and_o darkness_n which_o be_v not_o found_v by_o positive_a institution_n only_o but_o in_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o these_o thing_n themselves_o and_o though_o i_o design_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o to_o this_o hereafter_o yet_o shall_v this_o be_v of_o high_a use_n to_o strengthen_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o look_v in_o with_o the_o serious_a use_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o paganism_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n or_o of_o mahumetism_n in_o this_o day_n where_o even_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n such_o a_o sight_n be_v enough_o to_o expose_v the_o very_a name_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v just_a matter_n of_o abhorrence_n and_o to_o be_v the_o high_a reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o thus_o see_v whither_o so_o brutish_a and_o horrid_a a_o thing_n can_v ever_o claim_v a_o reception_n either_o on_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o rule_n or_o any_o internal_a evidence_n of_o truth_n or_o possible_a consistence_n with_o its_o self_n so_o that_o to_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o belief_n of_o the_o glorious_a be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o worse_o or_o more_o dreadful_a then_o to_o have_v the_o high_a contumely_n and_o affront_n thus_o put_v on_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o which_o tend_v rather_o to_o justify_v atheism_n this_o enquiry_n be_v it_o suitable_o improven_v can_v not_o but_o render_v that_o dilemma_n unanswerable_a either_o a_o christian_n or_o of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o either_o that_o which_o we_o enjoy_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o else_o a_o absolute_a nullity_n as_o to_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o no_o such_o sacred_a thing_n have_v a_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n inquiry_n ii_o but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o hold_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o godhead_n or_o to_o have_v any_o true_a enjoiment_n of_o religion_n without_o a_o further_a and_o unavoidable_a progress_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n so_o must_v the_o first_o entry_n hereof_o be_v on_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o by_o a_o necessary_a result_n upon_o this_o inquiry_n if_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n give_v such_o a_o promise_n of_o a_o redeemer_n to_o mankind_n after_o the_o fall_n and_o that_o on_o this_o great_a assurance_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v entir_o rest_v that_o so_o glorious_a a_o person_n as_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o be_v anoint_v to_o that_o work_n of_o redeemingman_n and_o bring_v he_o again_o to_o god_n since_o tâ—is_n must_v be_v first_o clear_v and_o our_o faith_n fix_v on_o the_o same_o ere_o we_o can_v enter_v on_o any_o enjoiment_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o attainable_a else_o but_o in_o such_o a_o order_n and_o settlement_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o old_a and_o have_v one_fw-mi absolute_a dependence_n on_o the_o same_o wherein_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o enquiry_n lie_v 1._o to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o first_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n to_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o absolute_a and_o give_v to_o be_v declarative_a of_o the_o immutable_a purpose_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n herein_o and_o not_o dependent_a upon_o any_o condition_n in_o man_n 2._o how_o this_o one_o great_a promise_n be_v give_v to_o be_v the_o original_a right_n and_o warrant_v of_o all_o other_o promise_n which_o do_v whole_o centre_n in_o he_o in_o who_o they_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_n 3._o as_o a_o promise_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o reason_n must_v stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o greatness_n hereof_o and_o cry_v out_o can_v this_o possible_o be_v yea_o the_o more_o deep_a enquiry_n herein_o must_v heighten_v such_o one_fw-mi astonishment_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a sink_n under_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v in_o very_a deed_n bear_v such_o regard_n to_o man_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o that_o concern_v as_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a how_o one_o day_n shall_v pass_v over_o man_n without_o some_o fresh_a revive_n of_o such_o a_o reflection_n 4._o to_o see_v how_o high_a a_o value_n and_o account_n god_n put_v upon_o that_o one_o promise_n by_o so_o long_a a_o delay_n and_o procrastination_n of_o the_o same_o as_o a_o promise_n worthy_a of_o the_o church_n wait_v and_o expectation_n of_o the_o same_o for_o 4000_o year_n 5._o this_o enquiry_n must_v lie_v here_o to_o see_v the_o first_o entry_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n on_o the_o world_n in_o its_o precise_a time_n and_o date_n and_o how_o such_o a_o light_n do_v not_o shine_v on_o adam_n and_o eve_n in_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n whilst_o they_o stand_v in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n upon_o a_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o their_o god_n but_o with_o the_o fall_n down_o of_o that_o dismal_a night_n of_o there_o fall_v do_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o light_n first_o dawn_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o utter_a darkness_n in_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o fall_v angel_n whereby_o the_o final_a condemnatory_a sentence_n on_o the_o one_o and_o relief_n for_o the_o other_o be_v make_v know_v and_o promulgate_v together_o and_o the_o room_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n fill_v up_o with_o a_o high_a glory_n by_o the_o second_o 6._o how_o this_o bless_a light_n though_o with_o a_o gradual_a increase_n do_v never_o cease_v to_o shine_v on_o this_o world_n since_o it_o begin_v to_o dawn_n nor_o have_v there_o ever_o cease_v a_o peculiar_a people_n in_o a_o church_n relation_n who_o be_v distinct_a and_o separate_v from_o the_o residue_n of_o man_n who_o profession_n be_v found_v in_o the_o alone_a faith_n of_o a_o redeemer_n so_o as_o one_o day_n have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o that_o promise_n wherein_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v on_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v not_o shine_v also_o by_o vital_a influence_n of_o light_n and_o power_n and_o where_o the_o church_n head_n have_v not_o some_o part_n of_o his_o body_n here_o to_o converse_v with_o as_o the_o peculiar_a object_n of_o his_o complaisance_n and_o love_n and_o do_v rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n though_o that_o some_o age_n have_v have_v a_o high_a glory_n assign_v thereto_o and_o a_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o will_v he_o not_o restrict_n the_o ingather_n of_o his_o elect_a to_o any_o special_a period_n of_o time_n or_o let_v each_o age_n want_v a_o share_n of_o this_o glory_n and_o of_o a_o seed_n to_o be_v as_o salt_n to_o the_o earth_n 7._o but_o this_o enquiry_n go_v further_a to_o see_v these_o measure_n of_o evidence_n and_o divine_a condeshendence_n which_o be_v give_v to_o support_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n on_o that_o great_a promise_n even_o by_o a_o ocular_a discovery_n to_o the_o outward_a sense_n as_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o successive_a course_n of_o the_o legal_a sacrifice_n and_o these_o numerous_a figure_n and_o type_n in_o that_o long_a preparatory_a service_n wherein_o he_o do_v not_o let_v his_o people_n feed_v on_o ash_n naked_a shadow_n and_o where_o nothing_o be_v inept_v or_o usless_o but_o be_v express_o significative_a of_o that_o high_a mystery_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v possible_o bear_v no_o other_o sense_n or_o intent_n and_o since_o the_o whole_a stress_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n lie_v upon_o this_o one_o promise_n or_o what_o can_v make_v the_o state_n of_o man_n valevable_a in_o any_o true_a enjoiement_n of_o his_o life_n here_o it_o be_v on_o this_o head_n shall_v be_v set_v the_o first_o settlement_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o i_o know_v no_o relief_n but_o in_o a_o promise_a redeemer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v a_o christian_n if_o the_o morning_n and_o growing-light_n of_o that_o glorious_a mystery_n have_v not_o go_v before_o its_o meridian_n hight_v and_o as_o a_o clear_a conduct_n to_o the_o next_o step_n i_o shall_v enter_v on_o a_o iii_o inquiry_n to_o know_v that_o this_o fundamental_a promise_n of_o a_o redemer_n come_v to_o the_o world_n be_v assure_o make_v good_a and_o be_v no_o more_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o sense_n that_o its_o sure_a our_o eye_n see_v such_o a_o day_n and_o long_o expect_v period_n of_o time_n and_o can_v be_v no_o dark_a or_o doubtful_a thing_n now_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o may_v enter_v on_o its_o profession_n in_o the_o open_a light_n but_o to_o clear_v how_o with_o the_o same_o evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o promise_n we_o may_v see_v its_o performance_n also_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o one_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v
