hear_v nor_o have_v our_o father_n faithful_o transmitt_v to_o we_o the_o wondrous_a work_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v in_o their_o time_n 3._o he_o be_v thus_o also_o teach_v to_o see_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o demonstrative_a cause_n of_o the_o most_o strange_a judgement_n on_o the_o church_n to_o be_v as_o clear_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o event_n and_o though_o the_o holy_a god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a be_v not_o alike_o quick_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o word_n yet_o do_v he_o ever_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o most_o opportune_a season_n and_o as_o judgement_n defer_v be_v no_o acquittance_n so_o do_v it_o more_o threaten_v its_o be_v the_o great_a when_o it_o come_v than_o a_o quick_a and_o present_a dispatch_n yea_o though_o this_o tempest_n which_o now_o blow_v on_o the_o chruche_n of_o 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man_n be_v by_o trust_n and_o on_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o word_n as_o it_o add_v further_a to_o his_o confirmation_n to_o see_v all_o human_a and_o visible_a refuge_n oft_o take_v out_o of_o his_o church_n sight_n yea_o his_o great_a work_n in_o the_o earth_n make_v the_o great_a delay_n ere_fw-we they_o be_v bring_v forth_o &_o his_o church_n case_n put_v so_o far_o beyond_o help_n before_o a_o cure_n as_o the_o first_o quicken_n of_o her_o crush_a and_o almost_o dead_a hope_n must_v be_v at_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o he_o be_v thus_o herein_o more_o singular_o strenthn_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n speak_v the_o same_o in_o the_o way_n of_o providence_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n not_o by_o might_n nor_o by_o power_n that_o he_o do_v with_o unspeakable_a advantage_n supply_v and_o fill_v the_o room_n thereof_o by_o the_o next_o word_n but_o by_o my_o spirit_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o in_o this_o day_n shall_v with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o 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be_v thus_o also_o state_v as_o one_o who_o have_v not_o only_o attain_v a_o solid_a rest_n and_o settlment_n of_o mind_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o do_v know_v the_o pure_a genuine_a truth_n of_o christianity_n amid_o such_o high_a opposition_n betwixt_o the_o romish_a and_o reform_a church_n herein_o and_o in_o the_o 1_o place_n have_v in_o this_o manner_n sist_v himself_o upon_o such_o a_o trial_n i_o as_o one_o who_o know_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o save_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n to_o which_o god_n have_v annex_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o can_v never_o be_v divide_v against_o itself_o 2._o who_o know_v that_o within_o a_o little_a his_o religion_n will_v be_v try_v in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n where_o each_o must_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n 3._o as_o such_o who_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a indifference_n in_o the_o exterior_a profession_n 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will_v ever_o impose_v such_o a_o faith_n upon_o man_n as_o this_o be_v ay_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 necessare_fw-la 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 say_v 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 and_o to_o be_v not_o only_o
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 exerce_v or_o so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n 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 exerce_fw-la 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 ruthful_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 under_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 chistianity_n and_o plead_v that_o it_o 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 likeways_o 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 inquiry_n about_o the_o same_o in_o the_o 3d_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 from_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 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of_o promise_n may_v be_v put_v to_o the_o forest_n 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_a condition_n yet_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 uninliuned_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_a 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 too_o clear_o presage_v that_o somâ—_n dark_a and_o unusual_a measure_n of_o trial_n from_o amichrist_n and_o that_o ultima_fw-la clades_fw-la of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v draw_v near_o which_o will_v be_v sore_o ere_fw-we 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 impire_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 surlie_n 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 as_o have_v not_o be_v in_o any_o such_o manner_n former_o yea_o with_o that_o unite_v 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 as_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 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 its_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o all_o human_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 which_o sober_a heathen_n will_v abhor_v and_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 then_o be_v here_o and_o how_o nothing_o else_o can_v support_v it_o but_o these_o weapon_n which_o be_v not_o against_o the_o conscience_n or_o by_o any_o terror_n of_o the_o 2d_o death_n but_o of_o the_o first_o 3._o that_o this_o be_v such_o a_o argument_n if_o they_o have_v not_o in_o a_o strange_a manner_n forget_v which_o have_v within_o these_o 100_o year_n be_v so_o full_o answer_v and_o by_o such_o a_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n that_o according_a to_o these_o measure_n of_o cruelty_n against_o the_o protestant_n there_o so_o be_v it_o return_v in_o a_o deludge_n of_o their_o own_o blood_n yea_o thus_o both_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o truth_n more_o deep_o root_v and_o though_o we_o yet_o see_v not_o the_o end_n of_o these_o wonder_n and_o the_o dark_a side_n only_o of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o such_o a_o day_n yet_o do_v we_o know_v this_o sore_a rod_n on_o the_o church_n be_v but_o as_o the_o see_v and_o axe_n in_o the_o carpenter_n hand_n who_o shall_v never_o undo_v that_o glorious_a work_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o be_v still_o further_o perfect_v on_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n 5._o though_o some_o unusual_a deep_n and_o method_n of_o subtlety_n be_v
the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o necessity_n and_o use_n brief_o hold_v forth_o that_o each_o christian_n may_v have_v a_o proper_a ballast_n of_o his_o own_o of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o thus_o see_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o security_n on_o which_o he_o adventure_n his_o eternal_a state_n or_o the_o true_a and_o infallible_a way_n for_o attain_v a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n from_o these_o primary_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v himself_o give_v so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v easy_a for_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n to_o know_v the_o same_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o account_n thereof_o to_o all_o that_o ask_v with_o a_o short_a and_o confirm_a prospect_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n about_o his_o church_n in_o these_o last_o time_n by_o r._n fleming_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n at_o rotterdam_n print_v by_o reinier_n leer_v m.dc.lxxxv_o the_o preface_n this_o small_a essay_n here_o offer_v be_v on_o the_o great_a subject_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v a_o study_n be_v never_o more_o press_o call_v for_o then_o in_o these_o day_n for_o man_n to_o be_v make_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o to_o have_v such_o a_o assurance_n of_o his_o truth_n as_o can_v full_o quiet_a and_o support_v the_o soul_n though_o all_o sensible_a prop_n shall_v be_v brocken_v and_o fail_v great_a change_n do_v sure_o hasten_v on_o this_o generation_n and_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o