of_o his_o word_n and_o to_o sanctify_v he_o before_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o important_a a_o duty_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a even_o with_o a_o moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o one_o short-coming_a when_o he_o call_v for_o the_o same_o numb_a 20_o 12._o and_o its_o sure_a in_o no_o time_n be_v such_o a_o special_a trust_n more_o repose_v thereon_o then_o in_o this_o age_n both_o as_o a_o public_a debt_n on_o the_o church_n &_o personal_a on_o each_o christian_a how_o to_o witness_v for_o the_o lord_n upon_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o for_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v by_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_v and_o testimony_n thereto_o ii_o to_o reckon_v ourselves_o also_o under_o some_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la call_v this_o day_n each_o in_o their_o present_a capacity_n and_o station_n how_o to_o appear_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o stem_v so_o visible_a and_o impetuous_a a_o tide_n as_o be_v now_o run_v of_o distrust_v and_o of_o a_o discreditable_a faint_a for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v never_o be_v the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o remarkable_o sist_v under_o such_o a_o trial_n as_o that_o wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n numb_a 14._o or_o have_v a_o more_o evident_a resemblance_n thereto_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n as_o in_o this_o day_n if_o they_o be_v serious_o ponder_v as_o i_o how_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o a_o false_a &_o evil_a report_n be_v too_o visible_o raise_v upon_o the_o bless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o discourage_v and_o faint_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n as_o be_v then_o by_o the_o spy_n that_o there_o be_v insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o anakim_v and_o of_o their_o wall_a city_n and_o do_v thus_o oppose_v the_o credit_n of_o sense_n to_o all_o these_o assurance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o their_o faith_n ii_o that_o this_o high_o 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of_o a_o bless_a disparity_n in_o this_o resemblance_n as_o to_o the_o numberousnesse_n of_o such_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o act_v something_o of_o that_o part_n which_o these_o heroic_a witness_n a_o caleb_n &_o joshua_n do_v &_o be_v then_o put_v to_o stand_v alone_o therein_o who_o through_o great_a shall_v yet_o appear_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o withstand_v so_o high_a a_o tide_n of_o fear_n discouragement_n and_o misbelief_n as_o be_v this_o day_n and_o thus_o to_o plead_v against_o the_o same_o as_o these_o do_v num._n 14_o 9_o if_o the_o lord_n delight_n in_o we_o then_o let_v we_o not_o rebel_v against_o he_o neither_o fear_v the_o great_a difficulty_n can_v be_v in_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n v._o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o precedent_n of_o providence_n of_o so_o singular_a a_o respect_n as_o the_o lord_n do_v then_o testify_v to_o his_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n who_o be_v of_o another_o spirit_n in_o follow_v he_o full_o in_o that_o day_n a_o continue_a assurance_n for_o all_o who_o shall_v be_v help_v to_o any_o honourable_a appearance_n of_o this_o kind_n by_o make_v they_o see_v and_o inherit_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n yea_o that_o such_o a_o residue_n who_o outlive_v this_o great_a and_o amaze_a storm_n shall_v have_v something_o of_o that_o testimony_n to_o bear_v also_o which_o caleb_n give_v josh._n 14_o 8_o 10._o my_o brethren_n which_o go_v up_o with_o i_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n faint_a but_o i_o full_o follow_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o now_o behold_v the_o lord_n have_v keep_v i_o alive_a etc._n etc._n o_o bless_v they_o who_o soul_n be_v raise_v with_o that_o holy_a zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o this_o great_a breach_n by_o a_o resolute_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o witness_v to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o such_o great_a and_o extraordinar_a confirmation_n give_v thertho_fw-la now_o call_v for_o iii_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a duty_n of_o this_o day_n we_o stand_v also_o accountable_a for_o how_o to_o stem_v this_o high_a and_o grow_a tide_n of_o prejudice_n and_o reproach_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o in_o some_o unusual_a way_n be_v now_o aloft_o and_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o gain_v some_o more_o awful_a regard_n hereof_o on_o man_n conscience_n that_o they_o may_v see_v something_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o maintain_v its_o conquest_n as_o no_o way_n else_o can_v possible_o claim_v i._n which_o reckon_v none_o else_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a professor_n hereof_o who_o embrace_v not_o the_o same_o upon_o evidence_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o worth_n nor_o do_v judge_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n to_o go_v by_o number_n and_o poll_n where_o this_o be_v want_v but_o to_o pursue_v that_o end_n to_o have_v man_n engage_v first_o to_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o therefore_o can_v admit_v no_o such_o method_n of_o any_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o humour_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n which_o its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v ii_o which_o in_o its_o course_n be_v ever_o regular_fw-la and_o certain_a according_a to_o that_o rule_n of_o a_o uncheangable_a and_o eternal_a truth_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o will_n of_o man_n herein_o or_o any_o mutable_a revolution_n of_o the_o time_n iii_o which_o do_v with_o the_o great_a lustre_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o bright_a light_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n yea_o by_o the_o further_a plainness_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n towards_o all_o commend_v itself_o so_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v it_o espouse_v not_o man_n affection_n before_o it_o gain_v on_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o have_v their_o judgement_n fix_v on_o a_o judicious_a trial_n before_o their_o resolution_n nor_o account_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n can_v ever_o subsist_v by_o a_o external_a show_n and_o profession_n without_o be_v know_v evidence_n and_o the_o efficacy_n thereof_o on_o man_n soul_n iv_o which_o sincere_o follow_v the_o catholic_n interest_n of_o christianity_n and_o public_a good_a of_o mankind_n in_o promot_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o the_o world_n may_v see_v its_o high_a intent_n be_v to_o exalt_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o advance_v the_o simplicity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o gospel_n administration_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v rule_n amongh_v man_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o near_o conceirn_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n and_o one_fw-mi inward_a life_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n v._n which_o plead_v a_o impartial_a trial_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n whither_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o profession_n or_o of_o popery_n give_v the_o great_a security_n to_o civil_a government_n &_o find_v the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o magistracy_n and_o to_o all_o civil_a and_o moral_a duty_n by_o which_o the_o awe_n and_o venerable_a esteem_n of_o religion_n be_v keep_v up_o in_o a_o nation_n it_o be_v high_a time_n that_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v implicit_a upon_o this_o great_a interest_n they_o have_v within_o time_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o a_o deceit_n or_o mistake_n here_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a conceirn_fw-mi upon_o which_o account_n without_o respect_n to_o interest_n party_n or_o education_n i_o have_v this_o day_n seek_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o what_o adversary_n can_v possible_o pretend_v to_o reproach_n or_o prejudge_v any_o at_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o can_v only_o amount_v to_o charge_v man_n corruption_n and_o offence_n in_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o