disrelish_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o most_o this_o day_n than_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o with_o such_o let_v my_o soul_n be_v join_v in_o 9_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o sure_a that_o here_o be_v no_o illusion_n or_o imaginary_a thing_n where_o any_o fallacy_n or_o deceit_n lie_v to_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o observe_a christian_n who_o know_v herein_o what_o make_v they_o glad_a and_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o how_o no_o assistance_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n or_o in_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n can_v possible_o impart_v such_o a_o thing_n so_o may_v it_o be_v astonish_v how_o such_o who_o live_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v any_o design_n on_o one_fw-mi eternal_a stare_n in_o heaven_n can_v take_v this_o on_o report_n or_o be_v so_o little_a inquisitive_a about_o so_o wonderful_a a_o truth_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o one_fw-mi enjoiment_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n which_o without_o any_o natural_a cause_n can_v put_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o one_fw-mi entire_a rest_n and_o settlement_n and_o when_o under_o great_a shake_n and_o fear_n other_o way_n cause_v they_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o pardon_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n with_o a_o sure_a evidence_n yea_o at_o so_o low_a one_fw-mi ebb_n can_v immediate_o revive_v and_o raise_v with_o so_o discernible_a a_o change_n in_o their_o inward_a case_n for_o if_o this_o be_v one_fw-mi undoubted_a matter_n of_o experience_n it_o shall_v be_v not_o easy_a for_o man_n to_o live_v without_o trial_n hereof_o themselves_o 10._o let_v i_o add_v further_o here_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o communion_n which_o christian_n have_v within_o time_n with_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n and_o such_o who_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v the_o great_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o adventurer_n for_o he_o such_o with_o who_o he_o have_v be_v most_o familiar_a and_o have_v admit_v not_o only_o to_o the_o allowance_n of_o subject_n but_o the_o regard_n of_o favourite_n who_o have_v know_v how_o great_a a_o rewarder_n he_o be_v of_o his_o own_o grace_n yea_o such_o who_o have_v make_v the_o most_o exact_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o security_n of_o their_o comfort_n herein_o and_o have_v put_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o that_o he_o have_v thus_o promise_v 4._o there_o be_v this_o special_a use_n to_o be_v make_v of_o such_o one_fw-mi enquiry_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n to_o see_v how_o great_a and_o wonderful_a a_o subject_n we_o have_v for_o reflection_n hereon_o and_o of_o what_o singular_a advantage_n this_o shall_v be_v for_o strenthn_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a against_o the_o working_n of_o unbeleef_n and_o to_o give_v a_o more_o full_a security_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o adventure_n of_o hope_n and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n for_o thing_n to_o come_v it_o be_v sure_a the_o reflex_n faculty_n of_o man_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a wonder_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o the_o spiritual_a use_n and_o improvement_n hereof_o be_v more_o understand_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o dive_v in_o to_o these_o still_o and_o deep_a water_n it_o may_v make_v such_o be_v oft_o as_o a_o wonder_n to_o themselves_o i_o shall_v but_o point_v at_o a_o few_o reflex_n act_n of_o a_o christian_a on_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o spiritual_a experience_n to_o show_v what_o manner_n of_o enjoiment_n these_o be_v admit_v to_o herein_o which_o the_o whole_a residue_n of_o mankind_n know_v nothing_o of_o 1._o to_o have_v such_o great_a supernatural_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o do_v once_o exceed_v their_o faith_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v now_o matter_n of_o undoubted_a experience_n in_o the_o truth_n power_n and_o efficacy_n hereof_o on_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o thus_o to_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o former_o seem_v so_o dark_a and_o incomprehensible_a a_o thing_n yea_o how_o great_a a_o difference_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o clear_a act_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n about_o divine_a thing_n and_o a_o real_a feeling_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n thereof_o betwixt_o the_o most_o sublime_a apprehension_n by_o theory_n and_o the_o sensible_a impression_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o what_o a_o present_a and_o marvellous_a change_n this_o make_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_n 2._o to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o no_o less_o under_o a_o full_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o as_o the_o alone_a and_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n then_o in_o their_o feel_a power_n and_o sweetness_n &_o that_o here_o be_v no_o casual_a thing_n or_o matter_n of_o doubtfulness_n or_o uncertainty_n but_o where_o they_o can_v clear_o see_v the_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n now_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o there_o inward_a sense_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o be_v sure_a that_o what_o god_n have_v speak_v he_o have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o same_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o clear_a spiritual_a comfort_n will_v be_v of_o low_a value_n if_o it_o be_v not_o with_o that_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o be_v god_n seal_n as_o they_o can_v adventure_v their_o eternal_a state_n on_o the_o truth_n hereof_o 3._o and_o how_o sweet_a a_o part_n be_v it_o when_o they_o can_v thus_o reflect_v on_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o with_o no_o less_o evidence_n of_o the_o proper_a cause_n and_o original_a then_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o effect_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a help_n to_o give_v stability_n and_o assurance_n to_o our_o faith_n to_o see_v how_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v never_o barren_a of_o new_a experiment_n of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o how_o the_o great_a objective_n mean_v in_o the_o way_n of_o light_n can_v do_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o internal_a effective_a cause_n that_o work_v powerful_o herein_o and_o as_o in_o nature_n so_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n how_o the_o same_o cause_n which_o make_v we_o live_v must_v make_v we_o move_v and_o act_n yea_o to_o see_v how_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o confirm_v a_o christian_a on_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o state_n and_o of_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o grace_n here_o do_v confirm_v christianity_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o glory_n which_o must_v infallible_o follow_v the_o same_o and_o ere_o long_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o their_o experience_n also_o 4._o to_o know_v this_o way_n that_o sure_o a_o near_a intimacy_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v with_o god_n and_o of_o a_o high_a kind_n which_o be_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o by_o the_o immediate_a ministry_n of_o the_o angel_n yea_o a_o great_a evidence_n thus_o give_v to_o a_o christian_n soul_n then_o by_o any_o external_a miracle_n since_o this_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o be_v give_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a complacence_n and_o delight_n and_o its_o sure_a the_o alone_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a love_n lie_v in_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o these_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n more_o than_o by_o any_o external_a providence_n 5._o to_o see_v how_o these_o great_a thing_n of_o experience_n come_v under_o a_o present_a trial_n and_o give_v to_o be_v experience_v here_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v not_o some_o rare_a contingency_n or_o what_o may_v be_v state_v on_o a_o extraordinar_a account_n but_o do_v keep_v close_o with_o a_o tender_a walk_n and_o near_a inteecourse_n with_o god_n through_o a_o christian_n whole_a course_n and_o thus_o know_v what_o such_o a_o anoint_v with_o fresh_a oil_n mean_v psalm_n 92_o 10._o by_o innumerable_a reiterated_a time_n of_o such_o enjoiment_n yea_o how_o the_o sense_n and_o sweetness_n thereof_o come_v not_o then_o by_o the_o power_n and_o working_n of_o reason_n but_o the_o immediatness_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n though_o even_o then_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v such_o a_o discursive_a work_n in_o the_o clearness_n of_o spiritual_a reason_n and_o light_n as_o can_v full_o quiet_v the_o mind_n that_o here_o be_v no_o illusion_n or_o deceit_n but_o let_v we_o we_o see_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v make_v use_n of_o a_o argument_n to_o settle_v and_o secure_v the_o soul_n when_o all_o essay_n whither_o from_o themselves_o or_o other_o can_v give_v no_o releaf_n 6._o thus_o be_v they_o admit_v to_o see_v herewith_o how_o deep_a the_o foundation_n of_o our_o comfort_n and_o security_n be_v lay_v on_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o reveal_v truth_n so_o as_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o christianity_n must_v be_v
