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unto_o god_n or_o have_v there_o be_v such_o precedent_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o any_o church_n else_o and_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o these_o 50_o year_n past_a he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o and_o oh_o what_o must_v be_v expect_v to_o work_v for_o such_o a_o end_n when_o no_o institute_v mean_n do_v answer_v thereto_o and_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o man_n natural_a power_n can_v do_v which_o be_v so_o much_o exalt_v by_o this_o generation_n to_o shut_v out_o the_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a influence_n of_o grace_n with_o so_o little_a fear_n of_o such_o a_o judicial_a restraint_n thereof_o as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n for_o if_o man_n do_v but_o sincere_o reason_n their_o soul_n unto_o serious_a thought_n of_o such_o a_o cafe_z what_o can_v be_v see_v now_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o beget_v a_o deep_a and_o awful_a sense_n of_o god_n on_o man_n soul_n if_o he_o do_v not_o in_o some_o more_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a way_n appear_v but_o such_o a_o astonish_a confidence_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o divine_a sign_n and_o threaten_n seem_v discernible_a as_o nothing_o in_o a_o monitory_a way_n do_v work_v or_o affect_v in_o man_n spirit_n nor_o be_v judgement_n from_o heaven_n a_o matter_n of_o fear_n with_o most_o if_o it_o be_v not_o feel_v but_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o we_o may_v see_v isa_n 5._o 19_o may_v be_v visible_a in_o the_o present_a time_n when_o they_o say_v let_v he_o make_v speed_n and_o hasten_v his_o work_n that_o we_o may_v see_v it_o and_o let_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n draw_v near_o that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o which_o be_v in_o a_o express_a way_n to_o speak_v that_o neither_o their_o faith_n nor_o their_o fear_n do_v rise_v high_o than_o sensible_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o what_o be_v present_a in_o their_o sight_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o truth_n also_o be_v more_o than_o supposable_a that_o the_o 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world_n and_o its_o be_v secure_v from_o the_o extremity_n of_o justice_n be_v alone_o by_o a_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n therein_o so_o be_v it_o in_o no_o other_o way_n but_o of_o grace_n only_o that_o britain_n have_v this_o day_n any_o claim_n or_o charter_n of_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o providence_n and_o for_o have_v the_o hedge_n of_o divine_a protection_n keep_v up_o nor_o can_v the_o further_a of_o humane_a strength_n and_o counsel_n avail_v then_o if_o once_o the_o full_a measure_n of_o the_o long-suffering_a and_o tenderness_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v sum_v up_o that_o have_v assure_o its_o set_a bound_n to_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n where_o sometime_o god_n have_v most_o remarkable_o shine_v and_o oh_o what_o a_o thing_n shall_v this_o world_n be_v to_o live_v in_o be_v it_o but_o before_o one_o day_n or_o hour_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o withhold_v of_o a_o immediate_a divine_a care_n and_o inspection_n over_o the_o same_o or_o for_o so_o small_a a_o time_n that_o door_n can_v be_v shut_v up_o of_o intercourse_n betwixt_o heaven_n and_o the_o saint_n here_o which_o by_o a_o divine_a immutable_a constitution_n of_o grace_n be_v keep_v open_a whilst_o they_o be_v within_o time_n but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o to_o any_o public_a and_o national_a interest_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v little_a credit_n or_o regard_v with_o man_n what_o invisible_a influence_n such_o a_o hide_a party_n who_o make_v least_o appearance_n in_o the_o earth_n have_v on_o the_o great_a change_n thereof_o and_o how_o a_o fill_n up_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o elect_n in_o a_o nation_n and_o continuance_n of_o the_o candlestick_n
in_o a_o present_a extremity_n and_o amid_o the_o great_a terror_n of_o sense_n when_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a support_n from_o nature_n or_o thing_n see_v in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o this_o do_v the_o psalmist_n here_o bear_v a_o most_o clear_a witness_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o astonish_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v whole_o unaccountable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o it_o have_v be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o i_o in_o how_o ordinary_a a_o way_n such_o a_o subject_a be_v oft_o speak_v of_o and_o what_o length_n be_v come_v in_o the_o notion_n and_o theory_n when_o so_o little_a of_o the_o experimental_a light_n hereof_o seem_v to_o be_v find_v on_o the_o earth_n in_o this_o day_n but_o where_o it_o be_v know_v in_o truth_n it_o be_v sure_o one_o of_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o immediate_a power_n and_o work_n on_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o militant_a state_n yea_o such_o as_o may_v supply_v the_o room_n of_o any_o external_a miracle_n to_o these_o who_o know_v the_o same_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o exceed_v the_o sphere_n of_o all_o create_a power_n to_o work_v and_o go_v far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o angel_n to_o impart_v the_o same_o but_o to_o he_o only_o