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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
head_n church_n particular_a visible_a 4,447 5 9.8089 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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whole_a reform_a church_n this_o day_n a_o stand_a witness_n yea_o have_v we_o not_o see_v his_o appearance_n also_o in_o so_o unusual_a manner_n in_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n &_o with_o garment_n dye_v in_o blood_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o visible_a glory_n of_o his_o reign_n as_o we_o can_v see_v it_o be_v there_o foretell_v how_o the_o nation_n be_v angry_a and_o by_o their_o opposition_n to_o he_o make_v way_n for_o his_o wrath_n in_o such_o tremendous_a effect_n thereof_o as_o it_o have_v have_v these_o day_n past_a to_o show_v the_o time_n be_v at_o last_o come_v to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v no_o titular_a king_n he_o to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n nor_o will_v bear_v that_o name_n and_o style_v in_o vain_a or_o admit_v a_o complemental_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o but_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a his_o dominion_n &_o kingdom_n have_v a_o settle_a interest_n and_o revenue_n belong_v 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utter_a darkness_n in_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o fall_v angel_n whereby_o the_o final_a condemnatory_a sentence_n on_o the_o one_o and_o relief_n for_o the_o other_o be_v make_v know_v and_o promulgate_v together_o and_o the_o room_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n fill_v up_o with_o a_o high_a glory_n by_o the_o second_o 6._o how_o this_o bless_a light_n though_o with_o a_o gradual_a increase_n do_v never_o cease_v to_o shine_v on_o this_o world_n since_o it_o begin_v to_o dawn_n nor_o have_v there_o ever_o cease_v a_o peculiar_a people_n in_o a_o church_n relation_n who_o be_v distinct_a and_o separate_v from_o the_o residue_n of_o man_n who_o profession_n be_v found_v in_o the_o alone_a faith_n of_o a_o redeemer_n so_o as_o one_o day_n have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o that_o promise_n wherein_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v on_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v not_o shine_v also_o by_o vital_a influence_n of_o 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the_o legal_a sacrifice_n and_o these_o numerous_a figure_n and_o type_n in_o that_o long_a preparatory_a service_n wherein_o he_o do_v not_o let_v his_o people_n feed_v on_o ash_n naked_a shadow_n and_o where_o nothing_o be_v inept_v or_o usless_o but_o be_v express_o significative_a of_o that_o high_a mystery_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v possible_o bear_v no_o other_o sense_n or_o intent_n and_o since_o the_o whole_a stress_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n lie_v upon_o this_o one_o promise_n or_o what_o can_v make_v the_o state_n of_o man_n valevable_a in_o any_o true_a enjoiement_n of_o his_o life_n here_o it_o be_v on_o this_o head_n shall_v be_v set_v the_o first_o settlement_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o i_o know_v no_o relief_n but_o in_o a_o promise_a redeemer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v a_o christian_n if_o the_o morning_n and_o growing-light_n of_o that_o glorious_a mystery_n have_v not_o go_v before_o its_o 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this_o great_a and_o extraordinare_a appearance_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n have_v be_v never_o know_v on_o the_o earth_n before_o or_o any_o such_o outgo_n of_o his_o power_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n which_o be_v only_o reserve_v to_o follow_v the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o ascension_n as_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o ●hat_n glorious_a scene_n which_o be_v to_o be_v act_v under_o ●he_n gospel_n 5._o and_o here_o also_o this_o reflection_n be_v anavoidable_a how_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o easy_o put_v off_o his_o visible_a throne_n which_o he_o have_v so_o ●ong_o keep_v over_o the_o nation_n but_o the_o last_o struggle_v ●f_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n ere_o they_o be_v cast_v down_o be_v then_o very_o strong_a and_o put_v forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a who_o yet_o be_v make_v to_o fall_v before_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o redeemer_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o ●hole_a frame_n of_o paganism_n be_v then_o raze_v and_o extinct_a and_o their_o god_n after_o who_o the_o earth_n have_v for_o so_o many_o age_n wonder_v for_o when_o you_o peruse_v the_o record_n of_o the_o first_o time_n you_o can_v see_v the_o enmity_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o world_n against_o sacred_a truth_n be_v never_o before_o raise_v to_o such_o a_o prodigious_a height_n as_o be_v then_o aloft_o upon_o the_o first_o display_v