assistence_n to_o your_o faith_n do_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n bring_v therewith_o answ_n i._o that_o such_o a_o party_n both_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o continue_a act_n be_v in_o a_o state_v opposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v so_o visible_a the_o prey_n which_o these_o mighty_a hunter_n do_v follow_v be_v not_o our_o body_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o one_fw-mi immortal_a soul_n and_o one_fw-mi after_o state_n and_o that_o thus_o man_n may_v be_v make_v sharer_n of_o the_o same_o misery_n under_o which_o they_o be_v conclude_v iii_o that_o all_o may_v see_v their_o be_v under_o restraint_n of_o a_o supreme_a power_n above_o they_o &_o under_o such_o chain_n as_o do_v irresistible_o bind_v their_o rage_n and_o enmity_n against_o man_n by_o one_fw-mi invisible_a guard_n and_o hedge_n which_o they_o can_v break_v over_o iv_o how_o their_o great_a rage_n and_o struggle_v be_v 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of_o the_o same_o or_o any_o act_n of_o homage_n for_o make_v use_n of_o his_o help_n have_v ever_o make_v way_n for_o some_o more_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o the_o devil_n over_o such_o than_o other_o vii_o thus_o also_o be_v a_o most_o undeniable_a confirmation_n give_v of_o one_fw-mi invisible_a world_n and_o of_o such_o intellectual_a being_n there_o as_o be_v far_o above_o man_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v so_o undoubted_a one_fw-mi intercourse_n betwixt_o man_n and_o spirit_n as_o may_v clear_o show_v that_o interest_n man_n soul_n have_v in_o another_o state_n and_o world_n than_o this_o qu._n iii_o be_v that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o never_o die_a state_n after_o death_n as_o full_o demonstrable_a to_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o further_a certainty_n of_o faith_n answ_n though_o it_o be_v so_o amaze_a a_o thing_n to_o believe_v one_fw-mi immortal_a soul_n and_o eternal_a state_n wherein_o it_o must_v short_o enter_v as_o 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its_o act_n and_o exercise_n but_o be_v oft_o most_o vigorous_a and_o clear_a in_o its_o exercise_n not_o only_a when_o most_o separate_a and_o abstract_n from_o sensible_a thing_n but_o when_o the_o flesh_n be_v under_o the_o great_a decay_n and_o near_o its_o dissolution_n to_o show_v the_o soul_n lie_v not_o a_o die_a with_o the_o body_n but_o have_v its_o distinct_a subsistence_n to_o live_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n when_o it_o die_v iu._n it_o be_v be_v peculiar_o frame_v for_o converse_v and_o intercourse_n with_o spiritual_a being_n yea_o be_v only_o of_o the_o visible_a creation_n admit_v to_o fellowship_n with_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o to_o have_v reflex_n act_n upon_o itself_o v._o how_o it_o be_v a_o be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o value_n than_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o not_o only_o can_v know_v and_o conceive_v of_o thing_n above_o the_o evidence_n and_o impression_n of_o sense_n but_o to_o make_v a_o rational_a choice_n of_o good_a though_o 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miserable_a if_o in_o this_o life_n both_o their_o be_v and_o blessedness_n be_v found_v viii_o that_o there_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o sense_n of_o immortality_n as_o these_o who_o both_o fear_n and_o hate_v the_o evidence_n hereof_o yet_o under_o some_o constraint_n of_o reason_n have_v the_o same_o for_o a_o continue_a terror_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o certainty_n of_o death_n make_v it_o simple_o impossible_a for_o thing_n only_o suit_v to_o this_o life_n of_o sense_n to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a good_a or_o fruition_n of_o man_n since_o else_o the_o beast_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a happiness_n than_o such_o if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o respect_n to_o one_fw-mi after_o and_o immortal_a state_n qu._n iu._n what_o confirmation_n to_o your_o faith_n do_v that_o great_a and_o amaze_a change_n by_o death_n offer_v when_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v something_o mere_o natural_a answ_n though_o the_o only_a wife_n god_n move_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o that_o it_o have_v various_a way_n of_o approach_n unto_o man_n yet_o may_v all_o see_v with_o the_o further_a conviction_n of_o rational_a evidence_n as_o well_o as_o certainty_n of_o faith_n i._n how_o death_n in_o its_o first_o constitution_n be_v penal_a and_o come_v by_o a_o divine_a appointment_n unto_o all_o not_o mere_o as_o man_n but_o as_o sinner_n and_o to_o be_v thus_o no_o natural_a accident_n and_o result_n of_o our_o primitive_a and_o original_a frame_n ii_o that_o its_o death_n as_o a_o penalty_n which_o keep_v the_o fear_n and_o dread_v thereof_o so_o much_o on_o all_o live_n as_o that_o last_o period_n when_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o man_n be_v then_o cast_v iii_o that_o the_o sting_n and_o bitterness_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o manifest_a in_o innumerable_a disease_n and_o stroke_n of_o death_n which_o many_o feel_v a_o 100_o time_n ere_o they_o die_v once_o beyond_o other_o of_o the_o creature_n iv_o though_o the_o sentence_n of_o die_v be_v on_o all_o yet_o so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v betwixt_o the_o saint_n and_o residue_n of_o man_n here_o that_o its_o penal_a execution_n on_o the_o ungodly_a be_v such_o as_o nature_n can_v give_v no_o support_n herein_o v._o that_o supernatural_a presage_n and_o warning_n hereof_o ere_o it_o come_v be_v in_o all_o time_n so_o know_v and_o sure_a yea_o such_o extraordinare_a evidence_n sometime_o of_o the_o precise_a time_n as_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o any_o natural_a cause_n vi_o that_o its_o immediate_a commission_n from_o a_o supreme_a and_o invisible_a power_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o such_o execution_n oft_o of_o this_o sentence_n by_o sword_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n as_o the_o visible_a finger_n of_o god_n in_o a_o just_a retribution_n unto_o man_n for_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o less_o see_v and_o a_o supernatural_a
conviction_n hereof_o when_o such_o clear_a and_o unanswerable_a ground_n may_v be_v improve_v for_o this_o end_n on_o these_o who_o look_v thereon_o as_o some_o strange_a and_o dark_a riddle_n so_o as_o they_o can_v no_o more_o deny_v or_o withstand_v the_o evidence_n hereof_o then_o that_o they_o have_v a_o live_a soul_n which_o yet_o they_o never_o see_v or_o can_v ever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o human_a sense_n and_o how_o sad_a a_o prospect_n shall_v this_o give_v of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o not_o only_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a glory_n and_o spiritual_a power_n of_o christianity_n but_o have_v not_o the_o very_a notion_n or_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o 2d_o place_n it_o be_v thus_o that_o each_o christian_n for_o be_v solid_o confirm_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n may_v as_o clear_o see_v as_o he_o do_v sensible_o feal_z the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o have_v his_o faith_n as_o full_o establish_v by_o this_o inward_a and_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o his_o affection_n be_v quicken_v upon_o such_o strong_a and_o demonstrative_a ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n hereof_o as_o these_o be_v 1._o by_o consider_v his_o present_a and_o former_a state_n that_o not_o in_o a_o dream_n but_o in_o the_o most_o deep_a and_o serious_a composure_n of_o spirit_n he_o know_v how_o once_o he_o be_v blind_a and_o whole_o estrange_v from_o this_o mystery_n of_o christian_a experience_n which_o now_o he_o do_v see_v and_o once_o have_v the_o same_o sentiment_n hereof_o with_o such_o who_o do_v most_o deep_o reflect_v on_o the_o same_o but_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n seize_v on_o his_o soul_n than_o he_o find_v himself_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a world_n to_o know_v the_o dawning_n of_o this_o marvellous_a light_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o these_o enjoyment_n and_o vital_a act_n of_o christianity_n that_o have_v not_o the_o least_o dependence_n on_o any_o natural_a cause_n 2._o by_o consider_v that_o marvellous_a superstructure_n of_o experimental_a religion_n which_o from_o the_o inward_a observation_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n be_v such_o as_o the_o world_n can_v not_o almost_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o may_v be_v write_v hereof_o which_o yet_o be_v so_o entire_o found_v on_o one_o and_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o do_v in_o all_o the_o line_n of_o this_o great_a circumference_n still_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o centre_n yea_o thus_o how_o entire_a and_o harmonious_a a_o thing_n religion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v within_o upon_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o without_o so_o as_o every_o step_n in_o this_o way_n of_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v no_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a but_o what_o be_v by_o line_n and_o rule_v with_o as_o sure_a and_o demonstrable_a a_o connexion_n with_o the_o external_a testimony_n of_o the_o word_n as_o there_o be_v in_o nature_n betwixt_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n which_o afford_v a_o more_o wonderful_a assistance_n to_o his_o faith_n than_o the_o great_a external_a miracle_n can_v ever_o do_v and_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v sometime_o in_o a_o extraordinare_a manner_n reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n as_o act_n of_o his_o sovereign_a prerogative_n which_o make_v no_o rule_n yet_o with_o the_o establish_a constitution_n of_o his_o word_n do_v the_o continue_a experience_n of_o the_o saint_n most_o harmocious_o ever_o correspond_v 3._o by_o consider_v thus_o also_o the_o be_v &_o reality_n of_o grace_n not_o in_o its_o effect_n only_o but_o in_o its_o proper_a cause_n and_o original_n &_o how_o the_o truth_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v so_o express_v a_o transcript_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o external_a revelation_n that_o the_o impress_n do_v not_o more_o clear_o answer_v the_o seal_n on_o the_o wax_n than_o it_o do_v beget_v the_o same_o form_n and_o image_n of_o itself_o in_o such_o as_o believe_v yea_o also_o that_o conformity_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o ever_o bless_a architype_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o reveal_v rule_n and_o how_o bright_a a_o discovery_n be_v thus_o of_o so_o glorious_a a_o be_v and_o nature_n to_o which_o its_o conform_a who_o be_v the_o alone_a pattern_n and_o exemple_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o discovery_n as_o he_o be_v make_v to_o wonder_n how_o man_n in_o this_o age_n be_v so_o much_o awaken_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n though_o in_o its_o own_o room_n a_o most_o choice_n study_v and_o special_o desirable_a and_o will_v be_v as_o in_o a_o transport_n upon_o some_o rare_a natural_a experiment_n as_o make_v one_o in_o that_o manner_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whilst_o here_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o demonstration_n and_o of_o more_o transcendent_a interest_n than_o all_o these_o can_v ever_o amount_v to_o on_o which_o the_o eye_n of_o most_o be_v this_o day_n shut_v 4._o by_o consider_v that_o uncheangable_a congruity_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n enjoin_v in_o the_o whole_a institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o man_n be_v make_v happy_a thereby_o now_o in_o their_o present_a state_n and_o how_o great_a a_o temporal_a revenue_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n as_o inward_a confidence_n peace_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n do_v as_o native_o follow_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n hereof_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n answer_v to_o its_o kind_n and_o be_v ever_o find_v the_o alone_a true_a relief_n of_o mankind_n against_o all_o the_o grief_n and_o bitterness_n of_o time_n yea_o that_o it_o be_v no_o distance_n of_o place_n but_o of_o man_n spirit_n by_o impurity_n and_o corruption_n that_o make_v so_o sad_a a_o distance_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n 5._o he_o be_v thus_o further_o confirm_v upon_o this_o great_a testimony_n of_o experimental_a religion_n by_o consider_v that_o its_o sure_a such_o as_o do_v bear_v this_o witness_n be_v know_v 1._o to_o be_v such_o who_o be_v of_o the_o most_o discern_a and_o judicious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o reason_n as_o any_o else_o 2._o who_o walk_n and_o practice_n use_v to_o have_v the_o great_a authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v 3._o who_o be_v find_v most_o intense_o take_v up_o in_o the_o retire_a work_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o witness_n and_o observation_n of_o other_o 4._o who_o seek_v no_o implicit_a credit_n from_o any_o herein_o but_o do_v obtest_v man_n to_o come_v and_o see_v and_o prove_v the_o same_o in_o their_o their_o own_o experience_n with_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o most_o exact_a inquiry_n and_o rational_a trial_n of_o all_o mankind_n if_o here_o be_v any_o casual_a thing_n and_o if_o that_o testimony_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a and_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o still_o one_o and_o the_o same_o 5._o who_o also_o out_o of_o the_o most_o remott_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o otherwise_o stranger_n amongh_v themselves_o do_v yet_o most_o harmonious_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o witness_n and_o be_v thus_o mutual_o disclose_v to_o other_o by_o a_o near_a and_o feeling_n intercourse_n of_o their_o soul_n from_o such_o a_o oneness_n in_o a_o spiritual_a state_n and_o these_o specific_a property_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o new_a nature_n with_o as_o discernible_a evidence_n as_o if_o one_o man_n shall_v meet_v with_o one_fw-mi other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n in_o such_o a_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v only_o inhabit_v with_o beast_n 6._o by_o consider_v also_o with_o a_o deep_a and_o serious_a reflection_n hereon_o that_o sure_a and_o know_a conjunction_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o most_o rare_a experience_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n and_o the_o most_o search_a trial_n thereof_o with_o that_o uniform_a consent_n that_o have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o such_o marvellous_a thing_n as_o these_o 1_o what_o solemn_a token_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o acceptance_n be_v find_v usual_o to_o meet_v his_o people_n in_o the_o entry_n of_o some_o great_a trial_n or_o service_n for_o he_o even_o in_o some_o unusual_a manner_n then_o in_o the_o sense_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v with_o elijah_n they_o have_v be_v make_v to_o go_v many_o day_n after_o in_o a_o wilderness_n state_n yea_o how_o this_o do_v not_o respect_n person_n only_o but_o church_n that_o the_o word_n still_o use_v to_o go_v before_o with_o some_o remarkable_a confirm_a work_n to_o secure_v the_o heart_n before_o the_o cross_n and_o some_o special_a trial_n of_o persecution_n come_v 2._o that_o as_o each_o day_n