it_o belong_v who_o be_v both_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n yea_o which_o according_a to_o the_o out-letting_n of_o his_o spirit_n herein_o make_v so_o unspeakable_a a_o difference_n betwixt_o such_o and_o themselves_o to_o who_o it_o be_v thus_o know_v how_o in_o one_o time_n than_o they_o be_v make_v to_o differ_v from_o another_o and_o where_o the_o sorrow_n and_o pain_n of_o a_o doubt_a heart_n about_o the_o warrant_n of_o their_o hope_n be_v understand_v it_o will_v be_v then_o know_v what_o unexpressible_a joy_n the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o assurance_n as_o we_o find_v here_o in_o the_o text_n do_v raise_v and_o be_v as_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v true_a such_o a_o particular_a confidence_n and_o trust_n that_o have_v nothing_o from_o thing_n see_v or_o on_o any_o natural_a account_n to_o fix_v can_v bear_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o light_n only_o even_o on_o the_o most_o clear_a ground_n of_o a_o divine_a promise_n herein_o but_o be_v immediate_o dependent_a on_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v then_o give_v to_o answer_v to_o the_o height_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o present_a trial_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v sure_a and_o unquestionable_a that_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v not_o found_v on_o appearance_n have_v a_o ballast_n as_o will_v not_o be_v break_v by_o contrary_a appearance_n and_o since_o this_o may_v look_v as_o a_o very_a dark_a and_o amaze_a thing_n what_o relate_v to_o such_o singular_a work_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n in_o a_o extremity_n i_o will_v speak_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o be_v previous_o consider_v in_o what_o manner_n this_o act_n on_o the_o high_a principle_n of_o enlighten_v reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o supernatural_a influence_n and_o how_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o rational_o deduce_v than_o such_o a_o conclusion_n which_o david_n here_o make_v from_o the_o forego_n premise_n since_o it_o be_v undeniable_a 1._o that_o such_o a_o sweet_a and_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o be_v for_o man_n to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o relief_n only_o in_o a_o present_a exigence_n of_o trial_n when_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v afford_v nothing_o to_o man_n without_o himself_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o creation_n to_o bear_v up_o that_o weight_n of_o dependence_n and_o trust_n so_o as_o we_o must_v herein_o either_o cease_v from_o man_n who_o breath_n be_v in_o his_o nostril_n in_o the_o way_n of_o reliance_n or_o part_n with_o god_n nor_o can_v any_o time_n ever_o find_v that_o to_o be_v bless_v on_o which_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v by_o any_o irrevocable_a sentence_n settle_v a_o curse_n but_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o rare_a character_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n both_o his_o choice_n and_o confidence_n do_v centre_n in_o god_n alone_o as_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o trust_v he_o only_o or_o none_o else_o and_o to_o lie_v at_o anchor_n on_o his_o reveal_v truth_n or_o perish_v the_o great_a former_a of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o empty_a name_n and_o show_v of_o be_v his_o people_n hope_n when_o the_o interest_n and_o weight_n thereof_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n beside_o himself_o 2._o it_o be_v no_o less_o demonstrable_a and_o know_v on_o this_o head_n that_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a rest_n or_o quiet_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n amid_o the_o hazard_n and_o terror_n of_o time_n but_o in_o a_o entire_a dependence_n and_o trust_n on_o a_o invisible_a god_n and_o his_o be_v their_o alone_a refuge_n and_o help_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n adventure_v entire_o on_o he_o as_o the_o alone_a object_n of_o our_o trust_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o recede_v from_o the_o one_o so_o be_v there_o consequential_o from_o the_o other_o also_o in_o deny_v to_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o godhead_n nothing_o be_v indeed_o more_o usual_a than_o to_o see_v man_n confidence_n still_o ebb_n and_o flow_v according_a to_o the_o visible_a posture_n of_o their_o affair_n though_o it_o do_v sad_o evidence_n such_o a_o trust_n and_o reliance_n that_o have_v its_o great_a weight_n on_o something_o else_o than_o god_n however_o he_o bear_v the_o name_n thereof_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o the_o great_a prince_n and_o monarch_n need_v to_o have_v their_o dependence_n no_o less_o settle_v on_o god_n even_o for_o outward_a supply_n than_o the_o poor_a who_o hold_v hereof_o be_v no_o less_o absolute_o from_o he_o than_o those_o who_o may_v be_v put_v to_o live_v on_o humane_a charity_n and_o be_v ever_o in_o his_o reverence_n who_o can_v make_v the_o scarlet_a to_o embrace_v the_o dunghill_n when_o it_o will_v seem_v not_o conceivable_a to_o humane_a reason_n it_o be_v in_o this_o respect_n that_o one_o of_o the_o high_a trial_n of_o faith_n be_v when_o external_a advantage_n do_v most_o abound_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n riches_n prove_v so_o mortal_a to_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o same_o and_o as_o christ_n himself_o testify_v be_v no_o less_o hard_a for_o such_o to_o be_v save_v