adversary_n we_o may_v also_o on_o clear_a scripture_n ground_n conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v now_o awake_v as_o a_o mighty_a man_n and_o upon_o the_o field_n yea_o that_o the_o war_n be_v sure_o begin_v against_o antichrist_n and_o all_o the_o adversary_n of_o his_o church_n which_o shall_v not_o cease_v until_o the_o full_a victory_n be_v obtain_v for_o indeed_o these_o providence_n which_o in_o these_o last_o time_n shall_v be_v very_o affright_v and_o terrible_a when_o we_o go_v in_o to_o the_o word_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o have_v a_o comfortable_a aspect_n on_o the_o church_n and_o do_v presage_v her_o great_a enlargement_n which_o as_o the_o tender_a bud_n and_o leaf_n of_o the_o fig_n tree_n be_v put_v forth_o to_o show_v the_o summer_n approach_n luc._n 21_o ver_fw-la 28._o it_o be_v true_a the_o church_n be_v now_o low_a and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n meet_v with_o very_o sad_a interruption_n which_o be_v needful_a both_o for_o trial_n and_o rebuke_v but_o this_o also_o be_v sure_o which_o none_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v eminent_o appear_v and_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o his_o church_n yea_o we_o must_v say_v he_o have_v by_o a_o confluence_n of_o very_a remarkable_a providence_n thus_o condescend_v to_o strengthen_v his_o people_n hand_n to_o confirm_v such_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v even_o as_o it_o be_v by_o cruche_n anent_o the_o greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v yet_o promise_v now_o to_o clear_v this_o truth_n a_o little_a we_o will_v consider_v first_o how_o it_o be_v very_a consonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o express_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o same_o that_o in_o the_o last_o time_n and_o turn_v of_o the_o church_n case_n from_o antichrist_n the_o lord_n will_v thus_o appear_v in_o his_o great_a strength_n and_o set_v up_o his_o standard_n against_o his_o adversary_n yea_o will_v then_o in_o a_o special_a way_n call_v forth_o his_o people_n to_o glorify_v he_o by_o a_o active_a testimony_n 2._o that_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o begin_v to_o appear_v according_a to_o his_o word_n be_v a_o truth_n that_o be_v also_o undeniable_a &_o shall_v much_o help_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n anent_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o further_o remain_v of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o that_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o word_n may_v be_v thus_o clear_a first_o though_o the_o church_n militant_a must_v not_o want_v a_o adversary_n and_o some_o persecution_n from_o the_o world_n even_o in_o her_o best_a estate_n yet_o we_o have_v a_o safe_a warrant_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v glorify_v himself_o in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n in_o his_o people_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n by_o do_v and_o act_v for_o the_o truth_n as_o in_o former_a age_n his_o glory_n do_v most_o appear_v dnre_v antichrist_n reign_v in_o his_o church_n suffering_n for_o then_o the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o his_o saint_n be_v to_o be_v witness_v in_o its_o season_n rev._n 13_o ver_fw-la 10._o and_o thus_o he_o will_v serve_v himself_o of_o his_o people_n and_o bring_v forth_o his_o glory_n until_o that_o time_n of_o retribution_n when_o these_o who_o have_v kill_v with_o the_o sword_n shall_v be_v kill_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o these_o who_o lead_v unto_o captivity_n be_v so_o deal_v with_o which_o do_v also_o clear_o promise_v some_o special_a outletting_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o act_v with_o these_o gift_n of_o courage_n and_o resolution_n suitable_a to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o true_o i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o great_a want_n we_o study_v not_o more_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o how_o to_o improve_v the_o same_o for_o gift_n as_o well_o as_o grace_v in_o order_n to_o the_o several_a time_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o clear_a from_o the_o scripture_n that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n when_o christ_n be_v to_o raise_v his_o church_n from_o under_o the_o power_n and_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n he_o shall_v then_o appear_v in_o a_o warlike_a posture_n which_o john_n have_v show_v to_o he_o rev._n 19_o v._n 13_o 14._o as_o one_o upon_o the_o head_n of_o his_o force_n with_o his_o vesture_n dip_v in_o blood_n to_o show_v that_o when_o once_o the_o war_n be_v begin_v against_o his_o adversary_n and_o this_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n begin_v to_o rouse_v himself_o up_o what_o a_o terrible_a appearance_n he_o will_v have_v in_o that_o undertake_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o lord_n have_v declare_v in_o this_o his_o counsel_n and_o will_v that_o his_o son_n christ_n shall_v in_o the_o latter_a time_n take_v unto_o himself_o his_o great_a power_n and_o reign_v rev._n 11_o ver_fw-la 17._o yea_o cause_n the_o world_n know_v he_o to_o be_v head_n of_o principalitye_n and_o power_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o church_n for_o his_o glory_n in_o this_o truth_n as_o a_o king_n which_o former_a age_n seem_v in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n to_o darken_v must_v then_o clear_o shine_v forth_o i_o true_o think_v man_n appear_v with_o such_o violence_n and_o rage_n against_o so_o concern_v a_o truth_n now_o in_o these_o day_n do_v promise_v some_o eminent_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n therein_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v yet_o more_o solemn_o assert_v the_o same_o before_o the_o world_n 3._o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n point_n at_o the_o last_o time_n as_o that_o special_a time_n of_o recompense_n for_o the_o controversy_n of_o zion_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v reserve_v a_o solemn_a triumph_n of_o his_o justice_n over_o all_o his_o church_n enemy_n when_o he_o shall_v inquire_v for_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o saint_n shed_v upon_o the_o earth_n since_o the_o day_n of_o abel_n at_o babylon_n hand_n revelat._n 18_o ver_fw-la 24._o that_o great_a adversary_n who_o stand_v in_o law_n guilty_a and_o have_v serve_v herself_o heir_n to_o all_o the_o violence_n &_o cruelty_n do_v in_o former_a age_n for_o in_o her_o hand_n must_v that_o cup_n be_v find_v full_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o beginning_n have_v be_v fill_v up_o and_o as_o so_o many_o river_n and_o fountain_n have_v run_v unto_o this_o great_a sea_n 4._o it_o be_v also_o clear_a that_o in_o the_o last_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v bind_v up_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o people_n and_o heal_v the_o stroke_n of_o their_o wound_n who_o for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n have_v be_v trample_v under_o by_o antichrist_n he_o shall_v by_o some_o signal_n providence_n roll_v away_o this_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n of_o meanne_n contempt_n and_o persecution_n shall_v put_v some_o glory_n on_o his_o church_n proportionable_a to_o its_o former_a abasement_n yea_o thus_o comfort_v she_o according_a to_o