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 last_o attempt_n 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_v 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 ans_fw-fr 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 excitement_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 also_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 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 20.12_o and_o it_o be_v sure_a in_o no_o time_n be_v such_o a_o special_a trust_n more_o repose_v thereon_o than_o in_o this_o age_n both_o as_o a_o public_a debt_n on_o the_o church_n and_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_n and_o testimony_n thereto_o ii_o to_o reckon_v ourselves_o also_o under_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a call_v this_o day_n each_o in_o their_o present_a capacity_n and_o station_n 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_n and_o of_o a_o discreditable_a faintness_n 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 hold_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 and_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 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they_o tempt_v i_o who_o have_v see_v my_o glory_n and_o my_o miracle_n which_o i_o do_v in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n iu._n but_o herein_o we_o hope_v and_o be_v confident_o sure_a of_o a_o bless_a disparity_n in_o this_o resemblance_n as_o to_o the_o numerousness_n of_o such_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o act_n something_o of_o that_o part_n which_o these_o heroic_a witness_n caleb_n and_o joshua_n do_v and_o be_v then_o put_v to_o stand_v alone_o therein_o who_o through_o grace_n 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 unbelief_n as_o be_v at_o 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 14.9_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 that_o 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 as_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 14.8_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_v 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_a 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 extraordinary_a confirmation_n give_v thereto_o 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 rage_a 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 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_n 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 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_a and_o certain_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o unchangeable_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 it_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 its_o know_a 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 promote_a 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 among_o man_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o near_o
the_o world_n may_v see_v do_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n as_o sure_a as_o man_n walk_v under_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o live_a soul_n iii_o that_o we_o now_o see_v what_o a_o length_n the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v come_v and_o how_o far_o thus_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v fulfil_v which_o once_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o all_o human_a appearance_n iv_o that_o so_o sure_a and_o exact_a a_o performance_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o undeniable_a in_o the_o event_n and_o of_o such_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n which_o be_v foretell_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n none_o can_v have_v believe_v what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o now_o have_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o former_a age_n the_o object_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v such_o a_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n in_o these_o last_o time_n as_o do_v much_o exceed_v the_o great_a miracle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o plant_v of_o the_o gospel_n v._o though_o we_o may_v not_o resolve_v our_o faith_n on_o any_o extraordinary_a providence_n or_o lay_v the_o least_o weight_n hereon_o to_o support_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o doctrine_n we_o profess_v since_o this_o only_o be_v found_v on_o that_o sacred_a revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n to_o discern_v true_a miracle_n and_o what_o be_v god_n seal_v herein_o under_o the_o undoubted_a signature_n and_o stamp_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o work_n in_o the_o same_o yet_o have_v there_o be_v such_o incontroulable_a evidence_n of_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o confirmation_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n since_o the_o reformation_n as_o in_o no_o age_n past_a be_v ever_o know_v but_o with_o the_o first_o plant_n 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of_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o