and_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v because_o thou_o have_v judge_v tâ—us_o for_o they_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o thy_o saint_n and_o prophet_n and_o thou_o have_v give_v they_o blood_n to_o drink_v in_o great_a measure_n xv._o yea_o have_v we_o not_o see_v how_o four_o king_n of_o france_n successive_o be_v in_o less_o than_o 30._o year_n take_v away_o in_o the_o same_o continue_a pursuit_n how_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n there_o in_o who_o that_o whole_a race_n of_o the_o valois_n be_v thus_o extinct_a yea_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o death_n be_v most_o remarkable_a monument_n of_o divine_a judgement_n as_o the_o most_o famous_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n do_v attest_v xvi_o we_o have_v see_v what_o marvellous_a effect_n do_v follow_v these_o bloody_a year_n of_o queen_n mary_n reign_n in_o england_n to_o promote_v and_o commend_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n to_o man_n conscience_n there_o with_o so_o great_a a_o triumph_n it_o have_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o such_o choice_n and_o excellent_a witness_n for_o christ_n as_o have_v bring_v in_o more_o rent_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o bless_a head_n then_o may_v to_o the_o further_a compense_n all_o that_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n there_o though_o high_o precious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n xvii_o we_o have_v see_v likeways_o the_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n of_o late_a against_o the_o protestant_n in_o bohemia_n in_o a_o short_a time_n most_o observable_o return_v on_o the_o author_n thereof_o and_o how_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o god_n may_v be_v see_v in_o call_v forth_o the_o swede_n to_o avenge_v the_o same_o and_o in_o that_o desolate_v strike_v which_o follow_v on_o germany_n xviii_o we_o have_v see_v in_o these_o late_a time_n the_o issue_n of_o that_o horrid_a massacre_n on_o the_o protestant_n in_o ireland_n to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n in_o a_o very_a few_o year_n after_o of_o that_o barbarous_a party_n who_o have_v thus_o act_v herein_o xix_o we_o have_v see_v what_o wonderful_a providence_n do_v attend_v the_o act_n of_o that_o poor_a handful_n of_o protestant_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o piedmont_n since_o the_o reformation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o bloody_a massacre_n which_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n there_o against_o they_o which_o be_v so_o astonish_v as_o all_o may_v see_v a_o extraordinare_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o as_o be_v clear_o attest_v by_o the_o most_o faithful_a history_n of_o that_o time_n xx._n and_o can_v it_o be_v forget_v unto_o this_o day_n how_o visible_o a_o divine_a hand_n do_v appear_v in_o break_v that_o great_a spanish_a armado_n in_o the_o year_n 1588._o which_o have_v be_v for_o some_o year_n in_o contrive_v against_o england_n xxi_o as_o it_o be_v astonish_v and_o special_o demonstrative_a of_o the_o immediate_a power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o praise_v also_o for_o after_o age_n that_o solemn_a time_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o scotland_n for_o plant_v the_o reform_a religion_n there_o with_o that_o zeal_n and_o oneness_n of_o spirit_n as_o do_v then_o appear_v in_o all_o rank_n to_o embrace_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o profession_n thereof_o amid_o the_o great_a threaten_n of_o their_o adversary_n so_o as_o a_o few_o year_n do_v bring_v forth_o that_o which_o will_v have_v seem_v strange_a for_o a_o age_n to_o accomplish_v yea_o that_o we_o find_v betwixt_o the_o last_o martyr_n for_o the_o truth_n there_o who_o be_v burn_v at_o st._n andrews_n 1558._o and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o full_a abolishment_n of_o popery_n with_o the_o full_a concurrence_n of_o civil_a authority_n herein_o in_o july_n 1560._o be_v but_o little_a above_o two_o year_n to_o show_v what_o great_a thing_n the_o lord_n can_v do_v above_o all_o human_a council_n or_o confidence_n xxii_o it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v in_o what_o remarkable_a degree_n these_o last_o vial_n of_o the_o holy_a judgement_n of_o god_n have_v take_v place_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o how_o conspicuous_a the_o event_n have_v be_v of_o that_o prophecy_n 2_o thessaly_n 2_o 8._o in_o these_o great_a effect_n and_o consumption_n thereof_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o assure_a pledge_n of_o the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o what_o remain_v herein_o xxiii_o and_o as_o every_o step_n of_o the_o church_n rise_v have_v be_v still_o advance_v in_o a_o continue_a conflict_n betwixt_o the_o truth_n and_o antichrist_n so_o have_v we_o still_o see_v when_o the_o assault_n and_o opposition_n have_v be_v great_a it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a tendancy_n to_o a_o great_a victory_n which_o be_v it_o right_o consider_v upon_o clear_a and_o solid_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n the_o most_o formidable_a appearence_n of_o trouble_n from_o this_o adversary_n shall_v with_o more_o comfort_n than_o fear_v this_o day_n be_v look_v on_o so_o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o near_a and_o most_o immediate_a event_n yet_o be_v it_o sure_a as_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a who_o word_n be_v pass_v hereon_o that_o whosoever_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v that_o interest_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v lose_v the_o day_n and_o find_v their_o cause_n desperate_a for_o the_o party_n with_o who_o they_o contend_v herein_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n against_o who_o no_o human_a power_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v these_o be_v but_o a_o few_o which_o be_v here_o mention_v of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o our_o god_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v still_o as_o present_v in_o our_o sight_n in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v and_o faint_v and_o here_o mention_v to_o lay_v no_o stress_n or_o weight_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o profession_n thereon_o but_o on_o the_o alone_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o they_o be_v such_o a_o undeniable_a seal_n for_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o of_o so_o know_v public_a and_o famous_a evidence_n as_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o consider_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n now_o then_o in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n thus_o appear_v herein_o section_n iii_o qu._n what_o present_a judgement_n be_v we_o call_v to_o have_v of_o this_o time_n upon_o clear_a and_o assure_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v under_o what_o aspect_n thereof_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v under_o when_o so_o great_a a_o crisis_n be_v this_o day_n as_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o very_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o its_o conflict_n whither_o as_o to_o life_n or_o death_n answ_n it_o be_v no_o present_a appearence_n of_o the_o time_n must_v direct_v our_o faith_n nor_o shall_v we_o either_o streath_v our_o fear_n or_o expectation_n of_o thing_n and_o event_n beyond_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n do_v warrant_n in_o his_o word_n but_o its_o clear_a if_o we_o credit_n the_o same_o and_o admit_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o hesitation_n or_o darkness_n as_o to_o what_o the_o lord_n be_v bring_v forth_o for_o his_o church_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o pretence_n to_o seek_v a_o other_o light_n either_o from_o the_o star_n above_o or_o the_o diviner_n of_o this_o time_n when_o so_o woeful_a a_o trade_n have_v get_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n will_v thus_o go_v to_o the_o god_n of_o ekron_n as_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o israel_n or_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o his_o write_a oracle_n to_o inquire_v at_o when_o its_o sure_a these_o lie_v open_a and_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sound_n speak_v to_o all_o who_o have_v a_o serious_a and_o unprejudged_a spirit_n i._o that_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v now_o pass_v and_o go_v through_o that_o most_o dismal_a and_o continue_a trial_n herein_o which_o be_v to_o go_v over_o her_o head_n under_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o height_n and_o whatever_o appearance_n he_o now_o have_v in_o great_a wrath_n yet_o be_v it_o sure_a and_o evident_a that_o the_o winter_n be_v past_a and_o the_o church_n spring_v begin_v and_o a_o few_o step_v further_a of_o that_o judgement_n which_o be_v now_o hasten_v on_o will_v at_o length_n end_v the_o quarrel_n so_o that_o by_o a_o near_a converse_n with_o the_o word_n we_o may_v clear_o see_v from_o what_o point_n the_o church_n course_n and_o motion_n this_o day_n lie_v and_o how_o exact_o it_o keep_v in_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o by_o that_o clear_a conduct_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o a_o full_a map_n of_o her_o whole_a course_n and_o passage_n through_o