a_o other_o manner_n like_a to_o be_v put_v to_o trial_n then_o since_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o recovery_n from_o antichristian_a bondage_n the_o storm_n now_o visible_o grow_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o nothing_o be_v thus_o to_o faint_v or_o shake_v the_o spirit_n of_o any_o who_o know_v their_o anchor_n be_v sure_a and_o cast_v within_o the_o vail_n but_o the_o strong_a difficulty_n in_o follow_v the_o lord_n when_o overcome_v yield_v the_o great_a victory_n and_o will_v be_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o joy_n here_o but_o to_o all_o eternity_n in_o have_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_v endure_v and_o get_v well_o through_o a_o throng_n of_o temptation_n and_o assault_n in_o a_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o man_n think_v it_o their_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v their_o private_a interest_n by_o divide_v it_o in_o such_o a_o time_n from_o the_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o make_v light_a of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n now_o assault_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n yea_o of_o their_o own_o eternal_a state_n by_o any_o coolness_n or_o shrink_n from_o the_o same_o they_o will_v find_v no_o temporal_a motive_n can_v ever_o compense_v that_o loss_n and_o ruin_n which_o inevitable_o will_v meet_v such_o in_o the_o issue_n yea_o that_o these_o word_n of_o mordecai_n to_o esther_n esth_n 4_o 13_o 14._o have_v the_o same_o voice_n and_o weight_n in_o this_o day_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o follow_a work_n i_o may_v with_o humble_a confidence_n say_v be_v under_o some_o pressure_n to_o have_v such_o clear_a evidence_n and_o quiet_v persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o make_v it_o less_o easy_a to_o have_v my_o own_o spirit_n satisfy_v herein_o then_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v to_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o that_o bless_a assurance_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v i_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o can_v be_v comfort_v or_o make_v a_o rational_a be_v desirable_a some_o singular_a ingadgment_n i_o judge_v myself_o also_o to_o stand_v under_o for_o put_v to_o my_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n from_o many_o signal_n confirmation_n hereof_o in_o the_o course_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n if_o such_o a_o poor_a testimony_n may_v be_v of_o any_o weight_n let_v the_o bless_a lord_n gracious_o accept_v this_o small_a offering_n to_o he_o and_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o truth_n by_o so_o mean_v a_o instrument_n and_o give_v some_o fruit_n hereof_o that_o may_v abide_v and_o be_v find_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n may_v find_v by_o a_o perusal_n of_o the_o i._o chap._n of_o what_o serious_a use_n and_o intent_n the_o ii_o be_v yea_o that_o in_o this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o incongruous_a to_o the_o forego_v subject_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o iii_o chapter_n but_o oh_o it_o be_v sad_a and_o amaze_a to_o think_v how_o few_o be_v under_o that_o weight_n of_o religion_n as_o once_o to_o have_v a_o serious_a inquiry_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n thereof_o and_o to_o account_v the_o most_o special_a assistance_n to_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o great_a helper_n of_o their_o joy_n within_o time_n the_o true_a and_o infallible_a way_n for_o attain_v a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n etc._n etc._n chapter_n i._o the_o primitive_a confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v in_o its_o continue_a necessity_n and_o use_n to_o this_o day_n in_o a_o few_o position_n that_o nothing_o can_v have_v a_o more_o sad_a and_o threaten_a aspect_n on_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n posit_n i_o then_o that_o utter_a estrangment_n most_o be_v under_o to_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o those_o foundamental_a difference_n betwixt_o christianity_n &_o every_o false_a way_n which_o no_o pretend_v religion_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o position_n be_v these_o i._o that_o it_o be_v too_o visible_o manifest_a how_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n know_v so_o little_a of_o their_o own_o profession_n be_v it_o of_o any_o human_a art_n or_o science_n as_o such_o who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n or_o be_v so_o general_o stranger_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o for_o maintain_v either_o a_o due_a valuation_n or_o powerful_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o on_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o a_o implicit_a and_o traditional_a profession_n be_v the_o only_a part_n and_o propriety_n which_o most_o can_v claim_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v ii_o that_o so_o rare_a also_o be_v any_o such_o serious_a work_n amongh_v man_n as_o a_o personal_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o experimental_a and_o soul_n quicken_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o expense_n of_o the_o most_o dismal_a and_o afflict_a time_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o temporal_a revenue_n lie_v thereto_o as_o peace_n with_o god_n a_o immediate_a communion_n with_o he_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o h._n ghost_n when_o under_o such_o pressour_n of_o trouble_n as_o be_v above_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n iii_o that_o the_o further_a account_n why_o most_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o other_o form_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o custom_n and_o education_n that_o it_o do_v bespeak_v they_o from_o their_o birth_n and_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n yea_o become_v in_o that_o manner_n natural_a to_o they_o as_o the_o custom_n and_o language_n of_o their_o country_n which_o be_v ground_n that_o shall_v determine_v to_o the_o very_a opposite_a profession_n if_o they_o be_v state_v under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o have_v the_o same_o motive_n to_o be_v mahumetan_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o can_v found_v no_o other_o assent_n then_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o strength_n thereof_o iu._n that_o thus_o it_o can_v be_v under_o debate_n how_o the_o most_o numerous_a part_n of_o visible_a professor_n be_v so_o destitute_a of_o any_o defence_n from_o internal_a motive_n and_o solid_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n as_o there_o be_v never_o more_o cause_n to_o fear_v some_o unusual_a apostasy_n from_o the_o very_a visible_a profession_n of_o christ_n upon_o any_o violent_a trial_n and_o assault_v this_o way_n when_o such_o find_v it_o more_o easy_a to_o render_v up_o their_o religion_n then_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o same_o under_z strongh_v temptation_n who_o yet_o never_o know_v that_o substance_n advantage_n or_o certainty_n herein_o as_o can_v preponderate_v with_o the_o want_n of_o all_o external_a motive_n for_o such_o a_o profession_n that_o thus_o one_o of_o the_o high_a service_n of_o these_o time_n posit_n two_o for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v convince_o lie_v here_o to_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o firm_a certainty_n of_o the_o
