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within_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v my_o desire_n press_v i_o to_o some_o small_a essay_n herein_o with_o intent_n to_o have_v join_v it_o to_o this_o work_n but_o have_v with_o much_o conviction_n lay_v this_o whole_o aside_o as_o to_o any_o further_a appearance_n that_o way_n so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n that_o some_o more_o qualify_v may_v take_v to_o heart_n and_o under_o their_o hand_n so_o great_a a_o service_n both_o for_o their_o generation_n and_o posterity_n it_o be_v sure_a the_o lord_n have_v design_v his_o people_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n as_o well_o as_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o word_n and_o as_o no_o duty_n be_v more_o press_v than_o this_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o as_o to_o public_a and_o family_n instruction_n so_o be_v we_o no_o less_o accountable_a iâ—_n these_o last_o time_n for_o this_o improvement_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o know_v public_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n and_o shall_v be_v thâ—_n care_n of_o each_o age_n to_o have_v that_o solemn_a remembrance_n keep_v up_o hereof_o so_o as_o not_o a_o few_o but_o the_o very_a multitude_n within_o thâ—_n church_n may_v be_v as_o a_o public_a library_n and_o repository_n of_o thâ—_n same_o finis_fw-la
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 how_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a such_o must_v know_v one_fw-mi other_o acquaintance_n and_o society_n then_o that_o of_o man_n that_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 then_o follow_v any_o humane_a witness_n but_o thus_o make_v so_o visible_a a_o change_n oft_o both_o in_o their_o case_n and_o countenance_n after_o most_o sad_a anguish_n and_o dounecasting_n 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 how_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 its_o 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 how_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 they_o shall_v flee_v to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o do_v thus_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 which_o cause_v such_o 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 ever_o occasion_v this_o iii_o which_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 as_o these_o oft_o be_v enforce_v for_o a_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 which_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 the_o conscience_n make_v hereof_o vi_o yea_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 as_o all_o may_v see_v there_o be_v one_fw-mi accuser_n within_o who_o authority_n and_o power_n can_v possible_o be_v decline_v vii_o which_o with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o confidence_n and_o security_n 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 thus_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 be_v infallible_o thus_o clear_a how_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 &_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 &_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o great_a &_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 &_o infallible_a law_n also_o &_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 avoidable_o demonstrat_fw-la iv_o that_o it_o bear_v so_o clear_a evidence_n to_o that_o unknowen_a and_o undoubted_a relief_n and_o how_o none_o else_o can_v be_v ever_o find_v to_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 it_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_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 since_o this_o be_v of_o such_o special_a use_n both_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_n 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 access_n to_o deal_v but_o by_o proof_n from_o palpable_a experience_n 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 these_o wicked_a spirit_n encompass_v the_o earth_n yea_o that_o have_v one_fw-mi ordinar_fw-mi and_z 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 one_fw-mi 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 man_n yea_o how_o visible_o many_o be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n into_o such_o prodigious_a and_o desperate_a act_n of_o wickedness_n as_o we_o shall_v think_v humane_a nature_n can_v not_o but_o tremble_v at_o iv_o that_o none_o can_v control_v the_o certainty_n both_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o apparition_n and_o bodily_a possession_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o can_v need_v no_o demonstration_n for_o this_o that_o in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o devil_n be_v both_o visible_o and_o audible_o know_v v._o that_o he_o be_v so_o manifest_a in_o his_o appearance_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o blasphemy_n which_o impetuous_o act_v man_n to_o war_n against_o heaven_n with_o their_o tongue_n in_o such_o oath_n and_o curse_v as_o have_v no_o casual_a pleasure_n or_o gain_v herein_o yea_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n in_o so_o visible_a one_fw-mi excitement_n of_o other_o to_o these_o extravagancy_n under_o a_o show_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v incompatible_a with_o any_o use_n of_o judgement_n or_o reason_n vi_o that_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o humane_a race_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v in_o a_o formal_a and_o express_v covenant_n with_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v undeniable_a upon_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n herein_o qu._n ii_o what_o special_a
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
