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greatness_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n to_o assume_v such_o a_o supremacy_n and_o give_v forth_o law_n for_o absolute_a obedience_n from_o all_o mankind_n thereto_o and_o on_o such_o a_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n or_o that_o any_o impostor_n either_o possible_o can_v or_o dare_v have_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n personate_v the_o same_o vii_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v his_o word_n who_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o have_v a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n thereof_o who_o thus_o not_o only_o give_v law_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o our_o inward_a part_n but_o do_v establish_v a_o internal_a religion_n there_o no_o less_o absolute_o than_o what_o respect_v our_o external_a work_n and_o action_n viii_o yea_o where_o all_o may_v see_v the_o penman_n thereof_o under_o so_o entire_a a_o subjection_n to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o contrivance_n of_o their_o own_o as_o they_o do_v record_v their_o own_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v thus_o also_o require_v all_o just_a respect_n and_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n when_o through_o the_o whole_a earth_n they_o be_v then_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n ix_o that_o this_o must_v be_v his_o word_n who_o alone_o can_v derive_v principle_n of_o life_n to_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o animate_v the_o same_o with_o a_o quicken_a spirit_n and_o be_v a_o work_n above_o the_o contrivance_n of_o angel_n or_o man_n when_o direct_v to_o each_o new_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n and_o personal_a case_n of_o christian_n as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v alone_o write_v for_o that_o time_n so_o that_o i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o persuade_v in_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o
to_o a_o further_o establish_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n there_o as_o though_o such_o have_v intentional_o act_v for_o the_o same_o when_o if_o second_o cause_n have_v bring_v forth_o their_o ordinary_a effect_n it_o may_v have_v be_v judge_v impossible_a to_o fail_v xiii_o we_o have_v see_v that_o issue_n of_o all_o the_o counsel_n expense_n and_o cruelty_n of_o philip_n the_o ii_o of_o spain_n to_o bear_v down_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o netherlands_o which_o be_v to_o the_o further_a settle_v of_o this_o illustrious_a state_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o yea_o how_o their_o conspicuous_a rise_n and_o flourish_a even_o in_o the_o external_o and_o their_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n do_v most_o visible_o keep_v together_o fourteen_o we_o know_v that_o deluge_n of_o blood_n which_o so_o quick_o follow_v the_o french_a massacre_n and_o the_o most_o dismal_a time_n which_o ever_o that_o nation_n know_v do_v then_o visible_o contemporate_a with_o such_o a_o time_n of_o their_o great_a rage_n and_o persecution_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o event_n of_o the_o three_o vial_n most_o clear_o fulfil_v herein_o rev._n 16.5_o 6._o thou_o be_v righteous_a o_o lord_n which_o art_n and_o waste_v and_o shall_v be_v because_o thou_o have_v judge_v thus_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 thirty_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 those_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 as_o 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 and_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 than_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 likewise_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 visible_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 stroke_n which_o follow_v in_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 have_v see_v what_o wonderful_a providence_n do_v attend_v the_o act_n of_o that_o poor_a handful_n of_o protestant_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o piedmont_n since_o the_o reformation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o bloody_a massacre_n which_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n there_o against_o they_o which_o be_v so_o astonish_v as_o all_o may_v see_v a_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o as_o be_v clear_o attest_v by_o the_o most_o faithful_a history_n of_o that_o time_n xx._n and_o can_v it_o be_v forget_v unto_o this_o day_n how_o visible_o a_o divine_a hand_n do_v appear_v in_o break_v that_o great_a spanish_a armado_n in_o the_o year_n 1588._o which_o have_v be_v for_o some_o year_n in_o contrive_v against_o england_n xxi_o astonish_v and_o special_o demonstrative_a of_o the_o immediate_a power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o praise_v also_o for_o after_o age_n be_v that_o solemn_a time_n of_o the_o reformation_n 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 humane_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 thes_n 2.8_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 tendency_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 appearance_n of_o trouble_n from_o this_o adversary_n will_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 humane_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_a 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 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 than_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 height_n of_o its_o conflict_n whether_o as_o to_o life_n or_o death_n ans_fw-fr 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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 second_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 deluge_n of_o their_o own_o blood_n yea_o so_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 be_v 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 but_o the_o dark-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 saw_n and_o axe_n in_o 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that_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o next_o tide_n shall_v bring_v in_o more_o with_o a_o solid_a and_o true_a increase_n to_o the_o church_n than_o these_o sad_a day_n do_v now_o take_v off_o carat_n vi_o it_o be_v thus_o a_o confirm_a christian_n shall_v be_v special_o consider_v as_o one_o who_o be_v not_o only_o at_o rest_n on_o the_o know_a certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v some_o account_n of_o the_o solid_a rational_a ground_n and_o demonstration_n hereof_o unto_o all_o who_o ask_v after_o the_o same_o and_o do_v thus_o judge_n 1._o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o appoint_a mean_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v afford_v for_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o man_n faith_n within_o time_n yea_o preferable_a to_o any_o external_a miracle_n
many_o that_o do_v competent_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o every_o single_a man_n that_o can_v render_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o storm_n do_v make_v man_n look_v to_o their_o anchor_n and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o awful_a judgement_n be_v hasten_v on_o we_o be_v remote_a one_o do_v not_o awaken_v we_o to_o beat_v we_o out_o of_o our_o inconsiderate_o choose_a refuges_n our_o precarious_a and_o unexamined_a confidence_n which_o in_o very_a propriety_n be_v but_o fancy_n and_o not_o faith_n build_v upon_o any_o solid_a ground_n however_o we_o must_v all_o needs_o die_v and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o a_o near_a prospect_n of_o the_o future_a state_n may_v convince_o show_v the_o most_o obstinate_a that_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v not_o to_o be_v conquer_v and_o no_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n sen._n pecudum_fw-la ritu_fw-la euntes_fw-la non_fw-la qà _fw-la eundum_fw-la est_fw-la sed_fw-la qà _fw-la itur_fw-la sen._n or_o by_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v take_v up_o and_o walk_v in_o mere_o for_o company_n wherefore_o we_o give_v our_o great_a thanks_o to_o the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n who_o have_v draw_v this_o his_o rich_o furnish_v scribe_n to_o supply_v we_o with_o so_o very_o needful_a a_o treatise_n as_o be_v here_o offer_v some_o of_o we_o do_v profess_v that_o in_o read_v it_o we_o be_v surprise_v with_o joy_n and_o with_o wonder_n that_o a_o topick_n so_o little_o write_v discourse_v or_o think_v of_o shall_v be_v treat_v on_o with_o such_o depth_n of_o judgement_n and_o with_o such_o experience_n as_o be_v rare_o find_v in_o the_o most_o laudable_a writer_n through_o the_o divine_a blessing_n which_o we_o implore_v we_o hope_v that_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n throughout_o these_o nation_n shall_v find_v good_a success_n of_o our_o people_n use_n of_o this_o most_o instructive_a work_n for_o which_o with_o the_o 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hasten_v on_o this_o generation_n and_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o another_o manner_n like_a to_o be_v put_v to_o trial_n than_o since_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o recovery_n from_o antichristian_a bondage_n the_o storm_n now_o visible_o grow_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o nothing_o aught_o to_o faint_a or_o shake_v the_o spirit_n of_o any_o who_o know_v their_o anchor_n be_v sure_a and_o cast_v within_o the_o veil_n but_o the_o strong_a difficulty_n in_o follow_v the_o lord_n when_o overcome_v yield_v the_o great_a victory_n and_o will_v be_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o joy_n here_o but_o to_o all_o eternity_n in_o have_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_v endure_v and_o get_v well_o through_o a_o throng_n of_o temptation_n and_o assault_n in_o a_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o man_n think_v it_o their_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v their_o private_a interest_n by_o divide_v it_o in_o such_o a_o time_n from_o the_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o make_v light_a of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n