Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n true_a truth_n word_n 7,456 5 4.2077 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39770 The confirming work of religion, or, its great things made plain, by their primary evidences and demonstrations whereby the meanest in the church may soon be made to render a solid and rational account of their faith / written by R. Fleming ... ; now published by Daniel Burgess. Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694.; Burgess, Daniel, 1645-1713. 1693 (1693) Wing F1279; ESTC R6736 83,701 146

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

the_o world_n may_v see_v do_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n as_o sure_a as_o man_n walk_v under_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o live_a soul_n iii_o that_o we_o now_o see_v what_o a_o length_n the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v come_v and_o how_o far_o thus_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v fulfil_v which_o once_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o all_o human_a appearance_n iv_o that_o so_o sure_a and_o exact_a a_o performance_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o undeniable_a in_o the_o event_n and_o of_o such_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n which_o be_v foretell_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n none_o can_v have_v believe_v what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o now_o have_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o former_a age_n the_o object_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v such_o a_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n in_o these_o last_o time_n as_o do_v much_o exceed_v the_o great_a miracle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o plant_v of_o the_o gospel_n v._o though_o we_o may_v not_o resolve_v our_o faith_n on_o any_o extraordinary_a providence_n or_o lay_v the_o least_o weight_n hereon_o to_o support_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o doctrine_n we_o profess_v since_o this_o only_o be_v found_v on_o that_o sacred_a revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n to_o discern_v true_a miracle_n and_o what_o be_v god_n seal_v herein_o under_o the_o undoubted_a signature_n and_o stamp_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o work_n in_o the_o same_o yet_o have_v there_o be_v such_o incontroulable_a evidence_n of_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o confirmation_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n since_o the_o reformation_n as_o in_o no_o age_n past_a be_v ever_o know_v but_o with_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n section_n iu._n qu._n i._o be_v it_o clear_a and_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o soul-quickning_a and_o experimental_a religion_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o in_o its_o most_o supernatural_a truth_n of_o such_o rational_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n that_o the_o world_n can_v no_o more_o deny_v or_o question_v the_o same_o than_o those_o experiment_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v of_o most_o universal_a use_n ans_fw-fr though_o man_n look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n here_o or_o be_v come_v from_o heathenism_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v a_o serious_a trial_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o judgement_n hereof_o on_o these_o ground_n i._o that_o a_o discovery_n be_v undoubted_a and_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n of_o so_o great_a thing_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n and_o there_o be_v his_o working_n on_o man_n soul_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o presence_n which_o all_o who_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v call_v to_o know_v and_o prove_v on_o their_o own_o trial._n ii_o that_o this_o witness_n of_o christian_a experience_n have_v as_o discernible_a a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n therewith_o as_o face_n answer_v to_o face_n in_o the_o glass_n and_o be_v clear_a to_o be_v no_o casual_a thing_n but_o every_o step_n in_o this_o way_n of_o trial_n be_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o what_o christian_n do_v before_o read_v there_o they_o know_v it_o now_o by_o feeling_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n iii_o that_o this_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o wherever_o such_o as_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o remote_a part_n from_o other_o have_v still_o be_v the_o same_o and_o like_o a_o great_a roll_n be_v send_v down_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o with_o their_o confirmatory_n seal_n that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o those_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n which_o seem_v most_o incredible_a to_o the_o world_n and_o now_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n to_o require_v the_o same_o attestation_n and_o witness_n iv_o that_o they_o who_o know_v and_o testify_v these_o thing_n sometime_o find_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o believe_v the_o same_o and_o do_v no_o less_o judge_n of_o such_o great_a experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o dream_n or_o imaginary_a thing_n than_o most_o now_o do_v until_o they_o know_v they_o by_o experience_n on_o their_o soul_n v._n that_o such_o also_o have_v be_v the_o most_o burn_a and_o shine_v light_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o innumerable_a in_o all_o age_n declare_v the_o same_o and_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o entrance_n to_o a_o eternal_a state_n when_o no_o outward_a interest_n can_v sway_v they_o hereto_o vi_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a assurance_n which_o have_v then_o press_v the_o most_o tender_a parent_n with_o their_o last_o and_o die_a breath_n to_o commend_v the_o same_o trial_n to_o their_o child_n and_o to_o charge_v their_o be_v earnest_a herein_o as_o the_o great_a interest_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o vii_o that_o whatever_o difference_n be_v oft_o among_o these_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n yet_o in_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o great_a trial_n of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o harmonious_a oneness_n in_o the_o same_o testimony_n in_o all_o time_n of_o the_o church_n viii_o that_o if_o any_o question_n this_o because_o so_o remote_a from_o man_n sense_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o carnal_a reason_n the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n do_v unanswerable_o prove_v both_o the_o reality_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o cause_n qu._n ii_o what_o clear_a and_o rational_a conviction_n can_v you_o offer_v of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o conversion_n of_o man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o new_a state_n by_o grace_n which_o do_v raise_v they_o as_o far_o above_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n as_o