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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n ancient_a church_n faith_n 1,854 5 5.2308 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39768 The true settlement of a Christians faith,bafter shaking assaults, by its own evidence; and by the internal sealing work of the spirit; pointed at, in some special inquiries thereon in a letter to a friend. With some serious reflections on the present times we are in, and those great vicissitudes of providence, wihch have been in the publick state of Britain in this last age, in a II. letter. By a minister of the Ghospel [sic]. Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694. 1692 (1692) Wing F1277A; ESTC R215628 111,123 216

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and_o darkness_n which_o be_v not_o found_v by_o positive_a institution_n only_o but_o in_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o these_o thing_n themselves_o and_o though_o i_o design_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o to_o this_o hereafter_o yet_o shall_v this_o be_v of_o high_a use_n to_o strengthen_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o look_v in_o with_o the_o serious_a use_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o paganism_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n or_o of_o mahumetism_n in_o this_o day_n where_o even_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n such_o a_o sight_n be_v enough_o to_o expose_v the_o very_a name_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v just_a matter_n of_o abhorrence_n and_o to_o be_v the_o high_a reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o thus_o see_v whither_o so_o brutish_a and_o horrid_a a_o thing_n can_v ever_o claim_v a_o reception_n either_o on_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o rule_n or_o any_o internal_a evidence_n of_o truth_n or_o possible_a consistence_n with_o its_o self_n so_o that_o to_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o belief_n of_o the_o glorious_a be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o worse_o or_o more_o dreadful_a then_o to_o have_v the_o high_a contumely_n and_o affront_n thus_o put_v on_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o which_o tend_v rather_o to_o justify_v atheism_n this_o enquiry_n be_v it_o suitable_o improven_v can_v not_o but_o render_v that_o dilemma_n unanswerable_a either_o a_o christian_n or_o of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o either_o that_o which_o we_o enjoy_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o else_o a_o absolute_a nullity_n as_o to_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o no_o such_o sacred_a thing_n have_v a_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n inquiry_n ii_o but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o hold_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o godhead_n or_o to_o have_v any_o true_a enjoiment_n of_o religion_n without_o a_o further_a and_o unavoidable_a progress_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n so_o must_v the_o first_o entry_n hereof_o be_v on_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o by_o a_o necessary_a result_n upon_o this_o inquiry_n if_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n give_v such_o a_o promise_n of_o a_o redeemer_n to_o mankind_n after_o the_o fall_n and_o that_o on_o this_o great_a assurance_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v entir_o rest_v that_o so_o glorious_a a_o person_n as_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o be_v anoint_v to_o that_o work_n of_o redeemingman_n and_o bring_v he_o again_o to_o god_n since_o t●is_n must_v be_v first_o clear_v and_o our_o faith_n fix_v on_o the_o same_o ere_o we_o can_v enter_v on_o any_o enjoiment_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o attainable_a else_o but_o in_o such_o a_o order_n and_o settlement_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o old_a and_o have_v one_fw-mi absolute_a dependence_n on_o the_o same_o wherein_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o enquiry_n lie_v 1._o to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o first_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n to_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o absolute_a and_o give_v to_o be_v declarative_a of_o the_o immutable_a purpose_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n herein_o and_o not_o dependent_a upon_o any_o condition_n in_o man_n 2._o how_o this_o one_o great_a promise_n be_v give_v to_o be_v the_o original_a right_n and_o warrant_v of_o all_o other_o promise_n which_o do_v whole_o centre_n in_o he_o in_o who_o they_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_n 3._o as_o a_o promise_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o reason_n must_v stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o greatness_n hereof_o and_o cry_v out_o can_v this_o possible_o be_v yea_o the_o more_o deep_a enquiry_n herein_o must_v heighten_v such_o one_fw-mi astonishment_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a sink_n under_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v in_o very_a deed_n bear_v such_o regard_n to_o man_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o that_o concern_v as_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a how_o one_o day_n shall_v pass_v over_o man_n without_o some_o fresh_a revive_n of_o such_o a_o reflection_n 4._o to_o see_v how_o high_a a_o value_n and_o account_n god_n put_v upon_o that_o one_o promise_n by_o so_o long_a a_o delay_n and_o procrastination_n of_o the_o same_o as_o a_o promise_n worthy_a of_o the_o church_n wait_v and_o expectation_n of_o the_o same_o for_o 4000_o year_n 5._o this_o enquiry_n must_v lie_v here_o to_o see_v the_o first_o entry_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n on_o the_o world_n in_o its_o precise_a time_n and_o date_n and_o how_o such_o a_o light_n do_v not_o shine_v on_o adam_n and_o eve_n in_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n whilst_o they_o stand_v in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n upon_o a_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o their_o god_n but_o with_o the_o fall_n down_o of_o that_o dismal_a night_n of_o there_o fall_v do_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o light_n first_o dawn_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o utter_a darkness_n in_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o fall_v angel_n whereby_o the_o final_a condemnatory_a sentence_n on_o the_o one_o and_o relief_n for_o the_o other_o be_v make_v know_v and_o promulgate_v together_o and_o the_o room_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n fill_v up_o with_o a_o high_a glory_n by_o the_o second_o 6._o how_o this_o bless_a light_n though_o with_o a_o gradual_a increase_n do_v never_o cease_v to_o shine_v on_o this_o world_n since_o it_o begin_v to_o dawn_n nor_o have_v there_o ever_o cease_v a_o peculiar_a people_n in_o a_o church_n relation_n who_o be_v distinct_a and_o separate_v from_o the_o residue_n of_o man_n who_o profession_n be_v found_v in_o the_o alone_a faith_n of_o a_o redeemer_n so_o as_o one_o day_n have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o that_o promise_n wherein_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v on_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v not_o shine_v also_o by_o vital_a influence_n of_o light_n and_o power_n and_o where_o the_o church_n head_n have_v not_o some_o part_n of_o his_o body_n here_o to_o converse_v with_o as_o the_o peculiar_a object_n of_o his_o complaisance_n and_o love_n and_o do_v rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n though_o that_o some_o age_n have_v have_v a_o high_a glory_n assign_v thereto_o and_o a_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o will_v he_o not_o restrict_n the_o ingather_n of_o his_o elect_a to_o any_o special_a period_n of_o time_n or_o let_v each_o age_n want_v a_o share_n of_o this_o glory_n and_o of_o a_o seed_n to_o be_v as_o salt_n to_o the_o earth_n 7._o but_o this_o enquiry_n go_v further_a to_o see_v these_o measure_n of_o evidence_n and_o divine_a condeshendence_n which_o be_v give_v to_o support_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n on_o that_o great_a promise_n even_o by_o a_o ocular_a discovery_n to_o the_o outward_a sense_n as_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o successive_a course_n of_o the_o legal_a sacrifice_n and_o these_o numerous_a figure_n and_o type_n in_o that_o long_a preparatory_a service_n wherein_o he_o do_v not_o let_v his_o people_n feed_v on_o ash_n naked_a shadow_n and_o where_o nothing_o be_v inept_v or_o usless_o but_o be_v express_o significative_a of_o that_o high_a mystery_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v possible_o bear_v no_o other_o sense_n or_o intent_n and_o since_o the_o whole_a stress_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n lie_v upon_o this_o one_o promise_n or_o what_o can_v make_v the_o state_n of_o man_n valevable_a in_o any_o true_a enjoiement_n of_o his_o life_n here_o it_o be_v on_o this_o head_n shall_v be_v set_v the_o first_o settlement_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o i_o know_v no_o relief_n but_o in_o a_o promise_a redeemer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v a_o christian_n if_o the_o morning_n and_o growing-light_n of_o that_o glorious_a mystery_n have_v not_o go_v before_o its_o meridian_n hight_v and_o as_o a_o clear_a conduct_n to_o the_o next_o step_n i_o shall_v enter_v on_o a_o iii_o inquiry_n to_o know_v that_o this_o fundamental_a promise_n of_o a_o redemer_n come_v to_o the_o world_n be_v assure_o make_v good_a and_o be_v no_o more_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o sense_n that_o its_o sure_a our_o eye_n see_v such_o a_o day_n and_o long_o expect_v period_n of_o time_n and_o can_v be_v no_o dark_a or_o doubtful_a thing_n now_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o may_v enter_v on_o its_o profession_n in_o the_o open_a light_n but_o to_o clear_v how_o with_o the_o same_o evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o promise_n we_o may_v see_v its_o performance_n also_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o one_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v