in_o these_o late_a time_n that_o age_n which_o have_v its_o first_o entry_n from_o the_o year_n 1517._o have_v a_o high_a splendour_n put_v thereon_o then_o have_v be_v know_v for_o a_o thousand_o year_n proceed_v the_o same_o but_o when_o i_o have_v think_v on_o the_o way_n and_o conduct_v of_o providence_n and_o marvellous_a discovery_n of_o god_n herein_o to_o this_o generation_n i_o can_v not_o but_o see_v something_o in_o a_o most_o singular_a way_n of_o his_o appearance_n before_o the_o world_n to_o the_o same_o as_o seem_v but_o yet_o little_o understand_v though_o this_o may_v be_v see_v that_o we_o have_v sure_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o wonder_n 2._o i_o have_v look_v on_o such_o a_o exercise_n to_o discern_v and_o understand_v aright_o the_o time_n we_o be_v in_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o singular_a mean_n for_o strenthn_v a_o christian_n faith_n on_o the_o certainty_n of_o sacred_a truth_n when_o with_o these_o more_o immediate_a discovery_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n 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thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v alone_o sacred_a to_o he_o what_o concern_v the_o public_a right_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o visible_a politic_a body_n with_o the_o high_a respect_n to_o his_o royal_a authority_n who_o be_v the_o alone_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n thereto_o it_o be_v know_v that_o he_o have_v give_v one_fw-mi express_n charter_n for_o the_o same_o to_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n according_a to_o which_o the_o due_a limit_n and_o bound_n of_o that_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n which_o he_o have_v settle_v there_o and_o the_o full_a extent_n hereof_o shall_v be_v both_o keep_v clear_a and_o close_o adhere_v to_o as_o one_fw-mi interest_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n he_o have_v join_v also_o these_o two_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a power_n in_o so_o entire_a a_o harmony_n that_o though_o they_o be_v to_o be_v 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look_v after_o but_o that_o which_o be_v god_n part_n in_o the_o great_a intent_n of_o this_o erection_n be_v of_o so_o low_a regard_n that_o if_o one_fw-mi inquiry_n be_v make_v through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o britain_n they_o shall_v find_v the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n there_o still_o amid_o so_o bright_a a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v now_o shine_v &_o what_o a_o multitude_n be_v thus_o perish_v through_o want_n of_o knowledge_n whilst_o it_o seem_v so_o â—itle_o desire_v or_o design_v to_o have_v such_o a_o ministry_n who_o high_a study_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o great_a intent_n of_o christianity_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n not_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o allure_v and_o persuade_v their_o come_n under_o his_o bless_a dominion_n and_o yoke_n to_o press_v internal_a renovation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o necessity_n hereof_o with_o that_o seriousness_n as_o may_v take_v hold_n on_o their_o conscience_n and_o let_v they_o see_v there_o can_v be_v 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peculiar_a influence_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o day_n for_o that_o bless_a and_o near_a approach_a time_n of_o his_o more_o conspicous_a reign_n on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o glory_n thereof_o i_o abstract_a here_o from_o any_o thing_n controversal_a as_o thing_n be_v state_v in_o the_o present_a day_n only_o as_o to_o what_o i_o hope_v there_o may_v be_v one_fw-mi unite_v agreement_n in_o by_o all_o who_o have_v a_o deep_a sense_n on_o their_o spirit_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o perish_v of_o immortal_a soul_n this_o way_n and_o a_o serious_a respect_n to_o that_o catholic_n interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n among_o man_n i_o know_v it_o be_v never_o a_o hard_a part_n than_o in_o this_o age_n to_o stem_v such_o a_o tide_n as_o seem_v yet_o on_o the_o grow_a hand_n of_o prejudice_n against_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n when_o so_o many_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a tear_v one_o another_o and_o count_v it_o desirable_a to_o have_v where_o at_o they_o may_v offend_v and_o stumble_v whilst_o that_o study_n be_v not_o more_o follow_v to_o prevent_v so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a man_n taking_n of_o offence_n even_o where_o it_o be_v not_o give_v according_a that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o the_o excess_n of_o dispute_v in_o this_o age_n have_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o the_o manage_n thereof_o so_o little_a to_o that_o end_n of_o edification_n but_o the_o defect_n may_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o the_o suitable_a improvement_n of_o christian_a prudence_n as_o a_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o god_n so_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o regulate_v of_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n case_n and_o what_o the_o present_a day_n can_v bear_v without_o coolness_n or_o indifference_n in_o any_o concern_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v that_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v too_o little_o improven_v we_o be_v 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part_n that_o such_o have_v allot_v to_o they_o in_o the_o time_n we_o be_v fall_v in_o who_o will_v stand_v in_o such_o a_o gape_v &_o breach_n where_o opposition_n now_o thereto_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o it_o may_v seem_v almost_o hopeless_a to_o crave_v justice_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n conscience_n when_o a_o latitude_n on_o principle_n have_v come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o the_o authority_n of_o light_n be_v without_o fear_n control_v yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o the_o answer_v of_o that_o command_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o suitable_o take_v to_o heart_n &_o the_o great_a consequence_n thereof_o which_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n towards_o these_o who_o be_v without_o though_o not_o be_v in_o that_o sense_n without_o the_o church_n yet_o as_o no_o less_o state_v in_o a_o visible_a enmity_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n than_o such_o can_v be_v there_o have_v 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to_o have_v stumbling_n more_o prevent_v against_o these_o unquestionable_a settle_a administration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n so_o as_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n may_v be_v right_o understand_v the_o proper_a object_n whereof_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o inward_a man_n and_o it_o be_v great_a design_n to_o restore_v &_o edify_v which_o be_v in_o such_o a_o way_n that_o where_o it_o be_v true_o answer_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o tender_a and_o heal_a and_o to_o attract_v any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n to_o join_v in_o herewith_o for_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a measure_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v sufler_n from_o the_o weakness_n or_o exorbitancy_n of_o any_o it_o be_v suitable_a for_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o plead_v that_o from_o heathen_n that_o the_o offence_n and_o practice_n of_o none_o shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n 3._o it_o be_v desirable_a also_o that_o further_a conviction_n may_v be_v serve_v on_o these_o who_o be_v prone_a to_o stumble_v how_o in_o the_o promote_a of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n there_o be_v no_o pursue_v any_o divide_a interest_n of_o a_o party_n and_o that_o if_o such_o will_v once_o try_v and_o see_v they_o can_v then_o judge_v where_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a interest_n within_o time_n lie_v which_o all_o be_v joint_o concern_v to_o promote_v who_o have_v any_o design_n on_o the_o christian_a profession_n for_o eternal_a thing_n 4._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v this_o more_o wat_fw-mi one_fw-mi advantage_n shall_v it_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o conciliate_v a_o great_a respect_n thereto_o that_o all_o may_v see_v how_o sweet_a a_o contemperature_n and_o harmony_n there_o be_v betwixt_o pure_a zeal_n for_o god_n which_o be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o further_a prudence_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o man_n and_o how_o the_o rule_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o bitterness_n wrath_n or_o recrimination_n which_o be_v so_o abound_v this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n in_o pursue_v of_o difference_n upon_o any_o concern_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o herein_o do_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n more_o eminent_o appear_v in_o secure_v the_o concord_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n under_o a_o diversity_n of_o light_n and_o judgement_n in_o some_o lesser_a difference_n about_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o man_n heart_n in_o subdue_n the_o distemper_n of_o their_o mind_n then_o by_o impose_v the_o most_o severe_a and_o absolute_a uniformity_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o it_o be_v ever_o find_v how_o this_o have_v be_v most_o easy_a and_o practicable_a among_o such_o who_o have_v make_v the_o high_a advance_v in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n then_o any_o else_o since_o he_o near_o 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the_o true_a settlement_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n after_o shake_v assault_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o by_o the_o internal_a seal_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n point_v at_o in_o some_o special_a inquiry_n thereon_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n with_o some_o serious_a reflection_n on_o the_o present_a time_n we_o be_v in_o and_o those_o great_a vicissitude_n of_o providence_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o public_a state_n of_o britain_n in_o this_o last_o age_n in_o a_o ii_o letter_n by_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1692._o reader_n the_o publish_n these_o few_o sheet_n have_v have_v no_o rise_n or_o call_v from_o the_o desire_n of_o any_o or_o the_o least_o motive_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o serious_a desire_n that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o interest_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o so_o sad_a and_o try_v a_o time_n and_o for_o