of_o its_o truth_n vii_o that_o herein_o have_v all_o divide_a party_n and_o sect_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v enforce_v still_o to_o meet_v and_o consent_v in_o one_fw-mi acknowledgement_n of_o the_o substance_n thereof_o viii_o that_o in_o the_o same_o light_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n about_o the_o messiah_n do_v the_o whole_a gentile_a church_n enter_v and_o make_v claim_v to_o their_o right_n for_o be_v adopt_v the_o seed_n and_o child_n of_o abraham_n on_o these_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_n give_v for_o the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n qu._n iii_o what_o confirmation_n be_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o for_o 4000_o year_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v defer_v after_o the_o promise_n ans_fw-fr though_o the_o sovereign_a pleasure_n of_o god_n shall_v silence_v and_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n herein_o yet_o be_v there_o such_o a_o sight_n to_o be_v have_v hereof_o and_o of_o insinit_fw-la divine_a wisdom_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o same_o as_o shall_v be_v most_o confirm_v for_o these_o end_n i._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o distinct_a represent_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o angel_n and_o man_n in_o such_o a_o gradual_a open_n up_o of_o the_o same_o ii_o to_o put_v that_o weight_n and_o high_a value_n on_o his_o own_o promise_n and_o testimony_n herein_o when_o on_o the_o alone_a credit_n thereof_o he_o will_v thus_o both_o try_v and_o bear_v out_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n for_o so_o many_o age_n and_o draw_v forth_o their_o desire_n and_o long_n in_o all_o that_o long_a space_n of_o time_n after_o the_o same_o iii_o to_o testify_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o sin_n and_o the_o apostasy_n of_o mankind_n by_o suffer_v the_o generality_n thereof_o to_o lie_v so_o long_o under_o its_o fatal_a effect_n iv_o to_o prepare_v the_o church_n for_o so_o great_a a_o reception_n by_o all_o that_o long_o preparatory_a service_n of_o legal_a institution_n as_o so_o high_o become_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o have_v so_o solemn_a and_o stupendous_a one_fw-mi introduction_n thereto_o v._o that_o thus_o the_o world_n may_v have_v its_o full_a trial_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o natural_a ability_n and_o of_o any_o improvement_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n for_o help_v after_o this_o have_v first_o be_v at_o the_o further_a height_n both_o in_o greece_n and_o rome_n before_o the_o alone_a redeemer_n of_o the_o church_n come_v qu._n iu._n what_o can_v offer_v further_a conviction_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n from_o its_o nature_n and_o internal_a excellency_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o essential_o good_a in_o its_o self_n then_o evident_o true_a ans_fw-fr i._o that_o its_o so_o undeniable_a even_o to_o these_o that_o live_v at_o a_o distance_n how_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n that_o though_o all_o visible_a and_o humane_a prop_n shall_v faill_n it_o can_v subsist_v by_o its_o owned_a evidence_n and_o authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o have_v thus_o ever_o preserve_v its_o station_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n ii_o that_o as_o it_o hold_v forth_o the_o most_o exquisite_a rule_n of_o perfection_n to_o follow_v so_o do_v bring_v the_o great_a relief_n to_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o these_o misery_n which_o attend_v humane_a state_n here_o so_o as_o a_o high_a glory_n do_v thus_o result_v to_o the_o holy_a god_n by_o this_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n to_o fall_v man_n then_o if_o he_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o primitive_a state_n iii_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v native_o tend_v to_o fix_v man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o communton_a with_o god_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n of_o such_o in_o their_o principle_n affection_n and_o conversation_n from_o the_o world_n iv_o that_o it_o do_v more_o bright_o shine_v forth_o in_o simplicity_n and_o truth_n and_o in_o its_o internal_a and_o vitallact_v then_o in_o any_o outward_a form_n or_o show_v yea_o in_o the_o way_n of_o self_n denial_n meekness_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n do_v such_o one_fw-mi excellency_n appear_v as_o in_o its_o owned_a nature_n have_v as_o visible_a a_o difference_n from_o the_o proud_a and_o vindictive_a spirit_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o day_n have_v from_o the_o night_n v._o how_o such_o be_v christianity_n as_o by_o no_o naked_a doctrinal_a discovery_n of_o the_o same_o to_o man_n judgement_n or_o such_o rule_n as_o any_o humane_a science_n be_v acquire_v by_o can_v be_v know_v without_o one_fw-mi inward_a power_n and_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n nor_o can_v there_o ever_o be_v a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o divinity_n until_o it_o be_v first_o ingraft_v in_o a_o divine_a heart_n so_o far_o be_v this_o mystery_n above_o all_o humane_a rule_n and_o contrivance_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o great_a opposition_n to_o any_o false_a show_n or_o hypocrisy_n yea_o bring_v such_o enforcement_n therewith_o of_o candour_n and_o truth_n and_o of_o love_n tenderness_n and_o sympathy_n towards_o other_o as_o all_o must_v see_v be_v not_o only_o the_o high_a ornament_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o the_o great_a blessing_n to_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v vii_o that_o such_o a_o native_a lustre_n and_o fragrancy_n do_v attend_v the_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a for_o humane_a be_v or_o cunning_a to_o represent_v this_o then_o to_o make_v the_o dead_a image_n of_o a_o man_n to_o live_v or_o to_o paint_v in_o a_o broad_a the_o vital_a scent_n of_o a_o violet_n or_o rose_n to_o our_o sense_n viii_o that_o in_o this_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n subdue_a man_n to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o by_o the_o power_n of_o inward_a grace_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n do_v more_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o then_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v for_o this_o end_n with_o the_o great_a outward_a majesty_n and_o attendance_n of_o angel_n to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v so_o visible_a how_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o that_o be_v without_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o place_n where_o horror_n falsehood_n and_o impiety_n do_v manifest_o reign_v qu._n v._n but_o how_o do_v you_o receive_v so_o wonderful_a a_o truth_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v when_o it_o be_v now_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o its_o first_o promulgation_n ans_fw-fr i._o that_o we_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a and_o persuade_v of_o the_o most_o visible_a and_o present_a object_n of_o sense_n then_o that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n which_o be_v still_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n whereby_o one_fw-mi innumerable_a company_n of_o all_o nation_n tongue_n and_o language_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v seal_v yea_o have_v make_v that_o change_n upon_o man_n in_o turn_v they_o from_o ungodlynesse_n and_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n as_o have_v be_v no_o less_o marvellous_a than_o the_o turn_n of_o so_o many_o wolf_n into_o lamb_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n which_o not_o only_o through_o a_o series_n of_o 16._o century_n have_v be_v attest_v but_o by_o such_o innumerable_a witness_n who_o count_v not_o their_o life_n dear_a unto_o the_o death_n for_o seal_v thereof_o and_o find_v it_o sweet_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o the_o flame_n for_o christ_n iii_o which_o in_o all_o age_n past_a have_v stand_v out_o the_o great_a 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 &_o with_o that_o success_n as_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n hot_a persecution_n from_o heathen_n be_v that_o period_n of_o time_n also_o of_o a_o most_o remarkable_a spread_v in_o the_o world_n iv_o 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 see_v herein_o and_o 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 which_o 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 or_o personate_v suffering_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o in_o after_o time_n do_v endure_v for_o christ_n or_o that_o these_o unexpressable_a torment_n and_o pain_n be_v any_o dream_n and_o delusion_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o the_o world_n and_o that_o their_o adversary_n do_v thus_o conflict_n and_o wrestle_v with_o their_o own_o shadow_n in_o so_o continue_v and_o cruel_a one_fw-mi opposition_n ii_o that_o such_o joy_n and_o exultation_n of_o spirit_n these_o witness_v amid_o their_o torment_n who_o otherwise_o want_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n