reason_n do_v above_o the_o state_n of_o the_o beast_n ans_fw-fr though_o i_o shall_v strive_v against_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o a_o miracle_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o conversion_n be_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o deny_v such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n as_o the_o world_n have_v hereof_o i._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v essential_o requisite_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o the_o whole_a consent_n of_o the_o scripture_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v never_o yet_o a_o argument_n in_o nature_n for_o one_o being_n a_o christian_a in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n thereof_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v for_o a_o naked_a form_n or_o show_v iii_o that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o few_o but_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o all_o time_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n on_o who_o so_o great_a a_o change_n and_o difference_n have_v be_v make_v thus_o evident_a both_o from_o themselves_o what_o once_o they_o be_v and_o from_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n iu._n that_o this_o have_v be_v not_o only_o upon_o such_o as_o have_v be_v signal_o impious_a in_o their_o practice_n but_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v wont_a to_o deride_v holiness_n as_o a_o fancy_n so_o as_o atheist_n must_v grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v as_o profess_a atheist_n sometime_o as_o themselves_o who_o have_v be_v make_v such_o conspicuous_a monument_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o none_o can_v object_n here_o as_o once_o the_o jew_n do_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o such_o as_o the_o world_n count_v most_o wise_a and_o know_v stand_v witness_n to_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v so_o know_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v more_o wise_a learned_a and_o judicious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o reason_n upon_o the_o earth_n than_o such_o as_o have_v be_v eminent_a example_n of_o the_o power_n of_o conversion_n vi_o that_o its_o marvellous_a effect_n in_o subdue_a man_n from_o what_o once_o be_v their_o predominant_a interest_n and_o idol_n and_o to_o part_v from_o what_o have_v be_v as_o their_o right_a eye_n or_o hand_n can_v only_o be_v from_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n vii_o that_o such_o as_o be_v great_a adversary_n to_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v make_v no_o less_o eminent_a instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o choice_a vessel_n of_o honour_n than_o once_o they_o be_v in_o their_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n viii_o that_o this_o change_n have_v be_v discernible_a in_o time_n of_o most_o visible_a persecution_n and_o hazard_n when_o no_o outward_a advantage_n or_o gain_n can_v have_v the_o least_o influence_n thereon_o now_o as_o these_o be_v demonstrable_o clear_a so_o can_v
concern_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o inward_a life_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n v._n which_o plead_v a_o impartial_a trial_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n whether_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o profession_n or_o of_o popery_n give_v the_o great_a security_n to_o civil_a government_n and_o find_v the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o magistracy_n and_o to_o all_o civil_a and_o moral_a duty_n by_o which_o the_o awe_n and_o venerable_a esteem_n of_o religion_n be_v keep_v up_o in_o a_o nation_n it_o be_v high_a time_n that_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v implicit_a and_o become_v express_a upon_o this_o great_a interest_n they_o have_v within_o time_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o a_o deceit_n or_o mistake_v here_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a concern_v upon_o which_o account_n without_o respect_n to_o interest_n party_n or_o education_n i_o have_v this_o day_n seek_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o what_o adversary_n can_v possible_o pretend_v to_o reproach_n or_o prejudge_v any_o for_o the_o reform_a religion_n all_o they_o can_v do_v be_v but_o to_o charge_v man_n corruption_n and_o offence_n in_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o profession_n that_o can_v never_o give_v the_o least_o latitude_n or_o connivance_n thereto_o but_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n when_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o can_v know_v no_o other_o way_n to_o embrace_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o popery_n but_o by_o turn_v atheist_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o quit_v both_o religion_n and_o reason_n at_o once_o but_o i_o can_v say_v in_o a_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o adventure_v my_o soul_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o eternal_a state_n finis_fw-la a_o idea_n of_o the_o confirm_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o dismal_a and_o shake_v time_n though_o the_o measure_n of_o all_o christian_n establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o alike_o but_o must_v have_v respect_n to_o their_o different_a trial_n talent_n and_o improvement_n for_o this_o end_n yet_o may_v it_o cause_v astonishment_n to_o see_v how_o rare_a any_o study_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v when_o it_o be_v not_o only_a one_o of_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o christianity_n but_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n call_v for_o as_o the_o work_n of_o this_o day_n yea_o be_v this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o seem_v least_o improve_v of_o any_o for_o the_o more_o general_a state_n of_o professor_n within_o the_o church_n under_o some_o conviction_n hereof_o be_v this_o essay_n design_v wherein_o with_o humble_a confidence_n i_o may_v say_v the_o truth_n have_v be_v seek_v with_o that_o serious_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n hold_v forth_o as_o i_o judge_v needful_a for_o such_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o interest_n and_o adventure_v not_o only_o through_o time_n but_o for_o all_o eternity_n to_o support_v themselves_o upon_o the_o alone_a certainty_n hereof_o and_o ere_o these_o day_n of_o trial_n which_o we_o now_o see_v pass_v over_o this_o generation_n it_o may_v be_v find_v this_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o without_o cause_n direct_v to_o such_o a_o time_n if_o the_o lord_n gracious_o bless_v the_o same_o nor_o will_v it_o i_o hope_v be_v find_v unnecessary_a to_o present_v yet_o further_o some_o clear_a prospect_n of_o a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n and_o what_o those_o aught_o to_o be_v who_o with_o light_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n be_v like_a to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o in_o such_o a_o day_n which_o be_v here_o offer_v in_o a_o seven_o