and_o be_v not_o that_o agrave_n duty_n which_o at_o all_o time_n in_o every_o station_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n shall_v engage_v man_n to_o this_o study_n thus_o every_o christian_a may_v become_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o put_v his_o seal_n thereto_o for_o which_o he_o shall_v think_v his_o life_n true_o desirable_a and_o he_o do_v in_o no_o small_a measure_n attain_v the_o true_a end_n thereof_o though_o he_o have_v no_o other_o opportunity_n for_o his_o master_n service_n and_o we_o may_v say_v this_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n like_o a_o great_a roll_n have_v be_v transmit_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o attest_v and_o as_o it_o be_v subscrybed_n by_o so_o many_o witness_n it_o do_v thus_o come_v to_o our_o time_n and_o to_o every_o man_n door_n and_o require_v their_o personal_a witness_v and_o seal_v of_o the_o same_o 2._o this_o shall_v make_v it_o a_o easy_a work_n to_o trust_v the_o word_n and_o to_o adventure_v thereon_o in_o the_o ordinary_a occurrence_n of_o their_o life_n they_o may_v well_o trust_v god_n in_o strait_a who_o have_v so_o strong_a a_o argument_n to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o oft_o they_o have_v try_v he_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n by_o many_o many_o experience_n will_v not_o these_o that_o know_v his_o name_n trust_v in_o he_o which_o be_v a_o notable_a testimony_n from_o a_o serious_a christian_a in_o a_o very_a sharp_a trial_n oft_o have_v i_o try_v god_n and_o shall_v i_o not_o learn_v to_o trust_v he_o once_o 3._o this_o do_v lay_v the_o christian_a in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o promise_n psal_n 107._o last_o ver_fw-la a_o promise_n true_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a but_o little_o consider_v that_o such_o as_o be_v wise_a to_o observe_v the_o work_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v see_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o in_o their_o own_o particular_a case_n make_v out_o to_o they_o yea_o whilst_o they_o be_v serious_a to_o observe_v his_o work_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o his_o way_n to_o other_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o loser_n thereby_o at_o home_n but_o find_v this_o promise_n meet_v they_o and_o to_o turn_v their_o general_a observation_n unto_o personal_a experience_n of_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n 4._o thus_o the_o saint_n by_o experience_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n get_v a_o conyince_a seal_n thereby_o to_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n for_o begin_v possession_n be_v indeed_o a_o strong_a witness_n to_o this_o right_n when_o they_o can_v say_v they_o have_v get_v as_o certain_a return_n of_o the_o word_n when_o they_o have_v put_v it_o to_o a_o essay_n in_o some_o particular_n of_o their_o life_n as_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v ever_o see_v so_o from_o unquestionable_a experience_n they_o set_v up_o a_o pillar_n and_o write_v thereon_o hither_o to_o have_v the_o lord_n help_v we_o 5._o thus_o shall_v christian_n with_o much_o advantage_n be_v help_v to_o convince_v gainsayer_n for_o its_o sure_a atheism_n can_v not_o make_v so_o bold_a and_o public_a a_o appearance_n if_o man_n do_v not_o so_o much_o take_v their_o religion_n on_o trust_n o_o the_o serious_a experience_a man_n can_v with_o a_o other_o confidence_n own_o the_o truth_n who_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n give_v he_o a_o argument_n that_o none_o can_v answer_v while_o not_o only_o he_o can_v assert_v but_o conduct_v and_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o they_o may_v see_v if_o in_o such_o and_o such_o particular_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o true_o fulfil_v 6._o thus_o the_o providenee_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o more_o sweet_a refresh_a countenance_n when_o from_o this_o great_a height_n that_o watchtower_n of_o christiau_n observation_n we_o take_v a_o look_v thereof_o and_o true_o otherways_o man_n will_v stumble_v at_o the_o most_o ordinary_a dispensation_n and_o think_v god_n work_n be_v a_o mass_n of_o confusion_n but_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o see_v how_o the_o write_a word_n and_o his_o way_n be_v link_v in_o a_o most_o sweet_a aggreement_n 7._o we_o may_v thus_o trace_v divine_a truth_n even_o by_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o join_v the_o word_n and_o experience_n in_o a_o regular_a correspondence_n yea_o thus_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o clear_a transscript_n of_o the_o lord_n way_n with_o his_o church_n take_v out_o of_o that_o great_a authentic_a original_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o there_o see_v on_o what_o a_o solid_a basis_n and_o foundation_n that_o magnificent_a structure_n of_o providence_n be_v raise_v up_o what_o a_o notable_a key_n shall_v we_o thus_o have_v for_o open_v the_o scripture_n by_o a_o serious_a humble_a inquiry_n after_o the_o work_n of_o god_n where_o not_o only_o the_o impression_n and_o signal_n of_o the_o power_n but_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o very_o legible_a 8._o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o our_o talon_n wherewith_o we_o be_v entrust_v of_o which_o every_o christian_a shall_v study_v a_o serious_a improvement_n know_v they_o must_v render_v a_o account_n what_o their_o observation_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n have_v gain_v and_o what_o further_a establishment_n and_o confirmation_n they_o have_v thus_o attain_v 9_o i_o will_v add_v the_o concernment_n and_o weight_n of_o this_o duty_n may_v press_v it_o much_o on_o we_o for_o if_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n o_o then_o this_o be_v sure_a the_o saint_n have_v a_o great_a inheritance_n they_o be_v prince_n though_o now_o under_o a_o disguise_n and_o though_o yet_o minor_n they_o be_v heir_n of_o more_o than_o the_o world_n can_v shadow_v forth_o the_o christian_a be_v then_o more_o happy_a on_o a_o dunghill_n scrape_v his_o sore_n than_o such_o who_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fare_v delicate_o every_o day_n if_o this_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v look_v with_o compassion_n rather_o than_o envy_v on_o these_o who_o the_o world_n do_v account_v happy_a we_o need_v not_o question_v the_o gain_n of_o godliness_n than_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o such_o who_o sow_v in_o tear_n shall_v reap_v in_o joy_n and_o the_o righteous_a though_o now_o trample_v under_o in_o the_o morning_n shall_v have_v dominion_n yea_o in_o a_o word_n we_o may_v then_o on_o sure_a ground_n solace_v ourselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o great_a change_n which_o will_v be_v within_o a_o little_a when_o the_o grave_n must_v render_v back_o her_o prisoner_n and_o may_v with_o as_o much_o assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a resnrrection_n lie_v down_o in_o the_o dust_n as_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o will_v be_v a_o morning_n when_o we_o lie_v down_o at_o night_n o_o then_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n that_o be_v certain_a eternity_n be_v not_o a_o night_n dream_n and_o one_o moment_n shall_v short_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o our_o service_n yea_o the_o shut_n of_o our_o eye_n lid_n at_o death_n shall_v but_o open_v they_o in_o the_o pardise_v of_o god_n have_v touch_v this_o truth_n a_o little_a in_o the_o general_n i_o shall_v now_o hold_v forth_o some_o argument_n whence_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la they_o be_v these_o five_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o prosecute_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n first_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n be_v certain_o fulfil_v and_o have_v a_o accomplishment_n be_v this_o that_o which_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o saint_n what_o every_o particular_a christian_a do_v seal_v from_o their_o frequent_a and_o sure_a experience_n what_o be_v find_v and_o prove_v by_o they_o in_o there_o daily_o walk_v upon_o exact_a trial_n yea_o what_o as_o many_o as_o ever_o be_v serious_a in_o religion_n do_v witness_n must_v be_v certain_a and_o true_a but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v such_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n ii_o argument_n that_o which_o be_v manifest_a and_o legible_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o providence_n about_o the_o church_n and_o by_o clear_a convince_a instance_n both_o of_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n be_v make_v out_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o every_o age_n must_v be_v a_o certain_a truth_n but_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n be_v such_o therefore_o iii_o argnment_n thar_z which_o have_v not_o only_o the_o christian_n testimony_n from_o experienee_n and_o of_o the_o church_n from_o constant_a observation_n but_o be_v obvious_a even_o to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n which_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n do_v force_v a_o testimony_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o shift_v nor_o deny_v which_o also_o may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la to_o the_o conviction_n of_o ordinary_a observer_n &_o have_v a_o public_a acknowledgement_n from_o
and_o at_o a_o time_n when_o it_o be_v expect_v gross_a of_o man_n will_v speak_v truth_n yea_o that_o this_o do_v appear_v while_o man_n can_v in_o the_o least_o charge_n the_o die_a christian_a with_o any_o distemper_n in_o his_o judgement_n but_o while_o they_o have_v be_v most_o compose_v stay_v and_o present_a in_o mind_n and_o as_o to_o other_o thing_n of_o their_o concernment_n most_o deliberate_a and_o sober_a even_o than_o they_o have_v bear_v this_o witness_n the_o four_o argument_n i_o shall_v here_o offer_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n be_v this_o that_o whereof_o the_o most_o part_n as_o to_o these_o special_a prediction_n and_o promise_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n be_v fulfil_v and_o have_v now_o take_v place_n in_o their_o appoint_a time_n which_o we_o may_v at_o this_o day_n clear_o tead_o in_o the_o event_n and_o but_o a_o little_a part_n thereof_o now_o remain_v to_o be_v make_v out_o must_v be_v a_o sure_a truth_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o fulfil_v and_o the_o prophecy_n thereof_o now_o make_v legible_a in_o the_o history_n of_o providence_n and_o in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n about_o his_o church_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v premit_fw-la hear_v some_o few_o thing_n ere_o i_o speak_v particular_o to_o this_o argument_n 1._o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o wonderful_o suit_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o take_v place_n in_o every_o generation_n as_o if_o it_o be_v alone_o direct_v to_o that_o time_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o clear_a that_o a_o special_a part_n thereof_o have_v its_o proper_a accomplishment_n in_o these_o age_n and_o period_n of_o time_n to_o which_o it_o do_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n relate_v some_o part_n of_o it_o which_o do_v concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n some_o that_o do_v also_o answer_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o part_n of_o it_o which_o have_v a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o these_o latter_a day_n which_o the_o lord_n be_v now_o bring_v forth_o and_o we_o wait_v for_o a_o more_o full_a accomplishment_n that_o it_o be_v on_o a_o near_a approach_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n about_o his_o church_n here_o in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v perfect_a from_o the_o beginning_n and_o before_o he_o from_o eternity_n be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o write_a word_n where_o the_o lord_n have_v full_o reveal_v his_o mind_n and_o counsel_n anent_o every_o event_n and_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n though_o we_o oft_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o find_v out_o the_o same_o but_o the_o event_n will_v in_o due_a time_n speak_v for_o itself_o which_o shall_v cause_v we_o until_o then_o with_o much_o sobriety_n pass_v our_o judgement_n on_o some_o of_o these_o truth_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o fulfil_v 3._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a do_v not_o only_o foretell_v such_o great_a change_n and_o revolution_n as_o be_v to_o go_v over_o the_o church_n head_n and_o declare_v the_o certainty_n thereof_o but_o we_o find_v these_o prophecy_n oft_o point_v at_o the_o time_n and_o period_n of_o time_n whereto_o they_o do_v relate_v and_o though_o sometime_o in_o dark_a term_n yet_o do_v clear_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a prefix_a time_n &_o not_o at_o every_o time_n they_o can_v have_v their_o performance_n 4._o we_o will_v consider_v how_o the_o full_a accomplish_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o perfect_a the_o lord_n work_v about_o his_o church_n will_v be_v at_o once_o and_o do_v keep_v foot_n together_o and_o then_o shall_v a_o full_a and_o satisfy_a discovery_n of_o god_n way_n and_o providence_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n clear_o break_v up_o when_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o god_n in_o his_o write_a word_n be_v finish_v and_o the_o church_n so_o near_o to_o land_n that_o i_o may_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o so_o grave_a a_o subject_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o how_o much_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o prediction_n thereof_o may_v be_v now_o see_v clear_o verify_v in_o the_o event_n 2._o what_o do_v yet_o remain_v to_o have_v a_o accomplishment_n in_o these_o last_o time_n by_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o judge_v how_o near_o the_o lord_n work_n about_o his_o church_n be_v to_o a_o close_a anent_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o of_o these_o most_o concern_v event_n &_o change_n which_o the_o church_n have_v meet_v with_o wherein_o we_o may_v see_v what_o of_o the_o scripture_n may_v at_o this_o day_n be_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o providence_n and_o be_v certain_o fulfil_v i._o what_o be_v already_o accomplish_v i._o let_v we_o go_v back_o to_o these_o first_o time_n after_o the_o fall_n and_o see_v that_o dreadful_a stroke_n which_o come_v upon_o the_o old_a world_n by_o the_o flood_n after_o a_o universal_a defection_n from_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v there_o find_v the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o which_o noah_n that_o great_a preacher_n of_o righteousness_n have_v oft_o foretell_v and_o of_o these_o threaten_n which_o by_o moses_n be_v there_o record_v wherein_o it_o may_v be_v very_o manifest_a 1._o that_o this_o truth_n beside_o divine_a authority_n no_o record_n of_o ancient_a time_n no_o antiquity_n can_v ever_o contradict_v yea_o some_o of_o