now_o assault_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n yea_o of_o their_o own_o eternal_a state_n by_o any_o coolness_n or_o shrink_n from_o the_o same_o they_o will_v find_v no_o temporal_a motive_n can_v ever_o compensate_a that_o loss_n and_o ruin_n which_o inevitable_o will_v meet_v such_o in_o the_o issue_n yea_o that_o these_o word_n of_o mordecai_n to_o esther_n esth_n 4.13_o 14._o have_v the_o same_o voice_n and_o weight_n in_o this_o day_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o follow_a work_n i_o may_v with_o humble_a confidence_n say_v be_v under_o some_o pressure_n to_o have_v such_o clear_a evidence_n and_o quiet_v persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o make_v it_o less_o easy_a to_o have_v my_o own_o spirit_n satisfy_v herein_o than_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v to_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o that_o bless_a assurance_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v i_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o can_v be_v comfort_v or_o make_v a_o rational_a be_v desirable_a some_o singular_a engagement_n i_o judge_v myself_o also_o to_o stand_v under_o for_o put_v to_o my_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n from_o many_o signal_n confirmation_n hereof_o in_o the_o course_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n if_o such_o a_o poor_a testimony_n may_v be_v of_o any_o weight_n let_v the_o bless_a lord_n gracious_o accept_v this_o small_a offering_n to_o he_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o truth_n by_o so_o mean_v a_o instrument_n and_o give_v some_o fruit_n hereof_o that_o may_v abide_v and_o be_v find_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n may_v find_v by_o a_o perusal_n of_o the_o i._o chapter_n of_o what_o serious_a use_n and_o intent_n the_o ii_o be_v yea_o that_o in_o this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o incongruous_a to_o the_o forego_n subject_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o iii_o chapter_n but_o oh_o it_o be_v sad_a and_o amaze_a to_o think_v how_o few_o be_v under_o that_o weight_n of_o religion_n as_o once_o to_o have_v a_o serious_a inquiry_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n thereof_o and_o to_o account_v the_o most_o special_a assistance_n to_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o great_a helper_n of_o their_o joy_n within_o time_n the_o content_n chapter_n i._o the_o primitive_a confirmation_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v in_o seven_o position_n posit_n i._o sad_a be_v the_o aspect_n which_o the_o implicit_a and_o traditional_a profession_n of_o this_o day_n have_v upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n page_n 1._o posit_n ii_o it_o be_v a_o great_a service_n for_o the_o church_n to_o have_v a_o clear_a sound_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o assent_n upon_o know_v and_o solid_a ground_n herein_o more_o universal_o promote_v page_n 3_o posit_n iii_o the_o true_a primitive_a confirmation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v from_o the_o scripture_n page_n 5_o posit_v iv_o the_o continue_a necessity_n thereof_o be_v no_o less_o convince_a now_o for_o the_o church_n use_n than_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n page_n 7_o posit_n v._o such_o a_o confirmatory_n work_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o more_o know_v and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o man_n but_o the_o mean_a within_o the_o church_n page_n 9_o posit_n vi_o what_o be_v special_o call_v for_o in_o the_o practical_a use_n of_o this_o primitive_a confirmation_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o some_o serious_a proposal_n for_o this_o end_n page_n 11_o posit_n vii_o special_a excitement_n we_o be_v under_o for_o promote_a the_o same_o in_o so_o remarkable_a a_o period_n of_o time_n as_o this_o and_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o great_a revive_n yet_o of_o such_o a_o catholic_n spirit_n to_o advance_v the_o high_a end_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n page_n 15_o chapter_n ii_o for_o give_v some_o clear_a view_n of_o these_o 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the_o world_n may_v see_v do_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n as_o sure_a as_o man_n walk_v under_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o live_a soul_n iii_o that_o we_o now_o see_v what_o a_o length_n the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v come_v and_o how_o far_o thus_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v fulfil_v which_o once_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o all_o human_a appearance_n iv_o that_o so_o sure_a and_o exact_a a_o performance_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o undeniable_a in_o the_o event_n and_o of_o such_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n which_o be_v foretell_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n none_o can_v have_v believe_v what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o now_o have_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o former_a age_n the_o object_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v such_o a_o seal_n 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which_o do_v raise_v they_o as_o far_o above_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n as_o reason_n do_v above_o the_o state_n of_o the_o beast_n ans_fw-fr though_o i_o shall_v strive_v against_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o a_o miracle_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o conversion_n be_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o deny_v such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n as_o the_o world_n have_v hereof_o i._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v essential_o requisite_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o the_o whole_a consent_n of_o the_o scripture_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v never_o yet_o a_o argument_n in_o nature_n for_o one_o being_n a_o christian_a in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n thereof_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v for_o a_o naked_a form_n or_o show_v iii_o that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o few_o but_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o all_o time_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n on_o who_o so_o great_a a_o change_n and_o difference_n have_v be_v make_v thus_o evident_a both_o from_o themselves_o what_o once_o they_o be_v and_o from_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n iu._n that_o this_o have_v be_v not_o only_o upon_o such_o as_o have_v be_v signal_o impious_a in_o their_o practice_n but_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v wont_a to_o deride_v holiness_n as_o a_o fancy_n so_o as_o atheist_n must_v grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v as_o profess_a atheist_n sometime_o as_o themselves_o who_o have_v be_v make_v such_o conspicuous_a monument_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o none_o can_v object_n here_o as_o once_o the_o jew_n do_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o such_o as_o the_o world_n count_v most_o wise_a and_o know_v stand_v witness_n to_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v so_o know_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v more_o wise_a learned_a and_o judicious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o reason_n upon_o the_o earth_n than_o such_o as_o have_v be_v eminent_a example_n of_o the_o power_n of_o conversion_n vi_o that_o its_o marvellous_a effect_n in_o subdue_a man_n from_o what_o once_o be_v their_o predominant_a interest_n and_o idol_n and_o to_o part_v from_o what_o have_v be_v as_o their_o right_a eye_n or_o hand_n can_v only_o be_v from_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n vii_o that_o such_o as_o be_v great_a adversary_n to_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v make_v no_o less_o eminent_a instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o choice_a vessel_n of_o honour_n than_o once_o they_o be_v in_o their_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n viii_o that_o this_o change_n have_v be_v discernible_a in_o time_n of_o most_o visible_a persecution_n and_o hazard_n when_o no_o outward_a advantage_n or_o gain_n can_v have_v the_o least_o influence_n thereon_o now_o as_o these_o be_v demonstrable_o clear_a so_o can_v
there_o be_v no_o possible_a ground_n to_o question_v this_o i._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o so_o great_a a_o discovery_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o a_o power_n above_o nature_n which_o accompany_v the_o same_o in_o such_o a_o change_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v sure_o contrary_a state_n in_o another_o world_n when_o they_o be_v so_o undeniable_o manifest_v here_o qu._n iii_o but_o can_v so_o great_a a_o experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o upon_o earth_n be_v make_v rational_o convince_a to_o such_o as_o be_v themselves_o stranger_a thereto_o and_o for_o a_o further_o confirm_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n answ_n though_o this_o be_v a_o experiment_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o a_o more_o transcendent_a interest_n and_o value_n than_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a delusion_n herein_o if_o 1_n it_o be_v that_o to_o which_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n bear_v testimony_n and_o have_v send_v down_o the_o same_o as_o that_o which_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o they_o have_v approve_v but_o in_o the_o continue_a trial_n of_o their_o life_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o such_o as_o testify_v what_o they_o do_v and_o have_v so_o oft_o find_v in_o the_o retirement_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o god_n be_v of_o as_o discern_a spirit_n to_o know_v the_o true_a value_n of_o thing_n as_o any_o else_o yea_o such_o who_o testimony_n in_o other_o thing_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n can_v not_o refuse_v nor_o deny_v iii_o that_o its_o undeniable_o