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christian_n shall_v have_v undoubted_o such_o a_o ballast_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o solid_a and_o rational_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o great_a part_n and_o endowment_n the_o promote_a of_o which_o be_v it_o more_o deep_o consider_v i_o dare_v humble_o adventure_v to_o say_v will_v be_v find_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a mean_n to_o promote_v christianity_n this_o day_n ii_o because_o this_o be_v not_o to_o drive_v any_o to_o doubt_n or_o question_v the_o least_o sincere_a degree_n of_o assent_n though_o it_o be_v not_o with_o such_o strength_n of_o evidence_n as_o in_o other_o nor_o can_v by_o that_o formal_a argumentation_n give_v the_o same_o account_n thereof_o since_o a_o few_o ground_n this_o way_n may_v special_o help_v to_o some_o solid_a conviction_n &_o confirm_v of_o their_o mind_n when_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o other_o cogent_a argument_n for_o this_o end_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o the_o great_a clearness_n of_o evidence_n do_v still_o in_o the_o appoint_a way_n of_o mean_n lead_v in_o to_o a_o more_o firm_a and_o strong_a assent_n of_o the_o judgement_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n iii_o because_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o foundation_n in_o itself_o can_v be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v not_o with_o such_o a_o know_a evidence_n as_o man_n may_v build_v firm_o and_o with_o assurance_n thereon_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n thus_o only_o design_v to_o give_v his_o people_n a_o infallible_a and_o sure_a testimony_n to_o adventure_v on_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v sure_o also_o to_o they_o iv_o because_o none_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 22.3_o by_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o much_o the_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n for_o a_o save_a faith_n but_o that_o none_o can_v give_v a_o true_a assent_n and_o confession_n of_o the_o same_o but_o from_o these_o ground_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o man_n for_o this_o end_n and_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o character_n &_o evidence_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v imprint_v on_o the_o whole_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v clear_a and_o demonstrative_a to_o our_o judgement_n so_o be_v they_o as_o true_o divine_a as_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v thereby_o v._o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a cause_n for_o unbelief_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o any_o intricate_a obscureness_n of_o the_o same_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v such_o great_a assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v as_o milk_v for_o babe_n as_o well_o as_o meat_n to_o strong_a man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o further_a objective_n evidence_n of_o
the_o gospel_n with_o so_o clear_a and_o strong_a a_o conveyance_n thereof_o be_v yet_o so_o little_o operative_a on_o most_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v also_o of_o the_o whole_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o though_o this_o tend_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o resolve_v our_o religion_n into_o any_o mere_a exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o leave_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o energy_n and_o operation_n therewith_o on_o man_n soul_n entire_a yet_o do_v it_o full_o evince_v such_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o evidence_n with_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o make_v any_o doubtfulness_n herein_o simple_o impossible_a through_o want_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o mean_n yea_o such_o as_o be_v of_o another_o kind_n than_o to_o induce_v only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o same_o vi_o because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a symptom_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o few_o almost_o in_o whole_a congregation_n can_v give_v any_o clear_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n thereof_o but_o to_o amazement_n both_o live_v and_o die_v stranger_n to_o the_o same_o yea_o how_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v otherwise_o serious_a in_o religion_n yet_o have_v their_o faith_n starve_v this_o way_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o any_o such_o support_n but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o the_o numerousness_n of_o professor_n but_o the_o strength_n and_o solidity_n of_o their_o faith_n wherein_o the_o church_n strength_n most_o lie_v and_o have_v more_o flourish_v in_o a_o few_o such_o to_o beget_v a_o great_a awe_n and_o veneration_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n than_o at_o other_o time_n in_o the_o great_a multitude_n so_o be_v it_o the_o glory_n of_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o can_v subsist_v by_o its_o own_o proper_a evidence_n and_o preserve_v its_o station_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n when_o all_o external_n argument_n do_v most_o visible_o cease_v posit_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a and_o clear_a how_o no_o simple_a instruct_v of_o man_n in_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v the_o proper_a and_o adequate_a mean_n for_o such_o a_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o on_o its_o own_o evidence_n or_o answer_v that_o apostolic_a pattern_n of_o lay_v the_o foundation_n heb._n 6.2_o but_o that_o some_o special_a duty_n else_o be_v call_v for_o to_o so_o high_a a_o end_n such_o wherein_n not_o only_o that_o true_a primitive_a confirmation_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v have_v some_o practical_a use_n but_o we_o may_v also_o hope_v therewith_o for_o a_o more_o remarkable_a outletting_a of_o confirm_v influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v herein_o i_o shall_v humble_o offer_v in_o a_o few_o particular_n i._o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o the_o ministerial_a work_n