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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 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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
many_o that_o do_v competent_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o every_o single_a man_n that_o can_v render_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o storm_n do_v make_v man_n look_v to_o their_o anchor_n and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o awful_a judgement_n be_v hasten_v on_o we_o be_v remote_a one_o do_v not_o awaken_v we_o to_o beat_v we_o out_o of_o our_o inconsiderate_o choose_a refuges_n our_o precarious_a and_o unexamined_a confidence_n which_o in_o very_a propriety_n be_v but_o fancy_n and_o not_o faith_n build_v upon_o any_o solid_a ground_n however_o we_o must_v all_o needs_o die_v and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o a_o near_a prospect_n of_o the_o future_a state_n may_v convince_o show_v the_o most_o obstinate_a that_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v not_o to_o be_v conquer_v and_o no_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n sen._n pecudum_fw-la ritu_fw-la euntes_fw-la non_fw-la qà _fw-la eundum_fw-la est_fw-la sed_fw-la qà _fw-la itur_fw-la sen._n or_o by_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v take_v up_o and_o walk_v in_o mere_o for_o company_n wherefore_o we_o give_v our_o great_a thanks_o to_o the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n who_o have_v draw_v this_o his_o rich_o furnish_v scribe_n to_o supply_v we_o with_o so_o very_o needful_a a_o treatise_n as_o be_v here_o offer_v some_o of_o we_o do_v profess_v that_o in_o read_v it_o we_o be_v surprise_v with_o joy_n and_o with_o wonder_n that_o a_o topick_n so_o little_o write_v discourse_v or_o think_v of_o shall_v be_v treat_v on_o with_o such_o depth_n of_o judgement_n and_o with_o such_o experience_n as_o be_v rare_o find_v in_o the_o most_o laudable_a writer_n through_o the_o divine_a blessing_n which_o we_o implore_v we_o hope_v that_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n throughout_o these_o nation_n shall_v find_v good_a success_n of_o our_o people_n use_n of_o this_o most_o instructive_a work_n for_o which_o with_o the_o 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hasten_v on_o this_o generation_n and_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o another_o manner_n like_a to_o be_v put_v to_o trial_n than_o since_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o recovery_n from_o antichristian_a bondage_n the_o storm_n now_o visible_o grow_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o nothing_o aught_o to_o faint_a or_o shake_v the_o spirit_n of_o any_o who_o know_v their_o anchor_n be_v sure_a and_o cast_v within_o the_o veil_n but_o the_o strong_a difficulty_n in_o follow_v the_o lord_n when_o overcome_v yield_v the_o great_a victory_n and_o will_v be_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o joy_n here_o but_o to_o all_o eternity_n in_o have_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_v endure_v and_o get_v well_o through_o a_o throng_n of_o temptation_n and_o assault_n in_o a_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o man_n think_v it_o their_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v their_o private_a interest_n by_o divide_v it_o in_o such_o a_o time_n from_o the_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o make_v light_a of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n now_o assault_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n yea_o of_o their_o own_o eternal_a state_n by_o any_o coolness_n or_o shrink_n from_o the_o same_o they_o will_v find_v no_o temporal_a motive_n can_v ever_o compensate_a that_o loss_n and_o ruin_n which_o inevitable_o will_v meet_v such_o in_o the_o issue_n yea_o that_o these_o word_n of_o mordecai_n to_o esther_n esth_n 4.13_o 14._o have_v the_o same_o voice_n and_o weight_n in_o this_o day_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o follow_a work_n i_o may_v with_o humble_a confidence_n say_v be_v under_o some_o pressure_n to_o have_v such_o clear_a evidence_n and_o quiet_v persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o make_v it_o less_o easy_a to_o have_v my_o own_o spirit_n satisfy_v herein_o than_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v to_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o that_o bless_a assurance_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v i_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o can_v be_v comfort_v or_o make_v a_o rational_a be_v desirable_a some_o singular_a engagement_n i_o judge_v myself_o also_o to_o stand_v under_o for_o put_v to_o my_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n from_o many_o signal_n confirmation_n hereof_o in_o the_o course_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n if_o such_o a_o poor_a testimony_n may_v be_v of_o any_o weight_n let_v the_o bless_a lord_n gracious_o accept_v this_o small_a offering_n to_o he_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o truth_n by_o so_o mean_v a_o instrument_n and_o give_v some_o fruit_n hereof_o that_o may_v abide_v and_o be_v find_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n may_v find_v by_o a_o perusal_n of_o the_o i._o chapter_n of_o what_o serious_a use_n and_o intent_n the_o ii_o be_v yea_o that_o in_o this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o incongruous_a to_o the_o forego_n subject_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o iii_o chapter_n but_o oh_o it_o be_v sad_a and_o amaze_a to_o think_v how_o few_o be_v under_o that_o weight_n of_o religion_n as_o once_o to_o have_v a_o serious_a inquiry_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n thereof_o and_o to_o account_v the_o most_o special_a assistance_n to_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o great_a helper_n of_o their_o joy_n within_o time_n the_o content_n chapter_n i._o the_o primitive_a confirmation_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v in_o seven_o position_n posit_n i._o sad_a be_v the_o aspect_n which_o the_o implicit_a and_o traditional_a profession_n of_o this_o day_n have_v upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n page_n 1._o posit_n ii_o it_o be_v a_o great_a service_n for_o the_o church_n to_o have_v a_o clear_a sound_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o assent_n upon_o know_v and_o solid_a ground_n herein_o more_o universal_o promote_v page_n 3_o posit_n iii_o the_o true_a primitive_a confirmation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v from_o the_o scripture_n page_n 5_o posit_v iv_o the_o continue_a necessity_n thereof_o be_v no_o less_o convince_a now_o for_o the_o church_n use_n than_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n page_n 7_o posit_n v._o such_o a_o confirmatory_n work_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o more_o know_v and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o man_n but_o the_o mean_a within_o the_o church_n page_n 9_o posit_n vi_o what_o be_v special_o call_v for_o in_o the_o practical_a use_n of_o this_o primitive_a confirmation_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o some_o serious_a proposal_n for_o this_o end_n page_n 11_o posit_n vii_o special_a excitement_n we_o be_v under_o for_o promote_a the_o same_o in_o so_o remarkable_a a_o period_n of_o time_n as_o this_o and_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o great_a revive_n yet_o of_o such_o a_o catholic_n spirit_n to_o advance_v the_o high_a end_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n page_n 15_o chapter_n ii_o for_o give_v some_o clear_a view_n of_o these_o primary_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o the_o mean_a christian_n shall_v know_v and_o with_o the_o least_o expense_n of_o time_n may_v improve_v for_o their_o daily_a use_n on_o these_o great_a principle_n section_n i._o i._o of_o the_o glorious_a be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n page_n 17_o ii_o of_o the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o be_v eternal_a page_n 19_o iii_o of_o a_o supreme_a providence_n in_o the_o conservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n page_n 20_o iu_o of_o that_o special_a providence_n which_o in_o its_o continue_a administration_n of_o human_a affair_n do_v unchangeable_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a page_n 22_o v._n how_o such_o a_o wonderful_a record_n as_o that_o of_o a_o
as_o fundamental_a a_o constitution_n in_o the_o course_n of_o providence_n as_o the_o most_o firm_a establishment_n of_o nature_n iv_o that_o in_o no_o time_n since_o man_n be_v form_v in_o the_o earth_n do_v true_a joy_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o native_a result_n of_o welldoing_a or_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o be_v peace_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n nor_o have_v it_o ever_o want_v a_o witness_n even_o before_o any_o word_n give_v of_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n herein_o v._o that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o most_o dismal_a time_n what_o a_o public_a blessing_n such_o be_v who_o by_o more_o extraordinary_a trial_n have_v be_v put_v to_o the_o high_a exercise_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o patience_n yea_o how_o visible_o such_o have_v be_v promote_v to_o the_o most_o honourable_a service_n for_o god_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o credit_n of_o religion_n before_o man_n who_o on_o the_o first_o sight_n and_o view_n have_v be_v 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forth_o over_o the_o earth_n than_o that_o this_o line_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v stretch_v over_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o frame_n of_o providence_n and_o do_v most_o clear_o and_o bright_o illuminate_v the_o same_o v._o that_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o matter_n shall_v meet_v with_o so_o visible_a a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n in_o one_o perfect_a and_o entire_a frame_n yea_o knit_v in_o so_o close_a a_o