evident_a such_o must_v have_v another_o acquaintance_n and_o society_n than_o that_o of_o man_n which_o not_o only_o make_v these_o hide_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n so_o desirable_a where_o all_o may_v see_v they_o more_o flee_v than_o follow_v any_o humane_a witness_n but_o also_o make_v so_o visible_a a_o change_n both_o in_o their_o case_n and_o countenance_n after_o most_o sad_a anguish_n and_o down-castings_a of_o spirit_n iv_o that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a also_o how_o such_o as_o be_v most_o serious_a this_o way_n have_v be_v visible_o oft_o raise_v above_o their_o ordinary_a case_n and_o frame_v in_o prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n yea_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o they_o who_o never_o know_v there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o report_n can_v not_o withstand_v so_o clear_a conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n hereof_o that_o can_v beget_v such_o liberty_n humble_a tenderness_n and_o melt_a of_o heart_n yea_o such_o discernible_a joy_n and_o confidence_n v._o that_o no_o delusion_n or_o false_a show_n can_v be_v here_o when_o it_o be_v ever_o see_v that_o such_o as_o be_v most_o serious_a and_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n and_o these_o hide_a retirement_n with_o god_n be_v the_o most_o flourish_a also_o in_o the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a lustre_n and_o appearance_n of_o any_o in_o their_o profession_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v such_o only_a who_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v most_o special_o discernible_a beyond_o other_o when_o these_o low_a spring_n of_o outward_a help_n and_o encouragement_n be_v most_o visible_o shut_v up_o qu._n iv_o be_v that_o great_a and_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o conscience_n over_o man_n such_o as_o may_v be_v as_o demonstrable_a to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v answ_n it_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o man_n be_v not_o strike_v with_o deep_a conviction_n hereon_o when_o they_o can_v but_o see_v i._o that_o though_o this_o be_v the_o great_a tormentor_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o possible_a retreat_n from_o its_o power_n though_o man_n shall_v flee_v to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o do_v it_o enforce_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o reflection_n on_o its_o self_n even_o when_o it_o tremble_v at_o that_o sight_n ii_o that_o it_o cause_v great_a fear_n and_o horror_n upon_o the_o commitment_n of_o secret_a sin_n when_o no_o dread_n of_o humane_a witness_n or_o of_o visible_a hazard_n this_o way_n can_v occasion_v it_o iii_o that_o it_o admit_v no_o violence_n in_o any_o to_o outdare_v the_o same_o but_o be_v a_o power_n that_o the_o great_a monarch_n find_v to_o be_v strong_a than_o they_o and_o be_v such_o that_o these_o oft_o be_v enforce_v for_o present_a ease_n and_o relief_n either_o to_o divert_v or_o bribe_v the_o same_o by_o some_o false_a ground_n of_o peace_n iv_o that_o it_o constrain_v man_n to_o justify_v god_n and_o judge_v themselves_o when_o his_o hand_n do_v pursue_v they_o and_o to_o find_v out_o their_o sin_n and_o guilt_n which_o be_v before_o hide_v v._o that_o it_o make_v man_n also_o afraid_a to_o be_v alone_o with_o themselves_o and_o to_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n because_o its_o light_n do_v torment_v they_o by_o that_o unavoidable_a application_n which_o conscience_n make_v hereof_o vi_o yea_o it_o make_v man_n guilt_n so_o legible_a oft_o in_o their_o countenance_n even_o when_o they_o study_v most_o to_o conceal_v it_o that_o all_o may_v see_v there_o be_v a_o accuser_n within_o who_o authority_n and_o power_n can_v possible_o be_v decline_v vii_o that_o with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o confidence_n and_o security_n it_o do_v support_v man_n spirit_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o sustain_v its_o great_a infirmity_n from_o without_o when_o it_o be_v a_o friend_n yea_o and_o uphold_v the_o oppress_v with_o unspeakable_a peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o it_o do_v oft_o cause_v the_o oppressor_n to_o tremble_v qu._n v._n but_o what_o do_v most_o necessary_o result_v from_o so_o clear_a a_o demonstration_n as_o the_o conscience_n be_v for_o confirm_v of_o our_o faith_n answ_n i._o that_o it_o be_v infallible_o thus_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a power_n and_o judgement_n to_o which_o all_o mankind_n be_v subject_v and_o give_v the_o world_n a_o unavoidable_a demonstration_n both_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o great_a and_o supernatural_a discovery_n which_o it_o make_v hereof_o ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a law_n also_o and_o invisible_a judge_n above_o we_o under_o who_o power_n and_o authority_n this_o court_n of_o justice_n do_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n both_o summon_v arrest_v bring_v in_o witness_n and_o sentence_n great_a and_o small_a iii_o that_o the_o internal_a government_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n this_o way_n both_o in_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o rebuke_n and_o most_o sensible_a enlargement_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n be_v unavoidable_o demonstrate_v iv_o that_o it_o bear_v so_o clear_a evidence_n to_o unknown_a and_o undoubted_a relief_n and_o none_o else_o can_v be_v ever_o find_v for_o these_o wound_n and_o sting_n of_o the_o conscience_n but_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n v._o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o delight_v free_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n when_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v disarm_v the_o conscience_n of_o that_o so_o intolerable_a a_o sting_n by_o which_o it_o begin_v so_o early_a a_o hell_n within_o the_o soul_n vi_o that_o such_o be_v the_o power_n and_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o can_v make_v it_o stand_v unbroken_v amid_o the_o great_a ruin_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n when_o under_o such_o a_o guard_n as_o that_o of_o its_o own_o innocency_n section_n v._n qu._n i._o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o that_o kingdom_n of_o light_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v up_o by_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o may_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o of_o faith_n answ_n this_o be_v of_o such_o special_a use_n both_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o awake_v such_o to_o deep_a reflection_n on_o the_o same_o with_o who_o there_o seem_v no_o hope_n to_o prevail_v but_o by_o proof_n from_o palpable_a experience_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n encompass_v the_o earth_n yea_o that_o they_o have_v a_o ordinary_a and_o familiar_a converse_n with_o many_o therein_o ii_o that_o these_o spirit_n though_o once_o original_o excellent_a have_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o apostasy_n as_o all_o may_v see_v their_o aim_n and_o only_a pleasure_n be_v to_o dishonour_n god_n and_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o man._n iii_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o deny_v the_o mark_n of_o that_o power_n and_o conquest_n which_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n have_v every_o where_n among_o
over_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n and_o ireland_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o rome_n fatal_a period_n be_v near_o but_o to_o look_v hereon_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o last_o attempt_n of_o that_o wound_a adversary_n which_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o issue_n to_o have_v the_o most_o immediate_a connexion_n with_o his_o great_a downfall_n and_o the_o revive_v glory_n of_o the_o church_n for_o strong_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n who_o judge_v she_o section_n iu._n qu._n what_o be_v special_o call_v for_o in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o as_o be_v accountable_a for_o so_o great_a a_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n ans_fw-fr if_o this_o be_v suitable_o take_v to_o heart_n we_o can_v not_o but_o reckon_v ourselves_o under_o the_o great_a excitement_n and_o call_v to_o such_o a_o improvement_n hereof_o i._o that_o we_o account_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o have_v a_o faith_n for_o quiet_v our_o own_o spirit_n but_o also_o to_o confirm_v other_o by_o put_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o his_o word_n and_o to_o sanctify_v he_o before_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o important_a a_o duty_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a even_o with_o a_o moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o one_o short-coming_a when_o he_o call_v for_o the_o same_o numb_a 20.12_o and_o it_o be_v sure_a in_o no_o time_n be_v such_o a_o special_a trust_n more_o repose_v thereon_o than_o in_o this_o age_n both_o as_o a_o public_a debt_n on_o the_o church_n and_o personal_a on_o each_o christian_a how_o to_o witness_v for_o the_o lord_n upon_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o for_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v by_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_n and_o testimony_n thereto_o ii_o to_o reckon_v ourselves_o also_o under_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a call_v this_o day_n each_o in_o their_o present_a capacity_n and_o station_n to_o appear_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o stem_v so_o visible_a and_o impetuous_a a_o tide_n as_o be_v now_o run_v of_o distrust_n and_o of_o a_o discreditable_a faintness_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v never_o be_v the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o remarkable_o hold_v under_o such_o a_o trial_n as_o that_o wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n numb_a 14._o or_o have_v a_o more_o evident_a resemblance_n thereto_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n as_o in_o this_o day_n if_o they_o be_v serious_o ponder_v