than_o for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o a_o needle_n be_v eye_n it_o be_v so_o rare_a for_o man_n to_o have_v the_o world_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o upon_o their_o heart_n also_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n and_o trust_n 3._o this_o shall_v be_v also_o consider_v for_o give_v light_n to_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o any_o extraordinary_a trial_n that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o this_o excellent_a grace_n not_o only_o in_o its_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n thereof_o be_v alone_o in_o this_o life_n attainable_a so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v at_o a_o high_a pitch_n than_o in_o this_o militant_a state_n or_o to_o have_v another_o season_n for_o pay_v in_o that_o tribute_n of_o glory_n and_o praise_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o his_o faithfulness_n which_o be_v so_o high_o call_v for_o in_o the_o way_n of_o believe_v but_o within_o time_n only_o but_o in_o a_o more_o special_a way_n in_o the_o great_a exigence_n and_o strait_n which_o may_v be_v in_o a_o christian_n case_n when_o their_o hope_n seem_v most_o visible_o state_v against_o they_o it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o fill_n up_o of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o christian_n day_n 2._o thess_n 1._o 5._o as_o one_o of_o the_o high_a design_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o conflict_n of_o their_o warfare_n though_o the_o same_o measure_n in_o this_o work_n and_o trial_n hereof_o be_v not_o allot_v to_o some_o as_o to_o other_o yea_o it_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n only_a james_n speak_v chap._n 1._o 4._o for_o the_o patience_n of_o faith_n to_o have_v its_o perfct_a work_n and_o to_o attain_v this_o in_o the_o utmost_a degree_n since_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o this_o life_n 4._o but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o compensation_n to_o the_o hard_a lesson_n of_o a_o christian_n confidence_n and_o trust_n and_o to_o the_o most_o remarkable_a hour_n of_o extremity_n that_o we_o know_v god_n have_v reserve_v thereto_o the_o most_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a discovery_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o be_v god_n alone_o above_o what_o be_v know_v in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n say_v i_o not_o unto_o
earth_n before_o who_o the_o great_a of_o man_n must_v either_o bow_v or_o be_v break_v and_o that_o the_o time_n be_v not_o only_o near_a but_o be_v now_o come_v for_o his_o take_n to_o himself_o his_o great_a power_n to_o reign_v with_o another_o appearance_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o terror_n than_o be_v ever_o know_v before_o in_o the_o world_n and_o oh_o what_o must_v be_v expect_v to_o work_v for_o greatr_n excitement_n to_o fear_n and_o a_o more_o awful_a sense_n of_o a_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a power_n and_o of_o his_o supreme_a government_n over_o the_o world_n when_o no_o institute_v mean_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n do_v answer_n to_o this_o end_n though_o it_o be_v sure_a if_o that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o the_o deity_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o engagement_n to_o he_o with_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o hope_n from_o he_o alone_o be_v take_v to_o heart_n we_o can_v not_o but_o accountsuch_o to_o be_v most_o desirable_a act_n of_o providence_n yea_o rejoice_v herein_o where_o he_o give_v the_o most_o near_o and_o immediate_a discovery_n of_o himself_o when_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v so_o visible_o concern_v in_o the_o same_o even_o though_o it_o shall_v cause_v tremble_v to_o humane_a sense_n and_o be_v at_o a_o very_a dear_a and_o expensive_a rate_n to_o a_o secure_a world_n but_o it_o be_v on_o another_o head_n that_o i_o must_v more_o special_o insist_v in_o a_o practical_a way_n as_o to_o the_o great_a security_n of_o faith_n with_o such_o a_o full_a reliance_n on_o god_n as_o be_v here_o hold_v forth_o in_o this_o scripture_n and_o to_o what_o a_o degree_n the_o elevation_n of_o a_o christian_n soul_n may_v be_v thus_o raise_v with_o that_o inward_a assurance_n as_o can_v bear_v out_o against_o the_o great_a terror_n of_o sense_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o god_n by_o his_o immediate_a work_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v wonderful_a and_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a improvement_n in_o the_o sad_a trial_n of_o our_o warfare_n to_o know_v in_o what_o manner_n divine_a power_n be_v thus_o exert_v as_o can_v in_o a_o moment_n dispel_v the_o most_o extreme_a fear_n and_o darkness_n on_o the_o soul_n so_o as_o to_o make_v day_n arise_v and_o a_o sun_n shine_v there_o when_o it_o have_v be_v as_o midnight_n otherwise_o and_o since_o this_o be_v a_o subject_a of_o such_o weight_n as_o the_o very_a life_n comfort_n and_o sustain_v of_o the_o soul_n amid_o the_o innumerable_a hazard_n and_o trial_n of_o time_n lie_v herein_o as_o to_o a_o full_a assurance_n and_o acquiescence_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o be_v thus_o safe_a and_o in_o sure_a term_n with_o god_n it_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o answer_v a_o few_o proposal_n for_o give_v light_n thereto_o 1._o how_o we_o be_v to_o apprehend_v aright_o so_o great_a a_o attainment_n of_o grace_n as_o this_o be_v and_o to_o have_v