it_o may_v be_v ever_o see_v how_o with_o the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a here_o there_o be_v punishment_n of_o another_o kind_n dispense_v and_o more_o dreadful_a than_o any_o outward_a affliction_n such_o as_o judicial_a obstinacy_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n in_o opposition_n to_o god_n even_o when_o their_o own_o ruin_n be_v make_v visible_a to_o they_o herein_o vii_o how_o oft_o man_n be_v thus_o evident_o condemn_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n by_o some_o strange_a measure_n of_o temporal_a success_n and_o prosperity_n before_o some_o great_a fall_n and_o ruin_n as_o the_o issue_n hereof_o in_o the_o last_o sheen_n of_o providence_n do_v full_o attest_v viii_o that_o it_o be_v see_v also_o how_o sin_n do_v ever_o bring_v its_o own_o punishment_n therewith_o in_o some_o begin_a degree_n both_o of_o shame_n and_o torment_n and_o as_o seneca_n a_o heathen_a can_v say_v that_o wickedness_n be_v the_o most_o exquisite_a contriver_n of_o human_a misery_n so_o 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of_o a_o establish_a law_n and_o rule_v of_o commerce_n betwixt_o he_o and_o man_n here_o so_o as_o to_o know_v both_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o what_o to_o expect_v and_o hope_v from_o he_o ii_o that_o this_o also_o must_v be_v know_v and_o display_v its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o by_o such_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n as_o may_v render_v all_o inexcusable_a who_o give_v not_o entire_a credit_n thereto_o iii_o i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o clear_a and_o assure_v there_o be_v but_o one_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n then_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o fountain_n and_o repository_n of_o sacred_a light_n about_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o scripture_n and_o its_o be_v the_o alone_a public_a standard_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n iv_o that_o no_o way_n be_v ever_o make_v know_v to_o recover_v mankind_n from_o a_o state_n of_o bondage_n darkness_n and_o misery_n compatible_a with_o the_o very_a use_n of_o 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do_v infinite_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o human_a ability_n and_o invention_n or_o can_v ever_o have_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o god_n himself_o ii_o that_o it_o give_v forth_o such_o exquisite_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o man_n must_v needs_o see_v the_o holy_a nature_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n most_o bright_o shine_v forth_o therein_o iii_o which_o do_v discover_v so_o great_a and_o proper_a a_o relief_n for_o all_o these_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o do_v attend_v this_o fall_a estate_n of_o man_n as_o none_o but_o a_o all-sufficient_a god_n can_v only_o do_v iv_o that_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o bless_a record_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o have_v determine_v the_o change_n and_o revolution_n thereof_o when_o it_o be_v not_o more_o evident_a how_o these_o visible_a heaven_n be_v stretch_v forth_o over_o the_o earth_n then_o that_o this_o line_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v stretch_v over_o the_o whole_a 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all_o mankind_n thereto_o &_o on_o such_o a_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n or_o that_o any_o imposture_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 whole_a 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 to_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 the_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 there_o be_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o earth_n then_o that_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o alone_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o mankind_n qu._n vii_o how_o be_v the_o secure_a conveyance_n of_o the_o scripture_n demonstrable_a amid_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n past_a and_o that_o no_o possible_a access_n can_v be_v for_o its_o corruption_n answ_n i._o that_o its_o so_o undeniable_o the_o first_o rule_v which_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o mankind_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o alone_a public_a standard_n of_o truth_n that_o have_v endure_v the_o trial_n and_o inquiry_n of_o all_o time_n past_a so_o as_o no_o pretence_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o antiquity_n can_v yet_o ever_o be_v to_o the_o contrare_fw-la ii_o that_o so_o exact_a a_o harmony_n be_v betwixt_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o one_o be_v a_o visible_a transcript_n of_o the_o other_o in_o its_o accomplishment_n that_o i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a of_o such_o a_o venerable_a record_n as_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o its_o unalterable_a conveyance_n to_o the_o church_n to_o
and_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v because_o thou_o have_v judge_v tâ—us_o for_o they_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o thy_o saint_n and_o prophet_n and_o thou_o have_v give_v they_o blood_n to_o drink_v in_o great_a measure_n xv._o yea_o have_v we_o not_o see_v how_o four_o king_n of_o france_n successive_o be_v in_o less_o than_o 30._o year_n take_v away_o in_o the_o same_o continue_a pursuit_n how_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n there_o in_o who_o that_o whole_a race_n of_o the_o valois_n be_v thus_o extinct_a yea_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o death_n be_v most_o remarkable_a monument_n of_o divine_a judgement_n as_o the_o most_o famous_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n do_v attest_v xvi_o we_o have_v see_v what_o marvellous_a effect_n do_v follow_v these_o bloody_a year_n of_o queen_n mary_n reign_n in_o england_n to_o promote_v and_o commend_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n to_o man_n conscience_n there_o with_o so_o great_a a_o triumph_n it_o have_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o such_o choice_n and_o excellent_a witness_n for_o christ_n as_o have_v bring_v in_o more_o rent_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o bless_a head_n then_o may_v to_o the_o further_a compense_n all_o that_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n there_o though_o high_o precious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n xvii_o we_o have_v see_v likeways_o the_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n of_o late_a against_o the_o protestant_n in_o bohemia_n in_o a_o short_a time_n most_o observable_o return_v on_o the_o author_n thereof_o and_o how_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o god_n may_v be_v see_v in_o call_v forth_o the_o swede_n to_o avenge_v the_o same_o and_o in_o that_o desolate_v strike_v which_o follow_v on_o germany_n xviii_o we_o have_v see_v in_o these_o late_a time_n the_o issue_n of_o that_o horrid_a massacre_n on_o the_o protestant_n in_o ireland_n to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n in_o a_o very_a few_o year_n after_o of_o that_o barbarous_a party_n who_o have_v thus_o act_v herein_o xix_o we_o 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 extraordinare_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 as_o it_o be_v astonish_v and_o special_o demonstrative_a of_o the_o immediate_a power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o praise_v also_o for_o after_o age_n 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 human_a council_n or_o confidence_n xxii_o it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v in_o what_o remarkable_a degree_n these_o last_o vial_n of_o the_o holy_a judgement_n of_o god_n have_v take_v place_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o how_o conspicuous_a the_o event_n have_v be_v of_o that_o prophecy_n 2_o thessaly_n 2_o 8._o in_o these_o great_a effect_n and_o consumption_n thereof_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o assure_a pledge_n of_o the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o what_o remain_v herein_o xxiii_o and_o as_o every_o step_n of_o the_o church_n rise_v have_v be_v still_o advance_v in_o a_o continue_a conflict_n betwixt_o the_o truth_n and_o antichrist_n so_o have_v we_o still_o see_v when_o the_o assault_n and_o opposition_n have_v be_v great_a it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a tendancy_n to_o a_o great_a victory_n which_o be_v it_o right_o consider_v upon_o clear_a and_o solid_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n the_o most_o formidable_a appearence_n of_o trouble_n from_o this_o adversary_n shall_v with_o more_o comfort_n than_o fear_v this_o day_n be_v look_v on_o so_o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o near_a and_o most_o immediate_a event_n yet_o be_v it_o sure_a as_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a who_o word_n be_v pass_v hereon_o that_o whosoever_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v that_o interest_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v lose_v the_o day_n and_o find_v their_o cause_n desperate_a for_o the_o party_n with_o who_o they_o contend_v herein_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n against_o who_o no_o human_a power_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v these_o be_v but_o a_o few_o which_o be_v here_o mention_v of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o our_o god_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v still_o as_o present_v in_o our_o sight_n in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v and_o faint_v and_o here_o mention_v to_o