the_o elder_a writer_n do_v clear_o witness_v something_o of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n over_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o strange_a preservation_n of_o some_o from_o it_o however_o they_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o many_o circumstance_n thereanent_a josephus_n do_v cite_v berosus_n the_o ciâ—aldean_a about_o this_o who_o without_o doubt_n have_v they_o some_o of_o these_o old_a record_n true_a &_o uncorrupt_a eusebius_n also_o do_v mention_v some_o fragment_n of_o abidenus_n and_o appollidorus_n which_o in_o his_o time_n be_v extant_a clear_o point_v at_o the_o flood_n and_o at_o noah_n under_o the_o name_n of_o zisuthrus_n with_o his_o send_v out_o of_o bird_n to_o see_v if_o the_o water_n be_v assuage_v 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o here_o do_v contradict_v reason_n how_o this_o may_v be_v bring_v about_o even_o in_o the_o way_n of_o ordinary_a natural_a cause_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v make_v use_n of_o for_o that_o end_n for_o we_o find_v the_o window_n of_o heaven_n be_v open_v the_o air_n be_v condense_v into_o cloud_n and_o their_o retentive_a power_n louse_v these_o great_a floodgate_n be_v thus_o set_v louse_n which_o fall_v not_o in_o drop_n but_o all_o in_o a_o full_a body_n like_o the_o spout_n and_o cataract_n of_o the_o west-indies_n might_n soon_o overwhelm_v the_o earth_n with_o abundance_n of_o water_n while_o these_o fountain_n also_o of_o the_o great_a deep_a beneath_o be_v break_v up_o which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o ocean_n let_v forth_o to_o go_v over_o its_o bank_n but_o a_o universal_a vent_n to_o all_o the_o vein_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o great_a mass_n of_o water_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bowel_n thereof_o which_o from_o beneath_o meet_v these_o that_o be_v from_o above_o may_v give_v man_n a_o clear_a and_o rational_a account_n how_o such_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v 3._o this_o piece_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o great_a scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o same_o for_o it_o point_v out_o a_o height_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o wrath_n a_o universal_a defection_n and_o a_o universal_a stroke_n meet_v together_o it_o lead_v we_o forward_o to_o christ_n of_o who_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o excellent_a shadow_n and_o of_o that_o salvation_n which_o in_o and_o by_o he_o the_o church_n have_v from_o eternal_a wrath_n and_o be_v a_o very_a manifest_a pledge_n and_o sign_n of_o that_o last_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n which_o though_o not_o in_o that_o manner_n yet_o shall_v once_o sure_o be_v and_o find_v man_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o this_o flood_n find_v they_o into_o in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n ii_o what_o we_o have_v express_o promise_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o church_n delivery_n from_o egypt_n and_o be_v foretell_v by_o joseph_n at_o his_o death_n that_o god_n shall_v sure_o bring_v back_o his_o people_n out_o of_o that_o land_n for_o which_o he_o leave_v his_o bone_n to_o lie_v unbury_v as_o a_o pledge_n thereof_o have_v now_o many_o age_n pass_v be_v fulfil_v it_o be_v long_o since_o that_o remarkable_a day_n when_o god_n make_v a_o way_n for_o his_o people_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o his_o power_n know_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n since_o moses_n with_o the_o church_n do_v sing_v that_o triumphant_a song_n the_o horse_n and_o his_o rider_n he_o have_v cast_v in_o the_o sea_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v most_o clear_a 1._o
hope_n shall_v awake_v and_o this_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n thereof_o like_o a_o poor_a vain_a show_n disappear_v o_o bless_a and_o comfortable_a time_n in_o which_o the_o saint_n shall_v then_o full_o know_v what_o heaven_n be_v which_o they_o have_v so_o oft_o admire_v at_o a_o distance_n to_o behold_v his_o face_n in_o who_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o shall_v need_v no_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n when_o once_o this_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o lord_n return_v be_v verify_v a_o promise_n wherein_o all_o these_o precious_a truth_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n in_o her_o journey_n as_o so_o many_o stream_n shall_v empty_v themselves_o in_o this_o great_a deep_a then_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v finish_v the_o redeem_v all_o bring_v in_o and_o the_o bride_n make_v ready_a to_o go_v forth_o and_o meet_v he_o who_o shall_v full_o satisfy_v and_o comfort_v his_o people_n according_a to_o the_o day_n of_o their_o former_a affliction_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o their_o exceed_a great_a reward_n the_o five_o argument_n that_o which_o not_o only_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n already_o accomplish_v but_o be_v a_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v so_o sure_a confirmation_n yea_o so_o great_a a_o pledge_n in_o our_o hand_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o what_o yet_o remain_v shall_v be_v certain_o fulfil_v must_v be_v not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n but_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o these_o special_a prediction_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o make_v out_o be_v such_o anent_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v his_o people_n a_o very_a large_a pledge_n and_o strong_a confirmation_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n to_o believe_v their_o certain_a accomplishment_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v sure_a that_o a_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n some_o special_a prophecy_n which_o do_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o last_o time_n have_v not_o yet_o have_v a_o accomplishment_n which_o be_v already_o touch_v in_o the_o former_a argument_n and_o be_v indeed_o so_o great_a concern_v truth_n that_o may_v cause_v we_o sit_v down_o and_o wonder_v when_o we_o think_v these_o shall_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v yet_o such_o whereof_o we_o may_v be_v full_o persuade_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v hold_v forth_o and_o promise_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o begin_v performance_n thereof_o now_o so_o manifest_a yea_o what_o have_v be_v the_o lord_n way_n and_o the_o eminent_a providence_n of_o these_o last_o time_n which_o may_v full_o satisfy_v our_o spirit_n that_o god_n work_n be_v near_o to_o a_o close_a and_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n now_o at_o hand_n i_o shall_v here_o point_v at_o 3_o special_a ground_n whence_o the_o godly_a in_o these_o time_n may_v be_v thorough_o confirm_v anent_o the_o truth_n and_o certain_a out_o make_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o prophecy_n thereof_o that_o yet_o be_v not_o fulfil_v which_o we_o shall_v look_v on_o as_o a_o very_a convince_a pledge_n in_o our_o hand_n of_o the_o same_o i._o ground_n whence_o we_o may_v be_v thus_o confirm_v in_o our_o faith_n be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v already_o prove_v and_o verify_v in_o the_o event_n but_o also_o these_o truth_n which_o of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v most_o strange_a and_o marvellous_a yea_o shall_v have_v much_o stagger_v our_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v yet_o still_o in_o a_o promise_n be_v this_o day_n certain_o accomplish_v i_o shall_v but_o only_a instance_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a foretell_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o virgin_n bring_v forth_o a_o son_n who_o name_n shall_v be_v emmanuel_n that_o be_v to_o die_v and_o be_v cut_v off_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o the_o transgression_n of_o his_o people_n be_v not_o this_o now_o sure_o accomplishedâ—_n which_o we_o may_v say_v be_v the_o great_a wonder_n the_o most_o astonish_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v and_o shall_v full_o silence_v our_o thought_n anent_o any_o other_o scripture_n truth_n that_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v make_v out_o for_o we_o now_o know_v that_o the_o great_a bussine_n of_o redemption_n be_v put_v to_o a_o close_a the_o ransom_n and_o price_n thereof_o full_o tell_v down_o now_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n seal_v and_o attest_v by_o blood_n even_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o testator_n it_o be_v now_o sure_a the_o promise_a messiah_n have_v come_v and_o this_o be_v he_o who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o pilate_n suffer_v at_o jerusalem_n in_o who_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v true_o accomplish_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o real_a outmaking_n of_o every_o other_o promise_n it_o be_v sure_a he_o do_v die_v his_o bless_a side_n be_v pierce_v with_o a_o spear_n and_o upon_o the_o cross_n he_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n o_o here_o lie_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o wonder_n not_o what_o do_v yet_o remain_v of_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o which_o be_v already_o fulfil_v not_o that_o christ_n shall_v come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o that_o once_o he_o do_v come_v to_o the_o world_n and_o become_v man_n for_o god_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o die_v that_o be_v beyond_o expression_n wonderful_a for_o the_o other_o must_v necessary_o as_o a_o consequent_a follow_v that_o he_o who_o have_v redeem_v the_o church_n and_o do_v pay_v her_o ransom_n shall_v see_v the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o be_v satisfy_v that_o have_v make_v such_o a_o purchase_n he_o shall_v also_o have_v possession_n and_o finish_v the_o build_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v his_o own_o blood_n i_o confess_v what_o we_o do_v yet_o expect_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n be_v great_a and_o astonish_a truth_n the_o full_a overthrow_n of_o antichrist_n and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o the_o dead_a bone_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n shall_v again_o live_v but_o especial_o christ_n return_n to_o judgement_n who_o shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o flame_a fire_n the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o archangel_n yet_o how_o great_a so_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o may_v seem_v hard_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v o_o how_o small_a comparative_o be_v they_o with_o that_o which_o be_v already_o do_v and_o accomplish_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n wherein_o the_o angel_n with_o wonder_n do_v look_v which_o we_o may_v say_v be_v unspeakable_o more_o great_a then_o to_o create_v this_o world_n and_o turn_v it_o again_o to_o nothing_o it_o may_v be_v true_o strange_a while_o we_o read_v these_o prophecy_n anent_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n in_o so_o plain_a a_o history_n and_o profess_v that_o we_o believe_v he_o do_v die_v and_o rise_v again_o we_o shall_v have_v such_o hesitation_n anent_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o other_o scripture_n promise_n be_v it_o not_o this_o day_n much_o more_o easy_a to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o fulfil_n thereof_o than_o it_o be_v of_o old_a for_o the_o jewish_a church_n before_o christ_n come_n and_o how_o may_v we_o not_o with_o as_o much_o assurance_n wait_v for_o the_o second_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o full_a perfect_a of_o his_o word_n even_o from_o that_o which_o be_v already_o verify_v thereof_o as_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o return_n of_o the_o sun_n after_o it_o be_v go_v down_o and_o of_o the_o break_n of_o the_o day_n when_o once_o the_o night_n be_v past_a ii_o ground_n whence_o the_o godly_a in_o these_o time_n shall_v be_v confirm_v anent_o the_o full_a performance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o remain_v of_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v sure_a yea_o now_o near_o at_o hand_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v to_o action_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o church_n and_o have_v take_v the_o field_n that_o sure_o he_o be_v now_o go_v forth_o in_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o strength_n conquer_a and_o to_o conquer_v this_o be_v a_o grave_a truth_n which_o may_v give_v we_o very_o sweet_a refresh_a thought_n in_o so_o shake_v a_o time_n that_o while_o we_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n appear_v by_o a_o great_a and_o outstretch_a hand_n for_o his_o people_n these_o terrible_a stir_n and_o concussion_n of_o the_o nation_n have_v see_v he_o strike_v through_o king_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o fill_v the_o place_n with_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o his_o