our_o judgement_n settle_v and_o clear_a about_o so_o wonderful_a a_o experiment_n i_o know_v it_o be_v no_o ordinary_a standard_n or_o example_n what_o be_v here_o hold_v forth_o in_o such_o assurance_n of_o david_n faith_n when_o no_o supposal_n of_o hazard_n or_o extremity_n be_v then_o too_o great_a for_o the_o same_o for_o even_o this_o great_a man_n of_o god_n have_v at_o other_o time_n his_o low_a ebb_n and_o faint_n that_o be_v as_o remarkable_a as_o such_o a_o triumph_n and_o high-spring-tide_n which_o we_o see_v here_o in_o the_o power_n of_o believe_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n this_o be_v a_o strange_a riddle_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o unaccountable_a to_o all_o reason_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o who_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o if_o it_o be_v something_o that_o alone_o work_v in_o the_o power_n of_o some_o strong_a imagination_n whilst_o they_o take_v up_o religion_n in_o a_o natural_a way_n only_o which_o go_v not_o above_o moral_a inducement_n and_o the_o power_n of_o freewill_n i_o must_v therefore_o speak_v a_o little_a in_o a_o special_a way_n to_o such_o a_o proposal_n 1._o that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v most_o eminent_o lie_v here_o not_o only_o to_o reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o redemption_n in_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o we_o but_o to_o acquaint_v we_o also_o with_o the_o immediate_a and_o internal_a work_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o do_v work_n and_o perfect_a in_o we_o as_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n thereof_o which_o be_v so_o wonderful_a a_o thing_n as_o put_v one_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o that_o strange_a enquiry_n lord_n how_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o will_v manifest_v thyself_o to_o we_o and_o not_o to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o such_o a_o distinguish_a way_n by_o inward_a evidence_n and_o power_n 2._o this_o can_v be_v understand_v aright_o but_o by_o such_o a_o discovery_n thereof_o as_o one_o of_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o that_o rare_a divine_a workmanship_n of_o the_o new_a man_n which_o in_o its_o whole_a life_n and_o act_n have_v no_o other_o subsistence_n but_o by_o immediate_a supply_n from_o heaven_n and_o as_o in_o one_o time_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n his_o faith_n will_v need_v a_o more_o extraordinary_a allowance_n for_o support_n than_o in_o another_o so_o i_o must_v humble_o judge_v the_o present_a time_n we_o be_v in_o be_v such_o as_o needs_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n some_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o mystery_n of_o faith_n by_o practical_a light_n and_o the_o virtue_n thereof_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n when_o the_o time_n seem_v to_o be_v grow_v so_o dark_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a discerner_n of_o thing_n be_v put_v to_o astonishment_n to_o think_v what_o providence_n may_v be_v bring_v forth_o when_o the_o sea-compass_n seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o fail_v and_o so_o little_a of_o any_o comfort_a sign_n but_o for_o a_o long_a time_n past_a have_v be_v in_o path_n so_o untrodden_a as_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o trace_v or_o find_v a_o clear_a way_n before_o we_o 3._o but_o this_o can_v be_v understand_v as_o some_o singular_a and_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o upon_o some_o special_a service_n for_o he_o may_v be_v impart_v to_o such_o as_o never_o know_v his_o graci-inhabitation_n in_o their_o soul_n or_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v enter_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v by_o his_o settle_a residence_n and_o abide_n with_o they_o john_n 14._o 17._o for_o such_o be_v this_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o nature_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v true_a act_n and_o work_n be_v not_o attainable_a without_o a_o vital_a influence_n from_o heaven_n and_o where_o it_o be_v gradual_a increase_n and_o advance_n be_v make_v a_o reward_n to_o frequency_n in_o the_o act_n thereof_o and_o these_o resolute_a adventure_n and_o reliance_n which_o have_v through_o grace_n be_v attain_v on_o a_o divine_a power_n 4._o but_o for_o a_o more_o full_a understanding_n hereof_o it_o be_v not_o possible_o attainable_a without_o a_o supernatural_a evidence_n accompany_v the_o same_o such_o whereby_o it_o clear_o see_v both_o the_o excellency_n and_o certainty_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o sense_n how_o they_o be_v no_o less_o sure_a than_o great_a and_o though_o the_o high_a enjoyment_n of_o faith_n whereby_o the_o soul_n rest_v about_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a have_v no_o such_o immediate_a evidence_n thereof_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v hope_v for_o if_o they_o be_v thus_o see_v yet_o it_o be_v upon_o no_o credibility_n but_o upon_o the_o high_a certainty_n that_o this_o quiet_v work_n of_o faith_n be_v found_v but_o how_o this_o supernatural_a evidence_n do_v work_v on_o a_o christian_n soul_n in_o a_o hour_n of_o great_a trial_n be_v not_o expressible_a by_o word_n though_o it_o do_v then_o clear_a itself_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o daylight_n do_v when_o the_o sun_n shine_v for_o when_o it_o be_v know_v in_o the_o power_n thereof_o in_o time_n of_o faint_v and_o distress_n it_o have_v then_o such_o a_o call_v therewith_o by_o a_o present_a efficacy_n as_o psal_n 116._o 7._o to_o return_n unto_o their_o rest_n a_o rest_n of_o tranquillity_n and_o assurance_n from_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o promise_n when_o there_o may_v not_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o its_o performance_n thus_o do_v abraham_n know_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o such_o a_o evidence_n upon_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n through_o unbelief_n when_o both_o the_o way_n