and_o of_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n to_o have_v all_o who_o hear_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o first_o place_n press_v to_o take_v religion_n so_o far_o to_o heart_n as_o to_o make_v a_o serious_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n hereof_o and_o thus_o to_o know_v their_o be_v on_o sure_a ground_n herein_o not_o because_o they_o know_v not_o another_o way_n but_o because_o they_o know_v this_o be_v the_o alone_a way_n of_o truth_n to_o which_o they_o dare_v trust_v their_o immortal_a soul_n ii_o that_o for_o this_o end_v the_o supreme_a truth_n of_o relion_n be_v represent_v with_o that_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n as_o both_o such_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n do_v require_v and_o the_o temper_n of_o such_o a_o gainsaying_n age_n now_o call_v for_o and_o to_o have_v this_o press_v more_o on_o man_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n that_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o the_o high_a consequence_n reality_n and_o substance_n can_v have_v no_o possible_a reception_n by_o any_o implicit_a or_o probable_a belief_n thereof_o nor_o can_v admit_v any_o pretence_n for_o the_o same_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v such_o kind_n of_o proof_n and_o evidence_n as_o leave_v man_n darkness_n herein_o without_o any_o shadow_n of_o excuse_n ii_o that_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o catechetical_a work_n of_o religion_n to_o take_v some_o account_n of_o the_o mean_a professor_n thereof_o and_o with_o a_o special_a respect_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o their_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n on_o what_o ground_n and_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n this_o be_v found_v and_o for_o their_o instruct_v therein_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o religion_n when_o one_o of_o the_o most_o ruine_v thing_n to_o the_o church_n lie_v here_o that_o the_o profession_n of_o most_o be_v lay_v in_o so_o deep_a a_o ignorance_n as_o they_o have_v almost_o nothing_o to_o say_v for_o the_o same_o but_o a_o naked_a affirmation_n i_o know_v the_o difficulty_n hereof_o for_o the_o weak_a may_v be_v object_v but_o without_o just_a cause_n since_o as_o the_o prime_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v few_o easy_a and_o plain_a for_o the_o mean_a capacity_n so_o also_o be_v the_o primary_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o such_o once_o with_o that_o desire_n do_v search_v after_o the_o same_o as_o for_o a_o hide_a and_o invaluable_a treasure_n wherein_o this_o respect_n shall_v be_v still_o have_v to_o difference_n betwixt_o what_o be_v initial_a and_o of_o a_o more_o fundamental_a concern_v for_o the_o weak_a and_o what_o may_v tend_v to_o a_o high_a growth_n and_o increase_n of_o other_o iii_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n also_o for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o the_o young_a growth_n now_o come_v up_o in_o the_o church_n be_v put_v to_o give_v some_o explicit_a evidence_n of_o their_o consent_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o may_v witness_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n now_o as_o their_o own_o proper_a deed_n wherein_o they_o be_v implicit_o engage_v in_o their_o infancy_n some_o special_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o this_o be_v i._o because_o god_n will_v have_v his_o service_n free_o enter_v in_o and_o upon_o choice_n as_o that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o honour_n for_o as_o the_o covenant_n bind_v mutual_o so_o do_v the_o seal_n thereof_o also_o and_o therefore_o upon_o our_o part_n be_v baptism_n a_o sacramental_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o god_n ii_o because_o it_o tend_v to_o a_o more_o resolute_a and_o firm_a adherence_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o this_o business_n shall_v be_v personal_o bring_v home_o to_o man_n conscience_n especial_o before_o their_o first_o admittance_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o thus_o to_o engage_v they_o as_o joshua_n do_v chap._n 24.22_o you_o be_v witness_n against_o yourselves_o herein_o and_o they_o say_v we_o be_v witness_n iii_o because_o this_o be_v express_o hold_v forth_o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o where_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o such_o than_o who_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o knowledge_n be_v personal_o bring_v to_o confirm_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n that_o solemn_a engagement_n and_o dedication_n by_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v vox_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o signify_v sponsio_fw-la &_o stipulatio_fw-la publica_fw-la inter_fw-la christianum_fw-la &_o dominum_fw-la christum_fw-la as_o the_o most_o judicious_a commentator_n on_o that_o scripture_n do_v clear_o render_v it_o and_o so_o this_o be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o heathenism_n but_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o church_n and_o partaker_n of_o that_o seal_n of_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o answer_v to_o that_o great_a demand_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v you_o now_o consent_v upon_o evidence_n and_o choice_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v a_o subject_a of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o embrace_v the_o law_n thereof_o and_o do_v you_o thus_o in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n declare_v the_o same_o wherein_o you_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o of_o what_o bless_a fruit_n and_o advantage_n shall_v this_o be_v both_o for_o the_o increase_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o this_o be_v more_o deep_o take_v to_o heart_n for_o some_o practical_a use_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o primitive_a pattern_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n iv_o it_o be_v special_o desirable_a also_o that_o there_o be_v some_o clear_a view_n and_o summary_n by_o itself_o of_o the_o most_o cogent_a ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n with_o respect_n both_o to_o the_o
