adversary_n we_o may_v also_o on_o clear_a scripture_n ground_n conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v now_o awake_v as_o a_o mighty_a man_n and_o upon_o the_o field_n yea_o that_o the_o war_n be_v sure_o begin_v against_o antichrist_n and_o all_o the_o adversary_n of_o his_o church_n which_o shall_v not_o cease_v until_o the_o full_a victory_n be_v obtain_v for_o indeed_o these_o providence_n which_o in_o these_o last_o time_n shall_v be_v very_o affright_v and_o terrible_a when_o we_o go_v in_o to_o the_o word_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o have_v a_o comfortable_a aspect_n on_o the_o church_n and_o do_v presage_v her_o great_a enlargement_n which_o as_o the_o tender_a bud_n and_o leaf_n of_o the_o fig_n tree_n be_v put_v forth_o to_o show_v the_o summer_n approach_n luc._n 21_o ver_fw-la 28._o it_o be_v true_a the_o church_n be_v now_o low_a and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n meet_v with_o very_o sad_a interruption_n which_o be_v needful_a both_o for_o trial_n and_o rebuke_v but_o this_o also_o be_v sure_o which_o none_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v eminent_o appear_v and_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o his_o church_n yea_o we_o must_v say_v he_o have_v by_o a_o confluence_n of_o very_a remarkable_a providence_n thus_o condescend_v to_o strengthen_v his_o people_n hand_n to_o confirm_v such_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v even_o as_o it_o be_v by_o cruche_n anent_o the_o greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v yet_o promise_v now_o to_o clear_v this_o truth_n a_o little_a we_o will_v consider_v first_o how_o it_o be_v very_a consonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o express_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o same_o that_o in_o the_o last_o time_n and_o turn_v of_o the_o church_n case_n from_o antichrist_n the_o lord_n will_v thus_o appear_v in_o his_o great_a strength_n and_o set_v up_o his_o standard_n against_o his_o adversary_n yea_o will_v then_o in_o a_o special_a way_n call_v forth_o his_o people_n to_o glorify_v he_o by_o a_o active_a testimony_n 2._o that_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o begin_v to_o appear_v according_a to_o his_o word_n be_v a_o truth_n that_o be_v also_o undeniable_a &_o shall_v much_o help_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n anent_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o further_o remain_v of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o that_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o word_n may_v be_v thus_o clear_a first_o though_o the_o church_n militant_a must_v not_o want_v a_o adversary_n and_o some_o persecution_n from_o the_o world_n even_o in_o her_o best_a estate_n yet_o we_o have_v a_o safe_a warrant_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v glorify_v himself_o in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n in_o his_o people_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n by_o do_v and_o act_v for_o the_o truth_n as_o in_o former_a age_n his_o glory_n do_v most_o appear_v dnre_v antichrist_n reign_v in_o his_o church_n suffering_n for_o then_o the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o his_o saint_n be_v to_o be_v witness_v in_o its_o season_n rev._n 13_o ver_fw-la 10._o and_o thus_o he_o will_v serve_v himself_o of_o his_o people_n and_o bring_v forth_o his_o glory_n until_o that_o time_n of_o retribution_n when_o these_o who_o have_v kill_v with_o the_o sword_n shall_v be_v kill_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o these_o who_o lead_v unto_o captivity_n be_v so_o deal_v with_o which_o do_v also_o clear_o promise_v some_o special_a outletting_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o act_v with_o these_o gift_n of_o courage_n and_o resolution_n suitable_a to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o true_o i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o great_a want_n we_o study_v not_o more_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o how_o to_o improve_v the_o same_o for_o gift_n as_o well_o as_o grace_v in_o order_n to_o the_o several_a time_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o clear_a from_o the_o scripture_n that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n when_o christ_n be_v to_o raise_v his_o church_n from_o under_o the_o power_n and_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n he_o shall_v then_o appear_v in_o a_o warlike_a posture_n which_o john_n have_v show_v to_o he_o rev._n 19_o v._n 13_o 14._o as_o one_o upon_o the_o head_n of_o his_o force_n with_o his_o vesture_n dip_v in_o blood_n to_o show_v that_o when_o once_o the_o war_n be_v begin_v against_o his_o adversary_n and_o this_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n begin_v to_o rouse_v himself_o up_o what_o a_o terrible_a appearance_n he_o will_v have_v in_o that_o undertake_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o lord_n have_v declare_v in_o this_o his_o counsel_n and_o will_v that_o his_o son_n christ_n shall_v in_o the_o latter_a time_n take_v unto_o himself_o his_o great_a power_n and_o reign_v rev._n 11_o ver_fw-la 17._o yea_o cause_n the_o world_n know_v he_o to_o be_v head_n of_o principalitye_n and_o power_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o church_n for_o his_o glory_n in_o this_o truth_n as_o a_o king_n which_o former_a age_n seem_v in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n to_o darken_v must_v then_o clear_o shine_v forth_o i_o true_o think_v man_n appear_v with_o such_o violence_n and_o rage_n against_o so_o concern_v a_o truth_n now_o in_o these_o day_n do_v promise_v some_o eminent_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n therein_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v yet_o more_o solemn_o assert_v the_o same_o before_o the_o world_n 3._o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n point_n at_o the_o last_o time_n as_o that_o special_a time_n of_o recompense_n for_o the_o controversy_n of_o zion_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v reserve_v a_o solemn_a triumph_n of_o his_o justice_n over_o all_o his_o church_n enemy_n when_o he_o shall_v inquire_v for_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o saint_n shed_v upon_o the_o earth_n since_o the_o day_n of_o abel_n at_o babylon_n hand_n revelat._n 18_o ver_fw-la 24._o that_o great_a adversary_n who_o stand_v in_o law_n guilty_a and_o have_v serve_v herself_o heir_n to_o all_o the_o violence_n &_o cruelty_n do_v in_o former_a age_n for_o in_o her_o hand_n must_v that_o cup_n be_v find_v full_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o beginning_n have_v be_v fill_v up_o and_o as_o so_o many_o river_n and_o fountain_n have_v run_v unto_o this_o great_a sea_n 4._o it_o be_v also_o clear_a that_o in_o the_o last_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v bind_v up_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o people_n and_o heal_v the_o stroke_n of_o their_o wound_n who_o for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n have_v be_v trample_v under_o by_o antichrist_n he_o shall_v by_o some_o signal_n providence_n roll_v away_o this_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n of_o meanne_n contempt_n and_o persecution_n shall_v put_v some_o glory_n on_o his_o church_n proportionable_a to_o its_o former_a abasement_n yea_o thus_o comfort_v she_o according_a to_o the_o day_n wherein_o he_o have_v afflict_v she_o and_o cause_v his_o people_n uprising_n in_o measure_n and_o kind_a to_o answer_v their_o low_a and_o suffer_a state_n from_o antichrist_n even_o in_o the_o last_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v they_o appear_v with_o the_o face_n of_o a_o lion_n when_o the_o feeble_a shall_v be_v as_o david_n and_o as_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n zach._n 12_o ver_fw-la 8._o which_o promise_n do_v clear_o point_v at_o the_o church_n raise_v and_o delivery_n from_o antichrist_n upon_o the_o back_n whereof_o we_o find_v the_o prophet_n do_v foretell_v the_o last_o conversion_n and_o incom_v of_o israel_n 5._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v what_o the_o scripture_n do_v most_o express_o show_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v so_o glorious_o appear_v in_o bring_v his_o church_n out_o of_o babylon_n and_o execute_v his_o judgement_n on_o that_o adversary_n as_o in_o the_o day_n when_o he_o bring_v his_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o therefore_o shall_v they_o sing_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o lamb_n rev._n 15_o ver_fw-la 3._o his_o great_a power_n and_o outstretch_a hand_n be_v no_o less_o discernible_a therein_o then_o if_o they_o have_v be_v stand_v with_o israel_n at_o the_o red_a sea_n when_o they_o see_v their_o enemy_n lie_v dead_a upon_o the_o shore_n yea_o have_v we_o not_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v himself_o very_o evident_o know_v in_o raise_v instrument_n and_o act_v they_o forth_o which_o have_v be_v already_o see_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o world_n must_v confess_v what_o great_a thing_n have_v be_v do_v by_o these_o of_o who_o little_o be_v expect_v iii_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o begin_v to_o appear_v and_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o the_o world_n in_o these_o last_o age_n according_a to_o his_o word_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o easy_a to_o demonstrat_fw-la for_o 1._o be_v it_o not_o clear_v how_o in_o these_o last_o time_n he_o have_v meet_v his_o enemy_n upon_o their_o high_a place_n