fit_v for_o that_o great_a end_n of_o bring_v mankind_n to_o god_n but_o for_o such_o a_o universal_a use_n herein_o as_o to_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a and_o that_o the_o poor_a may_v receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o believe_v also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mass_n of_o dead_a and_o unsense_v character_n until_o the_o romish_a clergy_n put_v a_o just_a sense_n thereon_o though_o its_o sense_n and_o meaning_n be_v the_o very_a soul_n thereof_o yea_o thus_o pass_v from_o the_o whole_a letter_n of_o the_o same_o or_o any_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n from_o intrinsic_a evidence_n and_o these_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o its_o divinity_n whereby_o the_o christian_a cause_n can_v be_v maintain_v against_o pagan_n 3._o where_o he_o must_v believe_v also_o that_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n joh._n 7_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n do_v my_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v my_o doctrine_n whither_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o that_o man_n err_v through_o not_o know_v the_o scripture_n math._n 22._o and_o yet_o believe_v therewith_o that_o these_o sacred_a fountain_n of_o light_n shall_v be_v shut_v up_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o go_v wrong_n and_o that_o the_o sole_a right_n of_o understand_v the_o same_o belong_v to_o a_o few_o but_o not_o to_o the_o multitude_n who_o yet_o can_v pretend_v no_o extraordinare_a assistance_n or_o revelation_n herein_o nor_o will_v themselves_o come_v to_o these_o water_n of_o jealousy_n to_o be_v try_v 4._o where_o he_o must_v needs_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o the_o church_n to_o give_v answer_n in_o every_o dark_a case_n rom._n 3_o 2._o the_o type_n and_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n rom._n 6.17_o unto_o who_o sentence_n in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n we_o be_v express_o refer_v is._n 8.20_o and_o yet_o believe_v also_o that_o it_o have_v no_o authority_n or_o decisive_a voice_n but_o what_o be_v precarious_a and_o dependent_a on_o the_o 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himself_o heb._n 1_o 3._o or_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o man_n a_o strait_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o a_o life_n and_o a_o broad_a unto_o destruction_n math._n 7_o 14._o and_o yet_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o purgatory_n after_o this_o life_n where_o man_n must_v be_v torment_v and_o suffer_v extreme_a pain_n there_o to_o expiate_v such_o venial_a sin_n as_o their_o prayer_n and_o pennance_n here_o can_v not_o do_v yea_o be_v here_o make_v to_o wonder_v how_o any_o that_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n can_v ever_o have_v true_a peace_n or_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n but_o do_v either_o take_v it_o as_o a_o fiction_n or_o forget_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v cheerful_a where_o the_o fear_n of_o such_o a_o place_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o release_n and_o how_o long_o a_o term_n it_o may_v be_v oer_o this_o purge_a work_n be_v complete_a when_o their_o own_o writer_n assign_v no_o less_o time_n then_o 10000_o year_n as_o needful_a to_o satisfy_v for_o some_o sin_n and_o lest_o it_o prove_v a_o real_a hell_n must_v still_o be_v a_o present_a terror_n nor_o can_v he_o believe_v that_o such_o possible_o do_v credit_v themselves_o herein_o who_o assume_v this_o power_n to_o change_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o dead_a since_o be_v it_o real_o believe_v that_o the_o key_n of_o such_o a_o prison_n be_v here_o in_o man_n hand_n and_o can_v by_o the_o large_a dotation_n to_o the_o romish_a church_n get_v a_o safe_a outgate_n thence_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a to_o see_v the_o temporal_a state_n of_o christendom_n in_o a_o short_a time_n make_v over_o to_o these_o and_o shall_v judge_v they_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a manner_n indeed_o privilege_v by_o the_o whole_a residue_n of_o man_n who_o by_o such_o a_o power_n over_o the_o world_n to_o come_v can_v make_v so_o easy_a a_o purchase_n over_o this_o also_o which_o be_v present_a 9_o he_o find_v &_o be_v sure_a he_o can_v never_o get_v his_o reason_n and_o 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to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n thereof_o but_o to_o amazement_n both_o live_v and_o die_v stranger_n to_o the_o same_o yea_o how_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v otherwise_o serious_a in_o religion_n yet_o have_v their_o faith_n starve_v this_o way_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o any_o such_o support_n but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o the_o numberousnesse_n of_o professor_n but_o the_o strength_n and_o solidity_n of_o their_o faith_n wherein_o the_o church_n strength_n most_o lie_v and_o have_v more_o slowrish_v in_o a_o few_o such_o to_o beget_v a_o great_a awe_n and_o veneration_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n then_o at_o other_o time_n in_o the_o great_a multitude_n so_o be_v it_o the_o glory_n of_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o can_v subsist_v by_o its_o own_o proper_a evidence_n and_o preserve_v its_o station_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n when_o all_o external_a argument_n do_v most_o visible_o cease_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o full_o demonstrable_a and_o clear_a posit_n vi_o how_o not_o simple_a instruct_v of_o man_n in_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v the_o proper_a and_o adequate_a mean_a for_o such_o a_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o on_o its_o own_o evidence_n or_o answer_v that_o apostolic_a pattern_n of_o lay_v the_o foundation_n hebr._n 6_o 2._o but_o that_o some_o special_a duty_n else_o be_v call_v for_o to_o so_o high_a a_o end_n such_o wherein_n not_o only_o that_o true_a primitive_a confirmation_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v have_v some_o practical_a use_n but_o we_o may_v also_o hope_v therewith_o for_o a_o more_o remarkable_a outletting_a of_o confirm_v influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v herein_o i_o shall_v humble_o offer_v in_o a_o few_o particular_n i._o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o the_o ministerial_a work_n and_o of_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n to_o have_v all_o who_o hear_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o first_o place_n press_v to_o take_v religion_n so_o far_o to_o heart_n as_o to_o have_v a_o serious_a inquiry_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n hereof_o and_o thus_o to_o know_v their_o be_v on_o sure_a ground_n herein_o not_o because_o they_o know_v not_o another_o way_n but_o because_o they_o know_v this_o be_v the_o alone_a way_n of_o truth_n to_o which_o they_o there_fw-mi trust_v their_o immortal_a soul_n ii_o that_o for_o this_o end_n the_o supreme_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v represent_v with_o that_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n as_o both_o such_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n do_v require_v and_o the_o temper_n of_o such_o a_o gainsay_n age_n now_o call_v for_o and_o to_o have_v this_o press_v more_o on_o man_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n that_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o the_o high_a consequence_n reality_n and_o substance_n can_v have_v no_o possible_a reception_n by_o any_o implicit_a or_o probable_a belief_n thereof_o nor_o can_v admit_v 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but_o without_o just_a cause_n since_o as_o the_o prime_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v few_o easy_a and_o plain_a for_o the_o mean_a capacity_n so_o also_o be_v the_o primary_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o such_o once_o with_o that_o desire_n do_v search_v after_o the_o same_o as_o for_o a_o hide_v and_o invaluable_a treasure_n wherein_o this_o respect_n shall_v be_v still_o have_v to_o difference_n betwixt_o what_o be_v initial_a and_o of_o a_o more_o fundamental_a concern_v for_o the_o weak_a and_o what_o may_v tend_v to_o a_o high_a growth_n and_o increase_n of_o other_o iii_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n also_o for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o the_o young_a growth_n now_o come_v up_o in_o the_o church_n be_v put_v to_o give_v some_o explicit_a evidence_n of_o their_o consent_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o may_v witness_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n now_o as_o their_o own_o proper_a dead_a wherein_o they_o be_v implicit_o engage_v in_o their_o infancy_n some_o special_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o this_o be_v i._o because_o god_n will_v have_v his_o service_n free_o enter_v in_o and_o upon_o choice_n as_o that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o honour_n for_o as_o the_o covenant_n bind_v mutual_o so_o do_v the_o seal_n thereof_o also_o and_o therefore_o upon_o our_o part_n be_v baptism_n a_o sacremental_a oath_n of_o aledgence_n to_o god_n ii_o because_o it_o tend_v to_o a_o more_o resolute_a and_o firm_a adherence_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o this_o business_n shall_v be_v personal_o bring_v home_o to_o man_n conscience_n especial_o before_o their_o first_o admittance_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o thus_o to_o ingadg_n they_o as_o joshua_n do_v chap._n 24_o 22._o you_o be_v witness_n against_o yourselves_o herein_o and_o they_o say_v we_o be_v witness_n iii_o because_o this_o be_v express_o hold_v forth_o 1_o pet._n 3_o 21._o where_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o such_o than_o who_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o knowledge_n be_v personal_o sist_v to_o confirm_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n that_o solemn_a ingadgment_n and_o dedication_n by_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v vox_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o signify_v sponsio_fw-la &_o stipulatio_fw-la publica_fw-la inter_fw-la christianum_fw-la &_o dominum_fw-la christum_fw-la as_o the_o most_o judicious_a commentator_n on_o that_o scripture_n do_v clear_o render_v and_o so_o this_o be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o heathenism_n but_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o church_n and_o partaker_n of_o that_o seal_n of_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n to_o siste_v they_o upon_o answer_n to_o that_o great_a demand_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v you_o now_o consent_v upon_o evidence_n and_o choice_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o embrace_v the_o law_n thereof_o and_o do_v you_o thus_o in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n declare_v the_o same_o wherein_o you_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o of_o what_o bless_a fruit_n and_o advantage_n shall_v this_o be_v both_o for_o the_o increase_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o this_o be_v more_o deep_o take_v to_o heart_n for_o some_o practical_a use_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o primitive_a pattern_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n iv_o it_o be_v special_o desirable_a also_o that_o there_o be_v some_o clear_a view_n and_o summary_n by_o itself_o of_o the_o most_o cogent_a ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n with_o respect_n both_o to_o the_o doctrinal_a historical_a and_o prophetical_a part_n thereof_o and_o in_o that_o manner_n accommodate_v as_o the_o mean_a within_o the_o church_n may_v have_v such_o a_o help_n still_o at_o their_o hand_n and_o thus_o with_o the_o least_o expense_n of_o time_n be_v provide_v of_o such_o argument_n and_o reason_n as_o shall_v tend_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n not_o only_o to_o the_o further_a rational_a assent_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n but_o to_o give_v a_o most_o special_a support_v of_o mind_n against_o that_o inward_a trial_n of_o satan_n temptation_n and_o fiery_a dart_n this_o way_n yea_o be_v such_o a_o mean_a that_o in_o the_o serious_a improvement_n hereof_o by_o have_v such_o evidence_n once_o bring_v in_o on_o man_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n so_o as_o to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o i_o must_v humble_o judge_v there_o be_v nothing_o next_o to_o the_o internal_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n
be_v give_v up_o to_o under_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o light_n so_o as_o all_o may_v see_v their_o be_v thus_o bind_v over_o in_o chain_n and_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n until_o death_n bring_v they_o forth_o to_o the_o execution_n and_o how_o no_o relief_n or_o application_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n have_v then_o any_o more_o access_n vii_o from_o such_o a_o mape_n &_o shadow_n of_o eternal_a vengeance_n in_o these_o terrible_a act_n of_o divine_a judgement_n inflict_v here_o on_o apostate_n and_o persecuter_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o other_o flagitious_a person_n which_o with_o the_o very_a first_o view_n may_v present_v a_o awful_a and_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o and_o that_o some_o strange_a and_o supernatural_a punishment_n be_v oft_o visible_a on_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n viii_o and_o what_o ever_o be_v of_o natural_a cause_n in_o such_o visible_a representation_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o that_o sulphureous_a lake_n where_o once_o sodom_n be_v and_o these_o burn_a mountain_n such_o as_o haecla_n aetna_n and_o vesuvius_n yet_o we_o may_v true_o judge_v their_o be_v thus_o set_v before_o the_o world_n as_o some_o visible_a memorial_n of_o these_o infernal_a flame_n and_o as_o it_o be_v so_o many_o lumehead_n thereof_o for_o such_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o same_o because_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o see_v or_o feal_z such_o a_o thing_n qu._n vii_o what_o assistance_n have_v our_o faith_n of_o that_o great_a and_o wonderful_a truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n after_o its_o dissolution_n in_o the_o grave_n unto_o dust_n answ_n i._o from_o that_o visible_a and_o stupendous_a frame_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n when_o its_o sure_a that_o the_o same_o infinite_a power_n that_o have_v not_o only_o make_v man_n but_o the_o whole_a creation_n can_v as_o easy_o collect_v and_o recount_v the_o disperse_a ash_n of_o the_o body_n as_o form_v the_o same_o ii_o from_o that_o great_a pledge_n hereof_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n iii_o from_o that_o tribulation_n and_o sore_a pain_n that_o the_o saint_n here_o in_o their_o outward_a man_n be_v expose_v to_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o in_o the_o holy_a justice_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o give_v such_o body_n for_o labour_n and_o for_o toil_n and_o to_o his_o martyr_n to_o endure_v unexpressible_a torment_n for_o christ_n to_o perish_v for_o ever_o iv_o from_o these_o visible_a resemblance_n and_o prefiguration_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n herein_o in_o the_o ordinare_fw-la course_n and_o production_n of_o nature_n so_o as_o all_o may_v see_v how_o every_o night_n be_v as_o the_o grave_n of_o the_o daylight_n and_o each_o morning_n a_o new_a resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o and_o how_o visible_a a_o image_n of_o death_n be_v in_o each_o season_n of_o the_o winter_n with_o so_o marvellous_a and_o beatiful_a a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o earth_n on_o every_o return_n of_o the_o spring_n in_o the_o herb_n flower_n and_o plant_n take_v life_n and_o rise_v again_o in_o the_o leaf_n blossom_n and_o fruit_n yea_o this_o in_o such_o a_o variety_n as_o may_v no_o less_o convince_o evidence_n a_o infinite_a divine_a power_n