of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o but_o it_o be_v yet_o a_o further_a inquiry_n shall_v be_v make_v on_o this_o head_n to_o see_v not_o only_o the_o outgo_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n since_o his_o ascension_n for_o set_v up_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n but_o in_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o vital_a influence_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o so_o great_a and_o wonderful_a a_o change_n thus_o make_v on_o they_o from_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n this_o i_o doubt_v not_o will_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o great_a thought_n and_o reflection_n to_o you_o and_o shall_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o high_o concern_v to_o any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n than_o the_o temporal_a interest_n and_o transaction_n which_o be_v about_o the_o great_a kingdom_n on_o the_o earth_n 1._o to_o see_v how_o no_o reality_n in_o nature_n or_o the_o most_o visible_a object_n of_o sense_n can_v be_v more_o sure_a then_o that_o under_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o have_v be_v innumerable_a example_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o holiness_n successive_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o in_o who_o it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o discernible_a that_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o a_o humane_a soul_n then_o that_o they_o do_v true_o walk_v before_o man_n in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n and_o under_o that_o visible_a influence_n of_o inward_a grace_n as_o all_o may_v see_v to_o be_v above_o the_o possibility_n of_o natural_a cause_n 2._o if_o this_o be_v more_o deep_o search_v into_o to_o 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state_n of_o enmity_n and_o inbred_a opposition_n to_o the_o holy_a god_n to_o be_v lover_n of_o he_o and_o subdue_v their_o soull_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o with_o inward_a delight_n can_v make_v they_o part_v with_o what_o be_v their_o predominant_a and_o endear_a interest_n and_o what_o have_v be_v as_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o eye_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o let_v we_o see_v how_o one_o convert_v christian_a be_v a_o high_a demonstration_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n than_o a_o thousand_o ordinare_fw-la professor_n hereof_o and_o may_v full_o silence_v such_o a_o question_n why_o it_o be_v that_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o more_o numerous_a in_o the_o world_n comparative_o with_o the_o great_a bulk_n of_o mankind_n yea_o with_o these_o who_o go_v under_o the_o christian_a profession_n when_o it_o may_v be_v rather_o just_a matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o see_v that_o such_o numerous_a example_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v find_v of_o 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time_n past_a and_o may_v be_v fear_v if_o our_o faith_n stand_v not_o sure_a otherways_o that_o the_o light_n shall_v be_v quick_o extinguish_v and_o the_o candlestick_n take_v away_o from_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n when_o most_o under_o such_o a_o profession_n yet_o never_o know_v the_o power_n virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v on_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o evidence_n or_o teach_n then_o by_o moral_a suasion_n only_o or_o another_o key_n to_o open_v the_o heart_n then_o external_a mean_n and_o thus_o must_v either_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o so_o torment_v a_o light_n or_o be_v unavoidable_o condemn_v hereby_o but_o with_o this_o inquiry_n as_o to_o the_o credit_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n who_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n bear_v the_o same_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n from_o their_o experience_n it_o be_v undeniable_a also_o but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n sist_v and_o under_o more_o peculiar_a engagement_n than_o other_o to_o appear_v on_o such_o a_o testimony_n and_o who_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o enjoiment_n of_o experience_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a road_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o people_n though_o this_o must_v in_o no_o other_o sense_n be_v understand_v extraordinary_a then_o from_o so_o judicial_a a_o time_n as_o this_o and_o the_o great_a decay_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n with_o this_o generation_n why_o these_o be_v so_o rare_a and_o not_o in_o be_v any_o way_n cross_n to_o the_o firm_a and_o settle_a constitution_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o without_o that_o precinct_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o war_n and_o the_o same_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v yet_o to_o enter_v on_o such_o enjoiment_n of_o experience_n that_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o