say_v they_o be_v bad_a casuit_n and_o have_v little_a respect_n to_o the_o church_n edification_n who_o make_v it_o their_o work_n not_o so_o much_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n as_o to_o show_v they_o quam_fw-la prope_fw-la ad_fw-la peccatum_fw-la sine_fw-la peccato_fw-la accedere_fw-la liceat_fw-la o_o what_o a_o become_a fear_n be_v that_o not_o to_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o to_o grieve_v the_o weak_a or_o confirm_v such_o who_o use_v to_o found_v their_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o same_o 2._o this_o excellent_a study_n of_o christian_a prudence_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o man_n take_v offence_n as_o well_o as_o their_o give_v it_o to_o our_o be_v sober_a in_o judge_v in_o personal_a reflection_n to_o cover_v and_o hide_v the_o infirmity_n of_o other_o rather_o then_o spread_v they_o even_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n yea_o to_o shut_v as_o it_o be_v our_o eye_n and_o cast_v a_o mantle_n on_o their_o nakedness_n who_o overtake_v with_o the_o violence_n of_o some_o temptation_n may_v yet_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n but_o especial_o this_o shall_v press_v we_o to_o a_o watchful_a regard_n of_o any_o breach_n and_o rend_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o study_v a_o heal_a spirit_n so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a without_o prejudice_n to_o truth_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o a_o concern_v piece_n of_o christian_a prudence_n how_o to_o walk_v wise_o towards_o these_o who_o be_v without_o when_o prejudice_n against_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v now_o in_o such_o a_o growth_n to_o study_v how_o we_o may_v convince_v gain_v ground_n and_o by_o christianly_o prudent_a and_o tender_a carriage_n conciliat_fw-la respect_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o thus_o commend_v holiness_n and_o these_o who_o profess_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o study_v that_o rule_n of_o expediency_n much_o in_o thing_n of_o themselves_o warrantable_a what_o fitness_n and_o advantage_n present_a circumstance_n may_v offer_v or_o deny_v for_o edification_n and_o promote_a that_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o our_o converse_n with_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o cease_v to_o trouble_v you_o further_o only_o will_v premit_fw-la some_o few_o thing_n with_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o follow_a essay_n 1._o shall_v we_o not_o with_o wonder_n and_o astonishment_n look_v on_o this_o great_a record_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v to_o man_n yea_o do_v as_o certain_o communicate_v his_o counsel_n and_o mind_n we_o may_v say_v more_o certain_o then_o if_o we_o have_v a_o immediate_a audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n o_o can_v we_o have_v such_o ordinary_a thought_n of_o this_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o near_o god_n come_v therein_o to_o we_o i_o think_v if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n though_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n where_o man_n may_v go_v and_o get_v a_o look_n of_o so_o wonderful_a and_o important_a a_o thing_n as_o god_n express_v will_n write_v and_o send_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o earth_n anent_o our_o duty_n here_o and_o blessedness_n for_o ever_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v it_o worth_a our_o cross_v the_o sea_n and_o of_o the_o great_a expense_n of_o time_n or_o labour_n it_o be_v true_o a_o wonder_n how_o we_o can_v read_v and_o consider_v the_o scripture_n without_o wonder_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o great_a concernment_n to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v such_o a_o witness_v as_o experience_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o trade_n &_o correspondence_n as_o this_o betwixt_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o word_n which_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o common_a road_n of_o the_o world_n o_o what_o a_o empty_a thing_n shall_v religion_n be_v if_o it_o have_v not_o this_o word_n experience_n in_o its_o grammar_n that_o secret_a &_o sure_a mark_n whereby_o the_o christian_a know_v the_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n how_o thus_o the_o lord_n have_v oft_o seal_v their_o instruction_n in_o a_o dark_a plunge_n how_o life_n and_o power_n inlve_a influence_n to_o the_o melt_a of_o their_o heart_n have_v oft_o try_v they_o there_o in_o a_o very_a dead_a frame_n and_o now_o they_o know_v that_o very_o god_n hear_v prayer_n now_o they_o be_v persuade_v and_o have_v learn_v by_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o comforter_n yea_o many_o can_v show_v how_o by_o the_o word_n their_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o lord_n do_v begin_v how_o some_o particular_a truth_n like_o a_o pickle_n of_o corn_n throw_v in_o at_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o great_a husbandman_n be_v make_v to_o take_v life_n and_o grow_v 3._o it_o much_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v what_o a_o excellent_a key_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o unlock_v that_o seal_a book_n of_o providence_n and_o that_o no_o other_o key_n can_v fit_v the_o same_o many_o have_v try_v another_o way_n but_o lose_v themselves_o on_o the_o search_n and_o the_o more_o they_o press_v by_o humane_a wisdom_n they_o become_v the_o more_o dark_a i_o true_o think_v there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o satisfy_a discovery_n within_o time_n than_o this_o to_o trace_v divine_a truth_n back_o until_o we_o see_v its_o first_o break_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o eternal_a decree_n and_o council_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o how_o thence_o it_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a sign_n and_o declaration_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o then_o how_o the_o word_n take_v hold_v of_o his_o work_n and_o providence_n where_o we_o may_v see_v the_o face_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n clear_o write_v out_o through_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n how_o providence_n keep_v a_o certain_a and_o steady_a course_n even_o amid_o the_o most_o perplex_a motion_n and_o reel_n of_o of_o the_o earth_n yea_o how_o all_o thing_n even_o these_o which_o will_v seem_v most_o contradictory_n run_v within_o that_o straight_a channel_n of_o the_o word_n and_o can_v go_v without_o tâ—ese_fw-mi bound_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o concern_v scripture-promise_n that_o be_v only_o touch_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n these_o which_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o a_o clear_a continue_a series_n of_o the_o church_n condition_n through_o time_n and_o show_v the_o most_o remarkable_a change_n of_o her_o lot_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o diverse_a prophecy_n and_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n the_o spirit_n do_v point_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o true_o it_o shall_v cause_v no_o mistake_n or_o prejudice_n thar_z we_o find_v several_a of_o the_o scripture_n prophecy_n express_v in_o such_o dark_a term_n since_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v it_o fit_a that_o for_o a_o time_n these_o truth_n shall_v be_v lock_v up_o and_o seal_v but_o now_o light_n have_v so_o far_o break_v up_o with_o the_o event_n as_o we_o may_v see_v how_o very_a significant_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o matter_n these_o most_o dark_a aenigmatick_a term_n be_v 5._o we_o will_v upon_o no_o account_n shut_v our_o ear_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o give_v we_o ground_n to_o wait_v that_o the_o outgoing_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o people_n in_o their_o deliverance_n and_o for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n now_o in_o these_o last_o time_n shall_v be_v very_o glorious_a yea_o by_o some_o stately_a and_o stupendous_a act_n of_o providence_n that_o he_o shall_v accomplish_v his_o judgement_n on_o antichrist_n neither_o must_v we_o take_v a_o prejudice_n at_o truth_n because_o of_o the_o wild_a fancy_n of_o many_o who_o will_v extend_v it_o beyond_o its_o bound_n or_o that_o near_a resemblance_n which_o the_o error_n of_o some_o in_o this_o time_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v thereto_o for_o that_o have_v be_v a_o old_a stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o prejudge_v the_o world_n at_o some_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o set_v up_o a_o counterfut_o thereto_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o only_o what_o account_n be_v give_v upon_o the_o close_a of_o the_o last_o argument_n of_o some_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o late_a time_n as_o herein_o the_o author_n have_v some_o confidence_n to_o profess_v he_o do_v endeavour_v what_o can_v be_v attain_v for_o certainty_n of_o the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o circumstance_n of_o these_o relation_n shall_v be_v find_v a_o mistake_n he_o dare_v say_v before_o he_o who_o be_v great_a than_o our_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n so_o he_o must_v also_o premit_fw-la the_o insert_v of_o they_o be_v upon_o no_o further_a intent_n then_o to_o be_v a_o witness_v to_o that_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n eminent_a appearance_n for_o his_o church_n in_o the_o