herein_o then_o that_o the_o same_o body_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v raise_v at_o the_o last_o day_n v._o from_o that_o continue_a miracle_n of_o the_o harvest_n after_o the_o seedtime_n with_o so_o amaze_a a_o production_n of_o the_o grain_n sow_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o first_o die_v there_o before_o it_o be_v quicken_v so_o as_o to_o be_v at_o last_o bring_v to_o 30_o 60_o yea_o sometime_o a_o hundred_o fold_n out_o of_o the_o very_a same_o grain_n which_o to_o these_o who_o have_v never_o before_o know_v the_o same_o will_v seem_v incredible_a &_o above_o all_o reason_n to_o conceive_v or_o bear_v credit_n thereto_o chapter_n iii_o the_o confirm_a work_n of_o religion_n improven_v which_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n to_o clear_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o before_o this_o generation_n and_o let_v we_o see_v how_o nothing_o be_v so_o strange_a in_o the_o event_n of_o this_o day_n which_o shall_v not_o more_o strengthen_v then_o shake_v and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v still_o own_o the_o same_o interest_n according_a to_o his_o faithfulness_n which_o be_v here_o brief_o point_v at_o upon_o some_o special_a inquiry_n propose_v about_o the_o same_o section_n i._n qu._n what_o can_v afford_v both_o light_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o we_o see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n about_o his_o church_n to_o be_v most_o remarkable_o now_o a_o work_n of_o judgement_n with_o such_o dark_a and_o search_a trial_n therewith_o as_o former_a time_n have_v not_o know_v answ_n it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v have_v be_v too_o evident_o look_v for_o and_o that_o we_o can_v pretend_v no_o want_n of_o light_n herein_o upon_o these_o ground_n i._o that_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o talon_n of_o light_n &_o when_o this_o have_v be_v in_o some_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la way_n dispense_v that_o some_o remarkable_o search_v time_n may_v be_v expect_v to_o follow_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v now_o strange_a to_o we_o that_o such_o thing_n fall_v in_o with_o this_o day_n which_o do_v not_o meet_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o the_o reformation_n who_o then_o have_v not_o so_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o confirmation_n therein_o which_o have_v be_v since_o ii_o that_o some_o unusual_a trial_n and_o conflict_n in_o the_o lord_n usual_a method_n of_o providence_n shall_v be_v suit_v also_o to_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o work_n which_o he_o be_v bring_v forth_o may_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n and_o to_o see_v a_o time_n of_o such_o sore_a wrestle_n as_o this_o when_o all_o thing_n seem_v to_o cry_v be_v in_o pain_n as_o micah_n 4_o 20._o yea_o when_o some_o great_a event_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o near_o to_o its_o full_a height_n and_o period_n of_o accomplishment_n as_o we_o have_v safe_a ground_n for_o assurance_n of_o this_o â—ay_n iii_o nor_n have_v this_o sad_a and_o dismal_a hour_n on_o the_o church_n be_v more_o obvious_a than_o the_o provoke_a cause_n hereof_o in_o which_o the_o holy_a righteousness_n of_o god_n may_v be_v no_o less_o clear_a than_o the_o cloud_n now_o be_v dark_a when_o such_o a_o visible_a fall_n of_o have_v be_v from_o that_o love_n tenderness_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v former_o attend_v its_o profession_n as_o for_o these_o many_o year_n past_a we_o may_v have_v see_v that_o some_o sore_a and_o remarkable_a judgement_n be_v come_v and_o that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n undo_v we_o be_v under_o some_o sad_a strike_v of_o spiritual_a judgement_n ready_a to_o be_v undo_v iu._n yea_o it_o have_v be_v too_o visible_a that_o such_o evil_n follow_v the_o reform_a church_n as_o in_o no_o time_n it_o be_v ever_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v pass_v such_o by_o without_o some_o signal_n evidence_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o the_o same_o before_o the_o world_n v._o we_o know_v that_o carnal_a confidence_n have_v a_o curse_n ever_o wait_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o none_o can_v take_v of_o or_o make_v that_o thrive_v which_o god_n have_v himself_o curse_v and_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a how_o far_o we_o have_v go_v thus_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o strength_n by_o such_o eager_a seek_v human_a prop_n &_o support_v as_o we_o have_v forâ—ot_v the_o guide_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o convenant_n of_o our_o god_n and_o what_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v former_o do_v in_o the_o great_a strait_n of_o his_o church_n when_o there_o be_v much_o humble_a trust_n with_o little_a sense_n as_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v more_o to_o recover_v his_o truth_n than_o all_o human_a might_n or_o power_n ever_o can_v do_v section_n ii_o qu._n what_o talon_n be_v we_o still_o accountable_a for_o to_o support_v our_o faith_n against_o the_o great_a fear_n of_o this_o time_n from_o these_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n for_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o contend_v for_o which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n when_o so_o strong_a &_o unusual_a a_o tide_n now_o be_v against_o the_o same_o answ_n if_o man_n shut_v not_o their_o eye_n and_o hide_v this_o great_a talon_n of_o the_o work_n of_o
rule_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o profession_n that_o can_v never_o give_v the_o least_o latitude_n or_o connivance_n thereto_o but_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n when_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o can_v know_v no_o other_o way_n to_o embrace_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o popery_n but_o by_o turn_v atheist_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o quite_o both_o religion_n and_o reason_n at_o once_o but_o may_v say_v in_o a_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o adventure_v my_o soul_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o eternal_a state_n the_o content_n chapter_n i._o the_o primitive_a confirmation_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v in_o seven_o position_n posit_n i._o that_o sad_a aspect_n which_o the_o implicit_a and_o traditional_a profession_n of_o this_o day_n have_v upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n pag._n 1_o posit_n ii_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o service_n for_o the_o church_n to_o have_v a_o clear_a sound_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o assent_n upon_o know_v and_o solid_a ground_n herein_o more_o universal_o promott_v pag._n 3_o posit_n iii_o the_o true_a primitive_a confirmation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v from_o the_o scripture_n pag._n 6_o posit_n iv_o the_o continue_a necessity_n thereof_o no_o less_o convince_a now_o for_o the_o church_n use_n then_o in_o these_o primitive_a time_n pag._n 9_o posit_n v._o that_o such_o a_o confirmatory_n work_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o more_o know_v and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o man_n but_o the_o mean_a within_o the_o church_n pag._n 11_o posit_n vi_o what_o be_v special_o call_v for_o in_o the_o practical_a use_n of_o this_o primitive_a confirmation_n hold_v forth_o in_o some_o serious_a proposal_n for_o this_o end_n pag._n 14_o posit_n vii_o what_o special_a excitment_n we_o be_v under_o for_o promot_v the_o same_o in_o so_o remarkable_a a_o period_n of_o time_n as_o this_o and_o from_o that_o hope_n of_o a_o great_a revive_n yet_o of_o such_o a_o catholic_n spirit_n to_o advance_v the_o high_a end_n of_o religion_n amongh_v man_n pag._n 19_o chapter_n ii_o for_o give_v some_o clear_a view_n of_o these_o primary_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o the_o mean_a christian_n shall_v know_v and_o with_o the_o least_o expense_n of_o time_n may_v improve_v for_o their_o daily_a use_n on_o these_o great_a principle_n section_n i._n i._o of_o the_o glorious_a be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n pag._n 22_o ii_o of_o the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o be_v eternal_a pag._n 25_o iii_o of_o a_o supreme_a providence_n in_o the_o conservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n pag._n 26_o iu._n of_o that_o special_a providence_n which_o in_o its_o continue_a administration_n about_o human_a affair_n do_v unchangable_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o righteus_fw-la and_o the_o wicked_a pag._n 29_o v._n how_o such_o a_o wonderful_a record_n as_o that_o of_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n be_v so_o demonstrable_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n pag._n 31_o vi_o of_o these_o special_a evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n which_o man_n must_v needs_o see_v to_o be_v infallible_a pag._n 33_o vii_o of_o the_o secure_a convoyance_n of_o the_o scripture_n through_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n past_a pag._n 35_o viii_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n and_o entry_n of_o sin_n into_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n pag._n 37_o section_n ii_o i._o hold_v for_o it_o these_o great_a assistance_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v sure_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n before_o his_o come_n pag._n 38_o ii_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o how_o it_o be_v now_o as_o sure_o in_o the_o event_n as_o its_o clear_a he_o be_v promise_v pag._n 39_o iii_o of_o that_o special_a advantage_n for_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n herein_o that_o for_o 4000_o year_n the_o promise_v come_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v defer_v pag._n 41_o 42_o iu_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o internal_a excellency_n of_o christianity_n to_o bear_v further_a evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o pag._n 43_o v._n that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n we_o now_o receive_v and_o enjoy_v which_o from_o the_o first_o promulgation_n thereof_o have_v have_v so_o great_a effect_n on_o the_o world_n pag._n 45_o vi_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o time_n past_a be_v so_o demonstrable_o above_o the_o assistance_n of_o nature_n pag._n 46_o section_n iii_o i._o for_o hold_v forth_o on_o what_o ground_n the_o faith_n of_o a_o deity_n must_v determine_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n pag._n 48_o ii_o what_o confirmation_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o that_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n pag._n 49_o iii_o that_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o prevail_a on_o the_o world_n as_o no_o profession_n else_o can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o pag._n 51_o iu._n the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a evidence_n which_o christ_n have_v himself_o give_v to_o the_o world_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n in_o the_o love_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o people_n joh._n 17_o 21._o pag._n 53_o v._n how_o the_o strength_n of_o such_o a_o demonstration_n stand_v still_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o these_o divide_v time_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 54_o vi._n what_o in_o these_o last_o time_n be_v under_o our_o hand_n to_o compense_v such_o a_o confirmation_n by_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n pag._n 56_o section_n iu._n i._o for_o hold_v forth_o with_o the_o further_a rational_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o soul-quicking_a and_o experimental_a religion_n pag._n 58_o ii_o the_o truth_n also_o of_o conversion_n of_o man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o new_a state_n of_o grace_n pag._n 60_o iii_o of_o so_o great_a a_o experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n pag._n 62_o iu._n of_o so_o great_a a_o demonstration_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n and_o working_n of_o the_o conscience_n pag._n 64_o v._o of_o that_o special_a confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n which_o do_v result_v from_o such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o conscience_n over_o man_n pag._n 65_o section_n v._o i._o for_o hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n pag._n 66_o 67_o ii_o what_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n the_o certainty_n hereof_o and_o of_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n do_v clear_o afford_v pag._n 68_o iii_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o clear_a evidence_n to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n pag._n 69_o 70_o iu._n how_o confirm_v a_o seal_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o great_a change_n which_o pass_v on_o all_o man_n by_o death_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v no_o natural_a accident_n pag._n 72_o v._n some_o special_a assistance_n to_o the_o christian_n faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o serve_v a_o unavoidable_a conviction_n thus_o on_o the_o great_a atheist_n pag._n 74_o vi_o some_o thing_n of_o a_o visible_a hell_n in_o some_o near_a approach_n hereof_o even_o to_o man_n sense_n hold_v forth_o to_o awake_v and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o horror_n and_o torment_n in_o another_o world_n pag._n 77_o vii_o some_o assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n of_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n pag._n 79_o chapter_n iii_o the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n further_o improven_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o dismal_a and_o amaze_a time_n we_o be_v now_o fall_v in_o section_n i._n to_o hold_v forth_o what_o may_v be_v both_o for_o light_n and_o confirmation_n upon_o this_o great_a distress_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o under_o pag._n 81_o 82_o section_n ii_o how_o great_a a_o talon_n we_o stand_v accountable_a for_o in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o immediate_a and_o extraordinare_a appearence_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o confirm_v the_o same_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n since_o the_o reformation_n which_o we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o adhere_v to_o pag._n 84_o section_n iii_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n be_v the_o present_a lot_n of_o the_o church_n now_o fall_v in_o and_o what_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v hereof_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o further_a confirm_v in_o such_o a_o day_n pag._n 93_o section_n iu._n some_o special_a service_n that_o we_o