fold_v character_n under_o which_o a_o true_o confirm_v christian_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o profession_n may_v be_v state_v character_n i._n he_o be_v one_o who_o have_v another_o sense_n and_o impression_n of_o this_o great_a study_n for_o attain_v to_o a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v on_o high_a ground_n press_v to_o follow_v the_o same_o than_o most_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v apprehend_v and_o shall_v be_v thus_o consider_v 1._o as_o one_o to_o who_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n dear_a and_o who_o will_v have_v the_o world_n see_v that_o such_o as_o embrace_v the_o same_o and_o do_v most_o full_o adventure_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v those_o who_o walk_v on_o the_o high_a principle_n of_o true_a and_o enlighten_v reason_n yea_o who_o take_v deep_o to_o heart_n that_o obligation_n which_o be_v on_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o advance_v the_o repute_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v in_o such_o term_n therewith_o upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o confute_v and_o shame_v atheist_n and_o infidel_n if_o call_v thereunto_o 2._o who_o see_v also_o that_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o fall_a man_n as_o stands_z in_o need_n of_o all_o the_o contribution_n that_o can_v be_v not_o only_o to_o strengthen_v the_o christian_n faith_n to_o bear_v our_o against_o the_o strong_a assault_n of_o infidelity_n but_o to_o gain_v also_o more_o credit_n and_o veneration_n to_o the_o truth_n with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o easy_o deal_v with_o but_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o bear_v some_o congruity_n to_o their_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n for_o which_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v afford_v his_o ministerial_a help_n to_o render_v the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o pretence_n of_o hesitation_n about_o his_o truth_n more_o inexcusable_a 3._o he_o also_o see_v that_o the_o most_o important_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o christianity_n need_v the_o great_a confirmation_n in_o his_o faith_n and_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o so_o high_a and_o discriminate_v a_o profession_n from_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n need_v to_o know_v in_o what_o manner_n they_o embrace_v the_o same_o he_o see_v that_o the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n do_v absolute_o require_v to_o have_v the_o foundation_n sure_o lay_v on_o which_o so_o great_a a_o superstructure_n must_v rest_v so_o as_o he_o judge_v it_o a_o work_n by_o itself_o and_o to_o need_v some_o peculiar_a retire_v his_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o serious_a recess_n and_o composure_n thereof_o to_o attain_v a_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o know_v the_o strong_a and_o firm_a conveyance_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o need_v not_o a_o new_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o but_o he_o know_v that_o no_o sharpness_n of_o man_n natural_a understanding_n about_o the_o truth_n can_v ever_o attain_v a_o true_a rest_n and_o settlement_n of_o mind_n therein_o without_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a spirit_n stoop_v down_o before_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o enter_v as_o a_o little_a child_n into_o his_o school_n and_o by_o that_o humble_a practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o undoubted_a come_n up_o to_o the_o great_a assurance_n and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o same_o as_o joh._n 7.17_o 4_o he_o know_v that_o as_o nothing_o tend_v more_o to_o shake_v man_n spirit_n and_o stagger_v they_o about_o the_o truth_n than_o a_o light_n and_o transient_a view_n hereof_o so_o do_v the_o great_a establishment_n follow_v on_o the_o near_a approach_n by_o a_o deep_a and_o serious_a enquiry_n about_o the_o same_o and_o he_o clear_o see_v that_o if_o such_o who_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n on_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n do_v but_o once_o come_v to_o have_v their_o spirit_n exceed_v in_o a_o more_o serious_a reflection_n thereon_o the_o first_o view_n they_o shall_v have_v can_v not_o but_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o amazement_n to_o think_v what_o can_v support_v a_o soul_n in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o way_n as_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v so_o visible_o above_o nature_n and_o that_o wherein_o they_o must_v do_v violence_n to_o the_o same_o wherein_o they_o must_v part_v with_o the_o multitude_n and_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o strong_a tide_n of_o example_n and_o must_v endure_v also_o in_o hope_n and_o believe_v for_o thing_n not_o see_v which_o be_v never_o the_o object_n of_o humane_a sense_n to_o any_o in_o this_o earth_n and_o be_v oft_o call_v to_o part_v with_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n of_o sense_n upon_o the_o alone_a credit_n of_o their_o faith_n yea_o wherein_o they_o must_v enter_v that_o profession_n on_o no_o other_o term_n than_o to_o be_v martyr_n for_o the_o same_o and_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n so_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o see_v a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o great_a riddle_n and_o wonder_v of_o
eternal_a state_n on_o the_o know_a certainty_n thereof_o do_v reason_n their_o soul_n to_o a_o steadfast_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n thereto_o to_o wit_n from_o the_o rare_a experiment_n and_o proof_n they_o have_v oft_o have_v of_o the_o same_o in_o their_o own_o trial_n 4._o it_o do_v more_o special_o call_v for_o a_o demonstrative_a clear_n of_o the_o credit_n of_o this_o testimony_n as_o one_o of_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n among_o man_n which_o seem_v least_o improve_v of_o any_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o general_a state_n of_o such_o who_o be_v within_o the_o church_n who_o be_v so_o great_a stranger_n to_o the_o same_o yea_o shall_v be_v judge_v one_o of_o the_o great_a want_n of_o this_o day_n when_o atheism_n be_v now_o at_o so_o astonish_v a_o height_n that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o study_v to_o have_v the_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o in_o itself_o lie_v deep_a and_o hide_v and_o be_v a_o secret_a betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o christian_n soul_n with_o such_o clearness_n and_o by_o that_o manner_n of_o evidence_n demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o beget_v some_o more_o awful_a sense_n and_o conviction_n hereof_o when_o such_o clear_a and_o unanswerable_a ground_n may_v be_v improve_v for_o this_o end_n on_o those_o who_o look_v thereon_o as_o some_o strange_a and_o dark_a riddle_n so_o as_o they_o can_v no_o more_o deny_v or_o withstand_v the_o evidence_n hereof_o than_o that_o they_o have_v a_o live_a soul_n which_o yet_o they_o never_o