lay_v no_o stress_n or_o weight_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o profession_n thereon_o but_o on_o the_o alone_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o they_o be_v such_o a_o undeniable_a seal_n for_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o of_o so_o know_v public_a and_o famous_a evidence_n as_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o consider_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n now_o then_o in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n thus_o appear_v herein_o section_n iii_o qu._n what_o present_a judgement_n be_v we_o call_v to_o have_v of_o this_o time_n upon_o clear_a and_o assure_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v under_o what_o aspect_n thereof_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v under_o when_o so_o great_a a_o crisis_n be_v this_o day_n as_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o very_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o its_o conflict_n whither_o as_o to_o life_n or_o death_n answ_n it_o be_v no_o present_a appearence_n of_o the_o time_n must_v direct_v our_o faith_n nor_o shall_v we_o either_o streath_v our_o fear_n or_o expectation_n of_o thing_n and_o event_n beyond_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n do_v warrant_n in_o his_o word_n but_o its_o clear_a if_o we_o credit_n the_o same_o and_o admit_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o hesitation_n or_o darkness_n as_o to_o what_o the_o lord_n be_v bring_v forth_o for_o his_o church_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o pretence_n to_o seek_v a_o other_o light_n either_o from_o the_o star_n above_o or_o the_o diviner_n of_o this_o time_n when_o so_o woeful_a a_o trade_n have_v get_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n will_v thus_o go_v to_o the_o god_n of_o ekron_n as_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o israel_n or_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o his_o write_a oracle_n to_o inquire_v at_o when_o its_o sure_a these_o lie_v open_a and_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sound_n speak_v to_o all_o who_o have_v a_o serious_a and_o unprejudged_a spirit_n i._o that_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v now_o pass_v and_o go_v through_o that_o most_o dismal_a and_o continue_a trial_n herein_o which_o be_v to_o go_v over_o her_o head_n under_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o height_n and_o whatever_o appearance_n he_o now_o have_v in_o great_a wrath_n yet_o be_v it_o sure_a and_o evident_a that_o the_o winter_n be_v past_a and_o the_o church_n spring_v begin_v and_o a_o few_o step_v further_a of_o that_o judgement_n which_o be_v now_o hasten_v on_o will_v at_o length_n end_v the_o quarrel_n so_o that_o by_o a_o near_a converse_n with_o the_o word_n we_o may_v clear_o see_v from_o what_o point_n the_o church_n course_n and_o motion_n this_o day_n lie_v and_o how_o exact_o it_o keep_v in_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o by_o that_o clear_a conduct_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o a_o full_a map_n of_o her_o whole_a course_n and_o passage_n through_o
only_o of_o practice_n but_o a_o native_a result_n of_o their_o tenet_n and_o principle_n and_o not_o only_o dispense_v with_o but_o count_v a_o high_o meritorious_a service_n yea_o when_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o under_o no_o secular_a government_n of_o the_o most_o tyrannical_a state_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o arbitrary_a violence_n and_o oppression_n be_v exerce_v or_o so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n shed_v as_o by_o this_o party_n 12._o and_o though_o his_o judgement_n stand_v indetermine_v and_o in_o a_o equal_a balance_n upon_o this_o great_a controversy_n he_o can_v not_o exerce_fw-la reason_n and_o not_o see_v upon_o what_o hand_n such_o a_o decision_n be_v as_o be_v in_o solomon_n time_n of_o the_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o child_n and_o who_o do_v most_o ruthful_o seek_v to_o interest_n themselves_o in_o the_o imminent_a hazard_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o under_o least_o influence_n of_o any_o temporal_a motive_n do_v this_o day_n stand_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o chistianity_n and_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v not_o destroy_v in_o envy_n and_o hatred_n to_o they_o or_o on_o what_o side_n it_o be_v likeways_o that_o this_o manner_n of_o conquest_n be_v most_o follow_v to_o gain_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o prevail_a evidence_n of_o their_o own_o light_n and_o judgement_n herein_o and_o to_o require_v their_o exact_a personal_a trial_n and_o inquiry_n about_o the_o same_o in_o the_o 3d_o place_n though_o he_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n of_o doctrinal_a waver_a about_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o find_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o comprehend_v how_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o age_n wherein_o the_o truth_n have_v so_o bright_o shine_v this_o way_n of_o popery_n shall_v have_v prevalence_n or_o gain_v ground_n any_o more_o by_o seduction_n from_o argument_n to_o the_o reason_n or_o conscience_n of_o any_o yet_o since_o it_o be_v a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o of_o faint_v above_o all_o that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o know_v and_o man_n eye_n arrest_v with_o such_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o time_n as_o be_v like_a to_o stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o most_o establish_a he_o be_v thus_o press_v as_o one_o of_o the_o high_a duty_n of_o this_o day_n to_o know_v and_o search_v out_o what_o may_v afford_v great_a assistance_n to_o his_o faith_n from_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n therein_o and_o to_o know_v the_o evidence_n and_o strength_n of_o such_o reslection_n as_o these_o be_v for_o this_o end_n 1._o that_o its_o sure_a as_o the_o small_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v afford_v to_o strengthen_v and_o support_v against_o such_o a_o storm_n shall_v be_v serious_o improven_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n so_o do_v it_o lay_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o promise_n for_o have_v great_a thing_n give_v to_o our_o observation_n yea_o that_o now_o be_v the_o time_n when_o such_o as_o have_v be_v most_o comfort_v by_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n may_v be_v put_v to_o the_o forest_n trial_n in_o their_o faith_n of_o any_o to_o keep_v off_o stumble_v at_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n and_o be_v thus_o try_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o these_o confirmation_n 2._o though_o the_o church_n declining_n under_o great_a measure_n of_o light_n may_v be_v too_o visible_a and_o that_o religion_n gain_v not_o by_o persecution_n as_o former_o with_o such_o a_o amaze_a change_n as_o be_v now_o in_o her_o external_a condition_n yet_o see_v it_o to_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n when_o most_o signal_n warning_n have_v go_v before_o of_o such_o a_o trial_n with_o too_o evident_a disposition_n towards_o the_o same_o and_o discovery_n of_o its_o approach_n in_o all_o the_o cause_n thereof_o yea_o may_v be_v forseen_v by_o all_o that_o the_o holy_a god_n will_v not_o still_o bear_v with_o a_o impure_a and_o uninliuned_a profession_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o glorious_a truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v now_o long_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o sad_a and_o mortal_a sign_n in_o the_o public_a state_n of_o religion_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v find_v that_o ever_o any_o church_n do_v decline_v and_o fall_v from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o lose_v ground_n herein_o by_o external_a persecution_n where_o a_o judicial_a departure_n of_o its_o life_n and_o power_n do_v not_o remarkable_o go_v before_o so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o of_o late_a this_o have_v be_v too_o clear_o presage_v that_o somâ—_n dark_a and_o unusual_a measure_n of_o trial_n from_o amichrist_n and_o that_o ultima_fw-la clades_fw-la of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v draw_v near_o which_o will_v be_v sore_o ere_fw-we it_o have_v do_v its_o work_n 3._o he_o see_v also_o how_o this_o present_a hour_n be_v not_o more_o search_v and_o dark_a than_o it_o may_v be_v clear_a herewith_o 1._o that_o now_o after_o the_o issue_n of_o that_o opposition_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o die_a apostate_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o next_o with_o the_o pagan_a impire_n after_o that_o new_a erection_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n among_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v now_o over_o so_o be_v the_o great_a trial_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n fix_v on_o the_o decision_n of_o that_o long_o depend_v controversy_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n 2._o that_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o as_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o egypt_n that_o glorious_a triumph_n and_o delivery_n of_o the_o church_n from_o antichrist_n will_v be_v surlie_n carry_v on_o so_o the_o more_o near_o it_o come_v to_o the_o last_o assault_n and_o when_o this_o fall_v in_o to_o have_v its_o proper_a room_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o administration_n of_o providence_n the_o great_a extremity_n terror_n and_o darkness_n may_v be_v expect_v also_o as_o have_v not_o be_v in_o any_o such_o manner_n