presence_n which_o all_o who_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v call_v to_o know_v and_o prove_v on_o their_o own_o trial._n ii_o that_o this_o witness_n of_o christian_a experience_n have_v as_o discernible_a a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n therewith_o as_o face_n answer_v to_o face_n in_o the_o glass_n and_o be_v clear_a to_o be_v no_o casual_a thing_n but_o every_o step_n in_o this_o way_n of_o trial_n be_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o what_o christian_n do_v before_o read_v there_o they_o know_v it_o now_o by_o feeling_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n iii_o that_o this_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o wherever_o such_o as_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o remote_a part_n from_o other_o have_v still_o be_v the_o same_o and_o like_o a_o great_a roll_n be_v send_v down_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o with_o their_o confirmatory_n seal_n that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o those_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n which_o seem_v most_o incredible_a to_o the_o world_n and_o now_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n to_o require_v the_o same_o attestation_n and_o witness_n iv_o that_o they_o who_o know_v and_o testify_v these_o thing_n sometime_o find_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o believe_v the_o same_o and_o do_v no_o less_o judge_n of_o such_o great_a experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o dream_n or_o imaginary_a thing_n than_o most_o now_o do_v until_o they_o know_v they_o by_o experience_n on_o their_o soul_n v._n that_o such_o also_o have_v be_v the_o most_o burn_a and_o shine_v light_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o innumerable_a in_o all_o age_n declare_v the_o same_o and_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o entrance_n to_o a_o eternal_a state_n when_o no_o outward_a interest_n can_v sway_v they_o hereto_o vi_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a assurance_n which_o have_v then_o press_v the_o most_o tender_a parent_n with_o their_o last_o and_o die_a breath_n to_o commend_v the_o same_o trial_n to_o their_o child_n and_o to_o charge_v their_o be_v earnest_a herein_o as_o the_o great_a interest_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o vii_o that_o whatever_o difference_n be_v oft_o among_o these_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n yet_o in_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o great_a trial_n of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o harmonious_a oneness_n in_o the_o same_o testimony_n in_o all_o time_n of_o the_o church_n viii_o that_o if_o any_o question_n this_o because_o so_o remote_a from_o man_n sense_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o carnal_a reason_n the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n do_v unanswerable_o prove_v both_o the_o reality_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o cause_n qu._n ii_o what_o clear_a and_o rational_a conviction_n can_v you_o offer_v of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o conversion_n of_o man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o new_a state_n by_o grace_n which_o do_v raise_v they_o as_o far_o above_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n as_o reason_n do_v above_o the_o state_n of_o the_o beast_n ans_fw-fr though_o i_o shall_v strive_v against_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o a_o miracle_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o conversion_n be_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o deny_v such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n as_o the_o world_n have_v hereof_o i._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v essential_o requisite_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o the_o whole_a consent_n of_o the_o scripture_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v never_o yet_o a_o argument_n in_o nature_n for_o one_o being_n a_o christian_a in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n thereof_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v for_o a_o naked_a form_n or_o show_v iii_o that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o few_o but_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o all_o time_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n on_o who_o so_o great_a a_o change_n and_o difference_n have_v be_v make_v thus_o evident_a both_o from_o themselves_o what_o once_o they_o be_v and_o from_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n iu._n that_o this_o have_v be_v not_o only_o upon_o such_o as_o have_v be_v signal_o impious_a in_o their_o practice_n but_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v wont_a to_o deride_v holiness_n as_o a_o fancy_n so_o as_o atheist_n must_v grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v as_o profess_a atheist_n sometime_o as_o themselves_o who_o have_v be_v make_v such_o conspicuous_a