divine_a wrath_n and_o last_o plague_n be_v but_o in_o part_n pour_v out_o wherein_o the_o appearance_n of_o god_n will_v be_v with_o much_o terror_n to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o last_o triumph_n of_o his_o justice_n within_o time_n will_v not_o be_v of_o one_fw-mi ordinare_fw-la kind_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v great_a shake_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o time_n of_o break_v down_o as_o well_o as_o of_o build_v up_o which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o draw_v near_o ii_o because_o we_o be_v enter_v on_o these_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n then_o heretofore_o to_o put_v the_o whole_a generation_n of_o his_o people_n on_o that_o part_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o study_n thereof_o which_o relate_v to_o his_o work_n and_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o providence_n about_o his_o church_n when_o the_o key_n shall_v then_o be_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n for_o open_v up_o and_o a_o more_o full_a understanding_n the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o time_n pass_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o weighty_a part_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o latter_a time_n in_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o and_o these_o high_a improvement_n to_o be_v make_v on_o that_o bless_a study_n than_o be_v attainable_a in_o former_a age_n when_o his_o work_n now_o be_v come_v to_o a_o more_o full_a point_n it_o have_v be_v remarkable_o the_o business_n of_o this_o age_n to_o make_v a_o more_o accurate_a search_n and_o some_o great_a discovery_n upon_o natural_a cause_n and_o the_o working_n thereof_o but_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o ere_o long_o the_o inquisitive_a world_n shall_v be_v in_o another_o manner_n awake_v and_o their_o inquiry_n run_v in_o a_o high_a channel_n above_o all_o second_o cause_n to_o see_v and_o admire_v the_o great_a act_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o divinity_n thereof_o and_o not_o what_o be_v humane_a therein_o but_o as_o they_o be_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o the_o same_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o dismal_a sign_n of_o the_o present_a time_n how_o much_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v at_o work_n to_o darken_v so_o far_o as_o possible_a the_o most_o eminent_a discovery_n of_o god_n in_o his_o work_n and_o in_o the_o most_o extraordinare_a revolution_n of_o humane_a affair_n as_o if_o they_o will_v set_v bound_n and_o limit_n to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o course_n and_o order_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o subject_n both_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o his_o work_n to_o the_o comprehension_n of_o their_o reason_n though_o some_o civil_a respect_n they_o will_v give_v and_o the_o name_n of_o his_o be_v the_o prime_a cause_n but_o shut_v their_o eye_n on_o what_o be_v more_o extraordinar_a and_o solemn_a in_o any_o piece_n of_o his_o work_n i_o will_v yet_o point_v at_o some_o special_a head_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o choice_n part_n of_o divinity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v will_v in_o another_o manner_n be_v open_v up_o and_o i_o desire_v to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n hereof_o 1._o as_o to_o these_o more_o singular_a case_n of_o providence_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n course_n since_o her_o first_o translation_n from_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o gentile_n with_o the_o issue_n and_o consequence_n thereof_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o rule_n or_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v one_fw-mi inquiry_n to_o be_v more_o full_o improven_v than_o whatever_o have_v be_v attain_v this_o way_n when_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o shall_v tend_v to_o clear_v all_o bygone_n in_o his_o work_n 2._o these_o remarkable_a period_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o prophetical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v successive_o bring_v forth_o in_o their_o proper_a season_n as_o be_v foretell_v be_v yet_o to_o have_v the_o seal_n more_o full_o take_v off_o and_o that_o 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in_o so_o dismal_a a_o time_n then_o in_o any_o external_a flourish_a state_n of_o his_o church_n so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v it_o be_v then_o day_n as_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o irresistible_a efficacy_n of_o his_o truth_n on_o his_o follower_n when_o it_o seem_v otherwise_o as_o the_o darkness_n of_o midnight_n 4._o there_o belong_v to_o this_o part_n of_o divinity_n some_o high_a break_v up_o of_o light_n yet_o to_o be_v make_v on_o that_o mystery_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o with_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o providence_n and_o what_o a_o joint_a interest_n they_o have_v herein_o as_o to_o what_o have_v be_v more_o singular_a in_o the_o lord_n way_n and_o disposal_n about_o other_o of_o his_o people_n we_o have_v little_o understand_v what_o one_fw-mi enrich_n trade_n we_o may_v drive_v upon_o that_o stock_n of_o these_o ancient_a experiment_n of_o christian_n in_o follow_v the_o lord_n and_o these_o eminent_a trial_n they_o have_v make_v of_o the_o truth_n who_o have_v in_o age_n past_o go_v before_o and_o what_o a_o pawn_n be_v thus_o put_v in_o our_o hand_n for_o a_o further_o strengthen_v in_o the_o faith_n yea_o what_o public_a interest_n thus_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v in_o some_o eminent_a act_n of_o providence_n about_o particular_a christian_n which_o in_o the_o import_n and_o greatness_n thereof_o be_v not_o give_v for_o themselves_o only_o but_o as_o a_o public_a concern_v to_o the_o whole_a generation_n that_o seek_v after_o god_n in_o their_o day_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v according_a to_o that_o psal_n ●0_n 3._o many_o shall_v see_v it_o and_o fear_n and_o shall_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n 5._o i_o must_v add_v one_o great_a improvement_n of_o this_o special_a head_n of_o divinity_n which_o will_v yet_o be_v above_o the_o measure_n of_o time_n past_a in_o the_o extent_n of_o that_o reference_n and_o appeal_v before_o angel_n and_o man_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n 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state_n of_o enmity_n and_o inbred_a opposition_n to_o the_o holy_a god_n to_o be_v lover_n of_o he_o and_o subdue_v their_o soull_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o with_o inward_a delight_n can_v make_v they_o part_v with_o what_o be_v their_o predominant_a and_o endear_a interest_n and_o what_o have_v be_v as_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o eye_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o let_v we_o see_v how_o one_o convert_v christian_a be_v a_o high_a demonstration_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n than_o a_o thousand_o ordinare_fw-la professor_n hereof_o and_o may_v full_o silence_v such_o a_o question_n why_o it_o be_v that_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o more_o numerous_a in_o the_o world_n comparative_o with_o the_o great_a bulk_n of_o mankind_n yea_o with_o these_o who_o go_v under_o the_o christian_a profession_n when_o it_o may_v be_v rather_o just_a matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o see_v that_o such_o numerous_a example_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v find_v of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o earth_n of_o who_o each_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o infinite_o become_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n put_v forth_o herein_o yea_o be_v such_o example_n where_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o grace_n do_v in_o any_o eminency_n shine_v forth_o as_o may_v just_o supply_v the_o room_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v give_v in_o the_o first_o time_n to_o be_v confirm_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o these_o have_v assure_o be_v and_o i_o hope_v be_v this_o day_n not_o a_o few_o who_o do_v with_o desire_n choice_n to_o prefer_v their_o service_n for_o god_n to_o the_o great_a comfort_n &_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o earth_n and_o be_v help_v not_o only_o to_o keep_v ground_n but_o
