the_o trial_n and_o condemnation_n of_o the_o two_o false_a witness_n unto_o the_o late_a midnight-cry_a publish_v by_o m_n r_o mason_n the_o author_n of_o that_o present_a great_a assembly_n in_o buckinghamshire_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o under_o a_o delude_v expectation_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n on_o whitsunday_n approach_v show_v of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n this_o may_v prove_v to_o the_o present_a government_n if_o they_o shall_v persist_v in_o the_o same_o enthusiasm_n till_o next_o whitsuntide_n come_v twelvemonth_n etc._n etc._n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o literal_a mistake_n etc._n etc._n license_v may_n 14_o 1694._o london_n print_v for_o richard_n baldwinâ—6â—â—_n â—6â—â—_z the_o trial_n and_o condemnation_n of_o the_o two_o witness_n unto_o the_o late_a midnight-cry_a we_o have_v credible_a information_n from_o several_a hand_n that_o this_o mr._n mason_n a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o water-strafford_a in_o buckinghamshire_n be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o pious_a life_n and_o conversation_n who_o above_o three_o year_n ago_o write_v his_o midnight-cry_a which_o be_v a_o serious_a and_o practical_a sermon_n tend_v to_o stir_v up_o our_o exceed_a vicious_a and_o debauch_a age_n to_o a_o startle_a consideration_n of_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n the_o great_a argument_n use_v both_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o those_o early_a day_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o constant_a watchfulness_n etc._n etc._n be_v a_o grateful_a subject_n unto_o all_o the_o godly_a among_o we_o and_o though_o there_o appear_v to_o several_a at_o least_o nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o that_o discourse_n more_o than_o to_o quicken_v up_o all_o sort_n to_o a_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o and_o preparation_n unto_o christ_n speedy_a approach_n to_o judgement_n mr_n mason_n modesty_n not_o prefix_v any_o limit_a time_n etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o become_v of_o such_o universal_a acceptation_n with_o the_o more_o pious_a sort_n who_o under_o this_o late_a great_a revolution_n throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o these_o kingdom_n have_v be_v wait_v for_o some_o extraordinary_a thing_n immediate_o antecedent_n thereunto_o that_o the_o book_n soon_o spread_v and_o not_o altogether_o so_o much_o from_o the_o title_n thereof_o which_o be_v singular_a and_o startle_a as_o from_o the_o curiosity_n of_o many_o who_o expect_v to_o find_v some_o prefix_a time_n or_o such_o singular_a prognostic_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v equivalent_a thereunto_o but_o be_v frustrate_v herein_o the_o â—oud_a rumour_n thereof_o be_v bury_v for_o a_o time_n but_o soon_o after_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n begin_v to_o lead_v the_o apostate_n â—ge_n which_o like_o the_o rebellious_a unbelieve_a jew_n of_o old_a be_v greedy_o look_v after_o a_o sign_n into_o his_o dark_a labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o conâ—usion_n and_o convert_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n raise_v up_o twoâ—old-faced_a â—old-fac'd_z man_n who_o call_v themselves_o the_o two_o prophet_n unto_o the_o midnight_n cry_v ward_n and_o evans_n who_o with_o much_o admire_a arrogancy_n and_o presumption_n labour_v hard_o to_o ingraff_n a_o fix_a persuasion_n into_o â—â—s_o that_o they_o be_v immediate_o call_v by_o god_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o two_o witness_n in_o apoc._n 11._o who_o be_v to_o be_v slay_v etc._n etc._n also_o that_o god_n have_v pass_v â—n_o irrevocable_a decree_n against_o england_n for_o most_o immediate_a destruction_n more_o infallible_a than_o that_o sacred_a oath_n which_o he_o swear_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest._n make_v this_o dangerous_a impulse_n of_o their_o delude_a fancy_n equal_a with_o the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v essential_a unto_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o same_o divine_a signature_n as_o be_v that_o testimony_n or_o witness_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o true_a believer_n the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v to_o detect_v this_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o fair_a trial_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o scripture-truth_n and_o to_o condemn_v these_o arrogant_a presumptuous_a impostor_n by_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n throughout_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n this_o have_v be_v write_v two_o year_n since_o and_o be_v present_v to_o his_o grace_n the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o to_o some_o other_o of_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n and_o clergy_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v then_o come_v forth_o into_o the_o public_a if_o they_o have_v think_v that_o have_v be_v the_o fit_a season_n and_o in_o who_o wisdom_n the_o author_n do_v confide_v since_o that_o time_n the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o divine_a providence_n have_v wonderful_o preserve_v these_o nation_n from_o that_o immediate_a destruction_n now_o three_o year_n which_o these_o two_o false_a witness_n do_v then_o so_o presumptuous_o pretend_v to_o foretell_v as_o if_o by_o divine_a revelation_n be_v then_o instant_o and_o inevitable_o to_o befall_v we_o and_o which_o they_o affirm_v with_o such_o amaze_a confidence_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o secret_a council_n of_o the_o almighty_a these_o two_o who_o think_v themselves_o little_a inferior_a to_o the_o two_o anoint_v one_o that_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v thus_o shameful_o confound_v and_o put_v to_o silence_n by_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o sure_a interpreter_n of_o vision_n and_o revelation_n the_o satanical_a spirit_n of_o delusion_n take_v a_o other_o occasion_n to_o vent_v itself_o and_o now_o lay_v aside_o ward_n and_o evans_n transform_v itself_o in_o a_o more_o subtle_a manner_n than_o before_o viz._n through_o a_o dream_n or_o delivery_n vision_n in_o the_o brain_n of_o mr._n mason_n the_o author_n of_o that_o midnight_n cry_v herein_o imitate_v those_o sacred_a dream_n and_o vision_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n now_o by_o what_o phantasm_n resemble_v these_o sacred_a and_o oracular_a vision_n even_o some_o good_a man_n have_v be_v act_v in_o our_o late_a day_n be_v too_o long_o here_o to_o particularize_v it_o may_v be_v wish_v there_o have_v not_o be_v so_o many_o instance_n thereof_o that_o impulse_n of_o mr._n sedgwick_n call_v doomsday_n sedgwick_n be_v yet_o too_o fresh_a in_o memory_n to_o be_v whole_o forget_v and_o be_v revive_v on_o this_o unhappy_a occasion_n now_o before_o we_o it_o have_v be_v great_o to_o have_v be_v desire_v that_o this_o mr._n mason_n have_v read_v