the_o day_n wherein_o he_o have_v afflict_v she_o and_o cause_v his_o people_n uprising_n in_o measure_n and_o kind_a to_o answer_v their_o low_a and_o suffer_a state_n from_o antichrist_n even_o in_o the_o last_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v they_o appear_v with_o the_o face_n of_o a_o lion_n when_o the_o feeble_a shall_v be_v as_o david_n and_o as_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n zach._n 12_o ver_fw-la 8._o which_o promise_n do_v clear_o point_v at_o the_o church_n raise_v and_o delivery_n from_o antichrist_n upon_o the_o back_n whereof_o we_o find_v the_o prophet_n do_v foretell_v the_o last_o conversion_n and_o incom_v of_o israel_n 5._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v what_o the_o scripture_n do_v most_o express_o show_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v so_o glorious_o appear_v in_o bring_v his_o church_n out_o of_o babylon_n and_o execute_v his_o judgement_n on_o that_o adversary_n as_o in_o the_o day_n when_o he_o bring_v his_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o therefore_o shall_v they_o sing_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o lamb_n rev._n 15_o ver_fw-la 3._o his_o great_a power_n and_o outstretch_a hand_n be_v no_o less_o discernible_a therein_o then_o if_o they_o have_v be_v stand_v with_o israel_n at_o the_o red_a sea_n when_o they_o see_v their_o enemy_n lie_v dead_a upon_o the_o shore_n yea_o have_v we_o not_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v himself_o very_o evident_o know_v in_o raise_v instrument_n and_o act_v they_o forth_o which_o have_v be_v already_o see_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o world_n must_v confess_v what_o great_a thing_n have_v be_v do_v by_o these_o of_o who_o little_o be_v expect_v iii_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o begin_v to_o appear_v and_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o the_o world_n in_o these_o last_o age_n according_a to_o his_o word_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o easy_a to_o demonstrat_fw-la for_o 1._o be_v it_o not_o clear_v how_o in_o these_o last_o time_n he_o have_v meet_v his_o enemy_n upon_o their_o high_a place_n
true_o this_o be_v oft_o see_v as_o a_o usual_a attendant_n on_o reformation_n how_o unsuperable_a like_a difficultye_n and_o unexpected_a let_n do_v grow_v up_o in_o the_o way_n thereof_o thus_o â—hen_o luther_n and_o other_o instrument_n be_v raise_v up_o in_o germany_n to_o pursue_v the_o church_n reformation_n what_o cruel_a edict_n be_v then_o set_v forth_o to_o give_v it_o a_o dash_n division_n among_o themselves_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o the_o boor_n and_o anabaptist_n what_o a_o pure_a and_o through_o reformation_n be_v on_o foot_n under_o edward_n the_o six_o in_o england_n &_o what_o a_o dreadful_a storm_n do_v quick_o break_v it_o up_o for_o that_o time_n and_o i_o wouldadde_a what_o the_o present_a case_n of_o the_o church_n in_o britain_n and_o ireland_n may_v at_o this_o day_n witness_n where_o once_o the_o lord_n so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o a_o begin_v reformation_n which_o now_o be_v at_o so_o great_a a_o stand_n but_o let_v we_o go_v in_o to_o the_o scripture_n with_o this_o and_o we_o will_v find_v 1._o there_o be_v a_o vive_a portraiture_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n hold_v forth_o in_o that_o vision_n which_o ezekiel_n have_v of_o the_o wheel_n at_o the_o river_n chebar_v who_o mysterious_a motion_n and_o turn_n so_o cross_v one_o to_o the_o other_o without_o any_o discord_n therein_o as_o to_o the_o end_n to_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v do_v witness_v the_o rational_a and_o wise_a conduct_n of_o providence_n the_o lord_n work_v about_o his_o church_n be_v a_o most_o shadow_a and_o elaborat_a piece_n which_o man_n cannotsee_v before_o their_o eye_n as_o they_o see_v behind_o upon_o a_o review_n while_o ordinary_a cause_n do_v oft_o vary_v in_o their_o operation_n yea_o go_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n yet_o the_o scripture_n will_v make_v this_o very_a plain_n 2._o be_v not_o nehemiah_n ezra_n and_o zerobabel_n at_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n and_o have_v a_o express_a call_n for_o build_v of_o the_o temple_n yet_o how_o great_a and_o frequent_v interruptious_a do_v they_o find_v sometime_o environ_v with_o difficulty_n zach._n 4_o ver_fw-la 7._o who_o be_v thou_o great_a mountain_n before_o zerobahel_n yea_o they_o be_v put_v to_o hold_v the_o sword_n and_o build_v to_o watch_v and_o work_v at_o once_o because_o of_o their_o enemy_n 3._o what_o a_o very_a sore_a backset_n be_v the_o church_n at_o hab._n 3._o revive_v they_o work_v o_o lord_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o year_n this_o be_v both_o a_o great_a and_o long_a interruption_n yea_o do_v we_o not_o find_v she_o almost_o at_o a_o non_fw-la plus_fw-la with_o a_o queree_n which_o no_o visible_a appearance_n can_v answer_v by_o who_o shall_v jacob_n arise_v for_o he_o be_v smell_v 4._o we_o find_v a_o special_a reformation_n set_v on_o foot_n by_o hezekiah_n with_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n by_o the_o prince_n priest_n and_o body_n of_o the_o people_n with_o a_o set_n up_o of_o the_o pure_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o lo_o a_o sharp_a storm_n be_v soon_o after_o by_o sennacherib_n yeaâ—_n hezekiah_n scarce_o be_v in_o his_o grave_n when_o his_o son_n do_v bring_v in_o corruption_n and_o persecution_n both_o at_o once_o yea_o when_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o flourish_v success_n follow_v the_o gospel_n do_v not_o a_o sad_a interruption_n and_o scatter_v follow_v act_n 8._o 5._o this_o be_v promise_v that_o zions_n wall_n shall_v even_o in_o troublsome_a time_n be_v build_v and_o her_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o heap_n of_o rubbish_n be_v but_o make_v way_n for_o a_o further_o advance_v that_o in_o the_o build_n of_o she_o again_o the_o lord_n may_v appear_v in_o his_o glory_n and_o be_v it_o not_o clear_a that_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o power_n thereof_o to_o purge_v his_o church_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o reformation_n mal._n 3._o ver_fw-la 2._o prove_v a_o search_a and_o try_v time_n which_o man_n can_v endure_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o sin_n and_o other_o shake_a dispensation_n which_o do_v usual_o attend_v such_o time_n and_o torment_v they_o who_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n yea_o and_o put_v the_o devil_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n aloft_o with_o all_o rage_n to_o oppose_v the_o same_o 3._o that_o a_o sad_a overcloud_v and_o darkness_n shall_v come_v on_o a_o land_n after_o most_o special_a manifestation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n therein_o and_o that_o a_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o much_o light_n shall_v be_v so_o near_o a_o forerunner_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n will_v seem_v a_o strange_a piece_n of_o providence_n and_o cause_v a_o serious_a enquiry_n how_o such_o eminent_a appearance_n of_o god_n for_o a_o people_n such_o great_a confirmation_n observable_a success_n for_o a_o time_n with_o many_o signal_n encouragement_n shall_v all_o seem_v to_o resolve_v in_o a_o desolate_v stroke_n and_o ruin_v this_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o