former_o yea_o with_o that_o unite_v and_o formidable_a conjunction_n of_o strength_n and_o grow_a success_n of_o this_o adversary_n for_o a_o time_n as_o the_o most_o establish_a christian_n may_v be_v in_o hazard_n to_o stagger_v 3._o that_o now_o be_v the_o day_n wherein_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v man_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o bible_n as_o the_o alone_a security_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n on_o which_o they_o must_v entire_o rest_v no_o less_o than_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n and_o standard_n thereof_o which_o be_v a_o trial_n worthy_a of_o all_o that_o expense_n of_o the_o pain_n anguish_n and_o wrestle_n that_o can_v now_o possible_o attend_v the_o same_o 4._o whilst_o the_o great_a standard_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n be_v visible_o set_v up_o and_o bring_v to_o the_o open_a field_n as_o its_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o all_o human_a help_n take_v out_o of_o sight_n yet_o do_v he_o see_v herewith_o 1_o how_o this_o now_o be_v conclude_v as_o the_o most_o infallible_a remedy_n to_o recover_v popery_n and_o that_o argument_n to_o which_o they_o trust_v more_o than_o to_o peter_n key_n to_o wit_n these_o sanguinary_a law_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o rack_n which_o they_o have_v again_o betake_v themselves_o to_o though_o such_o a_o argument_n the_o scripture_n never_o know_v which_o sober_a heathen_n will_v abhor_v and_o give_v up_o the_o credit_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o atheism_n 2._o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o evidence_n of_o a_o desperate_a and_o sink_a cause_n then_o be_v here_o and_o how_o nothing_o else_o can_v support_v it_o but_o these_o weapon_n which_o be_v not_o against_o the_o conscience_n or_o by_o any_o terror_n of_o the_o 2d_o death_n but_o of_o the_o first_o 3._o that_o this_o be_v such_o a_o argument_n if_o they_o have_v not_o in_o a_o strange_a manner_n forget_v which_o have_v within_o these_o 100_o year_n be_v so_o full_o answer_v and_o by_o such_o a_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n that_o according_a to_o these_o measure_n of_o cruelty_n against_o the_o protestant_n there_o so_o be_v it_o return_v in_o a_o deludge_n of_o their_o own_o blood_n yea_o thus_o both_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o truth_n more_o deep_o root_v and_o though_o we_o yet_o see_v not_o the_o end_n of_o these_o wonder_n and_o the_o dark_a side_n only_o of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o such_o a_o day_n yet_o do_v we_o know_v this_o sore_a rod_n on_o the_o church_n be_v but_o as_o the_o see_v and_o axe_n in_o the_o carpenter_n hand_n who_o shall_v never_o undo_v that_o glorious_a work_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o be_v still_o further_o perfect_v on_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n 5._o though_o some_o unusual_a deep_n and_o method_n of_o subtlety_n be_v
the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o necessity_n and_o use_n brief_o hold_v forth_o that_o each_o christian_n may_v have_v a_o proper_a ballast_n of_o his_o own_o of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o thus_o see_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o security_n on_o which_o he_o adventure_n his_o eternal_a state_n or_o the_o true_a and_o infallible_a way_n for_o attain_v a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n from_o these_o primary_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v himself_o give_v so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v easy_a for_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n to_o know_v the_o same_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o account_n thereof_o to_o all_o that_o ask_v with_o a_o short_a and_o confirm_a prospect_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n about_o his_o church_n in_o these_o last_o time_n by_o r._n fleming_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n at_o rotterdam_n print_v by_o reinier_n leer_v m.dc.lxxxv_o the_o preface_n this_o small_a essay_n here_o offer_v be_v on_o the_o great_a subject_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v a_o study_n be_v never_o more_o press_o call_v for_o then_o in_o these_o day_n for_o man_n to_o be_v make_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o to_o have_v such_o a_o assurance_n of_o his_o truth_n as_o can_v full_o quiet_a and_o support_v the_o soul_n though_o all_o sensible_a prop_n shall_v be_v brocken_v and_o fail_v great_a change_n do_v sure_o hasten_v on_o this_o generation_n and_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o a_o other_o manner_n like_a to_o be_v put_v to_o trial_n then_o since_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o recovery_n from_o antichristian_a bondage_n the_o storm_n now_o visible_o grow_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o nothing_o be_v thus_o to_o faint_v or_o shake_v the_o spirit_n of_o any_o who_o know_v their_o anchor_n be_v sure_a and_o cast_v within_o the_o vail_n but_o the_o strong_a difficulty_n in_o follow_v the_o lord_n when_o overcome_v yield_v the_o great_a victory_n and_o will_v be_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o joy_n here_o but_o to_o all_o eternity_n in_o have_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_v endure_v and_o get_v well_o through_o a_o throng_n of_o temptation_n and_o assault_n in_o a_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o man_n think_v it_o their_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v their_o private_a interest_n by_o divide_v it_o in_o such_o a_o time_n from_o the_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o make_v light_a of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n now_o assault_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n yea_o of_o their_o own_o eternal_a state_n by_o any_o coolness_n or_o shrink_n from_o the_o same_o they_o will_v find_v no_o temporal_a motive_n can_v ever_o compense_v that_o loss_n and_o ruin_n which_o inevitable_o will_v meet_v such_o in_o the_o issue_n yea_o that_o these_o word_n of_o mordecai_n to_o esther_n esth_n 4_o 13_o 14._o have_v the_o same_o voice_n and_o weight_n in_o this_o day_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o follow_a work_n i_o may_v with_o humble_a confidence_n say_v be_v under_o some_o pressure_n to_o have_v such_o clear_a evidence_n and_o quiet_v persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o make_v it_o less_o easy_a to_o have_v my_o own_o spirit_n satisfy_v herein_o then_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v to_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o that_o bless_a assurance_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v i_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o can_v be_v comfort_v or_o make_v a_o rational_a be_v desirable_a some_o singular_a ingadgment_n i_o judge_v myself_o also_o to_o stand_v under_o for_o put_v to_o my_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n from_o many_o signal_n confirmation_n hereof_o in_o the_o course_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n if_o such_o a_o poor_a testimony_n may_v be_v of_o any_o weight_n let_v the_o bless_a lord_n gracious_o accept_v this_o small_a offering_n to_o he_o and_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o truth_n by_o so_o mean_v a_o instrument_n and_o give_v some_o fruit_n hereof_o that_o may_v abide_v and_o be_v find_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n may_v find_v by_o a_o perusal_n of_o the_o i._o chap._n of_o what_o serious_a use_n and_o intent_n the_o ii_o be_v yea_o that_o in_o this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o incongruous_a to_o the_o forego_v subject_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o iii_o chapter_n but_o oh_o it_o be_v sad_a and_o amaze_a to_o think_v how_o few_o be_v under_o that_o weight_n of_o religion_n as_o once_o to_o have_v a_o serious_a inquiry_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n thereof_o and_o to_o account_v the_o most_o special_a assistance_n to_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o great_a helper_n of_o their_o joy_n within_o time_n the_o true_a and_o infallible_a way_n for_o attain_v a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n etc._n etc._n chapter_n i._o the_o primitive_a confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v in_o its_o continue_a necessity_n and_o use_n to_o this_o day_n in_o a_o few_o position_n that_o nothing_o can_v have_v a_o more_o sad_a and_o threaten_a aspect_n on_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n posit_n i_o then_o that_o utter_a estrangment_n most_o be_v under_o to_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o those_o foundamental_a difference_n betwixt_o christianity_n &_o every_o false_a way_n which_o no_o pretend_v religion_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o position_n be_v these_o i._o that_o it_o be_v too_o visible_o manifest_a how_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n know_v so_o little_a of_o their_o own_o profession_n be_v it_o of_o any_o human_a art_n or_o science_n as_o such_o who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n or_o be_v so_o general_o stranger_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o for_o maintain_v either_o a_o due_a valuation_n or_o powerful_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o on_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o a_o implicit_a and_o traditional_a profession_n be_v the_o only_a part_n and_o propriety_n which_o most_o can_v claim_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v ii_o that_o so_o rare_a also_o be_v any_o such_o serious_a work_n