bond_n of_o union_n together_o as_o make_v the_o whole_a bible_n to_o be_v entire_o one_o piece_n though_o in_o the_o write_n of_o each_o distinct_a part_n thereof_o it_o can_v never_o have_v possible_o be_v contrive_v or_o foresee_v by_o human_a wisdom_n as_o we_o see_v here_o of_o so_o admirable_a a_o agreement_n and_o correspondence_n as_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o vi_o that_o none_o else_o can_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o world_n in_o so_o majestic_a a_o way_n and_o so_o become_v the_o 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their_o own_o as_o they_o do_v record_v their_o own_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v thus_o also_o require_v all_o just_a respect_n and_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n when_o through_o the_o whole_a earth_n they_o be_v then_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n ix_o that_o this_o must_v be_v his_o word_n who_o alone_o can_v derive_v principle_n of_o life_n to_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o animate_v the_o same_o with_o a_o quicken_a spirit_n and_o be_v a_o work_n above_o the_o contrivance_n of_o angel_n or_o man_n when_o direct_v to_o each_o new_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n and_o personal_a case_n of_o christian_n as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v alone_o write_v for_o that_o time_n so_o that_o i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o persuade_v in_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o
book_n as_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o earth_n than_o that_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o alone_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o mankind_n qu._n vii_o how_o be_v the_o secure_a conveyance_n of_o the_o scripture_n demonstrable_a amid_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n past_a and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a tendency_n to_o its_o corruption_n answ_n i._o that_o it_o be_v so_o undeniable_o the_o first_o rule_v which_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o mankind_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o alone_a public_a standard_n of_o truth_n that_o have_v endure_v the_o trial_n and_o inquiry_n of_o all_o time_n past_a so_o as_o no_o pretence_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o antiquity_n can_v yet_o ever_o be_v to_o the_o contrary_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v so_o exact_a a_o harmony_n betwixt_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o one_o be_v a_o visible_a transcript_n of_o the_o other_o in_o its_o accomplishment_n that_o i_o 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thing_n as_o sin_n and_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o conscience_n of_o guilt_n arise_v hereon_o among_o all_o mankind_n can_v need_v no_o proof_n nor_o evidence_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a this_o shall_v have_v be_v original_o create_v with_o man_n or_o essential_o belong_v to_o his_o first_o frame_n and_o constitution_n since_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o conscience_n of_o guilt_n or_o remorse_n for_o what_o be_v give_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o first_o frame_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o sin_n to_o act_v thus_o suitable_o to_o their_o own_o original_a state_n iii_o that_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a also_o how_o one_o part_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v in_o such_o opposition_n to_o another_o iu._n nor_o that_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o inherent_a shame_n can_v be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o sense_n of_o guilt_n and_o by_o so_o natural_a a_o result_n follow_v the_o same_o or_o that_o such_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o own_o be_v if_o this_o be_v not_o upon_o a_o undoubted_a apostasy_n from_o what_o once_o he_o be_v and_o that_o inevitable_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n that_o he_o now_o be_v what_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o as_o the_o certainty_n of_o man_n fall_n though_o alone_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o yet_o may_v be_v as_o evident_a to_o reason_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o be_v now_o be_v section_n ii_o qu._n i._o be_v there_o such_o assistance_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n upon_o that_o great_a and_o astonish_a mystery_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n as_o can_v full_o answer_v the_o greatness_n thereof_o from_o clear_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n to_o man_n judgement_n answ_n it_o be_v sure_a there_o can_v nothing_o possible_o be_v desire_v more_o to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a mind_n than_o be_v give_v for_o the_o further_a certainty_n hereof_o i._o that_o such_o a_o glorious_a person_n as_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o come_v and_o be_v anoint_v to_o that_o great_a work_n of_o redeem_v mankind_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o bring_v man_n back_o again_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v the_o alone_a foundation_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v since_o man_n fall_v ii_o that_o all_o the_o numerous_a type_n and_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n do_v so_o express_o tend_v to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n of_o that_o one_o bless_v propitiatory_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o iii_o that_o long_o ere_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v there_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o exact_v a_o protraicture_n of_o the_o messiah_n draw_v forth_o in_o the_o old_a with_o such_o peculiar_a mark_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o the_o church_n and_o infallible_o take_v place_n in_o the_o event_n as_o man_n can_v not_o upon_o any_o scripture_n evidence_n expect_v his_o come_n in_o another_o way_n iv_o that_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffering_n be_v so_o express_o hold_v forth_o and_o foretell_v with_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n thereof_o in_o the_o 53._o chap._n of_o isaiah_n and_o 9_o of_o daniel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o v._o that_o even_o the_o special_a season_n and_o period_n of_o time_n for_o accomplish_v this_o great_a promise_n be_v so_o far_o make_v know_v as_o upon_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquiry_n its_o near_a approach_n may_v be_v discernible_a and_o clear_a to_o what_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n this_o do_v special_o relate_v for_o which_o both_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o monarchy_n and_o daniel_n seventy_o week_n be_v set_v up_o as_o highway_n mark_v to_o guide_v man_n faith_n herein_o vi_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n how_o the_o promise_a messiah_n can_v be_v yet_o to_o come_v except_o the_o jew_n be_v put_v in_o the_o same_o state_n they_o be_v in_o at_o his_o come_n when_o now_o for_o these_o 1600._o year_n there_o have_v be_v no_o sceptre_n not_o lawgiver_n no_o temple_n or_o daily_a sacrifice_n vii_o that_o this_o great_a mystery_n can_v never_o possible_o have_v enter_v in_o our_o thought_n or_o be_v devise_v by_o any_o create_a understanding_n qu._n ii_o but_o be_v there_o as_o clear_v and_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n in_o the_o event_n that_o sure_o the_o bless_a messiah_n of_o the_o world_n be_v now_o come_v as_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v promise_v answ_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o possible_a debate_n i._o that_o so_o divine_a and_o wonderful_a a_o person_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o tiberius_n caesar_n manifest_v to_o israel_n with_o no_o outward_a show_n or_o observation_n who_o do_v so_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n before_o all_o the_o people_n as_o be_v above_o all_o create_a power_n yea_o that_o he_o be_v crucify_a at_o jerusalem_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n be_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n have_v be_v enforce_v to_o confess_v it_o ii_o that_o this_o special_a season_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n be_v the_o great_a epocha_n and_o period_n of_o time_n from_o which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v ever_o since_o to_o this_o day_n reckon_v her_o state_n and_o succession_n be_v undoubted_a and_o clear_a also_o iii_o that_o the_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n unto_o the_o world_n do_v so_o exact_o suit_n that_o which_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v at_o that_o time_n with_o great_a intentness_n look_v after_o the_o messiah_n so_o as_o some_o remarkable_a impostor_n take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n herein_o iv_o that_o in_o he_o who_o