that_o protestant_n war_n in_o france_n where_o instrument_n be_v remarkable_o raise_v fit_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o service_n of_o that_o time_n have_v much_o of_o his_o presence_n and_o countenance_n yet_o to_o resolve_v thus_o in_o a_o bloody_a massacre_n likeway_v these_o confederate_a german_a prince_n saxony_n and_o landgrave_n of_o hesse_n man_n eminent_a for_o piety_n carry_v forth_o with_o much_o zeal_n for_o god_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n yea_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o war_n have_v many_o promise_a encouragement_n yet_o remarkable_o desert_v of_o the_o lord_n with_o very_o sad-like_a consequence_n follow_a the_o same_o let_v we_o consider_v also_o the_o late_a bohemian_a war_n state_v upon_o necessary_a defence_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n and_o at_o first_o attend_v with_o some_o smile_a providence_n shall_v resolve_v into_o so_o great_a a_o desolation_n and_o ruin_n yea_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n o_o what_o a_o dreadful_a massacre_n of_o the_o protestant_n there_o do_v quick_o follow_v one_o of_o the_o most_o solemn_a time_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o outpowr_a of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o ever_o hear_v of_o since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o confess_v this_o may_v have_v a_o strange_a aspect_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o marvellous_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o when_o we_o take_v it_o in_o to_o the_o word_n we_o will_v find_v there_o be_v no_o jar_n or_o discord_n here_o for_z 1._o it_o may_v seem_v as_o strange_a and_o astonish_v what_o baruch_n get_v from_o the_o lord_n in_o answer_n to_o his_o compliant_a jerem._n 45._o that_o he_o will_v pluck_v up_o what_o he_o have_v plant_v and_o cast_v down_o that_o which_o he_o have_v build_v for_o a_o work_n to_o be_v thus_o throw_v down_o where_o the_o lord_n have_v once_o so_o eminent_o appear_v &_o give_v his_o people_n many_o confirmation_n may_v then_o occasion_v great_a thought_n of_o heart_n yet_o the_o unspotted_a righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n be_v apparent_a therein_o yea_o after_o that_o discourse_n and_o all_o these_o large_a promise_n which_o christ_n give_v his_o disciple_n in_o that_o sixteenth_o of_o john_n we_o find_v all_o be_v shut_v up_o with_o that_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v scatter_v 2._o what_o strange_a providence_n do_v try_v the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n sometime_o bring_v back_o to_o the_o red_a sea_n try_v with_o hunger_n and_o nakedness_n consume_v with_o various_a stroke_n and_o many_o year_n wander_v until_o most_o of_o that_o generation_n who_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n fill_v their_o grave_n in_o the_o journey_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v after_o most_o eminent_a confirmation_n and_o as_o clear_a singe_v of_o god_n presence_n as_o ever_o a_o people_n have_v 3._o we_o find_v a_o public_a reformation_n most_o zealous_o prosecute_v by_o josias_n which_o look_v like_o the_o renew_a espousale_n of_o that_o land_n with_o god_n by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n yet_o quick_o after_o night_n come_v on_o that_o land_n with_o a_o long_a captivity_n and_o josias_n do_v fall_v by_o the_o sword_n 4._o be_v there_o nor_o a_o bright_a sun-blink_a &_o flourish_a plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o judea_n a_o little_a before_o the_o desolation_n of_o that_o land_n by_o the_o roman_n yea_o we_o will_v find_v it_o clear_a from_o the_o word_n that_o time_n of_o much_o light_n and_o reformation_n do_v much_o soon_o ripen_v for_o a_o stroke_n then_o any_o other_o time_n 5_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o day_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v its_o appoint_a work_n and_o their_o stroke_n at_o last_o may_v reach_v the_o length_n of_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n i_o true_o think_v that_o sad_a instance_n of_o bohemia_n case_n may_v
break_v his_o bond_n etc._n etc._n for_o true_o in_o all_o age_n christ_n rise_v in_o the_o gospel_n have_v cast_v a_o terror_n to_o its_o enemy_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v their_o fall_n and_o ruin_n when_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o effectual_a door_n open_v in_o his_o ministry_n he_o have_v also_o much_o opposition_n thereto_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n all_o be_v still_o and_o quiet_a while_o the_o strong_a man_n do_v keep_v the_o house_n yea_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n that_o where_o the_o gospel_n come_v there_o be_v a_o red_a flag_n hang_v forth_o that_o if_o man_n will_v not_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o subject_a to_o he_o who_o ride_v on_o the_o white_a horse_n one_o shall_v come_v after_o who_o work_n be_v to_o take_v peace_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o put_v the_o world_n in_o a_o flame_n and_o to_o accomplish_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o despise_a gospel_n who_o shall_v divide_v betwixt_o the_o husband_n and_o wife_n the_o parent_n and_o child_n wherein_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n be_v express_v math._n 10_o ver_fw-la 34._o i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n on_o the_o earth_n but_o rather_o a_o sword_n which_o may_v seem_v strange_a from_o he_o but_o it_o be_v to_o tell_v man_n if_o they_o will_v not_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o his_o peace_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v peace_n among_o themselves_o for_o the_o message_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v either_o be_v the_o best_a or_o the_o worst_a sight_n that_o ever_o a_o land_n have_v 11._o this_o may_v seem_v strange_a how_o in_o all_o age_n man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n be_v such_o usual_a opposer_n of_o the_o truth_n yea_o how_o the_o most_o sober_a and_o calm_a will_n even_o appear_v violent_a in_o their_o way_n the_o more_o the_o gospel_n be_v follow_v with_o power_n but_o o_o how_o well_o do_v this_o answer_n the_o scripture_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v enmity_n to_o god_n 1_o cor._n 3_o ver_fw-la 19_o not_o many_o wise_a according_a to_o the_o flesh_n comparative_o with_o these_o who_o hate_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n be_v not_o the_o serpent_n satan_n choice_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o achitophel_n in_o the_o time_n at_o he_o he_o will_v have_v a_o special_a pull_n to_o such_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n whereat_o they_o stumble_v to_o such_o christ_n be_v a_o rock_n of_o offence_n we_o find_v the_o light_n do_v torment_v they_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o earth_n will_v cause_v man_n blaspheme_v and_o discover_v that_o which_o will_v not_o appear_v while_o they_o get_v leave_v to_o enjoy_v their_o sinful_a peace_n without_o disturbance_n 12._o these_o strange_a judgement_n which_o may_v sometime_o befall_v the_o saint_n in_o their_o outward_a lot_n yea_o sometime_o attend_v with_o some_o very_a astonish_a circumstance_n will_v at_o the_o first_o look_n put_v man_n to_o a_o stand_n and_o to_o challenge_v the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n but_o let_v we_o