as_o i._o how_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o a_o false_a and_o evil_a report_n be_v too_o visible_o raise_v upon_o the_o bless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o discourage_v and_o faint_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n as_o be_v then_o by_o the_o spy_n that_o there_o be_v insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o anakim_v and_o of_o their_o wall_a city_n and_o do_v thus_o oppose_v the_o credit_n of_o sense_n to_o all_o these_o assurance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o their_o faith_n ii_o that_o this_o high_o dishonourable_a cowardice_n and_o distrust_n do_v so_o seize_v on_o that_o people_n as_o be_v like_a to_o resolve_v in_o a_o visible_a revolt_n and_o to_o cry_v for_o a_o leader_n to_o go_v back_o to_o egypt_n again_o which_o among_o too_o many_o in_o this_o time_n may_v be_v just_o fear_v iii_o that_o this_o be_v after_o such_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n then_o who_o have_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a and_o outstretch_v hand_n so_o late_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o from_o the_o iron_n furnace_n in_o egypt_n as_o render_v their_o misbelief_n to_o be_v a_o guilt_n under_o such_o aggravation_n as_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v in_o that_o manner_n plead_v verse_n 22._o these_o ten_o time_n have_v they_o tempt_v i_o who_o have_v see_v my_o glory_n and_o my_o miracle_n which_o i_o do_v in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n iu._n but_o herein_o we_o hope_v and_o be_v confident_o sure_a of_o a_o bless_a disparity_n in_o this_o resemblance_n as_o to_o the_o numerousness_n of_o such_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o act_n something_o of_o that_o part_n which_o these_o heroic_a witness_n caleb_n and_o joshua_n do_v and_o be_v then_o put_v to_o stand_v alone_o therein_o who_o through_o grace_n shall_v yet_o appear_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o withstand_v so_o high_a a_o tide_n of_o fear_n discouragement_n and_o unbelief_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o thus_o to_o plead_v against_o the_o same_o as_o these_o do_v num._n 14.9_o if_o the_o lord_n delight_n in_o we_o then_o let_v we_o not_o rebel_v against_o he_o neither_o fear_v the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v in_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n v._o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o precedent_n of_o providence_n of_o so_o singular_a a_o respect_n as_o the_o lord_n do_v then_o testify_v to_o his_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n who_o be_v of_o another_o spirit_n in_o follow_v he_o full_o in_o that_o day_n a_o continue_a assurance_n for_o all_o who_o shall_v be_v help_v to_o any_o honourable_a appearance_n of_o this_o kind_n by_o make_v they_o see_v and_o inherit_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n yea_o that_o such_o a_o residue_n as_o outlive_v this_o great_a and_o amaze_a storm_n shall_v have_v something_o of_o that_o testimony_n to_o bear_v also_o which_o caleb_n give_v josh_n 14.8_o 10._o my_o brethren_n which_o go_v up_o with_o i_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n faint_v but_o i_o full_o follow_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o now_o behold_v the_o lord_n have_v keep_v i_o alive_a etc._n etc._n o_o bless_a they_o who_o soul_n be_v raise_v with_o that_o holy_a zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o this_o great_a breach_n by_o a_o resolute_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o witness_v to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o such_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n give_v thereto_o now_o call_v for_o iii_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a duty_n of_o this_o day_n we_o stand_v also_o accountable_a for_o how_o to_o stem_v this_o high_a and_o grow_a tide_n of_o prejudice_n and_o reproach_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o in_o some_o unusual_a way_n be_v now_o aloft_o and_o rage_a and_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o gain_v some_o more_o awful_a regard_n hereof_o on_o man_n conscience_n that_o they_o may_v see_v something_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o maintain_v its_o conquest_n as_o no_o way_n else_o can_v possible_o claim_v i._n which_o reckon_v none_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a professor_n hereof_o who_o embrace_v not_o the_o same_o upon_o evidence_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o worth_n nor_o do_v judge_n the_o interest_n of_o religion_n to_o go_v by_o number_n and_o poll_n where_o this_o be_v want_v but_o pursue_v that_o end_n to_o have_v man_n engage_v first_o to_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o therefore_o can_v admit_v no_o such_o method_n of_o any_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o humour_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n which_o its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v ii_o which_o in_o its_o course_n be_v ever_o regular_a and_o certain_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o unchangeable_a and_o eternal_a truth_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o will_n of_o man_n herein_o or_o any_o mutable_a revolution_n of_o the_o time_n iii_o which_o do_v with_o the_o great_a lustre_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o bright_a light_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n yea_o by_o the_o further_a plainness_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n towards_o all_o commend_v itself_o so_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v it_o espouse_v not_o man_n affection_n before_o it_o gain_v on_o their_o conscience_n and_o it_o have_v their_o judgement_n fix_v on_o a_o judicious_a trial_n before_o their_o resolution_n nor_o account_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n can_v ever_o subsist_v by_o a_o external_a show_n and_o profession_n without_o its_o know_a evidence_n and_o the_o efficacy_n thereof_o on_o man_n soul_n iv_o which_o sincere_o follow_v the_o catholic_n interest_n of_o christianity_n and_o public_a good_a of_o mankind_n in_o promote_a the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o the_o world_n may_v see_v its_o high_a intent_n be_v to_o exalt_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o advance_v the_o simplicity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o gospel_n administration_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v rule_n among_o man_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o near_o
and_o man_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o word_n and_o that_o the_o high_a trial_n and_o probation_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o which_o all_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o life_n do_v still_o meet_v may_v be_v resolve_v here_o if_o they_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o a_o absolute_a security_n to_o rely_v on_o yea_o or_o not_o and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n to_o have_v a_o absolute_a dependence_n of_o his_o whole_a work_n on_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v the_o alone_a centre_n of_o his_o people_n rest_n yet_o may_v nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o with_o most_o he_o bear_v that_o name_n of_o be_v their_o trust_n when_o the_o whole_a burden_n and_o weight_n thereof_o lie_v alone_o upon_o visible_a ground_n so_o that_o those_o bond_n and_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v himself_o give_v unto_o man_n do_v bâ—ar_v no_o more_o credit_n than_o they_o have_v some_o external_n surety_n of_o in_o the_o earth_n which_o they_o still_o look_v after_o to_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v good_a and_o responsible_a for_o the_o same_o which_o be_v the_o high_a indignity_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n 9_o he_o do_v much_o take_v to_o heart_n this_o present_a period_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o fluctuate_a suspense_n and_o halt_v of_o so_o many_o under_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v now_o one_o of_o the_o most_o dismal_a sign_n hereof_o and_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n will_v in_o a_o unusual_a way_n take_v this_o generation_n off_o from_o any_o implicit_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o and_o when_o that_o great_a roll_n of_o visible_a professor_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n may_v be_v ere_o long_o in_o that_o manner_n call_v as_o each_o must_v answer_v to_o his_o own_o name_n and_o be_v put_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o proof_n before_o the_o world_n when_o no_o temporal_a interest_n but_o internal_a motive_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n must_v bear_v one_o out_o yea_o that_o the_o most_o establish_a may_v ere_o long_o find_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o be_v keep_v from_o stagger_v and_o a_o few_o day_n come_v in_o the_o church_n way_n more_o remarkable_a for_o trial_n than_o have_v be_v in_o some_o age_n before_o carat_n ii_o a_o true_o confirm_v christian_n may_v be_v thus_o also_o state_v as_o one_o who_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n most_o deep_o take_v up_o about_o that_o rare_a plot_n of_o man_n redemption_n and_o to_o see_v these_o great_a and_o wonderful_a truth_n there_o not_o single_o and_o apart_o but_o in_o that_o harmony_n order_n and_o consent_v of_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o as_o they_o be_v link_v together_o in_o this_o marvellous_a frame_n so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o whole_a one_o entire_a piece_n and_o whereof_o no_o part_n do_v in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o another_o which_o he_o find_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o principal_a demonstration_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v for_o confirm_v his_o people_n faith_n and_o thus_o in_o another_o manner_n than_o former_o can_v he_o now_o entertain_v his_o soul_n herewith_o and_o have_v his_o joy_n unspeakable_o heighten_v 1._o to_o see_v at_o once_o the_o ruin_a state_n of_o