opposition_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n make_v to_o any_o interest_n while_o the_o weapon_n of_o its_o warfare_n be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o carnal_a and_o with_o that_o success_n that_o make_v the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n hot_a persecution_n from_o heathen_n the_o time_n also_o of_o its_o most_o remarkable_a spread_v in_o the_o world_n iu._n that_o the_o same_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v this_o day_n which_o have_v have_v such_o discernible_a triumph_n and_o success_n when_o no_o external_a assistance_n can_v be_v have_v for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a power_n by_o which_o it_o gain_v the_o most_o savage_a and_o dark_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o take_v on_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o prefer_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o most_o desirable_a object_n of_o sense_n v._o yea_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o only_o have_v such_o vital_a influence_n on_o man_n heart_n and_o practice_n to_o change_v it_o into_o the_o same_o image_n but_o that_o herein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o great_a simplicity_n have_v still_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o its_o conquest_n and_o the_o great_a attractive_a on_o man_n soul_n to_o receive_v the_o same_o qu._n vi_o how_o be_v it_o demonstrable_a that_o such_o remarkable_a suffering_n of_o time_n pass_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o found_v on_o the_o alone_a certainty_n thereof_o and_o carry_v out_o by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n above_o any_o assistance_n of_o nature_n answ_n that_o it_o be_v sure_a i._n here_o be_v no_o comedy_n play_n or_o personate_a suffering_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n then_o and_o in_o after_o time_n do_v endure_v for_o christ_n or_o that_o these_o unexpressible_a torment_n and_o pain_n be_v any_o dream_n and_o delusion_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o the_o world_n and_o that_o their_o adversary_n do_v thus_o conflict_n and_o wrestle_v with_o their_o own_o shadow_n in_o so_o continue_v and_o cruel_a a_o opposition_n ii_o that_o the_o joy_n and_o exultation_n of_o spirit_n these_o witness_n have_v amid_o their_o torment_n who_o otherwise_o want_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n of_o their_o pain_n and_o suffering_n can_v have_v no_o rise_n but_o what_o be_v supernatural_a iii_o that_o this_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a dissimulation_n or_o counterfeit_n when_o they_o be_v step_v into_o eternity_n nor_o the_o product_n of_o a_o distemper_a judgement_n whilst_o all_o may_v see_v what_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n tenderness_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o their_o adversary_n they_o do_v then_o evidence_n iv_o that_o those_o great_a suffering_n be_v upon_o choice_n and_o christian_n hasten_v to_o endure_v they_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v safe_a at_o the_o rate_n of_o recede_v and_o depart_v in_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o truth_n v._o yea_o no_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v how_o such_o mean_a and_o feeble_a person_n as_o many_o of_o these_o be_v shall_v endure_v what_o will_v have_v make_v the_o great_a natural_a courage_n to_o faint_v as_o if_o they_o have_v forgo_v all_o humane_a passion_n which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n must_v needs_o have_v herein_o so_o that_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o see_v something_o no_o less_o marvellous_a and_o supernatural_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o martyr_n than_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n section_n iii_o qu._n i._o be_v it_o full_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o such_o a_o establishment_n as_o a_o religious_a worship_n must_v necessary_o determine_v man_n and_o constrain_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n on_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o can_v but_o see_v how_o religion_n have_v not_o another_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n answ_n it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a to_o make_v a_o rational_a trial_n herein_o and_o not_o see_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o demonstration_n to_o be_v thus_o clear_a i._o that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o for_o any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n but_o to_o come_v and_o see_v what_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o heathenism_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deny_v even_o under_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n its_o be_v the_o high_a reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o very_a mystery_n of_o that_o heathenish_a worship_n be_v so_o horrid_a and_o impure_a as_o they_o need_v a_o veil_n from_o the_o common_a view_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o rational_a reflection_n this_o day_n on_o that_o strange_a monster_n of_o mahumetanism_n but_o as_o of_o a_o visible_a prodigy_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n on_o these_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o their_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o give_v man_n up_o to_o such_o a_o imposture_n as_o expose_v the_o very_a name_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n to_o derision_n and_o can_v never_o claim_v a_o reception_n either_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o rule_n or_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o of_o its_o have_v any_o possible_a consistence_n with_o itself_o iii_o that_o its_o sure_a also_o that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v never_o another_o be_v but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christianity_n and_o where_o this_o foundation_n be_v divide_v from_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o yea_o that_o that_o people_n unto_o this_o day_n be_v such_o a_o confirm_v witness_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v strange_a this_o do_v not_o beget_v deep_a impression_n on_o man_n spirit_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n we_o must_v either_o forego_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n or_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n give_v and_o reveal_v for_o commerce_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v for_o this_o end_n hold_v forth_o that_o it_o be_v then_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o religion_n 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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
man_n yea_o how_o visible_o many_o be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n by_o such_o prodigious_a and_o desperate_a act_n of_o wickedness_n as_o we_o shall_v think_v humane_a nature_n can_v not_o but_o tremble_v at_o iv_o that_o none_o can_v question_v the_o certainty_n both_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o apparition_n and_o bodily_a possession_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o can_v need_v no_o demonstration_n for_o this_o that_o in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o devil_n be_v both_o visible_o and_o audible_o know_v v._o that_o he_o be_v so_o manifest_a in_o his_o appearance_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o blasphemy_n which_o impetuous_o act_v man_n to_o war_n against_o heaven_n with_o their_o tongue_n in_o such_o oath_n and_o curse_v as_o have_v no_o sensual_a pleasure_n or_o gain_v herein_o yea_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n in_o so_o visible_a a_o excitement_n of_o other_o to_o such_o 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under_o which_o they_o be_v conclude_v iii_o all_o may_v see_v their_o be_v under_o restraint_n of_o a_o supreme_a power_n above_o they_o and_o under_o such_o chain_n as_o do_v irresistible_o bind_v their_o rage_n and_o enmity_n against_o man_n by_o a_o invisible_a guard_n and_o hedge_n which_o they_o can_v break_v over_o iv_o their_o great_a rage_n and_o struggle_v be_v against_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n to_o god_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o his_o possession_n in_o such_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o more_o clear_o move_v for_o their_o rescue_n than_o these_o do_v to_o cross_v that_o bless_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n but_o find_v themselves_o pursue_v by_o such_o a_o adversary_n and_o have_v as_o discernable_o another_o party_n than_o themselves_o or_o the_o world_n to_o conflict_n with_o as_o if_o they_o see_v they_o in_o a_o visible_a shape_n vi_o that_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v discernable_o a_o much_o great_a restraint_n of_o satan_n dominion_n and_o power_n than_o in_o all_o the_o earth_n beside_o yea_o that_o the_o advantage_n of_o be_v within_o the_o external_a covenant_n of_o baptism_n be_v so_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o least_o yield_a or_o tendency_n to_o a_o renounce_n of_o the_o same_o or_o any_o act_n of_o homage_n for_o make_v use_n of_o his_o help_n have_v ever_o make_v way_n for_o some_o more_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o the_o devil_n over_o such_o than_o other_o vii_o thus_o be_v a_o most_o undeniable_a confirmation_n give_v of_o a_o invisible_a world_n and_o of_o such_o intellectual_a being_n there_o as_o be_v far_o above_o man_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o intercourse_n betwixt_o man_n and_o spirit_n such_o may_v clear_o show_v the_o interest_n that_o man_n soul_n have_v in_o another_o state_n and_o world_n than_o this_o qu._n iii_o be_v that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o never_o die_a state_n after_o death_n as_o full_o demonstrable_a to_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o further_a certainty_n of_o faith_n answ_n though_o it_o be_v so_o amaze_a a_o thing_n to_o believe_v a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o eternal_a state_n wherein_o it_o must_v short_o enter_v as_o by_o few_o seem_v to_o be_v apprehend_v yet_o be_v its_o demonstrative_a evidence_n such_o that_o except_o man_n lose_v all_o sense_n and_o use_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o immaterial_a and_o active_a substance_n as_o the_o soul_n which_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o cause_n either_o of_o its_o decay_n or_o dissolution_n from_o the_o body_n yea_o that_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o this_o visible_a creation_n be_v here_o that_o such_o a_o vital_a beam_n of_o life_n light_n and_o immortality_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v therein_o ii_o though_o we_o can_v see_v this_o rare_a and_o wonderful_a be_v yet_o we_o full_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o have_v a_o distinct_a interest_n both_o in_o its_o grief_n and_o comfort_n iii_o that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o dependence_n on_o the_o body_n in_o its_o be_v which_o do_v no_o way_n depend_v thereon_o in_o its_o act_n and_o exercise_n but_o be_v oft_o most_o vigorous_a and_o clear_a in_o its_o exercise_n not_o only_a when_o most_o separate_a