amongh_v man_n as_o a_o personal_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o experimental_a and_o soul_n quicken_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o expense_n of_o the_o most_o dismal_a and_o afflict_a time_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o temporal_a revenue_n lie_v thereto_o as_o peace_n with_o god_n a_o immediate_a communion_n with_o he_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o h._n ghost_n when_o under_o such_o pressour_n of_o trouble_n as_o be_v above_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n iii_o that_o the_o further_a account_n why_o most_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o other_o form_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o custom_n and_o education_n that_o it_o do_v bespeak_v they_o from_o their_o birth_n and_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n yea_o become_v in_o that_o manner_n natural_a to_o they_o as_o the_o custom_n and_o language_n of_o their_o country_n which_o be_v ground_n that_o shall_v determine_v to_o the_o very_a opposite_a profession_n if_o they_o be_v state_v under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o have_v the_o same_o motive_n to_o be_v mahumetan_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o can_v found_v no_o other_o assent_n then_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o strength_n thereof_o iu._n that_o thus_o it_o can_v be_v under_o debate_n how_o the_o most_o numerous_a part_n of_o visible_a professor_n be_v so_o destitute_a of_o any_o defence_n from_o internal_a motive_n and_o solid_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n as_o there_o be_v never_o more_o cause_n to_o fear_v some_o unusual_a apostasy_n from_o the_o very_a visible_a profession_n of_o christ_n upon_o any_o violent_a trial_n and_o assault_v this_o way_n when_o such_o find_v it_o more_o easy_a to_o render_v up_o their_o religion_n then_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o same_o under_z strongh_v temptation_n who_o yet_o never_o know_v that_o substance_n advantage_n or_o certainty_n herein_o as_o can_v preponderate_v with_o the_o want_n of_o all_o external_a motive_n for_o such_o a_o profession_n that_o thus_o one_o of_o the_o high_a service_n of_o these_o time_n posit_n two_o for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v convince_o lie_v here_o to_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o firm_a certainty_n of_o the_o
of_o this_o kind_n may_v tend_v more_o to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o day_n i_o shall_v but_o add_v this_o further_a on_o the_o present_a subject_n posit_n vii_o that_o as_o there_o be_v some_o more_o signal_n period_n of_o time_n to_o which_o a_o great_a brightness_n and_o increase_n of_o light_n have_v respect_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o do_v there_o now_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o remarkable_a call_n and_o excitment_n to_o such_o a_o confirm_a work_n in_o this_o day_n about_o the_o christian_a faith_n when_o we_o may_v hope_v that_o a_o more_o solemn_a and_o restore_a time_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v on_o a_o near_a approach_n though_o all_o sensible_a evidence_n will_v seem_v to_o control_v this_o and_o may_v be_v now_o more_o look_v after_o then_o prepare_v for_o under_o any_o suitable_a impression_n of_o these_o ground_n for_o the_o same_o i._o that_o the_o promise_a time_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v assure_o 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more_o clear_a and_o convince_a prospect_n of_o the_o high_a rational_a demonstration_n of_o christianity_n as_o may_v through_o the_o lord_n gracious_a concurrence_n bring_v man_n once_o to_o a_o inquisitive_a and_o serious_a spirit_n about_o the_o same_o oh_o that_o such_o may_v be_v thus_o raise_v up_o in_o this_o dismal_a hour_n with_o something_o of_o that_o ancient_a spirit_n to_o travel_v with_o desire_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o of_o bless_a nehemiah_n these_o be_v indeed_o come_v to_o seek_v the_o welfare_n of_o their_o people_n in_o their_o great_a interest_n iii_o and_o this_o far_a excitment_n we_o be_v now_o under_o for_o this_o end_n in_o a_o time_n when_o popery_n seem_v to_o be_v upon_o one_o of_o its_o last_o and_o great_a assault_n against_o the_o church_n since_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a what_o ever_o tend_v to_o confirm_v man_n in_o christianity_n from_o their_o own_o trial_n and_o inquiry_n upon_o the_o confirm_a evidence_n thereof_o must_v have_v the_o same_o native_a result_n to_o make_v such_o confirm_a protestant_n yea_o nothing_o be_v more_o demonstrable_a than_o that_o the_o method_n and_o ground_n that_o be_v take_v both_o to_o engage_v and_o fix_v man_n in_o the_o popish_a profession_n have_v the_o same_o rational_a tendency_n to_o promote_v atheism_n and_o to_o give_v infidel_n the_o great_a advantage_n to_o reject_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n chapter_n ii_o the_o confirm_a work_n of_o religion_n reduce_v to_o practical_a use_n in_o some_o clear_a view_n of_o these_o primary_n ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o none_o shall_v pretend_v ignorance_n of_o who_o enter_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n upon_o choice_n and_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n section_n i._n qu._n i._n what_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n can_v you_o give_v for_o so_o great_a a_o faith_n of_o the_o glorious_a be_v of_o god_n when_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o humane_a sense_n 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see_v as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a soul_n in_o a_o live_a body_n iii_o that_o this_o harmony_n be_v among_o thingh_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o contrare_fw-la and_o destructive_a to_o other_o for_o to_o hold_v this_o wonderful_a frame_n as_o all_o must_v abandon_v reason_n or_o see_v a_o infinite_o wise_a conduct_n herein_o and_o no_o need_n of_o extraordinary_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v what_o the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o nature_n do_v witness_v iv_o that_o this_o rare_a frame_n of_o man_n can_v never_o have_v come_v in_o be_v but_o by_o he_o who_o can_v unite_v such_o different_a substance_n as_o a_o material_a body_n and_o a_o immaterial_a soul_n in_o so_o near_o and_o marvellous_a a_o union_n v._o that_o such_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n be_v in_o all_o age_n thereto_o as_o show_v religion_n to_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o as_o essential_a to_o his_o be_v as_o his_o reason_n be_v yea_o how_o the_o ultimate_a difference_n of_o man_n from_o the_o beast_n and_o most_o essential_a property_n of_o human_a nature_n lie_v here_o vi_o that_o though_o every_o one_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o what_o torment_v he_o yet_o be_v it_o never_o possible_a for_o a_o atheist_n to_o free_v himself_o from_o that_o unavoidable_a sense_n and_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n nor_o in_o a_o world_n so_o much_o lose_v in_o wickedness_n can_v ever_o extinguish_v the_o awe_n of_o religion_n or_o make_v any_o rational_a opposition_n to_o this_o great_a article_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o mankind_n vii_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o thing_n here_o be_v so_o great_a as_o without_o shut_v out_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o see_v how_o nothing_o possible_o can_v have_v be_v better_o and_o that_o any_o want_n hereof_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o universe_n will_v be_v as_o the_o dislocation_n of_o a_o joint_n of_o the_o body_n and_o be_v not_o conceivable_a to_o be_v otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n appoint_v viii_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a that_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o shall_v not_o exist_v or_o that_o this_o universe_n which_o be_v a_o work_n so_o high_o become_v the_o greatness_n of_o its_o maker_n can_v possible_o subsist_v for_o one_o hour_n or_o minute_n of_o time_n without_o a_o supreme_a independent_a power_n and_o be_v on_o which_o all_o visible_a being_n have_v their_o dependence_n since_o they_o can_v depend_v upon_o nothing_o ix_o that_o such_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o faith_n also_o of_o a_o godhead_n as_o without_o this_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n can_v not_o moral_o subsist_v or_o any_o possible_a order_n subjection_n piety_n and_o justice_n be_v to_o support_v human_a society_n but_o as_o bradwardine_n say_v o_o quam_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la hunc_fw-la esse_fw-la quem_fw-la impossibile_fw-it est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la o_o that_o man_n can_v but_o see_v these_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n on_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o profetick_a light_n and_o discovery_n as_o have_v be_v oft_o give_v of_o future_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o undeniable_a truth_n of_o miracle_n so_o as_o such_o a_o prodigy_n as_o a_o profess_a atheist_n can_v have_v no_o claim_n to_o human_a race_n as_o a_o rational_a be_v more_o than_o the_o great_a monster_n in_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o true_a man_n qu._n ii_o what_o do_v witness_v the_o world_n not_o be_v eternal_a and_o its_o first_o original_a and_o beginning_n from_o god_n to_o confirm_v your_o faith_n herein_o by_o the_o further_a rational_a demonstration_n ans_fw-fr i._o that_o as_o a_o eternity_n be_v only_o communicable_a to_o the_o first_o cause_n so_o that_o which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o corruptible_a &_o perish_a thing_n as_o this_o visible_a world_n can_v possible_o