a_o most_o elaborate_v manuscript_n now_o fit_v for_o the_o press_n wherein_o all_o the_o number_n of_o daniel_n and_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v to_o accord_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o year_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o these_o great_a change_n that_o be_v expect_v come_v on_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o particular_o the_o time_n for_o christ_n second_o come_v and_o also_o for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o mr._n mason_n have_v so_o well_o observe_v be_v two_o distinct_a time_n in_o his_o midnight-cry_a and_o whereon_o the_o whole_a be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o all_o other_o part_n of_o sacred_a history_n as_o also_o by_o the_o great_a work_n and_o wonder_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o this_o present_a time_n in_o their_o historical_a chronological_n mystical_a and_o typical_a signification_n in_o several_a thousand_o famous_a instance_n a_o work_n of_o that_o great_a rarity_n and_o acurateness_n that_o it_o have_v be_v peruse_v by_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a divine_n and_o person_n of_o honour_n and_o quality_n in_o foreign_a part_n as_o well_o as_o by_o several_a eminent_a divine_n both_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o with_o extreme_a satisfaction_n and_o particular_a recommendation_n unto_o the_o world_n which_o ample_a testimony_n etc._n etc._n will_v be_v prefix_v which_o when_o it_o come_v forth_o in_o public_a may_v soon_o remove_v that_o darâ—_n veil_n that_o now_o be_v so_o much_o spread_v on_o all_o our_o face_n to_o say_v nâ—_n more_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o the_o reader_n please_v to_o afford_v a_o deliberate_a examination_n of_o the_o many_o remarkable_a thing_n present_v to_o his_o serious_a consideration_n in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n he_o may_v soon_o perceive_v on_o what_o sandâ—_n foundation_n these_o two_o false_a witness_n build_v their_o prediction_n etc._n etc._n and_o consequent_o may_v the_o better_a judge_n whether_o these_o self-conceited_a and_o audacious_o confident_a man_n be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o supporter_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n of_o god_n or_o the_o harbinger_n of_o that_o great_a midnightâ—cry_n which_o be_v immediate_o to_o precede_v the_o second_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n whatever_o impression_n mr._n mason_n
his_o fellow_n witness_n come_v after_o and_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v sure_o none_o will_v ever_o have_v a_o warrant_n from_o god_n to_o speak_v or_o write_v against_o these_o thing_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o very_o proud_o and_o arrogant_o to_o determine_v that_o satan_n have_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n in_o mr._n baxter_n appear_v against_o they_o with_o a_o pretence_n to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n exit_fw-la ungue_fw-la leonem_fw-la etc._n etc._n sure_o it_o become_v these_o extraordinary_a prophet_n as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o take_v they_o to_o be_v to_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n of_o god_n by_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n even_o to_o those_o who_o oppose_v they_o and_o in_o modesty_n to_o mention_v so_o great_a a_o subject_a as_o the_o immediate_a and_o irreconcilable_a destruction_n of_o a_o kingdom_n for_o which_o god_n have_v but_o very_o late_o manifest_v his_o miraculous_a goodness_n and_o power_n and_o his_o infinite_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a convince_a the_o most_o indocible_a that_o he_o be_v even_o yet_o exceed_o unwilling_a to_o give_v we_o up_o a_o victim_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o adversary_n and_o a_o prey_n unto_o their_o devour_a tooth_n how_o ought_v this_o consideration_n to_o check_v if_o not_o to_o eradicate_v the_o most_o bold_a presumptuous_a confidence_n and_o self-opinion_n â—f_v our_o two_o new-raised_a prophet_n who_o if_o they_o know_v what_o a_o godly_a â—ealousie_n mean_v will_v fear_v lest_o they_o be_v leave_v by_o god_n to_o the_o judgement_n â—f_o spiritual_a pride_n lest_o the_o devil_n have_v transform_v himself_o in_o they_o act_v by_o the_o delusory_a impression_n and_o impulse_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o tempt_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n unto_o such_o dangerous_a and_o almost_o unparallel_a presumption_n as_o they_o seem_v guilty_a of_o in_o sober_a and_o understand_a person_n thought_n and_o how_o great_o do_v it_o become_v they_o â—o_o lie_v prostrate_a in_o dust_n and_o ash_n lest_o god_n in_o his_o judicial_a anger_n smite_v they_o dead_a for_o dare_v in_o such_o a_o confident_a manner_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o secret_a of_o his_o decree_n and_o with_o the_o bethshemite_n to_o look_v into_o the_o ark_n 1_o sam._n 6._o 19_o their_o delusion_n may_v evident_o appear_v to_o any_o who_o will_v please_v to_o weigh_v the_o follow_a consideration_n consideration_n i._n touch_v god_n predeterminate_a will_n decree_n or_o purpose_n concern_v judgement_n on_o any_o person_n city_n or_o nation_n although_o it_o be_v threaten_v most_o positive_o and_o express_o in_o scripture_n yet_o they_o always_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o secret_a or_o tacit_n condition_n or_o limitation_n and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o irrevocable_a many_o famous_a instance_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n 1._o god_n seem_v most_o positive_a that_o he_o will_v drown_v the_o old_a world_n repeat_v his_o purpose_n many_o time_n without_o once_o express_v his_o resolution_n to_o spare_v they_o if_o they_o repent_v at_o least_o that_o we_o read_v of_o but_o plain_o threaten_v to_o wait_v no_o long_o than_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n gen._n 6._o 7_o 15_o 17._o compare_v with_o ch_z 7._o 4._o and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o that_o period_n then_o to_o destroy_v they_o yet_o this_o have_v a_o secret_a condition_n in_o it_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o have_v spare_v they_o upon_o repentance_n and_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o they_o in_o bear_v and_o forbear_v so_o long_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n unto_o this_o great_a end_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 20._o compare_v with_o rom._n 2._o 4._o 2._o god_n seem_v most_o positive_a for_o pharaoh_n destruction_n and_o several_a text_n plain_o tell_v we_o god_n harden_v he_o exod._n 4._o 21._o 7._o 3_o 13_o 14._o 9_o 12_o 15_o 16._o and_o s._n paul_n set_v he_o forth_o as_o a_o famous_a figure_n of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v reprobation_n rom._n 9_o 17_o etc._n etc._n not_o that_o god_n be_v active_a in_o harden_v any_o sinner_n or_o in_o tempt_v any_o unto_o evil_a as_o jam._n 1._o 13._o but_o