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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n faith_n true_a word_n 3,792 5 4.8466 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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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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be_v and_o may_v yet_o be_v in_o the_o present_a age_n great_a attainment_n of_o the_o same_o than_o most_o of_o christian_n can_v easy_o comprehend_v whole_a trial_n be_v never_o bring_v to_o such_o a_o pitch_n and_o in_o that_o manner_n assign_v to_o they_o since_o these_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n measure_v out_o only_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n give_v they_o rom._n 12_o 3._o 2._o as_o none_o may_v abridge_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o freedom_n and_o soveraingty_n of_o his_o work_n herein_o whatever_o time_n man_n be_v in_o so_o be_v it_o know_v and_o clear_a that_o where_o the_o lord_n do_v allot_v more_o extraordinare_a case_n whither_o to_o church_n or_o particular_a christian_n when_o such_o be_v keep_v close_o by_o he_o and_o the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o their_o duty_n there_o also_o be_v a_o more_o extraordinare_a allowance_n for_o the_o same_o yea_o such_o a_o measure_n and_o increase_v of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v seek_v from_o the_o great_a 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which_o be_v now_o still_o warrant_v as_o that_o we_o have_v ps_n 46_o 12._o it_o must_v then_o lie_v in_o one_fw-mi actual_a trust_n and_o reliance_n in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o miracle_n can_v only_o help_v 5._o if_o possession_n by_o the_o devil_n be_v in_o that_o manner_n now_o usual_a as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n herein_o for_o dispossession_n be_v not_o only_o warrant_v but_o express_o call_v for_o though_o the_o inward_a assurance_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n may_v not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v give_v to_o some_o as_o to_o other_o yet_o here_o be_v a_o special_a suit_v from_o god_n the_o proof_n of_o a_o miracle_n by_o his_o immediate_a power_n which_o they_o be_v in_o faith_n call_v too_o and_o as_o that_o prescript_n give_v by_o our_o lord_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n for_o this_o end_n do_v still_o stand_v in_o force_n so_o have_v there_o be_v know_v public_a instance_n in_o these_o late_a time_n of_o real_a 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trial_n by_o the_o water_n of_o jealousy_n numb_a 5._o be_v then_o temporary_a and_o be_v now_o cease_v yet_o be_v this_o still_o moral_a herein_o and_o of_o perpetual_a use_n that_o god_n be_v the_o same_o who_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o himself_o when_o no_o ordinar_a mean_n can_v help_v yea_o that_o promise_n ps_n 57_o 3._o be_v express_o give_v for_o such_o one_fw-mi end_n of_o his_o send_n from_o heaven_n immediate_o to_o save_v where_o no_o assistance_n on_o the_o earth_n be_v attainable_a and_o all_o natural_a mean_n fai●l_o 7._o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o the_o make_v use_n of_o lot_n which_o in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v only_o safe_a where_o it_o be_v render_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o a_o final_a determination_n in_o some_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_n be_v such_o a_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o one_fw-mi extraordinar_fw-mi decision_n of_o god_n as_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o appearance_n by_o a_o present_a and_o immediate_a sign_n from_o himself_o be_v necessary_o require_v though_o it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o strange_a or_o miraculous_a evidence_n yet_o be_v as_o true_o to_o be_v take_v from_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o in_o faith_n subject_v to_o as_o if_o some_o supernatural_a sign_n do_v accompany_v the_o same_o and_o as_o no_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o counsel_n can_v have_v place_n herein_o as_o to_o the_o event_n so_o i_o must_v judge_v a_o entire_a acquiescence_n of_o man_n spirit_n on_o such_o a_o determination_n show_v not_o only_o a_o deep_a and_o reverend_a se●ce_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n but_o that_o this_o be_v as_o true_o his_o answer_n as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o sacrifice_n as_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n at_o mount_n carmel_n 8._o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n have_v in_o a_o special_a evidence_n and_o power_n hereof_o be_v know_v when_o thing_n have_v come_v to_o some_o unusual_a extremity_n in_o a_o christian_n case_n as_o can_v bear_v no_o delay_n