the_o fulfil_v of_o the_o scripture_n or_o a_o essay_n show_v the_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n perform_v and_o to_o be_v perform_v for_o confirm_v the_o believer_n and_o convince_v the_o atheist_n of_o the_o present_a time_n contain_v in_o the_o end_n a_o few_o rare_a history_n of_o the_o work_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n isai_n xlvi_o v._n x._o my_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o my_o pleasure_n john_n x_o v._n xxxv_o and_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v break_v act._n 1_o v._o xvi_o man_n and_o brethren_n this_o scripture_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v fulfil_v print_v in_o the_o year_n 1669._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n it_o be_v like_o you_o mâ—_n expect_v some_o account_n anent_o the_o rise_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o on_o so_o great_a and_o weighty_a a_o subject_n so_o small_a a_o essay_n shall_v venture_v abroad_o especial_o in_o a_o time_n when_o it_o seem_v more_o safe_a and_o prudent_a to_o keep_v silence_n to_o be_v swift_a to_o hear_v and_o slow_a to_o speak_v which_o seldom_o have_v a_o after_o challenge_n the_o author_n will_v say_v little_a for_o his_o apology_n herein_o though_o he_o hope_v he_o may_v find_v it_o more_o easy_a to_o satisfy_v other_o than_o he_o do_v himself_o this_o freedom_n only_o he_o shall_v take_v to_o confess_v that_o sometime_o it_o have_v be_v matter_n of_o earnest_n yea_o hatâ—_n cause_v some_o toss_n and_o exercise_v upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o press_v a_o more_o serious_a enquiry_n and_o search_v with_o a_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o case_n to_o be_v persuade_v anent_o the_o scripture_n divine_a authority_n that_o godliness_n be_v not_o a_o empty_a name_n or_o shadow_n but_o of_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n which_o indeed_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a and_o of_o most_o near_a concernment_n and_o true_o anent_o that_o this_o grave_a convince_a argument_n of_o the_o scripture_n certain_a accomplishment_n have_v not_o only_o oft_o stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n with_o a_o satisfy_a discovery_n and_o impression_n thereof_o as_o a_o most_o quiet_v and_o unanswerable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o he_o must_v also_o say_v that_o by_o very_o remarkable_a confirmation_n from_o the_o lord_n this_o have_v be_v so_o convince_o witness_v to_o his_o experience_n as_o leave_v he_o under_o engadgement_n be_v such_o a_o poor_a testimony_n of_o weight_n to_o put_v his_o seal_n to_o the_o word_n that_o it_o fall_v not_o to_o the_o ground_n neither_o do_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n fail_v it_o be_v a_o dark_a time_n now_o with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o see_v every_o where_o almost_o suffer_v and_o afflict_a while_o the_o whole_a earth_n beside_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o ease_n christian_n also_o even_o beyond_o other_o in_o their_o private_a lot_n try_v with_o very_o sharp_a trial_n though_o i_o think_v suffering_n may_v be_v the_o least_o of_o our_o fear_n at_o this_o day_n while_o atheism_a do_v now_o appear_v on_o so_o formidable_a a_o growth_n and_o have_v a_o more_o threaten_a aspect_n then_o the_o rage_n or_o violence_n of_o man_n we_o see_v a_o saâ—_n dâ—cay_fw-fr likewise_o on_o the_o church_n abroad_o religion_n every_o where_n under_o a_o great_a consumption_n and_o weaâ—ing_v out_o that_o seem_v to_o have_v reach_v it_o in_o its_o vital_a part_n man_n search_v after_o a_o unusual_a way_n of_o sin_v as_o if_o they_o scorn_v to_o be_v wicked_a at_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a rate_n prejudice_n easy_o take_v up_o and_o entertain_v against_o the_o way_n of_o god_n while_o the_o good_a man_n do_v alace_o perish_v without_o any_o affect_a observation_n thereof_o the_o choice_n and_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n pluck_v away_o and_o none_o to_o fill_v their_o room_n christian_n burial_n now_o frequent_a but_o the_o birth_n and_o inbr_v of_o such_o to_o the_o church_n rare_a this_o be_v indeed_o a_o sad_a subject_n and_o so_o much_o the_o sad_a that_o few_o be_v find_v who_o eye_n affect_v their_o heart_n who_o tear_n and_o groan_v seem_v to_o answer_v such_o a_o stroke_n and_o ruin_v which_o now_o be_v like_a to_o fall_v under_o our_o hand_n but_o i_o shall_v leave_v this_o prayer_n will_v be_v the_o best_a cure_n and_o be_v this_o day_n more_o fit_a then_o complain_v to_o turn_v unto_o he_o who_o see_v the_o way_n of_o his_o people_n that_o he_o may_v heal_v they_o and_o can_v prevent_v these_o with_o mercy_n who_o seem_v least_o fit_a for_o the_o same_o only_o two_o or_o three_o sad_a remark_n of_o this_o time_n i_o can_v altogether_o pass_v which_o indeed_o be_v strange_a symptom_n of_o the_o church_n present_a case_n and_o distemper_n 1._o to_o see_v man_n own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o sanctification_n who_o yet_o can_v profess_o disow_v yea_o make_v it_o their_o work_n by_o reproach_n to_o beget_v a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o practice_n thereof_o oh_o strange_a to_o find_v such_o as_o will_v dip_v their_o pen_n in_o gall_n against_o a_o tender_a and_o strict_a walk_n in_o religion_n and_o revile_v it_o in_o the_o power_n thereof_o while_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v these_o truth_n and_o principle_n that_o necessary_o oblige_v to_o such_o a_o tender_a practice_n who_o in_o the_o most_o grave_a concern_v duty_n of_o christianity_n think_v it_o enough_o to_o charge_v their_o brethren_n with_o pharisaical_a ostentation_n and_o hypocrisy_n while_o they_o must_v confess_v these_o duty_n to_o be_v unquestionable_o bind_v and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o such_o a_o challenge_n which_o the_o great_a witness_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n of_o man_n can_v only_o determine_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o sad_a remark_n also_o of_o the_o time_n that_o protestant_a writer_n profess_v the_o reform_a religion_n shall_v state_n themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v ground_n thereof_o such_o as_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o justification_n by_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o call_v articulus_fw-la stantis_fw-la &_o cadentis_fw-la ecelesiâ—_n i_o can_v have_v that_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v from_o ignorance_n but_o from_o a_o height_n of_o malice_n that_o some_o of_o late_a reproach_n the_o protestant_a doctrine_n in_o this_o great_a fundamental_a of_o justification_n as_o if_o it_o press_v believe_v and_o rest_v upon_o christ_n without_o respect_n to_o work_n and_o holiness_n i_o confess_v we_o put_v not_o inherent_a righteousness_n in_o the_o room_n of_o impute_a though_o we_o assert_v each_o be_v necessary_a in_o their_o own_o place_n the_o one_o in_o order_n to_o ouâ—_n right_v the_o other_o in_o order_n to_o the_o actual_a participation_n of_o that_o right_n yea_o that_o holiness_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a not_o only_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la sed_fw-la medii_fw-la and_o justify_v faith_n do_v necessary_o require_v work_n sed_fw-la non_fw-la qua_fw-la &_o quatenus_fw-la justificat_fw-la but_o sure_o if_o these_o man_n grant_v we_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n they_o must_v needs_o confess_v it_o be_v by_o imputation_n since_o if_o the_o debtor_n be_v acquit_v by_o the_o cautioner_n payment_n be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o imputation_n there_o of_o to_o he_o o_o sad_a to_o see_v some_o put_v their_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n how_o to_o wound_v the_o church_n yea_o a_o death_n wound_v it_o will_v be_v if_o they_o can_v reach_v their_o end_n in_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o impute_a righteousness_n but_o it_o be_v best_o they_o deny_v that_o sixth_o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 4._o chap._n to_o the_o rom._n to_o be_v canonic_a scripture_n which_o none_o can_v read_v and_o shift_v it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o the_o bless_a man_n be_v there_o hold_v forth_o vuto_n who_o god_n impute_v righteousness_n without_o work_n sure_o that_o can_v be_v inherent_a righteousness_n else_o it_o be_v contradictio_fw-la in_o adjecto_fw-la i_o profess_v these_o what_o ever_o they_o pretend_v i_o must_v look_v on_o as_o adversary_n to_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o dangerous_a than_o a_o pirate_n go_v forth_o under_o a_o counterfut_o flag_n 3._o be_v it_o not_o likewise_o sad_a yea_o astonish_v to_o see_v minister_n now_o in_o these_o time_n who_o be_v the_o express_a ambassador_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o her_o edification_n stand_v so_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o their_o work_n and_o ministry_n many_o of_o who_o may_v be_v say_v that_o know_o and_o deliberate_o they_o oppose_v piety_n that_o such_o shall_v persecute_v who_o work_n be_v to_o feed_v and_o wound_n in_o stead_n of_o heal_a grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o shall_v be_v helper_n of_o their_o joy_n that_o none_o be_v a_o great_a plague_n to_o corrupt_v the_o church_n and_o cause_v the_o
clear_o see_v how_o one_o piece_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o punctual_a fulfil_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o other_o how_o that_o which_o be_v shadow_v out_o by_o dark_a type_n under_o the_o law_n and_o hold_v in_o a_o propheâ—y_n through_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o a_o plain_a and_o real_a history_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o a_o perfect_a of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n iv_o though_o its_o very_a manifest_a and_o by_o undeniable_a proof_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o real_a accomplishment_n and_o do_v certain_o take_v place_n in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o providence_n here_o in_o the_o world_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o man_n do_v not_o darken_v themselves_o they_o can_v be_v no_o stranger_n to_o such_o a_o thing_n yet_o we_o must_v say_v this_o truth_n which_o most_o near_o concern_v we_o be_v to_o the_o most_o of_o man_n even_o such_o who_o seem_v to_o give_v a_o large_a assent_n to_o the_o word_n a_o mystery_n and_o dark_a riddle_n there_o be_v few_o who_o do_v but_o inquire_v if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n if_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n have_v indeed_o a_o certain_a outmaking_n few_o do_v serious_o ponder_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o word_n shine_v forth_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v further_a confirm_v we_o see_v that_o to_o many_o alace_o too_o many_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o law_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v a_o trivial_a and_o a_o impertinent_a business_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n the_o world_n do_v pass_v without_o regard_v such_o as_o sport_v at_o religion_n when_o they_o come_v to_o earnest_n here_o dare_v not_o stand_v before_o this_o discovery_n it_o concern_v they_o much_o to_o reconcile_v their_o principle_n with_o their_o practice_n their_o fear_n beget_v hatred_n and_o both_o put_v their_o wit_n and_o invention_n on_o the_o rack_n how_o to_o dispute_v away_o any_o remander_n of_o a_o conscience_n to_o imprison_v their_o light_n and_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o reason_n run_v down_o godliness_n and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n thereof_o yea_o beside_o do_v not_o sensuality_n wherein_o many_o wallow_v and_o steep_v themselves_o so_o dull_a and_o droun_n the_o soul_n put_v such_o one_fw-mi interposition_n of_o the_o earth_n betwixt_o they_o and_o this_o truth_n as_o whole_o darken_v it_o and_o oh_o how_o sad_a that_o many_o have_v a_o large_a profession_n to_o be_v christian_n scarce_o ever_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o put_v the_o word_n to_o one_fw-mi essay_n and_o trial_n in_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o life_n to_o have_v their_o light_n follow_v with_o experience_n wherein_o the_o very_a truth_n and_o reality_n of_o religion_n lie_v to_o clear_v this_o i_o shall_v hold_v forth_o some_o thing_n which_o may_v show_v how_o little_a this_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n be_v know_v or_o study_v by_o the_o most_o of_o man_n 1._o the_o abound_v of_o so_o much_o atheism_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o who_o not_o only_o disclaim_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o religion_n they_o seem_v to_o profess_v but_o do_v state_n themselves_o in_o most_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n thereof_o these_o to_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o as_o a_o romance_n yea_o do_v only_o converse_v therewith_o to_o prove_v their_o wit_n and_o part_n in_o impung_v the_o same_o who_o avowed_o mock_v at_o the_o judgement_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n i_o confess_v these_o may_v be_v reckon_v monster_n a_o very_a prodigy_n in_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v though_o alace_o it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v strange_a we_o see_v the_o most_o horrid_a atheist_n do_v usual_o abound_v be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n â—ath_v most_o shine_v the_o savage_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o no_o such_o monstrous_a birth_n as_o be_v hatch_v within_o the_o visible_a chutch_n for_o thus_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n put_v a_o black_a dye_n on_o they_o than_o other_o o_o what_o a_o terrible_a sound_n shall_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o man_n ear_n if_o they_o once_o come_v to_o have_v serious_a thought_n thereof_o since_o they_o can_v admit_v this_o but_o they_o must_v certain_o read_v their_o own_o sentence_n of_o death_n which_o a_o few_o day_n shall_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a they_o be_v then_o unspeakable_o miserable_a 2._o that_o indifferency_n whieh_fw-it we_o see_v among_o man_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o most_o concern_v truth_n of_o scripture_n do_v show_v how_o little_a this_o be_v know_v or_o lay_v to_o heart_n whence_o there_o be_v such_o a_o generation_n who_o do_v not_o profess_o deny_v the_o scripture_n yet_o can_v turn_v it_o over_o in_o a_o school_n problem_n and_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v engage_v so_o far_o upon_o it_o it_o be_v not_o that_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o but_o they_o true_o choice_n to_o hide_v themselves_o from_o it_o as_o more_o suitable_a to_o that_o interest_n they_o drive_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v rather_o a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n then_o of_o faith_n a_o thing_n which_o they_o will_v dispute_v but_o not_o believe_v but_o o_o what_o other_o thought_n will_v a_o clear_a sight_n of_o this_o cause_n that_o within_o so_o few_o day_n the_o truth_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v sad_a earnest_n the_o fulfil_n whereof_o no_o sharpness_n of_o wit_n nor_o subtle_a argument_n will_v be_v able_a to_o evade_v 3._o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o barren_a theory_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n with_o so_o little_a serious_a christian_a diligence_n do_v it_o not_o sad_o witness_v how_o small_a acquaintance_n man_n have_v with_o this_o truth_n whence_o we_o see_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o these_o who_o prefess_o acknowledge_v the_o word_n and_o be_v daily_o converse_v with_o it_o yet_o can_v give_v no_o other_o account_n thereof_o but_o report_n so_o many_o that_o can_v satisfy_o discourse_v of_o the_o scripture_n can_v never_o put_v their_o seal_n to_o it_o that_o god_n be_v true_a therein_o whence_o be_v so_o many_o great_a school_n divine_v and_o able_a minister_n for_o part_n such_o visible_a atheist_n in_o their_o way_n and_o practice_n be_v it_o not_o they_o real_o judge_v divinity_n and_o religion_n rather_o a_o science_n and_o matter_n of_o speculation_n than_o a_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o feeling_n which_o man_n shall_v more_o live_v then_o speak_v and_o can_v be_v know_v without_o experience_n the_o true_a end_n of_o knowledge_n but_o o._n this_o can_v be_v find_v in_o book_n man_n will_v not_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o a_o throng_n of_o choice_a notion_n it_o confound_v the_o wife_n and_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n whilst_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o simple_a christian_a oft_o know_v more_o than_o these_o of_o great_a part_n 4._o the_o great_a hypocrisy_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v too_o clear_o show_v that_o this_o truth_n be_v little_a thought_n on_o or_o lay_v to_o heart_n for_o what_o be_v that_o false_a show_n and_o appearance_n which_o we_o may_v say_v be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o very_a sinfulness_n of_o sin_n be_v it_o not_o the_o height_n of_o atheism_n and_o a_o real_a contradiction_n in_o their_o practice_n to_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o will_v have_v one_fw-mi unquestionable_a accomplishment_n o_o can_v any_o be_v so_o monstrous_o irrational_a to_o drive_v this_o poor_a plot_n how_o to_o appear_v that_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v at_o such_o pain_n to_o act_v the_o part_n handsome_o of_o a_o serious_a christian_a to_o personat_fw-la his_o tear_n and_o grief_n his_o spiritual_a frame_n his_o zeal_n for_o god_n if_o he_o do_v think_v grave_o on_o this_o truth_n and_o do_v believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o will_v sure_o take_v place_n and_o be_v within_o a_o little_a no_o compliment_n but_o sad_a earnest_n and_o that_o he_o be_v every_o hour_n stand_v under_o that_o scripture-woe_n against_o hypocrite_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v make_v his_o very_a hair_n stand_v upright_o his_o joint_n louse_n and_o his_o thigh_n smite_v upon_o another_o can_v he_o but_o serious_o think_v upon_o this_o 5._o these_o unwarrantable_a way_n which_o in_o a_o time_n of_o trial_n man_n take_v for_o their_o escape_n may_v witness_v this_o that_o the_o word_n they_o do_v not_o judge_v a_o sure_a ground_n to_o adventure_v on_o whence_o be_v there_o such_o hesitation_n in_o suffer_a time_n from_o that_o day_n many_o take_n there_o leave_v of_o