the_o same_o qu._n vi_o how_o be_v it_o demonstrable_a that_o such_o remarkable_a suffering_n of_o time_n pass_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o found_v on_o the_o alone_a certainty_n thereof_o and_o carry_v out_o by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n above_o any_o assistance_n of_o nature_n answ_n that_o it_o be_v sure_a i._n here_o be_v no_o comedy_n or_o personate_v suffering_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o in_o after_o time_n do_v endure_v for_o christ_n or_o that_o these_o unexpressable_a torment_n and_o pain_n be_v any_o dream_n and_o delusion_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o the_o world_n and_o that_o their_o adversary_n do_v thus_o conflict_n and_o wrestle_v with_o their_o own_o shadow_n in_o so_o continue_v and_o cruel_a one_fw-mi opposition_n ii_o that_o such_o joy_n and_o exultation_n of_o spirit_n these_o witness_v amid_o their_o torment_n who_o otherwise_o want_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n of_o their_o pain_n and_o suffering_n can_v have_v no_o rise_n but_o what_o be_v supernatural_a iii_o that_o this_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a dissimulation_n or_o counterfeit_v when_o they_o be_v step_v in_o on_o eternity_n nor_o the_o product_n of_o a_o distemper_a judgement_n whilst_o all_o may_v see_v what_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n tenderness_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o their_o adversary_n they_o do_v then_o evidence_n iv_o that_o these_o great_a suffering_n be_v upon_o choice_n and_o to_o endure_v rather_o than_o to_o be_v safe_a at_o the_o rate_n of_o recede_v in_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o truth_n v._o yea_o no_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v how_o such_o mean_a and_o feeble_a person_n as_o many_o of_o these_o be_v shall_v endure_v what_o will_v have_v make_v the_o great_a natural_a courage_n to_o faint_v as_o if_o they_o have_v forgo_v humane_a passion_n which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n must_v needs_o have_v herein_o so_o as_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o see_v something_o no_o less_o marvellous_a and_o supernatural_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o martyr_n then_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n section_n iii_o qu._n i._o be_v it_o full_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o such_o a_o establishment_n as_o a_o religious_a worship_n must_v necessary_o determine_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n on_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o can_v but_o see_v how_o religion_n have_v not_o another_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n answ_n it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a to_o make_v a_o rational_a trial_n herein_o and_o not_o see_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o demonstration_n to_o be_v thus_o clear_a i._o that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o for_o any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n but_o to_o come_v and_o see_v what_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o heathenism_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deny_v even_o under_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n its_o be_v the_o high_a reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o how_o the_o very_a mystery_n of_o that_o heathenish_a worship_n be_v so_o horrid_a and_o impure_a as_o they_o need_v a_o vail_n then_o from_o the_o common_a view_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o rational_a reflection_n this_o day_n on_o that_o strange_a monster_n of_o mahumitanisme_n but_o of_o a_o visible_a prodigy_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n on_o these_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o their_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o give_v man_n up_o to_o such_o a_o imposture_n as_o expose_v the_o very_a name_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n to_o derision_n and_o can_v never_o claim_v a_o reception_n either_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o rule_n or_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o of_o its_o have_v any_o possible_a consistence_n with_o itself_o iii_o that_o its_o sure_a also_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v never_o another_o be_v but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christianity_n and_o where_o this_o fundation_n be_v divide_v from_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o yea_o how_o that_o people_n unto_o this_o day_n be_v such_o a_o confirm_a witness_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o its_o strange_a this_o do_v not_o beget_v deep_a impression_n on_o man_n spirit_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n we_o must_v either_o forgo_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n or_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n give_v and_o reveal_v for_o commerce_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v for_o this_o end_n hold_v forth_o that_o it_o be_v then_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o what_o be_v so_o high_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a as_o shall_v rather_o justify_v atheism_n qu._n ii_o what_o special_a confirmation_n to_o christianity_n can_v this_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n bear_v who_o be_v in_o so_o express_v a_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n answ_n if_o this_o be_v bring_v near_o our_o thought_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o one_o of_o the_o great_a assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n i._o that_o its_o sure_a there_o be_v such_o a_o people_n and_o race_n as_o a_o live_n and_o visible_a evidence_n to_o our_o sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o renown_a nation_n and_o church_n of_o israel_n to_o which_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o thus_o be_v still_o as_o some_o part_n of_o the_o evident_a ruin_n of_o that_o once_o flourish_a state_n ii_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v such_o a_o people_n keep_v by_o themselves_o and_o not_o mix_v with_o the_o nation_n who_o father_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o do_v still_o own_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o do_v attest_v that_o doctrine_n in_o which_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o christianity_n lie_v even_o whilst_o with_o great_a malice_n they_o oppose_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o witness_v there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a collusion_n here_o iii_o their_o being_n under_o a_o stroke_n of_o that_o judicial_a induration_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n as_o no_o reason_n can_v possible_o comprehend_v such_o a_o thing_n how_o they_o see_v not_o the_o light_n in_o the_o very_a noonday_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o fortolde_v their_o be_v conclude_v under_o such_o a_o arrest_n of_o judgement_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v bring_v in_o iv_o that_o so_o immediate_a a_o