be_v then_o reveal_v and_o who_o the_o christian_a church_n worship_n it_o be_v sure_a be_v most_o exact_o fulfil_v what_o ever_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o do_v appeal_v herein_o to_o these_o record_n which_o all_o the_o jew_n even_o to_o this_o day_n do_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a v._o that_o this_o be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o man_n in_o those_o day_n most_o know_v to_o all_o and_o famous_a yea_o by_o the_o special_a appointment_n of_o god_n at_o so_o solemn_a a_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o christ_n our_o passover_n be_v then_o sacrifice_v vi_o that_o no_o humane_a interest_n or_o policy_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o this_o discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o visible_o cross_v thereto_o or_o obstructive_a of_o its_o success_n than_o such_o a_o publish_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n with_o all_o the_o ignominy_n and_o abasement_n which_o attend_v the_o same_o have_v there_o be_v any_o way_n here_o to_o consult_v carnal_a reason_n or_o any_o other_o ground_n to_o bear_v it_o out_o than_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n vii_o that_o herein_o have_v all_o divide_a party_n and_o sect_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v enforce_v still_o to_o meet_v and_o consent_v in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o substance_n thereof_o viii_o that_o in_o the_o same_o light_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n about_o the_o messiah_n do_v the_o whole_a gentile_a church_n enter_v and_o make_v claim_v to_o their_o right_n for_o be_v adopt_v the_o seed_n and_o child_n of_o abraham_n on_o these_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_v give_v for_o the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n qu._n iii_o what_o confirmation_n be_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v defer_v for_o 4000_o year_n after_o the_o promise_n answ_n though_o the_o sovereign_a pleasure_n of_o god_n shall_v silence_v and_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n herein_o yet_o be_v there_o such_o a_o sight_n to_o be_v have_v hereof_o and_o of_o infinite_a divine_a wisdom_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o same_o as_o shall_v be_v most_o confirm_v for_o these_o end_n i._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o distinct_a represent_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o angel_n and_o man_n in_o such_o a_o gradual_a open_n up_o of_o the_o same_o ii_o to_o put_v that_o weight_n and_o high_a value_n on_o his_o own_o promise_n and_o testimony_n herein_o when_o on_o the_o alone_a credit_n thereof_o he_o will_v thus_o both_o try_v and_o bear_v out_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n for_o so_o many_o age_n and_o draw_v forth_o their_o desire_n and_o long_n in_o all_o that_o long_a space_n of_o time_n after_o the_o same_o iii_o to_o testify_v the_o greatness_n â—f_fw-mi his_o wrath_n against_o sin_n and_o the_o apostasy_n of_o mankind_n by_o suffer_v the_o generality_n thereof_o to_o lie_v so_o long_o under_o its_o fatal_a effect_n iv_o to_o prepare_v the_o church_n for_o so_o great_a a_o reception_n by_o all_o that_o long_o preparatory_a service_n of_o legal_a institution_n it_o high_o become_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o have_v so_o solemn_a and_o wondrous_a a_o introduction_n thereto_o v._o that_o thus_o the_o world_n may_v have_v its_o full_a trial_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o natural_a ability_n and_o of_o any_o improvement_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n for_o help_v after_o this_o have_v first_o be_v at_o the_o further_a height_n both_o in_o greece_n and_o rome_n before_o the_o alone_a redeemer_n of_o the_o church_n come_v qu._n iu._n what_o can_v offer_v further_a conviction_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n from_o its_o nature_n and_o internal_a excellency_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o essential_o good_a in_o its_o self_n than_o evident_o true_a answ_n i._o it_o be_v undeniable_a even_o to_o those_o that_o live_v at_o a_o distance_n that_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n that_o though_o all_o visible_a and_o humane_a prop_n shall_v fail_v it_o can_v subsist_v by_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o have_v thus_o ever_o preserve_v its_o station_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n ii_o that_o as_o it_o hold_v forth_o the_o most_o exquisite_a rule_n of_o perfection_n to_o follow_v so_o do_v it_o bring_v the_o great_a relief_n to_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o those_o misery_n which_o attend_v the_o humane_a state_n here_o so_o that_o a_o high_a glory_n do_v thus_o result_v to_o the_o holy_a god_n by_o this_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n to_o fall_v man_n than_o if_o he_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o primitive_a state_n iii_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v native_o tend_v to_o fix_v man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n in_o their_o principle_n affection_n and_o conversation_n from_o the_o world_n iu._n that_o it_o do_v more_o bright_o shine_v forth_o in_o simplicity_n and_o truth_n and_o in_o its_o internal_a and_o vital_a act_n than_o in_o any_o outward_a form_n or_o show_v yea_o in_o the_o way_n of_o self-denial_n meekness_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n do_v such_o a_o excellency_n appear_v as_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n have_v as_o visible_a a_o difference_n from_o the_o proud_a and_o vindictive_a spirit_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o day_n have_v from_o the_o night_n v._o that_o such_o christianity_n can_v be_v know_v by_o no_o naked_a doctrinal_a discovery_n of_o the_o same_o to_o man_n judgement_n or_o such_o rule_n as_o any_o humane_a science_n be_v acquire_v by_o without_o a_o inward_a power_n and_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n nor_o can_v there_o ever_o be_v a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o divinity_n until_o it_o be_v first_o ingraft_v in_o a_o divine_a heart_n