then_o with_o the_o out_o go_v of_o their_o affection_n 2._o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o a_o true_a and_o firm_a assent_n can_v be_v to_o divine_a truth_n but_o on_o its_o know_a certainty_n so_o here_o be_v no_o resolve_v of_o the_o christian_n faith_n on_o the_o strong_a rational_a evidence_n hereof_o yet_o must_v it_o still_o be_v resolve_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n make_v clear_a &_o evident_a to_o they_o to_o be_v such_o 3._o it_o be_v sure_a also_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v so_o large_a a_o measure_n of_o these_o ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o truth_n with_o such_o redouble_a argument_n of_o that_o kind_n to_o be_v of_o so_o small_a regard_n as_o be_v with_o most_o but_o for_o some_o great_a and_o universal_a use_n hereof_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o know_v how_o needful_a such_o assistance_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n will_v be_v whilst_o they_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n 4._o that_o these_o mean_n which_o tend_v most_o convince_o to_o found_v a_o rational_a assurence_n in_o the_o judgement_n be_v the_o proper_a vehicle_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o his_o seal_a work_n shall_v be_v both_o seek_v and_o expect_v nor_o can_v i_o judge_v how_o the_o credit_n and_o use_n hereof_o shall_v be_v so_o small_a and_o not_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n quite_o any_o external_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o without_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v never_o profit_v nor_o how_o we_o shall_v expect_v and_o suit_n his_o confirm_a work_n on_o the_o soul_n when_o these_o great_a confirm_v mean_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n have_v no_o just_a weight_n but_o o_o how_o wonderful_a a_o teacher_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o such_o ordinare_fw-la mean_v fail_v and_o be_v inaccessible_a by_o furnish_v his_o people_n then_o with_o these_o strong_a argument_n of_o love_n and_o power_n who_o have_v have_v but_o small_a measure_n of_o light_n yet_o be_v not_o unfaithful_a to_o improve_v the_o small_a degree_n of_o such_o a_o talon_n 5._o yea_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o attain_v a_o solid_a faith_n of_o thing_n whole_o remott_v from_o our_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n and_o apprehension_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o have_v a_o absolute_a reliance_n on_o a_o invisible_a refuge_n for_o our_o present_a and_o eternal_a state_n as_o no_o common_a assent_n can_v answer_v when_o the_o very_a rest_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o lie_v in_o the_o sure_a and_o firm_a persuasion_n hereof_o 6._o it_o be_v too_o visible_a also_o how_o little_a the_o practical_a use_n of_o such_o a_o mean_a have_v yet_o be_v assay_v in_o the_o church_n that_o all_o who_o be_v member_n thereof_o may_v no_o less_o know_v the_o strength_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n than_o the_o general_a article_n of_o religion_n but_o whilst_o the_o most_o usual_a instruct_v work_n lie_v almost_o whole_o about_o the_o noetick_a part_n of_o divinity_n there_o seem_v not_o that_o serious_a regard_n to_o press_v the_o dianoetick_a part_n hereof_o on_o man_n conscience_n as_o if_o this_o be_v to_o be_v restrict_v to_o a_o few_o who_o be_v more_o know_v learned_a and_o of_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n about_o the_o rational_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o who_o these_o choice_n and_o abundant_a help_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v in_o this_o age_n seem_v more_o peculiar_o direct_v it_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o first_o time_n do_v remarkable_o then_o spread_v and_o prevail_v by_o these_o clear_a evidence_n hereof_o to_o the_o judgement_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n more_o than_o by_o extraordinare_a miracle_n nor_o know_v they_o otherwise_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v christian_n but_o by_o embrace_v the_o truth_n with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n no_o less_o then_o of_o delight_n and_o affection_n but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o case_n now_o where_o religion_n be_v plant_v in_o a_o nation_n and_o have_v a_o uncontrollable_a public_a profession_n under_o the_o support_n of_o humane_a law_n i_o know_v no_o weight_n this_o can_v have_v except_o that_o shall_v be_v admit_v therewith_o quod_fw-la nunc_fw-la nascuntur_fw-la christiani_n sed_fw-la non_fw-la fiunt_fw-la 7._o yea_o be_v it_o not_o sure_a though_o it_o seem_v little_o understand_v that_o the_o primary_n ground_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o as_o to_o their_o â—nd_n demonstrative_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n such_o demonstration_n also_o which_o most_o native_o result_v from_o the_o same_o by_o infallible_a consequence_n and_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v account_v not_o as_o human_a but_o divine_a argument_n give_v we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 8._o i_o shall_v but_o further_o add_v how_o such_o as_o do_v serious_o ponder_v thing_n will_v find_v this_o demonstration_n to_o be_v not_o more_o important_a than_o clear_a that_o to_o be_v a_o confirm_a christian_a and_o a_o confirm_a protestant_n be_v convertible_a term_n and_o that_o if_o these_o as_o be_v under_o that_o deplorable_a bondage_n and_o darkness_n of_o popery_n be_v but_o once_o awake_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n &_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o its_o intrinsic_a and_o objective_a evidence_n and_o take_v off_o that_o brutish_a credulity_n and_o dependence_n on_o the_o alone_a credit_n of_o other_o herein_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o strong_a engine_n to_o hold_v up_o that_o profession_n be_v then_o break_v and_o shall_v see_v the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o such_o full_a and_o perspicuous_a evidence_n from_o the_o scripture_n as_o without_o blasphemy_n they_o can_v not_o seek_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v they_o a_o plain_a rule_n than_o what_o he_o have_v there_o give_v reader_n it_o be_v like_o you_o may_v think_v strange_a how_o these_o few_o sheet_n in_o the_o close_a fall_n in_o here_o after_o the_o forego_v part_n be_v finish_v but_o though_o they_o meet_v in_o one_o design_n and_o interest_n yet_o be_v not_o this_o then_o intend_a until_o the_o former_a be_v do_v and_o if_o it_o may_v tend_v to_o a_o solid_a use_n and_o fruit_n unto_o any_o i_o shall_v forbear_v a_o further_a apology_n herein_o i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o subject_n have_v carry_v it_o some_o further_a length_n than_o be_v design_v when_o i_o so_o much_o seek_v to_o be_v short_a as_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o through_o my_o desire_n to_o avoid_v any_o unnecessare_n multiply_v of_o thord_n i_o sarâ—_n lest_o it_o may_v make_v some_o thing_n seem_v a_o little_a dark_a at_o the_o first_o look_n though_o i_o hope_v not_o upon_o any_o serious_a perusal_n of_o the_o same_o two_o thing_n i_o must_v further_o crave_v leave_n to_o add_v 1_o that_o when_o some_o succinct_a view_n of_o the_o great_a assistance_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v here_o offer_v which_o these_o of_o the_o low_a capacity_n of_o the_o church_n may_v with_o that_o advantage_n improve_v as_o in_o a_o few_o hour_n by_o read_v it_o some_o time_n over_o may_v be_v so_o far_o impress_v on_o their_o mind_n and_o judgement_n that_o they_o can_v give_v some_o clear_a and_o judicious_a account_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v by_o such_o but_o serious_o weigh_v &_o take_v to_o heart_n of_o what_o conceirn_n the_o use_n hereof_o be_v 2._o that_o i_o will_v humble_o judge_v also_o it_o be_v a_o most_o special_a service_n for_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o day_n to_o have_v some_o short_a directory_n and_o remembrancer_n of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o monument_n of_o his_o providence_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o that_o manner_n hold_v forth_o as_o might_n most_o tend_v to_o some_o universal_a use_n of_o all_o within_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v my_o desire_n press_v i_o to_o some_o small_a essay_n herein_o with_o intent_n to_o have_v join_v it_o to_o this_o work_n but_o have_v with_o much_o conviction_n lay_v this_o whole_o aside_o as_o to_o any_o further_a appearance_n that_o way_n so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n that_o some_o more_o qualify_v may_v take_v to_o heart_n and_o under_o their_o hand_n so_o great_a a_o service_n both_o for_o their_o generation_n and_o posterity_n it_o be_v sure_a the_o lord_n have_v design_v his_o people_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n as_o well_o as_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o word_n and_o as_o no_o duty_n be_v more_o press_v than_o this_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o as_o to_o public_a and_o family_n instruction_n so_o be_v we_o no_o less_o accountable_a iâ—_n these_o last_o time_n for_o this_o improvement_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o know_v public_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n and_o shall_v be_v thâ—_n care_n of_o each_o age_n to_o have_v that_o solemn_a remembrance_n keep_v up_o hereof_o so_o as_o not_o a_o few_o but_o the_o very_a multitude_n within_o thâ—_n church_n may_v be_v as_o a_o public_a library_n and_o repository_n of_o thâ—_n same_o finis_fw-la
the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o necessity_n and_o use_n brief_o hold_v forth_o that_o each_o christian_n may_v have_v a_o proper_a ballast_n of_o his_o own_o of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o thus_o see_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o security_n on_o which_o he_o adventure_n his_o eternal_a state_n or_o the_o true_a and_o infallible_a way_n for_o attain_v a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n from_o these_o primary_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v himself_o give_v so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v easy_a for_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n to_o know_v the_o same_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o account_n thereof_o to_o all_o that_o ask_v with_o a_o short_a and_o confirm_a prospect_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n about_o his_o church_n in_o these_o last_o time_n by_o r._n fleming_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n at_o rotterdam_n print_v by_o reinier_n leer_v m.dc.lxxxv_o the_o preface_n this_o small_a essay_n here_o offer_v be_v on_o the_o great_a subject_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v a_o study_n be_v never_o more_o press_o call_v for_o then_o in_o these_o day_n for_o man_n to_o be_v make_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o to_o have_v such_o a_o assurance_n of_o his_o truth_n as_o can_v full_o quiet_a and_o support_v the_o soul_n though_o all_o sensible_a prop_n shall_v be_v brocken_v and_o fail_v great_a change_n do_v sure_o hasten_v on_o this_o generation_n and_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o a_o other_o manner_n like_a to_o be_v put_v to_o trial_n then_o since_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o recovery_n from_o antichristian_a bondage_n the_o storm_n now_o visible_o grow_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o nothing_o be_v thus_o to_o faint_v or_o shake_v the_o spirit_n of_o any_o who_o know_v their_o anchor_n be_v sure_a and_o cast_v within_o the_o vail_n but_o the_o strong_a difficulty_n in_o follow_v the_o lord_n when_o overcome_v yield_v the_o great_a victory_n and_o will_v be_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o joy_n here_o but_o to_o all_o eternity_n in_o have_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_v endure_v and_o get_v well_o through_o a_o throng_n of_o temptation_n and_o assault_n in_o a_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o man_n think_v it_o their_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v their_o private_a interest_n by_o divide_v it_o in_o such_o a_o time_n from_o the_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o make_v light_a of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n now_o assault_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n yea_o of_o their_o own_o eternal_a state_n by_o any_o coolness_n or_o shrink_n from_o the_o same_o they_o will_v find_v no_o temporal_a motive_n can_v ever_o compense_v that_o loss_n and_o ruin_n which_o inevitable_o will_v meet_v such_o in_o the_o issue_n yea_o that_o these_o word_n of_o mordecai_n to_o esther_n esth_n 4_o 13_o 14._o have_v the_o same_o voice_n and_o weight_n in_o this_o day_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o follow_a work_n i_o may_v with_o humble_a confidence_n say_v be_v under_o some_o pressure_n to_o have_v such_o clear_a evidence_n and_o quiet_v persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o make_v it_o less_o easy_a to_o have_v my_o own_o spirit_n satisfy_v herein_o then_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v to_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o that_o bless_a assurance_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v i_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o can_v be_v comfort_v or_o make_v a_o rational_a be_v desirable_a some_o singular_a ingadgment_n i_o judge_v myself_o also_o to_o stand_v under_o for_o put_v to_o my_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n from_o many_o signal_n confirmation_n hereof_o in_o the_o course_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n if_o such_o a_o poor_a testimony_n may_v be_v of_o any_o weight_n let_v the_o bless_a lord_n gracious_o accept_v this_o small_a offering_n to_o he_o and_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o truth_n by_o so_o mean_v a_o instrument_n and_o give_v some_o fruit_n hereof_o that_o may_v abide_v and_o be_v find_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n may_v find_v by_o a_o perusal_n of_o the_o i._o chap._n of_o what_o serious_a use_n and_o intent_n the_o ii_o be_v yea_o that_o in_o this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o incongruous_a to_o the_o forego_v subject_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o iii_o chapter_n but_o oh_o it_o be_v sad_a and_o amaze_a to_o think_v how_o few_o be_v under_o that_o weight_n of_o religion_n as_o once_o to_o have_v a_o serious_a inquiry_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n thereof_o and_o to_o account_v the_o most_o special_a assistance_n to_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o great_a helper_n of_o their_o joy_n within_o time_n the_o true_a and_o infallible_a way_n for_o attain_v a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n etc._n etc._n chapter_n i._o the_o primitive_a confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v in_o its_o continue_a necessity_n and_o use_n to_o this_o day_n in_o a_o few_o position_n that_o nothing_o can_v have_v a_o more_o sad_a and_o threaten_a aspect_n on_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n posit_n i_o then_o that_o utter_a estrangment_n most_o be_v under_o to_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o those_o foundamental_a difference_n betwixt_o christianity_n &_o every_o false_a way_n which_o no_o pretend_v religion_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o position_n be_v these_o i._o that_o it_o be_v too_o visible_o manifest_a how_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n know_v so_o little_a of_o their_o own_o profession_n be_v it_o of_o any_o human_a art_n or_o science_n as_o such_o who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n or_o be_v so_o general_o stranger_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o for_o maintain_v either_o a_o due_a valuation_n or_o powerful_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o on_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o a_o implicit_a and_o traditional_a profession_n be_v the_o only_a part_n and_o propriety_n which_o most_o can_v claim_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v ii_o that_o so_o rare_a also_o be_v any_o such_o serious_a work_n amongh_v man_n as_o a_o personal_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o experimental_a and_o soul_n quicken_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o expense_n of_o the_o most_o dismal_a and_o afflict_a time_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o temporal_a revenue_n lie_v thereto_o as_o peace_n with_o god_n a_o immediate_a communion_n with_o he_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o h._n ghost_n when_o under_o such_o pressour_n of_o trouble_n as_o be_v above_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n iii_o that_o the_o further_a account_n why_o most_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o other_o form_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o custom_n and_o education_n that_o it_o do_v bespeak_v they_o from_o their_o birth_n and_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n yea_o become_v in_o that_o manner_n natural_a to_o they_o as_o the_o custom_n and_o language_n of_o their_o country_n which_o be_v ground_n that_o shall_v determine_v to_o the_o very_a opposite_a profession_n if_o they_o be_v state_v under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o have_v the_o same_o motive_n to_o be_v mahumetan_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o can_v found_v no_o other_o assent_n then_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o strength_n thereof_o iu._n that_o thus_o it_o can_v be_v under_o debate_n how_o the_o most_o numerous_a part_n of_o visible_a professor_n be_v so_o destitute_a of_o any_o defence_n from_o internal_a motive_n and_o solid_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n as_o there_o be_v never_o more_o cause_n to_o fear_v some_o unusual_a apostasy_n from_o the_o very_a visible_a profession_n of_o christ_n upon_o any_o violent_a trial_n and_o assault_v this_o way_n when_o such_o find_v it_o more_o easy_a to_o render_v up_o their_o religion_n then_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o same_o under_z strongh_v temptation_n who_o yet_o never_o know_v that_o substance_n advantage_n or_o certainty_n herein_o as_o can_v preponderate_v with_o the_o want_n of_o all_o external_a motive_n for_o such_o a_o profession_n that_o thus_o one_o of_o the_o high_a service_n of_o these_o time_n posit_n two_o for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v convince_o lie_v here_o to_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o firm_a certainty_n of_o the_o