the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o necessity_n and_o use_n brief_o hold_v forth_o that_o each_o christian_n may_v have_v a_o proper_a ballast_n of_o his_o own_o of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o thus_o see_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o security_n on_o which_o he_o adventure_n his_o eternal_a state_n or_o the_o true_a and_o infallible_a way_n for_o attain_v a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n from_o these_o primary_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v himself_o give_v so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v easy_a for_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n to_o know_v the_o same_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o account_n thereof_o to_o all_o that_o ask_v with_o a_o short_a and_o confirm_a prospect_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n about_o his_o church_n in_o these_o last_o time_n by_o r._n fleming_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n at_o rotterdam_n print_v by_o reinier_n leer_v m.dc.lxxxv_o the_o preface_n this_o small_a essay_n here_o offer_v be_v on_o the_o great_a subject_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v a_o study_n be_v never_o more_o press_o call_v for_o then_o in_o these_o day_n for_o man_n to_o be_v make_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o to_o have_v such_o a_o assurance_n of_o his_o truth_n as_o can_v full_o quiet_a and_o support_v the_o soul_n though_o all_o sensible_a prop_n shall_v be_v brocken_v and_o fail_v great_a change_n do_v sure_o hasten_v on_o this_o generation_n and_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o a_o other_o manner_n like_a to_o be_v put_v to_o trial_n then_o since_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o recovery_n from_o antichristian_a bondage_n the_o storm_n now_o visible_o grow_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o nothing_o be_v thus_o to_o faint_v or_o shake_v the_o spirit_n of_o any_o who_o know_v their_o anchor_n be_v sure_a and_o cast_v within_o the_o vail_n but_o the_o strong_a difficulty_n in_o follow_v the_o lord_n when_o overcome_v yield_v the_o great_a victory_n and_o will_v be_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o joy_n here_o but_o to_o all_o eternity_n in_o have_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_v endure_v and_o get_v well_o through_o a_o throng_n of_o temptation_n and_o assault_n in_o a_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o man_n think_v it_o their_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v their_o private_a interest_n by_o divide_v it_o in_o such_o a_o time_n from_o the_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o make_v light_a of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n now_o assault_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n yea_o of_o their_o own_o eternal_a state_n by_o any_o coolness_n or_o shrink_n from_o the_o same_o they_o will_v find_v no_o temporal_a motive_n can_v ever_o compense_v that_o loss_n and_o ruin_n which_o inevitable_o will_v meet_v such_o in_o the_o issue_n yea_o that_o these_o word_n of_o mordecai_n to_o esther_n esth_n 4_o 13_o 14._o have_v the_o same_o voice_n and_o weight_n in_o this_o day_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o follow_a work_n i_o may_v with_o humble_a confidence_n say_v be_v under_o some_o pressure_n to_o have_v such_o clear_a evidence_n and_o quiet_v persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o make_v it_o less_o easy_a to_o have_v my_o own_o spirit_n satisfy_v herein_o then_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v to_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o that_o bless_a assurance_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v i_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o can_v be_v comfort_v or_o make_v a_o rational_a be_v desirable_a some_o singular_a ingadgment_n i_o judge_v myself_o also_o to_o stand_v under_o for_o put_v to_o my_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n from_o many_o signal_n confirmation_n hereof_o in_o the_o course_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n if_o such_o a_o poor_a testimony_n may_v be_v of_o any_o weight_n let_v the_o bless_a lord_n gracious_o accept_v this_o small_a offering_n to_o he_o and_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o truth_n by_o so_o mean_v a_o instrument_n and_o give_v some_o fruit_n hereof_o that_o may_v abide_v and_o be_v find_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n may_v find_v by_o a_o perusal_n of_o the_o i._o chap._n of_o what_o serious_a use_n and_o intent_n the_o ii_o be_v yea_o that_o in_o this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o incongruous_a to_o the_o forego_v subject_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o iii_o chapter_n but_o oh_o it_o be_v sad_a and_o amaze_a to_o think_v how_o few_o be_v under_o that_o weight_n of_o religion_n as_o once_o to_o have_v a_o serious_a inquiry_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n thereof_o and_o to_o account_v the_o most_o special_a assistance_n to_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o great_a helper_n of_o their_o joy_n within_o time_n the_o true_a and_o infallible_a way_n for_o attain_v a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n etc._n etc._n chapter_n i._o the_o primitive_a confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v in_o its_o continue_a necessity_n and_o use_n to_o this_o day_n in_o a_o few_o position_n that_o nothing_o can_v have_v a_o more_o sad_a and_o threaten_a aspect_n on_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n posit_n i_o then_o that_o utter_a estrangment_n most_o be_v under_o to_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o those_o foundamental_a difference_n betwixt_o christianity_n &_o every_o false_a way_n which_o no_o pretend_v religion_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o position_n be_v these_o i._o that_o it_o be_v too_o visible_o manifest_a how_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n know_v so_o little_a of_o their_o own_o profession_n be_v it_o of_o any_o human_a art_n or_o science_n as_o such_o who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n or_o be_v so_o general_o stranger_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o for_o maintain_v either_o a_o due_a valuation_n or_o powerful_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o on_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o a_o implicit_a and_o traditional_a profession_n be_v the_o only_a part_n and_o propriety_n which_o most_o can_v claim_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v ii_o that_o so_o rare_a also_o be_v any_o such_o serious_a work_n amongh_v man_n as_o a_o personal_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o experimental_a and_o soul_n quicken_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o expense_n of_o the_o most_o dismal_a and_o afflict_a time_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o temporal_a revenue_n lie_v thereto_o as_o peace_n with_o god_n a_o immediate_a communion_n with_o he_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o h._n ghost_n when_o under_o such_o pressour_n of_o trouble_n as_o be_v above_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n iii_o that_o the_o further_a account_n why_o most_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o other_o form_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o custom_n and_o education_n that_o it_o do_v bespeak_v they_o from_o their_o birth_n and_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n yea_o become_v in_o that_o manner_n natural_a to_o they_o as_o the_o custom_n and_o language_n of_o their_o country_n which_o be_v ground_n that_o shall_v determine_v to_o the_o very_a opposite_a profession_n if_o they_o be_v state_v under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o have_v the_o same_o motive_n to_o be_v mahumetan_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o can_v found_v no_o other_o assent_n then_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o strength_n thereof_o iu._n that_o thus_o it_o can_v be_v under_o debate_n how_o the_o most_o numerous_a part_n of_o visible_a professor_n be_v so_o destitute_a of_o any_o defence_n from_o internal_a motive_n and_o solid_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n as_o there_o be_v never_o more_o cause_n to_o fear_v some_o unusual_a apostasy_n from_o the_o very_a visible_a profession_n of_o christ_n upon_o any_o violent_a trial_n and_o assault_v this_o way_n when_o such_o find_v it_o more_o easy_a to_o render_v up_o their_o religion_n then_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o same_o under_z strongh_v temptation_n who_o yet_o never_o know_v that_o substance_n advantage_n or_o certainty_n herein_o as_o can_v preponderate_v with_o the_o want_n of_o all_o external_a motive_n for_o such_o a_o profession_n that_o thus_o one_o of_o the_o high_a service_n of_o these_o time_n posit_n two_o for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v convince_o lie_v here_o to_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o firm_a certainty_n of_o the_o