monument_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o none_o can_v object_n here_o as_o once_o the_o jew_n do_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o such_o as_o the_o world_n count_v most_o wise_a and_o know_v stand_v witness_n to_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v so_o know_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v more_o wise_a learned_a and_o judicious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o reason_n upon_o the_o earth_n than_o such_o as_o have_v be_v eminent_a example_n of_o the_o power_n of_o conversion_n vi_o that_o its_o marvellous_a effect_n in_o subdue_a man_n from_o what_o once_o be_v their_o predominant_a interest_n and_o idol_n and_o to_o part_v from_o what_o have_v be_v as_o their_o right_a eye_n or_o hand_n can_v only_o be_v from_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n vii_o that_o such_o as_o be_v great_a adversary_n to_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v make_v no_o less_o eminent_a instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o choice_a vessel_n of_o honour_n than_o once_o they_o be_v in_o their_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n viii_o that_o this_o change_n have_v be_v discernible_a in_o time_n of_o most_o visible_a persecution_n and_o hazard_n when_o no_o outward_a advantage_n or_o gain_n can_v have_v the_o least_o influence_n thereon_o now_o as_o these_o be_v demonstrable_o clear_a so_o can_v
there_o be_v no_o possible_a ground_n to_o question_v this_o i._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o so_o great_a a_o discovery_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o a_o power_n above_o nature_n which_o accompany_v the_o same_o in_o such_o a_o change_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v sure_o contrary_a state_n in_o another_o world_n when_o they_o be_v so_o undeniable_o manifest_v here_o qu._n iii_o but_o can_v so_o great_a a_o experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o upon_o earth_n be_v make_v rational_o convince_a to_o such_o as_o be_v themselves_o stranger_a thereto_o and_o for_o a_o further_o confirm_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n answ_n though_o this_o be_v a_o experiment_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o a_o more_o transcendent_a interest_n and_o value_n than_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a delusion_n herein_o if_o 1_n it_o be_v that_o to_o which_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n bear_v testimony_n and_o have_v send_v down_o the_o same_o as_o that_o which_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o they_o have_v approve_v but_o in_o the_o continue_a trial_n of_o their_o life_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o such_o as_o testify_v what_o they_o do_v and_o have_v so_o oft_o find_v in_o the_o retirement_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o god_n be_v of_o as_o discern_a spirit_n to_o know_v the_o true_a value_n of_o thing_n as_o any_o else_o yea_o such_o who_o testimony_n in_o other_o thing_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n can_v not_o refuse_v nor_o deny_v iii_o that_o its_o undeniable_o evident_a such_o must_v have_v another_o acquaintance_n and_o society_n than_o that_o of_o man_n which_o not_o only_o make_v these_o hide_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n so_o desirable_a where_o all_o may_v see_v they_o more_o flee_v than_o follow_v any_o humane_a witness_n but_o also_o make_v so_o visible_a a_o change_n both_o in_o their_o case_n and_o countenance_n after_o most_o sad_a anguish_n and_o down-castings_a of_o spirit_n iv_o that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a also_o how_o such_o as_o be_v most_o serious_a this_o way_n have_v be_v visible_o oft_o raise_v above_o their_o ordinary_a case_n and_o frame_v in_o prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n yea_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o they_o who_o never_o know_v there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o report_n can_v not_o withstand_v so_o clear_a conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n hereof_o that_o can_v beget_v such_o liberty_n humble_a tenderness_n and_o melt_a of_o heart_n yea_o such_o discernible_a joy_n and_o confidence_n v._o that_o no_o delusion_n or_o false_a show_n can_v be_v here_o when_o it_o be_v ever_o see_v that_o such_o as_o be_v most_o serious_a and_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n and_o these_o hide_a retirement_n with_o god_n be_v the_o most_o flourish_a also_o in_o the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a lustre_n and_o appearance_n of_o any_o in_o their_o profession_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v such_o only_a who_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v most_o special_o discernible_a beyond_o other_o when_o these_o low_a spring_n of_o outward_a help_n and_o encouragement_n be_v most_o visible_o shut_v up_o qu._n iv_o be_v that_o great_a and_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o conscience_n