon_o as_o if_o they_o can_v stand_v by_o them self_o without_o keep_v in_o with_o god_n alone_o with_o that_o god_n who_o be_v of_o infinite_a power_n both_o to_o hurt_v &_o help_v who_o presence_n be_v ever_o the_o high_a security_n of_o a_o nation_n though_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v against_o they_o 2._o but_o this_o also_o look_v with_o confidence_n &_o hope_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v near_o to_o give_v some_o extraordinar_fw-mi demonstration_n of_o himself_o by_o providence_n as_o this_o generation_n shall_v not_o get_v their_o eye_n shut_v at_o yea_o that_o this_o strange_a piece_n of_o his_o work_n be_v a_o prelude_n and_o entry_n on_o a_o revolution_n of_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o world_n that_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o high_a extent_n then_o may_v be_v apprehend_v by_o most_o and_o it_o be_v sure_a when_o he_o do_v begin_v he_o will_v also_o make_v a_o end_n 3._o i_o have_v look_v on_o this_o remarkable_a silence_n and_o suspense_n as_o to_o any_o public_a decision_n of_o providence_n this_o year_n past_a when_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o high_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o crisis_n that_o hereby_o the_o lord_n will_v yet_o give_v man_n time_n to_o consider_v his_o work_n and_o take_v to_o heart_n his_o voice_n by_o such_o a_o further_a warning_n and_o have_v still_o observe_v from_o the_o record_n of_o time_n past_a as_o to_o his_o procedure_n that_o when_o he_o be_v to_o bring_v forth_o some_o great_a piece_n of_o his_o work_n before_o the_o world_n there_o have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o interval_n of_o silence_n for_o a_o time_n &_o like_o some_o cessation_n of_o providence_n which_o have_v precede_v the_o same_o and_o make_v the_o time_n of_o his_o work_v when_o it_o be_v leave_a man_n expectation_n yea_o the_o sore_a a_o stroke_n have_v be_v when_o it_o come_v the_o long_a have_v a_o tender_a forbearance_n go_v before_o even_o when_o the_o hand_n of_o justice_n have_v be_v lift_v up_o the_o wheel_n sometime_o stand_v still_o and_o the_o public_a state_n of_o affair_n be_v in_o a_o strange_a manner_n becalm_v when_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o some_o eminent_a manner_n to_o arise_v according_a to_o that_o isay_n 42_o 14._o i_o have_v long_a time_n hold_v my_o peace_n i_o have_v be_v still_o i_o have_v refrain_v myself_o now_o will_v i_o cry_v as_o a_o travel_a woman_n etc._n etc._n 4._o yea_o it_o may_v be_v a_o special_a remark_n that_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o signal_o appear_v to_o make_v this_o great_a revolution_n in_o britain_n effectual_a and_o to_o clear_v the_o sky_n and_o coast_n there_o from_o visible_a opposition_n with_o such_o rare_a prevent_a providence_n for_o that_o end_n yet_o be_v so_o little_a ground_n gain_v by_o the_o unite_v strength_n of_o this_o confederacy_n but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o one_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v act_n in_o a_o extraordinar_a way_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o other_o thing_n do_v run_v more_o in_o the_o ordinare_fw-la channel_n of_o visilbe_n mean_n it_o look_v as_o a_o sign_n of_o great_a wrath_n that_o such_o a_o instrument_n of_o judgement_n have_v have_v his_o chain_n so_o far_o let_v forth_o in_o this_o day_n who_o may_v be_v call_v not_o only_a host_n be_v ecclesiae_fw-la sed_fw-la humani_fw-la generis_fw-la by_o these_o cruelty_n more_o than_o inhuman_a exerce_v in_o the_o palatinate_n and_o other_o part_n of_o germany_n but_o it_o be_v fit_a the_o world_n shall_v know_v of_o what_o spirit_n and_o way_n the_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o protestant_n in_o this_o age_n be_v yea_o for_o the_o nation_n about_o to_o see_v there_o be_v no_o possible_a moral_a security_n for_o their_o civil_a interest_n from_o one_o who_o no_o establishment_n of_o law_n nor_o that_o law_n of_o gratitude_n towards_o such_o who_o father_n have_v bring_v the_o house_n of_o bourbon_n to_o the_o throne_n can_v bind_v but_o as_o there_o be_v a_o anoint_v and_o establish_v man_n for_o judgement_n who_o hand_n be_v make_v strong_a until_o that_o work_n be_v perfect_v so_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o britain_n and_o other_o reform_a church_n the_o great_a strength_n of_o this_o adversary_n 12._o have_v we_o not_o also_o be_v call_v to_o see_v such_o vicissitude_n of_o providence_n that_o these_o for_o who_o god_n have_v sometime_o most_o signal_o appear_v in_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a greatness_n and_o power_n as_o all_o may_v clear_o discern_v it_o be_v his_o hand_n alone_o that_o do_v the_o same_o how_o in_o a_o way_n no_o l●ss_o wonderful_a he_o have_v make_v know_v his_o power_n in_o break_v and_o bring_v they_o low_o whilst_o they_o do_v not_o know_v and_o regard_n god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o greatness_n but_o think_v to_o stand_v by_o