weight_n it_o in_o that_o balance_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o will_v find_v 1._o that_o such_o have_v be_v the_o complaint_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o lord_n wound_v they_o with_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o cruel_a one_o what_o a_o strange_a query_n be_v that_o in_o lament_n 2_o ver_fw-la 20._o behold_v and_o consider_v to_o who_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o shall_v the_o woman_n eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o womb_n shall_v the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n be_v slay_v the_o sanctuary_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o do_v it_o not_o even_o to_o solomon_n seem_v strange_a eccles_n 8_o ver_fw-la 14._o that_o there_o be_v just_a man_n to_o who_o it_o happen_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o wicked_a 2._o it_o look_v like_o some_o strange_a stroke_n which_o force_v david_n to_o this_o complaint_n my_o enemy_n cast_v iniquity_n on_o i_o and_o say_v a_o evil_a disease_n or_o as_o the_o original_n read_v it_o a_o thing_n of_o belial_n cleave_v to_o he_o we_o find_v losias_o fall_v by_o the_o sword_n eli_n with_o one_o stroke_n have_v his_o son_n kill_v his_o daughter_n in_o la_o die_a and_o himself_o fall_v from_o his_o seat_n and_o break_v his_o neck_n yea_o aaron_n have_v both_o his_o son_n kill_v before_o his_o eye_n by_o a_o immediate_a stroke_n from_o the_o lord_n 3._o the_o word_n do_v also_o show_v there_o be_v no_o jar_n betwixt_o this_o and_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o his_o people_n to_o punish_v their_o transgression_n with_o rod_n yea_o sometime_o by_o a_o strange_a rod_n while_o he_o take_v not_o his_o love_a kindness_n from_o they_o and_o do_v we_o not_o find_v that_o a_o cleanly_a trial_n may_v try_v the_o saint_n which_o the_o world_n will_v think_v a_o dreadful_a judgement_n for_o great_a suffering_n may_v be_v order_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v some_o great_a example_n thereby_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n and_o have_v see_v the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n 13._o the_o gross_a fall_n of_o these_o who_o have_v sometime_o shine_v with_o much_o lustre_n in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v astonish_v but_o here_o also_o we_o may_v see_v the_o scripture_n make_v out_o for_o it_o be_v clear_a first_o that_o few_o instance_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o saint_n we_o have_v on_o scripture_n record_n but_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a spot_n and_o blemish_v also_o note_v a_o noah_n lot_n moses_n and_o david_n yea_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o great_a apostle_n who_o denial_n of_o his_o master_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o show_v how_o far_o some_o may_v fall_v who_o grace_n will_v again_o restore_v and_o make_v up_o 2._o it_o be_v there_o clear_a that_o some_o of_o understanding_n do_v fall_v for_o a_o judgement_n to_o other_o that_o such_o who_o will_v stumble_v who_o prejudice_n at_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v their_o choice_n may_v thus_o further_o fall_n and_o be_v break_v 3._o the_o bless_a meaning_n and_o intent_n hereof_o we_o may_v there_o also_o read_v to_o alarm_n man_n to_o watchfulness_n that_o such_o who_o stand_v may_v take_v heed_n lest_o they_o â—all_n to_o warrant_v also_o their_o adventure_n on_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o none_o shall_v scar_n to_o come_v in_o after_o such_o eminent_a example_n 14._o i_o will_v add_v this_o the_o contingency_n of_o event_n that_o we_o see_v many_o thing_n in_o such_o a_o casual_a way_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o by_o chance_n only_o without_o the_o rational_a conduct_n of_o a_o providence_n which_o do_v infallable_o direct_a thing_n to_o a_o certain_a end_n this_o might_n at_o the_o first_o look_n put_v man_n to_o a_o stand_n yea_o will_v seem_v to_o give_v atheist_n some_o shadow_n to_o say_v how_o do_v god_n see_v or_o do_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n regard_n but_o upon_o a_o more_o serious_a enquiry_n set_v the_o word_n over_o against_o it_o o_o what_o a_o sweet_a exercise_n shall_v it_o be_v to_o consider_v 1._o that_o though_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n here_o beneath_o move_v suitable_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o inferior_a cause_n whither_o necessary_a free_a or_o contingent_a not_o violent_v they_o or_o otherways_o make_v use_n of_o they_o but_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n so_o that_o though_o the_o event_n be_v necessary_a and_o infallible_a witâ—_n a_o respect_n to_o the_o first_o cause_n the_o determine_a counsel_n of_o god_n it_o be_v never_o the_o less_o contingent_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o near_a cause_n yet_o this_o also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v clear_a how_o the_o small_a and_o most_o casual_a motion_n do_v certain_o fall_v under_o that_o comprehensive_a reach_n of_o providence_n that_o even_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v not_o to_o the_o ground_n by_o guess_n rebeccah_n come_v not_o with_o her_o pitcher_n to_o the_o well_o nor_o ruth_n to_o glean_v in_o boaz_n field_n at_o a_o adventure_n but_o in_o these_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n must_v reach_v its_o end_n and_o can_v miscarry_v 2._o that_o these_o thing_n which_o to_o we_o will_v seem_v most_o casual_a we_o oft_o see_v in_o their_o tendency_n and_o product_v have_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o special_a mean_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o his_o glory_n wherein_o such_o a_o wonderful_a tryst_n and_o unite_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o most_o remote_a for_o that_o end_n may_v be_v true_o discern_v that_o if_o prejudice_n do_v not_o shut_v man_n eye_n they_o must_v confess_v this_o can_v be_v no_o blind_a chance_n but_o some_o high_a counsel_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o same_o what_o will_v look_v more_o contingent_a than_o that_o ahasuerus_n be_v indispose_v to_o sleep_v and_o can_v have_v no_o rest_n in_o the_o night_n or_o that_o a_o reflection_n of_o the_o sun_n
fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v therein_o concern_v the_o outmaking_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n one_o syllabe_n whereof_o he_o do_v more_o value_n than_o all_o the_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n yea_o will_v not_o let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o rate_n of_o lay_v city_n and_o country_n desolate_a for_o it_o be_v in_o this_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n and_o exercise_v his_o bless_a thought_n even_o the_o bring_n about_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n â—_o now_o to_o clear_v this_o further_a i_o shall_v hold_v forth_o these_o follow_a ground_n whence_o it_o may_v appear_v first_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o write_v word_n be_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n and_o of_o such_o concernment_n that_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o god_n think_v it_o worthy_a of_o a_o place_n in_o his_o heart_n from_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v before_o he_o in_o his_o thought_n and_o counsel_n of_o old_a even_o that_o mervalous_a