believe_v in_o this_o day_n we_o be_v in_o be_v they_o tell_v we_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o what_o i_o mean_v 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the_o great_a witness_n for_o god_n in_o this_o day_n when_o 1._o this_o render_v their_o testimony_n to_o be_v of_o a_o high_a value_n and_o evidence_n according_a to_o the_o height_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o conflict_n and_o trial_n who_o thus_o the_o lord_n have_v choise_v and_o separate_v as_o joseph_n be_v from_o the_o residue_n of_o his_o brethren_n for_o such_o a_o service_n of_o example_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o grace_n may_v here_o more_o bright_o shine_v forth_o 2._o because_o the_o deposition_n herein_o be_v in_o a_o matter_n on_o which_o most_o do_v stumble_v at_o the_o way_n of_o god_n upon_o that_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o on_o this_o account_v it_o may_v be_v say_v they_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n and_o spy_n to_o witness_v what_o manner_n of_o allowance_n he_o do_v then_o impart_v to_o bear_v the_o expense_n of_o a_o more_o extraordinare_a time_n of_o affliction_n and_o suffer_v and_o what_o immediate_a support_n be_v then_o find_v above_o the_o allowance_n of_o ordinary_a time_n that_o with_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n they_o may_v bear_v a_o honourable_a report_n for_o god_n unto_o other_o 3._o the_o credit_n of_o this_o testimony_n rise_v the_o high_a as_o it_o have_v cost_v they_o so_o dear_a who_o bear_v the_o same_o and_o have_v not_o be_v easy_o attain_v nor_o be_v a_o offering_n unto_o god_n of_o that_o which_o cost_v they_o nothing_o who_o have_v be_v help_v bejond_v other_o to_o glorify_v he_o in_o the_o fire_n 4._o they_o be_v such_o above_o the_o residue_n of_o christian_n who_o have_v usual_o a_o record_n of_o more_o special_a confirmation_n and_o great_a remark_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o the_o journal_n and_o history_n of_o their_o life_n i_o know_v most_o will_v fear_v to_o have_v a_o room_n in_o such_o a_o testimony_n but_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o there_o be_v many_o such_o witness_n this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n so_o i_o must_v reckon_v it_o one_o of_o the_o most_o honourable_a service_n for_o god_n upon_o it_o and_o will_v ere_o long_o know_v the_o full_a sense_n of_o that_o truth_n when_o he_o have_v try_v they_o to_o bring_v they_o forth_o as_o gold_n job_n 23_o 10._o 3._o and_o be_v not_o such_o special_o sist_v as_o witness_n herein_o and_o under_o more_o singular_a engagement_n than_o other_o who_o upon_o great_a service_n for_o god_n assign_v to_o they_o have_v also_o have_v more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la allowance_n of_o immediate_a divine_a assistance_n for_o the_o same_o to_o witness_v that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v send_v hereon_o on_o their_o own_o charge_n and_o expense_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a discovery_n that_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o man_n of_o his_o be_v god_n and_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a evidence_n of_o that_o real_a and_o near_a communication_n which_o the_o church_n head_n have_v with_o his_o body_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n i_o know_v this_o have_v a_o special_a respect_n to_o such_o as_o be_v call_v of_o the_o lord_n on_o that_o service_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n who_o have_v some_o peculiar_a and_o distinct_a part_n allot_v to_o they_o as_o witness_n and_o put_v on_o a_o more_o public_a theatre_n before_o the_o world_n to_o witness_v that_o absolute_a dependence_n which_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o that_o station_n have_v on_o their_o great_a master_n and_o the_o outletting_n of_o his_o spirit_n both_o for_o support_v and_o success_n and_o what_o thus_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o immediate_a reliance_n on_o he_o for_o i_o must_v judge_v that_o none_o know_v a_o near_a intercourse_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v pure_o act_v for_o he_o on_o this_o great_a service_n but_o have_v some_o peculiar_a advantage_n bejond_v any_o else_o for_o more_o fingular_a and_o rare_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o of_o a_o know_v and_o sensible_a seal_n from_o god_n both_o in_o fruit_n and_o acceptance_n of_o their_o work_n and_o though_o such_o who_o look_v at_o a_o distance_n can_v discern_v what_o may_v be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o servant_n in_o some_o public_a administration_n of_o his_o service_n as_o may_v be_v then_o evident_a to_o their_o soul_n yet_o be_v it_o oft_o make_v so_o far_o discernible_a as_o to_o serve_v a_o awful_a sense_n and_o impression_n on_o man_n spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o something_o more_o than_o humane_a herein_o nor_o do_v such_o a_o witness_n ever_o cease_v though_o it_o be_v now_o more_o rare_a then_o in_o time_n past_a in_o this_o sad_a and_o judicial_a period_n of_o time_n we_o be_v fall_v in_o when_o almost_o all_o sense_n savour_n and_o discern_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o