and_o abstract_n from_o sensible_a thing_n but_o when_o the_o flesh_n be_v under_o the_o great_a decay_n and_o near_o its_o dissolution_n to_o show_v the_o soul_n lie_v not_o a_o die_a with_o the_o body_n but_o have_v its_o distinct_a subsistence_n to_o live_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n when_o it_o die_v iu._n it_o be_v be_v peculiar_o frame_v for_o converse_v and_o intercourse_n with_o spiritual_a being_n yea_o its_o being_n the_o only_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n admit_v to_o fellowship_n with_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o to_o have_v reflex_n act_n upon_o itself_o v._o it_o be_v a_o be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o value_n than_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o not_o only_o can_v know_v and_o conceive_v of_o thing_n above_o the_o evidence_n and_o impression_n of_o sense_n but_o make_v a_o rational_a choice_n of_o good_a though_o cross_a to_o any_o sensual_a pleasure_n yea_o to_o rejoice_v and_o have_v its_o proper_a delight_n when_o the_o body_n be_v afflict_v and_o in_o pain_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v defile_v from_o the_o most_o loathsome_a sore_n and_o defilement_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o we_o must_v needs_o see_v both_o its_o dominion_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o the_o body_n and_o have_v assure_o a_o subsistence_n without_o the_o same_o vi_o it_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o happiness_n beyond_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v these_o intellectual_a faculty_n which_o can_v possible_o want_v both_o object_n suitable_a thereto_o and_o enjoyment_n above_o the_o sense_n vii_o the_o most_o choice_a and_o excellent_a be_v usual_o most_v afflict_v and_o crush_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o their_o oppressor_n whilst_o the_o vile_a flourish_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n so_o that_o such_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a if_o in_o this_o life_n both_o their_o be_v and_o blessedness_n be_v terminate_v viii_o that_o there_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o sense_n of_o immortality_n that_o they_o who_o both_o fear_n and_o hate_v the_o evidence_n hereof_o yet_o under_o some_o constraint_n of_o reason_n have_v the_o same_o for_o a_o continue_a terror_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o certainty_n of_o death_n make_v it_o simple_o impossible_a for_o thing_n only_o suit_v to_o this_o life_n of_o sense_n to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a good_a or_o fruition_n of_o man_n since_o else_o the_o beast_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a happiness_n than_o such_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o respect_n to_o a_o after_o and_o immortal_a state_n qu._n iu._n what_o confirmation_n to_o your_o faith_n do_v that_o great_a and_o amaze_a change_n by_o death_n offer_v when_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v something_o mere_o natural_a answ_n though_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n move_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o it_o have_v various_a way_n of_o approach_n unto_o man_n yet_o may_v all_o see_v with_o the_o further_a conviction_n of_o rational_a evidence_n as_o well_o as_o certainty_n of_o faith_n i._n that_o death_n in_o its_o first_o constitution_n be_v penal_a and_o come_v by_o a_o divine_a appointment_n unto_o all_o not_o mere_o as_o man_n but_o as_o sinner_n and_o to_o be_v no_o natural_a accident_n and_o result_n of_o our_o primitive_a and_o original_a frame_n ii_o that_o its_o
death_n as_o a_o penalty_n which_o keep_v the_o fear_n and_o dread_v thereof_o so_o much_o on_o all_o live_n it_o be_v in_o that_o last_o period_n that_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o man_n be_v decide_v iii_o that_o the_o sting_n and_o bitterness_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o manifest_a in_o innumerable_a disease_n and_o stroke_n of_o death_n which_o many_o feel_v a_o 100_o time_n ere_o they_o die_v once_o beyond_o any_o other_o of_o the_o creature_n iv_o though_o the_o sentence_n of_o die_v be_v on_o all_o yet_o so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v betwixt_o the_o saint_n and_o residue_n of_o man_n here_o that_o its_o penal_a execution_n on_o the_o ungodly_a be_v such_o as_o nature_n can_v give_v no_o support_n under_o it_o v._o that_o supernatural_a presage_n and_o warning_n hereof_o ere_o it_o come_v be_v in_o all_o time_n know_v and_o sure_a yea_o such_o extraordinary_a evidence_n be_v sometime_o of_o the_o precise_a time_n as_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o any_o natural_a cause_n vi_o that_o its_o immediate_a commission_n from_o a_o supreme_a and_o invisible_a power_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o such_o execution_n oft_o of_o this_o sentence_n by_o sword_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n as_o the_o visible_a finger_n of_o god_n in_o a_o just_a retribution_n unto_o man_n for_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o less_o see_v and_o a_o supernatural_a causality_n than_o the_o effect_n have_v be_v undoubted_a and_o clear_a to_o show_v that_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n that_o this_o great_a revolution_n by_o death_n do_v each_o moment_n depend_v on_o a_o call_n from_o heaven_n vii_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o something_o supernatural_a in_o this_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v so_o know_v that_o as_o no_o relief_n can_v possible_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n to_o set_v man_n both_o above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o a_o after_o state_n when_o once_o it_o come_v near_o viii_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v sure_o above_o the_o possibility_n of_o nature_n which_o can_v bear_v out_o in_o this_o great_a adventure_n and_o trial_n of_o man_n faith_n both_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o strength_n thereof_o at_o death_n for_o which_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v thus_o choose_v that_o by_o so_o strange_a a_o entry_n and_o at_o so_o dark_a a_o port_n they_o shall_v first_o pass_v to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o glorious_a state_n above_o qu._n v._n what_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n can_v you_o show_v to_o confirm_v so_o great_a a_o faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a glory_n prepare_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o its_o earnest_n and_o first_o fruit_n here_o as_o may_v strike_v a_o undeniable_a conviction_n hereof_o on_o the_o world_n answ_n i._o the_o visible_a ripen_n and_o resemblance_n to_o such_o a_o state_n in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o christian_n growth_n to_o a_o more_o full_a stature_n of_o the_o man_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o the_o natural_a growth_n of_o our_o body_n ii_o though_o the_o open_n of_o these_o gate_n of_o the_o second_o world_n be_v hide_v so_o as_o no_o humane_a sense_n can_v discern_v the_o spirit_n in_o its_o ascent_n through_o those_o high_a region_n to_o that_o unconceivable_a paradise_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o three_o heaven_n yet_o be_v the_o triumphant_a entry_n and_o passage_n of_o innumerable_a christian_n at_o death_n such_o as_o have_v oft_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n iii_o such_o also_o be_v both_o humble_a tender_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o life_n and_o then_o in_o so_o great_a a_o composure_n of_o judgement_n that_o all_o may_v see_v they_o know_v what_o make_v they_o glad_a and_o can_v swallow_v up_o both_o the_o fear_n and_o bitterness_n of_o death_n yea_o and_o this_o be_v not_o give_v for_o their_o own_o support_n only_o but_o for_o a_o more_o public_a use_n for_o the_o conviction_n and_o confirmation_n of_o other_o iv_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n be_v demonstrable_a and_o have_v be_v oft_o bring_v down_o to_o man_n sense_n by_o these_o ravish_a joy_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o christ_n and_o exultation_n of_o spirit_n even_o in_o the_o flame_n v._o supernatural_a comfort_n attend_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n and_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o the_o flesh_n and_o outward_a cause_n with_o that_o joy_n and_o peace_n which_o by_o so_o natural_a a_o result_n follow_v well-doing_n and_o any_o service_n of_o love_n for_o christ_n which_o all_o may_v see_v to_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o that_o harvest_n which_o be_v above_o vi_o rare_a and_o marvellous_a a_o frame_n of_o the_o new_a man_n set_v up_o in_o this_o low_a region_n of_o grace_n in_o so_o discernible_a a_o conformity_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o resemblance_n to_o another_o state_n than_o here_o to_o which_o the_o world_n be_v but_o as_o a_o place_n of_o pilgrimage_n trial_n and_o a_o preparatory_a state_n only_o vii_o visible_a return_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n christian_n have_v after_o sad_a conflict_n and_o down-castings_a and_o such_o daybreak_n of_o vital_a quicken_a beam_n of_o divine_a light_n that_o have_v often_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o that_o of_o the_o martyr_n at_o the_o stake_n who_o cry_v out_o now_o he_o be_v come_v he_o be_v come_v viii_o their_o breathe_n of_o love_n after_o a_o unseen_a christ_n and_o visible_a effect_n of_o its_o power_n on_o man_n may_v show_v some_o begin_a translation_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o far_o herein_o as_o to_o be_v more_o where_o it_o love_v than_o where_o it_o live_v ix_o though_o we_o can_v see_v here_o that_o ineffable_a glory_n which_o be_v above_o but_o shall_v have_v our_o faith_n instead_o of_o eye_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o holiness_n as_o do_v not_o only_a evidence_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n partake_v of_o a_o future_a glory_n so_o as_o every_o degree_n and_o act_n thereof_o do_v enter_v in_o a_o