he_o to_o who_o i_o stand_v under_o the_o high_a engadgement_n of_o duty_n in_o improvement_n of_o a_o little_a season_n which_o must_v ere_o long_o be_v shut_v up_o it_o be_v true_a the_o writing_n of_o the_o first_o letter_n have_v a_o very_a providential_a and_o unexpected_a rise_n with_o respect_n to_o a_o friend_n who_o i_o know_v have_v as_o great_a assistance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o mean_n as_o any_o suitable_a to_o his_o case_n yet_o find_v the_o weight_n &_o exercise_n of_o his_o mind_n have_v such_o strong_a influence_n to_o obstruct_v that_o enjoyment_n of_o one_fw-mi entire_a rest_n and_o fixedness_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o christian_n allowance_n i_o be_v press_v to_o offer_v some_o thought_n in_o a_o directive_n manner_n for_o be_v a_o helper_n to_o his_o joy_n and_o now_o if_o by_o such_o a_o providence_n through_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o any_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o subject_a of_o the_o ii_o letter_n be_v of_o a_o much_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o first_o where_o something_n may_v possible_o seem_v a_o little_a strange_a and_o the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o most_o in_o this_o day_n not_o so_o easy_o bear_v but_o they_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n &_o in_o write_v of_o both_o i_o have_v humble_a confidence_n to_o say_v it_o be_v with_o the_o further_a of_o light_n and_o persuasion_n yea_o that_o the_o most_o serious_a part_n therein_o be_v with_o my_o own_o spirit_n to_o have_v that_o evidence_n in_o thing_n of_o so_o high_a concern_v as_o i_o may_v have_v peace_n and_o assurance_n herein_o before_o god_n yet_o if_o i_o know_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o least_o to_o prejudge_v that_o great_a interest_n of_o truth_n and_o edification_n as_o the_o utmost_a aim_n i_o hope_n be_v propose_v herein_o i_o shall_v count_v it_o my_o honour_n to_o retreat_v the_o same_o but_o under_o some_o serious_a prospect_n of_o a_o eternal_a state_n and_o of_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a judge_n i_o have_v 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weighty_a a_o concern_n not_o only_o to_o answer_v a_o special_a promise_n and_o engadgment_n i_o be_v under_o but_o with_o hope_n through_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o such_o a_o service_n may_v not_o be_v whole_o lose_v for_o the_o end_n it_o be_v design_v but_o on_o so_o great_a a_o subject_n i_o must_v go_v a_o little_a out_o of_o a_o epistolary_a way_n both_o in_o the_o method_n and_o measure_n and_o what_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o will_v speak_v to_o be_v this_o that_o i_o dare_v offer_v nothing_o to_o divert_v or_o take_v off_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o suitable_a weight_n of_o so_o choice_n one_fw-mi exercise_v as_o be_v so_o rare_a in_o these_o time_n under_o which_o your_o spirit_n be_v so_o much_o press_v but_o be_v it_o needful_a rather_o to_o add_v thereto_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v sure_o the_o great_a design_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o mankind_n for_o man_n to_o have_v such_o one_fw-mi assurance_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o can_v both_o answer_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o adventure_n they_o have_v thereon_o and_o can_v full_o quiet_a and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n when_o visible_a refuge_n and_o humane_a assistance_n seem_v whole_o to_o succumb_v and_o since_o we_o must_v either_o have_v one_fw-mi entire_a rest_n and_o settlement_n herein_o or_o none_o at_o all_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o judge_v otherwise_o of_o that_o ordinar_a sense_n and_o implicit_a credit_n on_o so_o great_a one_fw-mi account_n as_o this_o then_o as_o a_o degree_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o sad_a atheism_n of_o this_o day_n we_o be_v now_o in_o 2._o if_o ever_o i_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n i_o must_v reckon_v this_o as_o the_o high_a enjoiment_n of_o a_o christian_a where_o the_o security_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o mind_n upon_o the_o truth_n answer_v to_o so_o great_a a_o revelation_n hereof_o and_o to_o know_v he_o be_v thus_o on_o sure_a term_n with_o god_n on_o the_o whole_a adventure_n of_o his_o trust_n when_o it_o be_v so_o near_o to_o adventure_v on_o the_o trial_n thereof_o in_o the_o last_o decision_n of_o there_o eternal_a state_n yea_o when_o thus_o they_o know_v how_o to_o enjoy_v a_o promise_n for_o there_o support_v in_o this_o state_n of_o warefare_n under_o a_o long_o defer_v hope_n though_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o providence_n will_v seem_v to_o control_v the_o same_o know_v the_o ground_n they_o anchor_n on_o can_v possible_o faill_v since_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o ultimate_a inquiry_n about_o the_o event_n that_o it_o be_v sure_a they_o have_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o warrant_v there_o confidence_n and_o if_o the_o high_a joy_n and_o comfort_v oâ—_n our_o life_n be_v not_o state_v on_o such_o a_o account_n it_o iâ—_n strange_a 3._o if_o it_o be_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o earnest_n and_o what_o be_v call_v for_o of_o such_o aâ—midst_n the_o numerous_a trial_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o militant_a state_n it_o must_v need_v some_o high_a degree_n of_o assurance_n and_o inward_a establishment_n then_o seem_v by_o most_o to_o be_v either_o apprehend_v or_o seek_v after_o and_o that_o such_o have_v some_o proper_a stock_n of_o his_o own_o of_o these_o special_a aide_n and_o assistance_n as_o may_v be_v at_o hand_n in_o one_fw-mi hour_n of_o trial_n for_o how_o can_v the_o life_n and_o serious_a work_n of_o godliness_n be_v conceivable_a under_o such_o common_a and_o transient_a impression_n as_o most_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n hereof_o 4._o do_v man_n know_v what_o christianity_n mean_v and_o the_o high_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o distinguish_a profession_n from_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n or_o be_v there_o any_o suitable_a exercise_n of_o reason_n about_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o have_v set_v before_o we_o and_o yet_o be_v a_o subject_n both_o of_o ordinary_a thought_n and_o assent_v hereto_o which_o may_v still_o be_v as_o though_o it_o be_v a_o new_a discovery_n to_o we_o in_o the_o present_a day_n since_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o methuselahs_n age_n to_o pass_v within_o time_n this_o shall_v be_v a_o suitable_a and_o continue_a exercise_n therein_o both_o to_o inquire_v and_o admire_v on_o the_o assure_a hope_n of_o one_fw-mi eternity_n with_o god_n which_o they_o have_v before_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o class_n with_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n and_o make_v equal_a unto_o they_o i_o have_v know_v such_o who_o for_o many_o year_n have_v be_v dazzle_v with_o this_o glory_n and_o greatness_n of_o that_o mystery_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o life_n
and_o immortality_n in_o a_o future_a state_n as_o have_v make_v it_o there_o continue_a and_o high_a exercise_n to_o have_v a_o further_o and_o new_a strenthn_n of_o there_o faith_n herein_o who_o yet_o all_o that_o time_n know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v shake_v or_o to_o have_v any_o inward_a fear_n as_o to_o there_o own_o personal_a interest_n herein_o but_o still_o find_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o great_a a_o thing_n and_o there_o spirit_n so_o deep_o seize_v with_o the_o wonder_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o whatever_o do_v tend_v to_o a_o high_a strenthn_n of_o their_o faith_n herein_o be_v also_o the_o great_a addition_n to_o their_o joy_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n do_v most_o understand_v such_o a_o say_n nunquam_fw-la satis_fw-la magna_fw-la securitas_fw-la in_o re_fw-la tanti_fw-la momenti_fw-la ubi_fw-la periclitatur_fw-la aeternitas_fw-la but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o thought_n i_o will_v humble_o offer_v to_o one_o of_o so_o know_v and_o judicious_a a_o spirit_n and_o where_o so_o great_a assistance_n you_o may_v have_v access_n to_o improve_v otherways_o â—ssiall_a be_v most_o in_o a_o directive_n way_n upon_o a_o sevenfold_a inquiry_n that_o may_v be_v of_o great_a weight_n for_o a_o christian_n lay_v the_o ground_n work_n of_o their_o profession_n on_o solid_a and_o clear_a ground_n which_o lie_v first_o here_o 1._o to_o know_v that_o rare_a and_o peculiar_a order_n that_o be_v suitable_a in_o a_o christian_n first_o entry_n on_o religion_n under_o a_o serious_a weight_n of_o the_o same_o on_o their_o spirit_n since_o as_o in_o any_o great_a study_n there_o be_v a_o entrance_n and_o a_o progress_n and_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v so_o entire_a a_o correspondence_n as_o nothing_o stand_v alone_o by_o itself_o but_o in_o a_o line_n of_o mutual_a respect_n which_o in_o that_o manner_n run_v through_o the_o same_o as_o one_fw-mi entry_n aright_o upon_o one_o step_n must_v make_v way_n to_o render_v a_o further_a progress_n clear_a and_o unavoidable_a so_o here_o i_o must_v judge_v 1._o that_o a_o christian_a shall_v once_o make_v it_o such_o a_o proper_a and_o solemn_a business_n and_o work_v by_o itself_o to_o attain_v a_o solid_a sound_n and_o settlement_n of_o their_o faith_n on_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o sist_z his_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o he_o be_v then_o to_o enter_v on_o the_o christian_a profession_n without_o respect_n to_o example_n education_n or_o influence_n of_o any_o humane_a authority_n or_o whatever_o any_o external_a motive_n can_v have_v weight_n herein_o since_o in_o a_o case_n of_o that_o high_a concern_v man_n shall_v in_o the_o great_a recess_n and_o composure_n of_o spirit_n have_v some_o distinct_a special_a time_n such_o