so_o far_o be_v this_o mystery_n above_o all_o humane_a rule_n and_o contrivance_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o great_a opposition_n to_o any_o false_a show_n or_o hypocrisy_n yea_o bring_v such_o enforcement_n therewith_o of_o candour_n and_o truth_n and_o of_o love_n tenderness_n and_o sympathy_n towards_o other_o as_o all_o must_v see_v be_v not_o only_o the_o high_a ornament_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o the_o great_a blessing_n to_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v vii_o that_o such_o a_o native_a lustre_n and_o fragrancy_n do_v attend_v the_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o make_v it_o no_o more_o possible_a for_o humane_a be_v or_o cunning_a to_o represent_v this_o than_o to_o make_v the_o dead_a image_n of_o a_o man_n to_o live_v or_o to_o paint_v on_o a_o board_n the_o vital_a scent_n of_o a_o violet_n or_o rose_n to_o our_o sense_n viii_o that_o in_o this_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n subdue_a man_n to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o by_o the_o power_n of_o inward_a grace_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n do_v more_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o than_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v for_o this_o end_n with_o the_o great_a outward_a majesty_n and_o attendance_n of_o angel_n to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o that_o be_v without_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o place_n where_o horror_n falsehood_n and_o impiety_n do_v manifest_o reign_v qu._n v._n but_o how_o do_v you_o receive_v so_o wonderful_a a_o truth_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v when_o it_o be_v now_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o its_o first_o promulgation_n ans_fw-fr i._o that_o we_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a and_o persuade_v of_o the_o most_o visible_a and_o present_a object_n of_o sense_n than_o that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n which_o be_v still_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n whereby_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o all_o nation_n tongue_n and_o language_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v seal_v yea_o it_o have_v make_v that_o change_n upon_o man_n in_o turn_v they_o from_o ungodliness_n and_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n as_o have_v be_v no_o less_o marvellous_a than_o the_o turn_n of_o so_o many_o wolf_n into_o lamb_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n which_o not_o only_o through_o a_o series_n of_o 1600_o year_n have_v be_v attest_v but_o by_o such_o innumerable_a witness_n who_o count_v not_o their_o life_n dear_a unto_o the_o death_n for_o seal_v thereof_o and_o find_v it_o sweet_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o the_o flame_n for_o christ_n iii_o which_o in_o all_o age_n past_a have_v stand_v out_o the_o great_a
opposition_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n make_v to_o any_o interest_n while_o the_o weapon_n of_o its_o warfare_n be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o carnal_a and_o with_o that_o success_n that_o make_v the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n hot_a persecution_n from_o heathen_n the_o time_n also_o of_o its_o most_o remarkable_a spread_v in_o the_o world_n iu._n that_o the_o same_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v this_o day_n which_o have_v have_v such_o discernible_a triumph_n and_o success_n when_o no_o external_a assistance_n can_v be_v have_v for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a power_n by_o which_o it_o gain_v the_o most_o savage_a and_o dark_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o take_v on_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o prefer_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o most_o desirable_a object_n of_o sense_n v._o yea_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o only_o have_v such_o vital_a influence_n on_o man_n heart_n and_o practice_n to_o change_v it_o into_o the_o same_o image_n but_o that_o herein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o great_a simplicity_n have_v still_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o its_o conquest_n and_o the_o great_a attractive_a on_o man_n soul_n to_o receive_v the_o same_o qu._n vi_o how_o be_v it_o demonstrable_a that_o such_o remarkable_a suffering_n of_o time_n pass_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o found_v on_o the_o alone_a certainty_n thereof_o and_o carry_v out_o by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n above_o any_o assistance_n of_o nature_n answ_n that_o it_o be_v sure_a i._n here_o be_v no_o comedy_n play_n or_o personate_a suffering_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n then_o and_o in_o after_o time_n do_v endure_v for_o christ_n or_o that_o these_o unexpressible_a torment_n and_o pain_n be_v any_o dream_n and_o delusion_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o the_o world_n and_o that_o their_o adversary_n do_v thus_o conflict_n and_o wrestle_v with_o their_o own_o shadow_n in_o so_o continue_v and_o cruel_a a_o opposition_n ii_o that_o the_o joy_n and_o exultation_n of_o spirit_n these_o witness_n have_v amid_o their_o torment_n who_o otherwise_o want_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n of_o their_o pain_n and_o suffering_n can_v have_v no_o rise_n but_o what_o be_v supernatural_a iii_o that_o this_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a dissimulation_n or_o counterfeit_n when_o they_o be_v step_v into_o eternity_n nor_o the_o product_n of_o a_o distemper_a judgement_n whilst_o all_o may_v see_v what_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n tenderness_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o their_o adversary_n they_o do_v then_o evidence_n iv_o that_o those_o great_a suffering_n be_v upon_o choice_n and_o christian_n hasten_v to_o endure_v they_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v safe_a at_o the_o rate_n of_o recede_v and_o depart_v in_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o truth_n v._o yea_o no_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v how_o such_o mean_a