see_v or_o can_v ever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o human_a sense_n and_o how_o sad_a a_o prospect_n shall_v this_o give_v of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o not_o only_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a glory_n and_o spiritual_a power_n of_o christianity_n but_o have_v not_o the_o very_a notion_n or_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o 2d_o place_n it_o be_v thus_o that_o each_o christian_n for_o be_v solid_o confirm_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n may_v as_o clear_o see_v as_o he_o do_v sensible_o feel_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o have_v his_o faith_n as_o full_o establish_v by_o this_o inward_a and_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o his_o affection_n be_v quicken_v upon_o such_o strong_a and_o demonstrative_a ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n hereof_o as_o these_o be_v 1._o by_o consider_v his_o present_n and_o former_a state_n that_o not_o in_o a_o dream_n but_o in_o the_o most_o deep_a and_o serious_a composure_n of_o spirit_n he_o know_v that_o once_o he_o be_v blind_a and_o whole_o estrange_v from_o this_o mystery_n of_o christian_a experience_n which_o now_o he_o do_v see_v and_o once_o have_v the_o same_o sentiment_n hereof_o with_o such_o who_o do_v never_o at_o all_o reflect_v on_o the_o same_o but_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n seize_v on_o his_o soul_n than_o he_o find_v himself_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a world_n to_o know_v the_o dawning_n of_o this_o marvellous_a light_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o these_o enjoyment_n and_o vital_a act_n of_o christianity_n that_o have_v not_o the_o least_o dependence_n on_o any_o natural_a cause_n 2._o by_o consider_v the_o marvellous_a superstructure_n of_o experimental_a religion_n which_o from_o the_o inward_a observation_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n be_v such_o as_o the_o world_n can_v not_o almost_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o may_v be_v write_v hereof_o which_o yet_o be_v so_o entire_o found_v on_o one_o and_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o do_v in_o all_o the_o line_n of_o this_o great_a circumference_n still_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o centre_n yea_o thus_o how_o entire_a and_o harmonious_a a_o thing_n religion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v within_o upon_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o without_o so_o as_o every_o step_n in_o this_o way_n of_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v no_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a but_o what_o be_v by_o line_n and_o by_o rule_n with_o as_o sure_a and_o demonstrable_a a_o connexion_n with_o the_o external_n testimony_n of_o the_o word_n as_o there_o be_v in_o nature_n betwixt_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n which_o afford_v a_o more_o wonderful_a assistance_n to_o his_o faith_n than_o the_o great_a external_n miracle_n can_v ever_o do_v and_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v sometime_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n as_o act_n of_o his_o sovereign_a prerogative_n which_o make_v no_o rule_n yet_o with_o the_o establish_v constitution_n of_o his_o word_n do_v the_o continue_a experience_n of_o the_o saint_n most_o harmonious_o ever_o correspond_v 3._o by_o consider_v thus_o also_o the_o be_v and_o reality_n of_o grace_n not_o in_o its_o effect_n only_o but_o in_o its_o proper_a cause_n and_o original_a and_o how_o the_o truth_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v so_o express_v a_o transcript_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o external_n revelation_n that_o the_o impress_n do_v not_o more_o clear_o answer_v the_o seal_n on_o the_o wax_n than_o it_o do_v beget_v the_o same_o form_n and_o image_n of_o itself_o in_o such_o as_o believe_v yea_o also_o that_o conformity_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o ever_o bless_a archetype_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o reveal_v rule_n and_o how_o bright_a a_o discovery_n be_v this_o of_o so_o glorious_a a_o be_v and_o nature_n to_o which_o it_o be_v conform_v who_o be_v the_o alone_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o discovery_n as_o he_o be_v make_v to_o wonder_n that_o man_n in_o this_o age_n be_v so_o much_o awaken_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n though_o in_o its_o own_o room_n a_o most_o choice_a study_n and_o special_o desirable_a and_o will_v be_v as_o in_o a_o transport_v upon_o some_o rare_a natural_a experiment_n as_o make_v one_o in_o that_o manner_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v find_v i_o have_v find_v whilst_o here_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o demonstration_n and_o of_o more_o transcendent_a interest_n than_o all_o these_o can_v ever_o amount_v to_o on_o which_o the_o eye_n of_o most_o be_v this_o day_n shut_v 4._o by_o consider_v that_o unchangeable_a congruity_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n enjoin_v in_o the_o whole_a institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o man_n be_v make_v happy_a thereby_o now_o in_o their_o present_a state_n and_o how_o great_a a_o temporal_a revenue_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n as_o inward_a confidence_n peace_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n do_v as_o native_o follow_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n hereof_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n answer_v to_o its_o kind_n and_o be_v ever_o find_v the_o alone_a true_a relief_n of_o mankind_n against_o all_o the_o grief_n and_o bitterness_n of_o time_n yea_o that_o it_o be_v no_o distance_n of_o place_n but_o of_o man_n spirit_n by_o impurity_n and_o corruption_n that_o make_v so_o sad_a a_o distance_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n 5._o he_o be_v thus_o further_o confirm_v upon_o this_o great_a testimony_n of_o experimental_a religion_n by_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v sure_a such_o as_o do_v bear_v this_o witness_n be_v know_v 1._o to_o be_v such_o who_o be_v of_o the_o most_o discern_a and_o judicious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o any_o else_o 2._o who_o walk_n and_o practice_n use_v to_o have_v the_o great_a authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v 3._o who_o be_v find_v most_o intense_o take_v up_o in_o the_o retire_a work_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o witness_n and_o observation_n of_o other_o 4._o who_o seek_v no_o implicit_a credit_n from_o any_o herein_o but_o do_v pray_v man_n to_o come_v and_o see_v and_o prove_v the_o same_o in_o their_o own_o experience_n with_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o most_o exact_a inquiry_n and_o rational_a trial_n of_o all_o mankind_n if_o here_o be_v any_o casual_a thing_n and_o if_o that_o testimony_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a and_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o still_o one_o and_o the_o same_o 5._o who_o also_o out_o of_o the_o most_o remote_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o otherwise_o stranger_n among_o themselves_o do_v yet_o most_o harmonious_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o witness_n and_o be_v thus_o mutual_o disclose_v to_o each_o other_o by_o a_o near_a and_o feel_a intercourse_n of_o their_o soul_n from_o such_o a_o oneness_n in_o a_o spiritual_a state_n and_o those_o specific_a property_n of_o a_o spiritual_a