of_o the_o spirit_n which_o do_v rare_o go_v together_o so_o as_o to_o know_v when_o the_o pulse_n of_o this_o life_n do_v begin_v first_o to_o beat_v 3._o as_o there_o be_v different_a sise_n and_o growth_n among_o the_o saint_n within_o time_n so_o do_v the_o talon_n of_o experience_n and_o inward_a observation_n much_o differ_v in_o the_o state_n of_o some_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o and_o do_v answer_v to_o high_a conflict_n and_o assault_n in_o a_o christian_n warefare_n and_o high_a improvement_n of_o grace_n herein_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o patience_n bring_v forth_o experience_n and_o as_o it_o have_v so_o great_a a_o room_n and_o service_n for_o god_n bejond_v other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o have_v it_o a_o great_a income_n of_o reward_n by_o the_o most_o rare_a and_o enrich_v experience_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n thence_o be_v it_o that_o these_o of_o the_o high_a form_n of_o christian_n and_o of_o the_o choice_a spirit_n have_v be_v put_v to_o a_o high_a exercise_n thereof_o than_o other_o and_o make_v to_o be_v a_o more_o public_a blessing_n by_o example_n herein_o to_o their_o generation_n 4._o it_o be_v clear_a the_o experimental_a part_n of_o christianity_n may_v have_v respect_n to_o some_o special_a time_n and_o period_n of_o man_n life_n so_o as_o one_o day_n may_v be_v more_o memorable_a then_o as_o they_o have_v ever_o know_v before_o yea_o to_o such_o time_n when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o a_o high_a service_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o lead_v unto_o path_n of_o providence_n that_o may_v seem_v untrodden_a which_o have_v be_v usual_o a_o time_n of_o great_a observation_n as_o to_o a_o high_a light_n and_o evidence_n on_o the_o experimental_a trial_n of_o religion_n 5._o this_o different_a measure_n have_v respect_n also_o to_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o christian_n on_o some_o very_a dark_a path_n of_o providence_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o lead_v and_o incline_v they_o into_o a_o wilderness_n by_o give_v in_o assurance_n with_o a_o double_a measure_n on_o their_o soul_n like_o elijah_n call_v to_o arise_v and_o eat_v and_o joseph_n dream_v twice_o give_v when_o his_o conflict_n and_o trial_n be_v to_o be_v double_v upon_o he_o yea_o this_o may_v be_v also_o on_o this_o ground_n as_o it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o some_o christian_n above_o other_o to_o be_v keep_v more_o close_o on_o such_o a_o scent_n in_o that_o rare_a exercise_n to_o discern_v the_o working_n of_o god_n on_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o try_v the_o certainty_n hereof_o from_o the_o natural_a work_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o who_o may_v be_v more_o exact_a than_o other_o to_o lay_v up_o and_o record_v the_o same_o and_o not_o lose_v the_o least_o fragment_n of_o such_o assistance_n to_o their_o faith_n 3._o this_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v of_o special_a use_n likewise_o to_o know_v what_o great_a thing_n these_o be_v to_o which_o the_o experimental_a part_n of_o christianity_n do_v relate_v wherein_o they_o of_o the_o low_a size_n of_o christian_n have_v a_o common_a and_o joint_a interest_n whatever_o difference_n be_v in_o the_o degree_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a short_a touch_n i_o can_v here_o give_v on_o so_o great_a a_o subject_n and_o on_o some_o few_o head_n 1._o the_o translation_n and_o entry_n of_o a_o christian_a unto_o a_o new_a state_n and_o world_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o experience_n though_o it_o have_v not_o a_o like_a clear_a evidence_n nor_o the_o precise_a time_n and_o entry_n can_v be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n know_v for_o man_n to_o know_v so_o marvellous_a a_o change_n in_o themselves_o and_o that_o here_o be_v no_o illusion_n or_o dream_n and_o how_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v never_o tell_v to_o mankind_n but_o in_o the_o bible_n which_o none_o ever_o do_v foresee_v or_o project_n to_o themselves_o yea_o which_o in_o the_o very_a notion_n thereof_o be_v once_o a_o terra_fw-la incognita_fw-la to_o they_o and_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o nature_n who_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o overcome_v nature_n i_o know_v this_o may_v seem_v astonish_v and_o not_o easy_a for_o many_o to_o bear_v that_o profess_a christian_n may_v have_v the_o same_o need_n to_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n that_o pagan_n have_v or_o perish_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n only_o or_o any_o length_n in_o ext_a all_o duty_n can_v save_v none_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o internal_a evidence_n or_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o christianity_n 2._o it_o do_v relate_v to_o this_o head_n to_o know_v that_o god_n and_o his_o people_n here_o in_o the_o world_n be_v no_o stranger_n to_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o enjoiment_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o as_o this_o be_v one_fw-mi essential_a part_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o sure_a and_o establish_v constitution_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o one_fw-mi unalterable_a rule_n so_o be_v it_o matter_n of_o undoubted_a enjoiment_n without_o which_o a_o christian_n course_n and_o passage_n through_o time_n be_v unpassible_a it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o may_v make_v the_o most_o experience_a christian_n to_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o himself_o and_o be_v not_o a_o subject_n of_o ordinary_a thought_n 3._o to_o this_o belong_v also_o the_o truth_n and_o enjoiment_n of_o supernatural_a comfort_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n such_o as_o peace_n immediate_o from_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o nature_n and_o be_v never_o know_v to_o man_n but_o on_o this_o trial_n of_o experience_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v sure_a with_o respect_n unto_o which_o the_o high_a experiment_n of_o nature_n be_v low_a and_o of_o mean_a concern_v yea_o which_o be_v comfort_n of_o that_o kind_n as_o can_v be_v only_o know_v by_o its_o contrary_n and_o have_v be_v still_o more_o ouwe_a to_o the_o sore_a conflict_n then_o to_o the_o sweet_a calm_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n and_o such_o as_o the_o elect_a angel_n do_v never_o know_v or_o partake_v of_o 4._o the_o prevalency_n of_o prayer_n with_o god_n and_o to_o know_v with_o assure_a evidence_n both_o the_o acceptance_n hereof_o in_o heaven_n and_o the_o return_v thereof_o upon_o the_o earth_n be_v also_o one_o of_o these_o great_a thing_n of_o experience_n and_o can_v never_o be_v know_v else_o as_o a_o subject_n of_o contemplation_n only_o which_o have_v be_v direct_a of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o prescript_n for_o such_o one_o where_n no_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o power_n can_v possible_o answer_v and_o be_v not_o bound_v by_o the_o most_o desperate_a case_n which_o will_v seem_v to_o shut_v out_o all_o hope_n and_o encouradgment_n but_o as_o to_o this_o i_o must_v say_v how_o little_a seem_v that_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n though_o one_o of_o the_o most_o wonderful_a part_n thereof_o to_o be_v improven_v in_o that_o manner_n now_o as_o in_o former_a time_n and_o in_o the_o most_o extraordinare_a exigence_n which_o christian_n have_v be_v in_o yea_o how_o low_o a_o trade_n be_v it_o which_o by_o most_o this_o day_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o way_n as_o this_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v establish_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o have_v such_o immediate_a correspondence_n with_o the_o whole_a inward_a life_n and_o vital_n of_o christianity_n to_o preserve_v and_o strengthen_v the_o same_o a_o 5._o head_n on_o this_o subject_a to_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a thought_n and_o reflection_n be_v this_o that_o here_o on_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o experience_n as_o a_o earnest_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2_o corinth_n 1_o 22._o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n ephes._n 1_o 13._o in_o who_o also_o after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v by_o that_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n etc._n etc._n 2_o corinth_n 5_o 5._o now_o he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o for_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n be_v god_n who_o have_v also_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n i_o know_v there_o have_v be_v much_o inquiry_n on_o this_o subject_a as_o to_o a_o clear_a sense_n and_o judgement_n thereof_o both_o by_o schoolman_n and_o practical_a writer_n though_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o dark_a riddle_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o interpreter_n and_o some_o near_a intercourse_n with_o this_o great_a teacher_n that_o in_o his_o light_n we_o may_v see_v light_a but_o that_o it_o be_v sure_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o can_v
disrelish_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o most_o this_o day_n than_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o with_o such_o let_v my_o soul_n be_v join_v in_o 9_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o sure_a that_o here_o be_v no_o illusion_n or_o imaginary_a thing_n where_o any_o fallacy_n or_o deceit_n lie_v to_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o observe_a christian_n who_o know_v herein_o what_o make_v they_o glad_a and_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o how_o no_o assistance_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n or_o in_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n can_v possible_o impart_v such_o a_o thing_n so_o may_v it_o be_v astonish_v how_o such_o who_o live_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v any_o design_n on_o one_fw-mi eternal_a stare_n in_o heaven_n can_v take_v this_o on_o report_n or_o be_v so_o little_a inquisitive_a about_o so_o wonderful_a a_o truth_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o one_fw-mi enjoiment_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n which_o without_o any_o natural_a cause_n can_v put_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o one_fw-mi entire_a rest_n and_o settlement_n and_o when_o under_o great_a shake_n and_o fear_n other_o way_n cause_v they_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o pardon_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n with_o a_o sure_a evidence_n yea_o at_o so_o low_a one_fw-mi ebb_n can_v immediate_o revive_v and_o raise_v with_o so_o discernible_a a_o change_n in_o their_o inward_a case_n for_o if_o this_o be_v one_fw-mi undoubted_a matter_n of_o experience_n it_o shall_v be_v not_o easy_a for_o man_n