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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n church_n faith_n truth_n 4,940 5 6.2410 4 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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sabath_n morning_n with_o a_o extraordinar_a colic_n which_o grow_v upon_o he_o to_o that_o height_n as_o in_o a_o ordinare_fw-la way_n render_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o go_v forth_o upon_o the_o public_a work_n of_o the_o day_n which_o then_o lie_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o a_o great_a auditory_a at_o that_o time_n so_o that_o whilst_o he_o assay_v to_o rise_v he_o be_v press_v to_o take_v his_o bed_n again_o a_o very_a few_o minute_n before_o the_o set_v time_n for_o go_v to_o church_n but_o whilst_o he_o present_v the_o case_n to_o god_n upon_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o service_n it_o be_v in_o a_o moment_n take_v off_o not_o by_o any_o gradual_a abatement_n of_o such_o a_o distemper_n but_o entire_o at_o once_o so_o as_o he_o never_o have_v more_o sweet_a access_n and_o freedom_n to_o go_v forth_o on_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n both_o at_o that_o diet_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o public_a work_n and_o this_o also_o be_v when_o no_o outward_a mean_n be_v concur_v herein_o as_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o passive_a faith_n which_o christ_n do_v special_o require_v for_o a_o immediate_a cure_n from_o himself_o matth_n 9_o be_v this_o believe_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o help_v when_o no_o ordinare_fw-la mean_n can_v do_v so_o i_o doubt_v not_o this_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n act_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n leave_v room_n for_o omnipotency_n to_o act_v in_o such_o a_o exigence_n 9_o nor_o have_v there_o be_v want_v eminent_a proof_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o special_a application_n of_o faith_n make_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o other_o under_o disease_n where_o ordinare_fw-la mean_n have_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o the_o case_n past_o all_o hope_n and_o of_o such_o return_n by_o a_o present_a restore_n and_o under_o such_o evidence_n as_o enforce_v the_o conviction_n hereof_o upon_o man_n conscience_n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o in_o some_o strange_a case_n of_o this_o kind_a the_o true_a cause_n and_o 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the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n how_o this_o way_n the_o lord_n do_v put_v the_o high_a honour_n on_o man_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o passive_a valour_n of_o christianity_n yea_o thus_o put_v the_o most_o distinguish_a mark_n of_o respect_n on_o his_o choice_a favourite_n but_o there_o be_v a_o vi_o inquiry_n i_o must_v further_o direct_v you_o to_o without_o which_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v true_o effectual_a on_o your_o soul_n which_o be_v on_o that_o wonderful_a part_n of_o christianity_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n and_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o subject_a make_v it_o more_o difficult_a to_o speak_v hereon_o now_o in_o a_o short_a epistolary_a discourse_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o be_v possible_a only_o to_o point_v at_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o more_o clear_a and_o solid_a impression_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o make_v way_n for_o your_o own_o search_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o same_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v they_o be_v thing_n which_o have_v not_o be_v take_v on_o report_n or_o have_v find_v it_o easy_a to_o be_v satisfy_v herein_o as_o to_o a_o full_a acquiescence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o assurance_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v to_o a_o few_o special_a end_n i_o will_v refer_v your_o serious_a improvement_n of_o this_o great_a inquiry_n 1._o for_o this_o end_n that_o a_o clear_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o spiritual_a experience_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n may_v be_v more_o deap_o settle_v on_o your_o spirit_n and_o how_o in_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v direct_v his_o sacred_a truth_n unto_o man_n not_o only_o for_o trust_v but_o for_o trial_n which_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o that_o nature_n &_o state_v on_o so_o great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o the_o whole_a vital_a part_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o 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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
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 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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 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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 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