lord_n with_o the_o further_a light_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n amid_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o such_o a_o time_n ix_o that_o its_o this_o way_n also_o the_o world_n be_v render_v inexcusable_a for_o their_o misbelief_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o under_o such_o sufficiency_n of_o mean_n give_v for_o this_o end_n by_o so_o great_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o confirm_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n so_o as_o they_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n herein_o but_o a_o obstinacy_n and_o resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v on_o which_o ground_n do_v our_o bless_a lord_n testify_v that_o it_o be_v no_o want_n of_o light_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o truth_n why_o man_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o but_o that_o they_o love_v darkness_n better_a than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a &_o when_o such_o clear_a rational_a and_o convince_a evidence_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o their_o view_n how_o most_o possible_o can_v get_v these_o put_v by_o or_o reject_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o comprehend_v but_o that_o a_o real_a irritation_n and_o torment_n of_o spirit_n from_o such_o clearness_n of_o evidence_n do_v thus_o more_o tend_v to_o harden_v then_o convince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a necessity_n of_o such_o a_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n to_o this_o day_n posit_n iv_o what_o ever_o can_v be_v object_v of_o so_o long_a a_o consent_n and_o prescription_n of_o time_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a on_o these_o ground_n i._o because_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o christian_a faith_n do_v still_o need_v these_o assistance_n and_o be_v a_o strange_a mistake_n that_o only_o for_o heathen_n and_o atheist_n such_o confirm_a evidence_n of_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v adduce_v but_o not_o for_o any_o under_o a_o visible_a profession_n when_o the_o whole_a of_o divinity_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o full_a of_o demonstrative_a argument_n for_o the_o daily_a use_n of_o the_o most_o establish_a christian_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o time_n ii_o that_o as_o the_o high_a motive_n to_o all_o serious_a godliness_n and_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o christianity_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o its_o know_a certainty_n to_o we_o so_o be_v the_o continue_a use_n thereof_o to_o be_v still_o the_o same_o iii_o that_o these_o numerous_a trial_n and_o conflict_n of_o christian_n now_o do_v no_o less_o call_v for_o some_o high_a establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n on_o which_o they_o must_v alone_o rest_v when_o all_o visible_a prop_n fail_v in_o their_o judgement_n then_o of_o support_v grace_n nor_o be_v it_o conceavable_a how_o man_n can_v this_o day_n walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o any_o true_a joy_n and_o comfort_n without_o a_o more_o solid_a assurance_n of_o their_o be_v on_o safe_a ground_n herein_o then_o most_o seem_v to_o reckon_v iv_o because_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o a_o eternal_a state_n in_o a_o other_o world_n be_v so_o great_a and_o wonderful_a as_o its_o strange_a how_o this_o be_v not_o the_o high_a interest_n of_o man_n life_n to_o have_v their_o faith_n more_o deep_o confirm_v on_o the_o further_a trial_n of_o their_o security_n now_o by_o the_o way_n herein_o who_o must_v short_o make_v so_o great_a a_o trial_n thereof_o at_o death_n for_o if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o this_o length_n to_o ask_v our_o own_o soul_n what_o the_o christian_a faith_n indeed_o be_v and_o be_v thus_o call_v to_o believe_v it_o can_v not_o possible_o but_o beget_v some_o ecstasy_n of_o wonder_v at_o the_o greatness_n thereof_o and_o to_o reckon_v any_o light_n and_o implicit_a assent_n to_o the_o same_o as_o a_o degree_n both_o of_o atheism_n &_o indifferency_n in_o this_o matter_n v._o though_o there_o be_v no_o conflict_n with_o heathen_n as_o in_o the_o first_o time_n yet_o be_v such_o a_o spirit_n never_o more_o aloft_o than_o it_o be_v now_o to_o take_v of_o all_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n when_o atheism_n seem_v to_o be_v at_o its_o vltimus_fw-la conatus_fw-la in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o so_o amaze_a a_o hour_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o make_v these_o latter_a time_n more_o remarkable_o perilous_a and_o try_v then_o the_o first_o vi_o yea_o if_o such_o a_o confirm_a work_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a mean_n to_o advance_v the_o repute_n and_o honour_n of_o religion_n when_o its_o wont_a awe_n and_o veneration_n be_v so_o far_o lose_v and_o to_o awake_a man_n to_o deep_a impression_n of_o its_o truth_n when_o so_o few_o seem_v now_o under_o any_o such_o weight_n than_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v never_o more_o need_v of_o the_o same_o then_o in_o this_o day_n that_o such_o a_o service_n to_o the_o church_n posit_n v_o do_v not_o only_o respect_v the_o more_o know_v inquisitive_a and_o judicious_a part_n thereof_o but_o the_o mean_a professor_n of_o religion_n also_o of_o who_o this_o be_v necessary_o require_v be_v evident_a on_o these_o ground_n i._o because_o each_o christian_n shall_v have_v undoubted_o such_o a_o ballast_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o solid_a and_o rational_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o these_o of_o great_a part_n and_o indument_n the_o promot_v of_o which_o be_v it_o more_o deep_o consider_v i_o dare_v humble_o adventure_v to_o say_v shall_v be_v find_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a mean_n to_o promote_v christianity_n this_o day_n ii_o because_o this_o be_v not_o to_o drive_v any_o to_o doubt_n or_o question_v the_o least_o sincere_a degree_n of_o assent_n though_o it_o be_v not_o with_o such_o strength_n of_o evidence_n as_o in_o other_o nor_o can_v by_o that_o formal_a argumentation_n give_v the_o same_o account_n thereof_o since_o a_o few_o ground_n this_o way_n may_v special_o help_v to_o some_o solid_a conviction_n and_o confirm_v of_o their_o mind_n when_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o other_o cogent_a argument_n for_o this_o end_n but_o its_o sure_a also_o the_o great_a clearness_n of_o evidence_n do_v still_o in_o the_o appoint_a way_n of_o mean_n lead_v in_o to_o a_o more_o firm_a and_o strong_a assent_n of_o the_o judgement_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n iii_o because_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o foundation_n in_o itself_o can_v be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v not_o with_o such_o a_o know_a evidence_n as_o man_n may_v build_v firm_o and_o with_o assurance_n thereon_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n thus_o only_o design_v to_o give_v his_o people_n a_o infaillible_a and_o sure_a testimony_n to_o adventure_v on_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v sure_o also_o to_o they_o iv_o because_o none_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o h._n ghost_n 1_o cor._n 22_o 3._o by_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o much_o there_o the_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n for_o a_o save_a faith_n but_o that_o none_o can_v give_v a_o true_a assent_n and_o confession_n of_o the_o same_o but_o from_o these_o ground_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o h._n ghost_n unto_o man_n for_o this_o end_n and_o as_o its_o sure_a that_o these_o character_n and_o evidence_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v imprint_v on_o the_o whole_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v clear_a &_o demonstrative_a to_o our_o judgement_n so_o be_v they_o as_o true_o divine_a as_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v thereby_o v._o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a cause_n for_o credulity_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o any_o intricate_a obscureness_n of_o the_o same_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v such_o great_a assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v as_o milk_v for_o babe_n as_o well_o as_o meat_n to_o strong_a man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o further_a objective_n evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o so_o clear_a and_o strong_a a_o conveyance_n thereof_o be_v yet_o so_o little_o operative_a on_o most_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v also_o of_o the_o whole_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o as_o this_o tend_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o resolve_v our_o religion_n into_o any_o mere_a exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o leave_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o energy_n and_o operation_n therewith_o on_o man_n soul_n entire_a yet_o do_v it_o full_o evince_v such_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o evidence_n with_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o make_v any_o doubtfulness_n herein_o simple_o impossible_a through_o want_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o mean_n yea_o such_o as_o be_v of_o another_o kind_n then_o to_o induce_v only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o same_o vi_o because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a symptom_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o few_o almost_o in_o whole_a congregation_n can_v give_v any_o clear_a assent_n
it_o may_v be_v ever_o see_v how_o with_o the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a here_o there_o be_v punishment_n of_o another_o kind_n dispense_v and_o more_o dreadful_a than_o any_o outward_a affliction_n such_o as_o judicial_a obstinacy_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n in_o opposition_n to_o god_n even_o when_o their_o own_o ruin_n be_v make_v visible_a to_o they_o herein_o vii_o how_o oft_o man_n be_v thus_o evident_o condemn_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n by_o some_o strange_a measure_n of_o temporal_a success_n and_o prosperity_n before_o some_o great_a fall_n and_o ruin_n as_o the_o issue_n hereof_o in_o the_o last_o sheen_n of_o providence_n do_v full_o attest_v viii_o that_o it_o be_v see_v also_o how_o sin_n do_v ever_o bring_v its_o own_o punishment_n therewith_o in_o some_o begin_a degree_n both_o of_o shame_n and_o torment_n and_o as_o seneca_n a_o heathen_a can_v say_v that_o wickedness_n be_v the_o most_o exquisite_a contriver_n of_o human_a misery_n so_o the_o world_n likewise_o may_v see_v how_o a_o present_a immunity_n from_o judgement_n be_v no_o release_n but_o when_o its_o sentence_n be_v not_o speady_o execute_v yet_o be_v it_o at_o last_o sure_o execute_v ix_o and_o how_o evident_a be_v it_o that_o the_o great_a hater_n of_o godliness_n be_v yet_o enforce_v to_o justify_v the_o same_o and_o the_o christian_n choice_n herein_o as_o the_o great_a wisdom_n upon_o any_o surprise_a state_n and_o extremity_n yea_o how_o such_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o join_v interest_n then_o with_o such_o in_o their_o death_n who_o they_o most_o contemn_v in_o their_o life_n qu._n v._n how_o be_v it_o convince_a and_o demonstrable_a that_o god_n have_v give_v any_o clear_a and_o express_v revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o council_n unto_o man_n and_o that_o such_o a_o wonderful_a record_n be_v undoubted_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n answ_n that_o i._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o establish_a law_n and_o rule_v of_o commerce_n betwixt_o he_o and_o man_n here_o so_o as_o to_o know_v both_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o what_o to_o expect_v and_o hope_v from_o he_o ii_o that_o this_o also_o must_v be_v know_v and_o display_v its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o by_o such_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n as_o may_v render_v all_o inexcusable_a who_o give_v not_o entire_a credit_n thereto_o iii_o i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o clear_a and_o assure_v there_o be_v but_o one_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n then_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o fountain_n and_o repository_n of_o sacred_a light_n about_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o scripture_n and_o its_o be_v the_o alone_a public_a standard_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n iv_o that_o no_o way_n be_v ever_o make_v know_v to_o recover_v mankind_n from_o a_o state_n of_o bondage_n darkness_n and_o misery_n compatible_a with_o the_o very_a use_n of_o reason_n but_o by_o this_o bless_a light_n which_o shine_v there_o v._o yea_o that_o there_o be_v as_o visible_a a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o same_o and_o any_o pretend_a religion_n which_o ever_o be_v beside_o in_o the_o world_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o vi_o that_o there_o be_v one_o proper_a sphere_n where_o this_o glorious_a light_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v fix_v and_o wherein_o it_o shine_v forth_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o which_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n qu._n vi_o but_o what_o more_o peculiare_a evidence_n can_v you_o show_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o all_o may_v see_v to_o be_v of_o infallible_a truth_n answ_n i._o that_o its_o sure_a such_o a_o book_n be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o no_o create_v wisdom_n can_v ever_o have_v do_v and_o contain_v such_o thing_n of_o high_a conceirn_n to_o mankind_n as_o do_v infinite_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o human_a ability_n and_o invention_n or_o can_v ever_o have_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o god_n himself_o ii_o that_o it_o give_v forth_o such_o