over_o man_n such_o as_o may_v be_v as_o demonstrable_a to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v answ_n it_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o man_n be_v not_o strike_v with_o deep_a conviction_n hereon_o when_o they_o can_v but_o see_v i._o that_o though_o this_o be_v the_o great_a tormentor_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o possible_a retreat_n from_o its_o power_n though_o man_n shall_v flee_v to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o do_v it_o enforce_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o reflection_n on_o its_o self_n even_o when_o it_o tremble_v at_o that_o sight_n ii_o that_o it_o cause_v great_a fear_n and_o horror_n upon_o the_o commitment_n of_o secret_a sin_n when_o no_o dread_n of_o humane_a witness_n or_o of_o visible_a hazard_n this_o way_n can_v occasion_v it_o iii_o that_o it_o admit_v no_o violence_n in_o any_o to_o outdare_v the_o same_o but_o be_v a_o power_n that_o the_o great_a monarch_n find_v to_o be_v strong_a than_o they_o and_o be_v such_o that_o these_o oft_o be_v enforce_v for_o present_a ease_n and_o relief_n either_o to_o divert_v or_o bribe_v the_o same_o by_o some_o false_a ground_n of_o peace_n iv_o that_o it_o constrain_v man_n to_o justify_v god_n and_o judge_v themselves_o when_o his_o hand_n do_v pursue_v they_o and_o to_o find_v out_o their_o sin_n and_o guilt_n which_o be_v before_o hide_v v._o that_o it_o make_v man_n also_o afraid_a to_o be_v alone_o with_o themselves_o and_o to_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n because_o its_o light_n do_v torment_v they_o by_o that_o unavoidable_a application_n which_o conscience_n make_v hereof_o vi_o yea_o it_o make_v man_n guilt_n so_o legible_a oft_o in_o their_o countenance_n even_o when_o they_o study_v most_o to_o conceal_v it_o that_o all_o may_v see_v there_o be_v a_o accuser_n within_o who_o authority_n and_o power_n can_v possible_o be_v decline_v vii_o that_o with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o confidence_n and_o security_n it_o do_v support_v man_n spirit_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o sustain_v its_o great_a infirmity_n from_o without_o when_o it_o be_v a_o friend_n yea_o and_o uphold_v the_o oppress_v with_o unspeakable_a peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o it_o do_v oft_o cause_v the_o oppressor_n to_o tremble_v qu._n v._n but_o what_o do_v most_o necessary_o result_v from_o so_o clear_a a_o demonstration_n as_o the_o conscience_n be_v for_o confirm_v of_o our_o faith_n answ_n i._o that_o it_o be_v infallible_o thus_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a power_n and_o judgement_n to_o which_o all_o mankind_n be_v subject_v and_o give_v the_o world_n a_o unavoidable_a demonstration_n both_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o great_a and_o supernatural_a discovery_n which_o it_o make_v hereof_o ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a law_n also_o and_o invisible_a judge_n above_o we_o under_o who_o power_n and_o authority_n this_o court_n of_o justice_n do_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n both_o summon_v arrest_v bring_v in_o witness_n and_o sentence_n great_a and_o small_a iii_o that_o the_o internal_a government_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n this_o way_n both_o in_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o rebuke_n and_o most_o sensible_a enlargement_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n be_v unavoidable_o demonstrate_v iv_o that_o it_o bear_v so_o clear_a evidence_n to_o unknown_a and_o undoubted_a relief_n and_o none_o else_o can_v be_v ever_o find_v for_o these_o wound_n and_o sting_n of_o the_o conscience_n but_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n v._o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o delight_v free_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n when_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v disarm_v the_o conscience_n of_o that_o so_o intolerable_a a_o sting_n by_o which_o it_o begin_v so_o early_a a_o hell_n within_o the_o soul_n vi_o that_o such_o be_v the_o power_n and_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o can_v make_v it_o stand_v unbroken_v amid_o the_o great_a ruin_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n when_o under_o such_o a_o guard_n as_o that_o of_o its_o own_o innocency_n section_n v._n qu._n i._o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o that_o kingdom_n of_o light_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v up_o by_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o may_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o of_o faith_n answ_n this_o be_v of_o such_o special_a use_n both_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o awake_v such_o to_o deep_a reflection_n on_o the_o same_o with_o who_o there_o seem_v no_o hope_n to_o prevail_v but_o by_o proof_n from_o palpable_a experience_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n encompass_v the_o earth_n yea_o that_o they_o have_v a_o ordinary_a and_o familiar_a converse_n with_o many_o therein_o ii_o that_o these_o spirit_n though_o once_o original_o excellent_a have_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o apostasy_n as_o all_o may_v see_v their_o aim_n and_o only_a pleasure_n be_v to_o dishonour_n god_n and_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o man._n iii_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o deny_v the_o mark_n of_o that_o power_n and_o conquest_n which_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n have_v every_o where_n among_o