christ_n who_o have_v rather_o choif_v sin_n then_o affliction_n o_o be_v it_o not_o they_o judge_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o sufficient_a security_n to_o carry_v they_o through_o such_o a_o strait_a and_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v for_o if_o this_o be_v they_o shall_v reckon_v it_o their_o great_a safety_n to_o embark_v their_o interest_n on_o so_o sure_a a_o ground_n and_o with_o much_o quietness_n repose_v their_o soul_n and_o disburden_v their_o care_n by_o put_v it_o over_o on_o the_o word_n 6._o what_o do_v the_o frequent_a discouragement_n and_o unconfortable_a walk_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n speak_v forth_o do_v it_o not_o witness_v how_o little_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n with_o this_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n or_o establish_a thereanent_a what_o mean_v these_o distrustful_a fear_n and_o perplex_a complaint_n if_o their_o eye_n be_v but_o open_a to_o know_v they_o have_v such_o a_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n at_o their_o hand_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o small_a strait_n be_v so_o puzzle_v and_o ready_a to_o out_o wit_n they_o that_o they_o so_o usual_o stumble_v at_o the_o cross_n and_o as_o thing_n from_o without_o do_v appear_v their_o eucouragement_n make_v to_o ebb_v and_o flow_v be_v not_o here_o the_o cause_n that_o they_o stagger_v at_o the_o promise_n whilst_o probability_n in_o some_o visible_a way_n do_v not_o go_v along_o for_o its_o performance_n it_o be_v true_o easy_a to_o have_v some_o sweet_a notion_n of_o faith_n at_o a_o distance_n but_o whilst_o the_o trial_n come_v near_o upon_o such_o a_o close_a approach_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o other_o way_n but_o to_o put_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o particular_a interest_n on_o the_o word_n and_o on_o it_o alone_o many_o be_v then_o at_o a_o stand_n because_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o assure_v that_o though_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v overturn_v there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o take_v place_n now_o from_o these_o thing_n may_v it_o not_o appear_v that_o this_o grave_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n be_v but_o little_o know_v or_o study_v i_o confess_v we_o may_v think_v on_o it_o with_o astonishment_n how_o a_o matter_n so_o near_o concern_v be_v not_o more_o our_o work_n there_o be_v indeed_o many_o thing_n worthy_a to_o be_v knopw_v but_o our_o short_a life_n can_v scarce_o allow_v time_n or_o give_v leisure_n for_o the_o study_n thereof_o but_o o_o this_o thongh_v we_o have_v only_o 2_o day_n to_o live_v i_o think_v may_v require_v the_o one_o to_o be_v sure_a and_o persuade_v anent_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o whereon_o our_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a blessedness_n lie_v to_o which_o we_o must_v lay_v the_o dead_a grip_n when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o passage_n at_o that_o strange_a step_n betwixt_o time_n and_o eternity_n o_o what_o a_o wonder_n how_o rational_a soul_n who_o walk_v on_o the_o border_n of_o the_o great_a hope_n and_o fear_v imaginable_a can_v yet_o be_v so_o unconcern_v thereanent_fw-la such_o serious_a thought_n may_v force_v man_n to_o retire_v and_o go_v sit_v alone_o and_o true_o these_o thing_n grave_o consider_v may_v seem_v strange_a and_o hard_a to_o reconcile_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o very_a word_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n this_o day_n upon_o record_n wherewith_o we_o have_v so_o much_o to_o do_v which_o do_v offer_v itself_o to_o man_n trial_n and_o exact_a search_n and_o yet_o we_o put_v it_o so_o little_a to_o that_o touchstone_n that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o upon_o a_o other_o account_n than_o report_n or_o hear-say_n 2._o how_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o high_a importance_n as_o salvation_n through_o all_o eternity_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o hope_v i_o â—_o shall_v take_v the_o truth_n on_o a_o implicit_a faith_n or_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o common_a assent_n thereto_o as_o though_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o witness_v our_o believe_v the_o same_o because_o we_o do_v never_o doubt_v or_o call_v it_o in_o question_n i_o be_o sure_a man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o lax_n and_o so_o easy_a to_o satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o common_a interest_n they_o have_v here_o in_o the_o world_n 3._o how_o can_v man_n render_v to_o other_o a_o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n when_o it_o be_v inquire_v who_o do_v never_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o at_o themselves_o or_o will_v these_o seal_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o blood_n who_o never_o have_v it_o seal_v upon_o their_o heart_n by_o experierrce_n 4._o wence_n be_v it_o that_o man_n can_v have_v comfort_n in_o scripture_n who_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n thereof_o indeed_o these_o who_o be_v solid_o persuade_v anent_o the_o truth_n and_o its_o certain_a outmaking_n may_v have_v much_o joy_n and_o peace_n whilst_o they_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n can_v bear_v up_o any_o stress_n or_o burden_n they_o lie_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o what_o end_n do_v the_o lord_n witness_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o word_n by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o its_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o lie_v but_o that_o from_o so_o sure_a and_o strong_a a_o ground_n his_o people_n may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n 5._o how_o can_v any_o think_v to_o adventure_v their_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o that_o whereon_o they_o fear_v to_o venture_v a_o outward_a interest_n or_o put_v over_o their_o dear_a thing_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o keep_n who_o can_v never_o say_v they_o know_v in_o who_o they_o believe_v 6._o may_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o man_n can_v believe_v a_o certain_a performance_n of_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o not_o be_v more_o deep_o affect_v therewith_o o_o be_v this_o true_a shall_v it_o sure_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o not_o one_o jot_n thereof_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o cause_v we_o awake_v in_o the_o night_n and_o bear_v we_o more_o company_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o think_v ourselves_o at_o a_o loss_n that_o day_n wherein_o we_o take_v not_o a_o turn_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o divine_a truth_n if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o must_v take_v place_n 7._o i_o will_v add_v if_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n which_o sure_o have_v a_o accomplishment_n o_o how_o be_v we_o so_o little_a christian_n why_o do_v man_n walk_n so_o sad_o jar_v with_o so_o great_a a_o hope_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v these_o be_v that_o be_v persuade_v within_o a_o little_a these_o heaven_n must_v pass_v away_o as_o a_o school_n the_o element_n melt_v with_o â—ervent_a heat_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v burn_v up_o i_o think_v if_o this_o will_v not_o press_v home_o on_o man_n to_o be_v serious_a and_o diligent_a they_o must_v be_v in_o a_o very_a sad_a lethargy_n v._o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o most_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a witness_n of_o its_o divinity_n that_o it_o be_v his_o word_n who_o be_v not_o like_a man_n to_o lie_v or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o repent_v and_o have_v this_o as_o its_o distinguish_a character_n that_o not_o one_o syllable_n thereof_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o be_v the_o undoubted_a privilege_n of_o god_n and_o of_o he_o alone_o to_o foresee_v thing_n contingent_a which_o be_v many_o age_n after_o to_o fall_v out_o and_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o necessary_a and_o natural_a cause_n and_o true_o this_o may_v be_v a_o convince_a argument_n yea_o we_o may_v say_v of_o all_o external_a testimony_n be_v the_o great_a but_o its_o strange_a to_o think_v what_o a_o generation_n there_o be_v who_o can_v sport_v at_o the_o scripture_n and_o question_v the_o truth_n thereof_o who_o yet_o do_v never_o once_o serious_o inquire_v if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a else_o so_o clear_a a_o witne_n may_v stare_v they_o in_o the_o face_n such_o a_o party_n we_o shall_v look_v on_o with_o compassion_n it_o be_v also_o sad_a to_o think_v at_o how_o poor_a a_o rate_n far_o below_o their_o allowance_n many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v here_o live_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o that_o excellent_a and_o more_o noble_a spirit_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o further_a comfort_n and_o establishment_n thereby_o it_o be_v true_a this_o bless_a record_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o itself_o and_o be_v know_v by_o its_o own_o light_n whereon_o there_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a impress_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n such_o convince_a mark_n of_o its_o true_a descent_n as_o may_v thorough_o show_v who_o it_o be_v and_o how_o far_o it_o exceed_v all_o humane_a invention_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n
great_a atheist_n and_o mocker_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o age_n must_v sure_o be_v a_o clear_a truth_n but_o &c_n &c_n therefore_o iv_o argument_n that_o which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n in_o such_o and_o such_o period_n of_o time_n and_o have_v according_o come_v to_o pass_n the_o event_n exact_o answer_v to_o the_o prediction_n yea_o that_o whereof_o the_o great_a part_n be_v now_o fulfil_v and_o but_o a_o little_a at_o this_o day_n remain_v to_o be_v make_v out_o must_v be_v a_o certain_a truth_n but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o already_o fulfil_v and_o but_o a_o little_a thereof_o now_o remain_v therefore_o v._o argument_n that_o which_o not_o only_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n already_o accomplish_v but_o be_v a_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v such_o sure_a confirmation_n yea_o so_o great_a a_o pledge_n in_o our_o hand_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o what_o yet_o remain_v shall_v be_v certain_o fulfil_v must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n but_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o these_o special_a prediction_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o make_v out_o be_v such_o as_o concern_v which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v his_o people_n a_o very_a largâ—_n pledge_n and_o strong_a confirmation_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n to_o believe_v their_o certain_a accomplishment_n therefore_o argument_n first_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n wherein_o our_o great_a hope_n and_o comfort_n do_v lie_v be_v certain_o true_a and_o have_v a_o real_a accomplishment_n may_v be_v thus_o demonstrat_fw-la that_o it_o be_v try_v and_o prove_v in_o the_o godly_a man_n experience_n to_o which_o in_o all_o age_n yea_o from_o innumerable_a proof_n the_o saint_n have_v put_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a and_o faithful_a testimory_n experience_n be_v indeed_o a_o strong_a demonstration_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o witness_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o debate_n for_o here_o the_o truth_n be_v feel_v prove_v and_o act_v on_o the_o heart_n which_o the_o christian_a know_v well_o and_o be_v as_o sure_a of_o as_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o live_v or_o that_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v have_v light_a and_o warmness_n therewith_o it_o be_v true_a the_o world_n live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n with_o this_o they_o only_o converse_v with_o the_o sound_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v the_o naked_a theory_n of_o scripture_n truth_n have_v but_o a_o short_a reach_n &_o that_o it_o differ_v as_o far_o from_o that_o which_o a_o serious_a practical_a christian_a have_v as_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o country_n in_o a_o map_n be_v from_o a_o real_a discovery_n of_o the_o same_o where_o the_o difference_n be_v not_o in_o the_o degree_n but_o in_o the_o kind_n yet_o though_o this_o grave_a testimony_n of_o experience_n be_v a_o thing_n whereto_o many_o alace_o too_o many_o be_v stranger_n yet_o we_o must_v say_v so_o much_o thereof_o be_v obvious_a as_o may_v force_v its_o authority_n on_o man_n conscience_n and_o show_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fallacy_n or_o delusion_n in_o this_o witness_n if_o they_o but_o allow_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o reason_n see_v it_o be_v not_o the_o record_n of_o a_o few_o at_o one_o time_n or_o in_o one_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o a_o solemn_a witness_n from_o the_o saint_n and_o follower_n of_o god_n who_o judgement_n and_o integrity_n their_o adversary_n must_v often_o confess_v yea_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o every_o age_n through_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n in_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n most_o remote_a from_o other_o and_o this_o by_o most_o frequent_a renew_a prooff_n have_v find_v and_o experience_v the_o truth_n and_o real_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o