exquisite_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o man_n must_v needs_o see_v the_o holy_a nature_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n most_o bright_o shine_v forth_o therein_o iii_o which_o do_v discover_v so_o great_a and_o proper_a a_o relief_n for_o all_o these_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o do_v attend_v this_o fall_a estate_n of_o man_n as_o none_o but_o a_o all-sufficient_a god_n can_v only_o do_v iv_o that_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o bless_a record_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o have_v determine_v the_o change_n and_o revolution_n thereof_o when_o it_o be_v not_o more_o evident_a how_o these_o visible_a heaven_n be_v stretch_v forth_o over_o the_o earth_n then_o that_o this_o line_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v stretch_v over_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o frame_v of_o providence_n and_o do_v most_o clear_o illuminate_v the_o same_o v._o that_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n whence_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o matter_n do_v meet_v with_o so_o visible_a a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n in_o one_o perfect_a and_o entire_a frame_n yea_o knit_v in_o so_o close_a a_o bond_n of_o union_n together_o as_o make_v the_o whole_a bible_n to_o be_v intir_o one_o piece_n though_o in_o the_o write_n of_o each_o distinct_a part_n thereof_o it_o can_v never_o have_v possible_o be_v contrive_v or_o forseen_v by_o humane_a wisdom_n what_o we_o see_v here_o of_o so_o admirable_a a_o agreement_n &_o correspondence_n as_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o vi_o that_o none_o else_o can_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o world_n in_o so_o majestic_a a_o way_n &_o become_v the_o greatness_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n to_o assume_v such_o a_o supremacy_n &_o give_v forth_o law_n for_o absolute_a obedience_n from_o all_o mankind_n thereto_o &_o on_o such_o a_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n or_o that_o any_o imposture_n either_o possible_o can_v or_o dare_v have_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n personate_v the_o same_o vii_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v his_o word_n who_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o have_v a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n thereof_o who_o thus_o not_o only_o give_v law_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o our_o inward_a part_n but_o do_v establish_v a_o internal_a religion_n there_o no_o less_o absolute_o than_o what_o respect_v our_o external_a work_n and_o action_n viii_o yea_o where_o all_o may_v see_v the_o whole_a penman_n thereof_o under_o so_o entire_a a_o subjection_n to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o to_o be_v no_o contrivance_n of_o their_o own_o as_o they_o do_v record_v their_o own_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v thus_o also_o require_v all_o just_a respect_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n when_o through_o the_o whole_a earth_n they_o be_v then_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n ix_o that_o this_o must_v be_v his_o word_n who_o alone_o can_v derive_v principle_n of_o life_n to_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o animate_v the_o same_o with_o a_o quicken_a spirit_n and_o be_v a_o work_n above_o the_o contrivance_n of_o angel_n or_o man_n when_o direct_v to_o each_o new_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n and_o personal_a case_n of_o christian_n as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v alone_o write_v for_o that_o time_n so_o that_o i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o persuade_v in_o reason_n there_o be_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o earth_n then_o that_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o alone_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o mankind_n qu._n vii_o how_o be_v the_o secure_a conveyance_n of_o the_o scripture_n demonstrable_a amid_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n past_a and_o that_o no_o possible_a access_n can_v be_v for_o its_o corruption_n answ_n i._o that_o its_o so_o undeniable_o the_o first_o rule_v which_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o mankind_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o alone_a public_a standard_n of_o truth_n that_o have_v endure_v the_o trial_n and_o inquiry_n of_o all_o time_n past_a so_o as_o no_o pretence_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o antiquity_n can_v yet_o ever_o be_v to_o the_o contrare_fw-la ii_o that_o so_o exact_a a_o harmony_n be_v betwixt_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o one_o be_v a_o visible_a transcript_n of_o the_o other_o in_o its_o accomplishment_n that_o i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a of_o such_o a_o venerable_a record_n as_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o its_o unalterable_a conveyance_n to_o the_o church_n to_o
which_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o a_o stand_a witness_n then_o how_o it_o be_v continue_v and_o perfect_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o but_o one_o entire_a frame_n iii_o that_o its_o deliverance_n be_v no_o private_a deed_n but_o by_o a_o public_a trust_n to_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n so_o as_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a in_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n to_o question_v the_o most_o fundamental_a statute_n and_o law_n of_o any_o nation_n by_o which_o man_n private_a right_o and_o property_n be_v secure_v than_o the_o truth_n hereof_o iv_o that_o under_o the_o gospel_n it_o have_v be_v so_o full_o disperse_v over_o the_o world_n and_o in_o such_o various_a language_n as_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o christian_n these_o 1600_o year_n past_a have_v be_v as_o a_o common_a library_n of_o the_o same_o v._o that_o these_o numerous_a version_n and_o commentary_n transmit_v thereon_o in_o diverse_a language_n do_v full_o evidence_n they_o have_v the_o same_o scripture_n and_o no_o other_o than_o what_o we_o have_v this_o day_n vi_o that_o this_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o write_v but_o in_o that_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n for_o keep_v close_o thereby_o as_o can_v admit_v no_o possible_a access_n to_o corrupt_v or_o alter_v the_o same_o beside_o the_o continue_a and_o public_a reference_n have_v be_v since_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o its_o decision_n which_o all_o these_o sharp_a controversy_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n on_o all_o side_n do_v inevitable_o require_v qu._n viii_o what_o do_v confirm_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n and_o entry_n thus_o of_o sin_n into_o the_o world_n this_o way_n from_o clear_a and_o unavoidable_a evidence_n of_o reason_n answ_n i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o sin_n and_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o conscience_n of_o guilt_n arise_v hereon_o amongh_v all_o mankind_n can_v need_v no_o proof_n or_o evidence_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a this_o shall_v have_v be_v original_o create_v with_o man_n or_o essential_o belong_v to_o his_o first_o frame_n and_o constitution_n since_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o conscience_n of_o guilt_n or_o remorse_n for_o what_o be_v give_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o first_o frame_n or_o be_v any_o sin_n to_o act_v thus_o suitable_o to_o their_o own_o original_a state_n iii_o that_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a also_o how_o one_o part_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v in_o such_o opposition_n to_o another_o iu._n nor_o that_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o inherent_a shame_n can_v be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o sense_n of_o guilt_n and_o by_o so_o natural_a a_o result_n follow_v the_o same_o or_o that_o such_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o own_o be_v if_o this_o be_v not_o upon_o one_fw-mi undoubted_a apostasy_n from_o what_o once_o he_o be_v and_o that_o inevitable_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n that_o he_o now_o be_v what_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o as_o the_o certainty_n of_o man_n fall_n though_o alone_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o yet_o may_v be_v as_o evident_a to_o reason_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o be_v now_o be_v section_n ii_o qu._n i._o be_v there_o such_o assistance_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n upon_o that_o great_a and_o astonish_a mystery_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n as_o can_v full_o answer_v the_o greatness_n thereof_o from_o clear_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n to_o man_n judgement_n answ_n it_o be_v sure_a there_o can_v nothing_o possible_o be_v desire_v more_o to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a mind_n than_o be_v give_v for_o the_o further_a certainty_n hereof_o i._o that_o such_o a_o glorious_a person_n as_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o come_v and_o be_v anoint_a to_o that_o great_a work_n of_o redeem_v mankind_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o bring_v man_n back_o again_o unto_o god_n and_o how_o this_o promise_n be_v the_o alone_a foundation_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v since_o man_n fall_v ii_o that_o all_o these_o numerous_a type_n and_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n do_v so_o express_o tend_v to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n of_o that_o one_o bless_v propitiatory_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o iii_o that_o long_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v there_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o exact_v a_o portraiture_n of_o the_o messiah_n draw_v forth_o in_o the_o old_a with_o such_o peculiar_a mark_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o the_o church_n and_o have_v infallible_o take_v place_n in_o the_o event_n as_o man_n can_v not_o upon_o any_o scripture_n evidence_n expect_v his_o come_n in_o another_o way_n iv_o that_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffering_n be_v so_o express_o show_v forth_o and_o foretell_v with_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n thereof_o in_o the_o 53._o chap._n of_o isaiah_n and_o 9_o of_o daniel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o v._o that_o even_o the_o special_a season_n and_o period_n of_o time_n for_o outmaking_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n be_v so_o far_o make_v know_v as_o upon_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquiry_n its_o near_a approach_n may_v be_v discernible_a and_o clear_a to_o what_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n this_o do_v special_o relate_v for_o which_o both_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o monarchy_n and_o daniel_n seventy_o week_n be_v set_v up_o as_o highway_n mark_n to_o guide_v man_n faith_n herein_o vi_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n how_o the_o promise_a messiah_n can_v be_v yet_o to_o come_v except_o the_o jew_n be_v put_v in_o the_o same_o state_n they_o be_v in_o at_o his_o come_n when_o now_o for_o these_o 1600._o jeer_n there_o have_v be_v no_o sceptre_n nor_o lawgiver_n no_o temple_n or_o daily_a sacrifice_n vii_o that_o this_o great_a mystery_n can_v never_o possible_o have_v enter_v in_o our_o thought_n or_o be_v devise_v by_o any_o create_a understanding_n qu._n ii_o but_o be_v there_o as_o clear_v and_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n in_o the_o event_n that_o sure_o the_o bless_a messiah_n of_o the_o world_n be_v now_o come_v as_o that_o it_o be_v sure_o be_v be_v promise_v answ_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o possible_a debate_n i._o that_o so_o divine_a and_o wonderful_a a_o person_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o tiberius_n caesar_n manifest_v then_o to_o israel_n with_o no_o outward_a show_n or_o observation_n who_o do_v so_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n before_o all_o the_o people_n as_o be_v above_o all_o create_a power_n yea_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n have_v be_v enforce_v to_o confess_v ii_o that_o this_o special_a season_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n as_o the_o great_a epocha_n and_o period_n of_o time_n from_o which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v since_o to_o this_o day_n reckon_v her_o state_n and_o succession_n be_v undoubted_a and_o clear_a also_o iii_o that_o the_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n unto_o the_o world_n do_v so_o exact_o try_v with_o that_o which_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o then_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v with_o great_a advertance_n look_v after_o the_o messiah_n so_o as_o some_o remarkable_a impostor_n be_v thus_o excite_v to_o deceive_v the_o people_n herein_o iv_o that_o in_o he_o who_o be_v then_o reveal_v and_o who_o the_o christian_a church_n worship_v its_o sure_a be_v most_o exact_o fulfil_v what_o ever_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o do_v appeal_v herein_o to_o these_o record_n which_o all_o the_o jew_n even_o to_o this_o day_n do_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a v._o that_o this_o be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o man_n in_o these_o day_n most_o noture_a and_o famous_a yea_o by_o the_o special_a destination_n of_o god_n at_o so_o solemn_a a_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o christ_n our_o passover_n be_v then_o sacrifice_v vi_o that_o no_o humane_a interest_n or_o policy_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o this_o discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o nothing_o more_o visible_o cross_v thereto_o or_o obstructive_a of_o its_o success_n than_o such_o a_o publish_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n with_o all_o the_o ignominy_n and_o abasement_n which_o attend_v the_o same_o have_v there_o be_v any_o access_n here_o to_o consult_v carnal_a reason_n or_o any_o other_o ground_n to_o bear_v it_o out_o then_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n