appearance_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o people_n both_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o as_o no_o instance_n can_v ever_o be_v find_v to_o resemble_v the_o same_o since_o man_n be_v form_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o as_o a_o conspicuous_a monument_n of_o divin_fw-fr wrath_n set_v up_o for_o every_o age_n and_o time_n of_o the_o church_n to_o turn_v aside_o and_o consider_v this_o great_a sight_n and_o inquire_v what_o mean_v so_o strange_a and_o amaze_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o scatter_a jew_n be_v now_o under_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o this_o desolation_n on_o they_o and_o stroke_n have_v such_o special_a concur_v circumstance_n for_o give_v light_n thereto_o as_o be_v not_o above_o 48._o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n with_o their_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v hot_a and_o reak_a with_o that_o blood_n which_o they_o have_v wish_v on_o they_o and_o their_o child_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o that_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n there_o and_o point_v as_o with_o the_o finger_n at_o the_o same_o as_o also_o by_o the_o roman_n who_o interest_n in_o their_o opposition_n to_o christ_n they_o pretend_v to_o own_o qu._n iii_o be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o gospel_n promulgation_n such_o as_o no_o other_o profession_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o and_o where_o all_o may_v see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o human_a interest_n or_o contrivance_n in_o the_o same_o answ_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o no_o interest_n else_o be_v ever_o in_o such_o a_o way_n promote_v and_o do_v exceed_v all_o natural_a understanding_n how_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n can_v in_o this_o manner_n prevail_v i._o to_o persuade_v man_n without_o any_o motive_n or_o inducement_n from_o this_o present_a world_n to_o embrace_v a_o doctrine_n so_o whole_o repugnant_a to_o nature_n yea_o to_o prefer_v a_o interest_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o which_o none_o ever_o in_o the_o earth_n see_v to_o the_o most_o desirable_a object_n of_o sense_n ii_o to_o admit_v no_o implicit_a reception_n from_o any_o but_o on_o their_o exact_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n herein_o or_o in_o a_o other_o way_n claim_v a_o interest_n in_o man_n affection_n but_o by_o a_o full_a assent_n of_o their_o light_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 that_o infallible_a rule_n to_o discern_v true_a miracle_n and_o what_o be_v god_n seal_n 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 incontrollable_a evidence_n of_o extraordinare_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 of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n section_n iu._n qu._n i._o be_v it_o clear_a and_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o soul_n quicken_a and_o experimental_a religion_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o in_o its_o most_o supernatural_a truth_n of_o such_o rational_a certitude_n and_o evidence_n as_o the_o world_n can_v no_o more_o deny_v or_o question_v the_o same_o than_o these_o experiment_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v of_o most_o universal_a use_n answ_n though_o man_n look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n here_o or_o be_v come_v from_o heathnism_n so_o for_o as_o to_o make_v a_o serious_a trial_n of_o christianity_n its_o sure_a they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o judgement_n hereof_o on_o these_o ground_n i._o that_o such_o a_o discovery_n be_v undoubted_a and_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n of_o so_o great_a thing_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o working_n on_o man_n soul_n 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 owned_a 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 there_o with_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 where_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 they_o do_v before_o read_v there_o ere_o they_o know_v it_o on_o their_o owned_a 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 transmit_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o with_o their_o confirmatory_n seal_v that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o these_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n which_o seem_v most_o incredible_a to_o the_o world_n &_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 these_o who_o know_v and_o testify_v these_o thing_n once_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 then_o most_o now_o do_v until_o they_o know_v they_o on_o their_o soul_n v._o that_o such_o also_o have_v be_v the_o most_o burn_a and_o shine_a 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 who_o declare_v the_o same_o yea_o this_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o entrance_n to_o one_fw-mi eternal_a state_n when_o no_o outward_a interest_n can_v sway_v they_o here_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 obtest_v their_o make_n earnest_a herein_o as_o the_o great_a interest_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o vii_o that_o what_o ever_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 be_v one_fw-mi harmonious_a onenes_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 answ_n 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 can_v but_o see_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 one_fw-mi 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 &_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 iv_o 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 deread_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_v 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 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 to_o what_o once_o be_v there_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 one_fw-mi 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_n vessel_n of_o honour_n then_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 so_o 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_v 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 access_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 one_fw-mi other_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 one_fw-mi experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o 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