seize_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n than_o other_o of_o the_o high_a and_o wonderful_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o to_o themselves_o and_o what_o be_v their_o personal_a interest_n herein_o on_o which_o their_o soul_n venture_v for_o eternity_n lie_v so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n under_o any_o doubtful_a suspense_n this_o way_n or_o have_v their_o soul_n at_o rest_n with_o that_o manner_n of_o assent_n wherewith_o most_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o day_n 3._o yea_o it_o be_v these_o alone_a who_o have_v another_o idea_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n settle_v on_o their_o spirit_n than_o the_o residue_n of_o man_n who_o thus_o see_v what_o great_a thing_n be_v before_o they_o and_o short_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o how_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v not_o easy_o attain_v but_o that_o a_o continue_a weight_n and_o exercise_v herein_o on_o their_o spirit_n become_v unavoidable_a and_o though_o sir_n to_o one_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n as_o i_o know_v you_o be_v off_o there_o needs_o little_a be_v say_v of_o this_o kind_n yet_o when_o i_o look_v on_o the_o face_n of_o this_o generation_n even_o of_o the_o more_o serious_a part_n of_o man_n herein_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o most_o be_v rather_o in_o a_o sleep_n and_o dream_n then_o awake_a else_o be_v it_o conceivable_a how_o they_o can_v find_v it_o easy_a to_o bear_v and_o stand_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o such_o discovery_n without_o almost_o faint_v under_o the_o greatness_n hereof_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o assure_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o 1._o that_o within_o a_o little_a time_n their_o eye_n be_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o shut_v on_o this_o earth_n and_o in_o one_o moment_n open_v on_o that_o entry_n which_o be_v into_o another_o world_n and_o on_o that_o hide_a and_o marvellous_a passage_n which_o lie_v betwixt_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o high_a paradise_n above_o which_o be_v in_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o will_v then_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o see_v with_o clear_a and_o preceptible_a evidence_n their_o conduct_n and_o convoyance_n by_o the_o bless_a angel_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o ascent_n through_o these_o aetherial_a region_n in_o every_o step_n of_o the_o same_o their_o begin_a acquaintance_n and_o society_n with_o these_o glorious_a spirit_n which_o shall_v be_v without_o fear_n and_o consternation_n as_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o at_o last_o that_o unconceivable_a reception_n by_o the_o bless_a trinity_n now_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o man_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n can_v with_o assurance_n entertain_v their_o soul_n with_o such_o great_a thing_n as_o before_o they_o and_o near_o and_o yet_o in_o a_o ordinare_fw-la way_n converse_n with_o the_o same_o 2._o be_v it_o a_o light_n or_o small_a thing_n to_o live_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o triumph_n as_o be_v reserve_v to_o each_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o issue_n of_o their_o warefare_n when_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v tread_v satan_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o shall_v enter_v they_o into_o the_o overcomer_n joy_n with_o that_o public_a testimony_n well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n etc._n etc._n before_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o redeem_v there_o and_o then_o to_o be_v call_v to_o a_o peculiar_a assignment_n of_o their_o room_n and_o station_n in_o that_o bless_a state_n answerable_a to_o their_o service_n and_o attainment_n of_o grace_n here_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o whole_a conduct_n and_o method_n of_o providence_n about_o they_o within_o time_n which_o once_o seem_v incomprehensible_a to_o their_o thought_n 3._o yea_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o serious_a exercise_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o final_a translation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n militant_a from_o this_o earth_n to_o these_o high_a region_n of_o glory_n where_o no_o more_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o but_o one_o church_n and_o society_n for_o ever_o where_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n shall_v then_o rejoice_v in_o his_o whole_a puchase_n who_o he_o have_v buy_v at_o so_o dear_a a_o price_n and_o present_v without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o where_o the_o whole_a elect_a from_o abel_n the_o first_o of_o humane_a race_n that_o enter_v heaven_n and_o the_o first_o