the_o same_o qu._n vi_o how_o be_v it_o demonstrable_a that_o such_o remarkable_a suffering_n of_o time_n pass_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o found_v on_o the_o alone_a certainty_n thereof_o and_o carry_v out_o by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n above_o any_o assistance_n of_o nature_n answ_n that_o it_o be_v sure_a i._n here_o be_v no_o comedy_n or_o personate_v suffering_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o in_o after_o time_n do_v endure_v for_o christ_n or_o that_o these_o unexpressable_a torment_n and_o pain_n be_v any_o dream_n and_o delusion_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o the_o world_n and_o that_o their_o adversary_n do_v thus_o conflict_n and_o wrestle_v with_o their_o own_o shadow_n in_o so_o continue_v and_o cruel_a one_fw-mi opposition_n ii_o that_o such_o joy_n and_o exultation_n of_o spirit_n these_o witness_v amid_o their_o torment_n who_o otherwise_o want_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n of_o their_o pain_n and_o suffering_n can_v have_v no_o rise_n but_o what_o be_v supernatural_a iii_o that_o this_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a dissimulation_n or_o counterfeit_v when_o they_o be_v step_v in_o on_o eternity_n nor_o the_o product_n of_o a_o distemper_a judgement_n whilst_o all_o may_v see_v what_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n tenderness_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o their_o adversary_n they_o do_v then_o evidence_n iv_o that_o these_o great_a suffering_n be_v upon_o choice_n and_o to_o endure_v rather_o than_o to_o be_v safe_a at_o the_o rate_n of_o recede_v in_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o truth_n v._o yea_o no_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v how_o such_o mean_a and_o feeble_a person_n as_o many_o of_o these_o be_v shall_v endure_v what_o will_v have_v make_v the_o great_a natural_a courage_n to_o faint_v as_o if_o they_o have_v forgo_v humane_a passion_n which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n must_v needs_o have_v herein_o so_o as_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o see_v something_o no_o less_o marvellous_a and_o supernatural_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o martyr_n then_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n section_n iii_o qu._n i._o be_v it_o full_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o such_o a_o establishment_n as_o a_o religious_a worship_n must_v necessary_o determine_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n on_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o can_v but_o see_v how_o religion_n have_v not_o another_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n answ_n it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a to_o make_v a_o rational_a trial_n herein_o and_o not_o see_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o demonstration_n to_o be_v thus_o clear_a i._o that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o for_o any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n but_o to_o come_v and_o see_v what_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o heathenism_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deny_v even_o under_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n its_o be_v the_o high_a reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o how_o the_o very_a mystery_n of_o that_o heathenish_a worship_n be_v so_o horrid_a and_o impure_a as_o they_o need_v a_o vail_n then_o from_o the_o common_a view_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o rational_a reflection_n this_o day_n on_o that_o strange_a monster_n of_o mahumitanisme_n but_o of_o a_o visible_a prodigy_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n on_o these_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o their_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o give_v man_n up_o to_o such_o a_o imposture_n as_o expose_v the_o very_a name_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n to_o derision_n and_o can_v never_o claim_v a_o reception_n either_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o rule_n or_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o of_o its_o have_v any_o possible_a consistence_n with_o itself_o iii_o that_o its_o sure_a also_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v never_o another_o be_v but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christianity_n and_o where_o this_o fundation_n be_v divide_v from_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o yea_o how_o that_o people_n unto_o this_o day_n be_v such_o a_o confirm_a witness_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o its_o strange_a this_o do_v not_o beget_v deep_a impression_n on_o man_n spirit_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n we_o must_v either_o forgo_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n or_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n give_v and_o reveal_v for_o commerce_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v for_o this_o end_n hold_v forth_o that_o it_o be_v then_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o what_o be_v so_o high_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a as_o shall_v rather_o justify_v atheism_n qu._n ii_o what_o special_a confirmation_n to_o christianity_n can_v this_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n bear_v who_o be_v in_o so_o express_v a_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n answ_n if_o this_o be_v bring_v near_o our_o thought_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o one_o of_o the_o great_a assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n i._o that_o its_o sure_a there_o be_v such_o a_o people_n and_o race_n as_o a_o live_n and_o visible_a evidence_n to_o our_o sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o renown_a nation_n and_o church_n of_o israel_n to_o which_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o thus_o be_v still_o as_o some_o part_n of_o the_o evident_a ruin_n of_o that_o once_o flourish_a state_n ii_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v such_o a_o people_n keep_v by_o themselves_o and_o not_o mix_v with_o the_o nation_n who_o father_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o do_v still_o own_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o do_v attest_v that_o doctrine_n in_o which_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o christianity_n lie_v even_o whilst_o with_o great_a malice_n they_o oppose_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o witness_v there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a collusion_n here_o iii_o their_o being_n under_o a_o stroke_n of_o that_o judicial_a induration_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n as_o no_o reason_n can_v possible_o comprehend_v such_o a_o thing_n how_o they_o see_v not_o the_o light_n in_o the_o very_a noonday_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o fortolde_v their_o be_v conclude_v under_o such_o a_o arrest_n of_o judgement_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v bring_v in_o iv_o that_o so_o immediate_a a_o appearance_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o people_n both_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o as_o no_o instance_n can_v ever_o be_v find_v to_o resemble_v the_o same_o since_o man_n be_v form_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o as_o a_o conspicuous_a monument_n of_o divin_fw-fr wrath_n set_v up_o for_o every_o age_n and_o time_n of_o the_o church_n to_o turn_v aside_o and_o consider_v this_o great_a sight_n and_o inquire_v what_o mean_v so_o strange_a and_o amaze_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o scatter_a jew_n be_v now_o under_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o this_o desolation_n on_o they_o and_o stroke_n have_v such_o special_a concur_v circumstance_n for_o give_v light_n thereto_o as_o be_v not_o above_o 48._o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n with_o their_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v hot_a and_o reak_a with_o that_o blood_n which_o they_o have_v wish_v on_o they_o and_o their_o child_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o that_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n there_o and_o point_v as_o with_o the_o finger_n at_o the_o same_o as_o also_o by_o the_o roman_n who_o interest_n in_o their_o opposition_n to_o christ_n they_o pretend_v to_o own_o qu._n iii_o be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o gospel_n promulgation_n such_o as_o no_o other_o profession_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o and_o where_o all_o may_v see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o human_a interest_n or_o contrivance_n in_o the_o same_o answ_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o no_o interest_n else_o be_v ever_o in_o such_o a_o way_n promote_v and_o do_v exceed_v all_o natural_a understanding_n how_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n can_v in_o this_o manner_n prevail_v i._o to_o persuade_v man_n without_o any_o motive_n or_o inducement_n from_o this_o present_a world_n to_o embrace_v a_o doctrine_n so_o whole_o repugnant_a to_o nature_n yea_o to_o prefer_v a_o interest_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o which_o none_o ever_o in_o the_o earth_n see_v to_o the_o most_o desirable_a object_n of_o sense_n ii_o to_o admit_v no_o implicit_a reception_n from_o any_o but_o on_o their_o exact_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n herein_o or_o in_o a_o other_o way_n claim_v a_o interest_n in_o man_n affection_n but_o by_o a_o full_a assent_n of_o their_o light_n
causality_n than_o the_o effect_n have_v be_v undoubted_a and_o clear_a to_o show_v such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n as_o this_o great_a revolution_n by_o death_n do_v each_o moment_n depend_v on_o a_o call_n from_o heaven_n vii_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o something_o supernatural_a herein_o as_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v so_o know_v as_o no_o relief_n can_v possible_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n to_o set_v man_n both_o above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o one_fw-mi after_o state_n when_o once_o it_o come_v near_o viii_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v sure_o above_o the_o possibility_n of_o nature_n which_o can_v bear_v out_o in_o this_o great_a adventure_n and_o trial_n of_o man_n faith_n both_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o strength_n thereof_o at_o death_n for_o which_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v thus_o choise_v that_o by_o so_o strange_a one_fw-mi entry_n and_o at_o so_o dark_a a_o port_n they_o shall_v first_o pass_v to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o glorious_a state_n above_o qu._n v._n what_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n can_v you_o show_v to_o confirm_v so_o great_a a_o faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a glory_n abide_v the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o its_o earnest_n and_o first_o fruit_n here_o as_o may_v strike_v one_fw-mi undeniable_a conviction_n hereof_o on_o the_o world_n answ_n i._o by_o that_o visible_a ripen_n and_o resemblance_n to_o such_o a_o state_n in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o christian_n growth_n to_o a_o more_o full_a stature_n of_o the_o man_n in_o christ_n as_o may_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o the_o natural_a growth_n of_o our_o body_n ii_o that_o though_o the_o open_n of_o these_o gate_n of_o the_o second_o world_n be_v hide_v as_o no_o humane_a sense_n can_v discern_v the_o spirit_n in_o its_o ascent_n through_o these_o high_a region_n to_o that_o unconceivable_a paradise_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o three_o heaven_n yet_o be_v the_o triumphant_a entry_n and_o passage_n of_o innumerable_a christian_n at_o death_n such_o as_o have_v oft_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n iii_o that_o such_o also_o be_v both_o humble_a tender_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o life_n and_o then_o in_o so_o great_a a_o composure_n of_o judgement_n as_o all_o may_v see_v they_o know_v what_o make_v they_o glade_n and_o can_v swallow_v up_o both_o the_o fear_n and_o bitterness_n of_o death_n yea_o that_o this_o be_v not_o give_v for_o their_o own_o support_n only_o but_o for_o a_o more_o public_a use_n to_o the_o conviction_n and_o confirm_v of_o other_o iv_o that_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n be_v demonstrable_a and_o have_v be_v oft_o bring_v down_o to_o man_n sense_n by_o these_o ravish_a joy_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o christ_n and_o exultation_n of_o spirit_n even_o in_o the_o flame_n v._o by_o such_o supernatural_a comfort_n as_o attend_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n and_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o the_o flesh_n and_o outward_a cause_n with_o that_o joy_n and_o peace_n which_o by_o so_o natural_a a_o result_n follow_v well-doing_n and_o any_o service_n of_o love_n for_o christ_n as_o all_o may_v see_v to_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o that_o harvest_n which_o be_v above_o vi_o by_o so_o rare_a and_o marvellous_a a_o frame_n of_o the_o new_a man_n set_v up_o in_o this_o low_a region_n of_o grace_n in_o so_o discernible_a a_o conformity_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o resemblence_n to_o another_o state_n then_o here_o to_o which_o the_o world_n be_v but_o as_o a_o place_n of_o pilgrimage_n trial_n and_o a_o preparatory_a state_n only_o vii_o by_o such_o visible_a return_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o christian_n after_o sad_a conflict_n and_o downecasting_n and_o daybreak_n of_o these_o vital_a quicken_a beam_n of_o divine_a light_n that_o have_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a oft_o then_o that_o of_o the_o martyr_n at_o the_o stake_n who_o cry_v out_o now_o he_o be_v come_v he_o be_v come_v viii_o by_o these_o breathe_n of_o love_n after_o one_fw-mi unseen_a christ_n and_o visible_a effect_n of_o its_o power_n on_o man_n as_o may_v show_v some_o begin_v translation_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o far_o herein_o as_o to_o be_v more_o where_o it_o love_v than_o it_o live_v ix_o though_o we_o can_v see_v here_o that_o ineffable_a glory_n which_o be_v above_o but_o shall_v have_v our_o faith_n instead_o of_o eye_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o holiness_n as_o do_v not_o only_a evidence_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n partake_v of_o a_o future_a glory_n so_o as_o every_o degree_n and_o act_n thereof_o do_v enter_v in_o a_o begin_v state_n of_o fruition_n and_o blessedness_n and_o make_v it_o simple_o impossible_a for_o a_o good_a man_n in_o any_o true_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n not_o to_o be_v happy_a also_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o more_o near_a capacity_n to_o know_v that_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o x._o by_o so_o sure_a know_v and_o try_v a_o passage_n betwixt_o heaven_n and_o man_n soul_n in_o prayer_n with_o so_o settle_a a_o trade_n of_o commerce_n this_o way_n and_o certain_a return_n as_o with_o assurance_n such_o can_v say_v though_o they_o must_v change_v their_o place_n yet_o not_o their_o company_n xi_o that_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n in_o israâ—ls_n passage_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o so_o excellent_a a_o country_n as_o canaan_n be_v no_o less_o sure_a in_o itself_o than_o that_o iâ—_n be_v give_v for_o a_o emblem_n and_o type_n of_o the_o jurt_n nying_z and_o militant_a state_n of_o the_o faint_v hereand_v to_o be_v a_o solemn_a pledge_n of_o that_o canaan_n above_o xii_o that_o such_o be_v the_o magnificence_n harmony_n and_o order_n of_o these_o visible_a heaven_n and_o celestial_a body_n there_o with_o their_o different_a degree_n of_o glory_n though_o all_o illuminate_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o light_a the_o sun_n as_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o a_o divine_a ordination_n have_v some_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o that_o end_n to_o awake_v &_o raise_v our_o thought_n thus_o to_o these_o high_a region_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o all_o these_o by_o what_o be_v thus_o visible_a to_o our_o eye_n where_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v ever_o fix_v &_o shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n qu._n vi_o what_o visible_a and_o awaken_v evidence_n be_v there_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o hell_n and_o that_o state_n of_o horror_n and_o torment_n in_o another_o world_n which_o even_o to_o man_n sense_n here_o may_v present_v the_o certainty_n thereof_o answ_n i._o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n and_o party_n as_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n than_o the_o reality_n of_o some_o such_o horrid_a region_n and_o place_n also_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o be_v adjudge_v to_o ii_o from_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o human_a race_n as_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o visible_a service_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n but_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o enmity_n against_o the_o h._n god_n and_o his_o image_n as_o do_v clear_o witness_v their_o respect_n and_o tendency_n to_o the_o same_o state_n and_o place_n and_o to_o be_v confederate_a in_o their_o judgement_n as_o they_o be_v here_o in_o their_o sin_n iii_o from_o such_o visible_a impression_n of_o vindictive_a justice_n on_o man_n soul_n with_o such_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o unsufferable_a torment_n this_o way_n as_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v know_v by_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n when_o not_o in_o the_o least_o distemper_n of_o their_o natural_a reason_n that_o may_v present_v to_o man_n sense_n something_o of_o a_o visible_a hell_n as_o convince_o as_o if_o one_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o same_o iv_o from_o such_o a_o tremble_a sense_n and_o terror_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n as_o oft_o follow_v upon_o horrid_a act_n of_o wickedness_n and_o most_o eminent_o then_o break_v forth_o upon_o a_o surprise_a sight_n of_o death_n as_o all_o may_v see_v something_o more_o dreadful_a herein_o then_o the_o dissolution_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o power_n and_o present_a arrest_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n make_v visible_a in_o the_o same_o v._o from_o such_o begin_a degree_n as_o that_o of_o blaspheme_v and_o rage_n against_o god_n because_o of_o his_o plague_n with_o these_o prodigy_n of_o cruelty_n exerce_v by_o man_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o may_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o to_o be_v more_o than_o human_a and_o rather_o the_o effect_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n act_v in_o a_o human_a shape_n vi_o from_o so_o clear_a a_o prelude_n of_o the_o same_o in_o that_o judicial_a obduration_n and_o blindness_n so_o many_o