to_o live_v without_o trial_n hereof_o themselves_o 10._o let_v i_o add_v further_o here_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o communion_n which_o christian_n have_v within_o time_n with_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n and_o such_o who_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v the_o great_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o adventurer_n for_o he_o such_o with_o who_o he_o have_v be_v most_o familiar_a and_o have_v admit_v not_o only_o to_o the_o allowance_n of_o subject_n but_o the_o regard_n of_o favourite_n who_o have_v know_v how_o great_a a_o rewarder_n he_o be_v of_o his_o own_o grace_n yea_o such_o who_o have_v make_v the_o most_o exact_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o security_n of_o their_o comfort_n herein_o and_o have_v put_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o that_o he_o have_v thus_o promise_v 4._o there_o be_v this_o special_a use_n to_o be_v make_v of_o such_o one_fw-mi enquiry_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n to_o see_v how_o great_a and_o wonderful_a a_o subject_n we_o have_v for_o reflection_n hereon_o and_o of_o what_o singular_a advantage_n this_o shall_v be_v for_o strenthn_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a against_o the_o working_n of_o unbeleef_n and_o to_o give_v a_o more_o full_a security_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o adventure_n of_o hope_n and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n for_o thing_n to_o come_v it_o be_v sure_a the_o reflex_n faculty_n of_o man_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a wonder_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o the_o spiritual_a use_n and_o improvement_n hereof_o be_v more_o understand_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o dive_v in_o to_o these_o still_o and_o deep_a water_n it_o may_v make_v such_o be_v oft_o as_o a_o wonder_n to_o themselves_o i_o shall_v but_o point_v at_o a_o few_o reflex_n act_n of_o a_o christian_a on_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o spiritual_a experience_n to_o show_v what_o manner_n of_o enjoiment_n these_o be_v admit_v to_o herein_o which_o the_o whole_a residue_n of_o mankind_n know_v nothing_o of_o 1._o to_o have_v such_o great_a supernatural_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o do_v once_o exceed_v their_o faith_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v now_o matter_n of_o undoubted_a experience_n in_o the_o truth_n power_n and_o efficacy_n hereof_o on_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o thus_o to_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o former_o seem_v so_o dark_a and_o incomprehensible_a a_o thing_n yea_o how_o great_a a_o difference_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o clear_a act_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n about_o divine_a thing_n and_o a_o real_a feeling_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n thereof_o betwixt_o the_o most_o sublime_a apprehension_n by_o theory_n and_o the_o sensible_a impression_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o what_o a_o present_a and_o marvellous_a change_n this_o make_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_n 2._o to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o no_o less_o under_o a_o full_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o as_o the_o alone_a and_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n then_o in_o their_o feel_a power_n and_o sweetness_n &_o that_o here_o be_v no_o casual_a thing_n or_o matter_n of_o doubtfulness_n or_o uncertainty_n but_o where_o they_o can_v clear_o see_v the_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n now_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o there_o inward_a sense_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o be_v sure_a that_o what_o god_n have_v speak_v he_o have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o same_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o clear_a spiritual_a comfort_n will_v be_v of_o low_a value_n if_o it_o be_v not_o with_o that_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o be_v god_n seal_n as_o they_o can_v adventure_v their_o eternal_a state_n on_o the_o truth_n hereof_o 3._o and_o how_o sweet_a a_o part_n be_v it_o when_o they_o can_v thus_o reflect_v on_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o with_o no_o less_o evidence_n of_o the_o proper_a cause_n and_o original_a then_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o effect_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a help_n to_o give_v stability_n and_o assurance_n to_o our_o faith_n to_o see_v how_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v never_o barren_a of_o new_a experiment_n of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o how_o the_o great_a objective_n mean_v in_o the_o way_n of_o light_n can_v do_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o internal_a effective_a cause_n that_o work_v powerful_o herein_o and_o as_o in_o nature_n so_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n how_o the_o same_o cause_n which_o make_v we_o live_v must_v make_v we_o move_v and_o act_n yea_o to_o see_v how_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o confirm_v a_o christian_a on_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o state_n and_o of_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o grace_n here_o do_v confirm_v christianity_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o glory_n which_o must_v infallible_o follow_v the_o same_o and_o ere_o long_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o their_o experience_n also_o 4._o to_o know_v this_o way_n that_o sure_o a_o near_a intimacy_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v with_o god_n and_o of_o a_o high_a kind_n which_o be_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o by_o the_o immediate_a ministry_n of_o the_o angel_n yea_o a_o great_a evidence_n thus_o give_v to_o a_o christian_n soul_n then_o by_o any_o external_a miracle_n since_o this_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o be_v give_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a complacence_n and_o delight_n and_o its_o sure_a the_o alone_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a love_n lie_v in_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o these_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n more_o than_o by_o any_o external_a providence_n 5._o to_o see_v how_o these_o great_a thing_n of_o experience_n come_v under_o a_o present_a trial_n and_o give_v to_o be_v experience_v here_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v not_o some_o rare_a contingency_n or_o what_o may_v be_v state_v on_o a_o extraordinar_a account_n but_o do_v keep_v close_o with_o a_o tender_a walk_n and_o near_a inteecourse_n with_o god_n through_o a_o christian_n whole_a course_n and_o thus_o know_v what_o such_o a_o anoint_v with_o fresh_a oil_n mean_v psalm_n 92_o 10._o by_o innumerable_a reiterated_a time_n of_o such_o enjoiment_n yea_o how_o the_o sense_n and_o sweetness_n thereof_o come_v not_o then_o 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dissolve_v and_o fall_v ere_o one_o special_a act_n of_o trust_n and_o adventure_v on_o his_o hand_n and_o under_o the_o assure_a warrant_n of_o his_o truth_n shall_v be_v frustrate_a and_o that_o the_o safe_a conduct_n also_o and_o security_n of_o one_o christian_n in_o his_o passage_n through_o time_n be_v of_o that_o consequence_n and_o so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o the_o great_a frame_n of_o providence_n that_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v entire_a and_o perfect_a if_o it_o shall_v fail_v as_o to_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n to_o make_v so_o great_a a_o nullity_n herein_o 7._o and_o be_v it_o not_o in_o such_o a_o reflex_n work_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o experience_n that_o such_o can_v only_o know_v the_o sweet_a enjoiment_n of_o time_n past_a and_o what_o that_o peculiar_a comfort_n of_o remembrance_n mean_n which_o i_o must_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o rare_a and_o most_o unknown_a enjoiment_n this_o day_n under_o the_o sun_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o can_v never_o be_v from_o the_o great_a delight_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o once_o pass_v which_o as_o they_o return_v no_o more_o so_o do_v ever_o leave_v a_o bitter_a sting_n and_o remembrance_n by_o a_o native_a result_n of_o the_o same_o whilst_o that_o which_o have_v be_v experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n can_v neither_o perish_v nor_o lose_v its_o sweetness_n but_o will_v render_v the_o most_o afflict_a part_n of_o their_o life_n past_a which_o be_v most_o bitter_a and_o sore_o then_o to_o be_v the_o most_o comfort_a part_n thereof_o to_o their_o remembrance_n when_o they_o can_v see_v herein_o both_o what_o they_o have_v design_v for_o god_n and_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o 8._o if_o there_o be_v any_o comfort_n of_o love_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o within_o time_n they_o may_v see_v how_o this_o be_v not_o attainable_a but_o in_o the_o light_n of_o inward_a experience_n whence_o they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o meet_v and_o have_v fellowship_n in_o the_o same_o 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so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o principle_n of_o faith_n but_o on_o man_n personal_a trial_n of_o the_o same_o according_a to_o that_o isai_n 43_o v._n 10._o you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v i_o and_o understand_v that_o i_o be_o he_o for_o though_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o infallible_a truth_n that_o whatever_o god_n have_v assure_v by_o promise_n he_o will_v do_v yet_o the_o experience_n hereof_o since_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v