only_o be_v please_v to_o deny_v to_o some_o his_o sanctify_a grace_n for_o their_o abuse_n of_o the_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o common_a grace_n or_o in_o a_o word_n for_o sin_v unto_o high_a degree_n against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o illuminate_a conscience_n and_o because_o this_o most_o just_a denial_n be_v the_o antecedent_n of_o that_o infallible_a consequent_a viz._n hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o impenitency_n and_o bear_v such_o a_o analogical_a resemblance_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o its_o effect_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n so_o frequent_o express_v it_o as_o if_o god_n be_v active_a in_o it_o as_o the_o simple_a or_o physical_a cause_n of_o harden_v wicked_a man_n which_o in_o reality_n be_v no_o other_o than_o his_o leave_v those_o self-hardning_a sinner_n who_o resolve_v to_o persist_v in_o sin_n without_o fear_n and_o tremble_a against_o the_o check_n and_o wound_n of_o their_o enlighten_v conscience_n unto_o the_o lust_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n which_o without_o his_o sanctify_a grace_n will_v assure_o arise_v daily_o unto_o great_a and_o strong_a rebellion_n and_o end_n in_o final_a obduracy_n unbelief_n and_o impenitency_n pharaoh_n be_v leave_v by_o god_n to_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o his_o own_o will_n for_o who_o question_n but_o he_o have_v the_o power_n to_o let_v israel_n go_v as_o appear_v plain_o from_o exod._n 3._o 19_o chap._n 9_o 30_o 34._o but_o he_o first_o harden_v his_o own_o heart_n against_o god_n before_o god_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n leave_v he_o to_o himself_o as_o ex._n 5._o 3._o 8._o 15_o 32._o 9_o 30_o 34._o and_o the_o heathen_a philistine_n have_v learn_v so_o much_o divinity_n that_o the_o grand_a cause_n of_o pharaoh_n destruction_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v at_o his_o own_o door_n and_o not_o at_o god_n in_o that_o famous_a text_n of_o 1_o sam._n 6._o 6._o god_n real_o desire_v pharaoh_n shall_v obey_v he_o and_o have_v rather_o he_o shall_v have_v turn_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o his_o favour_n then_o to_o have_v perish_v in_o his_o sin_n if_o we_o dare_v credit_v the_o scripture_n and_o take_v it_o in_o its_o own_o express_a word_n without_o man_n gloss_n and_o comment_n exod._n 4._o 5_o 8_o 9_o 6._o 13_o 29._o 7._o 1_o 2_o 8._o 10._o 9_o 20._o and_o chap._n 10._o 3._o put_v it_o yet_o more_o clear_o out_o of_o doubt_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o yet_o refuse_v to_o humble_v thyself_o before_o i_o and_o to_o make_v it_o yet_o more_o evident_a we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o first_o threaten_v god_n send_v he_o be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o first-born_a throughout_o egypt_n and_o this_o judgement_n be_v the_o same_o that_o after_o all_o make_v he_o bow_v by_o force_n exod._n 4._o 23._o compare_v with_o ch._n 11._o 1_o 4_o 5._o thus_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a wait_v on_o this_o self-destroyer_n to_o bring_v he_o unto_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n as_o 2_o pet._n 3_o 9_o and_o thus_o it_o wait_v at_o this_o day_n on_o the_o great_a enemy_n or_o oppressor_n of_o his_o church_n 3._o what_o more_o positive_a than_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o canaanite_n several_a time_n sentence_v to_o be_v all_o cut_v off_o exod._n 23._o 24._o deut._n 7._o 2_o 16_o 20._o and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o remain_v it_o be_v express_o forbid_v to_o make_v any_o covenant_n with_o they_o exod._n 23._o 32_o 34._o 12._o 15._o deut._n 7._o 2._o and_o yet_o repent_v rahab_n be_v preserve_v and_o the_o crafty_a gibeonite_n famous_a league_n with_o josuah_n be_v such_o a_o heavenly_a mystery_n that_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n be_v make_v to_o stand_v still_o a_o whole_a day_n while_o josuah_n fight_v for_o their_o defence_n josh_n 9_o 15._o compare_v with_o ch._n 10._o 12_o 13_o 14._o whereby_o all_o the_o world_n be_v invite_v to_o take_v cognisance_n thereof_o 4._o what_o more_o plain_o foretell_v and_o threaten_v than_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n deut._n 29._o 28_o 29._o and_o of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o babylonian_n ezech._n 21._o 7._o 2_o king_n 20._o 17_o 18._o ch._n 23._o 26_o 27._o the_o last_o text_n tell_v we_o this_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o manasse_n nor_o do_v hezekiah_n and_o josia_n the_o two_o most_o pious_a king_n of_o judah_n prevail_v to_o alter_v god_n resolution_n herein_o notwithstanding_o their_o great_a zeal_n in_o reformation_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o if_o zedekiah_n have_v go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n prince_n than_o he_o shall_v have_v live_v and_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o be_v burn_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n from_o god_n himself_o threaten_v the_o same_o as_o by_o a_o irrevocable_a decree_n jer._n
dream_n or_o vision_n have_v madâ—_n on_o that_o poor_a delude_a multitude_n who_o will_v find_v their_o expectation_n frustrate_v in_o few_o day_n to_o their_o real_a shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o â—â—ce_n for_o how_o can_v they_o who_o proceed_v so_o direct_o opposite_a unto_o the_o wholâ—_n sense_n and_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n threaten_n in_o all_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o positive_a commination_n against_o the_o great_a sinner_n which_o always_o intend_v a_o condition_n or_o purpose_n of_o revocation_n upon_o repentance_n and_o be_v denounce_v for_o that_o great_a end_n and_o not_o to_o drive_v man_n or_o nation_n as_o ward_n and_o evans_n have_v do_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o desperation_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v how_o be_v it_o likely_a these_o ignorant_a and_o presumptuous_a false_a prophet_n can_v be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o whether_o these_o brainsick_a impostor_n who_o have_v thus_o strange_o transform_v the_o infinite_a patience_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n into_o false_a notion_n dream_n or_o impulse_n of_o their_o own_o head_n and_o which_o three_o year_n experience_n have_v abundant_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v false_a and_o also_o dangerous_a even_o to_o the_o present_a governmeut_n by_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n who_o watch_v for_o all_o such_o occasion_n â—nd_v weaken_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o who_o otherwise_o will_v strenuous_o â—nd_v unanimous_o oppose_v that_o inundation_n threaten_v all_o our_o ruin_n whether_o these_o man_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o two_o silver_n trumpet_n for_o proclaim_v the_o great_a jubilee_n or_o the_o second_o come_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n unto_o