of_o their_o pain_n and_o suffering_n can_v have_v no_o rise_n but_o what_o be_v supernatural_a iii_o that_o this_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a dissimulation_n or_o counterfeit_v when_o they_o be_v step_v in_o on_o eternity_n nor_o the_o product_n of_o a_o distemper_a judgement_n whilst_o all_o may_v see_v what_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n tenderness_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o their_o adversary_n they_o do_v then_o evidence_n iv_o that_o these_o great_a suffering_n be_v upon_o choice_n and_o to_o endure_v rather_o than_o to_o be_v safe_a at_o the_o rate_n of_o recede_v in_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o truth_n v._o yea_o no_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v how_o such_o mean_a and_o feeble_a person_n as_o many_o of_o these_o be_v shall_v endure_v what_o will_v have_v make_v the_o great_a natural_a courage_n to_o faint_v as_o if_o they_o have_v forgo_v humane_a passion_n which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n must_v needs_o have_v herein_o so_o as_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o see_v something_o no_o less_o marvellous_a and_o supernatural_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o martyr_n then_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n section_n iii_o qu._n i._o be_v it_o full_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o such_o a_o establishment_n as_o a_o religious_a worship_n must_v necessary_o determine_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n on_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o can_v but_o see_v how_o religion_n have_v not_o another_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n answ_n it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a to_o make_v a_o rational_a trial_n herein_o and_o not_o see_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o demonstration_n to_o be_v thus_o clear_a i._o that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o for_o any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n but_o to_o come_v and_o see_v what_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o heathenism_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deny_v even_o under_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n its_o be_v the_o high_a reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o how_o the_o very_a mystery_n of_o that_o heathenish_a worship_n be_v so_o horrid_a and_o impure_a as_o they_o need_v a_o vail_n then_o from_o the_o common_a view_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o rational_a reflection_n this_o day_n on_o that_o strange_a monster_n of_o mahumitanisme_n but_o of_o a_o visible_a prodigy_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n on_o these_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o their_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o give_v man_n up_o to_o such_o a_o imposture_n as_o expose_v the_o very_a name_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n to_o derision_n and_o can_v never_o claim_v a_o reception_n either_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o rule_n or_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o of_o its_o have_v any_o possible_a consistence_n with_o itself_o iii_o that_o its_o sure_a also_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v never_o another_o be_v but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christianity_n and_o where_o this_o fundation_n be_v divide_v from_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o yea_o how_o that_o people_n unto_o this_o day_n be_v such_o a_o confirm_a witness_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o its_o strange_a this_o do_v not_o beget_v deep_a impression_n on_o man_n spirit_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n we_o must_v either_o forgo_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n or_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n give_v and_o reveal_v for_o commerce_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v for_o this_o end_n hold_v forth_o that_o it_o be_v then_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o what_o be_v so_o high_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a as_o shall_v rather_o justify_v atheism_n qu._n ii_o what_o special_a confirmation_n to_o christianity_n can_v this_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n bear_v who_o be_v in_o so_o express_v a_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n answ_n if_o this_o be_v bring_v near_o our_o thought_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o one_o of_o the_o great_a assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n i._o that_o its_o sure_a there_o be_v such_o a_o people_n and_o race_n as_o a_o live_n and_o visible_a evidence_n to_o our_o sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o renown_a nation_n and_o church_n of_o israel_n to_o which_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o thus_o be_v still_o as_o some_o part_n of_o the_o evident_a ruin_n of_o that_o once_o flourish_a state_n ii_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v such_o a_o people_n keep_v by_o themselves_o and_o not_o mix_v with_o the_o nation_n who_o father_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o do_v still_o own_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o do_v attest_v that_o doctrine_n in_o which_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o christianity_n lie_v even_o whilst_o with_o great_a malice_n they_o oppose_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o witness_v there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a collusion_n here_o iii_o their_o being_n under_o a_o stroke_n of_o that_o judicial_a induration_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n as_o no_o reason_n can_v possible_o comprehend_v such_o a_o thing_n how_o they_o see_v not_o the_o light_n in_o the_o very_a noonday_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o fortolde_v their_o be_v conclude_v under_o such_o a_o arrest_n of_o judgement_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v bring_v in_o iv_o that_o so_o immediate_a a_o appearance_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o people_n both_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o as_o no_o instance_n can_v ever_o be_v find_v to_o resemble_v the_o same_o since_o man_n be_v form_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o as_o a_o conspicuous_a monument_n of_o divin_fw-fr wrath_n set_v up_o for_o every_o age_n and_o time_n of_o the_o church_n to_o turn_v aside_o and_o consider_v this_o great_a sight_n and_o inquire_v what_o mean_v so_o strange_a and_o amaze_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o scatter_a jew_n be_v now_o under_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o this_o desolation_n on_o they_o and_o stroke_n have_v such_o special_a concur_v circumstance_n for_o give_v light_n thereto_o as_o be_v not_o above_o 48._o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n with_o their_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v hot_a and_o reak_a with_o that_o blood_n which_o they_o have_v wish_v on_o they_o and_o their_o child_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o that_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n there_o and_o point_v as_o with_o the_o finger_n at_o the_o same_o as_o also_o by_o the_o roman_n who_o interest_n in_o their_o opposition_n to_o christ_n they_o pretend_v to_o own_o qu._n iii_o be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o gospel_n promulgation_n such_o as_o no_o other_o profession_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o and_o where_o all_o may_v see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o human_a interest_n or_o contrivance_n in_o the_o same_o answ_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o no_o interest_n else_o be_v ever_o in_o such_o a_o way_n promote_v and_o do_v exceed_v all_o natural_a understanding_n how_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n can_v in_o this_o manner_n prevail_v i._o to_o persuade_v man_n without_o any_o motive_n or_o inducement_n from_o this_o present_a world_n to_o embrace_v a_o doctrine_n so_o whole_o repugnant_a to_o nature_n yea_o to_o prefer_v a_o interest_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o which_o none_o ever_o in_o the_o earth_n see_v to_o the_o most_o desirable_a object_n of_o sense_n ii_o to_o admit_v no_o implicit_a reception_n from_o any_o but_o on_o their_o exact_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n herein_o or_o in_o a_o other_o way_n claim_v a_o interest_n in_o man_n affection_n but_o by_o a_o full_a assent_n of_o their_o light_n