nor_o lawgiver_n no_o piece_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o can_v call_v their_o own_o but_o at_o the_o mercy_n and_o arbitrary_a disposal_n of_o every_o place_n they_o reside_v in_o no_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n but_o a_o naked_a permission_n to_o brook_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n during_o the_o pleasure_n of_o these_o under_o who_o they_o get_v shelter_v a_o people_n put_v by_o themselves_o with_o a_o visible_a mark_n of_o divine_a wrath_n upon_o they_o like_o a_o beacon_n set_v up_o for_o all_o the_o nation_n to_o look_v on_o even_o these_o who_o be_v once_o eminent_o own_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v know_v in_o their_o palace_n for_o a_o refuge_n yea_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o no_o stir_n or_o essay_n that_o ever_o they_o make_v for_o their_o relief_n but_o be_v still_o to_o their_o further_a ruin_n and_o find_v god_n hand_n visible_o cross_v to_o they_o therein_o sure_a ammianus_n marcellinus_n a_o heathen_a writer_n do_v intend_v no_o testimony_n to_o the_o christian_a cause_n in_o relate_v that_o strange_a passage_n which_o near_o his_o time_n fall_v out_o how_o the_o jew_n by_o julian's_n warrant_v and_o permission_n do_v attempt_v to_o build_v the_o temple_n again_o but_o a_o fire_n break_v up_o from_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o which_o destroy_v many_o of_o the_o workman_n force_v they_o with_o much_o terror_n to_o desist_v 3._o must_v it_o not_o be_v some_o strange_a and_o dreadful_a provocation_n beyond_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o forefather_n whereat_o so_o strange_a and_o unusual_a a_o stroke_n do_v point_n while_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o notwithstanding_o frequent_a idolatry_n and_o depart_v from_o god_n when_o they_o be_v at_o that_o height_n in_o wickedness_n to_o offer_v up_o their_o child_n to_o molech_n and_o set_v up_o altar_n in_o the_o grove_n to_o reject_v the_o message_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o thrust_v some_o of_o they_o in_o a_o dungeon_n yet_o be_v only_o punish_v with_o 70_o year_n captivity_n and_o after_o 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they_o can_v condescend_v on_o for_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v so_o long_o and_o so_o sore_o by_o such_o a_o unusual_a and_o unheard_a of_o stroke_n thus_o contend_v 4._o what_o a_o marvellous_a concurrence_n of_o providence_n and_o convince_a appearance_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n be_v in_o this_o judgement_n the_o besiege_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n try_v with_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o passover_n while_o so_o great_a a_o confluence_n of_o people_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n be_v there_o on_o that_o account_n that_o both_o sword_n and_o famine_n may_v contribute_v their_o help_n to_o destroy_v what_o unreasonable_a and_o astonish_a obstinacy_n against_o all_o offer_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o most_o press_a insinuation_n thereof_o which_o titus_n vespasian_n make_v even_o while_o their_o ruin_n be_v otherwise_o inevitable_a a_o unheard_a of_o strife_n where_o the_o enemy_n do_v contend_v to_o save_v but_o they_o to_o undo_v themselves_o how_o judicial_o 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their_o unreasonable_a reject_v of_o the_o truth_n who_o after_o so_o long_a a_o time_n can_v see_v the_o cause_n which_o be_v most_o discernible_a in_o their_o stroke_n o_o be_v not_o this_o also_o a_o most_o convince_a seal_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o clear_a fulfil_n thereof_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vail_n over_o their_o mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v while_o they_o read_v the_o law_n judicial_o smite_v by_o the_o lord_n with_o blindness_n that_o they_o can_v see_v until_o once_o this_o vail_n be_v take_v off_o and_o true_o we_o may_v say_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o their_o judgement_n more_o strange_a and_o astonish_a then_o such_o a_o continue_a obstinacy_n against_o the_o truth_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o dark_a in_o the_o noon_n day_n but_o that_o herein_o the_o scripture_n be_v fulfil_v so_o that_o we_o may_v even_o turn_v a_o poison_n unto_o a_o antidote_n ix_o that_o which_o be_v so_o express_o foretell_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n yea_o be_v the_o great_a drift_n of_o the_o prophecy_n thereof_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n and_o reveal_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o world_n 2_o thiss_v 2_o ver_fw-la 3_o 4_o 7_o 8_o 9_o have_v long_o since_o be_v accomplish_v wherein_o we_o may_v say_v the_o wonderful_a correspond_v of_o the_o event_n with_o the_o prophecy_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o this_o truth_n be_v now_o as_o plain_a and_o obvious_a as_o once_o it_o be_v dark_a to_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v undeniable_a 1._o how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n particular_a to_o point_n antichrist_n forth_o by_o such_o notour_n mark_n and_o character_n that_o after_o age_n may_v know_v he_o if_o they_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o strange_a the_o popish_a party_n shall_v seal-up_a the_o scripture_n and_o forbid_v the_o ordinary_a read_n of_o it_o since_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o that_o light_n will_v soon_o make_v their_o 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and_o progress_n of_o that_o party_n with_o such_o particular_a circumstance_n and_o difference_v character_n from_o any_o other_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v render_v the_o world_n most_o inexcusable_a if_o they_o will_v needs_o dash_v on_o that_o rock_n whereon_o the_o scripture_n have_v set_v so_o conspicuous_a a_o beacon_n 2._o that_o this_o prophecy_n shall_v now_o want_v a_o accomplishment_n or_o antichrist_n be_v yet_o to_o come_v be_v a_o thing_n most_o repugnant_a to_o sacred_a truth_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v begin_v to_o work_v and_o he_o who_o then_o for_o a_o time_n withhold_v his_o come_n the_o heathen_a empire_n of_o rome_n have_v long_o since_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n which_o cause_v some_o christian_n in_o these_o day_n wish_v the_o stand_n and_o continuance_n of_o that_o empire_n from_o the_o terror_n they_o have_v of_o that_o adversary_n who_o according_a to_o 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can_v acknowledge_v this_o for_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o see_v it_o fulfil_v before_o their_o eye_n that_o there_o be_v so_o vive_a a_o image_n and_o portraiture_n of_o antichrist_n there_o hold_v forth_o such_o peculiar_a character_n which_o do_v convince_o point_v at_o the_o pope_n and_o popish_a hierarchy_n yea_o can_v answer_v to_o no_o other_o adversary_n which_o christ_n ever_o have_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n either_o pagan_a or_o mahometan_a and_o yet_o so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o know_v he_o when_o he_o be_v before_o their_o eye_n 4._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o no_o age_n since_o antichrist_n be_v reveal_v do_v altogether_o want_v some_o witness_n to_o point_v he_o forth_o even_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n many_o of_o who_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n that_o they_o may_v seal_v this_o truth_n and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o question_n if_o more_o of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v shed_v under_o heathen_n then_o in_o after_o time_n under_o antichrist_n yea_o though_o we_o have_v not_o such_o express_a mark_n to_o disover_v he_o from_o the_o word_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a for_o man_n to_o judge_v who_o that_o be_v who_o be_v this_o day_n so_o direct_o opposire_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o assume_v to_o himself_o what_o be_v alone_o due_a to_o god_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o be_v worship_v with_o religious_a adoration_n do_v challenge_v a_o magisterial_a power_n and_o supremacy_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o its_o head_n a_o style_n too_o great_a for_o any_o of_o the_o angel_n who_o make_v void_a the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o lay_v down_o a_o way_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n on_o the_o same_o term_n that_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n do_v destroy_v the_o great_a intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o effect_n deny_v jesus_n christ_n to_o have_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n who_o set_v heaven_n upon_o sale_n for_o money_n and_o permit_v none_o to_o perish_v and_o go_v to_o hell_n but_o the_o poor_a do_v dispense_v with_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o express_v command_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n make_v moral_a prohibition_n void_a by_o his_o authority_n yea_o hallow_v the_o very_a stew_n and_o most_o horrid_a act_n of_o uncleanness_n take_v on_o he_o to_o change_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o ensure_v to_o their_o friend_n the_o happy_a state_n of_o their_o soul_n if_o they_o will_v make_v large_a offering_n on_o that_o account_n o_o who_o be_v this_o be_v not_o that_o antichrist_n who_o way_n do_v state_n he_o in_o such_o direct_a term_n of_o opposition_n to_o christ_n 5._o have_v we_o not_o cause_n to_o wonder_v no_o less_o at_o the_o strange_a induration_n and_o blindness_n of_o the_o popish_a party_n then_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o while_o the_o one_o do_v