judgement_n on_o its_o own_o evidence_n more_o vigorous_o promote_v and_o the_o proper_a mean_n and_o assistance_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v for_o this_o end_n in_o some_o other_o manner_n yet_o improven_v then_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o day_n for_o a_o more_o universal_a use_n the_o ground_n to_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n hereof_o be_v these_o i._o that_o its_o sure_a wherever_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o man_n it_o come_v with_o so_o full_a a_o assurance_n of_o understanding_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o objective_a evidence_n as_o can_v admit_v no_o possible_a doubtfulness_n herein_o which_o be_v the_o credit_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o in_o no_o other_o way_n it_o do_v require_v acceptance_n but_o with_o the_o further_a conviction_n of_o evidence_n ii_o because_o the_o express_a design_n and_o tendency_n of_o this_o bless_a revelation_n be_v no_o less_o to_o find_v such_o a_o rational_a assurance_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o its_o truth_n then_o to_o engage_v their_o will_n and_o consent_n for_o embrace_v thereof_o and_o though_o such_o great_a demonstration_n for_o this_o end_n can_v only_o in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la have_v a_o convince_a influence_n to_o persuade_v the_o understanding_n yet_o be_v they_o of_o such_o weight_n here_o as_o next_o to_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o great_a mean_n to_o bring_v up_o man_n assent_n to_o a_o full_a and_o quiet_v rest_n on_o that_o security_n to_o which_o they_o must_v concredite_fw-la themselves_z for_o ever_o and_o to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o this_o even_o here_o by_o the_o way_n be_v assure_o full_a though_o not_o yet_o their_o enjoyment_n iii_o because_o this_o faith_n of_o assent_n shall_v be_v first_o follow_v in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o conversion_n to_o know_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n wherein_o as_o the_o h._n ghost_n be_v not_o the_o objective_n but_o the_o efficient_a cause_n here_o of_o our_o faith_n so_o be_v not_o the_o internal_a work_n and_o testimony_n he_o give_v on_o the_o soul_n the_o first_o testimony_n but_o must_v still_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n without_o and_o such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n thereof_o wherewith_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n nor_o may_v ever_o be_v separate_a that_o which_o god_n have_v himself_o so_o indissoluble_o join_v iv_o that_o so_o convince_a a_o necessity_n and_o use_n be_v hereof_o to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o a_o special_a way_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o youth_n for_o a_o more_o firm_a lay_n of_o the_o groundwork_n of_o their_o christian_a profession_n and_o to_o be_v as_o the_o seedplot_n of_o a_o bless_a and_o desirable_a growth_n amongh_v such_o in_o this_o day_n that_o they_o may_v thus_o know_v early_o something_o of_o these_o primary_n ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o also_o be_v it_o a_o study_n of_o that_o high_a importance_n as_o i_o humble_o judge_v shall_v be_v of_o notable_a use_n for_o a_o manuduction_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o student_n of_o divinity_n before_o they_o launch_v forth_o in_o that_o vast_a and_o immense_a ocean_n of_o the_o speculative_a part_n thereof_o and_o for_o be_v at_o some_o great_a advantage_n thus_o for_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o confirm_a work_n in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o future_a service_n v._o yea_o of_o what_o use_n may_v this_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o many_o who_o may_v be_v sore_o haunt_v with_o hide_v and_o dreadful_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n and_o to_o weaken_v they_o on_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o be_v whole_o unfurnished_v of_o any_o such_o ground_n and_o argument_n in_o their_o judgement_n to_o repel_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o believe_v firm_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o save_v man_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n a_o much_o high_a act_n of_o faith_n then_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v save_v we_o since_o as_o the_o one_o do_v unspeakable_o more_o transcend_v all_o human_a reason_n then_o the_o other_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n thus_o argue_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o less_o rom._n 8_o 32._o that_o he_o who_o give_v his_o own_o son_n to_o the_o death_n will_v he_o not_o also_o with_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o such_o a_o confirm_a work_n posit_n iii_o be_v most_o special_o follow_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n to_o have_v this_o faith_n of_o assent_n and_o doctrinal_a certainty_n thereof_o on_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o evidence_n deep_o found_v in_o man_n judgement_n be_v so_o clear_a as_o can_v come_v under_o debate_n i._o that_o this_o way_n do_v the_o great_a author_n of_o our_o profession_n himself_o take_v not_o only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o power_n and_o energy_n of_o grace_n but_o with_o that_o convince_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o man_n understanding_n as_o might_n find_v also_o a_o firm_a and_o rational_a assurance_n hereof_o ii_o that_o for_o this_o end_n he_o do_v pray_v the_o father_n joh._n 17_o 21._o and_o be_v so_o much_o press_v herein_o that_o so_o great_a a_o external_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o concord_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o people_n may_v be_v keep_v clear_a that_o the_o world_n may_v thus_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o deep_a conviction_n hereof_o serve_v on_o they_o by_o such_o a_o evidence_n iii_o that_o one_o special_a intent_n of_o the_o evangel_n of_o luke_n be_v for_o this_o end_n luke_n 1_o 4._o that_o man_n may_v know_v not_o only_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o a_o naked_a relatation_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v former_o instruct_v iv_o that_o herein_o do_v the_o ministry_n of_o apollo_n so_o bright_o shine_v forth_o act._n 18_o 28._o and_o be_v then_o of_o most_o singular_a use_n to_o the_o church_n by_o that_o clearness_n of_o rational_a conviction_n and_o demonstrative_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o great_a gain_n sayer_n can_v not_o withstand_v v._o that_o its_o sure_a it_o be_v then_o without_o exception_n express_o require_v of_o the_o mean_a within_o the_o church_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o render_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n to_o all_o who_o ask_v and_o not_o only_o to_o know_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v but_o why_o they_o do_v so_o as_o be_v clear_a 1_o pet._n 3_o 15._o yea_o that_o this_o can_v not_o be_v by_o bring_v forth_o of_o internal_a evidence_n for_o conviction_n of_o other_o but_o to_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o the_o most_o cogent_a ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v be_v most_o prevalent_a and_o confirm_v to_o the_o weak_a and_o leave_v other_o inexcusable_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v then_o special_o press_v in_o these_o primitive_a time_n as_o a_o proper_a test_n of_o their_o christian_a profession_n vi_o and_o we_o see_v herein_o also_o how_o much_o these_o excellent_a berean_o be_v take_v up_o and_o be_v so_o high_o commend_v of_o the_o h._n ghost_n act._n 17_o 11._o to_o know_v the_o demonstrative_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o its_o own_o evidence_n with_o that_o entire_a harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o scripture_n therein_o and_o their_o be_v thus_o diligent_o intent_n in_o that_o comparing-worke_n of_o religion_n to_o see_v the_o truth_n thereof_o not_o single_o and_o apart_o by_o themselves_o alone_o but_o in_o that_o joint_a union_n and_o coherence_n wherein_o they_o stand_v each_o in_o their_o own_o room_n for_o confirm_v and_o give_v light_n to_o other_o vii_o that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n also_o wherein_o the_o gospel_n do_v come_v to_o the_o gentil_n church_n be_v clear_o show_v 1_o thess_n 1_o 5._o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o as_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o h._n ghost_n so_o also_o in_o much_o assurance_n of_o understanding_n upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n which_o be_v that_o way_n it_o do_v so_o wonderful_o prevail_v over_o the_o world_n against_o nature_n and_o stream_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o further_a opposition_n thereto_o viii_o that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a service_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o visit_v the_o church_n do_v express_o lie_v here_o act_v 14_o 22._o to_o confirm_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o first_o place_n on_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o then_o in_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o so_o as_o they_o may_v follow_v the_o