great_a substance_n and_o reality_n with_o the_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v so_o evident_a as_o can_v make_v his_o work_n and_o service_n for_o god_n to_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o high_a delight_n and_o enjoyment_n yea_o he_o now_o know_v what_o a_o spiritual_a faculty_n and_o life_n be_v for_o correspond_v with_o those_o divine_a communication_n so_o as_o with_o a_o judicious_a and_o discern_a ear_n he_o can_v know_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o belove_a master_n from_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n both_o in_o its_o sweetness_n to_o allure_v and_o in_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o draw_v and_o conform_v their_o soul_n into_o a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o himself_o with_o that_o tenderness_n and_o fear_n which_o be_v the_o native_a result_n of_o such_o a_o intimacy_n of_o converse_n 6._o but_o as_o to_o this_o marvellous_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o a_o high_a increase_n of_o faith_n he_o be_v one_o who_o can_v give_v a_o account_n hereof_o also_o that_o in_o no_o singular_a way_n it_o be_v attain_v but_o as_o it_o do_v respect_v the_o whole_a community_n of_o the_o saint_n by_o a_o unchangeable_a rule_n as_o attainable_a not_o only_o in_o the_o retire_a duty_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o by_o a_o invisible_a trade_n and_o commerce_n with_o external_a ordinance_n and_o the_o out-letting_n of_o sanctury_n strength_n this_o way_n answerable_a to_o that_o psal_n 20._o 2._o in_o both_o which_o respect_n his_o faith_n have_v oft_o gain_v a_o high_a interest_n and_o establishment_n than_o by_o external_a providence_n as_o be_v more_o immediate_o dependent_a on_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o as_o all_o cause_n must_v work_v answerable_o to_o the_o nature_n thereof_o so_o can_v he_o put_v his_o seal_n and_o testimony_n to_o that_o hide_a virtue_n and_o vital_a influence_n which_o those_o divine_a institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v on_o man_n soul_n and_o be_v only_o peculiar_a thereto_o 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a_o further_o illustrate_v of_o such_o a_o example_n whatever_o in_o a_o preparatory_a way_n he_o have_v thus_o attain_v for_o a_o special_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o most_o extreme_a case_n yet_o when_o this_o be_v not_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o become_v a_o present_a visible_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o come_v so_o near_o as_o can_v but_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n affect_v his_o spirit_n then_o do_v it_o yet_o more_o appear_v where_o his_o strength_n and_o immediate_a relief_n do_v lie_v in_o make_v that_o great_a trial_n of_o turn_v his_o eye_n whole_o to_o god_n by_o a_o present_a address_n for_o such_o a_o special_a allowance_n from_o heaven_n that_o his_o strength_n may_v be_v according_a to_o his_o day_n and_o than_o it_o be_v in_o his_o improvement_n of_o that_o way_n which_o god_n have_v consecrate_v for_o the_o most_o extreme_a exigence_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n he_o know_v the_o high_a value_n and_o use_v of_o such_o great_a experiment_n he_o have_v former_o make_v of_o sensible_a acceptance_n and_o audience_n in_o the_o most_o astonish_a strait_o with_o such_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n herein_o and_o inward_a evidence_n on_o his_o soul_n as_o if_o fire_n have_v come_v from_o thence_o to_o consume_v the_o sacrifice_n so_o as_o he_o can_v then_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n psal_n 20._o 6._o now_o know_v i_o that_o the_o lord_n save_v his_o anoint_v and_o psal_n 40._o 11._o i_o know_v i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o yea_o as_o he_o know_v the_o way_n of_o humble_a wrestle_a in_o prayer_n be_v not_o bound_v in_o its_o warrant_n by_o the_o great_a extremity_n so_o it_o have_v be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o when_o god_n do_v take_v some_o unusual_a trial_n of_o his_o people_n and_o of_o their_o faith_n he_o then_o design_n to_o give_v they_o some_o great_a and_o singular_a trial_n of_o himself_o 8._o it_o may_v be_v further_a applicable_a to_o such_o a_o example_n that_o though_o the_o work_n of_o a_o special_a faith_n in_o some_o great_a exigence_n and_o distress_n be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v speak_v to_o other_o as_o it_o be_v then_o feel_v in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n thereof_o yet_o do_v he_o then_o know_v the_o security_n hereof_o and_o present_a settlement_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o such_o evidence_n as_o he_o see_v as_o well_o as_o believe_v when_o he_o can_v possible_o demonstrate_v this_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o but_o as_o he_o know_v with_o assurance_n his_o trust_n in_o such_o a_o hour_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o high_o