judgement_n begin_v his_o glorious_a kingdom_n here_o on_o earth_n 〈◊〉_d st._n paul_n have_v the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o that_o time_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 1_o and_o believe_v it_o the_o great_a midnight-cry_a mat._n 24._o will_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o effect_n both_o on_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostate_n state_n of_o christianity_n those_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n who_o both_o awake_v arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n at_o this_o alarm_n have_v give_v this_o necessary_a precaution_n to_o undeceive_v the_o delude_a multitude_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o a_o great_a assembly_n in_o buckingham-shire_n expect_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n on_o witsunday_n now_o immediate_o approach_v according_a to_o mr._n mason_n limit_v time_n in_o his_o dream_n or_o vision_n which_o be_v to_o expire_v so_o speedy_o as_o a_o week_n or_o a_o fortnight_n time_n will_v be_v soon_o confute_v and_o therefore_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n thereunto_o but_o the_o short_a event_n we_o shall_v therefore_o leave_v that_o fraternity_n to_o their_o honest_a meaning_n mr._n mason_n apprehension_n which_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v no_o other_o than_o the_o embrace_n of_o juno_n in_o a_o cloud_n etc._n etc._n and_o cast_v a_o more_o steadfast_a eye_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a ward_n and_o evans_n those_o two_o deceive_v witness_n etc._n etc._n that_o so_o we_o may_v right_o inform_v ourselves_o of_o what_o complexion_n they_o be_v and_o of_o what_o deep_a and_o â—hastly_a lineament_n their_o proteus-like_a countenance_n be_v compose_v who_o â—o_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o one_o word_n do_v seem_v to_o cast_v something_o like_o a_o contempt_n on_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o also_o on_o the_o spirit_n â—â—fallible_a testimony_n and_o on_o the_o sacred_a symbol_n of_o christianity_n or_o â—â—ose_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o make_v their_o whimsical_a â—mpulses_n equal_a thereunto_o if_o not_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o â—â—me_n that_o which_o follow_v on_o this_o subject_a be_v write_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n prove_v that_o the_o most_o tremendous_a and_o most_o positive_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n denounce_v against_o person_n city_n 〈◊〉_d nation_n do_v not_o lay_v they_o under_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o continue_v impenitent_a or_o of_o perish_v under_o the_o same_o doom_n exceed_v useful_a botâ—_n for_o sinner_n of_o the_o great_a obduracy_n as_o well_o as_o for_o such_o who_o arâ—_n wound_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o tempt_v to_o despair_n who_o may_v here_o clear_o behold_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n most_o simple_a and_o iâ—â—fallible_a decree_n touch_v the_o damnation_n of_o every_o self-reprobating_a sinâ—ner_n and_o how_o it_o become_v the_o antecedent_n unto_o but_o not_o the_o physicâ—â—_n cause_n of_o their_o damnation_n which_o destruction_n be_v therefore_o possible_a to_o 〈◊〉_d prevent_v take_v in_o a_o simple_a and_o physical_a sense_n and_o consideration_n 〈◊〉_d man_n as_o a_o rational_a and_o free_a agent_n who_o will_n be_v never_o force_v 〈◊〉_d prenecessitate_v to_o do_v evil_a mere_o from_o god_n decree_n as_o the_o effect_n thaâ—_n follow_v its_o cause_n although_o this_o decree_n ground_a on_o his_o foresight_n of_o man_n self-reprobation_n as_o also_o his_o decree_n for_o peculiar_a election_n whicâ—_n be_v ground_v on_o no_o good_a in_o man_n foresee_v admit_v of_o no_o frustration_n these_o weighty_a matter_n with_o some_o other_o consideration_n of_o greaâ—_n moment_n be_v on_o this_o occasion_n here_o brief_o and_o clear_o handle_v even_o to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o such_o who_o education-light_n or_o interest_n or_o partial_a and_o blinâ—_n respect_v of_o person_n have_v not_o cast_v a_o mist_n on_o their_o understanding_n aâ—â—_n the_o argument_n be_v solid_a and_o orthodox_n agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o universality_n of_o dâ—â—vines_n beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o above_o all_o to_o the_o whole_a teneur_n of_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n throughout_o all_o its_o part_n a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o mr._n masons_n midnight-cry_a and_o those_o two_o false_a prophet_n who_o most_o bold_o presume_v to_o comment_n thereupon_o from_o their_o whimsy_n and_o impulse_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o and_o preparative_a unto_o the_o say_a mr._n mason_n late_o delude_v vision_n which_o have_v gather_v such_o a_o great_a concourse_n of_o people_n in_o buckingham-shire_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o world_n sir_n see_v you_o have_v be_v please_v to_o ask_v my_o opinion_n of_o that_o book_n late_o publish_v by_o t._n w._n and_o v._o e._n who_o call_v themselves_o the_o two_o witness_n to_o the_o midnight-cry_a it_o be_v one_o small_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o honour_n i_o owe_v you_o to_o comply_v with_o this_o request_n though_o i_o â—ave_n at_o present_a something_o on_o my_o hand_n which_o hinder_v i_o from_o giâ—ing_v such_o a_o ample_a answer_n as_o otherwise_o i_o may_v i_o be_v in_o expectation_n to_o find_v some_o extraordinary_a thing_n in_o that_o midnight-cry_a not_o know_v at_o first_o sight_n but_o this_o may_v be_v that_o cryâ—retold_v â—retold_z in_o matth._n 25._o 6._o which_o all_o agree_v be_v to_o be_v the_o prodromus_n of_o christ_n second_o come_v immediate_o to_o ensue_v thereon_o upon_o which_o alarm_n the_o text_n express_o tell_v we_o one_a that_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n who_o be_v both_o asleep_a awake_v 2d_o both_o these_o virgin_n trim_v their_o lamp_n 3d._a the_o foolish_a go_v to_o the_o wise_a for_o oil_n to_o furnish_v their_o extinguish_v lamp_n four_o be_v repulse_v they_o go_v to_o buy_v oil_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v when_o i_o see_v such_o a_o grand_a effect_n or_o something_o like_o it_o throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n make_v up_o of_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n and_o that_o it_o receive_v its_o life_n and_o influence_n from_o this_o late_a midnight_n cry_v i_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o consider_v if_o not_o to_o conclude_v that_o this_o alarm_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v that_o of_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o text_n before_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o author_n thereof_o doubtless_o have_v very_o pious_a end_n in_o publish_v a_o warn_v to_o we_o all_o so_o useful_a and_o seasonable_a at_o all_o time_n that_o the_o sin_n of_o england_n and_o particular_o of_o this_o city_n be_v very_o great_a beyond_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o heinous_a aggravation_n we_o lie_v under_o with_o respect_n of_o that_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o gospel-light_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o the_o many_o wonderful_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n god_n have_v wrought_v out_o for_o we_o beyond_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o other_o and_o the_o many_o warning_n we_o have_v have_v by_o several_a great_a judgement_n both_o of_o plague_n fire_n earthquake_n war_n etc._n etc._n and_o our_o great_a incorrigible_a frame_n grow_v rather_o worse_o and_o worse_o under_o all_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v have_v great_a cause_n to_o fear_n and_o expect_v some_o