themselves_o and_o give_v such_o a_o requital_n to_o he_o as_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o another_o strength_n then_o that_o which_o raise_v they_o and_o try_v a_o new_a scene_n of_o opposition_n to_o his_o truth_n and_o interest_n yea_o thus_o forget_v the_o tempest_n they_o be_v once_o in_o and_o these_o engagement_n which_o be_v then_o on_o their_o soul_n when_o they_o have_v once_o get_v to_o the_o haven_n it_o be_v sure_a this_o have_v be_v write_v forth_o as_o in_o capital_a letter_n once_o and_o again_o that_o man_n who_o run_v may_v read_v the_o same_o and_o know_v how_o great_a and_o terrible_a a_o party_n god_n be_v when_o he_o be_v not_o for_o a_o church_n or_o people_n but_o against_o they_o and_o how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o he_o by_o one_fw-mi occurrent_a of_o providence_n lest_o fear_v or_o think_v off_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o great_a deep_n of_o humane_a policy_n and_o wit_n and_o let_v such_o know_v when_o they_o judge_v themselves_o secure_a from_o any_o hazard_n on_o the_o earth_n there_o can_v be_v no_o stand_n when_o their_o counsel_n and_o confidence_n be_v deride_v from_o heaven_n 13._o it_o have_v be_v in_o some_o singular_a manner_n also_o that_o in_o this_o age_n we_o have_v be_v call_v to_o see_v sin_n and_o judgement_n meet_v other_o with_o such_o astonish_a circumstance_n and_o so_o visible_a a_o resemblance_n and_o proportion_n betwixt_o the_o same_o as_o the_o stroke_n herein_o point_v as_o with_o a_o finger_n at_o the_o cause_n be_v unavoidable_a for_o a_o natural_a conscience_n to_o discern_v and_o see_v a_o just_a and_o holy_a god_n thus_o make_v know_v and_o visible_a in_o such_o public_a and_o tremendous_a instance_n of_o his_o judgement_n as_o bejond_v the_o rate_n of_o former_a time_n have_v be_v set_v up_o as_o beacon_n in_o our_o sight_n i_o must_v join_v herewith_o this_o sad_a remark_n which_o have_v have_v a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o these_o time_n that_o as_o it_o be_v sure_a nothing_o but_o religion_n in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o can_v effectual_o take_v off_o man_n from_o sin_n so_o have_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o religion_n be_v oft_o make_v use_n off_o as_o the_o grand_a engine_n to_o secure_v they_o therein_o and_o what_o be_v speak_v by_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v be_v more_o applicable_a to_o our_o day_n than_o almost_o any_o past_a that_o never_o be_v one_fw-mi age_v more_o fertile_a of_o religion_n under_o a_o different_a profession_n hereof_o and_o never_o more_o barren_a of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o same_o on_o man_n soul_n 14._o it_o have_v be_v in_o this_o age_n that_o such_o a_o call_v often_o and_o aloud_o have_v sound_v in_o our_o ear_n to_o come_v and_o see_v how_o the_o great_a power_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v but_o as_o a_o little_a dust_n in_o the_o balance_n for_o the_o sovereign_a god_n to_o blow_v off_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o that_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o dominion_n and_o preeminence_n over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n to_o change_v the_o great_a monarchy_n oh_o what_o a_o strange_a reflex_n work_n may_v this_o be_v to_o have_v our_o spirit_n but_o go_v back_o on_o these_o great_a and_o marvellous_a shake_n and_o utter_a raze_n have_v be_v of_o public_a settlement_n that_o seem_v most_o firm_o lay_v the_o bow_v down_o and_o fall_v of_o the_o great_a of_o man_n and_o raise_v up_o such_o who_o have_v b●en_o low_a when_o the_o great_a god_n once_o begin_v to_o contend_v with_o the_o oak_n and_o cedar_n and_o herewith_o to_o see_v the_o extent_n of_o his_o power_n over_o man_n spirit_n and_o inclination_n as_o well_o as_o their_o act_n so_o as_o to_o determine_v their_o concurrence_n with_o their_o hand_n
the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o bring_v judgement_n a_o further_a length_n the_o god_n of_o patience_n who_o do_v not_o easy_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o bear_v long_o ere_o a_o height_n of_o sin_n do_v extort_v the_o last_o strike_v of_o vengeance_n do_v then_o give_v such_o a_o new_a breathe_n or_o long_a intermission_n as_o to_o any_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o judgement_n but_o do_v herewith_o send_v new_a offer_n and_o condition_n of_o peace_n before_o the_o decree_n bring_v forth_o zephan_n 2_o 2._o so_o as_o the_o next_o great_a warning_n which_o be_v give_v to_o these_o nation_n be_v in_o a_o other_o way_n and_o method_n to_o take_v a_o new_a tr●all_n how_o this_o yet_o will_v work_v by_o a_o most_o rare_a prevent_a providence_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o popish_a plot_n which_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o civil_a authority_n have_v be_v so_o long_a hatch_n and_o ripen_v until_o this_o mine_n be_v ready_a to_o spring_v to_o a_o visible_a 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accompany_v