and_o feeble_a person_n as_o many_o of_o these_o be_v shall_v endure_v what_o will_v have_v make_v the_o great_a natural_a courage_n to_o faint_v as_o if_o they_o have_v forgo_v all_o humane_a passion_n which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n must_v needs_o have_v herein_o so_o that_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o see_v something_o no_o less_o marvellous_a and_o supernatural_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o martyr_n than_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n section_n iii_o qu._n i._o be_v it_o full_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o such_o a_o establishment_n as_o a_o religious_a worship_n must_v necessary_o determine_v man_n and_o constrain_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n on_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o can_v but_o see_v how_o religion_n have_v not_o another_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n answ_n it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a to_o make_v a_o rational_a trial_n herein_o and_o not_o see_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o demonstration_n to_o be_v thus_o clear_a i._o that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o for_o any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n but_o to_o come_v and_o see_v what_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o heathenism_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deny_v even_o under_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n its_o be_v the_o high_a reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o very_a mystery_n of_o that_o heathenish_a worship_n be_v so_o horrid_a and_o impure_a as_o they_o need_v a_o veil_n from_o the_o common_a view_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o rational_a reflection_n this_o day_n on_o that_o strange_a monster_n of_o mahumetanism_n but_o as_o of_o a_o visible_a prodigy_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n on_o these_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o their_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o give_v man_n up_o to_o such_o a_o imposture_n as_o expose_v the_o very_a name_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n to_o derision_n and_o can_v never_o claim_v a_o reception_n either_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o rule_n or_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o of_o its_o have_v any_o possible_a consistence_n with_o itself_o iii_o that_o its_o sure_a also_o that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v never_o another_o be_v but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christianity_n and_o where_o this_o foundation_n be_v divide_v from_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o yea_o that_o that_o people_n unto_o this_o day_n be_v such_o a_o confirm_v witness_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v strange_a this_o do_v not_o beget_v deep_a impression_n on_o man_n spirit_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n we_o must_v either_o forego_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n or_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n give_v and_o reveal_v for_o commerce_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v for_o this_o end_n hold_v forth_o that_o it_o be_v then_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o what_o be_v so_o high_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a as_o shall_v rather_o justify_v atheism_n q._n ii_o what_o special_a confirmation_n to_o christianity_n can_v this_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n bear_v who_o be_v in_o so_o express_v a_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n ans_fw-fr if_o this_o be_v bring_v near_o our_o thought_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o one_o of_o the_o great_a assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n i._n that_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v such_o a_o people_n and_o race_n as_o a_o live_n and_o visible_a evidence_n to_o our_o sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o renown_a nation_n and_o church_n of_o israel_n to_o which_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o thus_o be_v still_o as_o some_o part_n of_o the_o evident_a ruin_n of_o that_o once_o flourish_a state_n ii_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v such_o a_o people_n keep_v by_o themselves_o and_o not_o mix_v with_o the_o nation_n who_o father_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o do_v still_o own_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o do_v attest_v that_o doctrine_n in_o which_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o christianity_n lie_v even_o whilst_o with_o great_a malice_n they_o oppose_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o witness_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a collusion_n and_o deceit_n here_o iii_o their_o being_n under_o a_o stroke_n of_o that_o judicial_a induration_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n as_o no_o reason_n can_v possible_o comprehend_v such_o a_o thing_n how_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o light_n in_o the_o very_a noonday_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o be_v not_o express_o foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v conclude_v under_o such_o a_o arrest_n of_o judgement_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v bring_v in_o iv_o that_o so_o immediate_a a_o appearance_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o people_n both_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o as_o no_o instance_n can_v ever_o be_v find_v to_o resemble_v the_o same_o since_o man_n be_v form_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v as_o a_o conspicuous_a monument_n of_o divine_a wrath_n set_v up_o for_o every_o age_n and_o time_n of_o the_o church_n to_o turn_v aside_o and_o consider_v this_o great_a sight_n and_o inquire_v what_o mean_v so_o strange_a and_o amaze_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o scatter_a jew_n be_v now_o under_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o this_o desolation_n on_o they_o and_o stroke_n have_v such_o special_a concur_v circumstance_n for_o give_v light_n thereto_o as_o be_v not_o above_o forty_o eight_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n with_o their_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v hot_a and_o reak_a with_o that_o blood_n which_o they_o have_v wish_v on_o they_o and_o their_o child_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o that_o time_n