extraordinary_a desolate_v judgement_n unless_o we_o repent_v by_o deep_a humiliation_n and_o amendment_n be_v that_o wherein_o all_o sober_a person_n be_v unanimous_o agree_v and_o god_n almighty_a grant_v we_o all_o a_o true_a repentance_n we_o have_v also_o no_o reason_n to_o presume_v we_o shall_v escape_v better_o than_o other_o people_n and_o nation_n who_o god_n have_v destroy_v for_o less_o provocation_n than_o be_v find_v among_o we_o unless_o we_o thorough_o amend_v our_o way_n but_o yet_o how_o long_a god_n be_v resolve_v to_o lengthen_v out_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o a_o very_a provoke_a people_n concern_v who_o god_n have_v positive_o and_o express_o declare_v the_o limit_a period_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o especial_o when_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n how_o prevalent_a the_o cry_n and_o prayer_n of_o one_o or_o other_o of_o his_o peculiar_a favourite_n have_v be_v in_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n from_o a_o city_n or_o nation_n be_v a_o secret_a among_o his_o arcana_fw-la imperii_fw-la into_o which_o no_o person_n no_o not_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o who_o god_n do_v so_o immediate_o reveal_v himself_o ought_v to_o prieâ—â—_n nor_o will_n any_o true_o humble_a and_o conscientious_a person_n dare_v presume_v to_o affirm_v and_o least_o of_o all_o to_o determine_v as_o our_o two_o prophet_n undertake_v to_o do_v with_o such_o confidence_n and_o infallibility_n as_o if_o they_o have_v sit_v in_o council_n with_o the_o almighty_a and_o that_o the_o secret_a of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n have_v be_v lock_v up_o within_o their_o breast_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v divine_o assure_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v a_o prefix_a period_n for_o his_o judgement_n nay_o though_o he_o have_v confirm_v it_o with_o a_o sacred_a oath_n and_o that_o it_o seem_v never_o so_o positive_a or_o irrevocable_a yet_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n as_o by_o and_o by_o we_o shall_v observe_v in_o several_a great_a instance_n in_o all_o its_o prophetic_a part_n agree_v herein_o viz._n that_o god_n reserve_v a_o secret_a or_o tacit_n condition_n and_o either_o implicit_o or_o explicit_o resolve_v notwithstanding_o to_o show_v mercy_n and_o not_o to_o destroy_v in_o case_n of_o repentance_n let_v their_o doom_n be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o the_o period_n never_o so_o plain_o express_v and_o this_o also_o even_o when_o destruction_n be_v threaten_v immediate_o to_o attend_v even_o as_o at_o the_o door_n be_v any_o angel_n much_o less_o any_o man_n infallible_o assure_v but_o that_o god_n may_v have_v say_v of_o england_n as_o he_o do_v of_o old_a unto_o sinful_a judah_n and_o jerusalem_n for_o who_o the_o prophet_n wrestle_v although_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o great_a provocation_n than_o all_o other_o jer._n 14._o 7_o 8_o 9_o o_o lord_n though_o our_o iniquity_n testify_v against_o we_o do_v thou_o it_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n although_o our_o backbiting_n be_v many_o and_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o thou_o o_o the_o hope_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o saviour_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n why_o shall_v thou_o be_v as_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o land_n as_o a_o man_n that_o can_v save_v yet_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o and_o we_o be_v call_v by_o thy_o name_n leave_v we_o not_o the_o prophet_n better_o understand_v god_n will_v and_o have_v a_o near_a access_n to_o his_o heart_n and_o be_v more_o acquaint_v with_o his_o secret_n than_o t._n vv._n and_o v._o e._n our_o two_o late_a prophet_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v a_o bless_a prophet_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o that_o famous_a text_n isa_n 48._o 1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n hear_v you_o this_o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n who_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o mention_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n but_o not_o in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n for_o they_o call_v themselves_o of_o the_o holy_a city_n and_o stay_v themselves_o on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n i_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v obstinate_a and_o thy_o neck_n a_o iron_n sinew_n and_o thy_o brow_n brass_n etc._n etc._n yet_o thou_o hear_v not_o yea_o thou_o know_v not_o yea_o from_o that_o time_n that_o thy_o ear_n be_v not_o open_v for_o i_o know_v thou_o will_v deal_v very_o treacherous_o and_o waste_v call_v a_o transgressor_n from_o the_o womb_n yet_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n will_v i_o defer_v my_o anger_n and_o for_o my_o praise_n will_v i_o refrain_v that_o i_o cut_v thou_o not_o off_o for_o my_o own_o even_o for_o my_o own_o sake_n will_v i_o do_v it_o for_o how_o shall_v my_o name_n be_v pollute_v and_o i_o will_v not_o give_v my_o glory_n to_o another_o which_o be_v a_o excellent_a comment_n on_o that_o famous_a text_n in_o deut._n 32._o 26._o where_o we_o may_v see_v by_o what_o wonderful_a argument_n god_n be_v please_v to_o persuade_v himself_o from_o a_o total_a rejection_n of_o this_o his_o sinful_a and_o rebellious_a people_n who_o have_v be_v a_o continual_a provocation_n to_o he_o from_o the_o day_n they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n all_o along_o in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o forty_o year_n i_o say_v i_o will_v scatter_v they_o into_o corner_n i_o will_v make_v their_o remembrance_n to_o cease_v from_o among_o man_n v._n 27._o be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o fear_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o enemy_n lest_o their_o adversary_n shall_v behave_v themselves_o strange_o and_o lest_o they_o shall_v say_v our_o hand_n be_v high_a and_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v all_o this._n v._n 28._o though_o they_o be_v a_o nation_n void_a of_o council_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o