begin_v state_n of_o fruition_n and_o blessedness_n and_o make_v it_o simple_o impossible_a for_o a_o good_a man_n in_o any_o true_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n not_o to_o be_v happy_a also_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o more_o near_a capacity_n to_o know_v that_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o x._o by_o so_o sure_a know_v and_o try_v a_o passage_n betwixt_o heaven_n and_o man_n soul_n in_o prayer_n with_o so_o settle_a a_o trade_n of_o commerce_n this_o way_n and_o certain_a return_n as_o with_o assurance_n such_o can_v say_v though_o they_o must_v change_v their_o place_n yet_o not_o their_o company_n xi_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n in_o israel_n passage_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o so_o excellent_a a_o country_n as_o canaan_n be_v no_o less_o sure_a in_o its_o self_n than_o that_o it_o be_v give_v for_o a_o emblem_n and_o type_n of_o the_o journey_v and_o militant_a state_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o and_o to_o be_v a_o solemn_a pledge_n of_o that_o canaan_n above_o xii_o such_o be_v the_o magnificence_n harmony_n and_o order_n of_o these_o visible_a heaven_n and_o celestial_a body_n there_o with_o their_o different_a degree_n of_o glory_n though_o all_o illuminate_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o light_a the_o sun_n as_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o a_o divine_a ordination_n to_o have_v some_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o that_o end_n to_o awake_v and_o raise_v our_o thought_n to_o these_o high_a region_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o all_o these_o by_o what_o be_v thus_o visible_a to_o our_o eye_n where_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v ever_o fix_v and_o shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n qu._n vi_o what_o visible_a and_o awaken_n evidence_n be_v there_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o hell_n and_o that_o state_n of_o horror_n and_o torment_n in_o another_o world_n which_o even_o to_o man_n sense_n here_o may_v present_v the_o certainty_n thereof_o answ_n i._o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n and_o party_n as_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n than_o the_o reality_n of_o some_o such_o a_o horrid_a region_n and_o place_n also_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o be_v adjudge_v to_o ii_o from_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o human_a race_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o visible_a service_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n but_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o enmity_n against_o the_o holy_a god_n and_o his_o image_n which_o do_v clear_o witness_v their_o respect_n and_o tendency_n to_o the_o same_o state_n and_o place_n and_o confederacy_n in_o their_o judgement_n as_o here_o in_o their_o sin_n iii_o such_o visible_a impression_n of_o vindictive_a justice_n be_v on_o man_n soul_n with_o such_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o unsufferable_a torment_n
off_o or_o make_v that_o thrive_v which_o god_n have_v himself_o curse_v and_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a how_o far_o we_o have_v go_v thus_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o strength_n by_o such_o eager_a seek_v humane_a prop_n and_o support_v that_o we_o have_v forget_v the_o guide_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o covenant_n of_o our_o god_n and_o what_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v former_o do_v in_o the_o great_a strait_n of_o his_o church_n when_o there_o be_v much_o humble_a trust_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v more_o to_o recover_v his_o truth_n than_o all_o humane_a may_v or_o power_n can_v do_v section_n ii_o qu._n what_o talon_n be_v we_o still_o accountable_a for_o to_o support_v our_o faith_n against_o the_o great_a fear_n of_o this_o time_n from_o these_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n for_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o contend_v for_o which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n when_o so_o strong_a and_o unusual_a a_o tide_n now_o be_v against_o the_o same_o ans_fw-fr if_o man_n shut_v not_o their_o eye_n and_o hide_v this_o great_a talon_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n under_o the_o ground_n it_o be_v sure_a none_o can_v question_v such_o a_o seal_n which_o before_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o amazement_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v put_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v now_o bring_v under_o such_o a_o call_v as_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v deut._n 4.34_o to_o ask_v of_o the_o time_n that_o be_v past_a since_o israel_n come_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gentile_a church_n by_o the_o gospel_n whether_o there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o this_o in_o the_o earth_n that_o god_n have_v assay_v to_o take_v to_o himself_o a_o people_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o nation_n by_o temptation_n by_o sign_n and_o by_o wonder_n and_o by_o war_n and_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o outstretch_v arm_n and_o by_o great_a terror_n according_a to_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v do_v for_o the_o rescue_n of_o his_o people_n in_o these_o last_o time_n from_o antichristian_a bondage_n and_o darkness_n and_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o church-state_n but_o unto_o we_o be_v this_o show_v that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o beside_o he_o you_o be_v still_o call_v to_o see_v and_o be_v as_o eye_n witness_n to_o these_o thing_n i._n how_o bright_a a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v go_v before_o this_o great_a darkness_n on_o the_o church_n and_o what_o a_o solemn_a triumph_n in_o these_o late_a age_n the_o truth_n have_v have_v over_o antichrist_n so_o as_o the_o full_a stroke_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o establish_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o now_o more_o marvellous_a and_o above_o humane_a appearance_n than_o what_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o begin_v degree_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n ii_o in_o how_o few_o year_n also_o there_o be_v as_o a_o new_a christian_a world_n bring_v forth_o in_o that_o swift_a course_n and_o progress_n which_o the_o ingather_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v so_o as_o between_o the_o year_n 1560_o and_o 1621._o such_o famous_a plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v settle_v in_o a_o church-state_n which_o all_o may_v see_v be_v the_o immediate_a work_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o show_v that_o none_o shall_v fear_v or_o stagger_v at_o his_o promise_n though_o the_o water_n yet_o swell_v and_o come_v to_o the_o flow_n of_o jordan_n and_o difficulty_n appear_v unsuperable_a to_o humane_a sense_n after_o these_o great_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v iii_o how_o extraordinary_a a_o call_v and_o excitement_n of_o instrument_n be_v then_o evident_a for_o the_o service_n of_o that_o time_n and_o reaper_n thus_o eminent_o prepare_v for_o so_o great_a a_o harvest_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v put_v the_o world_n to_o inquire_v whence_o these_o be_v in_o so_o numerous_a a_o concurrence_n when_o a_o few_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n be_v so_o rare_o to_o be_v find_v in_o many_o age_n before_o iu._n yea_o such_o a_o accession_n also_o of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o endowment_n be_v then_o for_o building_n of_o the_o church_n â—s_n have_v not_o be_v former_o know_v since_o the_o first_o come_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o glory_n of_o these_o last_o time_n have_v even_o in_o some_o degree_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o first_o v._o and_o can_v the_o most_o dismal_a thing_n of_o this_o time_n countervail_v the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o have_v so_o clear_o see_v with_o the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n come_v therewith_o to_o the_o world_n as_o a_o seal_n and_o attestation_n thereto_o beyond_o any_o miracle_n yea_o how_o innumerable_a a_o company_n in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o different_a tongue_n and_o language_n and_o these_o so_o remote_a from_o one_o another_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o same_o truth_n but_o with_o such_o resolution_n adventure_v their_o soul_n thereon_o as_o may_v full_o witness_v they_o have_v another_o prospect_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v in_o some_o other_o manner_n ravish_v with_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o same_o than_o be_v now_o in_o these_o time_n vi_o such_o high_a spring_n tide_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o after_o so_o sad_a a_o restraint_n have_v be_v for_o so_o many_o age_n before_o under_o antichristian_a darkness_n for_o whatever_o be_v then_o as_o a_o private_a seal_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o christian_n whilst_o the_o witness_n do_v prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o such_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o a_o public_a confirmatory_n seal_v to_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v after_o the_o reformation_n vii_o yea_o be_v it_o not_o the_o most_o sober_a serious_a and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o man_n upon_o a_o sure_a trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o do_v most_o firm_o embrace_v the_o same_o and_o how_o many_o of_o these_o also_o be_v of_o the_o great_a part_n and_o ability_n who_o none_o can_v judge_v to_o adventure_v so_o far_o herein_o without_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o this_o be_v their_o undoubted_a interest_n and_o salvation_n viii_o we_o have_v see_v not_o only_o man_n of_o mean_a and_o low_a estate_n but_o such_o of_o the_o high_a place_n and_o quality_n most_o