be_v give_v up_o to_o under_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o light_n so_o as_o all_o may_v see_v their_o be_v thus_o bind_v over_o in_o chain_n and_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n until_o death_n bring_v they_o forth_o to_o the_o execution_n and_o how_o no_o relief_n or_o application_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n have_v then_o any_o more_o access_n vii_o from_o such_o a_o mape_n &_o shadow_n of_o eternal_a vengeance_n in_o these_o terrible_a act_n of_o divine_a judgement_n inflict_v here_o on_o apostate_n and_o persecuter_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o other_o flagitious_a person_n which_o with_o the_o very_a first_o view_n may_v present_v a_o awful_a and_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o and_o that_o some_o strange_a and_o supernatural_a punishment_n be_v oft_o visible_a on_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n viii_o and_o what_o ever_o be_v of_o natural_a cause_n in_o such_o visible_a representation_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o that_o sulphureous_a lake_n where_o once_o sodom_n be_v and_o these_o burn_a mountain_n such_o as_o haecla_n aetna_n and_o vesuvius_n yet_o we_o may_v true_o judge_v their_o be_v thus_o set_v before_o the_o world_n as_o some_o visible_a memorial_n of_o these_o infernal_a flame_n and_o as_o it_o be_v so_o many_o lumehead_n thereof_o for_o such_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o same_o because_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o see_v or_o feal_z such_o a_o thing_n qu._n vii_o what_o assistance_n have_v our_o faith_n of_o that_o great_a and_o wonderful_a truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n after_o its_o dissolution_n in_o the_o grave_n unto_o dust_n answ_n i._o from_o that_o visible_a and_o stupendous_a frame_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n when_o its_o sure_a that_o the_o same_o infinite_a power_n that_o have_v not_o only_o make_v man_n but_o the_o whole_a creation_n can_v as_o easy_o collect_v and_o recount_v the_o disperse_a ash_n of_o the_o body_n as_o form_v the_o same_o ii_o from_o that_o great_a pledge_n hereof_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n iii_o from_o that_o tribulation_n and_o sore_a pain_n that_o the_o saint_n here_o in_o their_o outward_a man_n be_v expose_v to_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o in_o the_o holy_a justice_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o give_v such_o body_n for_o labour_n and_o for_o toil_n and_o to_o his_o martyr_n to_o endure_v unexpressible_a torment_n for_o christ_n to_o perish_v for_o ever_o iv_o from_o these_o visible_a resemblance_n and_o prefiguration_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n herein_o in_o the_o ordinare_fw-la course_n and_o production_n of_o nature_n so_o as_o all_o may_v see_v how_o every_o night_n be_v as_o the_o grave_n of_o the_o daylight_n and_o each_o morning_n a_o new_a resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o and_o how_o visible_a a_o image_n of_o death_n be_v in_o each_o season_n of_o the_o winter_n with_o so_o marvellous_a and_o beatiful_a a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o earth_n on_o every_o return_n of_o the_o spring_n in_o the_o herb_n flower_n and_o plant_n take_v life_n and_o rise_v again_o in_o the_o leaf_n blossom_n and_o fruit_n yea_o this_o in_o such_o a_o variety_n as_o may_v no_o less_o convince_o evidence_n a_o infinite_a divine_a power_n herein_o then_o that_o the_o same_o body_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v raise_v at_o the_o last_o day_n v._o from_o that_o continue_a miracle_n of_o the_o harvest_n after_o the_o seedtime_n with_o so_o amaze_a a_o production_n of_o the_o grain_n sow_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o first_o die_v there_o before_o it_o be_v quicken_v so_o as_o to_o be_v at_o last_o bring_v to_o 30_o 60_o yea_o sometime_o a_o hundred_o fold_n out_o of_o the_o very_a same_o grain_n which_o to_o these_o who_o have_v never_o before_o know_v the_o same_o will_v seem_v incredible_a &_o above_o all_o reason_n to_o conceive_v or_o bear_v credit_n thereto_o chapter_n iii_o the_o confirm_a work_n of_o religion_n improven_v which_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n to_o clear_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o before_o this_o generation_n and_o let_v we_o see_v how_o nothing_o be_v so_o strange_a in_o the_o event_n of_o this_o day_n which_o shall_v not_o more_o strengthen_v then_o shake_v and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v still_o own_o the_o same_o interest_n according_a to_o his_o faithfulness_n which_o be_v here_o brief_o point_v at_o upon_o some_o special_a inquiry_n propose_v about_o the_o same_o section_n i._n qu._n what_o can_v afford_v both_o light_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o we_o see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n about_o his_o church_n to_o be_v most_o remarkable_o now_o a_o work_n of_o judgement_n with_o such_o dark_a and_o search_a trial_n therewith_o as_o former_a time_n have_v not_o know_v answ_n it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v have_v be_v too_o evident_o look_v for_o and_o that_o we_o can_v pretend_v no_o want_n of_o light_n herein_o upon_o these_o ground_n i._o that_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o talon_n of_o light_n &_o when_o this_o have_v be_v in_o some_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la way_n dispense_v that_o some_o remarkable_o search_v time_n may_v be_v expect_v to_o follow_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v now_o strange_a to_o we_o that_o such_o thing_n fall_v in_o with_o this_o day_n which_o do_v not_o meet_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o the_o reformation_n who_o then_o have_v not_o so_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o confirmation_n therein_o which_o have_v be_v since_o ii_o that_o some_o unusual_a trial_n and_o conflict_n in_o the_o lord_n usual_a method_n of_o providence_n shall_v be_v suit_v also_o to_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o work_n which_o he_o be_v bring_v forth_o may_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n and_o to_o see_v a_o time_n of_o such_o sore_a wrestle_n as_o this_o when_o all_o thing_n seem_v to_o cry_v be_v in_o pain_n as_o micah_n 4_o 20._o yea_o when_o some_o great_a event_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o near_o to_o its_o full_a height_n and_o period_n of_o accomplishment_n as_o we_o have_v safe_a ground_n for_o assurance_n of_o this_o â—ay_n iii_o nor_n have_v this_o sad_a and_o dismal_a hour_n on_o the_o church_n be_v more_o obvious_a than_o the_o provoke_a cause_n hereof_o in_o which_o the_o holy_a righteousness_n of_o god_n may_v be_v no_o less_o clear_a than_o the_o cloud_n now_o be_v dark_a when_o such_o a_o visible_a fall_n of_o have_v be_v from_o that_o love_n tenderness_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v former_o attend_v its_o profession_n as_o for_o these_o many_o year_n past_a we_o may_v have_v see_v that_o some_o sore_a and_o remarkable_a judgement_n be_v come_v and_o that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n undo_v we_o be_v under_o some_o sad_a strike_v of_o spiritual_a judgement_n ready_a to_o be_v undo_v iu._n yea_o it_o have_v be_v too_o visible_a that_o such_o evil_n follow_v the_o reform_a church_n as_o in_o no_o time_n it_o be_v ever_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v pass_v such_o by_o without_o some_o signal_n evidence_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o the_o same_o before_o the_o world_n v._o we_o know_v that_o carnal_a confidence_n have_v a_o curse_n ever_o wait_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o none_o can_v take_v of_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 human_a prop_n &_o support_v as_o we_o have_v forâ—ot_v the_o guide_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o convenant_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 with_o little_a sense_n as_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v more_o to_o recover_v his_o truth_n than_o all_o human_a might_n or_o power_n ever_o 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 &_o unusual_a a_o tide_n now_o be_v against_o the_o same_o answ_n 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 its_o 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 sist_v under_o such_o a_o call_n as_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v deut._n 4_o 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 gentil_n church_n by_o the_o gospel_n whither_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 oustretched_a 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_n 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 noncelse_a beside_o he_o yea_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 strike_v and_o ruin_v 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 human_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 1621._o and_o 1560._o such_o famous_a plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v settle_v in_o a_o church_n 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 human_a sense_n after_o this_o great_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v iii_o how_o extraordinare_a a_o call_n and_o excitment_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 indument_n then_o for_o building_n of_o the_o church_n as_o 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 pur_fw-mi 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 innumberable_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 &_o beauty_n of_o the_o same_o then_o be_v now_o in_o these_o time_n vi_o that_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 h._n 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 upmaking_n viii_o we_o have_v see_v not_o only_o these_o 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 be_v ever_o find_v how_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 these_o who_o with_o the_o great_a