confess_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o yet_o know_v not_o christ_n the_o other_o shall_v grant_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o not_o know_v antichrist_n that_o he_o be_v come_v even_o he_o after_o who_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o the_o world_n for_o these_o many_o age_n have_v be_v wonder_v sure_a so_o clear_a a_o agreement_n betwixt_o this_o prophecy_n and_o the_o event_n may_v not_o only_o put_v this_o beyond_o debate_n but_o leave_v a_o conviction_n upon_o the_o great_a atheist_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o what_o ever_o former_a time_n may_v pretend_v ignorance_n while_o this_o mystery_n be_v but_o work_v now_o when_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n have_v come_v to_o his_o full_a height_n and_o stature_n and_o so_o clear_o reveal_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o take_v away_o all_o excuse_n and_o i_o profess_v in_o these_o latter_a time_n i_o can_v see_v how_o one_o can_v be_v a_o know_a papist_n and_o not_o a_o atheist_n also_o x_o what_o be_v prophesy_v anent_o the_o kill_n of_o the_o witness_n under_o antichrist_n rev._n 11_o v._n 3_o 7_o 8._o we_o may_v say_v have_v clear_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o at_o this_o day_n may_v read_v the_o same_o in_o the_o event_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a 1._o that_o dure_v antichrist_n reign_v even_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n there_o want_v not_o some_o to_o seal_v the_o truth_n and_o bear_v witness_n thereto_o both_o by_o open_a confession_n and_o suffer_v on_o that_o account_n which_o the_o church_n history_n can_v abundant_o make_v out_o 2._o that_o dureiug_v that_o dark_a night_n these_o who_o do_v give_v a_o testimony_n and_o any_o way_n appear_v against_o the_o grievous_a encroachment_n of_o antichrist_n in_o behalf_n of_o down-born_a truth_n be_v put_v to_o prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o to_o weep_v over_o the_o
church_n ruin_n and_o witness_v their_o detestation_n and_o grief_n for_o the_o grow_a apostasy_n of_o such_o time_n 3._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o as_o the_o prophecy_n do_v point_n at_o some_o more_o remarkable_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o meet_v with_o from_o antichrist_n beyond_o all_o it_o have_v endure_v from_o that_o adversary_n in_o former_a age_n yea_o a_o special_a permission_n from_o the_o lord_n to_o that_o party_n to_o vent_v their_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n against_o the_o saint_n which_o shall_v fall_v out_o after_o the_o witness_n finish_v their_o testimony_n who_o have_v so_o long_o in_o a_o abject_a low_a condition_n as_o in_o sackcloth_n prophesy_v yea_o when_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v at_o his_o height_n and_o his_o kingdom_n upon_o the_o turn_n that_o then_o must_v this_o remarkable_a kill_n of_o the_o witness_n be_v accomplish_v so_o likewise_o do_v the_o event_n convince_o verify_v the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o upon_o the_o close_a of_o antichrist_n reign_v while_o the_o truth_n begin_v to_o break_v up_o this_o sore_a storm_n of_o persecution_n beyond_o all_o that_o have_v be_v before_o do_v then_o break_v upon_o the_o church_n even_o in_o its_o bud_n forth_o that_o we_o may_v say_v that_o adversary_n do_v not_o only_o put_v forth_o the_o outmost_a of_o his_o power_n and_o rage_n against_o the_o saint_n but_o seem_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o bring_v his_o cruel_a design_n to_o pass_v which_o the_o dreadful_a massacre_n in_o france_n province_n and_o the_o valley_n of_o piedmont_n the_o sore_a and_o violent_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n through_o the_o netherlands_o under_o the_o duke_n of_o alba_n and_o in_o england_n by_o queen_n mary_n in_o germany_n after_o the_o defeat_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o saxony_n and_o landgrave_n of_o hesse_n can_v clear_o witness_v 4._o be_v it_o not_o also_o clear_a how_o this_o remarkable_a storm_n and_o cut_v down_o of_o the_o saint_n over_o who_o dead_a body_n their_o adversary_n do_v rejoice_v be_v according_a to_o this_o prophecy_n to_o be_v previous_a to_o some_o eminent_a enlargement_n and_o revive_v of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v according_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o event_n like_o a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o the_o world_n that_o immediate_o follow_v upon_o the_o back_n thereof_o so_o that_o when_o their_o enemy_n think_v they_o have_v gain_v their_o end_n as_o they_o do_v conclude_v by_o such_o persecution_n particular_o that_o french_a massacre_n that_o the_o protestant_a interest_n shall_v be_v quite_o ruin_v they_o be_v force_v to_o see_v their_o labour_n in_o vain_a and_o the_o church_n more_o eminent_o flourish_a after_o the_o same_o i_o shall_v but_o further_a add_v that_o antichrist_n have_v not_o only_o be_v reveal_v and_o his_o kingdom_n come_v to_o its_o height_n but_o it_o be_v clear_v this_o day_n that_o it_o be_v on_o the_o fall_a hand_n and_o his_o ruin_n be_v now_o begin_v upon_o which_o account_n we_o may_v say_v yea_o have_v cause_n to_o sing_v that_o the_o winter_n be_v past_a the_o fig_n tree_n put_v forth_o her_o leaf_n that_o show_v the_o summer_n approach_n yea_o the_o sing_n of_o bird_n be_v hear_v in_o our_o land_n let_v we_o go_v forth_o and_o meet_v he_o who_o be_v now_o go_v out_o as_o a_o mighty_a man_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o take_v the_o field_n against_o this_o great_a adversary_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o people_n on_o who_o side_n victory_n do_v sure_o wait_v ii_o what_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v accomplish_v have_v touch_v a_o little_a some_o of_o the_o most_o concern_v prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o under_o the_o new_a &_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v already_o fulfil_v and_o the_o truth_n thereof_o so_o clear_o write_v forth_o in_o the_o history_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o may_v say_v the_o most_o ordinary_a observer_n if_o they_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n can_v want_v a_o conviction_n thereof_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n point_n at_o that_o which_o yet_o remain_v of_o the_o prophetical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v accomplish_v these_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n in_o these_o last_o time_n whereby_o we_o may_v have_v a_o sure_a demonstration_n how_o far_o the_o night_n be_v spend_v and_o of_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o that_o bless_a day_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o this_o do_v finish_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o full_o perfect_v his_o work_n if_o once_o that_o which_o remain_v of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o word_n be_v fulfil_v there_o be_v these_o truth_n the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a warrant_n to_o expect_v before_o the_o end_n first_o the_o full_a ruin_n and_o downfall_n of_o babylon_n 2._o the_o conversion_n and_o incal_v of_o the_o jew_n to_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o a_o solemn_a day_n of_o the_o church_n flourish_a both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n which_o shall_v follow_v the_o outmaking_n of_o the_o former_a promise_n 4._o the_o fall_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o turkish_a empire_n that_o cruel_a party_n who_o have_v be_v raise_v up_o and_o establish_v for_o judgement_n with_o who_o the_o lord_n shall_v yet_o reckon_v for_o all_o that_o christian_a blood_n by_o they_o so_o unjust_o shed_v seem_v clear_o hold_v forth_o rev._n 16_o ver_fw-la 12._o 5._o we_o be_v also_o to_o expect_v after_o all_o these_o that_o full_a and_o last_o stroke_n upon_o gog_n and_o magog_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v then_o be_v finish_v and_o at_o a_o bless_a close_o i._o we_o have_v the_o full_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o antichrist_n and_o his_o kingdom_n clear_o prophesy_v and_o in_o very_o express_a term_n promise_v to_o the_o church_n 2_o thess_n 2_o ver_fw-la 2_o 8._o rev._n 16_o ver_fw-la 10_o &_o 17._o the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o we_o do_v yet_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n wait_v for_o that_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v or_o repent_v shall_v in_o due_a time_n assure_o bring_v about_o and_o that_o this_o day_n approach_v when_o that_o solemn_a cry_n shall_v be_v hear_v babylon_n be_v fall_v anent_o which_o we_o will_v consider_v 1._o that_o this_o judgement_n be_v already_o begin_v and_o the_o first_o step_n thereof_o visible_a be_v now_o clear_a wherein_o man_n may_v see_v the_o event_n most_o exact_o answer_v the_o prophecy_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v begin_v to_o consume_v antichrist_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o since_o the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o the_o light_n his_o kingdom_n have_v be_v moulder_v down_o before_o the_o word_n have_v not_o nation_n fall_v off_o at_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o preach_v gospel_n it_o be_v true_a the_o church_n want_v not_o sore_a conflict_n even_o under_o the_o vial_n and_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n way_n to_o try_v his_o people_n with_o such_o various_a uncertainty_n that_o when_o thing_n have_v be_v most_o promise_a another_o providence_n come_v like_o a_o cross_a wave_n which_o seem_v to_o drive_v they_o as_o far_o back_o as_o