but_o like_o that_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n help_v lord_n ere_o we_o perish_v instance_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v be_v so_o clear_a as_o i_o judge_v be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o seal_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v thing_n of_o that_o nature_n more_o advert_v to_o and_o observe_v it_o be_v a_o few_o year_n past_a that_o a_o famous_a minister_n of_o christ_n who_o now_o be_v at_o rest_n in_o the_o lord_n be_v under_o such_o a_o extraordinare_a pain_n and_o torment_v by_o a_o confirm_a stone_n in_o the_o gravel_n as_o nature_n sink_v whole_o under_o the_o same_o and_o as_o he_o show_v i_o be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o he_o turn_v to_o god_n with_o such_o a_o cry_n let_v not_o thy_o servant_n distract_v but_o help_v for_o i_o can_v possible_o bear_v no_o more_o who_o say_v also_o that_o in_o the_o very_a present_a moment_n it_o be_v immediate_o take_v off_o and_o this_o at_o once_o with_o a_o perfect_a ease_n and_o releaf_n and_o do_v recur_v no_o more_o till_o the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n which_o be_v sometime_o after_o this_o as_o i_o have_v from_o himself_o so_o be_v it_o from_o one_o that_o none_o in_o the_o age_n he_o live_v in_o i_o can_v have_v credit_v more_o and_o can_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_v that_o such_o a_o return_n in_o the_o present_a act_n of_o prayer_n at_o so_o great_a a_o height_n and_o extremity_n of_o pain_n without_o any_o natural_a cause_n and_o mean_v be_v immediate_o from_o god_n and_o supernatural_a i_o know_v also_o with_o assurance_n such_o a_o instance_n in_o a_o mnister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v seize_v in_o the_o
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 the_o lord_n design_v herein_o do_v not_o until_o then_o break_v up_o according_a to_o that_o john_n 9_o 3._o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n may_v be_v t●us_o make_v manifest_a in_o they_o 10_o i_o may_v further_o add_v if_o there_o be_v this_o day_n a_o new_a erection_n and_o settlement_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n from_o among_o infidel_n and_o the_o commission_n for_o this_o end_n of_o minister_n of_o christ_n make_v evident_a and_o clear_a to_o go_v forth_o on_o such_o a_o service_n where_o no_o natural_a and_o ordinare_fw-la mean_v of_o conviction_n be_v attainable_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o something_o in_o a_o more_o extraordinare_a way_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n and_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n herein_o may_v be_v expect_v as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n it_o be_v let_v forth_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v find_v there_o have_v be_v any_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n without_o some_o extraordinare_a seal_n o●_n this_o kind_n especial_o in_o the_o first_o entry_n and_o erection_n of_o the_o same_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o time_n or_o age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o clear_a sense_n of_o that_o scripture_n mark_v 9_o 23._o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o they_o that_o believe_v do_v not_o take_v place_n which_o be_v that_o no_o measure_n of_o trial_n or_o difficulty_n whither_o as_o to_o church_n or_o particular_a christian_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n can_v be_v at_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o restrain_v or_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n on_o a_o infinite_a divine_a power_n though_o all_o natural_a or_o second_o cause_n shall_v cease_v yea_o that_o there_o be_v no_o case_n so_o singular_a wherein_o the_o warrant_n of_o a_o divine_a promise_n herein_o and_o a_o christian_n faith_n shall_v not_o be_v of_o the_o same_o extent_n the_o ii_o proposal_n that_o i_o shall_v brief_o touch_v as_o it_o thus_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a be_v whither_o in_o these_o 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upon_o which_o account_n david_n do_v choice_n rather_o to_o come_v under_o this_o stroke_n than_o the_o sword_n or_o famine_n because_o it_o be_v in_o a_o more_o immediate_a way_n the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la near_o approach_n and_o discovery_n of_o himself_o unto_o man_n 2._o it_o be_v of_o public_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n that_o miraculous_a and_o immediate_a witness_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o blead_n of_o the_o body_n of_o man_n on_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o murderer_n in_o such_o case_n where_o no_o ordinare_fw-la mean_n can_v bear_v evidence_n i_o will_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o warrantable_a use_n