we_o profess_v since_o this_o only_o be_v found_v on_o that_o sacred_a revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o infallible_a rule_n to_o discern_v true_a miracle_n and_o what_o be_v god_n seal_n herein_o under_o the_o undoubted_a signature_n and_o stamp_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o work_n in_o the_o same_o yet_o have_v there_o be_v such_o incontrollable_a evidence_n of_o extraordinare_a sign_n and_o confirmation_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n since_o the_o reformation_n as_o in_o no_o age_n past_a be_v ever_o know_v but_o with_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n section_n iu._n qu._n i._o be_v it_o clear_a and_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o soul_n quicken_a and_o experimental_a religion_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o in_o its_o most_o supernatural_a truth_n of_o such_o rational_a certitude_n and_o evidence_n as_o the_o world_n can_v no_o more_o deny_v or_o question_v the_o same_o than_o these_o experiment_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v of_o most_o universal_a use_n answ_n though_o man_n look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n here_o or_o be_v come_v from_o heathnism_n so_o for_o as_o to_o make_v a_o serious_a trial_n of_o christianity_n its_o sure_a they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o judgement_n hereof_o on_o these_o ground_n i._o that_o such_o a_o discovery_n be_v undoubted_a and_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n of_o so_o great_a thing_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o working_n on_o man_n soul_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o presence_n which_o all_o who_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v call_v to_o know_v and_o prove_v on_o their_o owned_a trial_n ii_o that_o this_o witness_n of_o christian_a experience_n have_v as_o discernible_a a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n there_o with_o as_o face_n answer_v to_o face_n in_o the_o glass_n and_o be_v clear_a to_o be_v no_o casual_a thing_n but_o where_o every_o step_n in_o this_o way_n of_o trial_n be_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o what_o they_o do_v before_o read_v there_o ere_o they_o know_v it_o on_o their_o owned_a soul_n iii_o that_o this_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o wherever_o such_o as_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o remote_a part_n from_o other_o have_v still_o be_v the_o same_o and_o like_o a_o great_a roll_n be_v transmit_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o with_o their_o confirmatory_n seal_v that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o these_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n which_o seem_v most_o incredible_a to_o the_o world_n &_o now_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n to_o require_v the_o same_o attestation_n and_o witness_n iv_o that_o these_o who_o know_v and_o testify_v these_o thing_n once_o find_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o believe_v the_o same_o and_o do_v no_o less_o judge_n of_o such_o great_a experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o dream_n or_o imaginary_a thing_n then_o most_o now_o do_v until_o they_o know_v they_o on_o their_o soul_n v._o that_o such_o also_o have_v be_v the_o most_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o innumerable_a in_o all_o age_n who_o declare_v the_o same_o yea_o this_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o entrance_n to_o one_fw-mi eternal_a state_n when_o no_o outward_a interest_n can_v sway_v they_o here_o vi_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a assurance_n which_o have_v then_o press_v the_o most_o tender_a parent_n with_o their_o last_o and_o die_a breath_n to_o commend_v the_o same_o trial_n to_o their_o child_n and_o to_o obtest_v their_o make_n earnest_a herein_o as_o the_o great_a interest_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o vii_o that_o what_o ever_o difference_n be_v oft_o among_o these_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n yet_o in_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o great_a trial_n of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n be_v one_fw-mi harmonious_a onenes_n in_o the_o same_o testimony_n in_o all_o time_n of_o the_o church_n viii_o that_o if_o any_o question_n this_o because_o so_o remote_a from_o man_n sense_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o carnal_a reason_n the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n do_v unanswerable_o prove_v both_o the_o reality_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o cause_n qu._n ii_o what_o clear_a and_o rational_a conviction_n can_v you_o offer_v of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o conversion_n of_o man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o new_a state_n by_o grace_n which_o do_v raise_v they_o as_o far_o above_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n as_o reason_n do_v above_o the_o state_n of_o the_o beast_n answ_n though_o i_o shall_v strive_v against_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o a_o miracle_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o conversion_n be_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o deny_v such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n as_o the_o world_n can_v but_o see_v hereof_o i._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v essential_o requisite_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o the_o whole_a consent_n of_o the_o scripture_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v never_o yet_o one_fw-mi argument_n in_o nature_n for_o one_o being_n a_o christian_a in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n thereof_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v for_o a_o naked_a form_n or_o show_v iii_o that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o few_o but_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o all_o time_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n &_o condition_n of_o man_n on_o who_o so_o great_a a_o change_n and_o difference_n have_v be_v make_v thus_o evident_a both_o from_o themselves_o what_o once_o they_o be_v and_o from_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n iv_o that_o this_o have_v be_v not_o only_o upon_o such_o as_o have_v be_v signal_o impious_a in_o their_o practice_n but_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v wont_a to_o deread_v holiness_n as_o a_o fancy_n so_o as_o atheist_n must_v grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v as_o profess_a atheist_n sometime_o as_o themselves_o who_o have_v be_v make_v such_o conspicuous_a monument_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o none_o can_v object_v here_o as_o once_o the_o jew_n do_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o such_o as_o the_o world_n count_v most_o wise_a and_o know_v stand_v witness_n to_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v so_o know_v there_o have_v not_o be_v more_o wise_a learned_a and_o judicious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o reason_n upon_o the_o earth_n than_o such_o as_o have_v be_v eminent_a example_n of_o the_o power_n of_o conversion_n vi_o that_o its_o marvellous_a effect_n in_o subdue_a man_n to_o what_o once_o be_v there_o predominant_a interest_n and_o idol_n and_o to_o part_v from_o what_o have_v be_v as_o their_o right_a eye_n or_o hand_n can_v only_o be_v from_o one_fw-mi immediate_a divine_a power_n vii_o that_o such_o as_o be_v great_a adversary_n to_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v make_v no_o less_o eminent_a instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o choice_n vessel_n of_o honour_n then_o once_o they_o be_v in_o their_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n viii_o that_o this_o change_n have_v be_v so_o discernible_a in_o time_n of_o most_o visible_a persecution_n and_o hazard_n when_o no_o outward_a advantage_n or_o gain_v can_v have_v the_o least_o influence_n thereon_o