fall_a man_n and_o what_o a_o floodgate_n of_o all_o evil_n be_v let_v loose_a on_o adam_n race_n not_o only_o moral_o in_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v penal_a in_o the_o woe_n and_o misery_n thereof_o yea_o such_o a_o state_n where_o all_o hope_n of_o relief_n be_v for_o ever_o cut_v off_o in_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o any_o create_a help_n and_o where_o the_o execution_n of_o a_o righteous_a sentence_n on_o man_n for_o the_o voluntary_a violation_n of_o a_o law_n just_a holy_a and_o good_a can_v be_v no_o impeachment_n in_o the_o least_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n but_o then_o therewith_o he_o do_v see_v such_o a_o relief_n bring_v to_o light_n as_o can_v not_o only_o answer_v the_o whole_a extent_n of_o this_o ruin_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n more_o eminent_o display_v therein_o than_o if_o the_o law_n have_v be_v obey_v or_o absolute_o execute_v in_o its_o penalty_n on_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n yea_o which_o make_v this_o more_o wonderful_a to_o see_v a_o high_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n unto_o man_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n than_o be_v to_o adam_n in_o his_o primitive_a state_n whereby_o innumerable_a christian_n be_v make_v to_o endure_v and_o prevail_v over_o strong_a assault_n than_o break_v he_o even_o in_o his_o integrity_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o marvellous_a that_o the_o great_a and_o infinite_a god_n only_o can_v find_v out_o and_o effect_v it_o 2._o he_o do_v now_o see_v how_o clear_a a_o consistence_n and_o harmony_n be_v here_o that_o he_o who_o have_v no_o sin_n by_o inhesion_n but_o be_v holy_a harmless_a and_o undefiled_a shall_v be_v under_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o sin_n by_o imputation_n and_o by_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o divine_a justicâ—_n be_v make_v liable_a to_o answer_v both_o the_o whole_a duty_n and_o full_a penalty_n of_o the_o law_n have_v as_o surety_n betwixt_o the_o creditor_n and_o debtor_n put_v himself_o in_o his_o people_n room_n to_o answer_v the_o full_a demand_n thereof_o both_o for_o debt_n and_o duty_n 3._o it_o be_v here_o he_o do_v see_v that_o bless_a consent_n and_o harmony_n betwixt_o the_o spotless_a justice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o marvellous_a grace_n so_o as_o his_o love_n be_v to_o the_o high_a glorify_v in_o that_o marvellous_a way_n which_o secure_v the_o full_a and_o complete_a satisfaction_n of_o his_o law_n and_o all_o the_o right_n of_o inviolable_a justice_n 4._o whilst_o he_o be_v thus_o dazzle_v with_o the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o light_n and_o put_v to_o inquire_v what_o such_o a_o mystery_n can_v mean_v he_o be_v then_o further_o lead_v on_o to_o see_v that_o rare_a plot_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n here_o within_o time_n to_o be_v the_o very_o duplicate_v and_o counterpart_n of_o that_o eternal_a transaction_n and_o stipulation_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o thus_o see_v whatever_o god_n have_v declare_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o former_a to_o his_o church_n be_v first_o promise_v and_o secure_v to_o our_o bless_a head_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n wherein_o as_o with_o a_o reverend_n and_o awful_a distance_n so_o with_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o light_n he_o be_v make_v to_o see_v here_o these_o reciprocal_a obligation_n betwixt_o they_o and_o mutual_a trust_n for_o make_v good_a the_o whole_a term_n thereof_o in_o the_o appoint_a time_n 5._o he_o do_v also_o clear_o see_v that_o rare_a order_n and_o harmony_n of_o time_n in_o these_o signal_n period_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o from_o its_o more_o dark_a discovery_n and_o dawn_v do_v still_o more_o glorious_o open_v its_o self_n to_o the_o church_n by_o a_o gradual_a light_n and_o unvail_v of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o course_n unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n yea_o he_o have_v his_o faith_n thus_o unspeakable_o confirm_v to_o see_v herewith_o the_o gospel_n church_n be_v still_o the_o same_o whither_o of_o jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o how_o that_o series_n and_o consent_n have_v yet_o never_o be_v break_v off_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o church_n call_v forth_o from_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n set_v apart_o as_o a_o peculiar_a people_n for_o the_o lord_n where_o none_o ever_o have_v right_o and_o privilege_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o but_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n 6._o it_o be_v in_o this_o union_n and_o harmony_n he_o see_v all_o the_o branch_n and_o part_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n most_o exact_o mere_a and_o terminate_v to_o advance_v both_o the_o great_a excellency_n and_o blessedness_n of_o man_n and_o assimilate_v he_o to_o the_o bless_a image_n of_o god_n yea_o how_o all_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n thereof_o do_v so_o entire_o conspire_v for_o this_o end_n as_o may_v constrain_v the_o woâ—ld_n to_o see_v and_o admire_v the_o glorious_a nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o he_o who_o law_n these_o be_v wherein_o he_o do_v so_o bright_o shine_v forth_o 7._o nor_o can_v he_o look_v serious_o herein_o and_o not_o see_v that_o sweet_a concord_n as_o a_o part_n of_o this_o harmony_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o promissory_a and_o mandatory_a part_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o the_o christian_n comfort_n be_v most_o full_o establish_v and_o no_o duty_n abolish_v but_o the_o very_a path-road_n to_o
the_o most_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o proper_a way_n to_o attain_v rest_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n must_v be_v ever_o by_o take_v on_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n 8._o yea_o to_o confirm_v this_o entire_a union_n and_o harmony_n more_o full_o he_o now_o see_v that_o exact_a and_o marvellous_a correspondence_n which_o be_v betwixt_o that_o first_o fundamental_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o event_n betwixt_o all_o the_o ancient_a figure_n and_o type_n of_o the_o levitical_a service_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n himself_o in_o which_o all_o these_o do_v meet_v as_o in_o their_o proper_a centre_n and_o now_o have_v their_o full_a end_n and_o accomplishment_n 9_o his_o confirmation_n thus_o grow_v to_o see_v that_o wonderful_a consent_n of_o christianity_n and_o native_a result_n hereof_o to_o put_v fall_v man_n in_o a_o due_a posture_n towards_o god_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n and_o towards_o himself_o so_o as_o he_o may_v know_v by_o faith_n and_o adoration_n how_o to_o enjoy_v god_n and_o his_o brother_n by_o love_n and_o thus_o by_o patience_n meekness_n and_o humility_n to_o possess_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o enjoy_v himself_o 10._o yea_o it_o be_v in_o this_o rare_a and_o wonderful_a frame_n he_o be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o no_o sight_n can_v be_v like_o this_o that_o exact_a correspondence_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o foundation_n and_o superstructure_n how_o the_o whole_a tract_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o one_o entire_a and_o complete_a mean_n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o restore_v fall_v man_n to_o the_o high_a blessedness_n how_o that_o excellent_a stream_n of_o sanctification_n do_v flow_v from_o that_o fountain_n head_n of_o a_o eternal_a decree_n which_o do_v still_o run_v under_o the_o ground_n until_o it_o break_v up_o at_o last_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o each_o christian_a by_o the_o effectual_a call_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o thus_o run_v down_o through_o time_n until_o it_o lose_v its_o self_n in_o that_o unconceivable_a deep_a of_o perfection_n and_o glory_n thus_o be_v it_o that_o each_o christian_n may_v attain_v some_o high_a degree_n of_o confirmation_n in_o his_o faith_n than_o most_o seem_v either_o to_o know_v or_o look_v after_o if_o he_o understand_v more_o how_o to_o improve_v this_o rare_a compare_v work_n of_o religion_n by_o set_v the_o great_a truth_n and_o principle_n thereof_o in_o their_o order_n and_o dependence_n so_o as_o each_o may_v be_v see_v in_o its_o necessary_a coherence_n with_o other_o and_o under_o its_o proper_a aspect_n but_o the_o more_o deep_a reflection_n and_o enquiry_n he_o have_v herein_o he_o be_v the_o more_o make_v to_o wonder_n and_o find_v this_o one_o of_o the_o great_a assault_n to_o his_o faith_n that_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o redemption_n by_o his_o blood_n shall_v have_v no_o great_a effect_n this_o day_n among_o man_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v not_o in_o some_o other_o manner_n awake_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o light_n and_o press_v after_o a_o large_a spread_n and_o diffusion_n of_o this_o high_a and_o universal_a good_a to_o poor_a mankind_n yea_o the_o more_o he_o consider_v this_o it_o do_v heighten_v his_o amazement_n to_o think_v how_o man_n design_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n and_o service_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v so_o low_a within_o time_n who_o design_n and_o hope_n in_o the_o close_a thereof_o be_v so_o high_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o enjoyment_n or_o take_v so_o little_a to_o heart_n that_o the_o whole_a day_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n amid_o the_o most_o dismal_a trial_n that_o may_v fall_v in_o therewith_o be_v a_o continue_a time_n wherein_o we_o be_v call_v to_o keep_v the_o feast_n and_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o celebrate_v the_o same_o as_o a_o perpetual_a jubilee_n of_o joy_n and_o exultation_n since_o christ_n our_o passover_n be_v sacrifice_v for_o we_o but_o oh_o how_o rare_a a_o thing_n seem_v this_o to_o be_v and_o how_o little_a of_o that_o flame_n and_o fervency_n of_o love_n