work_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o after-product_a and_o outmaking_n of_o his_o word_n to_o his_o church_n here_o within_o time_n and_o sure_o be_v such_o a_o plot_n and_o contrivance_n that_o as_o no_o less_o than_o infinite_a love_n wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v require_v to_o bring_v it_o about_o so_o it_o be_v well_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o all_o the_o three_o bless_a person_n of_o the_o trinity_n o_o if_o we_o can_v go_v down_o a_o little_a to_o this_o deep_a and_o see_v the_o wonder_n that_o be_v there_o we_o will_v find_v that_o knowledge_n which_o usual_o lessen_v our_o admiration_n of_o other_o thing_n will_v heighten_v it_o here_o it_o will_v be_v new_a to_o we_o every_o day_n to_o think_v how_o great_a and_o mervelous_a a_o thing_n that_o be_v which_o the_o word_n be_v bring_v forth_o 2._o it_o be_v upon_o this_o even_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o word_n that_o the_o present_a encouragement_n and_o after_o blessedness_n of_o the_o saint_n doth_o for_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n be_v adventure_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o embark_v with_o it_o which_o shall_v be_v lose_v yea_o their_o stock_n and_o treasure_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n and_o all_o that_o a_o christian_n be_v worth_a which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o promise_n be_v then_o perish_v if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v want_v a_o accomplishment_n the_o godly_a man_n have_v then_o run_v &_o labourn_v in_o vain_a &_o these_o who_o be_v fall_v asleep_a in_o christ_n have_v dye_v in_o a_o sad_a delusion_n providence_n will_v be_v like_o the_o work_n of_o the_o foolish_a builder_n who_o begin_v and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o finish_v o_o how_o heigh_o then_o be_v the_o lord_n concern_v in_o fulfil_v of_o his_o word_n that_o he_o may_v perfect_v what_o concern_v his_o people_n and_o have_v sure_o pay_v the_o price_n put_v they_o also_o in_o possession_n 3._o there_o be_v yet_o more_o than_o the_o interest_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n yea_o then_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v worth_a that_o depend_v upon_o the_o outmaking_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o especial_o the_o praise_n of_o that_o great_a attribute_n his_o faithfulness_n which_o he_o will_v have_v no_o less_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o word_n than_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o this_o great_a fabric_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o these_o mervelous_a production_n of_o nature_n for_o he_o have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o work_n therefore_o be_v his_o heart_n great_o set_v upon_o this_o even_o the_o bring_v to_o pass_v what_o he_o have_v speak_v which_o if_o in_o the_o least_o shall_v faill_n be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o falsify_v his_o word_n who_o be_v through_o all_o the_o church_n know_v by_o this_o bless_a name_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n 4._o we_o will_v consider_v this_o as_o that_o great_a trust_n which_o be_v put_v in_o his_o hand_n who_o only_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o counsel_n and_o loose_v the_o seal_v thereof_o a_o trust_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o adventure_v upon_o the_o angel_n the_o small_a promise_n be_v such_o as_o require_v no_o less_o than_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o ithovah_n to_o bring_v it_o about_o for_o which_o end_n he_o who_o the_o father_n have_v anoint_v be_v go_v forth_o as_o a_o mighty_a man_n who_o rejoice_v to_o run_v his_o race_n that_o he_o may_v perform_v his_o word_n and_o through_o this_o great_a design_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o providence_n about_o his_o church_n and_o people_n which_o he_o will_v not_o cease_v or_o give_v over_o until_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o that_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v put_v to_o a_o close_a when_o heaven_n and_o earth_n at_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o last_o vial_n shall_v give_v that_o solemn_a shout_n and_o exclamation_n it_o be_v finish_v it_o be_v finish_v o_o if_o this_o be_v once_o full_o perfect_a there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v than_o the_o winter_n be_v pass_v and_o the_o summer_n come_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o lamb_n shall_v be_v hear_v because_o the_o bride_n have_v make_v herself_o ready_a then_o let_v all_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n rejoice_v the_o hill_n break_v forth_o into_o sing_v and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o be_v glade_n because_o the_o scripture_n and_o great_a design_n thereof_o be_v full_o finish_v and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o perfect_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v 5._o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o such_o concernment_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v until_o it_o be_v once_o finish_v for_o this_o time_n must_v wait_v the_o sun_n must_v keep_v its_o course_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o heaven_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v the_o world_n be_v but_o a_o scaffold_n until_o this_o building_n be_v perfect_v for_o this_o the_o grave_n do_v still_o retain_v her_o prisoner_n and_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o saint_n must_v yet_o rest_v in_o hope_n the_o creation_n still_o groan_v and_o the_o marriage_n supper_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v defer_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o soul_n under_o the_o altar_n get_v not_o a_o full_a return_n until_o all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n be_v fulfil_v 6._o we_o will_v consider_v this_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n this_o day_n be_v carry_v on_o even_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o word_n for_o this_o be_v most_o bring_v upon_o debate_n of_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o world_n challenge_v it_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a do_v oft_o call_v it_o in_o question_n the_o atheist_n scoff_v at_o it_o and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n there_o be_v often_o to_o appearance_n insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o its_o performance_n therefore_o do_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n so_o much_o concern_v himself_o in_o this_o for_o bring_v about_o of_o which_o he_o be_v in_o a_o holy_a way_n restless_a and_o providence_n in_o a_o vucessant_a motion_n until_o he_o have_v do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v accomplish_v that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o he_o who_o count_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a unto_o god_n do_v take_v upon_o himself_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n this_o be_v of_o such_o account_n in_o his_o eye_n that_o what_o time_n he_o speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n or_o people_n ere_o it_o come_v not_o to_o passc_v he_o will_v rather_o put_v forth_o omnipotency_n for_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o change_v the_o very_a course_n of_o nature_n for_o this_o he_o will_v make_v the_o deep_a dry_a make_v a_o way_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o cause_n i_o ordan_n stand_v as_o in_o heap_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v promise_n to_o his_o people_n if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o bring_v about_o his_o word_n but_o through_o a_o sea_n of_o blood_n and_o over_o the_o bone_n and_o carcase_n of_o his_o enemy_n he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v though_o wall_v city_n and_o the_o son_n of_o anack_n mighty_a and_o strong_a shall_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n thereof_o abraham_n old_a age_n and_o sarahs_n dead_a womb_n must_v not_o frustrate_v this_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o church_n restauration_n can_v be_v make_v out_o without_o a_o wonder_n show_v upon_o dry_a bone_n scatter_v at_o the_o grave_n mouth_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v want_v when_o god_n say_v he_o will_v bring_v down_o