as_o may_v be_v matter_n after_o of_o sweet_a reflection_n to_o they_o how_o they_o do_v then_o prove_v themselves_o with_o respect_n to_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 and_o do_v thus_o with_o full_a inward_a consent_n join_v in_o with_o the_o truth_n pure_o on_o its_o own_o evidence_n as_o though_o there_o be_v none_o of_o that_o profession_n in_o the_o bound_n and_o place_n they_o live_v in_o 2._o as_o the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n shall_v require_v that_o the_o foundation_n be_v sure_o lay_v ere_o we_o begin_v to_o build_v so_o be_v it_o sure_a that_o the_o first_o entry_n on_o serious_a religion_n must_v be_v on_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o existence_n and_o that_o man_n have_v assure_o a_o god_n to_o trust_v to_o and_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a as_o hebr._n 11_o 6._o he_o must_v first_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o same_o order_n john_n 17._o 3._o must_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n ere_o he_o come_v to_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v o_o how_o uncomfortable_a a_o thing_n shall_v humane_a state_n be_v without_o god_n and_o one_fw-mi absolute_a dependence_n on_o he_o who_o may_v see_v his_o life_n to_o be_v rather_o a_o curse_n and_o torment_n then_o blâ—ssing_v if_o there_o be_v no_o supernatural_a help_n above_o himself_o against_o the_o eâ—il_n and_o misery_n of_o time_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o fear_n that_o shall_v thus_o seize_v upon_o he_o both_o as_o to_o his_o present_a and_o future_a state_n but_o what_o possible_a comfort_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o enjoiment_n of_o a_o godhead_n if_o we_o know_v not_o with_o assurance_n also_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o bless_a nature_n and_o what_o a_o god_n we_o have_v to_o adventure_v on_o 3._o thus_o by_o one_fw-mi unavoidable_a constraint_n there_o must_v be_v a_o further_a progress_n and_o enquiry_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o reveal_v rule_n of_o correspondence_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o both_o in_o order_n to_o duty_n and_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v and_o hope_v from_o he_o and_o if_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o day_n that_o there_o be_v one_fw-mi express_v and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n herein_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o earth_n that_o come_v with_o full_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n to_o man_n for_o here_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o stand_v or_o fix_v until_o our_o faith_n be_v once_o settle_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o divine_a record_n when_o we_o see_v in_o what_o estate_n poor_a mankind_n be_v in_o if_o such_o a_o sure_a way_n of_o commerce_n be_v not_o betwixt_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o this_o visible_a world_n we_o be_v in_o since_o than_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o certain_a and_o fix_v boundary_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o that_o unchangeable_a difference_n which_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n have_v put_v herein_o nor_o can_v we_o ever_o know_v that_o rule_n of_o subjection_n and_o relation_n we_o stand_v under_o to_o he_o then_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v shut_v up_o from_o correspondence_n together_o by_o any_o establish_a rule_n for_o the_o same_o then_o shall_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o man_n his_o immortal_a soul_n have_v no_o directive_n or_o comfort_a light_n as_o to_o his_o future_a state_n and_o safe_a passage_n thereto_o whilst_o the_o visible_a creation_n have_v a_o sun_n to_o shine_v thereon_o when_o such_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n as_o by_o the_o great_a improvement_n of_o nature_n it_o can_v be_v neither_o find_v nor_o follow_v then_o shall_v that_o rare_a structure_n and_o workmanship_n oâ—_n grace_n here_o and_o of_o glory_n and_o blessedness_n to_o come_v be_v a_o terra_fw-la incognita_fw-la to_o poor_a mankind_n and_o as_o man_n only_o in_o this_o low_a creation_n be_v capable_a of_o moral_a government_n and_o humane_a law_n which_o yet_o can_v extend_v no_o further_o than_o their_o visible_a work_n and_o action_n if_o such_o a_o bless_a record_n be_v not_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o establishment_n of_o law_n to_o the_o whole_a inward_a man_n no_o rule_n of_o regulation_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o inward_a world_n will_v be_v subject_a to_o no_o government_n and_o though_o the_o ruin_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n may_v be_v as_o discernible_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o existence_n yet_o shall_v we_o neither_o know_v its_o true_a original_n and_o rise_v nor_o any_o relief_n for_o the_o same_o we_o may_v discern_v the_o truth_n of_o invisible_a adversary_n and_o of_o some_o great_a design_n they_o have_v against_o we_o as_o clear_o as_o any_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o we_o can_v know_v no_o security_n from_o they_o by_o one_fw-mi invisible_a guard_n or_o the_o way_n how_o to_o resist_v such_o a_o party_n then_o shall_v the_o work_n and_o conduct_v of_o providence_n be_v whole_o unintelligible_a to_o we_o and_o have_v our_o eye_n shut_v on_o these_o wonder_n hereof_o which_o exceed_v the_o sphere_n of_o create_a nnderstanding_n if_o this_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o continual_o shine_v thereon_o which_o we_o can_v see_v and_o not_o see_v also_o that_o no_o way_n beside_o this_o be_v ever_o make_v know_v to_o recover_v poor_a mankind_n out_o of_o that_o gulf_n of_o bondage_n and_o misery_n he_o be_v fall_v into_o and_o as_o this_o glorious_a light_n of_o divine_a truth_n have_v its_o proper_a sphere_n where_o it_o be_v fix_v and_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o christian_n chureh_n so_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o be_v a_o place_n where_o horror_n falsehood_n and_o impiety_n do_v visible_o reign_v 4._o but_o this_o must_v lead_v man_n of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n to_o a_o further_a enquiry_n upon_o that_o essential_a difference_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o any_o other_o way_n that_o pretend_v thereto_o as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o light_n
dissolve_v and_o fall_v ere_o one_o special_a act_n of_o trust_n and_o adventure_v on_o his_o hand_n and_o under_o the_o assure_a warrant_n of_o his_o truth_n shall_v be_v frustrate_a and_o that_o the_o safe_a conduct_n also_o and_o security_n of_o one_o christian_n in_o his_o passage_n through_o time_n be_v of_o that_o consequence_n and_o so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o the_o great_a frame_n of_o providence_n that_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v entire_a and_o perfect_a if_o it_o shall_v fail_v as_o to_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n to_o make_v so_o great_a a_o nullity_n herein_o 7._o and_o be_v it_o not_o in_o such_o a_o reflex_n work_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o experience_n that_o such_o can_v only_o know_v the_o sweet_a enjoiment_n of_o time_n past_a and_o what_o that_o peculiar_a comfort_n of_o remembrance_n mean_n which_o i_o must_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o rare_a and_o most_o unknown_a enjoiment_n this_o day_n under_o the_o sun_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o can_v never_o be_v from_o the_o great_a delight_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o once_o pass_v which_o as_o they_o return_v no_o more_o so_o do_v ever_o leave_v a_o bitter_a sting_n and_o remembrance_n by_o a_o native_a result_n of_o the_o same_o whilst_o that_o which_o have_v be_v experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n can_v neither_o perish_v nor_o lose_v its_o sweetness_n but_o will_v render_v the_o most_o afflict_a part_n of_o their_o life_n past_a which_o be_v most_o bitter_a and_o sore_o then_o to_o be_v the_o most_o comfort_a part_n thereof_o to_o their_o remembrance_n when_o they_o can_v see_v herein_o both_o what_o they_o have_v design_v for_o god_n and_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o 8._o if_o there_o be_v any_o comfort_n of_o love_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o within_o time_n they_o may_v see_v how_o this_o be_v not_o attainable_a but_o in_o the_o light_n of_o inward_a experience_n whence_o they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o meet_v and_o have_v fellowship_n in_o the_o same_o savour_n and_o relish_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n when_o in_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o to_o be_v mutual_o disclose_v as_o they_o can_v discern_v something_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o one_o another_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o power_n and_o lively_a working_n of_o inward_a grace_n by_o that_o native_a lustre_n and_o evidence_n which_o thus_o follow_v the_o same_o so_o as_o under_o the_o sensible_a power_n of_o such_o attraction_n their_o soul_n be_v more_o close_o unite_v and_o join_v together_o yea_o be_v mutual_o strenthn_v by_o other_o conflict_n and_o what_o experiment_n they_o have_v make_v of_o divine_a truth_n herein_o as_o to_o their_o releaf_n and_o i_o must_v say_v where_o this_o be_v not_o understand_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v but_o a_o strange_a and_o dark_a notion_n nor_o without_o this_o can_v that_o special_a design_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o settlement_n of_o church_n in_o a_o visible_a state_n be_v either_o know_v or_o answer_v which_o be_v to_o have_v external_a ordinance_n carry_v on_o with_o life_n and_o power_n among_o man_n and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o our_o bless_a head_n herein_o the_o vii_o and_o last_o inquiry_n i_o will_v make_v as_o to_o a_o more_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o