to_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n be_v now_o kindle_v on_o his_o altar_n such_o as_o may_v be_v expect_v on_o such_o wonderful_a incitement_n thereto_o and_o which_o once_o be_v in_o the_o church_n carat_n iii_o though_o a_o confirm_a christian_n must_v be_v special_o state_v as_o such_o one_o who_o know_v the_o internal_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o seal_v work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o his_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o by_o word_n but_o thing_n of_o the_o high_a truth_n substance_n and_o reality_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o satisfy_v to_o know_v this_o by_o spiritual_a sense_n until_o he_o can_v see_v the_o same_o with_o the_o further_a evidence_n of_o light_n also_o to_o his_o mind_n and_o have_v no_o less_o a_o clear_a and_o judicious_a trial_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o experimental_a religion_n for_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n than_o to_o be_v sensible_o affect_v with_o the_o feel_a power_n thereof_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n why_o this_o be_v necessary_o requisite_a and_o call_v for_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o confirm_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v thus_o consider_v on_o some_o few_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n which_o must_v be_v experience_v within_o time_n be_v such_o sublime_a and_o wonderful_a mystery_n as_o may_v be_v just_a matter_n of_o astonishment_n and_o make_v man_n a_o wonder_n â—o_o themselves_o to_o think_v that_o these_o present_a pledge_n of_o so_o greaâ—_n a_o hope_n which_o be_v to_o come_v be_v no_o shadow_n no_o appearance_n of_o thing_n but_o most_o sure_a and_o undoubted_a reality_n and_o that_o such_o there_o be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n who_o know_v so_o near_o a_o converse_n with_o a_o invisible_a god_n and_o the_o supernatural_a truth_n of_o his_o word_n with_o the_o sensible_a feel_n of_o the_o inestimable_a love_n of_o christ_n by_o this_o demonstration_n of_o experience_n yea_o who_o in_o such_o dismal_a time_n do_v assure_o know_v what_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o a_o immediate_a fellowship_n with_o their_o bless_a â—â—ead_n be_v upon_o the_o great_a certainty_n of_o trial_n since_o these_o be_v so_o high_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n which_o exceed_v all_o natural_a understanding_n as_o the_o feel_a sweetness_n of_o their_o enjoyment_n shall_v not_o more_o deep_o take_v man_n up_o than_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o sureness_n of_o these_o principle_n whereon_o they_o build_v 2._o because_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o experimental_a religion_n shall_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v of_o high_a use_n for_o christian_n personal_a comfort_n and_o establishment_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n a_o special_a duty_n it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o credit_n of_o this_o great_a testimony_n and_o seal_v demonstrable_o clear_v with_o the_o further_a strength_n 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derision_n though_o man_n must_v either_o quit_v the_o whole_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o see_v this_o to_o be_v as_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o vital_a principle_n be_v to_o a_o live_v man._n 3._o yea_o it_o be_v sure_a herein_o that_o such_o as_o take_v religion_n to_o heart_n must_v needs_o look_v to_o be_v put_v to_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o its_o certainty_n and_o shall_v â—ost_o near_o concern_v themselves_o to_o know_v if_o they_o can_v abide_v as_o firm_o by_o their_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o by_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o do_v know_v as_o sure_o in_o themselves_o the_o operation_n and_o motion_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n as_o that_o they_o have_v be_v by_o nature_n and_o that_o here_o be_v no_o doubtful_a or_o abstract_a notion_n but_o which_o have_v have_v deep_a trial_n and_o reflection_n on_o they_o that_o they_o who_o dare_v to_o venture_v their_o
declarative_a glory_n be_v so_o high_o concern_v that_o a_o christian_n shall_v account_v the_o mean_a room_n herein_o one_o of_o the_o most_o desirable_a attainment_n within_o time_n yea_o it_o seem_v just_a matter_n of_o regret_n also_o that_o this_o come_v not_o under_o a_o more_o public_a care_n and_o notice_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n where_o religion_n have_v any_o true_a regard_n to_o have_v such_o solemn_a providence_n as_o occur_v in_o that_o time_n and_o place_n which_o may_v be_v call_v most_o instructive_a providence_n to_o the_o church_n and_o of_o a_o further_a reach_n and_o extent_n than_o any_o private_a use_n both_o search_v after_o and_o record_v as_o become_v so_o high_a a_o service_n to_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o one_o of_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o posterity_n in_o order_n to_o have_v they_o not_o only_o possess_v of_o a_o pure_a religion_n but_o of_o that_o seal_n also_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o the_o 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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 church_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o the_o darkness_n be_v such_o as_o no_o moon_n or_o star_n may_v for_o many_o day_n yet_o appear_v of_o any_o visible_a sign_n of_o hope_n yet_o be_v his_o soul_n thus_o at_o rest_n whilst_o he_o can_v see_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n clear_v on_o which_o he_o have_v more_o in_o trust_n than_o any_o adventure_n within_o time_n and_o do_v rejoice_v whatever_o miscarry_v there_o may_v be_v of_o inferior_a end_n that_o this_o great_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v secure_v herein_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n do_v shine_v forth_o in_o the_o most_o strange_a and_o amaze_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n whereat_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v when_o they_o do_v not_o wise_o consider_v the_o same_o 4._o he_o see_v now_o likewise_o so_o high_a a_o value_n which_o the_o lord_n put_v on_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n and_o that_o the_o great_a dispensation_n whereby_o he_o deal_v with_o 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 humane_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_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o and_o his_o church_n case_n be_v 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_a and_o he_o be_v thus_o herein_o more_o singular_o strengthen_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 may_v 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 faith_n be_v both_o seek_v and_o look_v after_o 5._o it_o be_v in_o this_o rare_a study_n he_o attain_v also_o the_o great_a confirmation_n to_o his_o faith_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v desire_v within_o time_n to_o see_v now_o when_o it_o be_v so_o near_a the_o close_a thereof_o and_o after_o all_o the_o revolution_n of_o time_n past_a how_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n have_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o strength_n still_o keep_v its_o way_n straight_o and_o fix_v amid_o all_o those_o dark_a cloud_n which_o have_v be_v to_o darken_v the_o same_o and_o be_v now_o go_v its_o course_n until_o it_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a day_n yea_o thus_o to_o see_v how_o signal_o this_o present_a age_n be_v hold_v upon_o that_o same_o appeal_n andd_v solemn_a testimony_n which_o joshua_n give_v josh_n 23.14_o that_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n speak_v concern_v you_o all_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v to_o you_o and_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v thereof_o and_o solomon_n do_v bear_v also_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n 1_o king_n 8.56_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v give_v rest_n unto_o his_o people_n israel_n according_a to_o all_o that_o he_o promise_v there_o have_v not_o fail_v one_o word_n of_o all_o his_o good_a promise_n which_o he_o promise_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n so_o be_v this_o now_o that_o great_a testimony_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o the_o high_a tribute_n of_o praise_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v give_v by_o man_n that_o this_o present_a generation_n stand_v accountable_a to_o make_v the_o same_o yea_o much_o great_a appeal_n to_o the_o world_n if_o they_o can_v instance_n one_o promise_v or_o prediction_n of_o that_o sacred_a record_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o fail_v or_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o may_v be_v this_o day_n read_v in_o the_o event_n and_o under_o those_o proper_a circumstance_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o take_v place_n in_o its_o proper_a season_n as_o evident_o as_o it_o be_v foretell_v and_o must_v still_o bear_v the_o same_o witness_n psal_n 18.30_o that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a and_o his_o word_n try_v on_o all_o the_o adventure_n of_o faith_n and_o trial_n which_o to_o this_o moment_n of_o time_n have_v be_v make_v hereof_o and_o of_o his_o be_v still_o a_o buckler_n to_o such_o as_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o be_v call_v to_o send_v this_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o the_o succeed_a age_n that_o it_o may_v never_o cease_v to_o shine_v or_o want_v a_o public_a witness_n thereto_o before_o angel_n and_o man_n until_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v finish_v in_o that_o magnificent_a close_n which_o shall_v be_v thereof_o at_o the_o second_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n carat_n v._o a_o confirm_a christian_a in_o this_o day_n shall_v 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 settlement_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 first_o place_n have_v in_o this_o manner_n hold_v himself_o upon_o such_o a_o trial_n 1._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 while_n 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 every_o man_n must_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n 3._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 of_o either_o way_n but_o that_o so_o high_a a_o contrariety_n of_o principle_n be_v in_o this_o opposition_n that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v sure_a antichristianism_n must_v be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n 4._o yea_o who_o have_v in_o that_o abstract_n manner_n seek_v to_o state_n the_o case_n herein_o with_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o be_v just_o come_v out_o of_o paganism_n to_o give_v a_o serious_a
assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v now_o press_v to_o join_v in_o with_o that_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v most_o exact_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o in_o the_o genuine_a and_o perspicuous_a sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o have_v seek_v to_o know_v how_o he_o can_v embrace_v the_o popish_a creed_n and_o adventure_v his_o eternal_a state_n thereon_o or_o how_o he_o can_v extinguish_v his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n will_v ever_o impose_v such_o a_o faith_n upon_o man_n as_o this_o be_v 1._o where_o he_o must_v abandon_v these_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n in_o the_o most_o necessary_a use_n thereof_o which_o god_n have_v himself_o plant_v in_o man_n soul_n so_o as_o not_o to_o trust_v his_o own_o eye_n but_o other_o in_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o eternal_a state_n and_o with_o his_o own_o consent_n be_v shut_v out_o from_o all_o proper_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o religion_n yea_o account_v a_o blind_a and_o unlimited_a obedience_n to_o man_n among_o the_o high_a excellency_n of_o faith_n 2._o where_o he_o must_v at_o once_o believe_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o only_o fit_v for_o that_o great_a end_n of_o bring_v mankind_n to_o god_n but_o for_o such_o a_o universal_a use_n herein_o as_o to_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a and_o cause_v the_o poor_a to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o believe_v also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mass_n of_o dead_a and_o unsense_v character_n until_o the_o romish_a clergy_n put_v a_o just_a sense_n thereon_o though_o its_o sense_n and_o meaning_n be_v the_o very_a soul_n thereof_o yea_o thus_o pass_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o same_o and_o all_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n from_o intrinsic_a evidence_n and_o these_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o its_o divinity_n whereby_o the_o christian_a cause_n can_v be_v maintain_v against_o pagan_n 3._o where_o he_o must_v believe_v also_o that_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n joh._n 7.17_o if_o any_o man_n do_v my_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v my_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o that_o man_n err_v through_o not_o know_v the_o scripture_n mat._n 22._o and_o yet_o believe_v all_o the_o while_n that_o these_o sacred_a fountain_n of_o light_n shall_v be_v shut_v up_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o error_n and_o that_o the_o sole_a right_n of_o understand_v the_o same_o belong_v to_o a_o few_o not_o to_o the_o multitude_n who_o yet_o can_v pretend_v no_o extraordinary_a assistance_n or_o revelation_n herein_o nor_o will_v themselves_o come_v to_o these_o water_n of_o jealousy_n to_o be_v try_v 4._o where_o he_o must_v needs_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o the_o church_n to_o give_v answer_n in_o every_o dark_a case_n rom._n 3.2_o the_o type_n and_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n rom._n 6.17_o unto_o who_o sentence_n in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n we_o be_v express_o refer_v isa_n 8.20_o and_o yet_o believe_v also_o that_o it_o have_v no_o authority_n or_o decisive_n voice_n but_o what_o be_v precarious_a and_o dependent_a on_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o thus_o consent_v to_o have_v the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n visible_o unhinged_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o subject_v to_o a_o supreme_a visible_a and_o pretend_v infallible_a judge_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n with_o such_o a_o claim_n of_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n dare_v never_o own_o but_o do_v full_o disclaim_v 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 5._o where_o he_o must_v believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v for_o this_o end_n to_o save_v lose_v man_n and_o by_o one_o offer_v have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v heb._n 10.18_o and_o yet_o join_v with_o the_o same_o a_o faith_n of_o a_o human_a satisfaction_n for_o sin_n so_o as_o man_n may_v both_o merit_n mediate_v and_o supertrogate_v go_v above_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o themselves_o and_o so_o be_v save_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n ascribe_v no_o more_o to_o christ_n than_o the_o give_a salvation_n to_o man_n own_o merit_n which_o their_o own_o intrinsic_a value_n and_o condignity_n do_v require_v as_o a_o debt_n 6._o he_o find_v not_o how_o in_o the_o same_o creed_n he_o can_v possible_o hold_v by_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n where_o a_o plurality_n for_o this_o end_n be_v admit_v and_o by_o the_o reality_n of_o christ_n human_a nature_n and_o his_o have_v a_o true_a and_o finite_a body_n which_o be_v subject_v to_o have_v a_o new_a create_v be_v each_o time_n in_o the_o consecrate_a host_n or_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o suffering_n as_o now_o full_o accomplish_v and_o to_o be_v repeat_v no_o more_o when_o it_o be_v in_o that_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n still_o offer_v as_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a so_o on_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n he_o can_v find_v how_o one_o hold_v these_o principle_n shall_v go_v a_o further_a length_n than_o morality_n or_o claim_v another_o stand_v than_o by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n 7._o nor_o know_v he_o how_o to_o believe_v at_o once_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n and_o infinite_a purity_n and_o yet_o join_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n such_o a_o indulgence_n for_o man_n to_o sin_n that_o money_n may_v stand_v for_o merit_n and_o the_o rich_a may_v have_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o large_a entry_n into_o heaven_n conceit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n for_o man_n to_o destroy_v themselves_o and_o by_o external_n severity_n and_o penance_n to_o the_o flesh_n like_a to_o the_o lance_a and_o gash_v of_o baal_n priest_n supply_v the_o room_n of_o christian_a mortification_n 8._o yea_o he_o find_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o believe_v that_o sin_n can_v only_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v his_o alone_a work_n who_o have_v purge_v our_o sin_n himself_o heb._n 1.3_o or_o that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o two_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o man_n a_o straight_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o a_o life_n and_o a_o broad_a unto_o destruction_n mat._n 7.14_o and_o yet_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o purgatory_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o man_n must_v be_v torment_v and_o suffer_v extreme_a pain_n to_o expiate_v such_o venial_a sin_n as_o their_o prayer_n and_o penance_n here_o can_v not_o do_v yea_o he_o be_v make_v to_o wonder_v how_o any_o who_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n can_v ever_o have_v true_a peace_n or_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n conclude_v that_o papist_n do_v either_o take_v it_o as_o a_o fiction_n or_o forget_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v cheerful_a for_o the_o fear_n of_o such_o a_o place_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o release_n and_o how_o long_o a_o term_n it_o may_v be_v ere_o this_o purge_v work_n be_v complete_a when_o their_o own_o writer_n assign_v no_o less_o time_n than_o 10000_o year_n as_o needful_a to_o satisfy_v for_o some_o sin_n and_o fear_v lest_o it_o prove_v a_o real_a hell_n must_v still_o be_v a_o pierce_a terror_n nor_o can_v he_o believe_v that_o such_o shall_v credit_v themselves_o herein_o who_o assume_v this_o power_n to_o change_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o dead_a since_o be_v it_o real_o believe_v that_o the_o key_n of_o such_o a_o prison_n be_v here_o in_o man_n hand_n and_o folk_n can_v by_o the_o large_a bribe_n to_o the_o romish_a church_n get_v a_o safe_a deliverance_n thence_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a to_o see_v the_o temporal_a state_n of_o christendom_n in_o a_o short_a time_n make_v over_o to_o these_o we_o shall_v judge_v they_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a manner_n indeed_o privilege_v above_o the_o whole_a residue_n of_o man_n who_o by_o such_o a_o power_n over_o the_o world_n to_o come_v can_v make_v so_o easy_a a_o purchase_n of_o this_o also_o which_o be_v present_a 9_o he_o find_v and_o be_v sure_a he_o can_v never_o get_v his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n bring_v to_o such_o a_o faith_n even_o though_o he_o make_v a_o feign_a profession_n herein_o of_o that_o pretend_a supremacy_n of_o peter_n as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n on_o which_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o structure_n of_o the_o papacy_n lean_v and_o the_o virtue_n of_o all_o the_o pardon_n and_o absolution_n found_v thereon_o on_o which_o so_o many_o have_v adventure_v into_o a_o other_o world_n except_o he_o will_v build_v on_o the_o sand_n only_o and_o not_o on_o the_o rock_n 10._o he_o find_v also_o how_o