seal_v be_v of_o humane_a record_n and_o a_o testimony_n which_o can_v bear_v no_o weight_n from_o the_o great_a of_o man_n if_o the_o quality_n of_o such_o witness_n be_v not_o try_v and_o consider_v herein_o 2._o because_o the_o high_a pretence_n to_o spiritual_a enjoiment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v but_o a_o false_a testimony_n where_o there_o be_v no_o tender_a regard_n herewith_o to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o this_o connection_n be_v indissoluble_a act_n 9_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o my_o word_n good_a to_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o mica_n two_o 7._o it_o be_v true_a that_o choice_a christian_n may_v be_v much_o hide_v and_o in_o the_o dark_a herein_o to_o other_o and_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n shall_v have_v a_o sad_a part_n if_o they_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o man_n only_o this_o be_v sure_a there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v in_o the_o premise_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n lie_v more_o in_o what_o they_o be_v than_o what_o they_o express_v to_o other_o 3._o the_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n be_v of_o such_o weight_n here_o and_o to_o be_v special_o regard_v as_o one_o of_o the_o high_a service_n for_o god_n within_o time_n under_o their_o hand_n to_o put_v too_o their_o seal_n and_o testimony_n that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v who_o be_v 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part_n of_o man_n who_o do_v very_o enjoy_v so_o marvellous_a a_o light_n as_o be_v immediate_o out_o of_o heaven_n and_o shine_v upon_o none_o else_o and_o know_v such_o a_o enjoiment_n as_o a_o immediate_a communion_n with_o the_o deity_n and_o his_o sensible_a presence_n with_o their_o spirit_n with_o returns_z from_o heaven_n to_o their_o suit_n in_o most_o real_a effect_n since_o if_o this_o be_v sure_a then_o must_v man_n seek_v for_o another_o idea_n of_o christianity_n &_o have_v other_o thought_n about_o the_o same_o than_o what_o most_o seem_v to_o have_v then_o be_v there_o a_o high_a glory_n put_v upon_o man_n soul_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o what_o all_o humane_a grandeur_n can_v ever_o amount_v to_o or_o be_v upon_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n 5._o the_o credit_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n on_o this_o great_a head_n of_o spiritual_a experience_n and_o the_o whole_a internal_a part_n of_o christianity_n be_v of_o such_o weight_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o age_n and_o most_o predominant_a part_n of_o man_n within_o the_o church_n be_v state_v in_o so_o visible_a a_o opposition_n thereto_o not_o only_o to_o oppose_v the_o power_n and_o spirituality_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o deny_v its_o principle_n and_o give_v a_o lie_n to_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o man_n soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v some_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o take_v of_o the_o great_a seal_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o whole_a internal_a demonstration_n of_o its_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o great_a prodigy_n of_o this_o age_n bejond_v any_o
time_n past_a and_o may_v be_v fear_v if_o our_o faith_n stand_v not_o sure_a otherways_o that_o the_o light_n shall_v be_v quick_o extinguish_v and_o the_o candlestick_n take_v away_o from_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n when_o most_o under_o such_o a_o profession_n yet_o never_o know_v the_o power_n virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v on_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o evidence_n or_o teach_n then_o by_o moral_a suasion_n only_o or_o another_o key_n to_o open_v the_o heart_n then_o external_a mean_n and_o thus_o must_v either_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o so_o torment_v a_o light_n or_o be_v unavoidable_o condemn_v hereby_o but_o with_o this_o inquiry_n as_o to_o the_o credit_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n who_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n bear_v the_o same_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n from_o their_o experience_n it_o be_v undeniable_a also_o but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n sist_v and_o under_o more_o peculiar_a engagement_n than_o other_o to_o appear_v on_o such_o a_o testimony_n and_o who_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o enjoiment_n of_o experience_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a road_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o people_n though_o this_o must_v in_o no_o other_o sense_n be_v understand_v extraordinary_a then_o from_o so_o judicial_a a_o time_n as_o this_o and_o the_o great_a decay_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n with_o this_o generation_n why_o these_o be_v so_o rare_a and_o not_o in_o be_v any_o way_n cross_n to_o the_o firm_a and_o settle_a constitution_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o without_o that_o precinct_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o war_n and_o the_o same_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v yet_o to_o enter_v on_o such_o enjoiment_n of_o experience_n that_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o believe_v in_o this_o day_n we_o be_v in_o be_v they_o tell_v we_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o what_o i_o mean_v hereby_o of_o these_o who_o may_v be_v in_o a_o high_a capacity_n than_o other_o for_o such_o a_o witness_n i_o shall_v brief_o touch_v 1._o these_o who_o through_o grace_n have_v be_v admit_v to_o some_o high_a intimacy_n of_o converse_n with_o god_n and_o to_o know_v his_o deal_n familiar_o with_o man_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n then_o may_v be_v ever_o know_v in_o such_o a_o degree_n to_o other_o choice_n and_o real_a christian_n though_o i_o judge_v this_o may_v be_v more_o rare_o know_v that_o where_o it_o be_v most_o in_o truth_n there_o also_o be_v a_o humble_a concealment_n and_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o same_o their_o usual_a study_n who_o find_v more_o sweetness_n in_o such_o enjoiment_n the_o less_o air_n they_o take_v &_o i_o have_v oft_o think_v such_o may_v be_v least_o know_v on_o the_o earth_n in_o this_o day_n who_o may_v be_v the_o great_a favourit_n of_o heaven_n and_o have_v have_v most_o rare_a and_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o love_n and_o respect_n of_o their_o god_n but_o as_o this_o be_v not_o the_o standard_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v so_o shall_v this_o witness_n be_v to_o i_o no_o further_o strenthn_v than_o it_o have_v some_o great_a height_n in_o humility_n and_o tenderness_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n go_v alongst_o herewith_o and_o some_o more_o singular_a eminency_n of_o grace_n as_o do_v answer_n to_o that_o isai_n 57_o 15._o john_n 14_o 21._o 2._o i_o must_v judge_v these_o also_o have_v a_o high_a room_n in_o this_o witness_n for_o god_n on_o their_o experience_n of_o his_o truth_n who_o have_v in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n than_o other_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o sustain_a grace_n under_o extraordinar_a trial_n i_o mean_v such_o christian_n as_o have_v be_v try_v not_o only_o in_o the_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o divine_a grace_n at_o another_o rate_n than_o other_o who_o i_o must_v reckon_v among_o 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be_v and_o may_v yet_o be_v in_o the_o present_a age_n great_a attainment_n of_o the_o same_o than_o most_o of_o christian_n can_v easy_o comprehend_v whole_a trial_n be_v never_o bring_v to_o such_o a_o pitch_n and_o in_o that_o manner_n assign_v to_o they_o since_o these_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n measure_v out_o only_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n give_v they_o rom._n 12_o 3._o 2._o as_o none_o may_v abridge_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o freedom_n and_o soveraingty_n of_o his_o work_n herein_o whatever_o time_n man_n be_v in_o so_o be_v it_o know_v and_o clear_a that_o where_o the_o lord_n do_v allot_v more_o extraordinare_a case_n whither_o to_o church_n or_o particular_a christian_n when_o such_o be_v keep_v close_o by_o he_o and_o the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o their_o duty_n there_o also_o be_v a_o more_o extraordinare_a allowance_n for_o the_o same_o yea_o such_o a_o measure_n and_o increase_v of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v seek_v from_o the_o great_a 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sure_a where_o he_o intend_v such_o a_o miraculous_a discovery_n of_o himself_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n he_o give_v it_o with_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o work_n and_o a_o concurrence_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v serve_v conviction_n on_o all_o who_o impress_n and_o signature_n it_o bear_v to_o difference_n the_o same_o from_o any_o imposture_n or_o its_o be_v a_o diabolick_a sign_n and_o work_v and_o so_o this_o call_v for_o a_o just_a enquiry_n and_o trial_n in_o the_o present_a case_n in_o these_o respect_n 1._o to_o know_v its_o true_a rise_n and_o original_n which_o i_o find_v in_o the_o english_a chronicle_n to_o be_v date_v from_o the_o time_n of_o edward_n the_o confessor_n when_o antichristian_a darkness_n be_v then_o at_o his_o great_a height_n it_o be_v in_o the_o 1042_o year_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o reign_v and_o when_o that_o prediction_n of_o the_o apostle_n thessaly_n 2_o 2._o of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a power_n and_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n to_o promote_v the_o antichristian_a interest_n be_v then_o take_v place_n and_o be_v in_o that_o sense_n only_o admit_v to_o confirm_v the_o romish_a faith_n by_o such_o a_o strange_a miracle_n 2._o this_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v necessary_a herein_o whither_o this_o pretend_a miraculous_a power_n belong_v to_o the_o crown_n only_o or_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o quality_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o person_n who_o wear_v the_o same_o since_o if_o it_o be_v to_o the_o first_o then_o though_o one_fw-mi infidel_n or_o mahometan_a be_v establish_v on_o the_o throne_n if_o this_o gift_n follow_v the_o same_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o also_o and_o have_v such_o a_o high_a privilege_n annex_v thereto_o as_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n never_o have_v when_o a_o david_n and_o solomon_n sit_v thereon_o tho_o