cheerful_o adventure_v whatever_o interest_n can_v be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o find_v that_o such_o as_o be_v most_o acquaint_v with_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o its_o power_n and_o live_v up_o in_o their_o practice_n to_o what_o they_o profess_v thereof_o be_v those_o who_o with_o the_o great_a assurance_n most_o resolute_o still_o adhere_v thereto_o ix_o we_o have_v see_v also_o it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a spread_v in_o the_o world_n when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a pretence_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n or_o external_n motive_n for_o the_o same_o x_o we_o have_v see_v something_o not_o only_o extraordinary_a but_o even_o miraculous_a in_o the_o joy_n and_o resolution_n of_o innumerable_a martyr_n since_o the_o reformation_n who_o do_v bear_v out_o with_o a_o more_o than_o humane_a strength_n against_o a_o cruelty_n so_o visible_o inhuman_a and_o savage_a yea_o which_o do_v in_o some_o degree_n exceed_v that_o measure_n of_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o be_v against_o a_o great_a light_n than_o they_o xi_o and_o have_v we_o not_o see_v of_o what_o spirit_n such_o still_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n who_o be_v the_o most_o notorious_a instrument_n in_o the_o church_n persecution_n and_o how_o visible_o such_o do_v act_n herein_o under_o so_o impetuous_a a_o incitement_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o as_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n speak_v of_o nero_n the_o truth_n may_v boast_v in_o have_v such_o adversary_n xii_o it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v yet_o ever_o undo_v this_o bless_a inteterest_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n though_o no_o way_n or_o change_v of_o weapon_n have_v be_v leave_v untried_a but_o we_o have_v thus_o see_v whither_o so_o strong_a and_o unite_v a_o confederacy_n as_o the_o catholic_n league_n in_o france_n do_v at_o last_o resolve_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o great_a actor_n and_o contriver_n therein_o but_o
god_n in_o israel_n or_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o his_o write_a oracle_n to_o inquire_v at_o when_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o lie_n open_a and_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sound_n speak_v to_o all_o who_o have_v a_o serious_a and_o unprejudged_a spirit_n i._o that_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v now_o pass_v and_o go_v through_o that_o most_o dismal_a and_o continue_a trial_n herein_o which_o be_v to_o go_v over_o her_o head_n under_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o height_n and_o whatever_o appearance_n he_o now_o have_v in_o great_a wrath_n yet_o be_v it_o sure_a and_o evident_a that_o the_o winter_n be_v past_a and_o the_o church_n spring_v begin_v and_o a_o few_o step_n further_o off_o that_o judgement_n which_o be_v now_o hasten_v on_o will_v at_o length_n end_v the_o quarrel_n so_o that_o by_o a_o near_a converse_n with_o the_o word_n we_o may_v clear_o see_v from_o what_o point_n the_o church_n course_n and_o motion_n this_o day_n lie_v and_o how_o exact_o it_o keep_v in_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o by_o the_o clear_a conduct_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o a_o full_a map_n of_o her_o whole_a course_n and_o passage_n through_o time_n be_v clear_o show_v ii_o that_o we_o may_v now_o with_o some_o clear_a evidence_n judge_n and_o have_v our_o faith_n persuade_v hereof_o that_o the_o church_n interest_n be_v upon_o the_o rise_a hand_n and_o on_o a_o present_a advance_n though_o nothing_o will_v seem_v more_o contradictory_n than_o all_o visible_a ground_n now_o be_v since_o this_o can_v fail_v john_n 3.30_o that_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o earth_n must_v increase_v yea_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o clear_o point_v forth_o antichrist_n ruin_n and_o progress_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o downcasting_a with_o resemblance_n to_o that_o great_a judgement_n on_o pharaoh_n as_o a_o evident_a type_n hereof_o in_o the_o same_o judicial_a stroke_n of_o induration_n on_o both_o and_o gradual_a progress_n herein_o by_o one_o plague_n after_o another_o until_o the_o last_o and_o great_a assault_n as_o be_v then_o at_o the_o red_a sea_n have_v the_o same_o effect_n for_o a_o more_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o great_a step_n of_o judgement_n and_o victory_n over_o this_o adversary_n when_o not_o only_o the_o song_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o the_o lamb_n also_o shall_v be_v then_o sing_v rev._n 15.3_o as_o import_v something_o more_o glorious_a and_o a_o great_a brightness_n to_o be_v put_v on_o this_o illustrious_a act_n of_o divine_a judgement_n reserve_v to_o these_o last_o time_n when_o a_o more_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v see_v than_o in_o any_o former_a deliverance_n of_o his_o church_n iii_o it_o be_v no_o conjectural_a thing_n but_o what_o by_o a_o clear_a scripture_n conduct_v we_o may_v see_v that_o this_o time_n of_o the_o church_n now_o under_o so_o notable_a a_o crisis_n in_o her_o case_n be_v evident_o fall_v under_o that_o remarkable_a assault_n and_o conflict_n with_o that_o adversary_n before_o the_o accomplish_n of_o that_o vial_n on_o his_o seat_n and_o throne_n as_o we_o may_v see_v rev._n 17.13_o 14._o that_o when_o so_o conspicuous_a a_o step_n of_o the_o church_n victory_n be_v near_o the_o opposition_n thereto_o also_o will_v be_v in_o some_o high_a degree_n proportionable_a to_o the_o same_o when_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o such_o who_o shall_v receive_v power_n as_o king_n one_o hour_n with_o the_o beast_n shall_v have_v one_o mind_n and_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n thereto_o and_o shall_v make_v war_n with_o the_o lamb_n but_o the_o lamb_n shall_v overcome_v they_o for_o he_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v it_o find_v through_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v any_o great_a thing_n for_o his_o church_n but_o some_o unusual_a darkness_n and_o sore-wrestling_n have_v still_o go_v before_o and_o shall_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o stagger_v to_o our_o faith_n whatever_o it_o be_v of_o present_a fear_n to_o see_v so_o dismal_a a_o time_n of_o trial_n as_o now_o be_v and_o amaze_a height_n of_o trouble_n beyond_o what_o former_a time_n have_v know_v when_o one_o of_o the_o great_a event_n of_o providence_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o reveal_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n until_o his_o second_o come_v be_v assure_o near_a in_o the_o fall_n and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n iu._n we_o have_v clear_a ground_n also_o to_o judge_v that_o so_o great_a a_o eclipse_n as_o seem_v almost_o universal_o over_o the_o state_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v no_o go_v down_o of_o the_o sun_n thereon_o whatever_o do_v befall_v the_o most_o famous_a eastern_a church_n to_o a_o utter_a dissipation_n thereof_o if_o these_o different_a period_n of_o time_n be_v just_o consider_v how_o their_o sunset_n do_v then_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o entry_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o with_o that_o long_a and_o dismal_a night_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v whilst_o now_o this_o hour_n of_o trial_n on_o the_o church_n do_v meet_v in_o that_o bless_a period_n of_o antichrist_n begin_v fall_v and_o of_o a_o grow_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o the_o scripture_n so_o clear_o warrant_v our_o faith_n herein_o that_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o plant_v and_o not_o cut_v off_o but_o to_o bring_v forward_o that_o interest_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o sound_n of_o which_o the_o mediator_n have_v so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n in_o these_o last_o time_n v._o it_o be_v sure_a we_o now_o live_v in_o the_o evening_n and_o extremity_n of_o time_n when_o the_o motion_n of_o providence_n may_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v more_o quick_a and_o speedy_a as_o be_v so_o near_o the_o centre_n and_o to_o the_o last_o epocha_n and_o period_n of_o all_o prophetic_a chronology_n wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n shall_v most_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o and_o these_o scripture_n truth_n which_o be_v former_o dark_a and_o abstruse_a with_o that_o evidence_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o event_n as_o shall_v cause_v man_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o former_a thought_n and_o stumbling_n thereat_o and_o here_o i_o must_v say_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sight_n now_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o its_o complex_fw-la frame_n and_o state_n in_o so_o different_a a_o mould_n cast_v from_o any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n else_o and_o such_o a_o compound_v of_o a_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a monarchy_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v so_o solemn_a and_o undeniable_a a_o seal_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o be_v strange_a why_o this_o be_v not_o improve_v more_o against_o the_o atheism_n of_o this_o time_n that_o such_o a_o visible_a event_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o in_o be_v which_o be_v so_o clear_o foretell_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1500._o year_n ago_o with_o its_o proper_a circumstance_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o antichristian_a state_n with_o its_o rise_n growth_n and_o duration_n as_o be_v to_o admiration_n still_o evident_a to_o the_o world_n when_o not_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o appearance_n of_o so_o strange_a future_a emergency_n be_v to_o be_v see_v or_o can_v have_v enter_v man_n thought_n to_o show_v it_o only_o can_v be_v reveal_v to_o the_o church_n by_o he_o to_o who_o all_o his_o work_n be_v know_v from_o the_o beginning_n this_o i_o have_v look_v on_o as_o such_o a_o confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o no_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n can_v have_v more_o evidence_n for_o the_o same_o yea_o if_o such_o a_o party_n be_v not_o in_o be_v both_o what_o it_o now_o be_v and_o in_o former_a age_n have_v be_v it_o may_v in_o another_o manner_n stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o a_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o its_o most_o formidable_a appearance_n this_o day_n can_v do_v vi_o i_o shall_v but_o add_v here_o that_o we_o know_v and_o be_v sure_a the_o lord_n have_v reserve_v his_o great_a work_n to_o these_o latter_a day_n wherein_o his_o judgement_n shall_v be_v manifest_a and_o that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n before_o the_o close_a of_o time_n shall_v be_v conspicuous_a in_o the_o fall_n of_o antichrist_n on_o who_o ruin_n that_o glorious_a house_n which_o christ_n be_v yet_o to_o have_v for_o himself_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v be_v prepare_v and_o build_v up_o and_o though_o this_o great_a eclipse_n of_o antichristian_a darkness_n shall_v yet_o more_o prevail_v even_o
assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v now_o press_v to_o join_v in_o with_o that_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v most_o exact_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o in_o the_o genuine_a and_o perspicuous_a sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o have_v seek_v to_o know_v how_o he_o can_v embrace_v the_o popish_a creed_n and_o adventure_v his_o eternal_a state_n thereon_o or_o how_o he_o can_v extinguish_v his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n will_v ever_o impose_v such_o a_o faith_n upon_o man_n as_o this_o be_v 1._o where_o he_o must_v abandon_v these_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n in_o the_o most_o necessary_a use_n thereof_o which_o god_n have_v himself_o plant_v in_o man_n soul_n so_o as_o not_o to_o trust_v his_o own_o eye_n but_o other_o in_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o eternal_a state_n and_o with_o his_o own_o consent_n be_v shut_v out_o from_o all_o proper_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o religion_n yea_o account_v a_o blind_a and_o unlimited_a obedience_n to_o man_n among_o the_o high_a excellency_n of_o faith_n 2._o where_o he_o must_v at_o once_o believe_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o only_o fit_v for_o that_o great_a end_n of_o bring_v mankind_n to_o god_n but_o for_o such_o a_o universal_a use_n herein_o as_o to_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a and_o cause_v the_o poor_a to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o believe_v also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mass_n of_o dead_a and_o unsense_v character_n until_o the_o romish_a clergy_n put_v a_o just_a sense_n thereon_o though_o its_o sense_n and_o meaning_n be_v the_o very_a soul_n thereof_o yea_o thus_o pass_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o same_o and_o all_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n from_o intrinsic_a evidence_n and_o these_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o its_o divinity_n whereby_o the_o christian_a cause_n can_v be_v maintain_v against_o pagan_n 3._o where_o he_o must_v believe_v also_o that_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n joh._n 7.17_o if_o any_o man_n do_v my_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v my_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o that_o man_n err_v through_o not_o know_v the_o scripture_n mat._n 22._o and_o yet_o believe_v all_o the_o while_n that_o these_o sacred_a fountain_n of_o light_n shall_v be_v shut_v up_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o error_n and_o that_o the_o sole_a right_n of_o understand_v the_o same_o belong_v to_o a_o few_o not_o to_o the_o multitude_n who_o yet_o can_v pretend_v no_o extraordinary_a assistance_n or_o revelation_n herein_o nor_o will_v themselves_o come_v to_o these_o water_n of_o jealousy_n to_o be_v try_v 4._o where_o he_o must_v needs_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o the_o church_n to_o give_v answer_n in_o every_o dark_a case_n rom._n 3.2_o the_o type_n and_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n rom._n 6.17_o unto_o who_o sentence_n in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n we_o be_v express_o refer_v isa_n 8.20_o and_o yet_o believe_v also_o that_o it_o have_v no_o authority_n or_o decisive_n voice_n but_o what_o be_v precarious_a and_o dependent_a on_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o thus_o consent_v to_o have_v the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n visible_o unhinged_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o subject_v to_o a_o supreme_a visible_a and_o pretend_v infallible_a judge_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n with_o such_o a_o claim_n of_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n dare_v never_o own_o but_o do_v full_o disclaim_v 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 5._o where_o he_o must_v believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v for_o this_o end_n to_o save_v lose_v man_n and_o by_o one_o offer_v have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v heb._n 10.18_o and_o yet_o join_v with_o the_o same_o a_o faith_n of_o a_o human_a satisfaction_n for_o sin_n so_o as_o man_n may_v both_o merit_n mediate_v and_o supertrogate_v go_v above_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o themselves_o and_o so_o be_v save_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n ascribe_v no_o more_o to_o christ_n than_o the_o give_a salvation_n to_o man_n own_o merit_n which_o their_o own_o intrinsic_a value_n and_o condignity_n do_v require_v as_o a_o debt_n 6._o he_o find_v not_o how_o in_o the_o same_o creed_n he_o can_v possible_o hold_v by_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n where_o a_o plurality_n for_o this_o end_n be_v admit_v and_o by_o the_o reality_n of_o christ_n human_a nature_n and_o his_o have_v a_o true_a and_o finite_a body_n which_o be_v subject_v to_o have_v a_o new_a create_v be_v each_o time_n in_o the_o consecrate_a host_n or_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o suffering_n as_o now_o full_o accomplish_v and_o to_o be_v repeat_v no_o more_o when_o it_o be_v in_o that_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n still_o offer_v as_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a so_o on_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n he_o can_v find_v how_o one_o hold_v these_o principle_n shall_v go_v a_o further_a length_n than_o morality_n or_o claim_v another_o stand_v than_o by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n 7._o nor_o know_v he_o how_o to_o believe_v at_o once_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n and_o infinite_a purity_n and_o yet_o join_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n such_o a_o indulgence_n for_o man_n to_o sin_n that_o money_n may_v stand_v for_o merit_n and_o the_o rich_a may_v have_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o large_a entry_n into_o heaven_n conceit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n for_o man_n to_o destroy_v themselves_o and_o by_o external_n severity_n and_o penance_n to_o the_o flesh_n like_a to_o the_o lance_a and_o gash_v of_o baal_n priest_n supply_v the_o room_n of_o christian_a mortification_n 8._o yea_o he_o find_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o believe_v that_o sin_n can_v only_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v his_o alone_a work_n who_o have_v purge_v our_o sin_n himself_o heb._n 1.3_o or_o that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o two_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o man_n a_o straight_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o a_o life_n and_o a_o broad_a unto_o destruction_n mat._n 7.14_o and_o yet_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o purgatory_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o man_n must_v be_v torment_v and_o suffer_v extreme_a pain_n to_o expiate_v such_o venial_a sin_n as_o their_o prayer_n and_o penance_n here_o can_v not_o do_v yea_o he_o be_v make_v to_o wonder_v how_o any_o who_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n can_v ever_o have_v true_a peace_n or_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n conclude_v that_o papist_n do_v either_o take_v it_o as_o a_o fiction_n or_o forget_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v cheerful_a for_o the_o fear_n of_o such_o a_o place_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o release_n and_o how_o long_o a_o term_n it_o may_v be_v ere_o this_o purge_v work_n be_v complete_a when_o their_o own_o writer_n assign_v no_o less_o time_n than_o 10000_o year_n as_o needful_a to_o satisfy_v for_o some_o sin_n and_o fear_v lest_o it_o prove_v a_o real_a hell_n must_v still_o be_v a_o pierce_a terror_n nor_o can_v he_o believe_v that_o such_o shall_v credit_v themselves_o herein_o who_o assume_v this_o power_n to_o change_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o dead_a since_o be_v it_o real_o believe_v that_o the_o key_n of_o such_o a_o prison_n be_v here_o in_o man_n hand_n and_o folk_n can_v by_o the_o large_a bribe_n to_o the_o romish_a church_n get_v a_o safe_a deliverance_n thence_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a to_o see_v the_o temporal_a state_n of_o christendom_n in_o a_o short_a time_n make_v over_o to_o these_o we_o shall_v judge_v they_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a manner_n indeed_o privilege_v above_o the_o whole_a residue_n of_o man_n who_o by_o such_o a_o power_n over_o the_o world_n to_o come_v can_v make_v so_o easy_a a_o purchase_n of_o this_o also_o which_o be_v present_a 9_o he_o find_v and_o be_v sure_a he_o can_v never_o get_v his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n bring_v to_o such_o a_o faith_n even_o though_o he_o make_v a_o feign_a profession_n herein_o of_o that_o pretend_a supremacy_n of_o peter_n as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n on_o which_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o structure_n of_o the_o papacy_n lean_v and_o the_o virtue_n of_o all_o the_o pardon_n and_o absolution_n found_v thereon_o on_o which_o so_o many_o have_v adventure_v into_o a_o other_o world_n except_o he_o will_v build_v on_o the_o sand_n only_o and_o not_o on_o the_o rock_n 10._o he_o find_v also_o how_o