word_n and_o now_o if_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_o convince_a i_o will_v but_o add_v o_o â—_o will_v you_o then_o come_v and_o see_v be_v but_o christian_n indeed_o and_o then_o you_o will_v no_o more_o debate_n that_o testimony_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o very_a poor_a shift_n for_o man_n who_o have_v the_o scripture_n before_o they_o which_o of_o itself_o do_v witness_v its_o authority_n and_o this_o back_v with_o so_o solemn_a a_o seal_n from_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o work_n and_o providence_n to_o debate_v the_o christian_n witness_n from_o their_o experience_n because_o they_o do_v not_o see_v this_o themselves_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o their_o choice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o same_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n seek_v credit_n from_o no_o man_n upon_o trust_n yea_o crave_v no_o more_o but_o that_o by_o a_o practical_a converse_n they_o will_v put_v it_o to_o a_o trial_n and_o then_o it_o shall_v not_o decline_v their_o judgement_n now_o to_o prosecute_v this_o argument_n a_o little_a i_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o special_a scripture-truth_n with_o which_o christian_n have_v most_o usual_a trade_n and_o converse_v in_o their_o own_o case_n and_o give_v in_o therewith_o their_o testimony_n how_o these_o be_v clear_o prove_v and_o verify_v by_o most_o sure_a experieuce_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v here_o understand_v the_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n with_o respect_n to_o person_n time_n or_o other_o circumstance_n how_o the_o word_n do_v thus_o take_v place_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o convince_a to_o instance_n in_o the_o general_n such_o clear_a uncontroverted_a experience_n which_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o godly_a and_o have_v by_o they_o be_v oft_o prove_v amid_o the_o various_a change_n of_o their_o life_n though_o not_o by_o all_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n but_o in_o some_o suitable_a proportion_n to_o their_o different_a 'size_n trial_n and_o wrestle_n which_o can_v witness_v that_o real_a correspondence_n which_o the_o word_n have_v with_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o true_o concern_v these_o i_o may_v with_o some_o confidence_n assert_v they_o be_v not_o naked_a or_o airy_a notion_n but_o such_o as_o can_v witness_v their_o truth_n to_o the_o serious_a experience_a christian_a who_o on_o this_o account_n i_o dare_v attest_v i_o shall_v here_o instance_n 5._o special_a truth_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v much_o try_v and_o prove_v in_o christian_n experience_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o 2._o the_o deceitfulnes_n of_o man_n heart_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a adversary_n with_o who_o we_o have_v war_n 4._o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o word_n have_v undoubted_a accomplishment_n 5._o the_o truth_n also_o of_o the_o threaten_n i_o mean_v such_o under_o who_o reach_n the_o godly_a may_v fall_v i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v a_o truth_n very_o clear_o prove_v to_o the_o christian_a who_o experience_n though_o sad_a do_v undeniable_o verify_v and_o confirm_v the_o scripture_n gal._n 5_o v._n 17._o rom._n 7_o v._n 19_o 21_o 23._o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o word_n which_o hold_v forth_o man_n nature_n in_o its_o true_a shape_n and_o form_n whither_o their_o bias_n and_o inclination_n most_o easy_o turn_v yea_o so_o marvellous_o answer_v their_o experience_n that_o to_o question_v the_o same_o be_v to_o put_v it_o far_o beyond_o question_n that_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o a_o new_a nature_n or_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n within_o for_o who_o ever_o make_v earnest_a of_o religion_n but_o their_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o war_n it_o be_v then_o that_o the_o house_n divide_v and_o corruption_n set_v up_o a_o standard_n yea_o no_o soon_o can_v any_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o he_o must_v be_v a_o soldier_n also_o and_o â—e_n may_v say_v none_o ever_o attain_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o mortification_n or_o be_v so_o old_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o can_v privilege_v they_o from_o the_o stir_n of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o necessity_n of_o that_o complaint_n who_o shall_v deliver_v we_o from_o a_o body_n of_o death_n but_o what_o ever_o advantage_n some_o of_o the_o saint_n have_v above_o other_o yet_o in_o this_o their_o experience_n can_v witness_v 1._o they_o now_o know_v two_o different_a party_n within_o themselves_o that_o until_o once_o grace_n come_v they_o can_v not_o understand_v which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o action_n do_v act_v opposit_o one_o to_o the_o other_o yea_o that_o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a duty_n wherein_o the_o flesh_n though_o not_o always_o in_o such_o a_o prevalent_a degree_n do_v not_o show_v some_o active_a resistance_n 2._o that_o all_o the_o stir_n and_o
undoubted_a â—eâ—dency_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o church_n good_a as_o though_o they_o â—d_a intentional_o act_v for_o the_o same_o there_o will_v indeed_o one_o day_n be_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o marvellous_a discovery_n of_o this_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v perfect_v his_o work_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v finish_v the_o church_n bring_v safe_a to_o the_o harbour_n then_o shall_v it_o be_v full_o manifest_a to_o what_o end_n all_o these_o stormâ—s_n and_o cross_a wind_n in_o the_o counsel_n and_o design_n of_o man_n we_o these_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o time_n can_v not_o be_v understand_v but_o seem_v perplex_v and_o strange_a do_v real_o work_v forth_o church_n good_a for_o then_o man_n will_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n afull_a performance_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o we_o must_v say_v even_o here_o in_o every_o age_n amid_o the_o various_a change_n of_o the_o church_n case_n this_o have_v so_o clear_a a_o outmaking_n that_o there_o be_v no_o serious_a observer_n of_o providence_n but_o may_v bear_v winess_n to_o it_o 1._o that_o not_o only_o the_o church_n good_a but_o ever_o her_o great_a good_a have_v most_o clear_o have_v its_o rise_n and_o be_v bring_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o hurt_v intend_v against_o she_o that_o if_o we_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v turn_v over_o these_o after_o record_n of_o the_o church_n condition_n we_o shall_v there_o find_v the_o most_o remarkable_a attempt_n and_o plot_n such_o as_o pharaoh_n last_o essay_n to_o destroy_v the_o isiaelite_n haman_n great_a design_n to_o root_v out_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o great_a masterplot_n satan_n once_o have_v on_o â—oot_n to_o crush_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o crucify_a her_o head_n yea_o in_o these_o last_o time_n antichrist_n kill_v the_o witness_n have_v all_o as_o if_o real_o intend_v by_o the_o instrument_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o mover_n bring_v forth_o the_o church_n great_a good_a so_o as_o the_o after-mercy_n and_o outgate_v have_v carry_v some_o visible_a proportion_n to_o her_o trial_n and_o to_o the_o greatness_n of_o her_o adversary_n design_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o clear_a if_o we_o but_o trace_v back_o these_o memorable_a changesâ—_n which_o have_v be_v up_o and_o down_o the_o earth_n how_o direct_a a_o tendency_n they_o have_v have_v to_o this_o end_n do_v not_o the_o bring_n down_o that_o great_a image_n of_o the_o monarchy_n witness_v this_o we_o find_v nebuchadnezar_n raise_v up_o as_o a_o rod_n to_o the_o church_n and_o cyrus_n for_o a_o deliverer_n we_o may_v see_v the_o persian_a and_o grecian_a monarchy_n bring_v down_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o messiah_n his_o kingdom_n antiochus_n must_v stand_v up_o a_o little_a for_o a_o sharp_a trial_n and_o his_o downfall_n give_v the_o church_n a_o new_a breathe_n and_o hold_v forth_o to_o after_o age_n a_o remarkable_a monument_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o his_o enemy_n peaceable_a augustus_n most_o try_v with_o his_o time_n in_o who_o day_n shall_v be_v abundance_n of_o peace_n we_o find_v a_o titus_n set_v up_o to_o execute_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n on_o the_o jew_n to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o further_a enlargement_n to_o the_o â—gentil_a church_n a_o nero_n and_o domitian_n to_o help_v forward_o the_o church_n suffering_n and_o a_o constantine_n to_o give_v she_o some_o rest_n after_o so_o long_o and_o sore_o a_o assault_n and_o at_o last_o the_o roman_a empire_n moulder_a down_o for_o antichrist_n upsetting_n to_o accomplish_v what_o do_v remain_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n by_o that_o adversary_n 3._o we_o may_v oft_o see_v a_o very_a strange_a tryst_n and_o concurrence_n of_o thing_n how_o instrument_n act_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o lord_n end_n and_o advance_v his_o church_n interest_n even_o while_o each_o one_o do_v most_o vigorous_o drive_v their_o own_o proper_a end_n and_o design_n which_o show_v there_o be_v sure_o a_o live_a spirit_n in_o the_o wheel_n that_o order_v these_o motion_n a_o supreme_a and_o first_o mover_n that_o can_v thus_o determine_v they_o whither_o they_o will_v or_o not_o to_o serve_v his_o end_n and_o the_o church_n good_a when_o they_o most_o direct_o intend_v the_o contrary_n 4._o we_o have_v see_v how_o in_o man_n plot_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v oft_o a_o unseen_a hand_n determine_v their_o judgement_n and_o inclination_n to_o fall_v upon_o that_o very_a way_n than_o which_o we_o will_v think_v nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o direct_a for_o her_o good_a and_o their_o own_o ruin_n how_o a_o hushai_n have_v be_v send_v in_o or_o some_o have_v be_v stir_v up_o among_o themselves_o upon_o their_o own_o interest_n to_o break_v the_o pernicious_a counsel_n and_o design_n of_o other_o 5._o we_o have_v also_o see_v the_o personal_a quarrel_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n among_o themselves_o bring_v to_o such_o a_o height_n and_o to_o try_v so_o seasonable_o that_o onlooker_n might_n clear_o perceive_v that_o it_o have_v be_v from_o the_o lord_n a_o judgement_n for_o their_o rage_n and_o violence_n against_o his_o poor_a oppress_a people_n 6._o we_o have_v see_v the_o church_n enemy_n raise_v to_o a_o strange_a height_n all_o advantage_n favour_v they_o until_o their_o plot_n and_o i_o have_v be_v ripe_a for_o spring_v and_o lo_o at_o that_o very_o choke_v something_o unexpected_a have_v fall_v out_o which_o do_v turn_v their_o former_a success_n to_o their_o further_a ruin_n yea_o disappoint_v all_o this_o the_o world_n be_v ready_a to_o call_v some_o fata_fw-la and_o malevolent_a conjunction_n which_o can_v be_v resist_v and_o what_o be_v this_o in_o effect_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n conscience_n to_o a_o divine_a hand_n 7._o have_v we_o not_o see_v some_o sore_a dash_n and_o overthrow_v in_o the_o church_n bring_v forth_o her_o good_a and_o a_o more_o full_a victory_n when_o visible_a help_n and_o mean_n have_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o something_o above_o mean_n may_v be_v see_v in_o her_o condition_n even_o in_o that_o day_n when_o all_o have_v be_v give_v for_o lose_v yea_o truth_n lose_v the_o day_n upon_o the_o field_n bring_v forth_o her_o triumph_n on_o the_o scaffold_n and_o at_o the_o stake_n 8._o we_o have_v see_v most_o despicable_a and_o ordinary_a thing_n make_v subservient_fw-fr for_o some_o great_a piece_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n make_v the_o first_o rise_v of_o strange_a revolution_n that_o remarkable_a change_n have_v be_v oft_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o common_a providence_n yea_o true_o we_o find_v both_o scripture_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o after_o age_n witness_v that_o the_o church_n deliverance_n and_o outgate_v do_v almost_o never_o come_v that_o way_n by_o such_o a_o method_n and_o mean_n as_o she_o have_v most_o expect_v the_o same_o and_o that_o god_n time_n of_o work_v may_v be_v oft_o very_o contrary_a to_o our_o time_n of_o expect_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v be_v it_o not_o oft_o see_v which_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o age_n can_v witness_v how_o man_n endeavour_n to_o darken_v the_o truth_n by_o error_n have_v be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n for_o its_o further_a clear_n that_o the_o grow_a of_o a_o trial_n a_o violent_a and_o sore_o exact_v upon_o the_o church_n have_v kind_o wrought_v towards_o her_o outgate_n and_o enlargement_n her_o meat_n have_v be_v oft_o bring_v even_o out_o of_o the_o eater_n by_o midse_n most_o destructive_a thereto_o and_o a_o sword_n must_v pierce_v the_o church_n heart_n that_o the_o thought_n of_o many_o may_v be_v discover_v a_o time_n of_o persecution_n must_v help_v to_o cure_v the_o division_n among_o the_o godly_a and_o bring_v they_o together_o in_o the_o furnace_n which_o prosperity_n can_v not_o do_v yea_o it_o be_v oft_o see_v which_o former_a age_n can_v also_o witness_n that_o the_o very_a undo_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v god_n bless_a way_n to_o keep_v she_o from_o be_v undo_v the_o second_o branch_n do_v concern_v these_o scripture_n threaten_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n with_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o against_o a_o people_n profess_v the_o gospel_n that_o no_o privilege_n they_o have_v above_o other_o shall_v exeem_v they_o from_o judgement_n yea_o and_o from_o very_o sad_a stroke_n he_o have_v know_v they_o above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n he_o will_v contend_v with_o they_o most_o severe_o because_o of_o sin_n and_o such_o particular_a evil_n as_o we_o find_v the_o word_n threaten_v i_o touch_v a_o little_a some_o scripture-threatening_n in_o the_o precede_a argument_n as_o concern_v christian_n in_o their_o private_a experience_n what_o i_o here_o intend_v be_v to_o point_v at_o this_o truth_n as_o it_o