christ_n who_o have_v rather_o choif_v sin_n then_o affliction_n o_o be_v it_o not_o they_o judge_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o sufficient_a security_n to_o carry_v they_o through_o such_o a_o strait_a and_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v for_o if_o this_o be_v they_o shall_v reckon_v it_o their_o great_a safety_n to_o embark_v their_o interest_n on_o so_o sure_a a_o ground_n and_o with_o much_o quietness_n repose_v their_o soul_n and_o disburden_v their_o care_n by_o put_v it_o over_o on_o the_o word_n 6._o what_o do_v the_o frequent_a discouragement_n and_o unconfortable_a walk_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n speak_v forth_o do_v it_o not_o witness_v how_o little_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n with_o this_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n or_o establish_a thereanent_a what_o mean_v these_o distrustful_a fear_n and_o perplex_a complaint_n if_o their_o eye_n be_v but_o open_a to_o know_v they_o have_v such_o a_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n at_o their_o hand_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o small_a strait_n be_v so_o puzzle_v and_o ready_a to_o out_o wit_n they_o that_o they_o so_o usual_o stumble_v at_o the_o cross_n and_o as_o thing_n from_o without_o do_v appear_v their_o eucouragement_n make_v to_o ebb_v and_o flow_v be_v not_o here_o the_o cause_n that_o they_o stagger_v at_o the_o promise_n whilst_o probability_n in_o some_o visible_a way_n do_v not_o go_v along_o for_o its_o performance_n it_o be_v true_o easy_a to_o have_v some_o sweet_a notion_n of_o faith_n at_o a_o distance_n but_o whilst_o the_o trial_n come_v near_o upon_o such_o a_o close_a approach_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o other_o way_n but_o to_o put_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o particular_a interest_n on_o the_o word_n and_o on_o it_o alone_o many_o be_v then_o at_o a_o stand_n because_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o assure_v that_o though_o the_o earth_n 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wonder_n how_o rational_a soul_n who_o walk_v on_o the_o border_n of_o the_o great_a hope_n and_o fear_v imaginable_a can_v yet_o be_v so_o unconcern_v thereanent_fw-la such_o serious_a thought_n may_v force_v man_n to_o retire_v and_o go_v sit_v alone_o and_o true_o these_o thing_n grave_o consider_v may_v seem_v strange_a and_o hard_a to_o reconcile_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o very_a word_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n this_o day_n upon_o record_n wherewith_o we_o have_v so_o much_o to_o do_v which_o do_v offer_v itself_o to_o man_n trial_n and_o exact_a search_n and_o yet_o we_o put_v it_o so_o little_a to_o that_o touchstone_n that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o upon_o a_o other_o account_n than_o report_n or_o hear-say_n 2._o how_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o high_a importance_n as_o salvation_n through_o all_o eternity_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o hope_v i_o â—_o shall_v take_v the_o truth_n on_o a_o implicit_a faith_n or_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o common_a assent_n thereto_o as_o though_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o witness_v our_o believe_v the_o same_o because_o we_o do_v never_o doubt_v or_o call_v it_o in_o question_n i_o be_o sure_a man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o lax_n and_o so_o easy_a to_o satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o common_a interest_n they_o have_v here_o in_o the_o world_n 3._o how_o can_v man_n render_v to_o other_o a_o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n when_o it_o be_v inquire_v who_o do_v never_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o at_o themselves_o or_o will_v these_o seal_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o blood_n who_o never_o have_v it_o seal_v upon_o their_o heart_n by_o experierrce_n 4._o wence_n be_v it_o that_o man_n can_v have_v comfort_n in_o scripture_n who_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n thereof_o indeed_o these_o who_o be_v solid_o persuade_v anent_o the_o truth_n and_o its_o certain_a outmaking_n may_v have_v much_o joy_n and_o peace_n whilst_o they_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n can_v bear_v up_o any_o stress_n or_o burden_n they_o lie_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o what_o end_n do_v the_o lord_n witness_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o word_n by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o its_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o lie_v but_o that_o from_o so_o sure_a and_o strong_a a_o ground_n his_o people_n may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n 5._o how_o can_v any_o think_v to_o adventure_v their_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o that_o whereon_o they_o fear_v to_o venture_v a_o outward_a interest_n or_o put_v over_o their_o dear_a thing_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o keep_n who_o can_v never_o say_v they_o know_v in_o who_o they_o believe_v 6._o may_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o man_n can_v believe_v a_o certain_a performance_n of_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o not_o be_v more_o deep_o affect_v therewith_o o_o be_v this_o true_a shall_v it_o sure_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o not_o one_o jot_n thereof_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o cause_v we_o awake_v in_o the_o night_n and_o bear_v we_o more_o company_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o think_v ourselves_o at_o a_o loss_n that_o day_n wherein_o we_o take_v not_o a_o turn_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o divine_a truth_n if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o must_v take_v place_n 7._o i_o will_v add_v if_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n which_o sure_o have_v a_o accomplishment_n o_o how_o be_v we_o so_o little_a christian_n why_o do_v man_n walk_n so_o sad_o jar_v with_o so_o great_a a_o hope_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v these_o be_v that_o be_v persuade_v within_o a_o little_a these_o heaven_n must_v pass_v away_o as_o a_o school_n the_o element_n melt_v with_o â—ervent_a heat_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v burn_v up_o i_o think_v if_o this_o will_v