endue_v with_o one_fw-mi extraordinare_fw-la unction_n but_o if_o it_o respect_v the_o quality_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o person_n it_o sure_o must_v render_v this_o no_o less_o difficult_a that_o not_o only_o such_o as_o king_n henry_n the_o viii_o and_o his_o daughter_n queen_n mary_n beside_o many_o other_o yea_o richard_n the_o iii_o shall_v on_o this_o account_n have_v the_o active_a faith_n of_o miracle_n and_o be_v empoured_a herewith_o from_o god_n for_o work_v of_o the_o same_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o french_a king_n claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n and_o power_n as_o peculiar_a to_o they_o alone_o and_o may_v not_o on_o this_o ground_n lewis_n the_o fourteen_o this_o day_n be_v reckon_v a_o fit_a instrument_n for_o such_o a_o heal_a miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o just_a repute_n and_o credit_v thereto_o 3._o but_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o such_o a_o hereditary_a gift_n shall_v not_o faill_n and_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o departure_n of_o england_n from_o the_o romish_a church_n since_o the_o first_o hold_v hereof_o be_v upon_o their_o adherence_n to_o the_o same_o and_o as_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_v to_o the_o romish_a profession_n or_o that_o it_o shall_v now_o control_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v i_o know_v what_o some_o popish_a writer_n say_v hereon_o that_o this_o miracle_n be_v not_o now_o perform_v by_o such_o who_o have_v apostatise_v from_o that_o faith_n virtute_fw-la propria_fw-la sed_fw-la virtute_fw-la signi_fw-la crucis_fw-la but_o there_o need_v no_o such_o salvo_n as_o to_o reckon_v its_o be_v alienate_v now_o from_o serve_v for_o the_o same_o use_n and_o end_v it_o do_v before_o nor_o to_o have_v another_o rise_v if_o it_o be_v serious_o ponder_v 4._o but_o what_o interest_n in_o this_o cure_n have_v the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o rite_n in_o apply_v with_o the_o touch_n a_o medal_n of_o gold_n to_o the_o patient_n therewith_o or_o what_o virtue_n can_v this_o amulet_n impart_v and_o so_o great_a a_o care_n take_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o lose_v it_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v not_o give_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o there_o outward_a want_n except_o it_o be_v from_o ostentation_n to_o show_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o when_o they_o cure_v the_o lame_a man_n and_o can_v make_v use_n of_o no_o such_o assistance_n of_o silver_n or_o gold_n herein_o act._n 3._o 5._o if_o the_o application_n of_o one_fw-mi extraordinar_fw-mi gift_n for_o heal_a disease_n without_o the_o use_n of_o natural_a mean_n be_v aneugh_o to_o warrant_v the_o same_o and_o that_o such_o a_o cure_n be_v wrought_v without_o any_o further_a enquiry_n as_o to_o the_o cause_n and_o ground_n whereon_o it_o have_v such_o a_o effect_n it_o be_v then_o sure_a the_o devil_n and_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n may_v have_v a_o public_a and_o easy_a market_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o exact_v a_o uncontrolled_a homage_n and_o subjection_n to_o 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have_v give_v up_o with_o both_o and_o will_v easy_o grasp_v at_o such_o a_o bait_n though_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o hook_n that_o will_v at_o last_o destroy_v they_o but_o do_v these_o mighty_a hunter_n and_o destroyer_n of_o mankind_n the_o devil_n come_v so_o little_a speed_n in_o their_o work_n this_o day_n that_o they_o must_v have_v a_o protestant_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n come_v forth_o before_o the_o sun_n to_o offer_v his_o assistance_n to_o help_v they_o forward_o herein_o or_o if_o he_o deny_v such_o one_fw-mi intent_n what_o security_n will_v he_o offer_v to_o secure_a man_n from_o a_o hazard_n that_o be_v more_o dreadful_a than_o the_o kill_n of_o their_o body_n and_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a concern_v be_v he_o empoured_a with_o authority_n from_o these_o infernal_a region_n i_o confess_v on_o these_o ground_n he_o may_v have_v advantage_n to_o give_v such_o one_fw-mi assurance_n 1._o that_o the_o strong_a man_n whilst_o he_o keep_v the_o house_n will_v be_v 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who_o will_v withstand_v the_o same_o for_o which_o end_n may_v it_o be_v clear_o understand_v what_o such_o one_fw-mi appearance_n do_v mean_a in_o so_o strange_a one_fw-mi administration_n of_o providence_n by_o the_o sword_n to_o these_o nation_n in_o this_o age_n what_o such_o unusual_a shake_n and_o overturning_n there_o yea_o by_o such_o restless_a opposition_n to_o any_o civil_a settlement_n since_o the_o lord_n begin_v to_o shake_v britain_n to_o make_v know_v this_o solemn_a period_n of_o time_n be_v come_v and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o 7t_n trumpet_z when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v take_v to_o himself_o his_o great_a power_n and_o reign_v which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o darken_v by_o the_o usurpation_n and_o enmity_n of_o man_n thereto_o yea_o that_o he_o be_v sure_o go_v forth_o who_o have_v that_o name_n write_v on_o his_o vesture_n and_o thigh_n king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n to_o make_v good_a the_o same_o and_o will_v have_v this_o name_n engrave_v on_o all_o the_o way_n and_o act_n of_o providence_n who_o must_v reign_v until_o he_o have_v put_v all_o his_o enemy_n under_o his_o foot_n 1_o corinth_n 15_o 25._o and_o the_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o shall_v perish_v and_o these_o nation_n shall_v utter_o be_v lay_v waste_n isay_n 60_o 11._o for_o thus_o have_v the_o lord_n speak_v and_o be_v settle_v &_o seal_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o he_o that_o chainge_v not_o it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v be_v walk_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o most_o in_o these_o time_n past_a and_o even_o from_o his_o choice_a people_n there_o have_v be_v oft_o a_o hide_v of_o his_o work_n and_o keep_v it_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n amid_o these_o strange_a change_n as_o have_v put_v the_o most_o discern_a to_o a_o stand_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o see_v man_n intent_n in_o their_o act_n and_o under_o what_o influence_n they_o hake_v move_v yea_o what_o bitter_a rise_n of_o heart_n an●_n quarrelling_n have_v be_v upon_o the_o miscarry_v o●_n their_o end_n but_o this_o be_v a_o other_o sight_n and_o of_o a_o high_o concern_v to_o see_v and_o discern_v wise_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o amid_o all_o the_o realing_n of_o these_o strange_a time_n his_o way_n and_o course_n of_o providence_n have_v be_v ever_o steady_a and_o sixth_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v thus_o clear_o see_v if_o our_o spirit_n be_v more_o deep_o let_v forth_o on_o such_o a_o study_n that_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o day_n yea_o the_o stand_n and_o security_n of_o the_o public_a state_n of_o these_o nation_n do_v assure_o lie_v in_o a_o resolute_a concurrence_n with_o this_o great_a design_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o as_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o stand_n in_o the_o breach_n before_o he_o to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n but_o since_o this_o subject_a of_o the_o catholic_n right_a and_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o earth_n be_v so_o strange_a a_o mystery_n to_o many_o in_o these_o time_n and_o such_o different_a thought_n and_o conception_n be_v hereof_o as_o i_o have_v desire_v to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n on_o these_o sure_a principle_n and_o ground_n that_o i_o may_v have_v full_a rest_n and_o settlement_n to_o my_o own_o spirit_n herein_o so_o i_o may_v say_v that_o in_o the_o clearness_n of_o this_o light_n i_o have_v find_v a_o special_a strengthen_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n when_o with_o the_o further_a evidence_n it_o may_v be_v see_v 1._o how_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o donative_n and_o universal_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o father_n as_o incarnate_a and_o after_o his_o ascension_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o which_o be_v his_o essential_a and_o natural_a kingdom_n which_o do_v belong_v to_o his_o person_n as_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n and_o god_n equal_a with_o he_o but_o be_v such_o as_o be_v promise_v and_o by_o special_a donation_n give_v to_o he_o that_o the_o end_n and_o uttermost_a coast_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v his_o inheritance_n ps_n 2_o 8._o and_o his_o dominion_n to_o be_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n psalm_n 72_o 8._o yea_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o dan._n 7_o shall_fw-mi 14._o when_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o dominion_n glory_n and_o a_o kingdom_n