understanding_n in_o they_o and_o moses_n in_o his_o intercession_n use_v the_o same_o argument_n with_o god_n exod._n 32._o 12._o compare_v with_o numb_a 14._o 13_o 14_o 15._o who_o can_v tell_v but_o god_n may_v have_v speak_v thus_o to_o england_n also_o but_o t._n w._n have_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n as_o a_o person_n of_o extraordinary_a call_n by_o god_n and_o by_o and_o by_o we_o may_v discover_v he_o take_v himself_o and_o his_o brother_n v._o e._n to_o be_v those_o two_o witness_n in_o the_o revelation_n c._n 11._o send_v to_o denounce_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o dreadful_a judgement_n immediate_o come_v on_o the_o land_n and_o that_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o justice_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n to_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n oblige_v he_o some_o will_v do_v well_o to_o persuade_v he_o thus_o plain_o to_o express_v himself_o if_o he_o know_v his_o own_o meaning_n to_o begin_v and_o make_v a_o end_n of_o they_o at_o once_o pag._n 8_o and_o in_o the_o same_o page_n he_o pretend_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o kind_n of_o judgement_n this_o will_v be_v which_o he_o will_v persuade_v we_o he_o be_v most_o infallible_o certain_a as_o of_o any_o one_o article_n in_o his_o creed_n will_n immediate_o overtake_v we_o his_o mercy_n engage_v he_o to_o send_v forth_o his_o army_n and_o destroy_v they_o and_o he_o often_o repeat_v it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v he_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o importance_n viz._n that_o this_o belief_n of_o he_o that_o god_n decree_n be_v irrevocable_o go_v out_o to_o destroy_v we_o immediate_o without_o any_o limit_a condition_n of_o our_o repentance_n be_v the_o great_a point_n or_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o pag._n 11._o tho_o my_o faith_n in_o a_o judgement_n immediate_o come_v upon_o we_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n i_o be_o enlighten_v in_o etc._n etc._n and_o pag._n 11._o i_o be_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o it_o still_o and_o again_o in_o the_o sane_a page_n if_o i_o shall_v grant_v this_o a_o delusion_n o_o how_o will_v it_o break_v my_o faith_n all_o in_o piece_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o i_o to_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n because_o i_o shall_v overthrow_v my_o religion_n if_o i_o do_v not_o i_o wish_v he_o know_v what_o his_o religion_n be_v if_o he_o can_v tell_v we_o again_o in_o his_o postscript_n and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o admit_v of_o a_o if_o as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v god_n have_v determine_v that_o all_o our_o repentance_n shall_v not_o prevent_v his_o infallible_a decree_n that_o be_v go_v out_o and_o in_o pag._n 12._o he_o proceed_v i_o can_v tell_v how_o any_o can_v make_v out_o that_o this_o faith_n be_v a_o delusion_n but_o he_o must_v reflect_v upon_o that_o speak_a in_o the_o word_n before_o of_o david_n '_o be_v testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n touch_v his_o own_o salvation_n thus_o equal_v his_o impression_n or_o impulse_n with_o the_o sacred_a seal_n or_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o if_o we_o tract_n he_o a_o little_o further_a
be_v cut_v off_o v_o 29_o 31._o here_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v that_o most_o serious_a fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o heart-affliction_n and_o contrition_n be_v god_n ordinance_n by_o which_o to_o turn_v away_o even_o the_o severe_a threaten_n of_o his_o wrath_n most_o suitable_a to_o that_o oath_n of_o god_n in_o ezek._n 33._o 11._o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o any_o sinner_n but_o that_o they_o turn_v and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n 2._o or_o by_o that_o seal_n or_o witness_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o believer_n which_o testify_v to_o all_o more_o or_o less_o that_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n adopt_a and_o sanctify_a call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o full_a persuasion_n of_o faith_n but_o mr._n ward_n like_o a_o good_a christian_a shall_v we_o say_v have_v prostitute_v his_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n and_o all_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v witness_n in_o he_o and_o lay_v all_o at_o stake_n to_o maintain_v his_o strong_a impression_n or_o impulse_n and_o tempt_v uncharitable_a person_n to_o think_v he_o have_v no_o other_o article_n of_o his_o religion_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o that_o be_v more_o sacred_a or_o venerable_a in_o his_o eye_n consideration_n v._n the_o consequent_a effect_n which_o the_o immediate_a manifestation_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o holy_a prophet_n or_o penman_n of_o scripture_n or_o eminent_a worthy_n of_o the_o church_n have_v upon_o themselves_o be_v far_o differ_v from_o the_o effect_n which_o seem_v to_o appear_v in_o our_o two_o late_a pretend_a prophet_n more_o general_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a one_a humble_a and_o low_a thought_n of_o themselves_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o abraham_n that_o great_a prophet_n gen_n 17._o 3_o 17_o 18._o ch._n 18._o 3_o 27._o thus_o with_o jacob_n chap._n 28._o 27._o chap._n 33._o 10._o moses_n exod._n 3._o 15._o gideon_n judg._n 6._o 15._o isaiah_n ch._n 6._o 5._o 2._o sweet_a courteous_a affable_a demeanour_n and_o condescension_n to_o other_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o this_o particular_o one_o text_n for_o all_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 24_o 25._o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a or_o forbear_v in_o meekness_n inctruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n so_o opposite_a to_o persecution_n or_o the_o muggletonian_a way_n of_o damn_v etc._n etc._n compare_v with_o tit._n 3._o 2._o speak_v evil_a of_o no_o man_n be_v not_o brawler_n but_o gentle_a show_v all_o meekness_n unto_o all_o men._n and_o how_o unsuitable_a to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o these_o two_o man_n so_o presumptuous_o assert_v that_o satan_n have_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n in_o mr._n baxter_n who_o then_o detect_v by_o what_o spirit_n these_o pretend_a prophet_n be_v move_v this_o meekness_n which_o we_o be_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o opposite_a to_o proud_a rail_a brawl_a and_o unchristian_a demeanour_n be_v one_o of_o the_o excellent_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5._o 23._o a_o temper_n so_o amiable_a that_o the_o british_a saxon_n resolve_v this_o shall_v be_v their_o touchstone_n to_o try_v that_o doctrine_n which_o austin_n the_o monk_n come_v over_o with_o from_o pope_n gregory_n call_v the_o great_a even_o then_o when_o they_o can_v not_o argue_v the_o point_n with_o he_o more_o particular_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o