once_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v forward_o yet_o it_o be_v sure_a and_o shall_v be_v beyond_o debate_n that_o antichrist_n overthrow_n be_v upon_o a_o present_a advance_v and_o that_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o church_n deliverance_n be_v go_v fordward_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v salvation_n by_o christ_n upon_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v we_o not_o also_o with_o much_o assurance_n believe_v that_o antichrist_n wound_n be_v deadly_a and_o incurable_a which_o he_o have_v get_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o all_o the_o physician_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v never_o help_v 2._o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o signal_n act_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n on_o his_o church_n enemy_n one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o he_o have_v reserve_v for_o the_o last_o time_n wherein_o the_o appearance_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o great_a power_n shall_v be_v very_o manifest_a and_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v by_o this_o remarkable_a stroke_n that_o way_n shall_v be_v make_v for_o that_o glorious_a house_n which_o christ_n be_v to_o have_v for_o himself_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n which_o shall_v be_v build_v upon_o antichrist_n ruin_n when_o that_o new_a bride_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v be_v prepare_v for_o the_o marriage_n supper_n of_o the_o lamb._n 3._o though_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v on_o clear_a ground_n from_o the_o word_n the_o lord_n eminent_a appear_v by_o his_o immediate_a hand_n in_o this_o great_a work_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o convince_a in_o that_o day_n and_o witness_v a_o
and_o in_o their_o great_a strength_n that_o by_o a_o strong_a hand_n he_o do_v make_v room_n for_o his_o truth_n when_o both_o law_n and_o force_n do_v withstand_v the_o same_o and_o put_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o wrath_n on_o such_o who_o will_v oppose_v the_o spread_a of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o they_o have_v be_v as_o visible_a as_o sometime_o their_o rage_n and_o violence_n against_o the_o church_n be_v yea_o since_o the_o lord_n begin_v to_o lift_v up_o a_o standard_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o call_v forth_o his_o people_n to_o act_v have_v it_o not_o be_v see_v they_o have_v lose_v their_o ground_n more_o by_o underhand_a treaty_n and_o turn_v aside_o to_o carnal_a politic_a shift_n then_o by_o open_a force_n and_o violence_n which_o the_o french_a massacre_n with_o other_o sad_a instance_n can_v witness_v for_o indeed_o the_o church_n have_v still_o lose_v least_o by_o great_a opposition_n 2._o have_v we_o not_o see_v by_o what_o dreadful_a shake_n and_o alteration_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o late_a glorious_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o antichristianisme_n have_v be_v usher_v in_o which_o have_v be_v more_o strange_a and_o frequent_a then_o in_o many_o age_n before_o have_v not_o the_o lord_n cause_v the_o nation_n shake_v and_o the_o earth_n to_o reel_v like_o a_o drunken_a man_n to_o show_v man_n that_o though_o he_o suffer_v long_o in_o former_a time_n of_o the_o world_n ignorance_n he_o will_v not_o so_o now_o bear_v with_o oppose_v his_o truth_n 3._o have_v we_o not_o also_o see_v the_o lord_n raise_v up_o man_n fit_a for_o action_n in_o these_o last_o time_n man_n of_o a_o great_a heroic_a spirit_n with_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a elevation_n of_o the_o same_o to_o appear_v for_o his_o interest_n such_o we_o may_v say_v that_o many_o former_a age_n can_v not_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n help_v his_o people_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n his_o suit_v they_o with_o endument_n for_o the_o service_n and_o work_n of_o the_o time_n have_v be_v most_o discernible_a be_v not_o that_o excellent_a man_n the_o admiral_n of_o france_n with_o many_o other_o in_o that_o place_n eminent_o raise_v up_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o that_o time_n and_o do_v we_o not_o find_v these_o prince_n of_o orange_n william_n and_o maurice_n and_o mauritius_n of_o saxony_n who_o the_o lord_n raise_v against_o charles_n the_o v._o and_o cause_v he_o flee_v over_o the_o alps_n yea_o what_o marvellous_a resolution_n and_o courage_n do_v attend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o confederate_n of_o the_o low_a country_n &_o in_o latter_a time_n do_v we_o not_o find_v gustavus_n king_n of_o sweden_n bernard_n duke_n of_o weymar_n lantsgrave_n of_o hesse_n with_o many_o other_o eminent_o raise_v to_o avenge_v the_o lord_n quarrel_n against_o that_o bloody_a house_n of_o austria_n have_v we_o not_o also_o see_v very_o great_a instrumemt_n raise_v up_o in_o britain_n and_o ireland_n who_o be_v follow_v with_o wonderful_a success_n to_o act_v for_o the_o truth_n against_o antichristian_a prelacy_n and_o true_o we_o must_v say_v the_o withdraw_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o that_o spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o resolution_n which_o once_o be_v so_o visible_o let_v forth_o in_o the_o first_o dawn_n of_o the_o reformation_n may_v sad_o point_v at_o a_o great_a decay_n of_o zeal_n self_n confidence_n unfaithfulnes_n as_o to_o the_o improve_n of_o opportunity_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o his_o people_n while_o they_o be_v with_o he_o and_o do_v single_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o way_n but_o alace_o with_o their_o depart_n it_o may_v be_v say_v their_o strength_n have_v depart_v from_o they_o however_o the_o quarrel_n be_v clear_a for_o a_o oppress_a peoples_n act_v upon_o so_o just_a so_o necessary_a a_o account_n as_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o cruelty_n and_o violent_a encroachment_n of_o antichrist_n wherein_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v eminent_o own_v his_o people_n so_o i_o dare_v not_o question_v he_o will_v yet_o appear_v and_o silence_v the_o adversary_n of_o this_o truth_n by_o such_o a_o argument_n against_o which_o they_o shall_v not_o debate_v 4._o that_o unusual_a deludge_n of_o blood_n which_o for_o the_o 100_o year_n past_n have_v overflow_v much_o of_o europe_n can_v be_v a_o witness_n to_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v peace_n from_o man_n who_o will_v not_o embrace_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n offer_v in_o these_o last_o time_n and_o give_v his_o enemy_n who_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n blood_n to_o drink_v in_o great_a measure_n i_o be_o sure_a poor_a germany_n can_v prove_v this_o which_o for_o 20_o year_n together_o be_v a_o field_n of_o dead_a man_n &_o france_n from_o the_o day_n of_o henry_n the_o ii_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o henry_n the_o iv_o how_o long_o be_v the_o low_a country_n make_v a_o stage_n of_o war_n where_o many_o a_o cruel_a spanjard_n do_v fall_v under_o the_o sword_n of_o a_o avenge_a god_n beside_o the_o late_a bloody_a war_n in_o britain_n and_o ireland_n and_o what_o do_v this_o declare_v but_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v take_v the_o field_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v now_o with_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o oppress_v his_o church_n and_o withstand_v the_o truth_n as_o in_o former_a time_n i_o shall_v but_o add_v how_o wonderful_o have_v the_o lord_n appear_v in_o deliver_v his_o church_n at_o the_o great_a extremity_n have_v turn_v his_o enemy_n counsel_n and_o design_n upon_o themselves_o bring_v about_o the_o great_a work_n of_o these_o last_o time_n by_o mean_n so_o unexpected_a and_o improbable_a that_o we_o may_v say_v as_o to_o what_o of_o his_o judgement_n be_v already_o execute_v against_o antichrist_n have_v be_v no_o less_o marvellous_a than_o that_o jerichoe_n wall_n shall_v fall_v at_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n of_o ram-horn_n or_o a_o cake_n of_o barley_n bread_n tumble_v into_o the_o host_n of_o midian_a shall_v smite_v and_o overthrow_v the_o same_o sure_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v and_o how_o exact_o that_o do_v answer_v the_o scripture_n we_o may_v have_v much_o to_o confirm_v we_o anent_o the_o further_a accomplishment_n of_o his_o word_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o term_n of_o his_o long_a suffering_n towards_o babylon_n be_v at_o a_o end_n war_n be_v denounce_v and_o the_o execution_n already_o begin_v which_o must_v not_o have_v a_o close_a until_o judgement_n be_v accomplish_v into_o victory_n iv_o ground_n which_o may_v confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v as_o a_o pledge_n in_o their_o hand_n of_o the_o full_a accomplish_n of_o the_o scripture_n yea_o that_o this_o be_v near_o be_v this_o that_o the_o day_n be_v now_o turn_v and_o that_o prophesy_v victory_n which_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v over_o antichrist_n before_o the_o end_n be_v not_o only_o begin_v but_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n advance_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a confirmation_n when_o we_o see_v so_o marvellous_a a_o crisis_n in_o the_o church_n case_n her_o recovery_n from_o so_o desperate_a and_o hopeless_a a_o disease_n already_o begin_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v further_a perfect_v we_o be_v make_v to_o wonder_v at_o the_o greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n yet_o promise_v but_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o