and_o new_a nature_n with_o as_o discernible_a evidence_n as_o if_o one_o man_n shall_v meet_v with_o another_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n in_o such_o a_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v only_o inhabit_v with_o beast_n 6._o by_o consider_v also_o with_o a_o deep_a and_o serious_a reflection_n hereon_o that_o sure_a and_o know_v conjunction_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o most_o rare_a experience_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n and_o the_o most_o search_a trial_n thereof_o with_o that_o uniform_a consent_n that_o have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o such_o marvellous_a thing_n as_o these_o 1._o what_o solemn_a token_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o acceptance_n be_v find_v usual_o to_o meet_v his_o people_n in_o the_o entry_n of_o some_o great_a trial_n or_o service_n for_o he_o even_o in_o some_o unusual_a manner_n then_o in_o the_o sense_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v with_o elijah_n they_o have_v be_v make_v to_o go_v many_o day_n after_o in_o a_o wilderness-state_n yea_o how_o this_o do_v not_o respect_n person_n only_o but_o church_n that_o the_o word_n still_o use_v to_o go_v before_o with_o some_o remarkable_a confirm_a work_n to_o secure_v the_o heart_n before_o the_o cross_n and_o some_o special_a trial_n of_o persecution_n come_v 2._o that_o as_o each_o day_n have_v its_o proper_a burden_n and_o work_v so_o have_v it_o its_o proper_a allowance_n provide_v for_o the_o same_o which_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o seek_v after_o by_o a_o christian_a than_o his_o daily_a bread_n and_o when_o the_o pressure_n of_o such_o a_o day_n grow_v to_o some_o more_o singular_a height_n so_o also_o shall_v the_o expense_n hereof_o be_v in_o faith_n seek_v for_o and_o expect_v 3._o how_o the_o choice_a mercy_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o sad_a time_n of_o a_o christian_n lot_n and_o most_o usual_o cross_v to_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o they_o have_v have_v the_o great_a struggle_n with_o those_o method_n of_o providence_n which_o in_o the_o issue_n tend_v most_o to_o their_o advancement_n 4._o yea_o how_o the_o return_n of_o a_o long_o defer_v hope_n after_o much_o humble_a wait_a have_v be_v to_o they_o as_o a_o pisgah_n whence_o they_o have_v not_o only_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o comfort_v prospect_n of_o their_o bypass_a trial_n but_o have_v be_v more_o full_o confirm_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o can_v bear_v now_o that_o testimony_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v clear_v all_o past_a thing_n to_o they_o and_o have_v take_v the_o veil_n off_o his_o work_n which_o for_o long_o have_v be_v as_o a_o dark_a and_o strange_a riddle_n 7._o this_o likewise_o give_v a_o most_o clear_a and_o confirm_v prospect_n of_o that_o great_a seal_n of_o experience_n when_o he_o can_v now_o see_v both_o in_o his_o own_o case_n and_o of_o other_o what_o the_o issue_n of_o believe_v in_o a_o singular_a exigency_n and_o trial_n and_o upon_o some_o special_a act_n of_o trust_n and_o adventure_v herein_o do_v at_o last_o come_v to_o which_o the_o more_o deep_o it_o be_v consider_v he_o find_v one_o of_o the_o most_o peculiar_a assistance_n to_o his_o faith_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a attainment_n of_o experimental_a religion_n within_o time_n when_o he_o can_v thus_o see_v the_o same_o way_n of_o believe_v in_o some_o strong_a and_o extraordinary_a assault_n which_o he_o have_v find_v to_o crush_v and_o break_v he_o herein_o which_o have_v carry_v so_o many_o thorough_a in_o their_o sad_a trial_n bring_v he_o also_o in_o his_o turn_n to_o be_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n to_o bear_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n to_o this_o sure_a and_o excellent_a way_n of_o believe_v before_o the_o world_n that_o none_o may_v fear_v after_o he_o to_o hold_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o venture_v on_o that_o security_n though_o it_o then_o seem_v against_o hope_n who_o dispensation_n do_v yet_o never_o never_o give_v his_o word_n the_o lie_n carat_n iv_o he_o be_v a_o true_o confirm_v christian_n who_o in_o a_o dismal_a time_n be_v not_o stagger_v in_o his_o faith_n from_o the_o present_a sign_n and_o appearance_n thereof_o but_o have_v his_o soul_n ballast_v with_o such_o solid_a ground_n of_o confirmation_n against_o