not_o press_v home_o on_o man_n to_o be_v serious_a and_o diligent_a they_o must_v be_v in_o a_o very_a sad_a lethargy_n v._o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o most_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a witness_n of_o its_o divinity_n that_o it_o be_v his_o word_n who_o be_v not_o like_a man_n to_o lie_v or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o repent_v and_o have_v this_o as_o its_o distinguish_a character_n that_o not_o one_o syllable_n thereof_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o be_v the_o undoubted_a privilege_n of_o god_n and_o of_o he_o alone_o to_o foresee_v thing_n contingent_a which_o be_v many_o age_n after_o to_o fall_v out_o and_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o necessary_a and_o natural_a cause_n and_o true_o this_o may_v be_v a_o convince_a argument_n yea_o we_o may_v say_v of_o all_o external_a testimony_n be_v the_o great_a but_o its_o strange_a to_o think_v what_o a_o generation_n there_o be_v who_o can_v sport_v at_o the_o scripture_n and_o question_v the_o truth_n thereof_o who_o yet_o do_v never_o once_o serious_o inquire_v if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a else_o so_o clear_a a_o witne_n may_v stare_v they_o in_o the_o face_n such_o a_o party_n we_o shall_v look_v on_o with_o compassion_n it_o be_v also_o sad_a to_o think_v at_o how_o poor_a a_o rate_n far_o below_o their_o allowance_n many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v here_o live_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o that_o excellent_a and_o more_o noble_a spirit_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o further_a comfort_n and_o establishment_n thereby_o it_o be_v true_a this_o bless_a record_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o itself_o and_o be_v know_v by_o its_o own_o light_n whereon_o there_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a impress_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n such_o convince_a mark_n of_o its_o true_a descent_n as_o may_v thorough_o show_v who_o it_o be_v and_o how_o far_o it_o exceed_v all_o humane_a invention_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n
of_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n that_o in_o every_o age_n be_v set_v before_o we_o how_o wicked_a man_n prosper_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o have_v a_o dreadful_a ishue_v and_o be_v sudden_o cast_v into_o destruction_n they_o spread_v as_o a_o green_a bay_n tree_n and_o within_o a_o little_a their_o place_n can_v be_v find_v how_o the_o godly_a be_v oft_o sore_o afflict_v yet_o flourish_a as_o the_o palm_n tree_n and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v depress_v the_o more_o they_o grow_v how_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oft_o lift_v up_o for_o a_o sore_a fall_n and_o the_o church_n bring_v low_a in_o order_n to_o her_o great_a enlargement_n how_o judgement_n find_v out_o sinner_n &_o be_v oft_o exact_o proportion_v in_o measure_n and_o kind_a to_o the_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o integrity_n be_v sore_o toss_v oft_o yet_o still_o fall_v upon_o its_o foot_n &_o overcloud_v that_o it_o may_v shine_v more_o bright_o after_o how_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n do_v visible_o overtake_v kingdom_n &_o nation_n bring_v down_o great_a house_n cause_v the_o scarlet_a embrace_v the_o dunghill_n &_o let_v not_o the_o hoary_a head_n of_o cruel_a &_o wicked_a man_n go_v oft_o into_o the_o grave_n in_o peace_n &_o again_o to_o consider_v how_o the_o lord_n forsake_v not_o his_o people_n but_z sheweth_z respect_n to_o their_o way_n the_o good_a man_n walk_v in_o his_o integrity_n and_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o be_v bless_v o_o how_o sweet_a a_o exercise_n be_v this_o for_o a_o christian_a even_o to_o loss_n himself_o in_o 5._o from_o thence_o we_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n discern_v what_o of_o the_o night_n it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v near_a day_n and_o what_o such_o a_o sinful_a case_n do_v threaten_v we_o will_v be_v skilful_a to_o feel_v the_o church_n pulse_n and_o thereby_o find_v what_o symptom_n there_o be_v of_o life_n or_o death_n and_o perceive_v a_o dark_a cloud_n of_o judgement_n cast_v up_o when_o it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o handbreadth_n sure_o this_o study_n shall_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v therein_o for_o among_o these_o various_a event_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o every_o age_n the_o lord_n way_n be_v constant_a with_o itself_o and_o with_o his_o truth_n if_o we_o be_v right_a on_o looker_n 6._o here_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o most_o pleasant_a and_o clear_a view_n how_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o full_a and_o perfect_a register_n of_o all_o the_o vicissitude_n and_o alteration_n which_o be_v to_o go_v over_o her_o head_n whilst_o in_o a_o militant_a condition_n and_o do_v also_o most_o exact_o point_v out_o these_o occurrence_n and_o remarkable_a event_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o course_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o may_v read_v they_o as_o evident_o in_o the_o word_n as_o we_o see_v they_o with_o our_o eye_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n for_o in_o follow_v this_o study_n we_o shall_v clear_o see_v how_o the_o scripture_n bring_v the_o church_n to_o light_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o eternal_a decree_n and_o do_v trace_v it_o from_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o fall_n throw_v these_o dark_a time_n before_o the_o stand_v while_o it_o be_v but_o in_o family_n and_o through_o that_o long_a trial_n in_o egypt_n and_o all_o its_o ill_a journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n until_o it_o bring_v it_o to_o it_o be_v seâ—led_v and_o flourish_a condition_n in_o canaan_n and_o carry_v she_o sordward_o through_o all_o the_o several_a change_n of_o her_o case_n under_o her_o follow_a decay_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n even_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n and_o dawn_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o it_o thus_o take_v in_o within_o its_o reach_n the_o whole_a estate_n and_o the_o special_a event_n which_o do_v befall_v the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n so_o we_o may_v see_v how_o the_o scripture_n also_o follow_v the_o church_n through_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v she_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n from_o a_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n until_o it_o bring_v she_o to_o perfection_n take_v she_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n from_o her_o infancy_n and_o go_v with_o she_o through_o all_o the_o turn_n of_o her_o condition_n through_o that_o long_a and_o dark_a night_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v point_v clear_o out_o her_o condition_n and_o various_a assault_n that_o she_o shall_v endure_v in_o that_o time_n and_o that_o bless_a victory_n which_o she_o shall_v after_o have_v though_o not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o gradual_o over_o her_o enemy_n and_o that_o the_o word_n and_o the_o church_n do_v never_o part_v but_o one_o walk_v step_n for_o step_n with_o the_o other_o until_o it_o bring_v her_o safe_a to_o land_n