duty_n or_o comfort_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o time_n yea_o nothing_o be_v in_o the_o least_o here_o to_o subject_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o man_n rational_a comprehension_n but_o rather_o tend_v to_o enervate_v whole_o the_o strength_n of_o any_o such_o tenet_n and_o take_v off_o all_o pretence_n for_o the_o same_o but_o it_o be_v sure_a also_o i_o must_v quit_v all_o solid_a security_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o any_o clear_a sound_n in_o the_o light_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o admit_v these_o thing_n as_o undeniable_a 1._o that_o supernatural_a faith_n be_v the_o most_o high_o rational_a light_n that_o be_v within_o time_n and_o that_o none_o who_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v of_o so_o low_a a_o size_n as_o shall_v not_o be_v press_v and_o excite_v to_o be_v much_o about_o this_o groundwork_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o profession_n upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n yea_o be_v thus_o call_v as_o new_o bear_v babe_n to_o drink_v in_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o pet._n 2._o which_o as_o it_o be_v clear_o in_o the_o original_a be_v the_o rational_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v thus_o receive_v no_o less_o on_o conviction_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o judgement_n than_o with_o the_o out_o go_v of_o their_o affection_n 2._o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o a_o true_a and_o firm_a assent_n can_v be_v to_o divine_a truth_n but_o on_o its_o know_a certainty_n so_o here_o be_v no_o resolve_v of_o the_o christian_n faith_n on_o the_o strong_a rational_a evidence_n hereof_o which_o must_v still_o be_v resolve_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n make_v clear_a and_o evident_a to_o they_o to_o be_v such_o 3._o it_o be_v sure_a also_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v so_o large_a a_o measure_n of_o these_o ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o truth_n with_o such_o redouble_a argument_n of_o that_o kind_n to_o be_v of_o so_o small_a regard_n as_o be_v with_o most_o but_o for_o some_o great_a and_o universal_a use_n hereof_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o know_v how_o needful_a such_o assistance_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n will_v be_v whilst_o they_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n 4._o that_o these_o mean_n which_o tend_v most_o convince_o to_o found_v a_o rational_a assurance_n in_o the_o judgement_n be_v the_o proper_a vehicle_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o his_o seal_a work_n shall_v be_v both_o seek_v and_o expect_v nor_o can_v i_o judge_v how_o the_o credit_n and_o use_v hereof_o shall_v be_v so_o small_a and_o not_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n quit_v any_o external_n ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o without_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v never_o profit_v nor_o how_o we_o shall_v expect_v and_o suit_v his_o confirm_v work_n on_o the_o soul_n when_o these_o great_a confirm_v mean_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n have_v no_o just_a weight_n but_o oh_o how_o wonderful_a a_o teacher_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o such_o ordinary_a mean_n fail_v and_o be_v inaccessible_a by_o furnish_v his_o people_n then_o with_o these_o strong_a argument_n of_o love_n and_o power_n who_o have_v have_v but_o small_a measure_n of_o light_n yet_o be_v not_o unfaithful_a to_o improve_v the_o small_a degree_n of_o such_o a_o talon_n 5._o yea_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o attain_v a_o solid_a faith_n of_o thing_n whole_o remote_a from_o our_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n and_o apprehension_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o have_v a_o absolute_a reliance_n on_o a_o invisible_a refuge_n for_o our_o present_a and_o eternal_a state_n as_o no_o common_a assent_n can_v answer_v when_o the_o very_a rest_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o lie_v in_o the_o sure_a and_o firm_a persuasion_n hereof_o 6._o it_o be_v too_o visible_a also_o how_o little_a the_o practical_a use_n of_o such_o a_o mean_a have_v yet_o be_v essay_v in_o the_o church_n thaâ—_n all_o who_o be_v member_n thereof_o may_v no_o less_o know_v the_o strength_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n than_o the_o general_n article_n of_o religion_n the_o most_o usual_a instruct_v work_n lie_v almost_o whole_o about_o the_o noetick_a part_n of_o divinity_n there_o seem_v not_o that_o serious_a regard_n to_o press_v the_o dianoetick_a part_n hereof_o on_o man_n conscience_n as_o if_o this_o be_v to_o be_v restrain_v to_o a_o few_o who_o be_v more_o know_v learned_a and_o of_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n about_o the_o rational_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o who_o these_o choice_n and_o abundant_a help_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v in_o this_o age_n seem_v more_o peculiar_o direct_v it_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o first-time_n do_v remarkable_o then_o spread_v and_o prevail_v by_o these_o clear_a evidence_n hereof_o to_o the_o judgement_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n more_o than_o by_o extraordinary_a miracle_n nor_o know_v they_o otherwise_o whaâ—_n lt_n be_v to_o be_v christian_n but_o by_o embrace_v the_o truth_n with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n no_o less_o than_o of_o delight_n and_o affection_n but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v it_o be_v not_o the_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 admit_a weight_n this_o can_v have_v except_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o christian_n now_o be_v bear_v and_o not_o new-created_a 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 end_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 humane_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 as_o do_v serious_o ponder_v thing_n will_v find_v this_o demonstration_n to_o be_v no_o more_o important_a than_o clear_a that_o to_o be_v a_o confirm_a christian_a and_o a_o confirm_a protestant_n be_v convertible_a term_n and_o that_o if_o they_o that_o be_v under_o that_o deplorable_a bondage_n and_o darkness_n of_o popery_n be_v but_o once_o awake_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o its_o intrinsic_a and_o objective_a evidence_n and_o take_v off_o that_o brutish_a credulity_n and_o dependence_n on_o the_o alone_a credit_n of_o other_o herein_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o strong_a engine_n to_o hold_v up_o that_o profession_n be_v then_o break_v and_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o such_o full_a and_o perspicuous_a evidence_n from_o the_o scripture_n as_o without_o blasphemy_n they_o can_v not_o seek_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v they_o a_o plain_a rule_n than_o what_o he_o have_v there_o give_v reader_n it_o be_v like_a thou_o may_v think_v strange_a how_o these_o few_o sheet_n in_o the_o close_a fall_n in_o here_o after_o the_o forego_n part_n be_v finish_v but_o the_o they_o meet_v in_o one_o design_n and_o interest_n yet_o be_v not_o this_o then_o intend_a until_o the_o former_a be_v do_v and_o if_o it_o may_v tend_v to_o a_o solid_a use_n and_o fruit_n unto_o any_o i_o shall_v forbear_v a_o further_a apology_n herein_o i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o subject_n have_v carry_v it_o some_o further_a length_n than_o be_v design_v when_o i_o so_o much_o seek_v to_o be_v short_a as_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o through_o my_o desire_n to_o avoid_v any_o unnecessary_a multiply_a of_o word_n i_o fear_v lest_o it_o may_v make_v some_o thing_n â—â—em_v a_o little_a dark_a at_o the_o first_o view_n though_o i_o hope_v not_o upon_o any_o serious_a perusal_n of_o the_o same_o two_o thing_n i_o must_v further_o crave_v leave_n to_o add_v 1._o that_o when_o some_o succinct_a view_n of_o the_o great_a assistance_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v here_o offer_v which_o these_o of_o the_o low_a capacity_n of_o the_o church_n may_v with_o that_o advantage_n improve_v as_o in_o a_o few_o hour_n by_o read_v it_o some_o time_n over_o may_v be_v so_o far_o impress_v on_o their_o mind_n and_o judgement_n that_o they_o can_v give_v some_o clear_a and_o judicious_a account_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v by_o such_o but_o serious_o weigh_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o use_n hereof_o be_v 2._o that_o i_o humble_o judge_v also_o it_o be_v a_o most_o special_a service_n for_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o day_n to_o have_v some_o short_a directory_n and_o remembrancer_n of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o monument_n of_o his_o providence_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o that_o manner_n hold_v forth_o as_o might_n most_o tend_v to_o some_o universal_a use_n of_o all_o within_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v my_o desire_n press_v i_o to_o some_o small_a essay_n herein_o with_o intent_n to_o have_v join_v it_o to_o this_o work_n but_o have_v with_o much_o conviction_n lay_v this_o whole_o aside_o as_o to_o any_o further_a appearance_n that_o way_n so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n that_o some_o more_o qualify_v may_v take_v to_o heart_n and_o under_o their_o hand_n so_o great_a a_o service_n both_o for_o their_o generation_n and_o posterity_n it_o be_v sure_a the_o lord_n have_v design_v his_o people_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n as_o well_o as_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o word_n and_o as_o no_o duty_n be_v more_o press_v than_o this_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o as_o to_o public_a and_o family_n instruction_n so_o be_v we_o no_o less_o accountable_a in_o these_o last_o time_n for_o this_o improvement_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o know_v public_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o care_n of_o each_o age_n to_o have_v that_o solemn_a remembrance_n kepâ—_n up_o hereof_o so_o as_o not_o a_o few_o but_o the_o very_a multitude_n within_o the_o church_n may_v be_v as_o a_o public_a library_n and_o repository_n of_o the_o same_o finis_fw-la