there_o be_v no_o possible_a ground_n to_o question_v this_o i._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o so_o great_a a_o discovery_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o a_o power_n above_o nature_n which_o accompany_v the_o same_o in_o such_o a_o change_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v sure_o contrary_a state_n in_o another_o world_n when_o they_o be_v so_o undeniable_o manifest_v here_o qu._n iii_o but_o can_v so_o great_a a_o experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o upon_o earth_n be_v make_v rational_o convince_a to_o such_o as_o be_v themselves_o stranger_a thereto_o and_o for_o a_o further_o confirm_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n answ_n though_o this_o be_v a_o experiment_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o a_o more_o transcendent_a interest_n and_o value_n than_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a delusion_n herein_o if_o 1_n it_o be_v that_o to_o which_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n bear_v testimony_n and_o have_v send_v down_o the_o same_o as_o that_o which_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o they_o have_v approve_v but_o in_o the_o continue_a trial_n of_o their_o life_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o such_o as_o testify_v what_o they_o do_v and_o have_v so_o oft_o find_v in_o the_o retirement_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o god_n be_v of_o as_o discern_a spirit_n to_o know_v the_o true_a value_n of_o thing_n as_o any_o else_o yea_o such_o who_o testimony_n in_o other_o thing_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n can_v not_o refuse_v nor_o deny_v iii_o that_o its_o undeniable_o evident_a such_o must_v have_v another_o acquaintance_n and_o society_n than_o that_o of_o man_n which_o not_o only_o make_v these_o hide_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n so_o desirable_a where_o all_o may_v see_v they_o more_o flee_v than_o follow_v any_o humane_a witness_n but_o also_o make_v so_o visible_a a_o change_n both_o in_o their_o case_n and_o countenance_n after_o most_o sad_a anguish_n and_o down-castings_a of_o spirit_n iv_o that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a also_o how_o such_o as_o be_v most_o serious_a this_o way_n have_v be_v visible_o oft_o raise_v above_o their_o ordinary_a case_n and_o frame_v in_o prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n yea_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o they_o who_o never_o know_v there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o report_n can_v not_o withstand_v so_o clear_a conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n hereof_o that_o can_v beget_v such_o liberty_n humble_a tenderness_n and_o melt_a of_o heart_n yea_o such_o discernible_a joy_n and_o confidence_n v._o that_o no_o delusion_n or_o false_a show_n can_v be_v here_o when_o it_o be_v ever_o see_v that_o such_o as_o be_v most_o serious_a and_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n and_o these_o hide_a retirement_n with_o god_n be_v the_o most_o flourish_a also_o in_o the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a lustre_n and_o appearance_n of_o any_o in_o their_o profession_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v such_o only_a who_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v most_o special_o discernible_a beyond_o other_o when_o these_o low_a spring_n of_o outward_a help_n and_o encouragement_n be_v most_o visible_o shut_v up_o qu._n iv_o be_v that_o great_a and_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o conscience_n over_o man_n such_o as_o may_v be_v as_o demonstrable_a to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v answ_n it_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o man_n be_v not_o strike_v with_o deep_a conviction_n hereon_o when_o they_o can_v but_o see_v i._o that_o though_o this_o be_v the_o great_a tormentor_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o possible_a retreat_n from_o its_o power_n though_o man_n shall_v flee_v to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o do_v it_o enforce_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o reflection_n on_o its_o self_n even_o when_o it_o tremble_v at_o that_o sight_n ii_o that_o it_o cause_v great_a fear_n and_o horror_n upon_o the_o commitment_n of_o secret_a sin_n when_o no_o dread_n of_o humane_a witness_n or_o of_o visible_a hazard_n this_o way_n can_v occasion_v it_o iii_o that_o it_o admit_v no_o violence_n in_o any_o to_o outdare_v the_o same_o but_o be_v a_o power_n that_o the_o great_a monarch_n find_v to_o be_v strong_a than_o they_o and_o be_v such_o that_o these_o oft_o be_v enforce_v for_o present_a ease_n and_o relief_n either_o to_o divert_v or_o bribe_v the_o same_o by_o some_o false_a ground_n of_o peace_n iv_o that_o it_o constrain_v man_n to_o justify_v god_n and_o judge_v themselves_o when_o his_o hand_n do_v pursue_v they_o and_o to_o find_v out_o their_o sin_n and_o guilt_n which_o be_v before_o hide_v v._o that_o it_o make_v man_n also_o afraid_a to_o be_v alone_o with_o themselves_o and_o to_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n because_o its_o light_n do_v torment_v they_o by_o that_o unavoidable_a application_n which_o conscience_n make_v hereof_o vi_o yea_o it_o make_v man_n guilt_n so_o legible_a oft_o in_o their_o countenance_n even_o when_o they_o study_v most_o to_o conceal_v it_o that_o all_o may_v see_v there_o be_v a_o accuser_n within_o who_o authority_n and_o power_n can_v possible_o be_v decline_v vii_o that_o with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o confidence_n and_o security_n it_o do_v support_v man_n spirit_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o sustain_v its_o great_a infirmity_n from_o without_o when_o it_o be_v a_o friend_n yea_o and_o uphold_v the_o oppress_v with_o unspeakable_a peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o it_o do_v oft_o cause_v the_o oppressor_n to_o tremble_v qu._n v._n but_o what_o do_v most_o necessary_o result_v from_o so_o clear_a a_o demonstration_n as_o the_o conscience_n be_v for_o confirm_v of_o our_o faith_n answ_n i._o that_o it_o be_v infallible_o thus_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a power_n and_o judgement_n to_o which_o all_o mankind_n be_v subject_v and_o give_v the_o world_n a_o unavoidable_a demonstration_n both_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o great_a and_o supernatural_a discovery_n which_o it_o make_v hereof_o ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a law_n also_o and_o invisible_a judge_n above_o we_o under_o who_o power_n and_o authority_n this_o court_n of_o justice_n do_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n both_o summon_v arrest_v bring_v in_o witness_n and_o sentence_n great_a and_o small_a iii_o that_o the_o internal_a government_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n this_o way_n both_o in_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o rebuke_n and_o most_o sensible_a enlargement_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n be_v unavoidable_o demonstrate_v iv_o that_o it_o bear_v so_o clear_a evidence_n to_o unknown_a and_o undoubted_a relief_n and_o none_o else_o can_v be_v ever_o find_v for_o these_o wound_n and_o sting_n of_o the_o conscience_n but_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n v._o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o delight_v free_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n when_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v disarm_v the_o conscience_n of_o that_o so_o intolerable_a a_o sting_n by_o which_o it_o begin_v so_o early_a a_o hell_n within_o the_o soul_n vi_o that_o such_o be_v the_o power_n and_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o can_v make_v it_o stand_v unbroken_v amid_o the_o great_a ruin_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n when_o under_o such_o a_o guard_n as_o that_o of_o its_o own_o innocency_n section_n v._n qu._n i._o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o that_o kingdom_n of_o light_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v up_o by_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o may_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o of_o faith_n answ_n this_o be_v of_o such_o special_a use_n both_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o awake_v such_o to_o deep_a reflection_n on_o the_o same_o with_o who_o there_o seem_v no_o hope_n to_o prevail_v but_o by_o proof_n from_o palpable_a experience_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n encompass_v the_o earth_n yea_o that_o they_o have_v a_o ordinary_a and_o familiar_a converse_n with_o many_o therein_o ii_o that_o these_o spirit_n though_o once_o original_o excellent_a have_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o apostasy_n as_o all_o may_v see_v their_o aim_n and_o only_a pleasure_n be_v to_o dishonour_n god_n and_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o man._n iii_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o deny_v the_o mark_n of_o that_o power_n and_o conquest_n which_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n have_v every_o where_n among_o
off_o or_o make_v that_o thrive_v which_o god_n have_v himself_o curse_v and_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a how_o far_o we_o have_v go_v thus_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o strength_n by_o such_o eager_a seek_v humane_a prop_n and_o support_v that_o we_o have_v forget_v the_o guide_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o covenant_n of_o our_o god_n and_o what_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v former_o do_v in_o the_o great_a strait_n of_o his_o church_n when_o there_o be_v much_o humble_a trust_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v more_o to_o recover_v his_o truth_n than_o all_o humane_a may_v or_o power_n can_v do_v section_n ii_o qu._n what_o talon_n be_v we_o still_o accountable_a for_o to_o support_v our_o faith_n against_o the_o great_a fear_n of_o this_o time_n from_o these_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n for_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o contend_v for_o which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n when_o so_o strong_a and_o unusual_a a_o tide_n now_o be_v against_o the_o same_o ans_fw-fr if_o man_n shut_v not_o their_o eye_n and_o hide_v this_o great_a talon_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n under_o the_o ground_n it_o be_v sure_a none_o can_v question_v such_o a_o seal_n which_o before_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o amazement_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v put_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v now_o bring_v under_o such_o a_o call_v as_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v deut._n 4.34_o to_o ask_v of_o the_o time_n that_o be_v past_a since_o israel_n come_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gentile_a church_n by_o the_o gospel_n whether_o there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o this_o in_o the_o earth_n that_o god_n have_v assay_v to_o take_v to_o himself_o a_o people_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o nation_n by_o temptation_n by_o sign_n and_o by_o wonder_n and_o by_o war_n and_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o outstretch_v arm_n and_o by_o great_a terror_n according_a to_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v do_v for_o the_o rescue_n of_o his_o people_n in_o these_o last_o time_n from_o antichristian_a bondage_n and_o darkness_n and_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o church-state_n but_o unto_o we_o be_v this_o show_v that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o beside_o he_o you_o be_v still_o call_v to_o see_v and_o be_v as_o eye_n witness_n to_o these_o thing_n i._n how_o bright_a a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v go_v before_o this_o great_a darkness_n on_o the_o church_n and_o what_o a_o solemn_a triumph_n in_o these_o late_a age_n the_o truth_n have_v have_v over_o antichrist_n so_o as_o the_o full_a