rational_a act_n of_o his_o life_n so_o be_v this_o no_o less_o evident_a and_o sure_a how_o the_o whole_a supernatural_a part_n of_o christianity_n whereby_o a_o christian_a be_v raise_v above_o himself_o and_o the_o work_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n have_v its_o alone_a dependence_n on_o a_o near_a and_o immediate_a converse_n with_o heaven_n wherein_o his_o great_a strength_n then_o lie_v that_o when_o a_o tide_n from_o without_o may_v 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way_n more_o impossible_a than_o this_o that_o he_o be_v persuade_v god_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v rom._n 4._o and_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v heb._n 11._o 9_o but_o yet_o now_o let_v i_o add_v this_o more_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o a_o example_n that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o in_o a_o season_n of_o great_a trial_n know_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o witness_v he_o be_v then_o sist_v under_o to_o be_v of_o another_o kind_n than_o any_o humane_a observation_n that_o may_v be_v upon_o he_o when_o he_o have_v so_o difficult_a and_o hazardous_a a_o part_n to_o act_v on_o the_o theatre_n of_o his_o life_n and_o that_o he_o have_v herein_o not_o only_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o elect_a angel_n the_o watch_v and_o consider_v eye_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n who_o be_v against_o he_o but_o above_o all_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n than_o at_o other_o time_n state_v under_o the_o immediate_a witness_n 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there_o with_o the_o oversight_n of_o a_o special_a providence_n be_v still_o of_o the_o same_o extent_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o dilemma_n of_o undeniable_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o public_a state_n and_o interest_n of_o those_o nation_n that_o we_o must_v either_o have_v god_n for_o we_o in_o the_o efficacy_n and_o out-going_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o against_o we_o that_o god_n who_o in_o the_o supreme_a administration_n of_o his_o government_n over_o the_o world_n stand_v not_o as_o nouter_n or_o as_o a_o witness_n only_o to_o the_o act_n of_o man_n but_o if_o he_o be_v not_o on_o our_o side_n and_o interest_v in_o our_o cause_n we_o must_v then_o know_v he_o as_o a_o adversary_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a midst_n herein_o that_o god_n who_o room_n all_o the_o world_n can_v supply_v if_o he_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o our_o counsel_n yea_o such_o a_o god_n we_o have_v both_o to_o fear_v and_o rely_v on_o who_o be_v not_o one_o like_a to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v put_v off_o with_o word_n or_o a_o complemental_a address_n in_o a_o state_v form_n only_o or_o can_v expect_v in_o faith_n that_o this_o will_v bring_v assistance_n to_o turn_v the_o scale_n of_o providence_n on_o our_o side_n if_o he_o be_v not_o according_a to_o his_o reveal_v counsel_n with_o a_o entire_a reliance_n on_o he_o alone_o adore_v and_o fear_v as_o god_n yea_o it_o be_v sure_a in_o no_o humane_a affair_n he_o do_v more_o immediate_o appear_v and_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o angel_n than_o in_o the_o decision_n of_o war_n and_o of_o battle_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o do_v in_o so_o special_a a_o respect_n take_v that_o style_n unto_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n it_o shall_v seem_v a_o strange_a and_o astonish_a thing_n how_o man_n can_v live_v in_o the_o earth_n without_o god_n without_o who_o they_o can_v live_v for_o one_o moment_n and_o in_o who_o hand_n their_o breâ—â—…h_n be_v yet_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o public_a state_n 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that_o way_n though_o the_o purchase_n will_v never_o bear_v the_o expense_n yea_o can_v go_v the_o far_a length_n of_o external_a worship_n in_o church_n assembly_n and_o yet_o be_v without_o god_n then_o as_o to_o any_o internal_a converse_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o by_o inward_a act_n of_o adoration_n and_o what_o account_n can_v such_o possible_o make_v of_o a_o invisible_a god_n who_o know_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o their_o confidence_n but_o as_o visible_a thing_n do_v either_o smile_n or_o frown_v upon_o they_o but_o there_o be_v one_o respect_n further_o wherein_o we_o may_v see_v how_o most_o who_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v this_o day_n live_v without_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o observation_n of_o what_o pass_v betwixt_o he_o and_o they_o whether_o by_o providence_n or_o influence_n on_o their_o soul_n but_o take_v all_o thing_n at_o a_o adventure_n without_o any_o high_a look_n than_o what_o be_v from_o secondary_a cause_n though_o it_o be_v in_o this_o way_n that_o a_o enoch_n a_o noah_n and_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o have_v go_v before_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o the_o earth_n no_o less_o in_o discern_v his_o appearance_n and_o work_v towards_o they_o than_o their_o way_n and_o service_n towards_o he_o but_o oh_o what_o will_v he_o do_v with_o we_o when_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o the_o most_o prevail_a suffrage_n and_o vote_n of_o the_o generation_n we_o be_v now_o in_o shall_v be_v this_o if_o their_o soul_n may_v speak_v for_o they_o in_o such_o a_o case_n let_v