assurance_n have_v most_o resoluty_n 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 lucrative_a interest_n or_o external_a motive_n for_o the_o same_o x._o we_o have_v see_v something_o not_o only_o extraordinare_a but_o even_o miraculous_a in_o the_o joy_n and_o resolution_n of_o innumberable_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 human_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 ii_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 notour_n 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 incitment_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o as_o tertullien_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 how_o no_o human_a power_n can_v yet_o ever_o undo_v this_o bless_a interest_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 to_o a_o further_o establish_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n there_o as_o though_o such_o have_v intentional_o act_v for_o the_o same_o when_o if_o second_o cause_n have_v bring_v forth_o their_o ordinare_fw-la effect_n it_o may_v have_v be_v judge_v impossible_a to_o fail_v xiii_o we_o have_v see_v that_o issue_n of_o the_o whole_a counsel_n expense_n and_o cruelty_n of_o philip_n the_o ii_o of_o spain_n to_o bear_v down_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o netherlands_o which_o be_v to_o the_o further_a settle_v of_o this_o illustrious_a state_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o yea_o how_o their_o conspicuous_a rise_n and_o flourish_a even_o in_o the_o external_o and_o their_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n do_v most_o visible_o keep_v together_o fourteen_o we_o know_v that_o deludge_n of_o blood_n which_o so_o quick_o follow_v the_o french_a massacre_n and_o the_o most_o dismal_a time_n which_o ever_o that_o nation_n know_v do_v then_o visible_o contemporate_a with_o such_o a_o time_n of_o their_o great_a rage_n and_o persecution_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o event_n of_o the_o three_o vial_n most_o clear_o fulfil_v herein_o revel_v 16_o 5_o 6._o thou_o be_v righteous_a o_o lord_n which_o art_n
time_n be_v clear_o show_v ii_o that_o we_o may_v now_o with_o some_o clear_a evidence_n judge_v and_o have_v our_o faith_n persuade_v hereof_o that_o the_o church_n interest_n be_v upon_o the_o rise_a hand_n and_o on_o a_o present_a advance_v though_o nothing_o will_v seem_v more_o contradictory_n than_o all_o visible_a ground_n now_o be_v since_o this_o can_v sail_v john_n 3_o 30._o that_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o earth_n must_v increase_v yea_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o clear_o point_v forth_o antichrist_n ruin_n and_o progress_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o douncasting_a with_o resemblance_n to_o that_o great_a judgement_n on_o pharaoh_n as_o a_o evident_a type_n hereof_o in_o the_o same_o judicial_a strock_n of_o induration_n on_o both_o and_o gradual_a progress_n herein_o by_o one_o plague_n after_o another_o until_o the_o last_o and_o great_a assault_n as_o be_v then_o at_o the_o red-sea_n have_v the_o same_o effect_n for_o a_o more_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o great_a step_n of_o judgement_n and_o victory_n over_o this_o adversary_n when_o not_o only_o the_o song_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o the_o lamb_n also_o shall_v be_v then_o sing_v rev._n 15_o 3._o as_o import_v something_o more_o glorious_a and_o a_o great_a brightness_n to_o be_v put_v on_o this_o illustrious_a act_n of_o divine_a judgement_n reserve_v to_o these_o last_o time_n when_o a_o more_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v see_v then_o in_o any_o former_a delivery_n of_o his_o church_n iii_o it_o be_v no_o conjectural_a thing_n but_o what_o by_o a_o clear_a scripture_n conduct_v we_o may_v see_v that_o this_o time_n of_o the_o church_n now_o under_o so_o notable_a a_o crisis_n in_o her_o case_n be_v evident_o fall_v under_o that_o remarkable_a assault_n and_o conflict_n with_o that_o adversary_n before_o the_o accomplish_n of_o that_o vial_n on_o his_o seat_n and_o throne_n as_o we_o may_v see_v revel_n 17_o 13_o 14._o that_o when_o so_o conspicuous_a a_o step_n of_o the_o church_n victory_n be_v near_o the_o opposition_n thereto_o also_o will_v be_v in_o some_o high_a degree_n proportionable_a to_o the_o same_o when_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o such_o who_o shall_v receive_v power_n as_o king_n one_o hour_n with_o the_o beast_n shall_v have_v one_o mind_n and_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n thereto_o and_o shall_v make_v war_n with_o the_o lamb_n but_o the_o lamb_n shall_v overcome_v they_o for_o he_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v it_o find_v through_o the_o scripture_n where_o any_o great_a thing_n the_o lord_n have_v do_v for_o his_o church_n but_o some_o unusual_a darkness_n and_o sore_a wrestle_n have_v still_o go_v before_o and_o shall_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o stagger_v to_o our_o faith_n whatever_o be_v of_o present_a fear_n to_o see_v so_o dismal_a a_o time_n of_o trial_n as_o now_o be_v and_o amaze_a height_n of_o trouble_n beyond_o what_o former_a time_n have_v know_v when_o one_o of_o the_o great_a event_n of_o providence_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o reveal_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n until_o his_o second_o come_v be_v assure_o near_a in_o the_o fall_n and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n iv_o we_o have_v clear_a ground_n also_o to_o judge_v that_o so_o great_a a_o eclipse_n as_o seem_v almost_o universal_o over_o the_o state_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v no_o go_v down_o of_o the_o sun_n thereon_o whatever_o do_v befall_v the_o most_o famous_a eastern_a church_n to_o a_o utter_a dissipation_n thereof_o if_o these_o different_a periode_n of_o time_n be_v just_o consider_v how_o their_o sunset_a do_v then_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o entry_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o with_o that_o long_a and_o dismal_a night_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v whilst_o now_o this_o hour_n of_o trial_n on_o the_o church_n do_v meet_v in_o that_o bless_a period_n of_o antichrist_n begin_v fall_v and_o of_o a_o grow_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o the_o scripture_n so_o clear_o warrant_n our_o faith_n herein_o that_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o plant_v and_o not_o cut_v of_o but_o to_o bring_v forward_o that_o interest_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o sound_n of_o which_o the_o mediator_n have_v so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n in_o these_o last_o time_n v._o it_o be_v sure_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o evening_n and_o extremity_n of_o time_n when_o the_o motion_n of_o providence_n may_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v more_o quick_a and_o speady_a as_o be_v so_o near_o the_o centre_n and_o to_o the_o last_o epocha_n and_o period_n of_o all_o prophetic_a chronology_n wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n shall_v most_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o and_o these_o scripture_n truth_n which_o be_v former_o dark_a &_o abstruse_a with_o that_o evidence_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o event_n as_o shall_v cause_v man_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o former_a thought_n and_o stumbling_n thereat_o and_o here_o i_o must_v say_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sight_n now_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o its_o complex_fw-la frame_n and_o state_n in_o so_o different_a a_o mould_n cast_v from_o any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n else_o and_o such_o a_o compound_n of_o a_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a monarchy_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v so_o solemn_a and_o undeniable_a a_o seal_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o its_o strange_a why_o this_o be_v not_o improven_v more_o against_o the_o atheism_n of_o this_o time_n that_o such_o a_o visible_a event_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o in_o be_v which_o be_v so_o clear_o fortolde_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1500._o year_n ago_o with_o its_o proper_a circumstance_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o antichristian_a state_n with_o its_o rise_n growth_n &_o duration_n as_o be_v to_o admiration_n still_o evident_a to_o the_o world_n when_o not_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o appearance_n of_o so_o strange_a future_a emergency_n be_v to_o be_v see_v or_o can_v have_v enter_v in_o man_n thought_n to_o show_v it_o only_o can_v be_v reveal_v to_o the_o church_n by_o he_o to_o who_o all_o his_o work_n be_v know_v from_o the_o beginning_n this_o i_o have_v look_v on_o as_o such_o a_o confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o no_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n can_v have_v more_o evidence_n for_o the_o same_o yea_o if_o such_o a_o party_n be_v not_o in_o be_v both_o what_o it_o now_o be_v and_o in_o former_a age_n have_v be_v it_o may_v in_o another_o manner_n stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o