the_o same_o that_o those_o providence_n whereat_o other_o do_v most_o stumble_v tend_v to_o his_o further_a strengthen_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o do_v now_o clear_o see_v 1._o how_o tribulation_n and_o the_o cross_n make_v one_o of_o the_o most_o illustrious_a and_o beautiful_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o providence_n about_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o lot_n of_o each_o christian_a so_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possâ—ble_a stumble_v to_o any_o for_o want_v of_o light_n here_o that_o sore_a trial_n and_o distress_n shall_v most_o remarkable_o follow_v those_o in_o their_o journey_n who_o have_v a_o eternal_a blessedness_n before_o they_o in_o the_o close_a hereof_o when_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v direct_v not_o only_o for_o comfort_n but_o for_o clear_a conduct_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n through_o all_o the_o intricacy_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o such_o a_o dispensation_n he_o sâ—â—s_v how_o high_o congruous_a it_o be_v to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o so_o strait_a and_o narrow_a a_o way_n in_o such_o a_o sâ—ate_n of_o trial_n as_o be_v here_o shall_v go_v beâ—ore_o the_o stâ—te_n of_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v sâ—â—h_o a_o stage_n and_o theatre_n also_o whereon_o the_o passive_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v not_o only_o be_v exercise_v but_o display_v in_o their_o true_a lustre_n and_o glory_n before_o angel_n and_o man_n yea_o that_o thus_o the_o redeem_a of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v first_o train_v in_o so_o sharp_a a_o warfare_n as_o may_v not_o only_o put_v a_o due_a value_n and_o respect_n on_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o triumph_n and_o reward_v which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o be_v matter_n of_o ineffable_a joy_n and_o exultation_n that_o ever_o they_o be_v admit_v thus_o to_o evidence_n their_o love_n and_o adherence_n to_o their_o bless_a head_n and_o his_o truth_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o account_v worthy_a to_o be_v put_v on_o some_o hot_a service_n and_o to_o peculiar_a trial_n and_o conflict_n this_o way_n beyond_o other_o for_o some_o example_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o church_n in_o their_o day_n and_o here_o also_o he_o can_v now_o see_v how_o the_o great_a enjoyment_n of_o comfort_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o most_o sharp_a and_o afflict_a trial_n of_o their_o life_n than_o to_o the_o great_a external_a calm_a and_o that_o to_o endure_v patient_o and_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n christ_n be_v such_o a_o privilege_n as_o the_o elect_a angel_n have_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o yea_o that_o the_o lord_n chasten_v work_n and_o sore_a smite_v of_o his_o own_o be_v a_o act_n also_o of_o save_v so_o that_o thus_o the_o more_o deep_o he_o search_v here_o the_o more_o do_v he_o see_v admire_v and_o consent_n to_o that_o glorious_a piece_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o providence_n about_o the_o church_n and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n within_o time_n 1._o he_o do_v now_o clear_o see_v how_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v commensurate_a to_o his_o whole_a work_n of_o providence_n and_o that_o all_o the_o line_n hereof_o as_o they_o do_v lead_v from_o his_o reveal_v counsel_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a sign_n of_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n so_o do_v they_o return_v thither_o again_o to_o make_v this_o great_a demonstration_n clear_a that_o if_o a_o full_a history_n be_v write_v of_o this_o world_n and_o what_o have_v be_v conspicuous_a through_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o time_n pass_v in_o all_o these_o conjunction_n of_o inferior_a cause_n whether_o necessary_a free_a or_o contingent_a and_o of_o such_o event_n that_o seem_v most_o casual_a it_o shall_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o exâ—ct_a transcript_n and_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o bear_v this_o witness_n that_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o but_o god_n set_v forth_o in_o his_o own_o scripture-light_n but_o though_o a_o full_a discovery_n hereof_o be_v not_o attainable_a within_o time_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a want_n that_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o each_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o more_o search_v and_o seek_v out_o of_o all_o they_o that_o take_v pleasure_n therein_o that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v observe_v and_o admire_v by_o that_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n angel_n and_o man_n who_o be_v only_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o know_v the_o same_o which_o be_v a_o service_n for_o the_o lord_n wherein_o his_o praise_n and_o