positive_a threaten_n to_o the_o great_a sinner_n have_v always_o tend_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o worthy_n of_o old_a unto_o a_o extraordinary_a wrestle_a mourn_a and_o prayer_n for_o they_o and_o this_o 1._o whether_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o denounce_v against_o god_n backsliden_fw-mi church_n we_o see_v it_o most_o conspicuous_a viz._n in_o moses_n when_o they_o have_v make_v and_o worship_v their_o golden_a calf_n exod._n 32._o 10._o let_v i_o alone_o that_o my_o wrath_n may_v wax_v hot_a against_o they_o and_o censure_v they_o and_o deut._n 9_o 14._o add_v that_o i_o may_v blot_v out_o their_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n and_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n when_o immediate_a and_o irrevocable_a destruction_n seem_v to_o attend_v that_o whole_a nation_n how_o sweet_o and_o excellent_o do_v moses_n intercede_v for_o they_o and_o god_n wrath_n be_v pacify_v so_o at_o other_o time_n also_o deut._n 9_o from_o verse_n 22._o to_o the_o end_n compare_v with_o numb_a 11._o 10_o 11._o another_o instance_n we_o have_v in_o phineas_n numb_a 25._o 11._o and_o in_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 12._o 23._o and_o in_o jeremy_n chap_n 4._o 19_o chap._n 9_o â—_o 10._o chap._n 13_o 17._o and_o in_o isaiah_n chap._n 22._o 4._o and_o in_o ezek._n chap._n 21._o 6._o and_o in_o micah_n chap._n 1._o 8._o and_o god_n himself_o put_v his_o backsliden_fw-mi child_n even_a they_o when_o lie_v under_o his_o severe_a and_o most_o positive_a threaten_n into_o the_o right_a way_n of_o prevent_v the_o desolation_n threaten_v jer._n 4._o 8._o chap._n 6._o 26._o chap._n 7._o 29._o 2._o or_o whether_o consider_v as_o against_o the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o his_o church_n and_o here_o n._n b._n first_o god_n put_v they_o also_o into_o the_o right_a way_n of_o prevent_v their_o ruin_n threaten_v isa_n 13._o 6._o we_o will_v have_v heal_v babylon_n what_o babylon_n that_o curse_a nation_n sentence_v to_o utter_a desolation_n yes_o this_o babylon_n but_o she_o will_v not_o compare_v with_o jer._n 51._o 9_o thus_o god_n stir_v up_o ninive_n to_o repentance_n exhort_v they_o to_o turn_v from_o their_o violence_n etc._n etc._n jonah_n 3._o 2_o 8._o and_o pharaoh_n also_o even_o after_o that_o god_n have_v express_o tell_v he_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o up_o to_o show_v his_o wondrous_a power_n or_o justice_n on_o he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n exod._n 9_o 16._o compare_v with_o chap._n 10._o 3._o a_o text_n great_o to_o be_v note_a second_o god_n himself_o express_v very_o enlarge_v bowel_n towards_o these_o his_o enemy_n even_o then_o when_o lie_v under_o his_o severe_a comminatin_n one_o great_a instance_n take_v for_o all_o moab_n be_v threaten_v by_o god_n oath_n to_o be_v make_v a_o perpetual_a desolation_n zeph._n 2._o 9_o yet_o his_o wonderful_a bowel_n of_o compassion_n yern_v towards_o that_o great_a enemy_n of_o his_o church_n isaiah_n 15._o 5._o ch_n 16._o 9_o jer._n 48._o 31_o 32_o 36._o text_n worthy_a to_o be_v engrave_v in_o letter_n of_o gold_n and_o fix_v in_o we_o three_o god_n draw_v out_o the_o prophet_n heart_n to_o mourn_v over_o they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o lie_v under_o his_o severe_a doom_n that_o they_o may_v be_v teach_v how_o to_o mourn_v for_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o repent_v and_o escape_v the_o desolation_n threaten_v thus_o for_o tyre_n ezek._n 27._o 1_o 31._o for_o egypt_n ezek._n â—2_n 2_o 18._o and_o thus_o for_o moab_n jer._n 48._o 20._o to_o instance_n no_o more_o now_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v not_o difficult_a for_o any_o consider_a person_n to_o conjecture_n by_o what_o spirit_n ward_n and_o evans_n do_v act_n in_o these_o respect_n for_o they_o be_v far_o from_o stir_v up_o themselves_o or_o other_o to_o pray_o and_o fast_o and_o wrestle_v for_o our_o poor_a sinful_a land_n which_o they_o have_v thus_o unmerciful_o sentence_v to_o unavoidable_a destruction_n that_o they_o seem_v resolve_v to_o pawn_n all_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n they_o have_v of_o salvation_n or_o all_o the_o religion_n they_o have_v as_o a_o certain_a pledge_n that_o god_n will_v not_o give_v repentance_n to_o england_n though_o they_o shall_v seek_v it_o never_o so_o fervent_o nay_o more_o that_o his_o most_o sacred_a oath_n be_v go_v forth_o without_o a_o if_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o infallible_o be_v assure_v god_n have_v make_v a_o irrevocable_a decree_n for_o our_o immediate_a destruction_n now_o let_v any_o judge_n do_v not_o these_o man_n faith_n teach_v we_o all_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o a_o hellish_a plunge_v of_o desperation_n and_o thereby_o to_o become_v sevenfold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o now_o we_o be_v do_v not_o it_o teach_v flat_a rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o word_n who_o command_v we_o all_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o at_o all_o time_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o our_o soul_n before_o he_o in_o the_o worst_a condition_n we_o can_v be_v in_o psal_n 68_o 8._o and_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o faint_a luke_n 18._o 1._o compare_v with_o job_n 35._o 14._o judgement_n be_v before_o he_o therefore_o trust_v thou_o in_o he_o which_o text_n be_v excellent_o explain_v jer._n
9_o 24._o that_o scripture_n in_o ezek._n 14._o 14._o may_v be_v object_v though_o noah_n daniel_n or_o job_n be_v in_o it_o yet_o they_o shall_v deliver_v but_o their_o own_o soul_n answ_n 1._o we_o all_o know_v god_n sometime_o make_v a_o plain_a discovery_n of_o a_o limit_a period_n for_o his_o mercy_n to_o a_o city_n or_o people_n with_o this_o prov_n so_o that_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o in_o that_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v destroy_v but_o where_o do_v any_o prove_v that_o this_o present_a year_n be_v england_n last_o period_n for_o continue_a mercy_n conjecture_n be_v many_o perhaps_o but_o we_o must_v not_o build_v our_o faith_n on_o impression_n or_o impulse_n and_o idolise_v our_o own_o apprehension_n answ_n 2._o if_o we_o attentive_o consider_v the_o aforementioned_a text_n we_o may_v find_v how_o much_o we_o all_o lie_n under_o a_o vulgar_a mistake_n for_o that_o scripture_n often_o repeat_v it_o that_o we_o may_v take_v a_o particular_a notice_n thereof_o and_o not_o run_v into_o a_o dangerous_a error_n god_n there_o tell_v we_o plain_o and_o no_o more_o that_o yet_o i_o learn_v viz._n that_o when_o he_o be_v so_o high_o provoke_v with_o a_o nation_n as_o to_o begin_v to_o bring_v his_o desolate_v judgement_n thereon_o or_o in_o the_o scripture_n word_n when_o his_o decree_n have_v begin_v to_o bring_v forth_o it_o may_v sometime_o so_o happen_v though_o it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v a_o constant_a general_n and_o infallible_a