of_o such_o a_o appeal_n where_o the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o express_v herein_o but_o as_o its_o undoubted_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o same_o where_o no_o humane_a witness_n can_v answer_v to_o this_o end_n so_o be_v it_o sure_o one_fw-mi immediate_a visible_a and_o extraordinare_a sign_n from_o heaven_n give_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n &_o from_o he_o who_o make_v inquisition_n for_o blood_n in_o a_o most_o singular_a way_n and_o a_o sign_n which_o in_o every_o time_n be_v make_v evident_a 3._o there_o be_v also_o the_o certainty_n of_o extraordinare_a revelation_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n impart_v to_o some_o as_o to_o special_a event_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v so_o know_v and_o of_o that_o evidence_n as_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v without_o instance_n hereof_o what_o i_o mean_v hereby_o as_o to_o that_o more_o singular_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v himself_o to_o some_o of_o his_o servant_n by_o a_o more_o extraordinar_a application_n of_o his_o word_n be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n hereof_o can_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubtfulness_n though_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o to_o the_o way_n and_o dismal_a trade_n of_o divination_n that_o have_v get_v up_o in_o the_o world_n by_o seek_v a_o divinity_n either_o from_o the_o star_n above_o or_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n below_o it_o may_v be_v clear_o see_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o satan_n not_o only_o to_o counterfite_a the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o but_o to_o bring_v man_n unto_o a_o more_o direct_a homage_n to_o himself_o but_o i_o mention_v this_o instance_n only_o as_o it_o be_v so_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a a_o demonstration_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o give_v in_o every_o age_n some_o extraordinare_a seal_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o shall_v but_o mention_v here_o one_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o which_o i_o be_o to_o the_o further_a persuade_v that_o may_v seem_v strange_a with_o respect_n to_o this_o late_a
endue_v with_o one_fw-mi extraordinare_fw-la unction_n but_o if_o it_o respect_v the_o quality_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o person_n it_o sure_o must_v render_v this_o no_o less_o difficult_a that_o not_o only_o such_o as_o king_n henry_n the_o viii_o and_o his_o daughter_n queen_n mary_n beside_o many_o other_o yea_o richard_n the_o iii_o shall_v on_o this_o account_n have_v the_o active_a faith_n of_o miracle_n and_o be_v empoured_a herewith_o from_o god_n for_o work_v of_o the_o same_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o french_a king_n claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n and_o power_n as_o peculiar_a to_o they_o alone_o and_o may_v not_o on_o this_o ground_n lewis_n the_o fourteen_o this_o day_n be_v reckon_v a_o fit_a instrument_n for_o such_o a_o heal_a miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o just_a repute_n and_o credit_v thereto_o 3._o but_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o such_o a_o hereditary_a gift_n shall_v not_o faill_n and_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o departure_n of_o 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great_a a_o care_n take_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o lose_v it_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v not_o give_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o there_o outward_a want_n except_o it_o be_v from_o ostentation_n to_o show_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o when_o they_o cure_v the_o lame_a man_n and_o can_v make_v use_n of_o no_o such_o assistance_n of_o silver_n or_o gold_n herein_o act._n 3._o 5._o if_o the_o application_n of_o one_fw-mi extraordinar_fw-mi gift_n for_o heal_a disease_n without_o the_o use_n of_o natural_a mean_n be_v aneugh_o to_o warrant_v the_o same_o and_o that_o such_o a_o cure_n be_v wrought_v without_o any_o further_a enquiry_n as_o to_o the_o cause_n and_o ground_n whereon_o it_o have_v such_o a_o effect_n it_o be_v then_o sure_a the_o devil_n and_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n may_v have_v a_o public_a and_o easy_a market_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o exact_v a_o uncontrolled_a homage_n and_o subjection_n to_o 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so_o extraordinary_a a_o seal_n if_o it_o serve_v also_o to_o comptrol_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o strengthen_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o antichristian_a darkness_n and_o idolatry_n yea_o if_o these_o