also_o wonder_v at_o that_o which_o god_n have_v already_o do_v for_o his_o church_n in_o our_o day_n the_o scripture_n do_v show_v that_o antichrist_n ruin_n must_v begin_v by_o the_o word_n that_o this_o stroke_n shall_v be_v gradual_a and_o however_o that_o great_a work_n of_o god_n meet_v with_o much_o opposition_n yet_o it_o shall_v no_o more_o go_v back_o in_o the_o whole_a and_o must_v we_o not_o say_v in_o all_o this_o the_o word_n be_v fulfil_v it_o have_v not_o hitherto_o fail_v the_o church_n but_o the_o event_n in_o every_o circumstance_n make_v to_o answer_v to_o the_o same_o now_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o will_v consider_v these_o two_o first_o that_o the_o church_n victory_n over_o antichrist_n be_v this_o day_n so_o far_o advance_v 2._o how_o the_o lord_n very_o immediate_a hand_n have_v be_v most_o discernible_a therein_o i._o the_o first_o i_o need_v but_o name_n while_o it_o be_v so_o manifest_a what_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v for_o his_o church_n for_o we_o have_v see_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o truth_n the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n grow_v dark_a with_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o light_n and_o many_o of_o his_o follower_n make_v to_o gnash_v their_o tooth_n be_v scorch_v with_o the_o heat_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o how_o great_a a_o measure_n be_v that_o interest_n now_o shake_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v wrough_a what_o a_o great_a reformation_n have_v be_v in_o britain_n
&_o jreland_n through_o much_o of_o france_n germany_n sueden_n the_o low_a country_n pole_n denemark_n yea_o even_o in_o hungary_n &_o transilvania_n sure_o this_o be_v a_o great_a work_n which_o shall_v be_v marvellous_a inour_n eye_n how_o that_o antichristian_a empire_n contrive_v with_o such_o wisdom_n underpropt_v with_o so_o great_a strength_n who_o command_n not_o long_o since_o be_v receive_v as_o oracle_n with_o a_o awe_n and_o respect_v only_o due_a to_o god_n have_v in_o such_o a_o measure_n begin_v to_o fall_v before_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n o_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v show_v forth_o upon_o that_o adversary_n and_o shall_v be_v a_o pledge_n to_o we_o of_o the_o further_a manifestation_n thereof_o a_o adversary_n we_o may_v say_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o the_o church_n have_v who_o little_a finger_n have_v be_v sore_a than_o the_o loin_n of_o all_o who_o go_v before_o if_o we_o consider_v his_o cruelty_n over_o man_n body_n tyranny_n over_o their_o conscience_n with_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n of_o that_o trial_n in_o respect_n of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v pharaoh_n be_v a_o easy_a taskmaster_n antiochus_n and_o the_o roman_a emperor_n mild_a who_o for_o near_o 1200_o year_n do_v carry_v on_o a_o despeart_n and_o bloody_a war_n against_o the_o church_n ii_o the_o second_o which_o i_o will_v at_o some_o more_o length_n follow_v forth_o be_v this_o how_o the_o lord_n hand_n and_o something_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n have_v be_v no_o less_o discernible_a in_o this_o late_a raise_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o begin_a victory_n over_o antichrist_n then_o in_o the_o first_o plant_v of_o christianity_n by_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o to_o many_o may_v seem_v strange_a but_o when_o serious_o consider_v if_o prejudice_n do_v not_o darken_v man_n judgement_n will_v appear_v from_o sure_a and_o solid_a ground_n now_o to_o demonstrat_fw-la this_o i_o will_v here_o offer_v some_o very_a convince_a witness_n which_o may_v help_v to_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o give_v atheism_n some_o dash_n first_o witness_n to_o this_o truth_n be_v that_o wonderful_a success_n which_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o last_o time_n have_v have_v wherein_o man_n must_v see_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o some_o measure_n as_o manifest_v as_o in_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o from_o what_o a_o small_a spark_n so_o great_a a_o fire_n do_v break_v up_o which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n put_v europe_n in_o a_o flame_n and_o make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n therein_o even_o luther_n appear_v against_o texelius_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o indulgency_n o_o but_o god_n time_n of_o work_v may_v be_v oft_o contraire_fw-fr to_o our_o time_n of_o expect_v 2._o what_o a_o swift_a progress_n do_v the_o gospel_n have_v may_v we_o not_o say_v with_o wonder_n can_v a_o nation_n be_v bear_v at_o once_o yet_o this_o we_o have_v see_v how_o many_o nation_n and_o city_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o age_n yea_o in_o less_o than_o 40._o year_n be_v bring_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o these_o instrument_n who_o scarce_o any_o dare_v own_o at_o first_o make_v to_o see_v great_a prince_n with_o army_n on_o the_o field_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n 3._o have_v we_o not_o see_v religion_n propagate_v by_o martyrdom_n no_o less_o then_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o man_n essay_n to_o ruin_v the_o church_n help_v it_o further_a to_o grow_v o_o what_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n can_v thus_o bring_v gold_n out_o of_o iron_n and_o clay_n bring_v a_o flourish_a church_n out_o of_o their_o ash_n and_o turn_v her_o poison_n to_o a_o preservative_n but_o alace_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o while_o man_n be_v burn_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n their_o affection_n do_v also_o burn_v in_o read_v the_o same_o but_o now_o with_o our_o liberty_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o decay_n 4._o must_v not_o the_o wise_a and_o politician_n of_o the_o world_n confess_v this_o late_a increase_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thing_n above_o their_o reach_n most_o cross_a to_o all_o their_o rule_n which_o they_o can_v see_v how_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n it_o can_v be_v bring_v about_o 5._o be_v not_o instrument_n most_o unlikely_a for_o so_o great_a a_o work_n if_o we_o will_v judge_v as_o man_n that_o such_o a_o poor_a handful_n as_o luther_n zuinglius_fw-la melanchton_n bucere_fw-la etc._n etc._n shall_v go_v forth_o to_o confront_v that_o power_n which_o then_o make_v the_o earth_n to_o tremble_v may_v it_o not_o seem_v as_o improbable_a as_o the_o send_v forth_o of_o some_o fisher_n man_n to_o subdue_v the_o nation_n 6._o it_o be_v know_v they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o rabbi_n of_o the_o time_n who_o repute_n and_o fame_n may_v have_v purchase_v easy_a access_n to_o their_o message_n nay_o they_o be_v load_v with_o all_o the_o reproach_n which_o their_o adversary_n can_v devise_v with_o novelty_n of_o doctrine_n deceit_n and_o falsehood_n in_o their_o deal_n represent_v to_o the_o world_n as_o monster_n luther_n be_v force_v to_o answer_v himself_o a_o print_a relation_n of_o his_o death_n how_o he_o be_v carry_v away_o soul_n and_o body_n by_o the_o devil_n 7._o be_v not_o the_o message_n they_o carry_v most_o opposite_a to_o man_n carnal_a inclination_n to_o these_o principle_n they_o have_v suck_v in_o from_o their_o infancy_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n yea_o in_o a_o word_n have_v no_o outward_a encouragement_n the_o whole_a world_n seem_v to_o combine_v against_o they_o luther_n at_o his_o first_o appearance_n excommunicate_v by_o the_o pope_n proscribe_v by_o the_o emperor_n and_o good_a melanchton_n be_v oft_o make_v to_o faint_v when_o he_o think_v on_o so_o great_a a_o speat_v of_o opposition_n so_o that_o without_o the_o convoy_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n nothing_o can_v have_v look_v more_o improbable_a second_o witness_n that_o may_v let_v the_o world_n see_v a_o wonderful_a providence_n in_o this_o late_a raise_n of_o the_o church_n be_v this_o these_o sharp_a assault_n which_o the_o church_n meet_v with_o from_o a_o party_n no_o less_o cruel_a and_o powerful_a than_o any_o adversary_n which_o the_o church_n have_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o world_n must_v confess_v that_o no_o ordinary_a mean_n have_v want_v for_o a_o essay_n to_o crush_v the_o gospel_n in_o its_o first_o bud_v forth_o that_o both_o counsel_n and_o force_n the_o authority_n of_o law_n back_v whith_fw-mi great_a rage_n and_o violence_n in_o its_o execution_n yea_o the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v put_v forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a to_o withstand_v this_o great_a work_n of_o god_n in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o clear_v this_o i_o shall_v only_o point_v at_o some_o remarkable_a assault_n which_o do_v try_v the_o daw_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o may_v show_v something_o above_o nature_n go_v alongst_o with_o it_o 1._o we_o find_v a_o spanish_a emperor_n devote_v to_o the_o popish_a interest_n more_o powerful_a than_o any_o who_o go_v before_o bring_v in_o on_o germany_n with_o the_o very_a first_o break_v up_o of_o the_o light_n which_o may_v seem_v a_o dreadful_a let_v to_o the_o gospel_n spread_v 2._o the_o rise_n of_o the_o boor_n and_o anabaptist_n party_n who_o way_n be_v so_o gross_a destructive_a to_o civil_a order_n to_o the_o interest_n and_o propriety_n of_o man_n do_v look_v like_o a_o sad_a tryst_n and_o a_o probable_a mean_n to_o beget_v much_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n 3._o that_o sad_a overthrow_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o saxony_n and_o landgrave_n of_o hesse_n who_o be_v such_o great_a patriot_n to_o the_o church_n do_v then_o threaten_v the_o very_a ruin_n of_o the_o protestant_a interest_n in_o germany_n 4._o the_o council_n of_o trent_n where_o the_o popish_a party_n have_v all_o their_o politic_n on_o foot_n in_o a_o strong_a combination_n how_o to_o ruin_v the_o church_n 5._o the_o interim_n of_o germany_n a_o most_o subtle_a contrivance_n to_o divide_v and_o thus_o break_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o protestant_n be_v also_o a_o sore_a assault_n a_o snare_n to_o some_o and_o cause_n of_o persecution_n to_o other_o 6._o that_o spanish_a inquisition_n establish_v through_o spain_n italy_n and_o the_o low_a country_n a_o horrid_a cruel_a engine_n which_o do_v reach_v to_o prevent_v the_o small_a glance_n of_o the_o truth_n 7._o the_o french_a massacre_n where_fw-mi not_o only_o the_o admiral_n but_o most_o of_o the_o considerable_a protestant_n be_v through_o all_o france_n in_o a_o few_o day_n cut_v off_o o_o will_v not_o this_o seem_v a_o irrecoverable_a stroke_n together_o with_o that_o