member_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a there_o to_o the_o l●st_o who_o be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n shall_v meet_v once_o and_o for_o ever_o together_o 4._o and_o be_v there_o such_o now_o on_o the_o earth_n who_o shall_v ere_o long_o see_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o class_n with_o the_o elect_a angel_n who_o can_v not_o in_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n bear_v the_o sight_n or_o apparition_n of_o one_o of_o these_o glorious_a spirit_n yea_o shall_v enjoy_v they_o in_o the_o same_o intimacy_n of_o fellowship_n as_o these_o that_o be_v redeem_v from_o among_o man_n and_o though_o with_o humble_a sobriety_n i_o will_v offer_v any_o thought_n on_o so_o high_a a_o mystery_n yet_o seem_v it_o sa●ely_o warrant_v to_o judge_v that_o as_o each_o of_o these_o bless_a spirit_n be_v a_o distinct_a person_n from_o other_o endue_v with_o a_o most_o excellent_a life_n and_o understanding_n though_o in_o some_o different_a degree_n of_o exaltation_n as_o to_o their_o office_n and_o service_n so_o be_v they_o one_fw-mi undoubted_a part_n of_o the_o church_n over_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o supreme_a head_n wherein_o at_o that_o last_o and_o great_a jubilee_n even_o in_o something_o of_o a_o glorious_a corporeal_a frame_n there_o may_v be_v a_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n to_o he_o in_o who_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o god_n head_n dwell_v bodily_a and_o for_o a_o more_o near_a oneness_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o saint_n make_v perfect_a who_o shall_v then_o not_o only_o be_v like_o but_o equal_a to_o the_o angel_n which_o otherwise_o can_v not_o be_v well_o understand_v since_o it_o be_v sure_a their_o body_n though_o then_o spiritual_a and_o glorious_a will_v be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n that_o they_o be_v here_o and_o will_v not_o be_v only_a spirit_n 5._o and_o what_o a_o wonder_n of_o our_o faith_n shall_v it_o be_v that_o ere_o long_o this_o also_o shall_v be_v the_o object_n of_o man_n sense_n the_o conflagration_n of_o this_o whole_a earth_n that_o earth_n on_o which_o most_o of_o the_o generation_n of_o man_n have_v settle_v their_o heaven_n to_o see_v it_o all_o burn_v up_o before_o they_o and_o herein_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o project_n upon_o the_o same_o whilst_o nothing_o to_o such_o will_v then_o further_o remain_v but_o to_o enter_v themselves_o into_o everlasting_a flame_n 6._o be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o enjoy_v such_o a_o faith_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n as_o that_o reunion_n 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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 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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 also_o that_o further_a conviction_n may_v be_v serve_v on_o these_o who_o be_v prone_a to_o stumble_v how_o in_o the_o promote_a of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n there_o be_v no_o pursue_v any_o divide_a interest_n of_o a_o party_n and_o that_o if_o such_o will_v once_o try_v and_o see_v they_o can_v then_o judge_v where_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a interest_n within_o time_n lie_v which_o all_o be_v joint_o concern_v to_o promote_v who_o have_v any_o design_n on_o the_o christian_a profession_n for_o eternal_a thing_n 4._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v this_o more_o wat_fw-mi one_fw-mi advantage_n shall_v it_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o conciliate_v a_o great_a respect_n thereto_o that_o all_o may_v see_v how_o sweet_a a_o contemperature_n and_o harmony_n there_o be_v betwixt_o pure_a zeal_n for_o god_n which_o be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o further_a prudence_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o man_n and_o how_o the_o rule_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o bitterness_n wrath_n or_o recrimination_n which_o be_v so_o abound_v this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n in_o pursue_v of_o difference_n upon_o any_o concern_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o herein_o do_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n more_o eminent_o appear_v in_o secure_v the_o concord_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n under_o a_o diversity_n of_o light_n and_o judgement_n in_o some_o lesser_a difference_n about_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o man_n heart_n in_o subdue_n the_o distemper_n of_o their_o mind_n then_o by_o impose_v the_o most_o severe_a and_o absolute_a uniformity_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o it_o be_v ever_o find_v how_o this_o have_v be_v most_o easy_a and_o practicable_a among_o such_o who_o have_v make_v the_o high_a advance_v in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n then_o any_o else_o since_o he_o near_o the_o line_n be_v to_o the_o centre_n the_o near_a also_o be_v they_o among_o themselves_o and_o i_o must_v add_v herewith_o that_o it_o may_v be_v little_o know_v what_o convictive_a power_n may_v follow_v in_o a_o time_n of_o such_o high_a distemper_n as_o this_o on_o a_o suitable_a application_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o dwell_v with_o prudence_n and_o come_v from_o above_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n give_v for_o the_o same_o james_z 3_o 17._o to_o make_v a_o high_a interest_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o then_o now_o in_o a_o ordinare_fw-la way_n will_v seem_v possible_a 4._o as_o the_o further_a tenderness_n and_o prudence_n be_v call_v for_o to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o further_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o take_v out_o of_o