the_o gospel_n with_o so_o clear_a and_o strong_a a_o conveyance_n thereof_o be_v yet_o so_o little_o operative_a on_o most_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v also_o of_o the_o whole_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o though_o this_o tend_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o resolve_v our_o religion_n into_o any_o mere_a exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o leave_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o energy_n and_o operation_n therewith_o on_o man_n soul_n entire_a yet_o do_v it_o full_o evince_v such_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o evidence_n with_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o make_v any_o doubtfulness_n herein_o simple_o impossible_a through_o want_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o mean_n yea_o such_o as_o be_v of_o another_o kind_n than_o to_o induce_v only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o same_o vi_o because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a symptom_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o few_o almost_o in_o whole_a congregation_n can_v give_v any_o clear_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n thereof_o but_o to_o amazement_n both_o live_v and_o die_v stranger_n to_o the_o same_o yea_o how_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v otherwise_o serious_a in_o religion_n yet_o have_v their_o faith_n starve_v this_o way_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o any_o such_o support_n but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o the_o numerousness_n of_o professor_n but_o the_o strength_n and_o solidity_n of_o their_o faith_n wherein_o the_o church_n strength_n most_o lie_v and_o have_v more_o flourish_v in_o a_o few_o such_o to_o beget_v a_o great_a awe_n and_o veneration_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n than_o at_o other_o time_n in_o the_o great_a multitude_n so_o be_v it_o the_o glory_n of_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o can_v subsist_v by_o its_o own_o proper_a evidence_n and_o preserve_v its_o station_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n when_o all_o external_n argument_n do_v most_o visible_o cease_v posit_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a and_o clear_a how_o no_o simple_a instruct_v of_o man_n in_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v the_o proper_a and_o adequate_a mean_n for_o such_o a_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o on_o its_o own_o evidence_n or_o answer_v that_o apostolic_a pattern_n of_o lay_v the_o foundation_n heb._n 6.2_o but_o that_o some_o special_a duty_n else_o be_v call_v for_o to_o so_o high_a a_o end_n such_o wherein_n not_o only_o that_o true_a primitive_a confirmation_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v have_v some_o practical_a use_n but_o we_o may_v also_o hope_v therewith_o for_o a_o more_o remarkable_a outletting_a of_o confirm_v influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v herein_o i_o shall_v humble_o offer_v in_o a_o few_o particular_n i._o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o the_o ministerial_a work_n and_o of_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n to_o have_v all_o who_o hear_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o first_o place_n press_v to_o take_v religion_n so_o far_o to_o heart_n as_o to_o make_v a_o serious_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n hereof_o and_o thus_o to_o know_v their_o be_v on_o sure_a ground_n herein_o not_o because_o they_o know_v not_o another_o way_n but_o because_o they_o know_v this_o be_v the_o alone_a way_n of_o truth_n to_o which_o they_o dare_v trust_v their_o immortal_a soul_n ii_o that_o for_o this_o end_v the_o supreme_a truth_n of_o relion_n be_v represent_v with_o that_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n as_o both_o such_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n do_v require_v and_o the_o temper_n of_o such_o a_o gainsaying_n age_n now_o call_v for_o and_o to_o have_v this_o press_v more_o on_o man_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n that_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o the_o high_a consequence_n reality_n and_o substance_n can_v have_v no_o possible_a reception_n by_o any_o implicit_a or_o probable_a belief_n thereof_o nor_o can_v admit_v any_o pretence_n for_o the_o same_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v such_o kind_n of_o proof_n and_o evidence_n as_o leave_v man_n darkness_n herein_o without_o any_o shadow_n of_o excuse_n ii_o that_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o catechetical_a work_n of_o religion_n to_o take_v some_o account_n of_o the_o mean_a professor_n thereof_o and_o with_o a_o special_a respect_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o their_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n on_o what_o ground_n and_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n this_o be_v found_v and_o for_o their_o instruct_v therein_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o religion_n when_o one_o of_o the_o most_o ruine_v thing_n to_o the_o church_n lie_v here_o that_o the_o profession_n of_o most_o be_v lay_v in_o so_o deep_a a_o ignorance_n as_o they_o have_v almost_o nothing_o to_o say_v for_o the_o same_o but_o a_o naked_a affirmation_n i_o know_v the_o difficulty_n hereof_o for_o the_o weak_a may_v be_v object_v but_o without_o just_a cause_n since_o as_o the_o prime_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v few_o easy_a and_o plain_a for_o the_o mean_a capacity_n so_o also_o be_v the_o primary_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o such_o once_o with_o that_o desire_n do_v search_v after_o the_o same_o as_o for_o a_o hide_a and_o invaluable_a treasure_n wherein_o this_o respect_n shall_v be_v still_o have_v to_o difference_n betwixt_o what_o be_v initial_a and_o of_o a_o more_o fundamental_a concern_v for_o the_o weak_a and_o what_o may_v tend_v to_o a_o high_a growth_n and_o increase_n of_o other_o iii_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n also_o for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o the_o young_a growth_n now_o come_v up_o in_o the_o church_n be_v put_v to_o give_v some_o explicit_a evidence_n of_o their_o consent_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o may_v witness_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n now_o as_o their_o own_o proper_a deed_n wherein_o they_o be_v implicit_o engage_v in_o their_o infancy_n some_o special_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o this_o be_v i._o because_o god_n will_v have_v his_o