a_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o its_o most_o formidable_a appearance_n this_o day_n can_v do_v vi_o i_o shall_v but_o add_v here_o that_o we_o know_v and_o be_v sure_a the_o lord_n have_v reserve_v his_o great_a work_n to_o these_o latter_a day_n wherein_o his_o judgement_n shall_v be_v manifest_a and_o that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n before_o the_o close_a of_o time_n shall_v be_v conspicuous_a in_o the_o fall_n of_o antichrist_n on_o who_o ruin_n that_o glorious_a house_n which_o christ_n be_v yet_o to_o have_v for_o himself_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v be_v prepare_v and_o build_v up_o and_o though_o this_o great_a eclipse_n of_o antichristian_a darkness_n shall_v yet_o more_o prevail_v even_o over_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n and_o ireland_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o rome_n fatal_a period_n be_v near_o but_o to_o look_v hereon_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o vltimus_fw-la conatus_fw-la of_o that_o wound_a adversary_n which_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o issue_n to_o have_v the_o most_o immediate_a connexion_n with_o his_o great_a downfall_n and_o the_o revive_a glory_n of_o the_o church_n for_o strong_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n who_o judge_v she_o section_n iu._n qu._n what_o be_v special_o call_v for_o in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o as_o be_v accountable_a for_o so_o great_a a_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n answ_n if_o this_o be_v suitable_o take_v to_o heart_n we_o can_v not_o but_o reckon_v ourselves_o under_o the_o great_a excitment_n and_o call_v to_o such_o a_o improvement_n hereof_o i._o that_o we_o account_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o have_v a_o faith_n for_o quiet_v our_o own_o spirit_n but_o how_o to_o confirm_v other_o by_o put_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o the_o great_a assurance_n
be_v now_o call_v to_o and_o accountable_a for_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o who_o be_v under_o so_o great_a a_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o same_o pag._n 99_o finis_fw-la a_o idea_n of_o the_o confirm_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o dismal_a and_o shake_a time_n though_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o christian_n establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o alike_o to_o all_o but_o must_v have_v respect_n to_o the_o different_a trial_n talon_n &_o improvement_n of_o such_o for_o this_o end_n yet_o may_v it_o be_v cause_n of_o astonishment_n how_o rare_a any_o study_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v now_o to_o be_v sound_n when_o it_o be_v not_o only_a one_o of_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o christianity_n but_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n call_v for_o as_o the_o work_n of_o this_o day_n yea_o that_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o seem_v least_a improven_v of_o any_o for_o the_o more_o general_a state_n of_o professor_n within_o the_o church_n under_o some_o conviction_n hereof_o be_v this_o essay_n design_v where_o with_o humble_a confidence_n i_o may_v say_v the_o truth_n have_v be_v seek_v with_o that_o serious_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n hold_v forth_o as_o i_o judge_v needful_a for_o such_o who_o have_v so_o great_a one_fw-mi interest_n &_o venture_v not_o only_o through_o time_n but_o for_o all_o eternity_n to_o support_v upon_o the_o alone_a certainty_n hereof_o &_o oer_o these_o day_n of_o trial_n which_o we_o now_o see_v pass_v over_o this_o generation_n it_o may_v be_v find_v this_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o without_o cause_n direct_v to_o such_o a_o time_n if_o the_o lord_n gracious_o bless_v the_o same_o nor_o will_v it_o i_o hope_v be_v find_v incongruous_a &_o without_o use_n to_o present_v yet_o further_o in_o such_o a_o method_n &_o way_n of_o example_n some_o clear_a prospect_n of_o a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n &_o what_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v who_o with_o light_n &_o assurance_n of_o mind_n will_v follow_v the_o lord_n full_o in_o such_o a_o day_n as_o be_v here_o offer_v in_o a_o 7_o fold_v character_n under_o which_o a_o true_o confirm_v christian_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o profession_n may_v be_v state_v character_n i._o that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o have_v one_fw-mi other_o sense_n &_o impression_n of_o this_o great_a study_n for_o attain_v to_o a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n &_o be_v on_o high_a ground_n press_v to_o follow_v the_o same_o than_o what_o most_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n seem_v to_o apprehend_v &_o shall_v be_v thus_o consider_v 1._o as_o one_o to_o who_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n dear_a &_o to_o have_v the_o world_n see_v that_o such_o as_o embrace_v the_o same_o &_o do_v most_o full_o adventure_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v these_o also_o who_o walk_v on_o the_o high_a principle_n of_o true_a &_o enlighten_v reason_n yea_o who_o take_v deep_o to_o heart_n that_o obligation_n which_o be_v on_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o advance_v the_o repute_n &_o honour_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v in_o such_o term_n therewith_o upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n as_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o serve_v a_o rational_a conviction_n both_o on_o atheist_n &_o insidel_n if_o call_v thereunto_o 2._o who_o see_v also_o how_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o fall_a man_n as_o stands_z in_o need_n of_o all_o the_o contribution_n that_o can_v be_v not_o only_o to_o strengthen_v the_o christian_n faith_n and_o bear_v out_o against_o the_o strong_a assault_n of_o infidelity_n but_o to_o gain_v also_o more_o credit_n and_o veneration_n to_o the_o truth_n with_o these_o who_o be_v not_o easy_o deal_v with_o but_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o bear_v some_o congruity_n to_o their_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n for_o which_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v afford_v these_o ministerial_a help_n to_o render_v the_o misbelief_n of_o the_o world_n or_o any_o pretence_n of_o hesitation_n about_o his_o truth_n more_o full_o inexcusable_a 3._o he_o thus_o see_v how_o the_o most_o important_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o christianity_n needs_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n &_o for_o these_o who_o enter_v in_o so_o high_a &_o discriminate_v a_o profession_n from_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n to_o know_v in_o what_o manner_n they_o embrace_v the_o same_o yea_o that_o the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n do_v absolute_o require_v to_o have_v the_o foundation_n sure_o lay_v on_o which_o so_o great_a a_o superstructure_n must_v rest_v so_o as_o he_o judge_v it_o a_o work_n by_o its_o self_n and_o to_o need_v some_o peculiar_a retire_v his_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o serious_a recess_n and_o composure_n thereof_o to_o attain_v a_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o own_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o know_v the_o strong_a and_o firm_a convoyance_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o needs_o no_o pawn_v of_o a_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o but_o he_o know_v here_o that_o no_o sharpness_n of_o man_n natural_a understanding_n about_o the_o truth_n can_v ever_o attain_v a_o true_a rest_n and_o settlement_n of_o mind_n therein_o without_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a spirit_n stoop_v down_o before_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o enter_v as_o little_a child_n into_o his_o school_n yea_o that_o by_o humble_a practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v one_fw-mi undoubted_a come_n up_o to_o the_o great_a assurance_n and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o same_o as_o joh._n 7_o 17._o 4._o he_o know_v that_o as_o nothing_o tend_v more_o to_o shake_v man_n spirit_n and_o stagger_v they_o about_o the_o truth_n than_o a_o light_n and_o transient_a view_n hereof_o so_o do_v the_o great_a establishment_n follow_v on_o the_o near_a approach_n by_o a_o deep_a and_o serious_a enquiry_n about_o the_o same_o and_o thus_o clear_o see_v that_o if_o such_o who_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n on_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n do_v but_o once_o come_v that_o length_n of_o trial_n as_o to_o have_v their_o spirit_n separat_fw-la by_o a_o more_o serious_a reflection_n thereon_o the_o first_o view_n they_o shall_v have_v can_v not_o but_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o amazement_n to_o think_v what_o can_v determine_v and_o support_v in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o way_n as_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v so_o visible_o above_o nature_n and_o wherein_o they_o must_v do_v violence_n to_o the_o same_o where_o they_o must_v part_v with_o the_o multitude_n and_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o strong_a