we_o profess_v since_o this_o only_o be_v found_v on_o that_o sacred_a revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o infallible_a rule_n to_o discern_v true_a miracle_n and_o what_o be_v god_n seal_n herein_o under_o the_o undoubted_a signature_n and_o stamp_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o work_n in_o the_o same_o yet_o have_v there_o be_v such_o incontrollable_a evidence_n of_o extraordinare_a sign_n and_o confirmation_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n since_o the_o reformation_n as_o in_o no_o age_n past_a be_v ever_o know_v but_o with_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n section_n iu._n qu._n i._o be_v it_o clear_a and_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o soul_n quicken_a and_o experimental_a religion_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o in_o its_o most_o supernatural_a truth_n of_o such_o rational_a certitude_n and_o evidence_n as_o the_o world_n can_v no_o more_o deny_v or_o question_v the_o same_o than_o these_o experiment_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v of_o most_o universal_a use_n answ_n though_o man_n look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n here_o or_o be_v come_v from_o heathnism_n so_o for_o as_o to_o make_v a_o serious_a trial_n of_o christianity_n its_o sure_a they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o judgement_n hereof_o on_o these_o ground_n i._o that_o such_o a_o discovery_n be_v undoubted_a and_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n of_o so_o great_a thing_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o working_n on_o man_n soul_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o presence_n which_o all_o who_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v call_v to_o know_v and_o prove_v on_o their_o owned_a trial_n ii_o that_o this_o witness_n of_o christian_a experience_n have_v as_o discernible_a a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n there_o with_o as_o face_n answer_v to_o face_n in_o the_o glass_n and_o be_v clear_a to_o 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dream_n or_o imaginary_a thing_n then_o most_o now_o do_v until_o they_o know_v they_o on_o their_o soul_n v._o that_o such_o also_o have_v be_v the_o most_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o innumerable_a in_o all_o age_n who_o declare_v the_o same_o yea_o this_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o entrance_n to_o one_fw-mi eternal_a state_n when_o no_o outward_a interest_n can_v sway_v they_o here_o vi_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a assurance_n which_o have_v then_o press_v the_o most_o tender_a parent_n with_o their_o last_o and_o die_a breath_n to_o commend_v the_o same_o trial_n to_o their_o child_n and_o to_o obtest_v their_o make_n earnest_a herein_o as_o the_o great_a interest_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o vii_o that_o what_o ever_o difference_n be_v oft_o among_o these_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n yet_o in_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o great_a trial_n of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n be_v one_fw-mi harmonious_a onenes_n in_o the_o same_o testimony_n in_o all_o time_n of_o the_o church_n viii_o that_o if_o any_o question_n this_o because_o so_o remote_a from_o man_n sense_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o carnal_a reason_n the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n do_v unanswerable_o prove_v both_o the_o reality_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o cause_n qu._n ii_o what_o clear_a and_o rational_a conviction_n can_v you_o offer_v of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o conversion_n of_o man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o new_a state_n by_o grace_n which_o do_v raise_v they_o as_o far_o above_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n as_o reason_n do_v above_o the_o state_n of_o the_o beast_n answ_n though_o i_o shall_v strive_v against_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o a_o miracle_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o conversion_n be_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o deny_v such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n as_o the_o world_n can_v but_o see_v hereof_o i._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v essential_o requisite_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o the_o whole_a consent_n of_o the_o scripture_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v never_o yet_o one_fw-mi argument_n in_o nature_n for_o one_o being_n a_o christian_a in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n thereof_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v for_o a_o naked_a form_n or_o show_v iii_o that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o few_o but_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o all_o time_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n &_o condition_n of_o man_n on_o who_o so_o great_a a_o change_n and_o difference_n have_v be_v make_v thus_o evident_a both_o from_o themselves_o what_o once_o they_o be_v and_o from_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n iv_o that_o this_o have_v be_v not_o only_o upon_o such_o as_o have_v be_v signal_o impious_a in_o their_o practice_n but_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v wont_a to_o deread_v holiness_n as_o a_o fancy_n so_o as_o atheist_n must_v grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v as_o profess_a atheist_n sometime_o as_o themselves_o who_o have_v be_v make_v such_o conspicuous_a monument_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o none_o can_v object_v here_o as_o once_o the_o jew_n do_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o such_o as_o the_o world_n count_v most_o wise_a and_o know_v stand_v witness_n to_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v so_o know_v there_o have_v not_o be_v more_o wise_a learned_a and_o judicious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o reason_n upon_o the_o earth_n than_o such_o as_o have_v be_v eminent_a example_n of_o the_o power_n of_o conversion_n vi_o that_o its_o marvellous_a effect_n in_o subdue_a man_n to_o what_o once_o be_v there_o predominant_a interest_n and_o idol_n and_o to_o part_v from_o what_o have_v be_v as_o their_o right_a eye_n or_o hand_n can_v only_o be_v from_o one_fw-mi immediate_a divine_a power_n vii_o that_o such_o as_o be_v great_a adversary_n to_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v make_v no_o less_o eminent_a instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o choice_n vessel_n of_o honour_n then_o once_o they_o be_v in_o their_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n viii_o that_o this_o change_n have_v be_v so_o discernible_a in_o time_n of_o most_o visible_a persecution_n and_o hazard_n when_o no_o outward_a advantage_n or_o gain_v can_v have_v the_o least_o influence_n thereon_o now_o as_o these_o be_v demonstrable_o clear_a so_o can_v there_o be_v no_o possible_a access_n to_o question_v this_o i._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o so_o great_a a_o discovery_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o a_o power_n above_o nature_n which_o accompany_v the_o same_o in_o such_o a_o change_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v sure_o contrary_a state_n in_o one_fw-mi other_o world_n when_o they_o be_v so_o undeniable_o manifest_v here_o qu._n iii_o but_o can_v so_o great_a one_fw-mi experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o upon_o earth_n be_v make_v rational_o convince_v to_o such_o as_o be_v themselves_o stranger_a thereto_o and_o for_o a_o further_o confirm_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n answ_n though_o this_o be_v one_fw-mi experiment_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o a_o more_o transcendent_a interest_n and_o value_n then_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o nature_n yet_o be_v it_o no_o less_o evident_a there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a delusion_n herein_o if_o i._o to_o which_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n bear_v testimony_n and_o have_v transmit_v the_o same_o as_o that_o which_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o they_o have_v prove_v but_o in_o the_o continue_a trial_n of_o their_o life_n ii_o that_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n how_o such_o as_o testify_v what_o they_o do_v and_o have_v so_o oft_o find_v in_o the_o retirement_n of_o their_o