service_n free_o enter_v in_o and_o upon_o choice_n as_o that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o honour_n for_o as_o the_o covenant_n bind_v mutual_o so_o do_v the_o seal_n thereof_o also_o and_o therefore_o upon_o our_o part_n be_v baptism_n a_o sacramental_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o god_n ii_o because_o it_o tend_v to_o a_o more_o resolute_a and_o firm_a adherence_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o this_o business_n shall_v be_v personal_o bring_v home_o to_o man_n conscience_n especial_o before_o their_o first_o admittance_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o thus_o to_o engage_v they_o as_o joshua_n do_v chap._n 24.22_o you_o be_v witness_n against_o yourselves_o herein_o and_o they_o say_v we_o be_v witness_n iii_o because_o this_o be_v express_o hold_v forth_o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o where_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o such_o than_o who_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o knowledge_n be_v personal_o bring_v to_o confirm_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n that_o solemn_a engagement_n and_o dedication_n by_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v vox_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o signify_v sponsio_fw-la &_o stipulatio_fw-la publica_fw-la inter_fw-la christianum_fw-la &_o dominum_fw-la christum_fw-la as_o the_o most_o judicious_a commentator_n on_o that_o scripture_n do_v clear_o render_v it_o and_o so_o this_o be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o heathenism_n but_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o church_n and_o partaker_n of_o that_o seal_n of_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o answer_v to_o that_o great_a demand_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v you_o now_o consent_v upon_o evidence_n and_o choice_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v a_o subject_a of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o embrace_v the_o law_n thereof_o and_o do_v you_o thus_o in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n declare_v the_o same_o wherein_o you_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o of_o what_o bless_a fruit_n and_o advantage_n shall_v this_o be_v both_o for_o the_o increase_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o this_o be_v more_o deep_o take_v to_o heart_n for_o some_o practical_a use_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o primitive_a pattern_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n iv_o it_o be_v special_o desirable_a also_o that_o there_o be_v some_o clear_a view_n and_o summary_n by_o itself_o of_o the_o most_o cogent_a ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n with_o respect_n both_o to_o the_o
there_o be_v no_o possible_a ground_n to_o question_v this_o i._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o so_o great_a a_o discovery_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o a_o power_n above_o nature_n which_o accompany_v the_o same_o in_o such_o a_o change_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v sure_o contrary_a state_n in_o another_o world_n when_o they_o be_v so_o undeniable_o manifest_v here_o qu._n iii_o but_o can_v so_o great_a a_o experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o upon_o earth_n be_v make_v rational_o convince_a to_o such_o as_o be_v themselves_o stranger_a thereto_o and_o for_o a_o further_o confirm_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n answ_n though_o this_o be_v a_o experiment_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o a_o more_o transcendent_a interest_n and_o value_n than_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a delusion_n herein_o if_o 1_n it_o be_v that_o to_o which_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n bear_v testimony_n and_o have_v send_v down_o the_o same_o as_o that_o which_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o they_o have_v approve_v but_o in_o the_o continue_a trial_n of_o their_o life_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o such_o as_o testify_v what_o they_o do_v and_o have_v so_o oft_o find_v in_o the_o retirement_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o god_n be_v of_o as_o discern_a spirit_n to_o know_v the_o true_a value_n of_o thing_n as_o any_o else_o yea_o such_o who_o testimony_n in_o other_o thing_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n can_v not_o refuse_v nor_o deny_v iii_o that_o its_o undeniable_o evident_a such_o must_v have_v another_o acquaintance_n and_o society_n than_o that_o of_o man_n which_o not_o only_o make_v these_o hide_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n so_o desirable_a where_o all_o may_v see_v they_o more_o flee_v than_o follow_v any_o humane_a witness_n but_o also_o make_v so_o visible_a a_o change_n both_o in_o their_o case_n and_o countenance_n after_o most_o sad_a anguish_n and_o down-castings_a of_o spirit_n iv_o that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a also_o how_o such_o as_o be_v most_o serious_a this_o way_n have_v be_v visible_o oft_o raise_v above_o their_o ordinary_a case_n and_o frame_v in_o prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n yea_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o they_o who_o never_o know_v there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o report_n can_v not_o withstand_v so_o clear_a conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n hereof_o that_o can_v beget_v such_o liberty_n humble_a tenderness_n and_o melt_a of_o heart_n yea_o such_o discernible_a joy_n and_o confidence_n v._o that_o no_o delusion_n or_o false_a show_n can_v be_v here_o when_o it_o be_v ever_o see_v that_o such_o as_o be_v most_o serious_a and_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n and_o these_o hide_a retirement_n with_o god_n be_v the_o most_o flourish_a also_o in_o the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a lustre_n and_o appearance_n of_o any_o in_o their_o profession_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v such_o only_a who_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v most_o special_o discernible_a beyond_o other_o when_o these_o low_a spring_n of_o outward_a help_n and_o encouragement_n be_v most_o visible_o shut_v up_o qu._n iv_o be_v that_o great_a and_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o conscience_n over_o man_n such_o as_o may_v be_v as_o demonstrable_a to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v answ_n it_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o man_n be_v not_o strike_v with_o deep_a conviction_n hereon_o when_o they_o can_v but_o see_v i._o that_o though_o this_o be_v the_o great_a tormentor_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o possible_a retreat_n from_o its_o power_n though_o man_n shall_v flee_v to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o do_v it_o enforce_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o reflection_n on_o its_o self_n even_o when_o it_o tremble_v at_o that_o sight_n ii_o that_o it_o cause_v great_a fear_n and_o horror_n upon_o the_o