seem_v to_o bear_v no_o weight_n i_o doubt_v not_o ere_o long_o of_o such_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o ever_o bless_a redeemer_n which_o he_o shall_v give_v before_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v god_n as_o will_v for_o ever_o end_v this_o controversy_n there_o be_v a_o constraint_n on_o the_o elect_a angel_n to_o admire_v what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o incomprehensible_a love_n of_o god_n to_o fall_v man_n but_o oh_o what_o a_o return_n and_o recompense_n do_v engage_v mankind_n give_v to_o he_o who_o count_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o god_n yet_o to_o become_v man_n for_o our_o sake_n that_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o great_a brightness_n of_o light_n do_v bear_v such_o enmity_n to_o his_o godhead_n as_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n must_v be_v put_v out_o to_o serve_v this_o end_n and_o when_o such_o a_o light_n be_v turn_v into_o darkness_n how_o 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commend_v with_o the_o great_a respect_n to_o any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n but_o herewith_o i_o can_v possible_o go_v no_o further_o without_o give_v up_o with_o all_o use_n of_o reason_n or_o give_v a_o high_a pre-eminence_n thereto_o then_o in_o a_o full_a evidence_n that_o what_o we_o be_v call_v to_o believe_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n nor_o can_v desire_v more_o to_o warrant_v a_o hope_n and_o confidence_n though_o against_o hope_n as_o to_o all_o rational_a ground_n but_o that_o it_o sure_o have_v a_o divine_a promise_n to_o lean_v on_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v satan_n need_v no_o humane_a assistance_n to_o these_o fiery_a dart_n which_o be_v so_o usual_o throw_v at_o the_o choice_a christian_n to_o shake_v their_o faith_n on_o this_o bead_n but_o it_o be_v not_o at_o a_o ordinare_fw-la rate_n that_o its_o great_a author_n have_v design_v the_o trial_n thereof_o 3._o there_o be_v one_o reflection_n further_o have_v affect_v my_o spirit_n upon_o this_o controversy_n as_o 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therewith_o &_o that_o they_o must_v subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a jndgment_n and_o not_o to_o god_n if_o they_o design_v to_o be_v christian_n it_o be_v a_o famous_a passage_n i_o must_v relate_v here_o of_o that_o great_a jewish_a council_n hold_v in_o octob._n 1650._o in_o the_o plain_a of_o ageda_n 30_o league_n from_o buda_n in_o hungary_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o after_o seven_o day_n debate_n about_o the_o same_o and_o not_o a_o few_o argument_n offer_v from_o their_o continue_a desolation_n and_o captivity_n since_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n some_o popish_a deputy_n at_o last_o be_v admit_v who_o in_o stead_n of_o promote_a the_o christian_a faith_n press_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o saint_n depart_v and_o of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n upon_o which_o that_o great_a assembly_n break_v up_o in_o a_o tumult_n cry_v no_o christ_n no_o image_n no_o woman_n god_n and_o cast_v dust_n on_o their_o head_n upon_o so_o irrational_a a_o blasphemy_n it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o rabbi_n then_o do_v much_o desire_n protestant_n divine_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o they_o but_o that_o the_o pope_n and_o emperor_n have_v join_v to_o shut_v they_o whole_o out_o though_o thousand_o of_o stranger_n be_v then_o present_a at_o a_o meeting_n of_o so_o great_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v in_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o i_o mention_v it_o for_o this_o end_n what_o a_o cry_n will_v that_o have_v make_v if_o they_o have_v be_v tell_v of_o a_o create_v and_o dependent_a god_n &_o to_o subject_n themselves_o here_o to_o the_o great_a contradiction_n to_o reason_n 5._o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o close_a but_o add_v this_o further_a what_o shall_v be_v special_o expect_v upon_o the_o grow_a state_n of_o christ_n visible_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n that_o as_o these_o fog_n &_o mist_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v upon_o 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