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 how_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a such_o must_v know_v one_fw-mi other_o acquaintance_n and_o society_n then_o that_o of_o man_n that_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 then_o follow_v any_o humane_a witness_n but_o thus_o make_v so_o visible_a a_o change_n oft_o both_o in_o their_o case_n and_o countenance_n after_o most_o sad_a anguish_n and_o dounecasting_n 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 how_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 its_o 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 how_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 they_o shall_v flee_v to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o do_v thus_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 which_o cause_v such_o 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 ever_o occasion_v this_o iii_o which_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 as_o these_o oft_o be_v enforce_v for_o a_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 which_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 the_o conscience_n make_v hereof_o vi_o yea_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 as_o all_o may_v see_v there_o be_v one_fw-mi accuser_n within_o who_o authority_n and_o power_n can_v possible_o be_v decline_v vii_o which_o with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o confidence_n and_o security_n 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 thus_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 be_v infallible_o thus_o clear_a how_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 &_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 &_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o great_a &_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 &_o infallible_a law_n also_o &_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 avoidable_o demonstrat_fw-la iv_o that_o it_o bear_v so_o clear_a evidence_n to_o that_o unknowen_a and_o undoubted_a relief_n and_o how_o none_o else_o can_v be_v ever_o find_v to_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 it_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_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 since_o this_o be_v of_o such_o special_a use_n both_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_n 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 access_n to_o deal_v but_o by_o proof_n from_o palpable_a experience_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o devil_n and_o these_o wicked_a spirit_n encompass_v the_o earth_n yea_o that_o have_v one_fw-mi ordinar_fw-mi and_z 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 one_fw-mi 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 man_n yea_o how_o visible_o many_o be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n into_o such_o prodigious_a and_o desperate_a act_n of_o wickedness_n as_o we_o shall_v think_v humane_a nature_n can_v not_o but_o tremble_v at_o iv_o that_o none_o can_v control_v the_o certainty_n both_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o apparition_n and_o bodily_a possession_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o can_v need_v no_o demonstration_n for_o this_o that_o in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o devil_n be_v both_o visible_o and_o audible_o know_v v._o that_o he_o be_v so_o manifest_a in_o his_o appearance_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o blasphemy_n which_o impetuous_o act_v man_n to_o war_n against_o heaven_n with_o their_o tongue_n in_o such_o oath_n and_o curse_v as_o have_v no_o casual_a pleasure_n or_o gain_v herein_o yea_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n in_o so_o visible_a one_fw-mi excitement_n of_o other_o to_o these_o extravagancy_n under_o a_o show_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v incompatible_a with_o any_o use_n of_o judgement_n or_o reason_n vi_o that_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o humane_a race_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v in_o a_o formal_a and_o express_v covenant_n with_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v undeniable_a upon_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n herein_o qu._n ii_o what_o special_a
of_o his_o word_n and_o to_o sanctify_v he_o before_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o important_a a_o duty_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a even_o with_o a_o moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o one_o short-coming_a when_o he_o call_v for_o the_o same_o numb_a 20_o 12._o and_o its_o sure_a in_o no_o time_n be_v such_o a_o special_a trust_n more_o repose_v thereon_o then_o in_o this_o age_n both_o as_o a_o public_a debt_n on_o the_o church_n &_o personal_a on_o each_o christian_a how_o to_o witness_v for_o the_o lord_n upon_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o for_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v by_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_v and_o testimony_n thereto_o ii_o to_o reckon_v ourselves_o also_o under_o some_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la call_v this_o day_n each_o in_o their_o present_a capacity_n and_o station_n how_o to_o appear_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o stem_v so_o visible_a and_o impetuous_a a_o tide_n as_o be_v now_o run_v of_o distrust_v and_o of_o a_o discreditable_a faint_a for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v never_o be_v the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o remarkable_o sist_v under_o such_o a_o trial_n as_o that_o wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n numb_a 14._o or_o have_v a_o more_o evident_a resemblance_n thereto_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n as_o in_o this_o day_n if_o they_o be_v serious_o ponder_v as_o i_o how_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o a_o false_a &_o evil_a report_n be_v too_o visible_o raise_v upon_o the_o bless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o discourage_v and_o faint_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n as_o be_v then_o by_o the_o spy_n that_o there_o be_v insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o anakim_v and_o of_o their_o wall_a city_n and_o do_v thus_o oppose_v the_o credit_n of_o sense_n to_o all_o these_o assurance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o their_o faith_n ii_o that_o this_o high_o dishonourable_a faint_a and_o distrust_n do_v so_o seize_v on_o that_o people_n as_o be_v like_a to_o resolve_v in_o a_o visible_a revolt_n and_o to_o cry_v for_o a_o leader_n to_o go_v back_o to_o egypt_n again_o which_o among_o too_o many_o in_o this_o time_n may_v be_v just_o fear_v iii_o that_o this_o be_v after_o such_o extraordinare_a confirmation_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n then_o who_o have_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a and_o outstretch_a hand_n so_o lat_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o from_o the_o iron_n furnace_n in_o egypt_n as_o render_v their_o misbelief_n to_o be_v a_o guilt_n under_o such_o aggravation_n as_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v in_o that_o manner_n plead_v vers_fw-la 22._o these_o ten_o time_n have_v they_o tempt_v i_o who_o have_v see_v my_o glory_n and_o my_o miracle_n which_o i_o do_v in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n iu._n but_o herein_o we_o hope_v and_o be_v confident_o sure_a of_o a_o bless_a disparity_n in_o this_o resemblance_n as_o to_o the_o numberousnesse_n of_o such_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o act_v something_o of_o that_o part_n which_o these_o heroic_a witness_n a_o caleb_n &_o joshua_n do_v &_o be_v then_o put_v to_o stand_v alone_o therein_o who_o through_o great_a shall_v yet_o appear_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o withstand_v so_o high_a a_o tide_n of_o fear_n discouragement_n and_o misbelief_n as_o be_v this_o day_n and_o thus_o to_o plead_v against_o the_o same_o as_o these_o do_v num._n 14_o 9_o if_o the_o lord_n delight_n in_o we_o then_o let_v we_o not_o rebel_v against_o he_o neither_o fear_v the_o great_a difficulty_n can_v be_v in_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n v._o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o precedent_n of_o providence_n of_o so_o singular_a a_o respect_n as_o the_o lord_n do_v then_o testify_v to_o his_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n who_o be_v of_o another_o spirit_n in_o follow_v he_o full_o in_o that_o day_n a_o continue_a assurance_n for_o all_o who_o shall_v be_v help_v to_o any_o honourable_a appearance_n of_o this_o kind_n by_o make_v they_o see_v and_o inherit_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n yea_o that_o such_o a_o residue_n who_o outlive_v this_o great_a and_o amaze_a storm_n shall_v have_v something_o of_o that_o testimony_n to_o bear_v also_o which_o caleb_n give_v josh._n 14_o 8_o 10._o my_o brethren_n which_o go_v up_o with_o i_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n faint_a but_o i_o full_o follow_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o now_o behold_v the_o lord_n have_v keep_v i_o alive_a etc._n etc._n o_o bless_v they_o who_o soul_n be_v raise_v with_o that_o holy_a zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o this_o great_a breach_n by_o a_o resolute_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o witness_v to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o such_o great_a and_o extraordinar_a confirmation_n give_v thertho_fw-la now_o call_v for_o iii_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a duty_n of_o this_o day_n we_o stand_v also_o accountable_a for_o how_o to_o stem_v this_o high_a and_o grow_a tide_n of_o prejudice_n and_o reproach_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o in_o some_o unusual_a way_n be_v now_o aloft_o and_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o gain_v some_o more_o awful_a regard_n hereof_o on_o man_n conscience_n that_o they_o may_v see_v something_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o maintain_v its_o conquest_n as_o no_o way_n else_o can_v possible_o claim_v i._n which_o reckon_v none_o else_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a professor_n hereof_o who_o embrace_v not_o the_o same_o upon_o evidence_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o worth_n nor_o do_v judge_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n to_o go_v by_o number_n and_o poll_n where_o this_o be_v want_v but_o to_o pursue_v that_o end_n to_o have_v man_n engage_v first_o to_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o therefore_o can_v admit_v no_o such_o method_n of_o any_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o