upon_o the_o water_n shall_v make_v they_o appear_v as_o blood_n to_o the_o child_n of_o moab_n but_o we_o see_v what_o great_a thing_n the_o lord_n be_v thus_o bring_v about_o 3._o be_v it_o not_o oft_o manifest_a how_o not_o the_o small_a casuality_n or_o circumstance_n providence_n do_v loss_n without_o some_o improvement_n thereof_o yea_o that_o it_o guide_v the_o stroke_n of_o man_n sword_n in_o the_o battle_n and_o direct_v the_o bullet_n to_o its_o appoint_a mark_n and_o it_o do_v evident_o check_v the_o star_n and_o control_v that_o fatal_a necessity_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o fear_n may_v or_o will_v follow_v their_o aspect_n and_o it_o do_v even_o determine_v these_o which_o in_o themselves_o be_v most_o free_a and_o absolute_a the_o heart_n and_o will_v of_o man_n must_v not_o the_o crow_n of_o the_o cock_n the_o foldier_n divide_v of_o christ_n garment_n fall_v out_o for_o a_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o though_o it_o be_v at_o a_o venture_n that_o that_o man_n draw_v the_o bow_n which_o send_v ahab_n to_o his_o grave_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o chance_n do_v direct_v the_o arrow_n between_o the_o very_a joint_n of_o his_o armour_n 4._o amid_o the_o various_a emergent_n and_o hazard_n of_o man_n life_n may_v not_o experience_n tell_v that_o sure_o thing_n contingent_a be_v not_o abandon_v to_o fortune_n but_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n which_o do_v number_v our_o hair_n without_o which_o they_o can_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n o_o how_o astonish_n may_v it_o be_v to_o think_v how_o surprise_v hazard_n have_v be_v oft_o obviate_v by_o what_o unexpected_a mean_n man_n have_v be_v deliver_v from_o violent_a assault_n how_o help_n unlooked_a for_o have_v even_o try_v at_o a_o choke_v and_o a_o extremity_n yea_o while_o their_o foot_n be_v drip_v even_o betwixt_o their_o fall_n and_o fall_v they_o have_v be_v try_v with_o some_o remarkable_a cast_n of_o mercy_n 5._o be_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o discern_v how_o many_o accident_n which_o seem_v most_o casual_a yet_o by_o no_o humane_a prudence_n or_o industry_n can_v be_v prevent_v but_o be_v observable_o bring_v about_o and_o guide_v to_o fulfil_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n on_o ungodly_a man_n how_o be_v sisera_n lead_v in_o to_o the_o house_n of_o jael_n by_o other_o place_n how_o shall_v haman_n suit_v for_o mordecais_n death_n tryst_n with_o that_o very_a morning_n when_o the_o king_n thought_n be_v favourable_a to_o he_o for_o it_o may_v seem_v have_v haman_n be_v one_o day_n soon_o he_o will_v have_v get_v his_o will_n the_o three_o argument_n for_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o christian_n experience_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o cnnrch_n bear_v witness_n thereto_o but_o it_o be_v also_o a_o truth_n which_o even_o to_o the_o view_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la from_o who_o it_o do_v oft_o force_v a_o testimony_n yea_o in_o every_o age_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v a_o thing_n very_o evident_a but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v thus_o witness_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a these_o sweet_a and_o sensible_a enjoyment_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v of_o this_o truth_n the_o world_n can_v reach_v but_o it_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o in_o every_o age_n the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o some_o more_o notour_n convince_a providence_n both_o of_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n do_v solemn_o invite_v man_n to_o observe_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o word_n therein_o yea_o no_o time_n have_v want_v something_o of_o a_o public_a witness_n from_o ungodly_a man_n even_o great_a mocker_n of_o religion_n who_o under_o that_o constrain_a power_n of_o conscience_n at_o death_n or_o in_o some_o day_n of_o their_o strait_n have_v be_v force_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n by_o a_o very_a open_a confession_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o lord_n bless_a design_n in_o make_v his_o work_n sometime_o so_o conspicuous_a that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n but_o render_v atheism_n inexcusable_a that_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v shine_v forth_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i_o confess_v we_o may_v wonder_n why_o the_o world_n look_v so_o little_a upon_o this_o and_o how_o the_o conviction_n of_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n which_o they_o can_v shun_v do_v not_o more_o press_v they_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v full_o resolve_v this_o the_o brutish_a man_n know_v not_o neither_o do_v fool_n lay_v to_o heart_n how_o the_o scripture_n take_v place_n and_o that_o the_o flourish_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v but_o in_o judgement_n for_o their_o further_a ruin_n to_o prosecut_v this_o argument_n a_o little_a there_o be_v some_o special_a truth_n i_o will_v instance_n wherein_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o fulfil_v his_o word_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o world_n yea_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a observer_n and_o though_o they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o which_o i_o shall_v here_o touch_v yet_o i_o must_v say_v they_o be_v such_o concern_v truth_n and_o have_v so_o near_o a_o reference_n to_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o man_n can_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o but_o must_v also_o confess_v the_o scripture_n divinity_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o reality_n in_o godliness_n and_o in_o christian_a religion_n true_o i_o may_v here_o with_o some_o confidence_n challenge_v the_o great_a atheist_n yea_o appeal_v they_o to_o their_o conscience_n and_o serious_a thought_n if_o in_o these_o follow_a instance_n though_o but_o a_o little_a of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o such_o a_o subject_n the_o truth_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o very_o manifest_a first_o i_o shall_v first_o hold_v forth_o this_o truth_n that_o man_n be_v sure_o fall_v from_o that_o excellent_a estate_n wherein_o once_o he_o be_v form_v rom._n 5_o ver_fw-la 18._o 19_o and_o now_o be_v not_o that_o which_o he_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n a_o truth_n so_o clear_a that_o we_o may_v say_v even_o without_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v easy_a for_o any_o serious_a onlooker_n to_o discern_v the_o same_o do_v not_o even_o heathen_n have_v some_o glance_n at_o this_o the_o evidence_n whereof_o they_o can_v not_o altogether_o shun_v it_o be_v true_a the_o cause_n and_o original_a of_o this_o dreadful_a contagion_n how_o sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n how_o it_o be_v derive_v to_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n by_o imputation_n as_o well_o as_o inhesion_n how_o that_o poison_n be_v carry_v from_o the_o fountain_n to_o the_o cistern_n the_o scriptnre_n do_v only_o discover_v but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a may_v be_v obvious_a to_o all_o that_o poor_a man_n be_v thus_o sick_a and_o disease_v and_o now_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o such_o a_o fall_n and_o ruin_n as_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o word_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v strange_a that_o when_o this_o be_v so_o very_a convince_a and_o manifest_a it_o shall_v not_o force_v man_n to_o some_o more_o serious_a enquiry_n whence_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o if_o there_o can_v be_v a_o recovery_n of_o so_o sad_a and_o desperate_a like_o case_n but_o to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a i_o will_v offer_v these_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o that_o excellent_a fabric_n which_o may_v yet_o appear_v among_o its_o ruin_n some_o print_n and_o appearance_n though_o dark_a of_o that_o primitive_a lustte_n and_o beauty_n some_o draught_n which_o sin_n have_v not_o whole_o wear_v out_o that_o may_v clear_o tell_v what_o man_n once_o be_v and_o point_n out_o his_o former_a excellency_n that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o other_o wight_n of_o who_o absaloms_n character_n may_v be_v true_o say_v without_o all_o blemish_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n for_o we_o see_v the_o deep_a impression_n of_o a_o deity_n still_o root_v in_o man_n even_o among_o the_o most_o wild_a and_o savage_a which_o no_o invention_n can_v utter_o raze_v we_o see_v some_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v imprint_v in_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a some_o innate_a notion_n and_o idea_n which_o the_o soul_n have_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a among_o all_o and_o in_o every_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n likewise_o these_o natural_a truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o may_v see_v be_v no_o way_n impress_v on_o the_o soul_n from_o any_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o such_o whereto_o man_n by_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n be_v force_v to_o assent_v and_o beside_o what_o mean_v the_o
can_v the_o world_n get_v this_o past_a without_o some_o remark_n how_o intolerable_a a_o thing_n a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v when_o once_o let_v loose_a when_o in_o all_o age_n such_o terrify_a example_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v be_v set_v up_o for_o all_o that_o past_a by_o to_o look_v on_o such_o as_o spira_n latomus_fw-la olivarius_n &c_n &c_n and_o true_o i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o great_a want_n there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o more_o particular_a record_n of_o such_o which_o will_v give_v atheism_n so_o great_a a_o dash_n yea_o force_n man_n to_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o the_o write_v word_n seven_o that_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a and_o unquestionable_a gain_n in_o godliness_n in_o a_o piece_n of_o the_o scripture_n not_o only_o well_o know_v and_o witness_v to_o the_o observe_v christian_a in_o his_o experience_n but_o be_v also_o hold_v forth_o in_o every_o age_n as_o in_o great_a letter_n to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n ps._n 58_o ver_fw-la 11._o ps._n 97_o ver_fw-la 11._o isâ—_n 3_o ver_fw-la 10._o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o christian_n lot_n be_v oft_o follow_v with_o much_o trouble_n and_o sometime_o with_o los_fw-la of_o his_o life_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v a_o very_a dismal_a aspect_n for_o that_o great_a goodness_n which_o the_o man_n who_o fear_v god_n have_v insure_v to_o he_o be_v much_o lay_v up_o in_o another_o world_n but_o it_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v such_o notour_n convince_a proof_n of_o this_o truth_n hold_v forth_o even_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o man_n by_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o every_o age_n confirm_v the_o same_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o great_a atheist_n can_v answer_n even_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o be_v the_o very_o dictate_v of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewardeâ—_n of_o such_o as_o serve_v he_o yea_o none_o among_o man_n be_v so_o gross_a or_o bruttish_a which_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n principled_a to_o difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a with_o some_o fear_n of_o a_o punishment_n to_o the_o one_o and_o some_o hope_n of_o recompense_n to_o the_o other_o and_o be_v also_o force_v to_o notice_n some_o more_o signal_n and_o convince_a example_n which_o have_v be_v of_o that_o kind_n in_o their_o time_n 2._o must_v we_o not_o say_v yea_o do_v not_o the_o world_n â—ee_o in_o every_o age_n that_o history_n of_o joseph_n in_o some_o part_n act_v over_o again_o sure_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v many_o such_o remarkable_a instance_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o trace_v a_o upright_a and_o straight_o walk_v through_o a_o very_a maze_n and_o labrinth_n of_o change_n and_o to_o show_n how_o that_o have_v be_v their_o condition_n and_o at_o last_o integrity_n have_v bring_v they_o to_o land_n in_o to_o a_o comfortable_a harbour_n yea_o how_o often_o they_o have_v have_v a_o marvellous_a unlooked_a for_o outgate_v contrary_a to_o all_o humane_a appearance_n this_o indeed_o be_v no_o romance_n but_o a_o most_o true_a history_n which_o through_o all_o time_n and_o many_o example_n may_v be_v write_v of_o the_o word_n and_o providence_n which_o shall_v surpass_v the_o rich_a fancy_n that_o any_o fiction_n or_o romance_n do_v ever_o contain_v 3._o must_v it_o not_o be_v convince_a even_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n what_o a_o visible_a blessing_n do_v oft_o follow_v the_o mean_a lot_n of_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n which_o can_v make_v their_o little_a reach_n far_o and_o cause_v they_o abound_v more_o in_o their_o poverty_n than_o other_o amid_o their_o abundance_n which_o i_o think_v the_o world_n can_v shun_v to_o observe_v and_o gather_v that_o there_o be_v sure_a something_o else_o than_o man_n own_o care_n which_o do_v their_o business_n and_o how_o that_o ordinary_a proverb_n fall_v not_o to_o the_o ground_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v happy_a then_o wise_a when_o they_o see_v a_o secret_a judgement_n blow_v upon_o some_o man_n estate_n that_o no_o mean_n can_v prevent_v and_o a_o secret_a blessing_n which_o make_v thing_n prosper_v and_o take_v effect_n and_o do_v accompany_v the_o christian_n little_a so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v easy_a for_o such_o who_o look_v abroad_o to_o see_v where_o real_a contentement_n with_o chearfulnes_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o use_v to_o dwell_v 4._o may_v not_o the_o world_n seâ—_n there_o be_v a_o feast_n in_o a_o good_a conscience_n how_o little_a soever_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o world_n that_o well_o do_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n have_v some_o present_a reward_n in_o its_o hand_n whereas_o so_o remarkable_a a_o difference_n may_v be_v discern_v betwixt_o the_o countenance_n and_o carriage_n of_o such_o and_o of_o they_o who_o trust_v in_o falsehood_n that_o sure_o in_o a_o time_n of_o strait_a these_o have_v another_o kind_n of_o security_n and_o confidence_n when_o great_a natural_a spirit_n fail_v yea_o that_o these_o alone_a can_v enjoy_v themselves_o have_v the_o most_o calm_a and_o compose_a spirit_n amid_o the_o several_a change_n of_o their_o life_n that_o according_a to_o outward_a thing_n their_o peace_n do_v not_o ebb_n nor_o flow_v but_o they_o be_v at_o a_o see_v advantage_n above_o other_o in_o the_o day_n when_o man_n be_v sore_o outwitted_a with_o their_o strait_n so_o as_o it_o will_v be_v most_o easy_a then_o to_o see_v the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o religion_n when_o the_o vanity_n of_o other_o advantage_n be_v most_o discernible_a 5._o be_v it_o not_o also_o see_v that_o true_a honour_n do_v true_o wait_v on_o humility_n &_o follow_v such_o but_o it_o flee_v from_o they_o who_o do_v most_o pursue_v it_o yea_o that_o faithfulness_n and_o a_o upright_o walk_v will_n gain_v credit_n even_o among_o her_o enemy_n and_o respect_n before_o the_o world_n 6._o that_o these_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o little_a and_o diligent_a improver_n of_o a_o small_a talon_n have_v usual_o more_o add_v with_o some_o discernible_a growth_n follow_a the_o same_o and_o as_o the_o dry_n up_o of_o the_o part_n of_o some_o as_o a_o judgement_n on_o unfaithfulnes_n