and_o as_o it_o be_v put_v she_o of_o its_o hand_n and_o guard_n at_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n 7._o this_o will_v also_o help_v we_o to_o sweet_a thought_n and_o give_v we_o matter_n of_o a_o song_n in_o the_o sad_a night_n of_o the_o church_n condition_n when_o we_o see_v how_o god_n great_a design_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o know_v that_o his_o end_n which_o he_o have_v hold_v forth_o therein_o can_v be_v frustrate_a it_o will_v serve_v to_o silence_v all_o our_o complaint_n with_o wonder_v at_o god_n way_n and_o triumph_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n we_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n a_o stormy_a time_n will_v not_o outwit_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o though_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v overturn_v it_o shall_v be_v sure_o well_o with_o the_o righteous_a the_o church_n must_v flourish_v and_o all_o her_o enemy_n be_v find_v liar_n because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v who_o word_n will_v as_o sure_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o the_o sun_n do_v return_v after_o a_o dark_a night_n vii_o it_o do_v now_o more_o especial_o concern_v the_o godly_a in_o these_o latter_a time_n to_o study_v this_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o set_v about_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n and_o search_v therein_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o shall_v yet_o be_v in_o a_o further_a measure_n discover_v and_o open_v up_o the_o near_a the_o church_n be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n which_o may_v thus_o appear_v 1._o herein_o be_v the_o word_n express_v that_o one_o piece_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o from_o former_a age_n be_v seal_v up_o shall_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n be_v clear_a and_o easy_a to_o understand_v dan_o lastch_n 4_o 9_o ver_fw-la the_o seal_n be_v there_o put_v on_o but_o go_v thy_o way_n daniel_n for_o these_o word_n be_v close_v and_o seal_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o end_n but_o rev._n last_o ch._n and_o ver_fw-la 9_o we_o have_v that_o bar_v take_v of_o seal_v not_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n because_o then_o the_o time_n do_v draw_v near_o to_o which_o a_o more_o full_a discovery_n and_o open_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v reserve_v &_o a_o more_o large_a manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n beyond_o former_a age_n now_o by_o the_o last_o day_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o it_o be_v thus_o term_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o these_o last_o time_n which_o be_v more_o especial_o point_v at_o even_o the_o close_a and_o evening_n of_o time_n that_o last_o epocha_n and_o period_n of_o prophetic_a chronology_n to_o which_o a_o greateâ—_n accomplishment_n of_o scripture_n prophecy_n be_v reserve_v 2._o this_o also_o be_v express_o promise_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n the_o church_n shall_v have_v a_o more_o full_a discovery_n of_o this_o truth_n how_o the_o scripture_n be_v verify_v dan._n last_o ch._n v._o 4._o many_o shall_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o knowledge_n shali_fw-la be_v increase_v which_o increase_n as_o it_o clear_o point_v at_o the_o last_o time_n and_o that_o bright_a day_n the_o church_n shall_v have_v when_o israel_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o christ_n it_o do_v also_o point_n at_o and_o promise_v some_o great_a light_n and_o a_o more_o full_a open_n up_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o word_n and_o fulfil_v thereof_o for_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n show_v that_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n do_v relate_v to_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o seal_v we_o wait_v and_o believe_v the_o further_a accomplishment_n
hope_n shall_v awake_v and_o this_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n thereof_o like_o a_o poor_a vain_a show_n disappear_v o_o bless_a and_o comfortable_a time_n in_o which_o the_o saint_n shall_v then_o full_o know_v what_o heaven_n be_v which_o they_o have_v so_o oft_o admire_v at_o a_o distance_n to_o behold_v his_o face_n in_o who_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o shall_v need_v no_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n when_o once_o this_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o lord_n return_v be_v verify_v a_o promise_n wherein_o all_o these_o precious_a truth_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n in_o her_o journey_n as_o so_o many_o stream_n shall_v empty_v themselves_o in_o this_o great_a deep_a then_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v finish_v the_o redeem_v all_o bring_v in_o and_o the_o bride_n make_v ready_a to_o go_v forth_o and_o meet_v he_o who_o shall_v full_o satisfy_v and_o comfort_v his_o people_n according_a to_o the_o day_n of_o their_o former_a affliction_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o their_o exceed_a great_a reward_n the_o five_o argument_n that_o which_o not_o only_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n already_o accomplish_v but_o be_v a_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v so_o sure_a confirmation_n yea_o so_o great_a a_o pledge_n in_o our_o hand_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o what_o yet_o remain_v shall_v be_v certain_o fulfil_v must_v be_v not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n but_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o these_o special_a prediction_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o make_v out_o be_v such_o anent_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v his_o people_n a_o very_a large_a pledge_n and_o strong_a confirmation_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n to_o believe_v their_o certain_a accomplishment_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v sure_a that_o a_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n some_o special_a prophecy_n which_o do_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o last_o time_n have_v 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christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n in_o so_o plain_a a_o history_n and_o profess_v that_o we_o believe_v he_o do_v die_v and_o rise_v again_o we_o shall_v have_v such_o hesitation_n anent_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o other_o scripture_n promise_n be_v it_o not_o this_o day_n much_o more_o easy_a to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o fulfil_n thereof_o than_o it_o be_v of_o old_a for_o the_o jewish_a church_n before_o christ_n come_n and_o how_o may_v we_o not_o with_o as_o much_o assurance_n wait_v for_o the_o second_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o full_a perfect_a of_o his_o word_n even_o from_o that_o which_o be_v already_o verify_v thereof_o as_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o return_n of_o the_o sun_n after_o it_o be_v go_v down_o and_o of_o the_o break_n of_o the_o day_n when_o once_o the_o night_n be_v past_a ii_o ground_n whence_o the_o godly_a in_o these_o time_n shall_v be_v confirm_v anent_o the_o full_a performance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o remain_v of_o the_o 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