humour_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n which_o its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v ii_o which_o in_o its_o course_n be_v ever_o regular_fw-la and_o certain_a according_a to_o that_o rule_n of_o a_o uncheangable_a and_o eternal_a truth_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o will_n of_o man_n herein_o or_o any_o mutable_a revolution_n of_o the_o time_n iii_o which_o do_v with_o the_o great_a lustre_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o bright_a light_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n yea_o by_o the_o further_a plainness_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n towards_o all_o commend_v itself_o so_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v it_o espouse_v not_o man_n affection_n before_o it_o gain_v on_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o have_v their_o judgement_n fix_v on_o a_o judicious_a trial_n before_o their_o resolution_n nor_o account_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n can_v ever_o subsist_v by_o a_o external_a show_n and_o profession_n without_o be_v know_v evidence_n and_o the_o efficacy_n thereof_o on_o man_n soul_n iv_o which_o sincere_o follow_v the_o catholic_n interest_n of_o christianity_n and_o public_a good_a of_o mankind_n in_o promot_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o the_o world_n may_v see_v its_o high_a intent_n be_v to_o exalt_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o advance_v the_o simplicity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o gospel_n administration_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v rule_n amongh_v man_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o near_o conceirn_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n and_o one_fw-mi inward_a life_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n v._n which_o plead_v a_o impartial_a trial_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n whither_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o profession_n or_o of_o popery_n give_v the_o great_a security_n to_o civil_a government_n &_o find_v the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o magistracy_n and_o to_o all_o civil_a and_o moral_a duty_n by_o which_o the_o awe_n and_o venerable_a esteem_n of_o religion_n be_v keep_v up_o in_o a_o nation_n it_o be_v high_a time_n that_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v implicit_a upon_o this_o great_a interest_n they_o have_v within_o time_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o a_o deceit_n or_o mistake_n here_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a conceirn_fw-mi upon_o which_o account_n without_o respect_n to_o interest_n party_n or_o education_n i_o have_v this_o day_n seek_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o what_o adversary_n can_v possible_o pretend_v to_o reproach_n or_o prejudge_v any_o at_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o can_v only_o amount_v to_o charge_v man_n corruption_n and_o offence_n in_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o
ever_o 5._o he_o have_v another_o sight_n and_o prospect_n of_o the_o christian_a creed_n then_o most_o who_o give_v one_fw-mi easy_a assent_n thereunto_o and_o have_v his_o reason_n so_o dazzle_v with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o wonder_n thereof_o as_o have_v put_v he_o to_o such_o one_fw-mi exercise_n as_o that_o 2_o chr._n 6_o 8._o how_o to_o credit_v his_o eye_n therewith_o the_o more_o deep_a reflection_n he_o have_v upon_o the_o same_o but_o will_v god_n in_o very_a deed_n dwell_v with_o man_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o judge_v their_o case_n who_o after_o some_o fluctuate_a suspense_n be_v admit_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n with_o that_o certainty_n of_o its_o evidence_n as_o the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o discovery_n do_v require_v may_v have_v some_o resemblance_n to_o that_o transport_v which_o the_o angel_n have_v at_o the_o first_o be_v of_o the_o creation_n where_o the_o morning_n star_n sing_v together_o and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shout_v for_o joy_n to_o see_v themselves_o thus_o who_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o pure_a nothing_o enter_v into_o that_o inestable_a light_n of_o see_v god_n and_o of_o their_o own_o blessedness_n in_o he_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n so_o that_o he_o account_v it_o one_o of_o the_o high_a attainement_n of_o religion_n for_o a_o christian_a indeed_o to_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o have_v his_o soul_n thus_o as_o full_o persuade_v as_o of_o his_o be_v that_o such_o a_o time_n assure_o be_v &_o now_o many_o age_n since_o past_a when_o the_o glorious_a redeemer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o god_n head_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v reveal_v in_o our_o nature_n that_o on_o he_o as_o surety_n tâ—_n divine_a justice_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o elect_a church_n be_v the_o whole_a guilt_n and_o sin_n thereof_o transfer_v and_o in_o this_o marvellous_a way_n do_v the_o holy_a god_n take_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o by_o himself_o that_o thus_o our_o nature_n be_v exalt_v by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n above_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n that_o the_o time_n be_v near_o when_o the_o mean_a afflict_a christian_a shall_v draw_v in_o no_o other_o air_n than_o the_o breathe_n of_o the_o high_a paradise_n above_o and_o now_o have_v one_fw-mi eternity_n of_o joy_n and_o blessedness_n before_o he_o that_o within_o a_o very_a little_a time_n he_o shall_v know_v this_o welcome_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n to_o his_o follower_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n when_o he_o shall_v take_v off_o the_o cross_n and_o put_v on_o the_o crown_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v then_o no_o more_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o sense_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o inheritance_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o know_v these_o proper_a mansion_n in_o that_o state_n of_o glory_n and_o peculiar_a assignment_n thereunto_o which_o all_o the_o redeem_a shall_v then_o have_v and_o be_v adjoin_v in_o the_o same_o class_n with_o the_o elect_a angel_n to_o be_v as_o pure_a flame_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n yea_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o these_o street_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v as_o gold_n transparent_a as_o crystal_n and_o what_o that_o meeting_n will_v be_v of_o his_o soul_n perfect_v and_o in_o a_o triumphant_a state_n with_o his_o glorified_a body_n raise_v incorruptible_a and_o never_o to_o part_v any_o more_o and_o to_o have_v his_o proper_a share_n of_o that_o bless_a and_o great_a solemnity_n that_o shall_v be_v celebrate_v in_o heaven_n of_o the_o marriage_n supper_n of_o the_o lamb_n with_o the_o whole_a triumphant_a church_n and_o hear_v that_o honourable_a account_n which_o the_o great_a judge_n will_v then_o make_v of_o these_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o sharp_a conflict_n which_o he_o have_v go_v through_o within_o time_n with_o that_o solemn_a testimony_n of_o approbation_n which_o will_v be_v give_v thereof_o and_o since_o its_o sure_a these_o great_a thing_n must_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n can_v it_o be_v strange_a that_o such_o as_o will_v in_o that_o manner_n converse_v therewith_o though_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o see_v as_o no_o less_o undoubted_a reality_n than_o any_o present_a object_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o easy_o satisfy_v with_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o their_o judgement_n but_o that_o their_o joy_n who_o be_v sure_o here_o shall_v be_v perfect_v so_o far_o as_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n can_v bear_v and_o thus_o find_v it_o easy_a to_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n and_o to_o weep_v now_o for_o a_o season_n who_o be_v to_o rejoice_v for_o ever_o yea_o to_o say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o mephibosheth_n let_v they_o take_v it_o all_o &_o enjoy_v the_o same_o since_o he_o who_o be_v their_o life_n and_o exceed_a joy_n life_n and_o reign_v who_o be_v infinite_o better_a to_o they_o then_o all_o these_o thing_n 6._o he_o account_v the_o strengthen_n of_o his_o faith_n to_o be_v such_o a_o concern_n not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v his_o soul_n venture_v for_o all_o eternity_n but_o as_o the_o high_a way_n of_o glorify_v god_n here_o that_o what_o ever_o tend_v to_o a_o more_o full_a confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o he_o reckon_v also_o one_o of_o the_o great_a addition_n to_o his_o joy_n and_o comfort_n within_o time_n and_o that_o these_o manifold_a assistance_n with_o such_o reduplication_n thereof_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v himself_o give_v for_o this_o end_n be_v such_o as_o no_o fragment_n of_o such_o a_o talon_n shall_v be_v lose_v &_o though_o he_o know_v the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n can_v add_v nothing_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o itself_o yet_o be_v they_o thus_o give_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o strong_a trial_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n and_o of_o what_o their_o weakness_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o support_v 7._o it_o be_v in_o this_o study_n he_o see_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n