god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o high_a since_o this_o lght_n tend_v only_o to_o be_v torment_v and_o do_v afford_v no_o comfort_n to_o such_o or_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o will_v allow_v in_o this_o age_n a_o restore_a miracle_n to_o bring_v man_n again_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o elia_n when_o we_o have_v a_o much_o great_a talon_n to_o be_v accountable_a for_o than_o these_o have_v or_o any_o former_a age_n pass_v have_v the_o whole_a income_n of_o their_o confirmation_n and_o improvement_n add_v to_o our_o stock_n 5_o though_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o that_o mystery_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n which_o be_v the_o special_a subject_n of_o this_o discourse_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n respect_v our_o reconcile_v state_n and_o justification_n before_o god_n yet_o be_v it_o too_o evident_a that_o the_o most_o usual_o try_v and_o difficult_a part_n thereof_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o trial_n and_o conflict_n of_o time_n and_o sucha_fw-mi day_n when_o they_o must_v live_v immediate_o on_o god_n and_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o godhead_n when_o no_o visible_a mean_n can_v support_v which_o be_v that_o wonderful_a experiment_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o power_n thereof_o that_o be_v here_o express_o point_v at_o when_o 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which_o have_v ever_o go_v over_o the_o church_n because_o this_o way_n of_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n be_v only_o within_o time_n 2._o but_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v also_o that_o in_o each_o age_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o more_o illustrious_a example_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v afford_v to_o the_o world_n this_o way_n in_o who_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o power_n thereof_o have_v a_o great_a triumph_n in_o the_o way_n of_o passive_a valour_n than_o in_o these_o who_o have_v be_v most_o admire_v upon_o their_o heroic_a act_n and_o conquest_n over_o men._n 3._o it_o be_v undeniable_a also_o what_o eminent_a experiment_n have_v be_v thus_o afford_v upon_o these_o adventure_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n which_o do_v not_o then_o answer_v the_o ordinary_a standard_n of_o the_o trial_n which_o other_o have_v have_v and_o though_o we_o may_v confident_o hope_v that_o the_o high_a measure_n of_o the_o suffer_a time_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o accomplish_v and_o pass_v 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in_o that_o last_o state_n of_o time_n 6._o may_v it_o not_o be_v matter_n of_o unavoidable_a evidence_n also_o as_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n that_o there_o be_v sure_o some_o eminent_a period_n of_o providence_n to_o which_o so_o swift_a and_o extraordinary_a a_o course_n of_o remarkable_a change_n as_o have_v in_o a_o successive_a way_n still_o attend_v these_o nation_n have_v aprope_a tendency_n these_o be_v so_o unusual_a and_o astonish_a and_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinary_a work_n as_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o deep_a discerner_n of_o thing_n can_v not_o to_o this_o day_n have_v reason_v their_o fall_v out_o on_o principle_n of_o humane_a reason_n yea_o such_o as_o i_o must_v humble_o judge_v will_v not_o cease_v until_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v quiet_v in_o that_o great_a design_n which_o he_o be_v to_o accomplish_v hereby_o answerable_a to_o that_o zach._n 6_o 8._o on_o which_o he_o have_v set_v his_o heart_n who_o leave_v not_o his_o work_n unperfect_v which_o have_v also_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o intent_n isa_n 66._o 9_o shall_v i_o bring_v to_o the_o birth_n and_o not_o cause_n to_o bring_v forth_o etc._n etc._n nor_o i_o be_o persuade_v will_v any_o humane_a counsel_n make_v civil_a establishment_n to_o be_v effectual_a until_o that_o great_a design_n of_o providence_n be_v more_o understand_v and_o concur_v with_o 7._o it_o be_v now_o a_o day_n of_o great_a expectation_n how_o the_o next_o scene_n of_o providence_n may_v open_v for_o a_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o design_n of_o the_o lord_n about_o which_o i_o judge_v these_o who_o have_v near_a converse_v with_o god_n this_o day_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n see_v cause_n to_o give_v their_o fear_n the_o first_o place_n before_o their_o hope_n as_o to_o some_o very_a extrordinary_a work_n of_o judgement_n that_o from_o all_o sign_n seem_v to_o lie_v near_o now_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o providence_n though_o we_o 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in_o man_n eye_n in_o respect_n of_o what_o be_v more_o extrinsic_a and_o foreign_a thereto_o when_o also_o the_o long_a decrease_n of_o that_o tide_n of_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o religion_n on_o man_n soul_n have_v at_o last_o come_v to_o such_o a_o ebb_n by_o these_o judicial_a remove_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o without_o some_o very_a immediate_a appearance_n from_o heaven_n we_o may_v fear_v lest_o truth_n shall_v quick_o perish_v from_o the_o earth_n yea_o when_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o god_n be_v yet_o call_v for_o some_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o make_v up_o the_o hedge_n before_o judgement_n go_v