other_o sinful_a man_n to_o be_v carry_v through_o creditable_o but_o as_o sure_a as_o ever_o he_o speak_v to_o i_o in_o his_o word_n his_o spirit_n witness_v to_o my_o heart_n say_v fear_v not_o he_o have_v accept_v my_o suffering_n and_o the_o outgate_n shall_v not_o be_v matter_n of_o prayer_n but_o of_o praise_n he_o say_v also_o thy_o word_n be_v find_v and_o i_o do_v eat_v it_o and_o it_o be_v to_o i_o the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o my_o heart_n and_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n after_o some_o faint_a he_o say_v now_o i_o feel_v i_o believe_v i_o enjoy_v i_o rejoice_v and_o turn_v to_o mr_n blair_n then_o present_v he_o say_v i_o feed_v on_o manna_n i_o have_v angel_n food_n my_o eye_n shall_v see_v my_o redeemer_n i_o know_v that_o he_o shall_v stand_v at_o the_o latter_a day_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v catch_v up_o in_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o air_n and_o afterward_o have_v these_o word_n i_o sleep_v in_o christ_n and_o when_o i_o awake_v i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v with_o his_o likeness_n o_o for_o arm_n to_o embrace_v he_o and_o to_o one_o speak_v anent_o his_o painfulness_n in_o the_o ministry_n he_o cry_v out_o iâ—disclaim_v all_o the_o port_n i_o will_v be_v in_o at_o be_v redemption_n and_o forgiveness_n if_o sin_n through_o his_o blood_n and_o thus_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o as_o it_o be_v overcome_v with_o sensible_a enjoyment_n he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n his_o last_o word_n be_v glory_n glory_n dwell_v in_o emâ—â—nuels_n land_n sixth_z witness_n be_v that_o convince_a appearance_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o apostolic_a spirit_n on_o some_o of_o these_o instrument_n who_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o in_o these_o last_o time_n and_o these_o great_a enduement_n wherewith_o they_o be_v send_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n a_o truth_n which_o we_o must_v say_v if_o not_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n yet_o have_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o in_o these_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v plant_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o enduement_n have_v be_v let_v forrh_n to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o with_o the_o first_o dawn_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v both_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n raise_v up_o it_o can_v be_v also_o deny_v that_o since_o the_o cannon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v close_v yea_o in_o these_o late_a age_n there_o have_v be_v very_o extraordinary_a man_n give_v to_o the_o church_n who_o have_v special_a revelation_n from_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o mind_n anent_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o now_o look_v after_o yet_o herein_o do_v the_o lord_n remarkable_o condescend_v when_o some_o great_a piece_n of_o service_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v more_o call_n for_o it_o and_o true_o these_o be_v lead_v in_o no_o other_o path_n then_o that_o of_o the_o word_n though_o they_o have_v a_o more_o special_a discovery_n and_o immediate_a inbrethe_n of_o god_n mind_n as_o to_o the_o application_n thereof_o in_o particular_a case_n neither_o do_v they_o press_v upon_o man_n conscience_n to_o credit_v the_o same_o but_o be_v most_o cautious_a witness_v much_o humble_a sobriety_n on_o that_o account_n it_o be_v know_v what_o extraordinary_a instrument_n how_o wonderful_o call_v and_o qualify_v luther_n zuingliuâ—_n calvine_n mr_n wishart_n and_o mr_n knox_n be_v who_o god_n send_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o grapple_v with_o antichrist_n and_o sound_v a_o retreat_n to_o his_o church_n from_o babylon_n likewise_o 〈◊〉_d beza_n bacere_fw-la and_o martyr_n with_o divers_a in_o england_n such_o as_o latimer_n ridley_n bradfoord_n etc._n etc._n who_o indeed_o be_v burn_v and_o shine_a light_n in_o their_o time_n mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n before_o which_o the_o world_n can_v not_o stand_v but_o beside_o these_o famous_a witness_n of_o who_o life_n we_o have_v something_o this_o day_n on_o public_a record_n i_o must_v here_o craveliberty_n to_o set_v down_o a_o few_o more_o more_o late_a instance_n of_o our_o own_o church_n in_o scotland_n to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n such_o as_o be_v but_o little_o know_v to_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o life_n publish_v which_o i_o think_v a_o great_a loss_n to_o after_o generation_n who_o we_o may_v say_v and_o this_o with_o a_o warrant_n and_o in_o sobriety_n be_v man_n true_o extraordinary_a eminent_o serviceable_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o of_o a_o prophetic_a and_o apostolic_a spirit_n and_o such_o who_o through_o grace_n do_v not_o even_o come_v short_a of_o the_o first_o three_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o these_o before_o mention_v but_o also_o some_o of_o these_o great_a light_n who_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n 1._o i_o shall_v instance_n mr_n john_n welsh_n who_o the_o lord_n call_v forth_o to_o the_o ministry_n at_o kirck_n cubright_a in_o galloway_n and_o afterward_o be_v transport_v to_o the_o church_n of_o a_o who_o mr_n rutherfoord_n in_o one_o of_o his_o book_n call_v that_o heavenly_a prophetical_a and_o apostolic_a man_n of_o god_n and_o show_v that_o from_o the_o witness_n of_o his_o life_n he_o have_v this_o account_n that_o of_o every_o 24_o hour_n he_o give_v usual_o eight_o to_o prayer_n if_o other_o necessary_a and_o urgent_a duty_n do_v not_o hinder_v yea_o spend_v many_o day_n and_o night_n which_o he_o set_v apart_o in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o i_o can_v also_o add_v this_o from_o very_o sure_a information_n and_o true_o anent_o any_o of_o those_o particular_n i_o serious_o study_v to_o have_v satisfy_v ground_n anent_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v his_o use_n even_o in_o the_o cold_a winter_n night_n to_o rise_v for_o prayer_n and_o oft_o time_n his_o wife_n who_o be_v a_o excellent_a woman_n have_v rise_v to_o seek_v after_o he_o where_o he_o have_v be_v find_v lie_v on_o the_o ground_n weep_v and_o wrestle_v with_o the_o lord_n yea_o sometime_o will_v have_v be_v much_o of_o the_o night_n alone_o in_o the_o church_n of_o air_n on_o that_o account_n one_o time_n especial_o his_o wife_n find_v he_o overcharge_v with_o grief_n he_o tell_v she_o he_o have_v that_o to_o press_v he_o which_o she_o have_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o 3000_o to_o answer_v for_o while_o he_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v with_o many_o of_o they_o and_o a_o other_o time_n while_o she_o find_v he_o alone_o his_o spirit_n almost_o overcharge_v with_o anguish_n and_o gry_a upon_o her_o serious_a enquiry_n say_v that_o the_o time_n which_o be_v to_o come_v on_o scotland_n be_v heavy_a and_o sad_a though_o she_o shall_v not_o see_v they_o and_o this_o for_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n while_o he_o be_v prisoner_n in_o the_o blackness_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o christian_a lady_n he_o give_v this_o account_n what_o large_a joy_n he_o have_v to_o suffer_v for_o such_o a_o truth_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o king_n and_o have_v a_o visible_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n even_o his_o church_n which_o be_v as_o free_a to_o keep_v its_o court_n and_o exerce_fw-la discipline_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o intrinsic_a power_n from_o christ_n as_o any_o kingdom_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n yea_o will_v rejoice_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n on_o so_o glorious_a a_o truth_n in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o letter_n he_o do_v also_o forewarn_a that_o judgement_n be_v come_v to_o scotland_n which_o shall_v be_v blood_n first_o by_o a_o intestine_a sword_n and_o then_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o a_o stranger_n and_o that_o a_o great_a sacrifice_n shall_v be_v there_o both_o of_o great_a man_n and_o mean_v the_o fulfil_n whereof_o have_v since_o be_v very_o sensible_a and_o be_v know_v by_o many_o alive_a who_o have_v that_o letter_n long_o before_o the_o late_a trouble_n begin_v while_o he_o be_v thus_o prisoner_n two_o of_o â—â—mankable_a passage_n i_o have_v have_v confirm_v by_o divers_a worthy_a of_o credit_n some_o of_o who_o show_v i_o they_o have_v they_o from_o these_o who_o be_v most_o familiar_a with_o the_o person_n themselves_o they_o be_v indeed_o strange_a but_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v he_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a man_n the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o one_o night_n while_o he_o do_v expound_v the_o scripture_n after_o his_o supper_n in_o the_o prison_n at_o his_o custom_n be_v while_o he_o with_o much_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v press_v