that_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n shall_v serve_v he_o etc._n etc._n 2._o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suspense_n or_o darkness_n in_o this_o so_o be_v it_o no_o less_o clear_a his_o enter_v on_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n be_v reserve_v only_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n to_o which_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o 4_o great_a monarchy_n which_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n be_v direct_v and_o subordinate_a to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o same_o and_o lo_o here_o may_v we_o see_v the_o first_o period_n of_o the_o visible_a glory_n of_o christ_n reign_n and_o his_o entrance_n on_o the_o same_o when_o after_o such_o strong_a opposi●ions_n the_o pagan_a world_n be_v at_o last_o make_v to_o bow_v down_o and_o fall_v before_o his_o truth_n and_o submit_v to_o he_o 3._o but_o herein_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o this_o special_a bequeathment_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n in_o that_o sense_n only_o of_o inbr_v the_o elect_a out_o of_o the_o same_o or_o of_o his_o internal_a reign_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o that_o it_o lie_v in_o a_o visible_a surrender_n and_o subject_v of_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o nation_n to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o government_n when_o the_o prince_n and_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v subject_v their_o regal_a authority_n to_o his_o rule_n and_o empire_n as_o hold_v their_o dominion_n from_o he_o to_o who_o all_o power_n and_o judgement_n be_v commit_v and_o can_v bear_v that_o stile_n only_o of_o be_v the_o 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this_o great_a subject_n which_o now_o meet_v we_o &_o to_o be_v clear_o see_v how_o the_o more_o eminent_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o glory_n and_o state_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v alone_o reserve_v to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o trumpet_n for_o which_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o contemporate_n of_o the_o same_o with_o that_o period_n of_o time_n in_o which_o be_v the_o first_o rise_v and_o restore_v of_o the_o church_n from_o antichristian_a darkness_n when_o the_o lord_n do_v himself_o go_v forth_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n to_o plant_v and_o settle_v the_o reform_a church_n and_o thus_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o kingdom_n do_v with_o the_o first_o blast_n of_o that_o trumpet_n sound_v a_o retreat_n to_o his_o people_n out_o of_o babylon_n so_o i_o have_v herein_o be_v make_v to_o admire_v with_o joy_n the_o exactness_n of_o that_o correspondence_n betwixt_o the_o event_n of_o this_o trumpet_n that_o have_v already_o take_v place_n with_o what_o be_v so_o punctual_o foretell_v hereof_o rev._n 11_o 15._o for_o as_o it_o be_v sure_o there_o promise_v that_o then_o shall_v be_v a_o open_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o ark_n of_o his_o testimony_n be_v see_v there_o which_o have_v be_v former_o shut_v up_o lo_o how_o express_o have_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n make_v good_a his_o word_n herein_o and_o keep_v the_o time_n which_o he_o have_v set_v for_o the_o same_o in_o the_o bright_a shine_a forth_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n when_o for_o so_o many_o age_n keep_v hide_v from_o the_o world_n to_o which_o be_v the_o
part_n that_o such_o have_v allot_v to_o they_o in_o the_o time_n we_o be_v fall_v in_o who_o will_v stand_v in_o such_o a_o gape_v &_o breach_n where_o opposition_n now_o thereto_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o it_o may_v seem_v almost_o hopeless_a to_o crave_v justice_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n conscience_n when_o a_o latitude_n on_o principle_n have_v come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o the_o authority_n of_o light_n be_v without_o fear_n control_v yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o the_o answer_v of_o that_o command_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o suitable_o take_v to_o heart_n &_o the_o great_a consequence_n thereof_o which_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n towards_o these_o who_o be_v without_o though_o not_o be_v in_o that_o sense_n without_o the_o church_n yet_o as_o no_o less_o state_v in_o a_o visible_a enmity_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n than_o such_o can_v be_v there_o have_v be_v much_o serious_a study_n and_o design_n by_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o age_n to_o promote_v his_o kingdom_n in_o britain_n and_o ireland_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o there_o eminent_o fit_v for_o so_o difficult_a a_o service_n how_o to_o gain_v and_o prevail_v with_o the_o further_a measure_n of_o prudence_n and_o judgement_n upon_o the_o most_o obstinate_o prejudge_v as_o any_o in_o this_o day_n there_o have_v be_v also_o of_o late_a a_o singular_a improvement_n make_v and_o blessed_v for_o a_o more_o unite_v contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o so_o hazardous_a a_o time_n but_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v yet_o some_o further_a length_n and_o essay_n call_v for_o upon_o this_o great_a service_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o take_v off_o let_v and_o stumble_a blok_n out_o of_o their_o way_n who_o may_v be_v upon_o a_o sad_a precipice_n of_o break_v and_o further_a alienation_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o some_o more_o full_a clear_n of_o the_o same_o from_o these_o design_a reflection_n cast_v thereon_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o conviction_n may_v thus_o insensible_o prevail_v and_o gain_v ground_n with_o the_o great_a gainsayer_n whilst_o we_o know_v little_a what_o design_n grace_n may_v in_o this_o day_n have_v on_o such_o and_o as_o the_o further_a regard_n shall_v be_v keep_v to_o light_v upon_o any_o controvert_v truth_n without_o lose_v ground_n herein_o yet_o shall_v i_o judge_v it_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o see_v these_o who_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n once_o meet_v in_o a_o more_o joint_a concurrence_n in_o behalf_n of_o these_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o controvert_v when_o the_o face_n of_o this_o generation_n be_v so_o threaten_v as_o to_o a_o further_a revolt_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n both_o in_o the_o pureness_n and_o power_n thereof_o this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o work_n by_o its_o self_n which_o as_o its_o of_o the_o high_a public_a concern_v so_o do_v it_o require_v a_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la measure_n of_o judiciousnes_n in_o follow_v the_o same_o my_o unfitness_n to_o speak_v on_o such_o a_o subject_a shall_v have_v restrain_v i_o herein_o be_v it_o not_o to_o witness_v something_o of_o a_o serious_a desire_n under_o which_o my_o soul_n be_v press_v for_o such_o one_fw-mi end_n when_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o perish_v of_o so_o many_o who_o have_v one_fw-mi eternal_a state_n before_o they_o be_v so_o visible_a this_o day_n and_o yet_o no_o further_o trial_n make_v to_o gain_v and_o recover_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o i_o may_v gain_v some_o other_o can_v more_o fit_o judge_n as_o to_o the_o suitable_a manage_n of_o such_o a_o service_n and_o how_o to_o fall_v in_o on_o the_o right_n lithe_a of_o duty_n herein_o only_a something_n i_o shall_v wish_v be_v more_o design_v for_o take_v off_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o break_v thus_o one_o of_o the_o great_a engine_n of_o satan_n this_o day_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o in_o come_v a_o great_a length_n by_o these_o who_o be_v of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n to_o sacrifice_v private_a resentment_n to_o that_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o truth_n upon_o conceive_a injury_n when_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a wat_fw-mi one_fw-mi influence_n personal_a prejudice_n this_o day_n have_v to_o keep_v up_o distance_n to_o heighten_v difference_n and_o cause_n further_a estrangement_n on_o such_o a_o account_n from_o any_o fervent_a appearance_n for_o god_n and_o this_o be_v sure_o one_o of_o the_o most_o honourable_a part_n of_o a_o christian_n work_n how_o far_o he_o may_v overcome_v the_o distemper_n of_o other_o by_o humility_n tenderness_n and_o love_n and_o walk_v in_o such_o a_o countermotion_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o this_o day_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o service_n this_o day_n much_o call_v for_o to_o have_v stumbling_n more_o prevent_v against_o these_o unquestionable_a settle_a administration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n so_o as_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n may_v be_v right_o understand_v the_o proper_a object_n whereof_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o inward_a man_n and_o it_o be_v great_a design_n to_o restore_v &_o edify_v which_o be_v in_o such_o a_o way_n that_o where_o it_o be_v true_o answer_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o tender_a and_o heal_a and_o to_o attract_v any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n to_o join_v in_o herewith_o for_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a measure_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v sufler_n from_o the_o weakness_n or_o exorbitancy_n of_o any_o it_o be_v suitable_a for_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o plead_v that_o from_o heathen_n that_o the_o offence_n and_o practice_n of_o none_o shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n 3._o it_o be_v desirable_a also_o that_o further_a conviction_n may_v be_v serve_v on_o