forth_o butt_v almost_o none_o sound_v to_o answer_v its_o voice_n so_o intent_o be_v man_n spirit_n now_o even_o of_o such_o who_o outgo_v other_o in_o a_o profession_n set_v upon_o design_n about_o their_o own_o thing_n and_o it_o have_v sure_o ever_o be_v a_o dismal_a sign_n to_o a_o nation_n when_o it_o become_v rare_a to_o find_v any_o suitable_a instrument_n and_o tool_n to_o answer_v a_o restore_a work_n therein_o or_o to_o see_v that_o raisedness_n of_o spirit_n for_o such_o a_o end_n as_o have_v be_v former_o which_o may_v be_v fear_v speak_v the_o long_a shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n before_o some_o horror_n of_o great_a darkness_n be_v too_o visible_o stretch_v out_o but_o if_o man_n do_v count_v these_o thing_n small_a and_o remote_a from_o their_o eye_n and_o will_v raise_v a_o confidence_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v peace_n until_o there_o be_v another_o appearance_n for_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n than_o have_v yet_o be_v it_o may_v make_v the_o disappointment_n sad_n and_o dreadful_a in_o the_o issue_n one_o thing_n i_o have_v think_v strange_a how_o there_o can_v be_v a_o national_a love_n and_o respect_n to_o its_o interest_n in_o another_o way_n than_o to_o have_v god_n interest_v both_o in_o their_o case_n and_o cause_n in_o the_o first_o room_n or_o how_o solemn_a and_o public_a thaksgiving_n in_o a_o state_v external_a form_n for_o the_o most_o eminent_a appearance_n of_o god_n whether_o as_o to_o a_o nation_n or_o to_o a_o city_n or_o to_o person_n be_v so_o visible_o divide_v from_o such_o a_o essential_a part_n thereof_o which_o be_v by_o thankoffering_n and_o some_o return_v to_o he_o in_o a_o promissory_a way_n by_o deed_n and_o performance_n as_o well_o as_o by_o word_n suitable_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o such_o engagement_n but_o this_o be_v a_o rare_a practice_n now_o to_o be_v find_v on_o the_o earth_n to_o design_n some_o special_a consecration_n of_o the_o gain_n of_o any_o eminent_a national_a mercy_n unto_o god_n this_o way_n 8._o yet_o whatever_o may_v be_v too_o evident_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o fear_n it_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o just_a ground_n of_o our_o hope_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n do_v far_o exceed_v the_o same_o and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o extraordinary_a sign_n to_o cause_n terror_n and_o consternation_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v one_o sign_n of_o another_o kind_n that_o will_v compense_v all_o which_o be_v that_o sign_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n mat._n 24._o 30._o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o promissory_a sense_n and_o how_o that_o great_a mourn_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v there_o speak_v to_o attend_v such_o a_o sign_n have_v the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o zach._n 12._o 10._o and_o be_v clear_o expository_n of_o the_o same_o they_o shall_v look_v on_o i_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o mourn_v etc._n etc._n as_o also_o that_o evident_a parallel_n rev._n 1._o 6._o since_o these_o do_v so_o joint_o bear_v evidence_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o intent_n of_o such_o a_o sign_n as_o will_v then_o have_v a_o eminent_a appearance_n with_o the_o first_o entry_n and_o return_v of_o the_o jew_n unto_o he_o who_o their_o father_n do_v pierce_v i_o know_v some_o of_o the_o great_a writer_n of_o this_o age_n such_o as_o usher_n twiss_n and_o mead_n and_o of_o late_a that_o worthy_a man_n mr._n mather_n of_o new-england_n take_v this_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n only_o seem_v to_o reckon_v this_o sign_n to_o be_v the_o thing_n signify_v of_o christ_n himself_o in_o a_o visible_a appearance_n then_o to_o the_o world_n but_o this_o will_v be_v ever_o long_o in_o another_o manner_n understand_v in_o the_o event_n yet_o i_o have_v find_v it_o so_o sweet_a a_o subject_a of_o thought_n in_o these_o dismal_a and_o sad_a time_n when_o other_o sign_n be_v so_o tremendous_a that_o in_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o clear_a herein_o and_o suitable_a to_o humble_a sobriety_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o few_o thing_n 1._o how_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a this_o be_v that_o one_o sign_n by_o way_n of_o singularity_n which_o our_o bless_a head_n and_o redeemer_n do_v appropriate_a to_o himself_o as_o he_o and_o to_o be_v the_o sign_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n such_o as_o have_v never_o be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n like_o thereto_o nor_o will_v ever_o be_v until_o he_o come_v himself_o to_o judgement_n 2._o it_o be_v sure_o a_o sign_n which_o must_v be_v public_a and_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n in_o some_o extraordinary_a vision_n to_o humane_a sense_n for_o therein_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o that_o prediction_n make_v express_v and_o clear_a but_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n hereof_o or_o its_o duration_n i_o judge_v it_o suitable_a not_o to_o inquire_v where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o more_o particular_o clear_v the_o same_o and_o reserve_v a_o further_a discovery_n thereof_o to_o the_o event_n 3._o it_o be_v sure_a also_o when_o this_o great_a appearance_n shall_v be_v to_o the_o world_n it_o will_v be_v with_o that_o demonstrative_a and_o undubitable_a evidence_n as_o