stroke_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o establish_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o now_o more_o marvellous_a and_o above_o humane_a appearance_n than_o what_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o begin_v degree_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n ii_o in_o how_o few_o year_n also_o there_o be_v as_o a_o new_a christian_a world_n bring_v forth_o in_o that_o swift_a course_n and_o progress_n which_o the_o ingather_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v so_o as_o between_o the_o year_n 1560_o and_o 1621._o such_o famous_a plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v settle_v in_o a_o church-state_n which_o all_o may_v see_v be_v the_o immediate_a work_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o show_v that_o none_o shall_v fear_v or_o stagger_v at_o his_o promise_n though_o the_o water_n yet_o swell_v and_o come_v to_o the_o flow_n of_o jordan_n and_o difficulty_n appear_v unsuperable_a to_o humane_a sense_n after_o these_o great_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v iii_o how_o extraordinary_a a_o call_v and_o excitement_n of_o instrument_n be_v then_o evident_a for_o the_o service_n of_o that_o time_n and_o reaper_n thus_o eminent_o prepare_v for_o so_o great_a a_o harvest_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v put_v the_o world_n to_o inquire_v whence_o these_o be_v in_o so_o numerous_a a_o concurrence_n when_o a_o few_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n be_v so_o rare_o to_o be_v find_v in_o many_o age_n before_o iu._n yea_o such_o a_o accession_n also_o of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o endowment_n be_v then_o for_o building_n of_o the_o church_n â—s_n have_v not_o be_v former_o know_v since_o the_o first_o come_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o glory_n of_o these_o last_o time_n have_v even_o in_o some_o degree_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o first_o v._o and_o can_v the_o most_o dismal_a thing_n of_o this_o time_n countervail_v the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o have_v so_o clear_o see_v with_o the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n come_v therewith_o to_o the_o world_n as_o a_o seal_n and_o attestation_n thereto_o beyond_o any_o miracle_n yea_o how_o innumerable_a a_o company_n in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o different_a tongue_n and_o language_n and_o these_o so_o remote_a from_o one_o another_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o same_o truth_n but_o with_o such_o resolution_n adventure_v their_o soul_n thereon_o as_o may_v full_o witness_v they_o have_v another_o prospect_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v in_o some_o other_o manner_n ravish_v with_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o same_o than_o be_v now_o in_o these_o time_n vi_o such_o high_a spring_n tide_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o after_o so_o sad_a a_o restraint_n have_v be_v for_o so_o many_o age_n before_o under_o antichristian_a darkness_n for_o whatever_o be_v then_o as_o a_o private_a seal_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o christian_n whilst_o the_o witness_n do_v prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o such_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o a_o public_a confirmatory_n seal_v to_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v after_o the_o reformation_n vii_o yea_o be_v it_o not_o the_o most_o sober_a serious_a and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o man_n upon_o a_o sure_a trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o do_v most_o firm_o embrace_v the_o same_o and_o how_o many_o of_o these_o also_o be_v of_o the_o great_a part_n and_o ability_n who_o none_o can_v judge_v to_o adventure_v so_o far_o herein_o without_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o this_o be_v their_o undoubted_a interest_n and_o salvation_n viii_o we_o have_v see_v not_o only_o man_n of_o mean_a and_o low_a estate_n but_o such_o of_o the_o high_a place_n and_o quality_n most_o cheerful_o adventure_v whatever_o interest_n can_v be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o find_v that_o such_o as_o be_v most_o acquaint_v with_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o its_o power_n and_o live_v up_o in_o their_o practice_n to_o what_o they_o profess_v thereof_o be_v those_o who_o with_o the_o great_a assurance_n most_o resolute_o still_o adhere_v thereto_o ix_o we_o have_v see_v also_o it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a spread_v in_o the_o world_n when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a pretence_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n or_o external_n motive_n for_o the_o same_o x_o we_o have_v see_v something_o not_o only_o extraordinary_a but_o even_o miraculous_a in_o the_o joy_n and_o resolution_n of_o innumerable_a martyr_n since_o the_o reformation_n who_o do_v bear_v out_o with_o a_o more_o than_o humane_a strength_n against_o a_o cruelty_n so_o visible_o inhuman_a and_o savage_a yea_o which_o do_v in_o some_o degree_n exceed_v that_o measure_n of_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o be_v against_o a_o great_a light_n than_o they_o xi_o and_o have_v we_o not_o see_v of_o what_o spirit_n such_o still_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n who_o be_v the_o most_o notorious_a instrument_n in_o the_o church_n persecution_n and_o how_o visible_o such_o do_v act_n herein_o under_o so_o impetuous_a a_o incitement_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o as_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n speak_v of_o nero_n the_o truth_n may_v boast_v in_o have_v such_o adversary_n xii_o it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v yet_o ever_o undo_v this_o bless_a inteterest_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n though_o no_o way_n or_o change_v of_o weapon_n have_v be_v leave_v untried_a but_o we_o have_v thus_o see_v whither_o so_o strong_a and_o unite_v a_o confederacy_n as_o the_o catholic_n league_n in_o france_n do_v at_o last_o resolve_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o great_a actor_n and_o contriver_n therein_o but_o