who_o be_v thus_o empoured_a for_o so_o miraculous_a a_o cure_n have_v something_o suitable_a on_o their_o part_n of_o qualification_n to_o such_o who_o god_n have_v ever_o make_v use_n off_o to_o work_v miracle_n otherwise_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o expose_v so_o great_a a_o seal_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n wherein_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o so_o augu_v and_o solemn_a a_o way_n be_v reveal_v unto_o the_o high_a contumely_n and_o reproach_n 6._o though_o this_o have_v be_v a_o continue_a practice_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o notority_n of_o experience_n herein_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o cure_n be_v not_o question_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v essential_o requisite_a that_o such_o as_o claim_v to_o this_o power_n shall_v do_v it_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o divine_a warrant_n and_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n with_o a_o immediate_a reliance_n on_o a_o special_a outsetting_n of_o some_o extraordinar_a power_n from_o he_o herein_o and_o of_o his_o call_n to_o rest_v on_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v without_o respect_n to_o any_o institute_n &_o natural_a mean_n yea_o that_o there_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o so_o extraordinare_a a_o work_n i_o judge_v it_o shall_v then_o quick_o cease_v as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o these_o who_o be_v disease_v and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o cure_n shall_v know_v the_o warrant_n of_o their_o faith_n herein_o else_o it_o be_v as_o justifiable_a to_o go_v to_o loretta_n on_o such_o a_o account_n or_o to_o such_o who_o pretend_v by_o spell_n and_o charm_n to_o work_v extraordinary_a cure_n without_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o same_o this_o be_v not_o to_o detract_v in_o the_o least_o from_o any_o just_a right_n or_o privilege_n of_o sovera_v prince_n and_o i_o judge_v these_o who_o be_v now_o on_o the_o throne_n of_o britain_n may_v lay_v as_o just_a a_o claim_n from_o personal_a qualification_n thereto_o as_o any_o have_v go_v before_o but_o in_o give_v to_o caesar_n what_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o we_o must_v not_o invade_v that_o royalty_n and_o prerogative_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n only_o or_o to_o pretend_v to_o his_o seal_n and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o without_o his_o express_a warrant_n if_o any_o protestant_a writer_n have_v speak_v their_o thought_n on_o such_o a_o head_n i_o have_v as_o yet_o see_v none_o but_o some_o time_n past_a i_o be_v necessary_o call_v by_o a_o person_n of_o great_a worth_n to_o impart_v my_o light_n herein_o they_o be_v then_o much_o perplex_v in_o spirit_n with_o respect_n to_o a_o near_a relation_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o use_v such_o a_o mean_a and_o how_o small_a a_o reckon_n may_v be_v make_v by_o many_o yet_o i_o find_v it_o relate_v of_o that_o famous_a christian_a mrs_n honywood_n that_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o these_o terror_n of_o conscience_n which_o keep_v she_o so_o long_o be_v from_o consult_v some_o mean_a as_o to_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o child_n in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o ordinar_a mean_n and_o make_v her_o fear_n afterward_o lest_o satan_n may_v have_v a_o hand_n therein_o but_o i_o shall_v now_o cease_v to_o speak_v more_o on_o this_o subject_n and_o only_o shut_v up_o with_o some_o reflection_n further_o which_o have_v be_v matter_n of_o serious_a thought_n to_o i_o 1._o whence_o it_o be_v that_o such_o who_o be_v of_o the_o most_o try_v and_o comprehensive_a spirit_n have_v usual_o be_v under_o great_a weight_n and_o exercise_n of_o mind_n about_o their_o establishment_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n more_o than_o any_o other_o but_o herein_o it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o see_v and_o discern_v the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o 1._o how_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o more_o attainment_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n be_v upon_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o a_o high_a admiration_n and_o astonishment_n must_v needs_o follow_v thereon_o it_o be_v this_o which_o above_o all_o the_o wonder_n and_o depth_n of_o nature_n do_v swallow_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o solomon_n and_o put_v he_o into_o such_o a_o exstacy_n when_o he_o once_o begin_v to_o fix_v on_o this_o subject_a but_o will_v god_n indeed_o dwell_v with_o man_n on_o the_o earth_n yea_o will_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n take_v up_o his_o abode_n and_o dwell_v in_o such_o a_o tabernacle_n as_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o become_v true_o man_n which_o be_v special_o there_o import_v 2_o chron_n 6_o 18._o 2._o it_o be_v these_o only_a who_o have_v their_o soul_n