this_o great_a subject_n of_o the_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o know_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n thereto_o which_o be_v a_o inquiry_n of_o a_o high_o concern_v and_o import_v then_o seem_v to_o be_v apprehend_v or_o of_o what_o weight_n and_o necessity_n this_o be_v upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o because_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o spiritual_a experience_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o found_v on_o a_o certainty_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o event_n and_o performance_n and_o not_o what_o god_n do_v speak_v but_o what_o according_a to_o the_o same_o he_o have_v do_v so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o principle_n of_o faith_n but_o on_o man_n personal_a trial_n of_o the_o same_o according_a to_o that_o isai_n 43_o v._n 10._o you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v i_o and_o understand_v that_o i_o be_o he_o for_o though_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o infallible_a truth_n that_o whatever_o god_n have_v assure_v by_o promise_n he_o will_v do_v yet_o the_o experience_n hereof_o since_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v seal_v be_v of_o humane_a record_n and_o a_o testimony_n which_o can_v bear_v no_o weight_n from_o the_o great_a of_o man_n if_o the_o quality_n of_o such_o witness_n be_v not_o try_v and_o consider_v herein_o 2._o because_o the_o high_a pretence_n to_o spiritual_a enjoiment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v but_o a_o false_a testimony_n where_o there_o be_v no_o tender_a regard_n herewith_o to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o this_o connection_n be_v indissoluble_a act_n 9_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o my_o word_n good_a to_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o mica_n two_o 7._o it_o be_v true_a that_o choice_a christian_n may_v be_v much_o hide_v and_o in_o the_o dark_a herein_o to_o other_o and_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n shall_v have_v a_o sad_a part_n if_o they_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o man_n only_o this_o be_v sure_a there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v in_o the_o premise_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n lie_v more_o in_o what_o they_o be_v than_o what_o they_o express_v to_o other_o 3._o the_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n be_v of_o such_o weight_n here_o and_o to_o be_v special_o regard_v as_o one_o of_o the_o high_a service_n for_o god_n within_o time_n under_o their_o hand_n to_o put_v too_o their_o seal_n and_o testimony_n that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v judicial_o sist_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n since_o his_o declarative_a glory_n before_o angel_n and_o man_n do_v more_o peculiarly_a lie_v here_o then_o in_o the_o whole_a structure_n and_o frame_v of_o this_o creation_n this_o be_v a_o trust_n and_o debt_n also_o upon_o each_o age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o god_n may_v be_v transmitt_v to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v with_o such_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_v 4._o this_o inquiry_n be_v the_o more_o call_v for_o to_o know_v what_o these_o be_v who_o bear_v such_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o christian_a experience_n since_o this_o may_v awake_v the_o most_o sublime_a and_o inquisitive_a spirit_n of_o the_o time_n to_o search_v herein_o and_o be_v a_o subject_a of_o great_a thought_n and_o reflection_n that_o such_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n yea_o a_o innumerable_a 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of_o the_o most_o cautious_a and_o discern_a among_o man_n how_o such_o solemn_a forewarning_n from_o heaven_n by_o extraordinar_a sign_n and_o prodigy_n have_v be_v still_o previous_a to_o public_a change_n and_o revolution_n and_o to_o any_o great_a calamity_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v sure_a these_o be_v no_o imaginary_a thing_n but_o be_v direct_v for_o some_o special_a end_n and_o be_v sometime_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n visible_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n as_o have_v not_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n know_v for_o some_o age_n past_a as_o that_o late_a comet_n 81._o yea_o occur_v not_o according_a to_o the_o settle_a constitution_n of_o nature_n but_o come_v both_o with_o a_o surprise_a aspect_n and_o be_v express_o form_v and_o direct_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o some_o high_a end_n then_o to_o be_v a_o empty_a show_n and_o wonder_v to_o the_o world_n but_o when_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o threaten_n thereof_o cease_v to_o warn_v or_o be_v matter_n of_o 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sure_a where_o he_o intend_v such_o a_o miraculous_a discovery_n of_o himself_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n he_o give_v it_o with_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o work_n and_o a_o concurrence_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v serve_v conviction_n on_o all_o who_o impress_n and_o signature_n it_o bear_v to_o difference_n the_o same_o from_o any_o imposture_n or_o its_o be_v a_o diabolick_a sign_n and_o work_v and_o so_o this_o call_v for_o a_o just_a enquiry_n and_o trial_n in_o the_o present_a case_n in_o these_o respect_n 1._o to_o know_v its_o true_a rise_n and_o original_n which_o i_o find_v in_o the_o english_a chronicle_n to_o be_v date_v from_o the_o time_n of_o edward_n the_o confessor_n when_o antichristian_a darkness_n be_v then_o at_o his_o great_a height_n it_o be_v in_o the_o 1042_o year_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o reign_v and_o when_o that_o prediction_n of_o the_o apostle_n thessaly_n 2_o 2._o of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a power_n and_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n to_o promote_v the_o antichristian_a interest_n be_v then_o take_v place_n and_o be_v in_o that_o sense_n only_o admit_v to_o confirm_v the_o romish_a faith_n by_o such_o a_o strange_a miracle_n 2._o this_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v necessary_a herein_o whither_o this_o pretend_a miraculous_a power_n belong_v to_o the_o crown_n only_o or_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o quality_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o person_n who_o wear_v the_o same_o since_o if_o it_o be_v to_o the_o first_o then_o though_o one_fw-mi infidel_n or_o mahometan_a be_v establish_v on_o the_o throne_n if_o this_o gift_n follow_v the_o same_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o also_o and_o have_v such_o a_o high_a privilege_n annex_v thereto_o as_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n never_o have_v when_o a_o david_n and_o solomon_n sit_v thereon_o tho_o
endue_v with_o one_fw-mi extraordinare_fw-la unction_n but_o if_o it_o respect_v the_o quality_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o person_n it_o sure_o must_v render_v this_o no_o less_o difficult_a that_o not_o only_o such_o as_o king_n henry_n the_o viii_o and_o his_o daughter_n queen_n mary_n beside_o many_o other_o yea_o richard_n the_o iii_o shall_v on_o this_o account_n have_v the_o active_a faith_n of_o miracle_n and_o be_v empoured_a herewith_o from_o god_n for_o work_v of_o the_o same_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o french_a king_n claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n and_o power_n as_o peculiar_a to_o they_o alone_o and_o may_v not_o on_o this_o ground_n lewis_n the_o fourteen_o this_o day_n be_v reckon_v a_o fit_a instrument_n for_o such_o a_o heal_a miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o just_a repute_n and_o credit_v thereto_o 3._o but_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o such_o a_o hereditary_a gift_n shall_v not_o faill_n and_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o departure_n of_o england_n from_o the_o romish_a church_n since_o the_o first_o hold_v hereof_o be_v upon_o their_o adherence_n to_o the_o same_o and_o as_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_v to_o the_o romish_a profession_n or_o that_o it_o shall_v now_o control_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v i_o know_v what_o some_o popish_a writer_n say_v hereon_o that_o this_o miracle_n be_v not_o now_o perform_v by_o such_o who_o have_v apostatise_v from_o that_o faith_n virtute_fw-la propria_fw-la sed_fw-la virtute_fw-la signi_fw-la crucis_fw-la but_o there_o need_v no_o such_o salvo_n as_o to_o reckon_v its_o be_v alienate_v now_o from_o serve_v for_o the_o same_o use_n and_o end_v it_o do_v before_o nor_o to_o have_v another_o rise_v if_o it_o be_v serious_o ponder_v 4._o but_o what_o interest_n in_o this_o cure_n have_v the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o rite_n in_o apply_v with_o the_o touch_n a_o medal_n of_o gold_n to_o the_o patient_n therewith_o or_o what_o virtue_n can_v this_o amulet_n impart_v and_o so_o great_a a_o care_n take_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o lose_v it_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v not_o give_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o there_o outward_a want_n except_o it_o be_v from_o ostentation_n to_o show_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o when_o they_o cure_v the_o lame_a man_n and_o can_v make_v use_n of_o no_o such_o assistance_n of_o silver_n or_o gold_n herein_o act._n 3._o 5._o if_o the_o application_n of_o one_fw-mi extraordinar_fw-mi gift_n for_o heal_a disease_n without_o the_o use_n of_o natural_a mean_n be_v aneugh_o to_o warrant_v the_o same_o and_o that_o such_o a_o cure_n be_v wrought_v without_o any_o further_a enquiry_n as_o to_o the_o cause_n and_o ground_n whereon_o it_o have_v such_o a_o effect_n it_o be_v then_o sure_a the_o devil_n and_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n may_v have_v a_o public_a and_o easy_a