such_o a_o erection_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n in_o her_o militant_a state_n here_o as_o the_o papacy_n in_o its_o complex_fw-la frame_n be_v unite_v in_o such_o a_o head_n as_o the_o pope_n who_o as_o the_o sole_a vicegerent_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v at_o once_o invest_v with_o a_o civil_a monarchy_n and_o universal_a empire_n over_o the_o church_n to_o impose_v and_o judge_v in_o the_o high_a transaction_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o eternal_a state_n and_o immortal_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o right_n be_v as_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o inconsistent_a therewith_o as_o mahumetanism_n can_v be_v and_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v a_o trust_n that_o no_o create_v be_v can_v ever_o exercise_n 11._o he_o see_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o must_v either_o lose_v sight_n both_o of_o the_o rule_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o have_v a_o just_a abhorrence_n of_o that_o way_n wherein_o he_o shall_v be_v inevitable_o involve_v in_o a_o virtual_a consent_n and_o accessoriness_n to_o all_o that_o cruelty_n and_o blood_n which_o for_o so_o many_o age_n have_v be_v shed_v therein_o when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o this_o be_v no_o exorbitance_n only_o of_o practice_n but_o a_o native_a result_n of_o their_o tenet_n and_o principle_n and_o not_o only_o dispense_v with_o but_o count_v a_o high_o meritorious_a service_n yea_o when_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o under_o no_o secular_a government_n of_o the_o most_o tyrannical_a state_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o arbitrary_a violence_n and_o oppression_n be_v exercise_v or_o so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n be_v shed_v as_o by_o this_o party_n 12._o and_o though_o his_o judgement_n stand_v indetermine_v and_o in_o a_o equal_a balance_n upon_o this_o great_a controversy_n he_o can_v not_o exercise_v reason_n and_o not_o see_v upon_o what_o hand_n such_o a_o decision_n be_v as_o be_v in_o solomon_n time_n of_o the_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o child_n and_o who_o do_v most_o rueful_o seek_v to_o interest_n themselves_o in_o the_o imminent_a hazard_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o who_o under_o the_o least_o influence_n of_o any_o temporal_a motive_n do_v this_o day_n stand_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o christianity_n and_o plead_v that_o iâ—_n be_v not_o destroy_v in_o envy_n and_o hatred_n to_o they_o or_o on_o what_o side_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o this_o manner_n of_o conquest_n be_v most_o follow_v to_o gain_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o prevail_a evidence_n of_o their_o own_o light_n and_o judgement_n herein_o and_o to_o require_v their_o exact_a personal_a trial_n and_o enquiry_n about_o the_o same_o in_o the_o three_o place_n though_o he_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n of_o doctrinal_a waver_a about_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o find_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o comprehend_v how_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o age_n wherein_o the_o truth_n have_v so_o bright_o shine_v this_o way_n of_o popery_n shall_v have_v prevalence_n or_o gain_v ground_n any_o more_o by_o seduction_n with_o argument_n to_o the_o reason_n or_o conscience_n of_o any_o yet_o since_o it_o be_v a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o of_o faint_v above_o all_o that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o know_v and_o man_n eye_n be_v arrest_v with_o such_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o time_n as_o be_v like_a to_o stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o most_o establish_a he_o be_v press_v as_o count_v it_o one_o of_o the_o high_a duty_n of_o this_o day_n to_o know_v and_o search_v out_o what_o may_v afford_v great_a assistance_n to_o his_o faith_n from_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n therein_o and_o to_o know_v the_o evidence_n and_o strength_n of_o such_o reflection_n as_o these_o be_v for_o this_o end_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a as_o the_o small_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v afford_v to_o strengthen_v and_o support_v against_o such_o a_o storm_n shall_v be_v serious_o improve_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n so_o do_v it_o lay_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o promise_n for_o have_v great_a thing_n give_v to_o our_o observation_n yea_o that_o now_o be_v the_o time_n when_o such_o as_o have_v be_v most_o comfort_v by_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n may_v be_v put_v to_o the_o sore_a trial_n in_o their_o faith_n of_o any_o to_o keep_v off_o stumble_v at_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n and_o be_v thus_o try_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o these_o confirmation_n 2._o though_o the_o church_n declining_n under_o great_a measure_n of_o light_n may_v be_v too_o visible_a and_o that_o religion_n gain_v not_o by_o persecution_n as_o former_o with_o such_o a_o amaze_a change_n as_o be_v now_o in_o her_o external_n condition_n yet_o he_o see_v it_o to_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n when_o most_o signal_n warning_n have_v go_v before_o of_o such_o a_o trial_n with_o too_o evident_a disposition_n towards_o the_o same_o and_o discovery_n of_o its_o approach_n in_o all_o the_o cause_n thereof_o yea_o may_v be_v forseen_v by_o all_o that_o the_o holy_a god_n will_v not_o still_o bear_v with_o a_o impure_a and_o unenlivened_a profession_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o glorious_a truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v now_o long_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o sad_a and_o mortal_a sign_n in_o the_o public_a state_n of_o religion_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v find_v that_o ever_o any_o church_n do_v decline_v and_o fall_v from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o lose_v ground_n herein_o by_o external_n persecution_n where_o a_o judicial_a departure_n of_o its_o life_n and_o power_n do_v not_o remarkable_o go_v before_o so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o of_o late_a this_o have_v be_v clear_o presage_v that_o some_o dark_a and_o unusual_a measure_n of_o trial_n from_o antchrist_n and_o the_o last_o havoc_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v draw_v near_o which_o will_v be_v sore_o ere_o it_o have_v do_v its_o work_n 3._o he_o see_v also_o how_o this_o present_a hour_n be_v not_o more_o search_v and_o dark_a than_o it_o may_v be_v clear_a herewith_o 1._o that_o now_o after_o the_o issue_n of_o that_o opposition_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o die_a apostate_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o next_o with_o the_o pagan_a empire_n after_o that_o new_a erection_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n among_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v now_o over_o so_o be_v the_o great_a trial_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n fix_v on_o the_o decision_n of_o that_o long_o depend_v controversy_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n 2._o that_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o as_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o egypt_n that_o glorious_a triumph_n and_o delivery_n of_o the_o church_n from_o antichrist_n will_v be_v sure_o carry_v on_o so_o the_o more_o near_o it_o come_v to_o the_o last_o assault_n and_o when_o this_o fall_v in_o to_o have_v its_o proper_a room_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o administration_n of_o providence_n the_o great_a extremity_n terror_n and_o darkness_n may_v be_v expect_v also_o such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v in_o any_o former_a time_n yea_o with_o that_o unite_a and_o formidable_a conjunction_n of_o strength_n and_o grow_a success_n of_o this_o adversary_n for_o a_o time_n that_o the_o most_o establish_a christian_n may_v be_v in_o hazard_n to_o stagger_v 3._o that_o now_o be_v the_o day_n wherein_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v man_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o bible_n as_o the_o alone_a security_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n on_o which_o they_o must_v entire_o rest_v no_o less_o than_o as_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n and_o standard_n thereof_o which_o be_v a_o trial_n worthy_a of_o all_o that_o expense_n of_o the_o pain_n anguish_n and_o wrestle_n that_o can_v now_o possible_o attend_v the_o same_o 4._o whilst_o the_o great_a standard_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n be_v visible_o set_v up_o and_o bring_v to_o the_o open_a field_n as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o all_o humane_a help_n take_v out_o of_o sight_n yet_o do_v he_o see_v herewith_o 1._o how_o this_o now_o be_v conclude_v as_o the_o most_o infallible_a remedy_n to_o recover_v popery_n and_o that_o argument_n to_o which_o they_o trust_v more_o than_o to_o peter_n key_n to_o wit_n these_o sanguinary_a law_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o rack_n which_o they_o have_v again_o betake_v themselves_o to_o though_o such_o a_o argument_n the_o scripture_n never_o know_v and_o sober_a heathen_n will_v abhor_v and_o which_o give_v up_o the_o credit_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o atheism_n 2._o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o evidence_n of_o a_o desperate_a and_o sink_a cause_n than_o be_v here_o and_o nothing_o else_o can_v