these_o who_o be_v prone_a to_o stumble_v how_o in_o the_o promote_a of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n there_o be_v no_o pursue_v any_o divide_a interest_n of_o a_o party_n and_o that_o if_o such_o will_v once_o try_v and_o see_v they_o can_v then_o judge_v where_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a interest_n within_o time_n lie_v which_o all_o be_v joint_o concern_v to_o promote_v who_o have_v any_o design_n on_o the_o christian_a profession_n for_o eternal_a thing_n 4._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v this_o more_o wat_fw-mi one_fw-mi advantage_n shall_v it_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o conciliate_v a_o great_a respect_n thereto_o that_o all_o may_v see_v how_o sweet_a a_o contemperature_n and_o harmony_n there_o be_v betwixt_o pure_a zeal_n for_o god_n which_o be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o further_a prudence_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o man_n and_o how_o the_o rule_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o bitterness_n wrath_n or_o recrimination_n which_o be_v so_o abound_v this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n in_o pursue_v of_o difference_n upon_o any_o concern_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o herein_o do_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n more_o eminent_o appear_v in_o secure_v the_o concord_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n under_o a_o diversity_n of_o light_n and_o judgement_n in_o some_o lesser_a difference_n about_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o man_n heart_n in_o subdue_n the_o distemper_n of_o their_o mind_n then_o by_o impose_v the_o most_o severe_a and_o absolute_a uniformity_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o it_o be_v ever_o find_v how_o this_o have_v be_v most_o easy_a and_o practicable_a among_o such_o who_o have_v make_v the_o high_a advance_v in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n then_o any_o else_o since_o he_o near_o the_o line_n be_v to_o the_o centre_n the_o near_a also_o be_v they_o among_o themselves_o and_o i_o must_v add_v herewith_o that_o it_o may_v be_v little_o know_v what_o convictive_a power_n may_v follow_v in_o a_o time_n of_o such_o high_a distemper_n as_o this_o on_o a_o suitable_a application_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o dwell_v with_o prudence_n and_o come_v from_o above_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n give_v for_o the_o same_o james_z 3_o 17._o to_o make_v a_o high_a interest_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o then_o now_o in_o a_o ordinare_fw-la way_n will_v seem_v possible_a 4._o as_o the_o further_a tenderness_n and_o prudence_n be_v call_v for_o to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o further_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o take_v out_o of_o
the_o same_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a these_o let_n and_o stumble_a block_n where_o the_o great_a hazard_n may_v be_v of_o offence_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v much_o preparatory_a also_o for_o a_o high_a service_n &_o a_o more_o unite_v appear_v for_o god_n herein_o and_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o most_o hazardous_a part_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o day_n in_o behalf_n of_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o testimony_n as_o the_o alone_a ground_n on_o which_o the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n must_v found_v since_o this_o be_v the_o very_a same_o inconvertible_a term_n to_o give_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o godhead_n and_o that_o tribute_n which_o be_v most_o inviolable_o sacred_a and_o essential_a to_o he_o it_o will_v seem_v almost_o incredible_a that_o fuch_n one_fw-mi hour_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n shall_v fall_v in_o with_o the_o 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under_o popery_n have_v be_v so_o sore_o baffle_v &_o turn_v out_o of_o credit_n in_o such_o a_o inquisitive_a world_n as_o this_o lo_o satan_n have_v take_v himself_o to_o the_o very_a contrare_fw-la airth_n and_o know_v how_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o temper_n of_o a_o br●●k_n bold_a and_o dare_a age_n that_o he_o may_v settle_v a_o new_a opposition_n against_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n wherein_o he_o have_v unite_v and_o fix_v his_o great_a strength_n so_o that_o since_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o from_o his_o throne_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v not_o have_v a_o great_a triumph_n then_o in_o this_o attempt_n how_o to_o bring_v man_n upon_o it_o and_o set_v humane_a reason_n at_o once_o both_o against_o god_n and_o itself_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o executioner_n and_o in_o subject_v the_o high_a mystery_n of_o truth_n to_o its_o comprehension_n to_o make_v it_o not_o only_o equal_a to_o god_n but_o give_v 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that_o rom._n 1_o 21_o because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n thence_o be_v such_o one_fw-mi amasing_a stroke_n thus_o inflict_v on_o their_o reason_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o in_o the_o poëtick_a fiction_n of_o phaethon_n that_o when_o he_o seek_v to_o guide_v the_o chariot_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o a_o time_n he_o be_v like_a to_o burn_v the_o earth_n until_o he_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o thunderbolt_n from_o heaven_n so_o have_v this_o party_n try_v how_o to_o manage_v reason_n as_o the_o supreme_a director_n and_o judge_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a as_o they_o have_v go_v near_o to_o destroy_v both_o reason_n and_o religion_n at_o once_o but_o though_o the_o strong_a rational_a argument_n with_o such_o
seem_v to_o bear_v no_o weight_n i_o doubt_v not_o ere_o long_o of_o such_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o ever_o bless_a redeemer_n which_o he_o shall_v give_v before_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v god_n as_o will_v for_o ever_o end_v this_o controversy_n there_o be_v a_o constraint_n on_o the_o elect_a angel_n to_o admire_v what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o incomprehensible_a love_n of_o god_n to_o fall_v man_n but_o oh_o what_o a_o return_n and_o recompense_n do_v engage_v mankind_n give_v to_o he_o who_o count_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o god_n yet_o to_o become_v man_n for_o our_o sake_n that_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o great_a brightness_n of_o light_n do_v bear_v such_o enmity_n to_o his_o godhead_n as_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n must_v be_v put_v out_o to_o serve_v this_o end_n and_o when_o such_o a_o light_n be_v turn_v into_o darkness_n how_o 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therewith_o &_o that_o they_o must_v subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a jndgment_n and_o not_o to_o god_n if_o they_o design_v to_o be_v christian_n it_o be_v a_o famous_a passage_n i_o must_v relate_v here_o of_o that_o great_a jewish_a council_n hold_v in_o octob._n 1650._o in_o the_o plain_a of_o ageda_n 30_o league_n from_o buda_n in_o hungary_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o after_o seven_o day_n debate_n about_o the_o same_o and_o not_o a_o few_o argument_n offer_v from_o their_o continue_a desolation_n and_o captivity_n since_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n some_o popish_a deputy_n at_o last_o be_v admit_v who_o in_o stead_n of_o promote_a the_o christian_a faith_n press_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o saint_n depart_v and_o of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n upon_o which_o that_o great_a assembly_n break_v up_o in_o a_o tumult_n cry_v no_o christ_n no_o image_n no_o woman_n god_n and_o cast_v dust_n on_o their_o head_n upon_o so_o irrational_a a_o blasphemy_n it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o rabbi_n then_o do_v much_o desire_n protestant_n divine_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o they_o but_o that_o the_o pope_n and_o emperor_n have_v join_v to_o shut_v they_o whole_o out_o though_o thousand_o of_o stranger_n be_v then_o present_a at_o a_o meeting_n of_o so_o great_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v in_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o i_o mention_v it_o for_o this_o end_n what_o a_o cry_n will_v that_o have_v make_v if_o they_o have_v be_v tell_v of_o a_o create_v and_o dependent_a god_n &_o to_o subject_n themselves_o here_o to_o the_o great_a contradiction_n to_o reason_n 5._o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o close_a but_o add_v this_o further_a what_o shall_v be_v special_o expect_v upon_o the_o grow_a state_n of_o christ_n visible_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n that_o as_o these_o fog_n &_o mist_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v upon_o 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glorify_v himself_o in_o his_o people_n than_o be_v former_o in_o these_o suffer_a time_n which_o be_v now_o past_a wherein_o his_o glory_n be_v to_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o passive_a grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o now_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o what_o yet_o remain_v thereof_o to_o be_v finish_v in_o another_o way_n to_o take_v place_n as_o shall_v call_v the_o generation_n that_o be_v come_v up_o to_o such_o a_o observe_v and_o admire_a work_n of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o god_n that_o may_v need_v a_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la measure_n of_o grace_n to_o answer_v the_o same_o but_o we_o must_v look_v for_o great_a thing_n of_o judgement_n come_v on_o to_o be_v accomplish_v as_o well_o as_o of_o mercy_n the_o vyall_n of_o