rule_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o phineas_n intercession_n when_o the_o plague_n be_v begin_v and_o other_o instance_n that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o great_a favourite_n but_o will_v proceed_v to_o destroy_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o that_o hard_a text_n be_v object_v in_o jer._n 15._o 1._o it_o be_v as_o easy_o answer_v for_o jerusalem_n destruction_n be_v thereby_o foretell_v in_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o irrevocable_a judgement_n and_o yet_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v in_o the_o four_o note_v under_o the_o one_a consideration_n notwithstanding_o all_o if_o zedekiah_n have_v go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n prince_n the_o city_n have_v certain_o not_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o babylonian_n answ_n 3._o our_o plain_a rule_n be_v this_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o conclude_v their_o condition_n or_o the_o state_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o people_n so_o desperate_a as_o to_o be_v exempt_v from_o all_o hope_n of_o mercy_n or_o salvation_n no_o though_o god_n possible_o denounce_v destruction_n and_o prefix_v a_o very_a speedy_a time_n or_o day_n without_o any_o condition_n limit_v as_o that_o famous_a instance_n in_o ninive_n may_v serve_v once_o for_o all_o there_o god_n have_v twice_o declare_v it_o positive_o that_o within_o forty_o day_n that_o city_n shall_v be_v destroy_v first_o to_o jonah_n before_o his_o storm_n jonah_n 1._o 2._o compare_v with_o ch_z 3._o 2._o and_o afterward_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v whether_o if_o immediate_a destruction_n shall_v come_v upon_o england_n will_v not_o this_o plain_o evidence_n these_o two_o man_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o send_v by_o god_n answ_n this_o will_v no_o more_o prove_v they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o be_v immediate_o send_v by_o god_n than_o it_o prove_v that_o any_o minister_n have_v that_o divine_a gift_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n because_o he_o publish_v he_o very_o believe_v or_o be_v full_o persuade_v some_o sudden_a judgement_n be_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o yet_o i_o make_v not_o this_o a_o article_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o least_o of_o all_o to_o believe_v we_o be_v in_o a_o remediless_a condition_n for_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n shall_v be_v possible_a unto_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o how_o many_o philonides_n be_v their_o among_o we_o who_o need_v no_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v the_o same_o but_o to_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n upon_o they_o as_o extraordinary_a prophet_n of_o god_n raise_v up_o to_o denounce_v against_o england_n a_o desolate_v judgement_n immediate_o and_o irrevocable_o fall_v on_o we_o be_v such_o a_o secret_a as_o if_o god_n intend_v to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o yet_o perhaps_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o any_o angel_n or_o creature_n and_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o several_a great_a evil_n be_v like_a to_o follow_v if_o these_o man_n impulse_n be_v take_v for_o oracular_a truth_n as_o one_a their_o own_o self-exaltation_n pride_n self-conceit_a as_o if_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o fix_v their_o eye_n in_o a_o singular_a manâ—er_n upon_o these_o two_o person_n as_o the_o two_o witness_n in_o the_o revelation_n they_o â—re_n not_o jealous_a of_o themselves_o it_o seem_v how_o far_o satan_n may_v become_v transform_v into_o the_o white_a devil_n and_o hold_v a_o dominion_n in_o â—â—eir_n spirit_n 2._o it_o occasion_n profane_a man_n to_o deride_v piety_n and_o to_o contemn_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o nullify_v and_o ridicule_n that_o precious_a faith_n of_o true_a believer_n by_o which_o â—â—ey_n be_v justify_v adopt_a and_o sanctify_a and_o to_o think_v contemptible_o of_o the_o seal_n or_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o who_o infallible_a light_n believer_n be_v more_o or_o less_o divine_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n a_o more_o sure_a and_o safe_a testimony_n than_o all_o vision_n and_o revelation_n than_o all_o voice_n and_o secret_a impulse_n and_o impression_n 3d._n it_o serve_v excellent_o for_o blow_v up_o that_o animosity_n that_o still_o remain_v in_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o so_o much_o desire_n yea_o thirst_v after_o and_o wait_v for_o england_n calamity_n and_o imbrument_n in_o war_n blood_n and_o confusion_n and_o who_o will_v not_o want_v â—absheka's_v finespun_a argument_n to_o perpetrate_v their_o mischief_n as_o if_o they_o be_v send_v out_o against_o our_o land_n to_o execute_v by_o immediate_a commission_n from_o god_n himself_o his_o â—â—revocable_a decree_n 2_o king_n 18._o 25._o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v you_o according_a to_o my_o capacity_n and_o that_o strait_a of_o time_n â—_o be_v then_o in_o when_o your_o command_n come_v to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o lord_n give_v we_o all_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o his_o word_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o by_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n but_o establish_v in_o 〈◊〉_d and_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n with_o full_a perseverance_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o that_o we_o may_v by_o this_o divine_a touchstone_n now_o present_v before_o we_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o these_o and_o all_o such_o like_a pretend_a prophet_n and_o impostor_n which_o be_v go_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n to_o deceive_v if_o possible_a the_o elect_a themselves_o who_o shall_v all_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n if_o real_a benefit_n may_v hereby_o redound_v to_o any_o single_a person_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o trouble_a soul_n lie_v under_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o irrevocable_a doom_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v hearty_o bless_v god_n who_o have_v grant_v i_o my_o chief_a end_n in_o publish_v these_o few_o leave_n and_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o rejoice_v that_o no_o discouragement_n either_o from_o within_o myself_o or_o from_o other_o &c._n &c._n have_v any_o long_o detain_v this_o epistle_n from_o your_o genuine_a censure_n thoâ—gh_v its_o prolixity_n may_v be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o ask_v your_o pardon_n for_o so_o large_a a_o trouble_n but_o your_o goodness_n be_v such_o as_o make_v i_o depend_v upon_o the_o grant_n of_o this_o request_n who_o be_o sir_n your_o humble_a serrvant_n to_o command_v errata_fw-la page_n 5._o line_n 15._o deal_n whereon_o p._n 10._o l._n 24._o for_o prophet_n r._n proof_n p._n 11._o l_o 15._o deal_n that_o