tide_n of_o exemple_n and_o must_v endure_v also_o in_o hope_n and_o believe_v for_o thing_n not_o see_v which_o be_v never_o the_o object_n of_o humane_a sense_n to_o any_o in_o this_o earth_n and_o be_v oft_o call_v to_o part_v with_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n of_o sense_n upon_o the_o alone_a credit_n of_o their_o faith_n yea_o where_o they_o must_v enter_v in_o that_o profession_n on_o no_o other_o term_n then_o to_o be_v martyr_n for_o the_o same_o and_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n so_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o see_v a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o great_a riddle_n and_o wonder_v of_o any_o sight_n within_o time_n but_o when_o such_o come_v more_o close_a and_o near_o upon_o this_o trial_n and_o have_v once_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o greatness_n of_o that_o security_n which_o these_o have_v to_o adventure_v on_o yea_o what_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o the_o sure_a spring_n of_o their_o supply_n for_o their_o work_n and_o trial_n within_o time_n then_o will_v this_o second_o wonder_n unspeakable_o exceed_v the_o first_o how_o its_o possible_a that_o such_o be_v not_o of_o a_o more_o 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hear_v nor_o have_v our_o father_n faithful_o transmitt_v to_o we_o the_o wondrous_a work_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v in_o their_o time_n 3._o he_o be_v thus_o also_o teach_v to_o see_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o demonstrative_a cause_n of_o the_o most_o strange_a judgement_n on_o the_o church_n to_o be_v as_o clear_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o event_n and_o though_o the_o holy_a god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a be_v not_o alike_o quick_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o word_n yet_o do_v he_o ever_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o most_o opportune_a season_n and_o as_o judgement_n defer_v be_v no_o acquittance_n so_o do_v it_o more_o threaten_v its_o be_v the_o great_a when_o it_o come_v than_o a_o quick_a and_o present_a dispatch_n yea_o though_o this_o tempest_n which_o now_o blow_v on_o the_o chruche_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o the_o darkness_n be_v such_o as_o no_o moon_n or_o star_n may_v for_o many_o day_n yet_o appear_v of_o any_o visible_a sign_n of_o hope_n yet_o be_v his_o soul_n thus_o at_o rest_n whilst_o he_o can_v see_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n clear_v on_o which_o he_o have_v more_o in_o dependence_n then_o any_o adventure_n within_o time_n and_o do_v rejoice_v whatever_o miscarry_v may_v be_v of_o inferior_a end_n that_o this_o great_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v secure_v herein_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n do_v shine_v forth_o in_o the_o most_o strange_a and_o amaze_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n whereat_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v when_o they_o do_v not_o wise_o consider_v the_o same_o 4._o he_o see_v now_o likewise_o so_o high_a a_o value_n which_o the_o lord_n put_v on_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n and_o that_o the_o great_a dispensation_n whereby_o he_o deal_v with_o man_n be_v by_o trust_n and_o on_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o word_n as_o it_o add_v further_a to_o his_o confirmation_n to_o see_v all_o human_a and_o visible_a refuge_n oft_o take_v out_o of_o his_o church_n sight_n yea_o his_o great_a work_n in_o the_o earth_n make_v the_o great_a delay_n ere_fw-we they_o be_v bring_v forth_o &_o his_o church_n case_n put_v so_o far_o beyond_o help_n before_o a_o cure_n as_o the_o first_o quicken_n of_o her_o crush_a and_o almost_o dead_a hope_n must_v be_v at_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o he_o be_v thus_o herein_o more_o singular_o strenthn_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n speak_v the_o same_o in_o the_o way_n of_o providence_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n not_o by_o might_n nor_o by_o power_n that_o he_o do_v with_o unspeakable_a advantage_n supply_v and_o fill_v the_o room_n thereof_o by_o the_o next_o word_n but_o by_o my_o spirit_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o in_o this_o day_n shall_v with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v both_o seek_v and_o look_v after_o 5._o it_o be_v in_o this_o rare_a study_n he_o attain_v also_o the_o great_a confirmation_n to_o his_o faith_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v desire_v within_o time_n to_o see_v now_o when_o it_o be_v so_o near_a the_o close_a thereof_o and_o after_o all_o the_o revolution_n of_o time_n past_a how_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n have_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o strength_n still_o keep_v its_o way_n straight_o and_o fix_v amid_o all_o these_o dark_a cloud_n which_o have_v be_v to_o darken_v the_o same_o and_o be_v now_o go_v its_o course_n until_o it_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a day_n yea_o thus_o to_o see_v how_o signal_o this_o present_a age_n be_v sist_v upon_o that_o same_o appeal_n and_o solemn_a testimony_n which_o as_o josua_n give_v josh._n 23_o 14._o that_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n speak_v concern_v you_o all_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v to_o you_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n have_v fail_v thereof_o and_o solomon_n do_v bear_v also_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n 1_o king_n 8_o v._n 56._o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v give_v rest_n unto_o his_o people_n israel_n according_a to_o all_o that_o he_o promise_v there_o have_v not_o fail_v one_o word_n of_o all_o his_o good_a promise_n which_o he_o promise_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n so_o be_v this_o now_o that_o great_a testimony_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o the_o high_a tribute_n of_o praise_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v give_v by_o man_n that_o this_o present_a generation_n stand_v accountable_a to_o make_v the_o same_o yea_o much_o great_a appeal_n to_o the_o world_n if_o they_o can_v instance_n one_o promise_n or_o prediction_n of_o that_o sacred_a record_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o fail_v or_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o may_v be_v this_o 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be_v thus_o also_o state_v as_o one_o who_o have_v not_o only_o attain_v a_o solid_a rest_n and_o settlment_n of_o mind_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o do_v know_v the_o pure_a genuine_a truth_n of_o christianity_n amid_o such_o high_a opposition_n betwixt_o the_o romish_a and_o reform_a church_n herein_o and_o in_o the_o 1_o place_n have_v in_o this_o manner_n sist_v himself_o upon_o such_o a_o trial_n i_o as_o one_o who_o know_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o save_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n to_o which_o god_n have_v annex_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o can_v never_o be_v divide_v against_o itself_o 2._o who_o know_v that_o within_o a_o little_a his_o religion_n will_v be_v try_v in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n where_o each_o must_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n 3._o as_o such_o who_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a indifference_n in_o the_o exterior_a profession_n of_o either_o way_n but_o that_o so_o high_a a_o contrariety_n of_o principle_n be_v in_o this_o opposition_n that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v sure_a antichristianisme_n must_v be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n 4._o yea_o who_o have_v in_o that_o abstract_n manner_n seek_v to_o state_n the_o case_n herein_o with_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o be_v come_v out_o of_o paganism_n to_o give_v a_o serious_a assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o thus_o press_v to_o join_v in_o with_o that_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v most_o exact_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o in_o the_o genuine_a and_o perspicuous_a sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o have_v seek_v to_o know_v how_o he_o can_v embrace_v the_o popish_a creed_n and_o adventure_v his_o eternal_a state_n thereon_o or_o can_v extinguish_v his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n will_v ever_o impose_v such_o a_o faith_n upon_o man_n as_o this_o be_v ay_o where_o he_o must_v abandon_v these_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n in_o the_o most_o necessare_fw-la use_n thereof_o which_o god_n have_v himself_o plant_v in_o man_n soul_n so_o as_o not_o to_o trust_v his_o own_o eye_n but_o other_o in_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o eternal_a state_n and_o with_o his_o own_o consent_n be_v shut_v out_o from_o all_o proper_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o religion_n yea_o account_v a_o blind_a and_o unlimited_a obedience_n to_o man_n among_o the_o high_a excellency_n of_o say_v 2._o where_o he_o must_v at_o once_o believe_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v not_o only_o