the_o same_o where_o the_o contrare_fw-la party_n be_v so_o state_v as_o the_o one_o can_v not_o stand_v but_o on_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o other_o and_o their_o interest_n on_o every_o side_n so_o extensive_a and_o great_a yea_o when_o in_o no_o time_n past_o the_o harvest_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o these_o part_n thereof_o seem_v more_o ripe_a for_o put_v in_o the_o syckel_n yet_o even_o then_o do_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o sovereign_a and_o marvellous_a disposal_n spare_v and_o go_v not_o forth_o as_o at_o other_o time_n with_o garment_n roll_v in_o blood_n nor_o do_v the_o act_n of_o his_o providence_n appear_v so_o terrible_a as_o when_o presage_n of_o judgement_n be_v more_o discernible_a but_o as_o this_o be_v the_o open_n of_o the_o first_o scene_n &_o who_o see_v what_o god_n be_v to_o do_v who_o know_v his_o mind_n as_o to_o these_o great_a change_n in_o the_o external_a state_n of_o this_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o such_o a_o remarkable_a 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court_n but_o it_o may_v here_o with_o amazement_n be_v see_v how_o upon_o the_o one_o side_n be_v such_o state_v who_o maintain_v christ_n bodily_a presence_n in_o the_o earth_n in_o that_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n as_o the_o hibbole_v of_o their_o profession_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o great_a a_o part_n be_v there_o who_o do_v ridicull_a all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o seem_v not_o to_o believe_v his_o real_a presence_n in_o heaven_n but_o here_o be_v it_o discernible_a what_o a_o return_n this_o be_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o providence_n to_o that_o grand_a engine_n and_o too_o know_v a_o design_n of_o the_o romish_a spirit_n for_o many_o year_n past_a to_o take_v way_n for_o popery_n by_o destroy_v man_n especial_o the_o youth_n in_o britain_n in_o the_o moral_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o to_o take_v thus_o off_o all_o serious_a sense_n and_o weight_n of_o religion_n from_o their_o conscience_n that_o herein_o this_o deep_a of_o hellish_a policy_n do_v at_o 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who_o will_v withstand_v the_o same_o for_o which_o end_n may_v it_o be_v clear_o understand_v what_o such_o one_fw-mi appearance_n do_v mean_a in_o so_o strange_a one_fw-mi administration_n of_o providence_n by_o the_o sword_n to_o these_o nation_n in_o this_o age_n what_o such_o unusual_a shake_n and_o overturning_n there_o yea_o by_o such_o restless_a opposition_n to_o any_o civil_a settlement_n since_o the_o lord_n begin_v to_o shake_v britain_n to_o make_v know_v this_o solemn_a period_n of_o time_n be_v come_v and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o 7t_n trumpet_z when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v take_v to_o himself_o his_o great_a power_n and_o reign_v which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o darken_v by_o the_o usurpation_n and_o enmity_n of_o man_n thereto_o yea_o that_o he_o be_v sure_o go_v forth_o who_o have_v that_o name_n write_v on_o his_o vesture_n and_o thigh_n king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n to_o make_v good_a the_o same_o and_o will_v have_v this_o name_n engrave_v on_o all_o the_o way_n and_o act_n of_o providence_n who_o must_v reign_v until_o he_o have_v put_v all_o his_o enemy_n under_o his_o foot_n 1_o corinth_n 15_o 25._o and_o the_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o shall_v perish_v and_o these_o nation_n shall_v utter_o be_v lay_v waste_n isay_n 60_o 11._o for_o thus_o have_v the_o lord_n speak_v and_o be_v settle_v &_o seal_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o he_o that_o chainge_v not_o it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v be_v walk_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o most_o in_o these_o time_n past_a and_o even_o from_o his_o choice_a people_n there_o have_v be_v oft_o a_o hide_v of_o his_o work_n and_o keep_v it_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n amid_o these_o strange_a change_n as_o have_v put_v the_o most_o discern_a to_o a_o stand_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o see_v man_n intent_n in_o their_o act_n and_o under_o what_o influence_n they_o hake_v move_v yea_o what_o bitter_a rise_n of_o heart_n an●_n quarrelling_n have_v be_v upon_o the_o miscarry_v o●_n their_o end_n but_o this_o be_v a_o other_o sight_n and_o of_o a_o high_o concern_v to_o see_v and_o discern_v wise_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o amid_o all_o the_o realing_n of_o these_o strange_a time_n his_o way_n and_o course_n of_o providence_n have_v be_v ever_o steady_a and_o sixth_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v thus_o clear_o see_v if_o our_o spirit_n be_v more_o deep_o let_v forth_o on_o such_o a_o study_n that_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o day_n yea_o