the_o same_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a these_o let_n and_o stumble_a block_n where_o the_o great_a hazard_n may_v be_v of_o offence_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v much_o preparatory_a also_o for_o a_o high_a service_n &_o a_o more_o unite_v appear_v for_o god_n herein_o and_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o most_o hazardous_a part_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o day_n in_o behalf_n of_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o testimony_n as_o the_o alone_a ground_n on_o which_o the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n must_v found_v since_o this_o be_v the_o very_a same_o inconvertible_a term_n to_o give_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o godhead_n and_o that_o tribute_n which_o be_v most_o inviolable_o sacred_a and_o essential_a to_o he_o it_o will_v seem_v almost_o incredible_a that_o fuch_n one_fw-mi hour_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n shall_v fall_v in_o with_o the_o grow_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o strange_a prevalence_n of_o a_o way_n which_o be_v to_o commensurat_fw-la the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o our_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v humane_a reason_n though_o corrupt_a finite_a and_o limit_v to_o be_v the_o alone_a judge_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n of_o divine_a thing_n when_o the_o high_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v prima_fw-la veritas_fw-la without_o which_o reason_n hathno_o principle_n to_o reston_n &_o no_o standard_n else_o be_v this_o that_o where_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o revealer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v his_o testimony_n it_o must_v then_o be_v as_o infallible_o true_a as_o it_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v god_n since_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a to_o find_v ever_o another_o foundation_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n but_o this_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o time_n of_o great_a expectation_n as_o to_o a_o near_a approach_n of_o the_o high_a glory_n of_o christ_n mediatory_a kingdom_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o will_v seem_v a_o strange_a prelude_n thereto_o that_o so_o black_a a_o darkness_n shall_v fall_v down_o with_o so_o astonish_a one_fw-mi increase_n thereof_o as_o tend_v not_o only_o to_o eclipse_v the_o same_o but_o to_o deny_v he_o his_o essential_a kingdom_n who_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n and_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o that_o kind_n as_o the_o morning_n darkness_n which_o be_v the_o dark_a the_o near_o it_o be_v to_o the_o day_n it_o be_v indeed_o here_o we_o may_v see_v one_fw-mi opposition_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o such_o term_n that_o we_o may_v reckon_v humane_a nature_n can_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o be_v just_a matter_n of_o horror_n to_o a_o natural_a conscience_n to_o see_v so_o numerous_a a_o party_n who_o claim_v to_o be_v adorer_n of_o reason_n turn_v so_o visible_o mad_a on_o their_o own_o destruction_n i_o know_v the_o further_a improvement_n this_o way_n by_o rational_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n have_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o religion_n and_o for_o strenthn_v of_o our_o faith_n therein_o then_o may_v be_v suitable_o apprehend_v but_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o ultimate_a inquiry_n herein_o can_v possible_o go_v no_o further_o in_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n but_o that_o what_o we_o believe_v be_v the_o undoubted_a revelation_n of_o god_n himself_o unto_o man_n &_o can_v we_o desire_v more_o when_o this_o be_v sure_a for_o a_o full_a quiet_a and_o acquiescence_n of_o the_o soul_n though_o it_o seem_v wonderful_a in_o itself_o and_o exceed_v our_o dark_a and_o limit_v thought_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o to_o lie_v who_o word_n be_v such_o cvi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la as_o it_o be_v no_o less_o sure_a that_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_o good_a can_v not_o deceive_v or_o put_v one_fw-mi imposture_n in_o stead_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o hand_n who_o trust_v he_o divine_a truth_n be_v the_o first_o groundstone_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o be_v not_o conceivable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o believe_v his_o be_v true_o god_n and_o not_o