market_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o exact_v a_o uncontrolled_a homage_n and_o subjection_n to_o 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do_v it_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o divine_a warrant_n and_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n with_o a_o immediate_a reliance_n on_o a_o special_a outsetting_n of_o some_o extraordinar_a power_n from_o he_o herein_o and_o of_o his_o call_n to_o rest_v on_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v without_o respect_n to_o any_o institute_n &_o natural_a mean_n yea_o that_o there_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o so_o extraordinare_a a_o work_n i_o judge_v it_o shall_v then_o quick_o cease_v as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o these_o who_o be_v disease_v and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o cure_n shall_v know_v the_o warrant_n of_o their_o faith_n herein_o else_o it_o be_v as_o justifiable_a to_o go_v to_o loretta_n on_o such_o a_o account_n or_o to_o such_o who_o pretend_v by_o spell_n and_o charm_n to_o work_v extraordinary_a cure_n without_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o same_o this_o be_v not_o to_o detract_v in_o the_o least_o from_o any_o 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to_o have_v the_o great_a prevalence_n now_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n how_o to_o divide_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o service_n thereof_o from_o its_o internal_a and_o vital_a part_n so_o as_o this_o mortal_a contagion_n have_v get_v in_o on_o the_o light_n and_o principle_n of_o this_o generation_n that_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n we_o may_v fear_v truth_n and_o piety_n shall_v quick_o perish_v from_o the_o earth_n oh_o what_o a_o strange_a &_o prodigious_a opposition_n be_v this_o against_o the_o whole_a internal_a work_n &_o vital_n of_o that_o pure_a and_o excellent_a religion_n wherein_o both_o the_o comfort_n and_o glory_n of_o humane_a state_n lie_v &_o how_o be_v it_o conceivable_a man_n shall_v be_v here_o capable_a of_o converse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o conformity_n to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o 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if_o this_o stand_v not_o sure_a the_o whole_a frame_n of_o experimental_a religion_n be_v a_o unaccountable_a riddle_n a_o second_o letter_n wherein_o some_o inquiry_n upon_o the_o time_n and_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n about_o the_o church_n but_o more_o special_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a state_n of_o britain_n and_o ireland_n in_o this_o last_o age_n be_v serious_o design_v sir_n i_o may_v true_o say_v it_o do_v raise_v a_o special_a value_n and_o esteem_v on_o my_o spirit_n to_o meet_v with_o one_o in_o such_o a_o day_n who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o weight_n and_o impression_n of_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a time_n so_o far_o above_o the_o ordinare_fw-la thought_n of_o man_n when_o they_o seem_v so_o rare_a who_o look_v further_o than_o present_a thing_n either_o to_o what_o be_v pass_v in_o these_o extraordinar_a time_n have_v go_v over_o this_o generation_n or_o who_o have_v another_o judgement_n and_o 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in_o this_o last_o age_n that_o shall_v be_v still_o matter_n of_o sweet_a remembrance_n but_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o day_n we_o see_v the_o ebb_n as_o low_o in_o these_o place_n in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o visible_a revive_n almost_o any_o where_n can_v be_v hear_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v to_o i_o so_o far_o a_o hopeful_a sign_n of_o a_o near_o incal_v of_o the_o jew_n since_o it_o will_v then_o find_v the_o gentile_a church_n in_o so_o judicial_a a_o period_n of_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o life_n from_o the_o dead_a 4._o yet_o it_o be_v sure_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o have_v be_v most_o signal_n honour_n and_o glory_n put_v on_o this_o age_n and_o with_o a_o special_a respect_n to_o britain_n and_o ireland_n in_o as_o great_a a_o harvest_n of_o serious_a and_o solid_a christian_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o have_v be_v in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n since_o 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which_o they_o be_v catch_v it_o be_v true_a a_o clear_a application_n of_o providence_n past_a to_o the_o present_a time_n be_v not_o easy_o attain_v but_o i_o doubt_v not_o of_o a_o more_o full_a light_n and_o discovery_n for_o this_o end_n as_o will_v silence_v all_o opposition_n that_o have_v be_v to_o the_o intent_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o have_v occur_v 9_o it_o have_v be_v reserve_v to_o our_o day_n to_o see_v the_o issue_n and_o great_a decision_n which_o have_v be_v in_o these_o strange_a scene_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o age_n past_a and_o to_o have_v they_o now_o in_o our_o sight_n in_o the_o whole_a successive_a course_n thereof_o and_o sure_o this_o may_v be_v a_o great_a and_o affect_a sight_n to_o such_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v the_o earth_n and_o walk_v only_o in_o the_o circuit_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o can_v but_o see_v what_o amase_a event_n have_v be_v of_o late_o bring_v forth_o by_o a_o invisible_a and_o unpreventable_a conduct_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o see_v also_o in_o this_o late_a revolution_n of_o the_o public_a state_n of_o britain_n how_o by_o one_o great_a surprisal_n the_o whole_a popish_a measure_n there_o which_o have_v be_v of_o so_o long_a and_o painful_a a_o contrivance_n be_v as_o in_o a_o moment_n break_v and_o make_v void_a when_o nothing_o less_o expect_v 10._o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o the_o lord_n do_v usual_o act_v by_o second_o cause_n but_o there_o be_v step_n also_o of_o his_o way_n wherein_o he_o alone_o appear_v and_o will_v have_v they_o see_v to_o be_v whole_o his_o work_n &_o this_o now_o have_v eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o great_a transaction_n of_o these_o late_a time_n how_o bejond_a any_o humane_a power_n or_o might_n it_o be_v a_o standard_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lift_v up_o that_o do_v visible_o make_v way_n for_o the_o work_n he_o be_v then_o accomplish_v and_o do_v serve_v such_o terror_n on_o his_o adversary_n yea_o how_o these_o who_o be_v act_v forth_o to_o be_v instrumental_a thus_o on_o the_o service_n of_o their_o day_n be_v direct_v for_o that_o great_a end_n to_o the_o quiet_v of_o his_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o his_o work_n 11._o and_o herewith_o what_o thought_n of_o heart_n may_v it_o cause_v now_o in_o the_o present_a state_n and_o juncture_n of_o thing_n to_o see_v such_o a_o conjunction_n in_o this_o western_a part_n of_o europe_n to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o providence_n that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v tell_v our_o father_n by_o any_o they_o will_v have_v be_v as_o such_o who_o mock_v that_o in_o the_o next_o age_n the_o house_n of_o austria_n of_o spain_n lorraine_n and_o savoy_n shall_v have_v a_o joint_a interest_n with_o the_o great_a prince_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o take_v the_o sword_n with_o one_o consent_n against_o such_o a_o party_n who_o sword_n have_v be_v bathe_v and_o yet_o still_o be_v reak_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o protestant_n yea_o how_o this_o great_a instrument_n of_o judgement_n and_o patron_n of_o the_o romish_a interest_n shall_v most_o active_o make_v way_n to_o defeat_v his_o own_o project_n and_o counsel_n by_o a_o irresistible_a conduct_n of_o providence_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o unusual_a conjunction_n in_o humane_a affair_n such_o as_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o western_a part_n of_o christendom_n be_v hereby_o cast_v in_o a_o new_a mould_n wherein_o we_o be_v call_v to_o adore_v god_n and_o his_o dominion_n over_o all_o second_o cause_n though_o it_o be_v a_o depth_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v yet_o not_o open_v up_o only_o herewith_o some_o reflection_n on_o the_o same_o i_o can_v whole_o pass_v 1._o what_o may_v be_v too_o
the_o same_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a these_o let_n and_o stumble_a block_n where_o the_o great_a hazard_n may_v be_v of_o offence_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v much_o preparatory_a also_o for_o a_o high_a service_n &_o a_o more_o unite_v appear_v for_o god_n herein_o and_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o most_o hazardous_a part_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o day_n in_o behalf_n of_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o testimony_n as_o the_o alone_a ground_n on_o which_o the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n must_v found_v since_o this_o be_v the_o very_a same_o inconvertible_a term_n to_o give_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o godhead_n and_o that_o tribute_n which_o be_v most_o inviolable_o sacred_a and_o essential_a to_o he_o it_o will_v seem_v almost_o incredible_a that_o fuch_n one_fw-mi hour_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n shall_v fall_v in_o with_o the_o grow_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o strange_a prevalence_n of_o a_o way_n which_o be_v to_o commensurat_fw-la the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o our_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v humane_a reason_n though_o corrupt_a finite_a and_o limit_v to_o be_v the_o alone_a judge_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n of_o divine_a thing_n when_o the_o high_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v prima_fw-la veritas_fw-la without_o which_o reason_n hathno_o principle_n to_o reston_n &_o no_o standard_n else_o be_v this_o that_o