be_v oft_o obvious_a so_o also_o such_o a_o blessing_n upon_o serious_a diligence_n as_o have_v make_v the_o last_o first_o and_o even_o outrun_v such_o who_o be_v once_o before_o they_o yea_o it_o be_v true_o see_v how_o grace_n help_v man_n gift_n do_v raise_v and_o sublimat_n their_o spirit_n above_z that_o which_o once_o they_o be_v 7._o do_v not_o the_o lord_n put_v some_o visible_a difference_n oft_o betwixt_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a in_o a_o time_n of_o common_a calamityâ—_n that_o a_o strange_a outgate_n with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o very_a marvellous_a providence_n do_v sometime_o try_v such_o even_a to_o the_o conviction_n of_o onlooker_n which_o may_v tell_v the_o world_n such_o have_v have_v a_o invisible_a hedge_n of_o preservation_n about_o they_o and_o have_v be_v under_o some_o better_a care_n than_o their_o own_o 8._o what_o a_o clear_a witness_n do_v ungodly_a man_n oft_o bear_v to_o this_o truth_n at_o their_o death_n or_o at_o some_o other_o straight_o so_o that_o their_o conscience_n have_v force_v they_o to_o justify_v the_o godly_a man_n choice_n and_o to_o say_v that_o the_o lot_n of_o such_o be_v only_o most_o desirable_a yea_o with_o much_o bitterness_n to_o lament_v their_o folly_n that_o make_v not_o religion_n more_o their_o business_n the_o good_a and_o advantage_n whereof_o be_v now_o no_o matter_n of_o debate_n sure_o the_o world_n will_v confess_v how_o oft_o the_o confession_n and_o testimony_n of_o such_o man_n to_o this_o truth_n have_v reach_v their_o ear_n 9_o i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o which_o be_v so_o very_o manifest_a how_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n do_v transmit_v man_n name_n with_o more_o honour_n yea_o make_v it_o have_v a_o sweet_a savour_n in_o their_o generation_n than_o either_o riches_n or_o outward_a preferment_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o memorial_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a even_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n eight_o that_o very_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n ps_n 58_o ver_fw-la 11._o who_o do_v render_v unto_o man_n vengeance_n and_o do_v pursue_v the_o transgressor_n because_o of_o sin_n be_v a_o truth_n which_o the_o world_n have_v in_o every_o age_n by_o many_o convince_a instance_n hold_v forth_o to_o they_o where_o they_o may_v see_v the_o scripture_n clear_o verify_v i_o have_v a_o little_a touch_v this_o in_o the_o second_o argument_n how_o the_o accomplish_n of_o scripture_n threaten_n be_v witness_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o these_o who_o be_v wise_a to_o discern_v the_o time_n
these_o record_n which_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o her_o adversary_n where_o there_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o portraicure_n of_o he_o hold_v forth_o both_o as_o to_o his_o person_n his_o way_n of_o come_v the_o place_n whence_o the_o entertainment_n he_o shall_v get_v and_o his_o death_n that_o i_o must_v think_v it_o a_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n how_o man_n shall_v acknowledge_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o not_o grant_v the_o new_a since_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o jew_n look_v for_o no_o other_o messiah_n than_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v hold_v out_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o esay_n daniel_n micah_n malachi_n etc._n etc._n who_o do_v by_o such_o clear_a mark_n point_v he_o forth_o and_o show_v the_o church_n how_o they_o shall_v know_v he_o when_o he_o come_v for_o true_o it_o may_v thence_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o certain_a the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v then_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o i_o will_v but_o serious_o ask_v what_o do_v the_o lew_n this_o day_n miss_v in_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n which_o the_o old_a testament_n allow_v they_o to_o expect_v in_o the_o messiah_n be_v it_o that_o he_o come_v with_o no_o outward_a show_v and_o glory_n sure_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n such_o a_o one_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v no_o shall_v he_o not_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n 2._o gen._n who_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n as_o esay_n show_v his_o voice_n not_o hear_v in_o the_o street_n despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v shadow_v out_o under_o the_o law_n who_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n yea_o come_v with_o no_o outward_a pomp_n but_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o ride_v upon_o a_o ass_n be_v to_o be_v betray_v and_o sell_v and_o his_o price_n show_v by_o zach_n for_o 30_o piece_n a_o crucify_a die_a christ_n that_o shall_v be_v wound_v in_o the_o house_n of_o his_o friend_n and_o cut_v off_o from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o his_o people_n o_o can_v man_n possible_o deny_v so_o clear_a a_o accomplihment_n of_o these_o in_o our_o bless_a lord_n 6_o be_v it_o not_o undeniable_a that_o the_o jew_n now_o in_o their_o present_a case_n can_v possible_o expect_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o the_o messiah_n can_v this_o day_n come_v according_a to_o the_o scriptrue_a except_o they_o can_v be_v put_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o they_o be_v then_o in_o at_o christ_n come_v certain_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v ever_o fulfil_v anent_o this_o if_o it_o be_v not_o already_o can_v he_o come_v forth_o out_o of_o bethlehem_n whilst_o now_o no_o such_o place_n be_v know_v by_o that_o name_n can_v he_o come_v into_o his_o temple_n that_o be_v utter_o destroy_v be_v there_o not_o now_o a_o subversion_n of_o the_o tribe_n and_o the_o family_n of_o david_n not_o know_v at_o this_o day_n yea_o be_v not_o the_o gentiles_n bring_v in_o who_o isai_n show_v shall_v be_v gather_v under_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v not_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n cease_v which_o the_o jew_n will_v confess_v have_v be_v for_o many_o age_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v after_o his_o come_n and_o i_o will_v ask_v how_o be_v that_o ever_o fulfil_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n shall_v exceed_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o first_o for_o this_o can_v be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o structure_n or_o outward_a magnificence_n sure_o there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o this_o glory_n can_v appear_v but_o as_o it_o point_v at_o christ_n and_o the_o break_n up_o of_o that_o glorious_a light_n which_o be_v before_o its_o destruction_n 7._o there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n who_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o receive_v the_o spirit_n by_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v put_v this_o seal_n thereto_o in_o all_o age_n that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o true_o without_o partial_a respect_n which_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v force_v to_o justify_v it_o may_v be_v say_v these_o be_v the_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n in_o their_o time_n many_o of_o great_a outward_a part_n and_o ability_n who_o moral_a integrity_n and_o candour_n be_v beyond_o question_n even_o with_o their_o adversary_n and_o these_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentiles_n of_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n who_o not_o only_o by_o a_o naked_a profession_n but_o by_o their_o walk_n and_o suffering_n do_v show_v forth_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n yea_o shine_v as_o light_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o onlooker_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o convince_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o its_o enemy_n can_v possible_o deny_v 8._o that_o excellent_a doctrine_n deliver_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v it_o not_o clear_o show_v whence_o it_o be_v and_o witness_v its_o own_o authority_n for_o here_o we_o may_v see_v a_o manifest_a agreement_n betwixt_o this_o and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n that_o as_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n hold_v forth_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n so_o the_o prophet_n do_v carry_v it_o on_o with_o further_a clearness_n and_o the_o evangelist_n bring_v forward_o like_o a_o excellent_a edifice_n that_o be_v found_v and_o advance_v in_o the_o one_o but_o perfect_v in_o the_o other_o all_o breathe_a the_o same_o spirit_n with_o a_o convince_a tendency_n to_o the_o same_o end_n so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v the_o old_a jew_n under_o the_o law_n be_v in_o effect_n christian_n and_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v jew_n be_v one_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o their_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o poor_a apostate_n people_n now_o in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v whole_o depart_v from_o their_o own_o doctrive_n and_o will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o they_o may_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o in_o this_o i_o will_v serious_o attest_v the_o adversary_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o paganism_n the_o turk_n alcoran_n or_o jewish_a talmud_n hold_v forth_o any_o such_o doctrine_n or_o rule_v as_o that_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v such_o pure_a and_o excellent_a precept_n to_o restrain_v the_o inordinacy_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n back_v with_o argument_n become_v a_o immortal_a soul_n a_o doctrine_n so_o sincere_a solid_a and_o rational_a so_o consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a scope_n and_o drift_n thereof_o which_o hold_v forth_o the_o most_o exquisite_a rule_n of_o perfection_n for_o man_n to_o press_v after_o yea_o where_o every_o page_n and_o line_n breathe_v forth_o holiness_n towards_o god_n and_o righteousness_n and_o humanity_n towards_o man_n 9_o i_o shall_v add_v these_o clear_a convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v attend_v the_o first_o publish_v thereof_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a a_o seal_n from_o the_o lord_n as_o may_v force_v the_o great_a atheist_n to_o silence_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v jew_n as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n as_o any_o who_o do_v first_o publish_v the_o gospel_n none_o more_o zealous_a according_a to_o the_o law_n then_o paul_n be_v before_o his_o conversion_n none_o also_o can_v challenge_v their_o drive_v any_o outward_a interest_n hereby_o since_o persecution_n and_o bond_n yea_o great_a hazard_n be_v that_o which_o they_o can_v expect_v 2._o it_o be_v clear_a they_o walk_v by_o no_o rule_n of_o human_a policy_n nor_o these_o ordinary_a way_n of_o insinuation_n which_o the_o world_n do_v use_v to_o engage_v man_n and_o make_v a_o party_n to_o themselves_o but_o do_v deliver_v the_o truth_n truth_n most_o repugnant_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o interest_n with_o great_a candour_n and_o simplicity_n though_o likewise_o with_o a_o convince_a authority_n and_o confidence_n yea_o come_v with_o a_o message_n to_o the_o world_n which_o have_v no_o other_o convoy_n or_o persuade_v argument_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n but_o withal_o such_o a_o power_n accompany_v the_o same_o before_o which_o man_n can_v not_o stand_v 3._o what_o be_v publish_v concern_v christ_n by_o the_o evangelist_n the_o great_a work_n he_o do_v his_o die_a at_o jerusalem_n with_o all_o the_o stupendous_a circumstance_n thereof_o and_o sign_n
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
catholic_n league_n which_o do_v quick_o follow_v upon_o the_o back_n thereof_o a_o very_a strong_a and_o formidable_a combination_n to_o root_v out_o the_o protestant_a interest_n 8._o the_o take_v away_o of_o edward_n the_o six_o of_o england_n &_o establish_v of_o a_o cruel_a persecutor_n queen_n mary_n do_v indeed_o look_v like_o a_o stroke_n that_o shall_v root_v out_o the_o church_n in_o that_o part_n and_o destroy_v that_o famous_a plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o tender_a growth_n 9_o i_o must_v add_v that_o which_o be_v as_o sore_o a_o assault_n to_o the_o church_n as_o any_o so_o grievous_a a_o difference_n which_o with_o the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n do_v begin_v betwixt_o luther_n and_o zwinglius_n about_o christ_n presence_n in_o the_o sacrament_n yea_o come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n and_o with_o so_o great_a heat_n and_o animosity_n be_v follow_v as_o in_o appearance_n will_v have_v whole_o frustrate_v the_o work_n they_o be_v about_o third_z witness_v to_o this_o truth_n be_v that_o wonderful_a patience_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o with_o much_o chearfulnes_n in_o their_o great_a suffering_n which_o in_o these_o late_a time_n do_v appear_v wherein_o the_o world_n must_v confess_v that_o same_o immediate_a support_n from_o heaven_n yea_o the_o lord_n own_v his_o people_n in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a way_n be_v no_o less_o manifest_a then_o in_o these_o primitive_a suffering_n of_o the_o church_n from_o heathen_n sure_o not_o by_o past_a time_n even_o in_o these_o bloody_a day_n of_o nero_n domitian_n etc._n etc._n can_v show_v more_o horrid_a more_o strange_a engine_n of_o torment_n and_o cruelty_n then_o what_o in_o these_o last_o age_n the_o church_n do_v endure_v from_o the_o popish_a party_n who_o savage_a and_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o the_o poor_a flock_n of_o christ_n where_o ever_o they_o have_v access_n may_v witness_v a_o cruelty_n more_o than_o humane_a and_o as_o to_o the_o number_n be_v they_o not_o almost_o without_o reckon_v who_o in_o france_n germany_n britain_n and_o the_o low_a country_n beside_o other_o part_n be_v slay_v within_o this_o 150._o year_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o truth_n now_o as_o this_o be_v most_o manifest_a it_o be_v also_o know_v what_o a_o divine_a and_o a_o invincible_a spirit_n with_o a_o astonish_a courage_n and_o resolution_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o this_o sore_a persecution_n how_o they_o triumph_v over_o their_o oppressor_n and_o do_v cheerful_o meet_v death_n in_o its_o most_o terrible_a shape_n a_o thing_n which_o the_o school_n of_o socrates_n and_o plato_n with_o all_o their_o rule_n can_v never_o reach_v yea_o shall_v be_v reckon_v among_o the_o miracle_n of_o these_o late_a day_n anent_o which_o we_o will_v consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o something_o more_o than_o nature_n a_o spirit_n and_o resolution_n above_o the_o ordinary_a rate_n of_o man_n yea_o something_o much_o above_o themselves_o their_o natural_a temper_n and_o disposition_n do_v in_o their_o most_o extreme_a suffering_n oft_o appear_v and_o this_o without_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o affectation_n and_o