now_o as_o these_o be_v demonstrable_o clear_a so_o can_v there_o be_v no_o possible_a access_n to_o question_v this_o i._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o so_o great_a a_o discovery_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o a_o power_n above_o nature_n which_o accompany_v the_o same_o in_o such_o a_o change_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v sure_o contrary_a state_n in_o one_fw-mi other_o world_n when_o they_o be_v so_o undeniable_o manifest_v here_o qu._n iii_o but_o can_v so_o great_a one_fw-mi experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o upon_o earth_n be_v make_v rational_o convince_v 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 one_fw-mi experiment_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o a_o more_o transcendent_a interest_n and_o value_n then_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o nature_n yet_o be_v it_o no_o less_o evident_a there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a delusion_n herein_o if_o i._o to_o which_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n bear_v testimony_n and_o have_v transmit_v the_o same_o as_o that_o which_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o they_o have_v prove_v but_o in_o the_o continue_a trial_n of_o their_o life_n ii_o that_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n how_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
and_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v because_o thou_o have_v judge_v tâ—us_o for_o they_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o thy_o saint_n and_o prophet_n and_o thou_o have_v give_v they_o blood_n to_o drink_v in_o great_a measure_n xv._o yea_o have_v we_o not_o see_v how_o four_o king_n of_o france_n successive_o be_v in_o less_o than_o 30._o year_n take_v away_o in_o the_o same_o continue_a pursuit_n how_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n there_o in_o who_o that_o whole_a race_n of_o the_o valois_n be_v thus_o extinct_a yea_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o death_n be_v most_o remarkable_a monument_n of_o divine_a judgement_n as_o the_o most_o famous_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n do_v attest_v xvi_o we_o have_v see_v what_o marvellous_a effect_n do_v follow_v these_o bloody_a year_n of_o queen_n mary_n reign_n in_o england_n to_o promote_v and_o commend_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n to_o man_n conscience_n there_o with_o so_o great_a a_o triumph_n it_o have_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o such_o choice_n and_o excellent_a witness_n for_o christ_n as_o have_v bring_v in_o more_o rent_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o bless_a head_n then_o may_v to_o the_o further_a compense_n all_o that_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n there_o though_o high_o precious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n xvii_o we_o have_v see_v likeways_o the_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n of_o late_a against_o the_o protestant_n in_o bohemia_n in_o a_o short_a time_n most_o observable_o return_v on_o the_o author_n thereof_o and_o how_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o god_n may_v be_v see_v in_o call_v forth_o the_o swede_n to_o avenge_v the_o same_o and_o in_o that_o desolate_v strike_v which_o follow_v on_o germany_n xviii_o we_o have_v see_v in_o these_o late_a time_n the_o issue_n of_o that_o horrid_a massacre_n on_o the_o protestant_n in_o ireland_n to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n in_o a_o very_a few_o year_n after_o of_o that_o barbarous_a party_n who_o have_v thus_o act_v herein_o xix_o we_o 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of_o the_o church_n in_o scotland_n for_o plant_v the_o reform_a religion_n there_o with_o that_o zeal_n and_o oneness_n of_o spirit_n as_o do_v then_o appear_v in_o all_o rank_n to_o embrace_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o profession_n thereof_o amid_o the_o great_a threaten_n of_o their_o adversary_n so_o as_o a_o few_o year_n do_v bring_v forth_o that_o which_o will_v have_v seem_v strange_a for_o a_o age_n to_o accomplish_v yea_o that_o we_o find_v betwixt_o the_o last_o martyr_n for_o the_o truth_n there_o who_o be_v burn_v at_o st._n andrews_n 1558._o and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o full_a abolishment_n of_o popery_n with_o the_o full_a concurrence_n of_o civil_a authority_n herein_o in_o july_n 1560._o be_v but_o little_a above_o two_o year_n to_o show_v what_o great_a thing_n the_o lord_n can_v do_v above_o all_o human_a council_n or_o confidence_n xxii_o it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v in_o what_o remarkable_a degree_n these_o last_o vial_n of_o the_o holy_a judgement_n of_o god_n have_v take_v place_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o how_o conspicuous_a the_o event_n have_v be_v of_o that_o prophecy_n 2_o thessaly_n 2_o 8._o in_o these_o great_a effect_n and_o consumption_n thereof_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o assure_a pledge_n of_o the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o what_o remain_v herein_o xxiii_o and_o as_o every_o step_n of_o the_o church_n rise_v have_v be_v still_o advance_v in_o a_o continue_a conflict_n betwixt_o the_o truth_n and_o antichrist_n so_o have_v we_o still_o see_v when_o the_o assault_n and_o opposition_n have_v be_v great_a it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a tendancy_n to_o a_o great_a victory_n which_o be_v it_o right_o consider_v upon_o clear_a and_o solid_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n the_o most_o formidable_a appearence_n of_o trouble_n from_o this_o adversary_n shall_v with_o more_o comfort_n than_o fear_v this_o day_n be_v look_v on_o so_o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o near_a and_o most_o immediate_a event_n yet_o be_v it_o sure_a as_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a who_o word_n be_v pass_v hereon_o that_o whosoever_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v that_o interest_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v lose_v the_o day_n and_o find_v their_o cause_n desperate_a for_o the_o party_n with_o who_o they_o contend_v herein_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n against_o who_o no_o human_a power_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v these_o be_v but_o a_o few_o which_o be_v here_o mention_v of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o our_o god_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v still_o as_o present_v in_o our_o sight_n in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v and_o faint_v and_o here_o mention_v to_o lay_v no_o stress_n or_o weight_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o profession_n thereon_o but_o on_o the_o alone_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o they_o be_v such_o a_o undeniable_a seal_n for_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o of_o so_o know_v public_a and_o famous_a evidence_n as_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o consider_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n now_o then_o in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n thus_o appear_v herein_o section_n iii_o qu._n what_o present_a judgement_n be_v we_o call_v to_o have_v of_o this_o time_n upon_o clear_a and_o assure_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v under_o what_o aspect_n thereof_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v under_o when_o so_o great_a a_o crisis_n be_v this_o day_n as_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o very_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o its_o conflict_n whither_o as_o to_o life_n or_o death_n answ_n it_o be_v no_o present_a appearence_n of_o the_o time_n must_v direct_v our_o faith_n nor_o shall_v we_o either_o streath_v our_o fear_n or_o expectation_n of_o thing_n and_o event_n beyond_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n do_v warrant_n in_o his_o word_n but_o its_o clear_a if_o we_o credit_n the_o same_o and_o admit_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o hesitation_n or_o darkness_n as_o to_o what_o the_o lord_n be_v bring_v forth_o for_o his_o church_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o pretence_n to_o seek_v a_o other_o light_n either_o from_o the_o star_n above_o or_o the_o diviner_n of_o this_o time_n when_o so_o woeful_a a_o trade_n have_v get_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n will_v thus_o go_v to_o the_o god_n of_o ekron_n as_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_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 its_o sure_a these_o lie_v 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_v further_a of_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 that_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