but_o be_o heavy_o grieve_v that_o the_o glorious_a government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n shall_v be_v so_o deface_v and_o a_o popish_a tyrannical_a government_n set_v up_o and_o thou_o manderston_n for_o out_o of_o that_o house_n dumbar_n be_v come_v and_o he_o thus_o style_v he_o have_v thou_o no_o other_o thing_n to_o do_v but_o carry_v down_o to_o scotland_n such_o commission_n whereby_o the_o poor_a church_n there_o be_v wrack_v the_o lord_n shall_v be_v avenge_v upon_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v never_o again_o go_v down_o for_o all_o thy_o grandour_n which_o word_n take_v such_o impression_n on_o that_o gentleman_n that_o when_o he_o go_v forth_o he_o desire_v some_o friend_n who_o then_o wait_v to_o get_v a_o business_n at_o court_n â—â—ped_v by_o dumbars_n moyen_fw-fr that_o they_o will_v in_o time_n â—â—â—_o their_o affair_n to_o a_o close_a for_o he_o be_v persuade_v the_o word_n of_o that_o servant_n of_o christ_n shall_v nor_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o true_o this_o do_v very_o quick_o take_v place_n that_o earl_n be_v sudden_o strike_v by_o death_n within_o a_o few_o month_n after_o and_o thus_o throw_v down_o from_o the_o top_n of_o his_o grandour_n while_o he_o be_v busy_a perfect_v that_o great_a house_n of_o he_o at_o berwick_n and_o have_v appoint_v a_o sumptuous_a feast_n for_o his_o daughter_n marriage_n even_o than_o do_v his_o thought_n perish_v i_o shall_v here_o but_o add_v one_o instance_n more_o of_o one_o who_o we_o before_o name_v though_o not_o a_o minister_n yet_o a_o great_a instrument_n for_o promote_a the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o place_n he_o live_v and_o one_o we_o may_v say_v of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n hew_v kennedy_n prove_v of_o air_n of_o who_o i_o will_v mention_v these_o two_o passage_n from_o sure_a knowledge_n one_o be_v while_o the_o merchant_n ship_n of_o that_o town_n be_v at_o â—eâ—_n among_o who_o his_o son_n john_n who_o be_v also_o a_o choice_n christian_n be_v at_o that_o time_n he_o do_v one_o night_n rise_v before_o the_o break_n of_o day_n and_o come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o his_o familiar_a friend_n john_n steward_n desire_v he_o will_v rise_v &_o go_v along_o with_o he_o to_o some_o room_n whereat_o the_o say_v john_n be_v exceed_o astonish_v he_o say_v to_o he_o it_o be_v no_o time_n to_o linger_v let_v we_o go_v pray_v for_o my_o son_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o friend_n now_o at_o sea_n be_v at_o this_o hour_n on_o the_o very_a nick_n of_o perish_v and_o after_o they_o have_v spend_v some_o time_n in_o prayer_n he_o arise_v cheerful_o and_o say_v now_o they_o be_v safe_a within_o a_o little_a after_o john_n steward_n who_o have_v write_v this_o down_o with_o the_o day_n and_o hour_n at_o the_o return_n of_o the_o ship_n do_v most_o particular_o inquire_v and_o find_v how_o it_o do_v answer_v in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o in_o that_o very_a hour_n of_o that_o night_n they_o be_v to_o appearance_n past_o hope_n of_o safety_n upon_o a_o very_a dangerous_a place_n and_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a unexpected_a providence_n then_o deliver_v the_o other_o be_v this_o one_o day_n be_v for_o many_o hour_n alone_o in_o prayer_n while_o some_o of_o his_o christian_a friend_n do_v wait_v long_o for_o he_o at_o last_o with_o a_o unusual_a chearfulnes_n he_o come_v forth_o and_o upon_o their_o enquiry_n anent_o his_o stay_n he_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o he_o have_v that_o day_n get_v mercy_n to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o and_o true_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o not_o one_o of_o his_o child_n but_o there_o be_v large_a ground_n of_o charity_n that_o they_o be_v true_o godly_a while_o he_o be_v die_v mr_n ferguson_n a_o godly_a minister_n say_v to_o he_o you_o have_v cause_n sir_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n be_v now_o wait_v at_o the_o stoup_n of_o this_o bed_n to_o convoy_n your_o soul_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n to_o who_o his_o answer_n be_v i_o be_o sure_a thereof_o and_o if_o the_o wall_n of_o this_o house_n can_v speak_v they_o can_v tell_v hâ—â—_n many_o sweet_a day_n i_o have_v have_v in_o secret_a fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o how_o familiar_a he_o have_v be_v with_o my_o soul_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v mr._n welshes_n testimony_n in_o a_o letter_n from_o france_n to_o this_o great_a man_n his_o word_n be_v these_o happy_a be_v that_o city_n yea_o happy_a be_v that_o nation_n that_o have_v a_o hew_v kenneay_n in_o it_o i_o have_v myself_o certain_o find_v the_o answer_n of_o his_o prayer_n from_o the_o lord_n in_o my_o behalf_n seven_o witness_n to_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o so_o solemn_a and_o extraordinary_a a_o way_n appear_v for_o his_o church_n in_o these_o last_o time_n be_v this_o these_o great_a and_o marvellous_a providence_n which_o we_o may_v call_v magnalia_fw-la der_n by_o which_o he_o have_v witness_v his_o truth_n and_o confirm_v the_o same_o since_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o late_a raise_n of_o the_o church_n from_o antichrist_n for_o we_o may_v true_o say_v there_o have_v not_o want_v a_o visible_a attestation_n from_o heaven_n and_o a_o convince_a testimony_n by_o some_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n we_o do_v here_o understand_v by_o such_o providence_n these_o wherein_o man_n can_v but_o see_v something_o above_o nature_n and_o natural_a cause_n yea_o above_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v which_o do_v evident_o witness_v his_o great_a and_o immediate_a hand_n some_z whereof_z have_v be_v so_o wonderful_a which_o can_v be_v instance_a in_o these_o late_a time_n as_o may_v true_o be_v call_v miracle_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v not_o the_o lord_n usual_a way_n neither_o make_v he_o use_v of_o such_o a_o solemn_a testimony_n but_o on_o special_a and_o weighty_a ground_n when_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n call_v for_o it_o while_o he_o be_v about_o some_o extraordinary_a piece_n of_o work_n or_o when_o the_o gospel_n come_v first_o to_o a_o land_n that_o have_v be_v long_o overspread_v with_o darkness_n when_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o conviction_n be_v want_v or_o in_o time_n of_o great_a opposition_n when_o the_o commission_n of_o his_o servant_n need_v some_o extraordinary_a seal_n in_o such_o a_o time_n as_o that_o of_o ahab_n when_o the_o people_n be_v make_v to_o halt_v betwixt_o truth_n and_o a_o false_a way_n and_o thus_o we_o find_v the_o lord_n do_v confirm_v the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o mean_a to_o spread_v the_o christian_a church_n through_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v this_o seem_v strange_a that_o in_o so_o great_a a_o change_n of_o the_o church_n case_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n when_o he_o be_v to_o raise_v she_o up_o after_o so_o long_a a_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n while_o antichristianisme_n so_o many_o age_n have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v thus_o appear_v and_o give_v some_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o people_n such_o as_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o our_o father_n do_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o miracle_n or_o any_o extraordinary_a providence_n on_o which_o man_n shall_v resolve_v their_o faith_n nor_o do_v we_o here_o mention_v these_o for_o lay_v stress_n thereon_o in_o believe_v the_o truth_n no_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o cause_n do_v lean_a on_o a_o strong_a gtound_n it_o can_v with_o confidence_n appeal_v the_o adversary_n to_o the_o scripture_n these_o divine_a record_n which_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o deny_v this_o even_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o hope_n which_o we_o offer_v to_o all_o that_o ask_v for_o the_o same_o and_o there_o let_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n and_o answer_n man_n by_o the_o write_a word_n be_v judge_n aâ—d_v we_o shall_v demand_v no_o great_a advantage_n nor_o justice_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n we_o know_v miracle_n can_v authorise_v a_o lie_n or_o be_v a_o seal_n to_o any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o true_o these_o lie_a wonder_n which_o have_v be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o world_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v foretell_v that_o such_o a_o engine_n the_o devil_n will_v make_v use_n of_o to_o turn_v man_n aside_o from_o the_o truth_n beside_o other_o mark_n of_o their_o falsehood_n they_o have_v this_o one_o most_o discernible_a that_o they_o be_v the_o support_n and_o warrant_v of_o that_o which_o can_v stand_v alone_o by_o the_o word_n and_o thence_o be_v the_o popish_a miracle_n make_v use_v of_o to_o confirm_v such_o tenet_n