how_o not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n also_o call_v for_o such_o a_o reckon_n that_o he_o may_v have_v trial_n in_o that_o manner_n dispense_v when_o no_o visible_a refuge_n will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o least_o to_o stand_v by_o but_o all_o humane_a comfort_n and_o assistance_n whole_o to_o succumb_v as_o needs_o his_o lay_n in_o such_o ballast_n now_o in_o its_o season_n and_o to_o be_v found_v thereon_o with_o that_o assurance_n of_o judgement_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o that_o day_n when_o he_o must_v either_o get_v through_o in_o the_o alone_a way_n of_o believe_a against_o sense_n or_o perish_v and_o though_o no_o such_o attainment_n of_o light_n can_v bear_v out_o then_o without_o present_a and_o immediate_a influence_n from_o above_o and_o that_o it_o be_v sure_o according_a to_o the_o day_n so_o must_v the_o christian_a strength_n be_v yet_o do_v he_o see_v also_o the_o want_n of_o one_fw-mi establish_v judgement_n and_o of_o some_o proper_a stock_n lay_v up_o of_o aide_n and_o assistance_n this_o way_n forgainst_a a_o sharp_a storm_n be_v like_a to_o make_v sad_a work_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o age_n ere_fw-we the_o trial_n of_o such_o a_o time_n have_v do_v their_o work_n 8._o he_o see_v also_o how_o the_o great_a contest_v which_o be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n be_v betwixt_o god_n 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 their_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 one_fw-mi 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 then_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 beat_v no_o more_o credit_n than_o they_o have_v some_o external_a surety_n 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
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 one_fw-mi eternal_a decree_n herein_o 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 &_o dependence_n so_o as_o each_o may_v be_v see_v in_o its_o necessare_fw-la 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 the_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 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 jubily_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 that_o may_v be_v expect_v on_o such_o wonderful_a incitment_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 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 herein_o not_o alone_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 then_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 to_o themselves_o to_o think_v that_o these_o present_a pledge_n of_o so_o great_a a_o hope_n which_o be_v to_o come_v be_v no_o shadow_n no_o appearence_n of_o thing_n but_o most_o sure_a and_o undoubted_a reality_n and_o that_o such_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 feeling_n of_o that_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 fellowshipe_n with_o their_o bless_a head_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 then_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o sureness_n of_o these_o principle_n whereon_o they_o find_v herein_o 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 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 as_o a_o special_a trust_n repose_v thereon_o to_o have_v the_o credit_n of_o this_o great_a testimony_n and_o seal_n demonstrable_o clear_v with_o the_o further_a strength_n of_o harmonious_a and_o argumentive_a reason_n for_o such_o who_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n yet_o thereon_o as_o may_v not_o only_o awake_v they_o to_o some_o deep_a sense_n and_o impression_n hereof_o but_o constrain_v they_o to_o see_v how_o no_o natural_a science_n have_v more_o clear_a and_o 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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 dependence_n then_o any_o adventure_n within_o time_n and_o do_v rejoice_v whatever_o miscarry_v 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 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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 these_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 sist_v upon_o that_o same_o appeal_n and_o solemn_a testimony_n which_o as_o josua_n give_v josh._n 23_o 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 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be_v thus_o also_o state_v as_o one_o who_o have_v not_o only_o attain_v a_o solid_a rest_n and_o settlment_n of_o mind_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o do_v know_v the_o pure_a genuine_a truth_n of_o christianity_n amid_o such_o high_a opposition_n betwixt_o the_o romish_a and_o reform_a church_n herein_o and_o in_o the_o 1_o place_n have_v in_o this_o manner_n sist_v himself_o upon_o such_o a_o trial_n i_o as_o one_o who_o know_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o save_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n to_o which_o god_n have_v annex_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o can_v never_o be_v divide_v against_o itself_o 2._o who_o know_v that_o within_o a_o little_a his_o religion_n will_v be_v try_v in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n where_o each_o must_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n 3._o as_o such_o who_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a indifference_n in_o the_o exterior_a profession_n 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 antichristianisme_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 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 thus_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 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 ay_o where_o he_o must_v abandon_v these_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n in_o the_o most_o necessare_fw-la use_n thereof_o which_o god_n have_v himself_o plant_v in_o man_n soul_n so_o as_o not_o to_o trust_v his_o own_o eye_n but_o other_o in_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o eternal_a state_n and_o with_o his_o own_o consent_n be_v shut_v out_o from_o all_o proper_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o religion_n yea_o account_v a_o blind_a and_o unlimited_a obedience_n to_o man_n among_o the_o high_a excellency_n of_o say_v 2._o where_o he_o must_v at_o once_o believe_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v not_o only_o
fit_v for_o that_o great_a end_n of_o bring_v mankind_n to_o god_n but_o for_o such_o a_o universal_a use_n herein_o as_o to_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a and_o that_o the_o poor_a may_v receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o believe_v also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mass_n of_o dead_a and_o unsense_v character_n until_o the_o romish_a clergy_n put_v a_o just_a sense_n thereon_o though_o its_o sense_n and_o meaning_n be_v the_o very_a soul_n thereof_o yea_o thus_o pass_v from_o the_o whole_a letter_n of_o the_o same_o or_o any_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n from_o intrinsic_a evidence_n and_o these_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o its_o divinity_n whereby_o the_o christian_a cause_n can_v be_v maintain_v against_o pagan_n 3._o where_o he_o must_v believe_v also_o that_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n joh._n 7_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n do_v my_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v my_o doctrine_n whither_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o that_o man_n err_v through_o not_o know_v the_o scripture_n math._n 22._o and_o yet_o believe_v therewith_o that_o these_o sacred_a fountain_n of_o light_n shall_v be_v shut_v up_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o go_v wrong_n and_o that_o the_o sole_a right_n of_o understand_v the_o same_o belong_v to_o a_o few_o but_o not_o to_o the_o multitude_n who_o yet_o can_v pretend_v no_o extraordinare_a assistance_n or_o revelation_n herein_o nor_o will_v themselves_o come_v to_o these_o water_n of_o jealousy_n to_o be_v try_v 4._o where_o he_o must_v needs_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o the_o church_n to_o give_v answer_n in_o every_o dark_a case_n rom._n 3_o 2._o the_o type_n and_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n rom._n 6.17_o unto_o who_o sentence_n in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n we_o be_v express_o refer_v is._n 8.20_o and_o yet_o believe_v also_o that_o it_o have_v no_o authority_n or_o decisive_a voice_n but_o what_o be_v precarious_a and_o dependent_a on_o the_o 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but_o for_o strenthn_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o wherein_o he_o do_v thus_o judge_n 1_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a support_n or_o relief_n from_o religion_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n if_o it_o can_v bear_v out_o then_o and_o that_o death_n be_v the_o great_a touchstone_n and_o trial_n when_o the_o true_a value_n and_o difference_n betwixt_o thing_n of_o a_o eternal_a truth_n and_o substance_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v be_v best_a see_v 2._o he_o reckon_v each_o real_a christian_a by_o his_o profession_n then_o sist_v and_o accountable_a even_o by_o some_o explicit_a personal_a testimony_n to_o put_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a and_o bear_v the_o same_o witness_n with_o his_o last_o and_o die_a breath_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o he_o give_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o of_o that_o joy_n complacence_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v find_v and_o now_o have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o 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