deceit_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o world_n in_o these_o last_o age_n yea_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o persecutor_n and_o of_o the_o great_a atheist_n must_v witness_v this_o 2._o that_o many_o of_o the_o most_o soft_a tender_a disposition_n many_o woman_n who_o complexion_n will_v declare_v more_o weakness_n yet_o in_o this_o late_a antichristian_a persecution_n do_v en_fw-fr dure_v great_a torment_n and_o by_o suffer_v triumph_v over_o the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o their_o adversary_n whereof_o we_o have_v many_o instance_n in_o record_n 3._o the_o world_n have_v be_v also_o a_o witness_n how_o serious_a and_o deliberat_fw-la the_o saint_n be_v in_o this_o that_o they_o make_v suffer_v their_o choice_n which_o they_o can_v easy_o have_v shun_v at_o the_o rate_n of_o yield_v something_o in_o the_o truth_n but_o ere_o they_o will_v do_v this_o or_o give_v the_o adversary_n such_o a_o bribe_n they_o choise_v to_o embrace_v death_n and_o go_v to_o a_o stake_n for_o christ_n even_o when_o they_o want_v not_o most_o persuade_v offer_n to_o turn_v they_o aside_o for_o instance_n i_o will_v here_o mention_v that_o excellent_a man_n in_o queen_n maryes_fw-mi time_n julius_n palmer_n who_o not_o only_o have_v life_n but_o preferment_n offer_v if_o he_o will_v recant_v to_o which_o his_o answer_n be_v that_o he_o have_v quit_v his_o live_n in_o two_o place_n for_o christ_n and_o now_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v his_o life_n also_o on_o that_o account_n likewise_o one_o william_n hunter_n who_o bishop_n bonar_n do_v urge_v with_o many_o offer_v to_o recant_v tell_v he_o it_o must_v be_v scripture_n argument_n and_o not_o perfwasion_n of_o that_o kind_n for_o he_o reckon_v all_o earthly_a thing_n but_o dross_n and_o dung_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o the_o stake_n when_o a_o pardon_n by_o the_o sheriff_n be_v offer_v upon_o such_o a_o account_n do_v peremptorly_n reject_v the_o same_o antonius_n riceto_o a_o venetian_a when_o condemn_v for_o the_o truth_n have_v a_o large_a offer_n to_o have_v his_o patrimony_n restore_v which_o be_v much_o morgadge_v with_o debt_n and_o make_v free_a beside_o his_o life_n if_o he_o will_v but_o a_o little_a yield_v and_o likewise_o have_v his_o son_n weep_v on_o he_o for_o that_o cause_n give_v this_o answer_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o lose_v both_o child_n and_o estate_n for_o christ_n i_o shall_v add_v what_o we_o have_v relate_v of_o one_o herwin_n who_o suffer_v in_o the_o low_a country_n to_o who_o the_o magistrate_n make_v great_a entreaty_n with_o large_a promise_n to_o recant_v which_o he_o whole_o slight_v many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n here_o may_v be_v set_v down_o 4._o it_o be_v know_v that_o such_o who_o be_v of_o great_a repute_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v a_o large_a share_n of_o outward_a thing_n to_o tempt_v they_o do_v in_o these_o last_o time_n most_o cheerful_o part_v with_o the_o same_o and_o choice_n rather_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n we_o may_v instance_n these_o 2._o great_a witness_n john_n frederick_n of_o saxony_n and_o the_o lantsgrave_n of_o hesse_n who_o under_o that_o long_a imprisonment_n by_o charles_n the_o 5._o bear_v out_o many_o sharp_a assault_n both_o by_o threaten_n and_o offer_n without_o yield_v in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o truth_n yea_o on_o this_o account_n do_v the_o duke_n of_o sanony_n forgo_v with_o his_o estate_n and_o dignity_n anna_n duke_n burg_n counsellor_n of_o the_o parliament_n at_o paris_n of_o great_a part_n and_o repute_n who_o before_o henry_n the_o ii_o have_v a_o excellent_a speech_n in_o parliament_n for_o the_o protestant_a party_n for_o which_o by_o he_o be_v imprison_v do_v forgo_v all_o his_o honour_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n which_o otherways_o he_o may_v have_v brook_v and_o embrace_v death_n for_o christ_n the_o prince_n of_o condee_n at_o the_o massacre_n of_o paris_n when_o the_o king_n express_o show_v he_o he_o shall_v within_o 3_o day_n die_v if_o he_o do_v not_o renounce_v his_o religion_n tell_v he_o his_o estate_n and_o life_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n but_o ere_o he_o renounce_v the_o truth_n he_o will_v quite_o both_o charles_n de_fw-fr zeroton_n a_o moravian_n barron_n of_o great_a interest_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o country_n in_o the_o late_a bohemian_a persecution_n do_v quite_o all_o his_o estate_n and_o possession_n for_o the_o gospel_n not_o withstand_v of_o many_o large_a offer_n and_o persuasion_n we_o find_v also_o in_o england_n the_o duchess_n of_o suffolk_n a_o lady_n who_o live_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o world_n and_o pleasure_n thereof_o yet_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n do_v quite_o both_o estate_n and_o country_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o on_o that_o account_n do_v choice_n a_o very_a hard_a lot_n in_o other_o part_n 5._o be_v it_o not_o also_o know_v how_o these_o who_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o faint_v and_o be_v overcharge_v with_o discouragement_n yet_o at_o death_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o their_o suffering_n do_v show_v a_o marvellous_a resolution_n and_o chearfulnes_n a_o thing_n which_o no_o atheist_n can_v possible_o answer_v and_z sheweth_z god_n very_o immediate_a support_n mr_n glover_n how_o sore_o be_v he_o cast_v down_o and_o can_v feel_v no_o joy_n or_o comfort_n after_o much_o wrestle_n but_o no_o soon_o do_v come_v in_o sight_n of_o the_o stake_n but_o his_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o his_o strength_n which_o force_v he_o to_o clap_v his_o hand_n and_o cry_v forth_o to_o a_o friend_n who_o know_v his_o former_a damp_n and_o discouragement_n oh_o ausline_n he_o be_v
wherein_o they_o live_v i_o shall_v here_o point_v at_o this_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n write_v in_o such_o great_a letter_n as_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o most_o common_a onlooker_n can_v pass_v this_o without_o a_o remark_n it_o be_v true_a much_o may_v be_v lay_v over_o to_o that_o great_a general_a aâ—fize_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n that_o day_n of_o retribution_n yea_o sometime_o we_o see_v the_o most_o wicked_a and_o vile_a go_v in_o peace_n to_o the_o grave_n the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n do_v also_o appear_v very_o observable_o in_o the_o different_a measure_n and_o kind_a of_o punishment_n and_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a how_o prone_a man_n be_v to_o look_v more_o to_o the_o interest_n that_o second_o cause_n have_v in_o such_o a_o thing_n then_o to_o a_o divine_a hand_n but_o this_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o the_o lord_n be_v know_v on_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v and_o in_o every_o age_n do_v set_v up_o such_o convince_a example_n before_o man_n that_o the_o great_a atheist_n may_v see_v yea_o oft_o their_o conscience_n must_v break_v the_o jail_n restrain_v it_o as_o they_o will_v and_o force_v this_o acknowledgement_n that_o such_o judgement_n can_v be_v no_o casual_a thing_n while_o something_o of_o a_o power_n high_o than_o man_n and_o a_o clear_a verify_n of_o the_o word_n be_v so_o discernible_a therein_o now_o to_o demonstrat_fw-la this_o truth_n i_o will_v offer_v something_n which_o may_v show_v how_o very_a near_o this_o come_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o man_n so_o as_o none_o can_v be_v a_o stranger_n thereto_o or_o want_v conviction_n of_o this_o piece_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n except_o they_o willing_o shut_v their_o eye_n while_o it_o be_v clear_a 1._o that_o the_o very_a heathen_n who_o never_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o a_o write_a law_n have_v 〈◊〉_d so_o much_o of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n that_o not_o only_o they_o can_v put_v some_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o even_o in_o some_o measure_n can_v discern_v god_n put_v some_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o same_o how_o flagitious_a crime_n use_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n we_o may_v say_v time_n can_v never_o yet_o wear_v out_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o truth_n through_o the_o world_n and_o though_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v receive_v and_o credit_v which_o not_o have_v a_o sure_a ground_n do_v quick_o evanish_v it_o be_v truth_n privilege_n still_o to_o outlive_v falsehood_n yet_o it_o be_v sure_a how_o in_o the_o dark_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o have_v be_v still_o notice_v with_o a_o remark_n and_o transmit_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o yea_o the_o record_n of_o the_o nation_n even_o by_o heathen_a writer_n show_v what_o remarkable_a punishment_n have_v follow_v cruel_a oppression_n covenant-breaking_a and_o bloodshed_n and_o such_o other_o gross_a sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n yea_o how_o these_o have_v be_v the_o usual_a forerunner_n of_o great_a stroke_n on_o kingdom_n and_o family_n 2_o do_v not_o the_o world_n see_v that_o in_o these_o remarkable_a judgement_n which_o have_v come_v on_o a_o nation_n and_o people_n there_o be_v something_o high_a than_o instrument_n or_o second_o cause_n which_o may_v be_v very_o evident_a in_o bring_v the_o same_o about_o so_o that_o all_o who_o go_v by_o must_v confess_v such_o be_v no_o casual_a tryst_n nor_o do_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n but_o that_o sure_o a_o divine_a hand_n be_v there_o and_o true_o though_o some_o desolate_v stroke_n be_v very_o terrible_a in_o themselves_o and_o blood_n and_o ruin_n shall_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o pleasure_n yet_o whereas_o thereby_o that_o stately_a sound_n be_v hear_v even_o his_o voice_n who_o make_v the_o earth_n to_o tremble_v and_o god_n be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o with_o fear_n but_o even_o some_o holy_a congratulation_n consider_v his_o work_n now_o to_o clear_v what_o a_o convince_a witness_n these_o be_v to_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o very_a obvious_a remarke_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o world_n can_v contradict_v of_o the_o lord_n own_o immediate_a hand_n in_o such_o judgement_n 1._o that_o strange_a concurrence_n and_o tryst_n of_o providence_n which_o use_v to_o appear_v when_o god_n be_v against_o a_o people_n how_o all_o thing_n will_v then_o conspire_v as_o in_o a_o fatal_a conjunction_n to_o â—â—â—k_v the_o woe_n and_o ruin_n that_o man_n may_v see_v sure_o this_o 〈◊〉_d â—rom_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n from_o a_o hand_n against_o which_o there_o be_v no_o strive_v 2._o how_o such_o remarkable_a stroke_n be_v see_v to_o try_v with_o some_o great_a and_o remarkable_a height_n of_o sin_n in_o such_o a_o nation_n and_o people_n so_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a then_o for_o all_o onlooker_n to_n confess_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n therein_o 3._o that_o when_o judgement_n be_v come_v on_o a_o land_n it_o may_v be_v see_v how_o instrument_n be_v raise_v and_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n act_v with_o all_o advantage_n for_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o service_n 4._o a_o visible_a blast_v then_o both_o of_o counsel_n and_o strength_n and_o these_o mean_n which_o otherway_v look_v most_o probable_a how_o remarkable_o such_o be_v confound_v even_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o ordinary_a ability_n their_o heart_n and_o usual_a courage_n take_v from_o they_o while_o the_o lord_n be_v on_o a_o work_n of_o judgement_n 5._o that_o astonish_a success_n which_o be_v usual_o see_v to_o follow_v these_o who_o the_o lord_n send_v forth_o to_o execut_v his_o judgement_n how_o then_o they_o move_v swift_o and_o with_o vigour_n they_o do_v not_o stumble_v or_o weary_a it_o be_v neither_o river_n nor_o wall_a city_n can_v stand_v in_o their_o way_n mountain_n be_v make_v valley_n to_o show_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o hand_n in_o that_o day_n be_v strong_a upon_o they_o to_o strengthen_v their_o loin_n and_o make_v the_o sword_n and_o axe_n sharp_a for_o his_o service_n 6._o amid_o these_o various_a stroke_n which_o come_v on_o a_o land_n can_v man_n pass_v that_o of_o the_o pestilence_n without_o some_o special_a note_n where_o god_n immediate_a hand_n something_o supernatural_a above_o ordinary_a or_o natural_a cause_n may_v be_v clear_o see_v both_o in_o its_o strange_a progress_n in_o spread_v which_o like_o a_o lightning_n do_v oft_o go_v throw_v city_n and_o country_n in_o a_o small_a time_n do_v not_o these_o tell_v aloud_o to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o come_v not_o unsent_a and_o without_o some_o special_a commission_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o stryve_v against_o they_o nor_o be_v ordinary_a mean_n effectual_a in_o some_o such_o extraordinary_a plague_n until_o he_o who_o bring_v it_o on_o do_v also_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n take_v it_o off_o 3._o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a even_o to_o the_o world_n that_o clear_a resemblance_n which_o be_v oft_o betwixt_o sin_n and_o the_o stroke_n how_o holy_a justice_n do_v keep_v a_o proportion_n and_o do_v shape_n out_o the_o judgement_n so_o exact_o both_o in_o measure_n and_o kind_a that_o it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o see_v the_o stroke_n point_v as_o with_o a_o hand_n to_o the_o cause_n by_o its_o discernible_a likeness_n and_o both_o at_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o thus_o measure_v out_o to_o man_n as_o they_o have_v deal_v with_o other_o we_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n try_v agag_n and_o adonibezek_n how_o sodom_n burn_v lust_n be_v punish_v with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n yea_o what_o even_o david_n have_v measure_v out_o for_o his_o murder_n and_o adultery_n the_o sword_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n and_o for_o the_o other_o his_o wife_n by_o his_o own_o son_n abuse_v and_o true_o every_o age_n observation_n can_v witness_v this_o truth_n from_o many_o convince_a example_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v oft_o see_v if_o man_n will_v serious_o observe_v 1._o how_o a_o universal_a overspread_a of_o sin_n in_o a_o land_n have_v usual_o some_o national_a and_o universal_a stroke_n follow_v 2._o that_o blood_n wait_v on_o bloody_a man_n and_o suffer_v they_o not_o oft_o to_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n one_o oppressor_n punish_v by_o another_o the_o unmerciful_a man_n pay_v home_o in_o his_o own_o coin_n by_o such_o as_o shall_v show_v as_o little_a mercy_n to_o he_o or_o he_o 3._o how_o the_o proud_a and_o insolent_a who_o do_v most_o hunt_v after_o outward_a glory_n be_v usual_o try_v with_o some_o humble_v abase_v stroke_n he_o pour_v contempt_n on_o prince_n and_o such_o who_o will_v not_o honour_n god_n shall_v not_o brook_v that_o honour_n