commitment_n of_o secret_a sin_n when_o no_o dread_n of_o humane_a witness_n or_o of_o visible_a hazard_n this_o way_n can_v occasion_v it_o iii_o that_o it_o admit_v no_o violence_n in_o any_o to_o outdare_v the_o same_o but_o be_v a_o power_n that_o the_o great_a monarch_n find_v to_o be_v strong_a than_o they_o and_o be_v such_o that_o these_o oft_o be_v enforce_v for_o present_a ease_n and_o relief_n either_o to_o divert_v or_o bribe_v the_o same_o by_o some_o false_a ground_n of_o peace_n iv_o that_o it_o constrain_v man_n to_o justify_v god_n and_o judge_v themselves_o when_o his_o hand_n do_v pursue_v they_o and_o to_o find_v out_o their_o sin_n and_o guilt_n which_o be_v before_o hide_v v._o that_o it_o make_v man_n also_o afraid_a to_o be_v alone_o with_o themselves_o and_o to_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n because_o its_o light_n do_v torment_v they_o by_o that_o unavoidable_a application_n which_o conscience_n make_v hereof_o vi_o yea_o it_o make_v man_n guilt_n so_o legible_a oft_o in_o their_o countenance_n even_o when_o they_o study_v most_o to_o conceal_v it_o that_o all_o may_v see_v there_o be_v a_o accuser_n within_o who_o authority_n and_o power_n can_v possible_o be_v decline_v vii_o that_o with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o confidence_n and_o security_n it_o do_v support_v man_n spirit_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o sustain_v its_o great_a infirmity_n from_o without_o when_o it_o be_v a_o friend_n yea_o and_o uphold_v the_o oppress_v with_o unspeakable_a peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o it_o do_v oft_o cause_v the_o oppressor_n to_o tremble_v qu._n v._n but_o what_o do_v most_o necessary_o result_v from_o so_o clear_a a_o demonstration_n as_o the_o conscience_n be_v for_o confirm_v of_o our_o faith_n answ_n i._o that_o it_o be_v infallible_o thus_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a power_n and_o judgement_n to_o which_o all_o mankind_n be_v subject_v and_o give_v the_o world_n a_o unavoidable_a demonstration_n both_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o great_a and_o supernatural_a discovery_n which_o it_o make_v hereof_o ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a law_n also_o and_o invisible_a judge_n above_o we_o under_o who_o power_n and_o authority_n this_o court_n of_o justice_n do_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n both_o summon_v arrest_v bring_v in_o witness_n and_o sentence_n great_a and_o small_a iii_o that_o the_o internal_a government_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n this_o way_n both_o in_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o rebuke_n and_o most_o sensible_a enlargement_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n be_v unavoidable_o demonstrate_v iv_o that_o it_o bear_v so_o clear_a evidence_n to_o unknown_a and_o undoubted_a relief_n and_o none_o else_o can_v be_v ever_o find_v for_o these_o wound_n and_o sting_n of_o the_o conscience_n but_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n v._o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o delight_v free_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n when_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v disarm_v the_o conscience_n of_o that_o so_o intolerable_a a_o sting_n by_o which_o it_o begin_v so_o early_a a_o hell_n within_o the_o soul_n vi_o that_o such_o be_v the_o power_n and_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o can_v make_v it_o stand_v unbroken_v amid_o the_o great_a ruin_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n when_o under_o such_o a_o guard_n as_o that_o of_o its_o own_o innocency_n section_n v._n qu._n i._o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o that_o kingdom_n of_o light_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v up_o by_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o may_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o of_o faith_n answ_n this_o be_v of_o such_o special_a use_n both_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o awake_v such_o to_o deep_a reflection_n on_o the_o same_o with_o who_o there_o seem_v no_o hope_n to_o prevail_v but_o by_o proof_n from_o palpable_a experience_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n encompass_v the_o earth_n yea_o that_o they_o have_v a_o ordinary_a and_o familiar_a converse_n with_o many_o therein_o ii_o that_o these_o spirit_n though_o once_o original_o excellent_a have_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o apostasy_n as_o all_o may_v see_v their_o aim_n and_o only_a pleasure_n be_v to_o dishonour_n god_n and_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o man._n iii_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o deny_v the_o mark_n of_o that_o power_n and_o conquest_n which_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n have_v every_o where_n among_o
over_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n and_o ireland_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o rome_n fatal_a period_n be_v near_o but_o to_o look_v hereon_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o last_o attempt_n of_o that_o wound_a adversary_n which_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o issue_n to_o have_v the_o most_o immediate_a connexion_n with_o his_o great_a downfall_n and_o the_o revive_v glory_n of_o the_o church_n for_o strong_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n who_o judge_v she_o section_n iu._n qu._n what_o be_v special_o call_v for_o in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o as_o be_v accountable_a for_o so_o great_a a_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n ans_fw-fr if_o this_o be_v suitable_o take_v to_o heart_n we_o can_v not_o but_o reckon_v ourselves_o under_o the_o great_a excitement_n and_o call_v to_o such_o a_o improvement_n hereof_o i._o that_o we_o account_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o have_v a_o faith_n for_o quiet_v our_o own_o spirit_n but_o also_o to_o confirm_v other_o by_o put_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o his_o word_n and_o to_o sanctify_v he_o before_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o important_a a_o duty_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a even_o with_o a_o moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o one_o short-coming_a when_o he_o call_v for_o the_o same_o numb_a 20.12_o and_o it_o be_v sure_a in_o no_o time_n be_v such_o a_o special_a trust_n more_o repose_v thereon_o than_o in_o this_o age_n both_o as_o a_o public_a debt_n on_o the_o church_n and_o personal_a on_o each_o christian_a how_o to_o witness_v for_o the_o lord_n upon_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o for_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v by_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_n and_o testimony_n thereto_o ii_o to_o reckon_v ourselves_o also_o under_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a call_v this_o day_n each_o in_o their_o present_a capacity_n and_o station_n to_o appear_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o stem_v so_o visible_a and_o impetuous_a a_o