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_o 12._o and_o its_o sure_a in_o no_o time_n be_v such_o a_o special_a trust_n more_o repose_v thereon_o then_o in_o this_o age_n both_o as_o a_o public_a debt_n on_o the_o church_n &_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_v and_o testimony_n thereto_o ii_o to_o reckon_v ourselves_o also_o under_o some_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la call_v this_o day_n each_o in_o their_o present_a capacity_n and_o station_n how_o 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_v and_o of_o a_o discreditable_a faint_a 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 sist_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 &_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 faint_a 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 extraordinare_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_a hand_n so_o lat_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 vers_fw-la 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 numberousnesse_n of_o such_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o act_v something_o of_o that_o part_n which_o these_o heroic_a witness_n a_o caleb_n &_o joshua_n do_v &_o be_v then_o put_v to_o stand_v alone_o therein_o who_o through_o great_a 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 misbelief_n as_o be_v 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_o 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 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 who_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_o 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_a 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_v 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 extraordinar_a confirmation_n give_v thertho_fw-la 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 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 else_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_v 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 to_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_fw-la and_o certain_a according_a to_o that_o rule_n of_o a_o uncheangable_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 to_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 be_v know_v 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 promot_v 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 amongh_v man_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o near_o conceirn_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n and_o one_fw-mi 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 whither_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 &_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 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_n here_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a conceirn_fw-mi 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 at_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o can_v only_o amount_v 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 quite_o both_o religion_n and_o reason_n at_o once_o but_o may_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 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 that_o sad_a 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 pag._n 1_o posit_n ii_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o 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 promott_v pag._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 hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v from_o the_o scripture_n pag._n 6_o posit_n iv_o the_o continue_a necessity_n thereof_o no_o less_o convince_a now_o for_o the_o church_n use_n then_o in_o these_o primitive_a time_n pag._n 9_o posit_n v._o that_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 pag._n 11_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 hold_v forth_o in_o some_o serious_a proposal_n for_o this_o end_n pag._n 14_o posit_n vii_o what_o special_a excitment_n we_o be_v under_o for_o promot_v 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 that_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 amongh_v man_n pag._n 19_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._n 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 pag._n 22_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 pag._n 25_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 pag._n 26_o iu._n of_o that_o special_a providence_n which_o in_o its_o continue_a administration_n about_o human_a affair_n do_v unchangable_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o righteus_fw-la and_o the_o wicked_a pag._n 29_o v._n how_o such_o a_o wonderful_a record_n as_o that_o of_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n be_v so_o demonstrable_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n pag._n 31_o vi_o of_o these_o special_a evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n which_o man_n must_v needs_o see_v to_o be_v infallible_a pag._n 33_o vii_o of_o the_o secure_a convoyance_n of_o the_o scripture_n through_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n past_a pag._n 35_o viii_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n and_o entry_n of_o sin_n into_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n pag._n 37_o section_n ii_o i._o hold_v for_o it_o these_o great_a assistance_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v sure_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n before_o his_o come_n pag._n 38_o ii_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o how_o it_o be_v now_o as_o sure_o in_o the_o event_n as_o its_o clear_a he_o be_v promise_v pag._n 39_o iii_o of_o that_o special_a advantage_n for_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n herein_o that_o for_o 4000_o year_n the_o promise_v come_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v defer_v pag._n 41_o 42_o iu_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o internal_a excellency_n of_o christianity_n to_o bear_v further_a evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o pag._n 43_o v._n that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n we_o now_o receive_v and_o enjoy_v which_o from_o the_o first_o promulgation_n thereof_o have_v have_v so_o great_a effect_n on_o the_o world_n pag._n 45_o vi_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o time_n past_a be_v so_o demonstrable_o above_o the_o assistance_n of_o nature_n pag._n 46_o section_n iii_o i._o for_o hold_v forth_o on_o what_o ground_n the_o faith_n of_o a_o deity_n must_v determine_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n pag._n 48_o ii_o what_o confirmation_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o that_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n pag._n 49_o iii_o that_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o prevail_a on_o the_o world_n as_o no_o profession_n else_o can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o pag._n 51_o iu._n the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a evidence_n which_o christ_n have_v himself_o give_v to_o the_o world_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n in_o the_o love_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o people_n joh._n 17_o 21._o pag._n 53_o v._n how_o the_o strength_n of_o such_o a_o demonstration_n stand_v still_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o these_o divide_v time_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 54_o vi._n what_o in_o these_o last_o time_n be_v under_o our_o hand_n to_o compense_v such_o a_o confirmation_n by_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n pag._n 56_o section_n iu._n i._o for_o hold_v forth_o with_o the_o further_a rational_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o soul-quicking_a and_o experimental_a religion_n pag._n 58_o ii_o the_o truth_n also_o of_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 of_o grace_n pag._n 60_o iii_o of_o so_o great_a a_o experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n pag._n 62_o iu._n of_o so_o great_a a_o demonstration_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n and_o working_n of_o the_o conscience_n pag._n 64_o v._o of_o that_o special_a confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n which_o do_v result_v from_o such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o conscience_n over_o man_n pag._n 65_o section_n v._o i._o for_o hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n pag._n 66_o 67_o ii_o what_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n the_o certainty_n hereof_o and_o of_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n do_v clear_o afford_v pag._n 68_o iii_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o clear_a evidence_n to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n pag._n 69_o 70_o iu._n how_o confirm_v a_o seal_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o great_a change_n which_o pass_v on_o all_o man_n by_o death_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v no_o natural_a accident_n pag._n 72_o v._n some_o special_a assistance_n to_o the_o christian_n faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o serve_v a_o unavoidable_a conviction_n thus_o on_o the_o great_a atheist_n pag._n 74_o vi_o some_o thing_n of_o a_o visible_a hell_n in_o some_o near_a approach_n hereof_o even_o to_o man_n sense_n hold_v forth_o to_o awake_v and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o horror_n and_o torment_n in_o another_o world_n pag._n 77_o vii_o some_o assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n of_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n pag._n 79_o chapter_n iii_o the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n further_o improven_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o dismal_a and_o amaze_a time_n we_o be_v now_o fall_v in_o section_n i._n to_o hold_v forth_o what_o may_v be_v both_o for_o light_n and_o confirmation_n upon_o this_o great_a distress_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o under_o pag._n 81_o 82_o section_n ii_o how_o great_a a_o talon_n we_o stand_v accountable_a for_o in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o immediate_a and_o extraordinare_a appearence_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o confirm_v the_o same_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n since_o the_o reformation_n which_o we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o adhere_v to_o pag._n 84_o section_n iii_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n be_v the_o present_a lot_n of_o the_o church_n now_o fall_v in_o and_o what_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v hereof_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o further_a confirm_v in_o such_o a_o day_n pag._n 93_o section_n iu._n some_o special_a service_n that_o we_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 that_o the_o poor_a may_v 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 whole_a letter_n of_o the_o same_o or_o any_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_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n do_v my_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v my_o doctrine_n whither_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 math._n 22._o and_o yet_o believe_v therewith_o 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 go_v wrong_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 but_o not_o to_o the_o multitude_n who_o yet_o can_v pretend_v no_o extraordinare_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_o 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 is._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_a 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 that_o foundation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o subject_v to_o a_o supreme_a visible_a and_o 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_o 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 offering_n have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v heb._n 10_o 18._o and_o yet_o join_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n herewith_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 supererogate_v above_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o themselves_o and_o be_v thus_o 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 that_o only_a to_o christ_n to_o give_v salvation_n to_o their_o merit_n which_o yet_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 finit_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_v hostia_fw-la 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 mess_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 as_o on_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n here_o he_o can_v find_v how_o one_o hold_v by_o 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_n then_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 herewith_o such_o a_o immunity_n and_o indulgence_n for_o man_n to_o sin_n as_o money_n can_v stand_v for_o merit_n and_o the_o rich_a have_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o large_a entrey_n to_o heaven_n and_o account_v it_o a_o privilege_n to_o destroy_v themselves_o yea_o where_o some_o external_a severity_n and_o penance_n to_o the_o flesh_n like_v to_o the_o launch_n and_o gash_v of_o baal_n priest_n be_v reckon_v enough_o to_o 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 by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n can_v only_o be_v expiate_v 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_o 3._o or_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o man_n a_o strait_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o a_o life_n and_o a_o broad_a unto_o destruction_n math._n 7_o 14._o and_o yet_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o purgatory_n after_o this_o life_n where_o man_n must_v be_v torment_v and_o suffer_v extreme_a pain_n there_o to_o expiate_v such_o venial_a sin_n as_o their_o prayer_n and_o pennance_n here_o can_v not_o do_v yea_o be_v here_o make_v to_o wonder_v how_o any_o that_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 but_o 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 where_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 oer_o this_o purge_a work_n be_v complete_a when_o their_o own_o writer_n assign_v no_o less_o time_n then_o 10000_o year_n as_o needful_a to_o satisfy_v for_o some_o sin_n and_o lest_o it_o prove_v a_o real_a hell_n must_v still_o be_v a_o present_a terror_n nor_o can_v he_o believe_v that_o such_o possible_o do_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 can_v by_o the_o large_a dotation_n to_o the_o romish_a church_n get_v a_o safe_a outgate_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 and_o shall_v judge_v they_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a manner_n indeed_o privilege_v by_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 over_o this_o also_o which_o be_v present_a 9_o he_o find_v &_o be_v sure_a he_o can_v never_o get_v his_o reason_n and_o 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affection_n but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o case_n now_o where_o religion_n be_v plant_v in_o a_o nation_n and_o have_v a_o uncontrollable_a public_a profession_n under_o the_o support_n of_o humane_a law_n i_o know_v no_o weight_n this_o can_v have_v except_o that_o shall_v be_v admit_v therewith_o quod_fw-la nunc_fw-la nascuntur_fw-la christiani_n sed_fw-la non_fw-la fiunt_fw-la 7._o yea_o be_v it_o not_o sure_a though_o it_o seem_v little_o understand_v that_o the_o primary_n ground_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o as_o to_o their_o â—nd_n demonstrative_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n such_o demonstration_n also_o which_o most_o native_o result_v from_o the_o same_o by_o infallible_a consequence_n and_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v account_v not_o as_o human_a but_o divine_a argument_n give_v we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 8._o i_o shall_v but_o further_o add_v how_o such_o 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care_n of_o each_o age_n to_o have_v that_o solemn_a remembrance_n keep_v up_o hereof_o so_o as_o not_o a_o few_o but_o the_o very_a multitude_n within_o thâ—_n church_n may_v be_v as_o a_o public_a library_n and_o repository_n of_o thâ—_n same_o finis_fw-la