where_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o revealer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v his_o testimony_n it_o must_v then_o be_v as_o infallible_o true_a as_o it_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v god_n since_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a to_o find_v ever_o another_o foundation_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n but_o this_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o time_n of_o great_a expectation_n as_o to_o a_o near_a approach_n of_o the_o high_a glory_n of_o christ_n mediatory_a kingdom_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o will_v seem_v a_o strange_a prelude_n thereto_o that_o so_o black_a a_o darkness_n shall_v fall_v down_o with_o so_o astonish_a one_fw-mi increase_n thereof_o as_o tend_v not_o only_o to_o eclipse_v the_o same_o but_o to_o deny_v he_o his_o essential_a kingdom_n who_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n and_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o that_o kind_n as_o the_o morning_n darkness_n which_o be_v the_o dark_a the_o near_o it_o be_v to_o the_o day_n it_o be_v indeed_o here_o we_o may_v see_v one_fw-mi opposition_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o such_o term_n that_o we_o may_v reckon_v humane_a nature_n can_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o be_v just_a matter_n of_o horror_n to_o a_o natural_a conscience_n to_o see_v so_o numerous_a a_o party_n who_o claim_v to_o be_v adorer_n of_o reason_n turn_v so_o visible_o mad_a on_o their_o own_o destruction_n i_o know_v the_o further_a improvement_n this_o way_n by_o rational_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n have_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o religion_n and_o for_o strenthn_v of_o our_o faith_n therein_o then_o may_v be_v suitable_o apprehend_v but_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o ultimate_a inquiry_n herein_o can_v possible_o go_v no_o further_o in_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n but_o that_o what_o we_o believe_v be_v the_o undoubted_a revelation_n of_o god_n himself_o unto_o man_n &_o can_v we_o desire_v more_o when_o this_o be_v sure_a for_o a_o full_a quiet_a and_o acquiescence_n of_o the_o soul_n though_o it_o seem_v wonderful_a in_o itself_o and_o exceed_v our_o dark_a and_o limit_v thought_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o to_o lie_v who_o word_n be_v such_o cvi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la as_o it_o be_v no_o less_o sure_a that_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_o good_a can_v not_o deceive_v or_o put_v one_fw-mi imposture_n in_o stead_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o hand_n who_o trust_v he_o divine_a truth_n be_v the_o first_o groundstone_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o be_v not_o conceivable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o believe_v his_o be_v true_o god_n and_o not_o the_o truth_n also_o of_o his_o promise_n which_o ever_o conform_v not_o only_o to_o the_o thing_n signify_v but_o to_o his_o intent_n therein_o who_o can_v never_o delude_v or_o deceive_v but_o whilst_o i_o have_v be_v put_v to_o some_o thought_n with_o amazement_n on_o one_fw-mi appearance_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n against_o god_n this_o day_n among_o man_n not_o only_o within_o christendom_n but_o by_o such_o as_o once_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o protestant_a profession_n some_o reflection_n tend_v to_o give_v more_o clearness_n and_o settlement_n to_o my_o own_o spirit_n herein_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o in_o a_o few_o word_n mention_v 1._o that_o when_o the_o darkness_n of_o one_fw-mi implicit_a faith_n and_o reliance_n on_o man_n under_o popery_n have_v be_v so_o sore_o baffle_v &_o turn_v out_o of_o credit_n in_o such_o a_o inquisitive_a world_n as_o this_o lo_o satan_n have_v take_v himself_o to_o the_o very_a contrare_fw-la airth_n and_o know_v how_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o temper_n of_o a_o brâ—â—k_n bold_a and_o dare_a age_n that_o he_o may_v settle_v a_o new_a opposition_n against_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n wherein_o he_o have_v unite_v and_o fix_v his_o great_a strength_n so_o that_o since_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o from_o his_o throne_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v not_o have_v a_o great_a triumph_n then_o in_o this_o attempt_n how_o to_o bring_v man_n upon_o it_o and_o set_v humane_a reason_n at_o once_o both_o against_o god_n and_o itself_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o executioner_n and_o in_o subject_v the_o high_a mystery_n of_o truth_n to_o its_o comprehension_n to_o make_v it_o not_o only_o equal_a to_o god_n but_o give_v it_o a_o preference_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o alone_a former_a thereof_o which_o i_o must_v reckon_v to_o be_v the_o near_a approach_n that_o humane_a nature_n yet_o ever_o make_v to_o that_o sin_n by_o which_o the_o angel_n do_v first_o fall_n and_o that_o it_o it_o be_v the_o master_n piece_n of_o that_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o his_o vltimus_fw-la conatus_fw-la against_o the_o truth_n who_o know_v his_o time_n be_v short_a 2._o it_o may_v be_v with_o astonishment_n discernible_a under_o what_o a_o stroke_n such_o be_v as_o not_o to_o see_v whither_o this_o way_n have_v lead_v they_o and_o how_o far_o the_o holy_a god_n have_v thus_o confound_v their_o reason_n as_o visible_o as_o once_o these_o be_v in_o their_o language_n who_o will_v attempt_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n up_o unto_o heaven_n when_o this_o way_n leave_v to_o one_fw-mi absolute_a uncertainty_n ever_o to_o fix_v their_o faith_n the_o standard_n and_o measure_v whereof_o must_v be_v the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n which_o have_v no_o firm_a or_o infallible_a ground_n to_o settle_v on_o beside_o itself_o and_o whilst_o they_o can_v make_v the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o as_o considerate_a and_o know_v as_o themselves_o meet_v with_o they_o the_o result_n thereof_o be_v to_o put_v a_o judicial_a madness_n in_o the_o room_n of_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o conceive_v a_o create_v &_o dependent_a god_n to_o give_v divine_a homage_n to_o and_o that_o at_o once_o he_o shall_v be_v both_o a_o god_n and_o a_o creature_n and_o adore_v a_o comprehensible_a object_n with_o divine_a worship_n yea_o this_o way_n without_o a_o contradiction_n to_o themselves_o they_o can_v give_v no_o faith_n to_o the_o creation_n as_o be_v bring_v pure_o out_o of_o nothing_o or_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o whole_o incomprehensible_a to_o reason_n they_o must_v deride_v israëls_n passage_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n or_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o on_o josua_n call_n to_o verify_v that_o rom._n 1_o 21_o because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n thence_o be_v such_o one_fw-mi amasing_a stroke_n thus_o inflict_v on_o their_o reason_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o in_o the_o poëtick_a fiction_n of_o phaethon_n that_o when_o he_o seek_v to_o guide_v the_o chariot_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o a_o time_n he_o be_v like_a to_o burn_v the_o earth_n until_o he_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o thunderbolt_n from_o heaven_n so_o have_v this_o party_n try_v how_o to_o manage_v reason_n as_o the_o supreme_a director_n and_o judge_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a as_o they_o have_v go_v near_o to_o destroy_v both_o reason_n and_o religion_n at_o once_o but_o though_o the_o strong_a rational_a argument_n with_o such_o
divine_a wrath_n and_o last_o plague_n be_v but_o in_o part_n pour_v out_o wherein_o the_o appearance_n of_o god_n will_v be_v with_o much_o terror_n to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o last_o triumph_n of_o his_o justice_n within_o time_n will_v not_o be_v of_o one_fw-mi ordinare_fw-la kind_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v great_a shake_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o time_n of_o break_v down_o as_o well_o as_o of_o build_v up_o which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o draw_v near_o ii_o because_o we_o be_v enter_v on_o these_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n then_o heretofore_o to_o put_v the_o whole_a generation_n of_o his_o people_n on_o that_o part_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o study_n thereof_o which_o relate_v to_o his_o work_n and_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o providence_n about_o his_o church_n when_o the_o key_n shall_v then_o be_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n for_o open_v up_o and_o a_o more_o full_a understanding_n the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o time_n pass_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o weighty_a part_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o latter_a time_n in_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o and_o these_o high_a improvement_n to_o be_v make_v on_o that_o bless_a study_n than_o be_v attainable_a in_o former_a age_n when_o his_o work_n now_o be_v come_v to_o a_o more_o full_a point_n it_o have_v be_v remarkable_o the_o business_n of_o this_o age_n to_o make_v a_o more_o accurate_a search_n and_o some_o great_a discovery_n upon_o natural_a cause_n and_o the_o working_n thereof_o but_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o ere_o long_o the_o inquisitive_a world_n shall_v be_v in_o another_o manner_n awake_v and_o their_o inquiry_n run_v in_o a_o high_a channel_n above_o all_o second_o cause_n to_o see_v and_o admire_v the_o great_a act_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o divinity_n thereof_o and_o not_o what_o be_v humane_a therein_o but_o as_o they_o be_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o work_n of_o god_n 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