the_o stand_n and_o security_n of_o the_o public_a state_n of_o these_o nation_n do_v assure_o lie_v in_o a_o resolute_a concurrence_n with_o this_o great_a design_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o as_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o stand_n in_o the_o breach_n before_o he_o to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n but_o since_o this_o subject_a of_o the_o catholic_n right_a and_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o earth_n be_v so_o strange_a a_o mystery_n to_o many_o in_o these_o time_n and_o such_o different_a thought_n and_o conception_n be_v hereof_o as_o i_o have_v desire_v to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n on_o these_o sure_a principle_n and_o ground_n that_o i_o may_v have_v full_a rest_n and_o settlement_n to_o my_o own_o spirit_n herein_o so_o i_o may_v say_v that_o in_o the_o clearness_n of_o this_o light_n i_o have_v find_v a_o special_a strengthen_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n when_o with_o the_o further_a evidence_n it_o may_v be_v see_v 1._o how_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o donative_n and_o universal_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o father_n as_o incarnate_a and_o after_o his_o ascension_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o which_o be_v his_o essential_a and_o natural_a kingdom_n which_o do_v belong_v to_o his_o person_n as_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n and_o god_n equal_a with_o he_o but_o be_v such_o as_o be_v promise_v and_o by_o special_a donation_n give_v to_o he_o that_o the_o end_n and_o uttermost_a coast_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v his_o inheritance_n ps_n 2_o 8._o and_o his_o dominion_n to_o be_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n psalm_n 72_o 8._o yea_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o dan._n 7_o shall_fw-mi 14._o when_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o dominion_n glory_n and_o a_o kingdom_n that_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n shall_v serve_v he_o etc._n etc._n 2._o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suspense_n or_o darkness_n in_o this_o so_o be_v it_o no_o less_o clear_a his_o enter_v on_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n be_v reserve_v only_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n to_o which_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o 4_o great_a monarchy_n which_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n be_v direct_v and_o subordinate_a to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o same_o and_o lo_o here_o may_v we_o see_v the_o first_o period_n of_o the_o visible_a glory_n of_o christ_n reign_n and_o his_o entrance_n on_o the_o same_o when_o after_o such_o strong_a opposi●ions_n the_o pagan_a world_n be_v at_o last_o make_v to_o bow_v down_o and_o fall_v before_o his_o truth_n and_o submit_v to_o he_o 3._o but_o herein_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o this_o special_a bequeathment_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n in_o that_o sense_n only_o of_o inbr_v the_o elect_a out_o of_o the_o same_o or_o of_o his_o internal_a reign_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o that_o it_o lie_v in_o a_o visible_a surrender_n and_o subject_v of_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o nation_n to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o government_n when_o the_o prince_n and_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v subject_v their_o regal_a authority_n to_o his_o rule_n and_o empire_n as_o hold_v their_o dominion_n from_o he_o to_o who_o all_o power_n and_o judgement_n be_v commit_v and_o can_v bear_v that_o stile_n only_o of_o be_v the_o catholic_n king_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o for_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o shine_v with_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n from_o the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o it_o may_v be_v strange_a how_o possible_o it_o shall_v be_v question_v &_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o comfort_v to_o christian_a magistrate_n then_o to_o have_v so_o high_o desirable_a a_o hold_n of_o their_o power_n as_o they_o may_v have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o interest_v in_o their_o security_n and_o interest_n as_o a_o part_n of_o that_o inheritance_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n nor_o do_v it_o evacuate_v the_o magistracy_n of_o heathen_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o humane_a society_n though_o they_o have_v none_o in_o the_o church_n as_o it_o can_v never_o make_v void_a also_o his_o catholic_n right_a and_o dominion_n over_o they_o by_o who_o king_n reign_n prov._n 8_o 15._o although_o it_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o 4._o but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o further_a &_o grow_a light_n on_o 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