tide_n as_o be_v now_o run_v of_o distrust_n and_o of_o a_o discreditable_a faintness_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v never_o be_v the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o remarkable_o hold_v under_o such_o a_o trial_n as_o that_o wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n numb_a 14._o or_o have_v a_o more_o evident_a resemblance_n thereto_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n as_o in_o this_o day_n if_o they_o be_v serious_o ponder_v as_o i._o how_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o a_o false_a and_o evil_a report_n be_v too_o visible_o raise_v upon_o the_o bless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o discourage_v and_o faint_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n as_o be_v then_o by_o the_o spy_n that_o there_o be_v insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o anakim_v and_o of_o their_o wall_a city_n and_o do_v thus_o oppose_v the_o credit_n of_o sense_n to_o all_o these_o assurance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o their_o faith_n ii_o that_o this_o high_o dishonourable_a cowardice_n and_o distrust_n do_v so_o seize_v on_o that_o people_n as_o be_v like_a to_o resolve_v in_o a_o visible_a revolt_n and_o to_o cry_v for_o a_o leader_n to_o go_v back_o to_o egypt_n again_o which_o among_o too_o many_o in_o this_o time_n may_v be_v just_o fear_v iii_o that_o this_o be_v after_o such_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n then_o who_o have_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a and_o outstretch_v hand_n so_o late_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o from_o the_o iron_n furnace_n in_o egypt_n as_o render_v their_o misbelief_n to_o be_v a_o guilt_n under_o such_o aggravation_n as_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v in_o that_o manner_n plead_v verse_n 22._o these_o ten_o time_n have_v they_o tempt_v i_o who_o have_v see_v my_o glory_n and_o my_o miracle_n which_o i_o do_v in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n iu._n but_o herein_o we_o hope_v and_o be_v confident_o sure_a of_o a_o bless_a disparity_n in_o this_o resemblance_n as_o to_o the_o numerousness_n of_o such_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o act_n something_o of_o that_o part_n which_o these_o heroic_a witness_n caleb_n and_o joshua_n do_v and_o be_v then_o put_v to_o stand_v alone_o therein_o who_o through_o grace_n shall_v yet_o appear_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o withstand_v so_o high_a a_o tide_n of_o fear_n discouragement_n and_o unbelief_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o thus_o to_o plead_v against_o the_o same_o as_o these_o do_v num._n 14.9_o if_o the_o lord_n delight_n in_o we_o then_o let_v we_o not_o rebel_v against_o he_o neither_o fear_v the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v in_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n v._o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o precedent_n of_o providence_n of_o so_o singular_a a_o respect_n as_o the_o lord_n do_v then_o testify_v to_o his_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n who_o be_v of_o another_o spirit_n in_o follow_v he_o full_o in_o that_o day_n a_o continue_a assurance_n for_o all_o who_o shall_v be_v help_v to_o any_o honourable_a appearance_n of_o this_o kind_n by_o make_v they_o see_v and_o inherit_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n yea_o that_o such_o a_o residue_n as_o outlive_v this_o great_a and_o amaze_a storm_n shall_v have_v something_o of_o that_o testimony_n to_o bear_v also_o which_o caleb_n give_v josh_n 14.8_o 10._o my_o brethren_n which_o go_v up_o with_o i_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n faint_v but_o i_o full_o follow_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o now_o behold_v the_o lord_n have_v keep_v i_o alive_a etc._n etc._n o_o bless_a they_o who_o soul_n be_v raise_v with_o that_o holy_a zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o this_o great_a breach_n by_o a_o resolute_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o witness_v to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o such_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n give_v thereto_o now_o call_v for_o iii_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a duty_n of_o this_o day_n we_o stand_v also_o accountable_a for_o how_o to_o stem_v this_o high_a and_o grow_a tide_n of_o prejudice_n and_o reproach_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o in_o some_o unusual_a way_n be_v now_o aloft_o and_o rage_a and_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o gain_v some_o more_o awful_a regard_n hereof_o on_o man_n conscience_n that_o they_o may_v see_v something_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o maintain_v its_o conquest_n as_o no_o way_n else_o can_v possible_o claim_v i._n which_o reckon_v none_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a professor_n hereof_o who_o embrace_v not_o the_o same_o upon_o evidence_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o worth_n nor_o do_v judge_n the_o interest_n of_o religion_n to_o go_v by_o number_n and_o poll_n where_o this_o be_v want_v but_o pursue_v that_o end_n to_o have_v man_n engage_v first_o to_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o therefore_o can_v admit_v no_o such_o method_n of_o any_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o humour_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n which_o its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v ii_o which_o in_o its_o course_n be_v ever_o regular_a and_o certain_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o unchangeable_a and_o eternal_a truth_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o will_n of_o man_n herein_o or_o any_o mutable_a revolution_n of_o the_o time_n iii_o which_o do_v with_o the_o great_a lustre_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o bright_a light_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n yea_o by_o the_o further_a plainness_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n towards_o all_o commend_v itself_o so_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v it_o espouse_v not_o man_n affection_n before_o it_o gain_v on_o their_o conscience_n and_o it_o have_v their_o judgement_n fix_v on_o a_o judicious_a trial_n before_o their_o resolution_n nor_o account_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n can_v ever_o subsist_v by_o a_o external_a show_n and_o profession_n without_o its_o know_a evidence_n and_o the_o efficacy_n thereof_o on_o man_n soul_n iv_o which_o sincere_o follow_v the_o catholic_n interest_n of_o christianity_n and_o public_a good_a of_o mankind_n in_o promote_a the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o the_o world_n may_v see_v its_o high_a intent_n be_v to_o exalt_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o advance_v the_o simplicity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o gospel_n administration_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v rule_n among_o man_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o near_o