the_o truth_n also_o of_o his_o promise_n which_o ever_o conform_v not_o only_o to_o the_o thing_n signify_v but_o to_o his_o intent_n therein_o who_o can_v never_o delude_v or_o deceive_v but_o whilst_o i_o have_v be_v put_v to_o some_o thought_n with_o amazement_n on_o one_fw-mi appearance_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n against_o god_n this_o day_n among_o man_n not_o only_o within_o christendom_n but_o by_o such_o as_o once_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o protestant_a profession_n some_o reflection_n tend_v to_o give_v more_o clearness_n and_o settlement_n to_o my_o own_o spirit_n herein_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o in_o a_o few_o word_n mention_v 1._o that_o when_o the_o darkness_n of_o one_fw-mi implicit_a faith_n and_o reliance_n on_o man_n under_o popery_n have_v be_v so_o sore_o baffle_v &_o turn_v out_o of_o credit_n in_o such_o a_o inquisitive_a world_n as_o this_o lo_o satan_n have_v take_v himself_o to_o the_o very_a contrare_fw-la airth_n and_o know_v how_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o temper_n of_o a_o br●●k_n bold_a and_o dare_a age_n that_o he_o may_v settle_v a_o new_a opposition_n against_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n wherein_o he_o have_v unite_v and_o fix_v his_o great_a strength_n so_o that_o since_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o from_o his_o throne_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v not_o have_v a_o great_a triumph_n then_o in_o this_o attempt_n how_o to_o bring_v man_n upon_o it_o and_o set_v humane_a reason_n at_o once_o both_o against_o god_n and_o itself_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o executioner_n and_o in_o subject_v the_o high_a mystery_n of_o truth_n to_o its_o comprehension_n to_o make_v it_o not_o only_o equal_a to_o god_n but_o give_v it_o a_o preference_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o alone_a former_a thereof_o which_o i_o must_v reckon_v to_o be_v the_o near_a approach_n that_o humane_a nature_n yet_o ever_o make_v to_o that_o sin_n by_o which_o the_o angel_n do_v first_o fall_n and_o that_o it_o it_o be_v the_o master_n piece_n of_o that_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o his_o vltimus_fw-la conatus_fw-la against_o the_o truth_n who_o know_v his_o time_n be_v short_a 2._o it_o may_v be_v with_o astonishment_n discernible_a under_o what_o a_o stroke_n such_o be_v as_o not_o to_o see_v whither_o this_o way_n have_v lead_v they_o and_o how_o far_o the_o holy_a god_n have_v thus_o confound_v their_o reason_n as_o visible_o as_o once_o these_o be_v in_o their_o language_n who_o will_v attempt_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n up_o unto_o heaven_n when_o this_o way_n leave_v to_o one_fw-mi absolute_a uncertainty_n ever_o to_o fix_v their_o faith_n the_o standard_n and_o measure_v whereof_o must_v be_v the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n which_o have_v no_o firm_a or_o infallible_a ground_n to_o settle_v on_o beside_o itself_o and_o whilst_o they_o can_v make_v the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o as_o considerate_a and_o know_v as_o themselves_o meet_v with_o they_o the_o result_n thereof_o be_v to_o put_v a_o judicial_a madness_n in_o the_o room_n of_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o conceive_v a_o create_v &_o dependent_a god_n to_o give_v divine_a homage_n to_o and_o that_o at_o once_o he_o shall_v be_v both_o a_o god_n and_o a_o creature_n and_o adore_v a_o comprehensible_a object_n with_o divine_a worship_n yea_o this_o way_n without_o a_o contradiction_n to_o themselves_o they_o can_v give_v no_o faith_n to_o the_o creation_n as_o be_v bring_v pure_o out_o of_o nothing_o or_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o whole_o incomprehensible_a to_o reason_n they_o must_v deride_v israëls_n passage_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n or_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o on_o josua_n call_n to_o verify_v that_o rom._n 1_o 21_o because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n thence_o be_v such_o one_fw-mi amasing_a stroke_n thus_o inflict_v on_o their_o reason_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o in_o the_o poëtick_a fiction_n of_o phaethon_n that_o when_o he_o seek_v to_o guide_v the_o chariot_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o a_o time_n he_o be_v like_a to_o burn_v the_o earth_n until_o he_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o thunderbolt_n from_o heaven_n so_o have_v this_o party_n try_v how_o to_o manage_v reason_n as_o the_o supreme_a director_n and_o judge_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a as_o they_o have_v go_v near_o to_o destroy_v both_o reason_n and_o religion_n at_o once_o but_o though_o the_o strong_a rational_a argument_n with_o such_o