god_n under_o the_o ground_n its_o sure_a none_o can_v question_v such_o a_o seal_n which_o before_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o amazement_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v put_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v now_o sist_v under_o such_o a_o call_n as_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v deut._n 4_o 34._o to_o ask_v of_o the_o time_n that_o be_v past_a since_o israel_n come_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gentil_n church_n by_o the_o gospel_n whither_o there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o this_o in_o the_o earth_n that_o god_n have_v assay_v to_o take_v to_o himself_o a_o people_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o nation_n by_o temptation_n by_o sign_n and_o by_o wonder_n and_o by_o war_n and_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o oustretched_a arm_n and_o by_o great_a terror_n according_a to_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v do_v for_o the_o rescue_n of_o his_o people_n in_o these_o last_o time_n from_o antichristian_a bondage_n and_o darkness_n and_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o church_n state_n but_o unto_o we_o be_v this_o show_v that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n and_o there_o be_v noncelse_a beside_o he_o yea_o be_v still_o call_v to_o see_v and_o be_v as_o eye_n witness_n to_o these_o thing_n i._n how_o bright_a a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v go_v before_o this_o great_a darkness_n on_o the_o church_n and_o what_o a_o solemn_a triumph_n in_o these_o late_a age_n the_o truth_n have_v have_v over_o antichrist_n so_o as_o the_o full_a strike_v and_o ruin_v of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o establish_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o now_o more_o marvellous_a and_o above_o human_a appearance_n than_o what_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o begin_v degree_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n ii_o in_o how_o few_o year_n also_o there_o be_v as_o a_o new_a christian_a world_n bring_v forth_o in_o that_o swift_a course_n and_o progress_n which_o the_o ingather_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v so_o as_o between_o the_o year_n 1621._o and_o 1560._o such_o famous_a plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v settle_v in_o a_o church_n state_n which_o all_o may_v see_v be_v the_o immediate_a work_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o show_v that_o none_o shall_v fear_v or_o stagger_v at_o his_o promise_n though_o the_o water_n yet_o swell_v and_o come_v to_o the_o flow_n of_o jordan_n and_o difficulty_n appear_v unsuperable_a to_o human_a sense_n after_o this_o great_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v iii_o how_o extraordinare_a a_o call_n and_o excitment_n of_o instrument_n be_v then_o evident_a for_o the_o service_n of_o that_o time_n and_o reaper_n thus_o eminent_o prepare_v for_o so_o great_a a_o harvest_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v put_v the_o world_n to_o inquire_v whence_o these_o be_v in_o so_o numerous_a a_o concurrence_n when_o a_o few_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n be_v 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of_o man_n upon_o a_o sure_a trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o do_v most_o firm_o embrace_v the_o same_o and_o how_o many_o of_o these_o also_o be_v of_o the_o great_a part_n and_o ability_n who_o none_o can_v judge_v to_o adventure_v so_o far_o herein_o without_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o this_o be_v their_o undoubted_a interest_n and_o upmaking_n viii_o we_o have_v see_v not_o only_o these_o of_o mean_a and_o low_a estate_n but_o such_o of_o the_o high_a place_n and_o quality_n most_o cheerful_o adventure_v whatever_o interest_n can_v be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n yea_o be_v ever_o find_v how_o such_o as_o be_v most_o acquaint_v with_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o its_o power_n and_o live_v up_o in_o their_o practice_n to_o what_o they_o profess_v thereof_o be_v these_o who_o with_o the_o great_a assurance_n have_v most_o resoluty_n still_o adhere_v thereto_o ix_o we_o have_v see_v also_o it_o be_v most_o 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apology_n speak_v of_o nero_n the_o truth_n may_v boast_v in_o have_v such_o adversary_n xii_o it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v how_o no_o human_a power_n can_v yet_o ever_o undo_v this_o bless_a interest_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n though_o no_o way_n or_o change_v of_o weapon_n have_v be_v leave_v untried_a but_o we_o have_v thus_o see_v whither_o so_o strong_a and_o unite_v a_o confederacy_n as_o the_o catholic_n league_n in_o france_n do_v at_o last_o resolve_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o great_a actor_n and_o contriver_n therein_o but_o to_o a_o further_o establish_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n there_o as_o though_o such_o have_v intentional_o act_v for_o the_o same_o when_o if_o second_o cause_n have_v bring_v forth_o their_o ordinare_fw-la effect_n it_o may_v have_v be_v judge_v impossible_a to_o fail_v xiii_o we_o have_v see_v that_o issue_n of_o the_o whole_a counsel_n expense_n and_o cruelty_n of_o philip_n the_o ii_o of_o spain_n to_o bear_v down_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o netherlands_o which_o be_v to_o the_o further_a settle_v of_o this_o illustrious_a state_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o yea_o how_o their_o conspicuous_a rise_n and_o flourish_a even_o in_o the_o external_o and_o their_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n do_v most_o visible_o keep_v together_o fourteen_o we_o know_v that_o deludge_n of_o blood_n which_o so_o quick_o follow_v the_o french_a massacre_n and_o the_o most_o dismal_a time_n which_o ever_o that_o nation_n know_v do_v then_o visible_o contemporate_a with_o such_o a_o time_n of_o their_o great_a rage_n and_o persecution_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o event_n of_o the_o three_o vial_n most_o clear_o fulfil_v herein_o revel_v 16_o 5_o 6._o thou_o be_v righteous_a o_o lord_n which_o art_n
and_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v because_o thou_o have_v judge_v tâ—us_o for_o they_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o thy_o saint_n and_o prophet_n and_o thou_o have_v give_v they_o blood_n to_o drink_v in_o great_a measure_n xv._o yea_o have_v we_o not_o see_v how_o four_o king_n of_o france_n successive_o be_v in_o less_o than_o 30._o year_n take_v away_o in_o the_o same_o continue_a pursuit_n how_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n there_o in_o who_o that_o whole_a race_n of_o the_o valois_n be_v thus_o extinct_a yea_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o death_n be_v most_o remarkable_a monument_n of_o divine_a judgement_n as_o the_o most_o famous_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n do_v attest_v xvi_o we_o have_v see_v what_o marvellous_a effect_n do_v follow_v these_o bloody_a year_n of_o queen_n mary_n reign_n in_o england_n to_o promote_v and_o commend_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n to_o man_n conscience_n there_o with_o so_o great_a a_o triumph_n it_o have_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o such_o choice_n and_o excellent_a witness_n for_o christ_n as_o have_v bring_v in_o more_o rent_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o bless_a head_n then_o may_v to_o the_o further_a compense_n all_o that_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n there_o though_o high_o precious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n xvii_o we_o have_v see_v likeways_o the_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n of_o late_a against_o the_o protestant_n in_o bohemia_n in_o a_o short_a time_n most_o observable_o return_v on_o the_o author_n thereof_o and_o how_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o god_n may_v be_v see_v in_o call_v forth_o the_o swede_n to_o avenge_v the_o same_o and_o in_o that_o desolate_v strike_v which_o follow_v on_o germany_n xviii_o we_o have_v see_v in_o these_o late_a time_n the_o issue_n of_o that_o horrid_a massacre_n on_o the_o protestant_n in_o ireland_n to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n in_o a_o very_a few_o year_n after_o of_o that_o barbarous_a party_n who_o have_v thus_o act_v herein_o xix_o we_o 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of_o the_o church_n in_o scotland_n for_o plant_v the_o reform_a religion_n there_o with_o that_o zeal_n and_o oneness_n of_o spirit_n as_o do_v then_o appear_v in_o all_o rank_n to_o embrace_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o profession_n thereof_o amid_o the_o great_a threaten_n of_o their_o adversary_n so_o as_o a_o few_o year_n do_v bring_v forth_o that_o which_o will_v have_v seem_v strange_a for_o a_o age_n to_o accomplish_v yea_o that_o we_o find_v betwixt_o the_o last_o martyr_n for_o the_o truth_n there_o who_o be_v burn_v at_o st._n andrews_n 1558._o and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o full_a abolishment_n of_o popery_n with_o the_o full_a concurrence_n of_o civil_a authority_n herein_o in_o july_n 1560._o be_v but_o little_a above_o two_o year_n to_o show_v what_o great_a thing_n the_o lord_n can_v do_v above_o all_o human_a council_n or_o confidence_n xxii_o it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v in_o what_o remarkable_a degree_n these_o last_o vial_n of_o the_o holy_a judgement_n of_o god_n have_v take_v place_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o how_o conspicuous_a the_o event_n have_v be_v of_o that_o prophecy_n 2_o thessaly_n 2_o 8._o in_o these_o great_a effect_n and_o consumption_n thereof_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o assure_a pledge_n of_o the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o what_o remain_v herein_o xxiii_o and_o as_o every_o step_n of_o the_o church_n rise_v have_v be_v still_o advance_v in_o a_o continue_a conflict_n betwixt_o the_o truth_n and_o antichrist_n so_o have_v we_o still_o see_v when_o the_o assault_n and_o opposition_n have_v be_v great_a it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a tendancy_n to_o a_o great_a victory_n which_o be_v it_o right_o consider_v upon_o clear_a and_o solid_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n the_o most_o formidable_a appearence_n of_o trouble_n from_o this_o adversary_n shall_v with_o more_o comfort_n than_o fear_v this_o day_n be_v look_v on_o so_o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o near_a and_o most_o immediate_a event_n yet_o be_v it_o sure_a as_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a who_o word_n be_v pass_v hereon_o that_o whosoever_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v that_o interest_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v lose_v the_o day_n and_o find_v their_o cause_n desperate_a for_o the_o party_n with_o who_o they_o contend_v herein_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n against_o who_o no_o human_a power_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v these_o be_v but_o a_o few_o which_o be_v here_o mention_v of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o our_o god_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v still_o as_o present_v in_o our_o sight_n in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v and_o faint_v and_o here_o mention_v to_o lay_v no_o stress_n or_o weight_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o profession_n thereon_o but_o on_o the_o alone_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o they_o be_v such_o a_o undeniable_a seal_n for_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o of_o so_o know_v public_a and_o famous_a evidence_n as_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o consider_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n now_o then_o in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n thus_o appear_v herein_o section_n iii_o qu._n what_o present_a judgement_n be_v we_o call_v to_o have_v of_o this_o time_n upon_o clear_a and_o assure_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v under_o what_o aspect_n thereof_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v under_o when_o so_o great_a a_o crisis_n be_v this_o day_n as_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o very_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o its_o conflict_n whither_o as_o to_o life_n or_o death_n answ_n it_o be_v no_o present_a appearence_n of_o the_o time_n must_v direct_v our_o faith_n nor_o shall_v we_o either_o streath_v our_o fear_n or_o expectation_n of_o thing_n and_o event_n beyond_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n do_v warrant_n in_o his_o word_n but_o its_o clear_a if_o we_o credit_n the_o same_o and_o admit_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o hesitation_n or_o darkness_n as_o to_o what_o the_o lord_n be_v bring_v forth_o for_o his_o church_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o pretence_n to_o seek_v a_o other_o light_n either_o from_o the_o star_n above_o or_o the_o diviner_n of_o this_o time_n when_o so_o woeful_a a_o trade_n have_v get_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n will_v thus_o go_v to_o the_o god_n of_o ekron_n as_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o israel_n or_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o his_o write_a oracle_n to_o inquire_v at_o when_o its_o sure_a these_o lie_v open_a and_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sound_n speak_v to_o all_o who_o have_v a_o serious_a and_o unprejudged_a spirit_n i._o that_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v now_o pass_v and_o go_v through_o that_o most_o dismal_a and_o continue_a trial_n herein_o which_o be_v to_o go_v over_o her_o head_n under_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o height_n and_o whatever_o appearance_n he_o now_o have_v in_o great_a wrath_n yet_o be_v it_o sure_a and_o evident_a that_o the_o winter_n be_v past_a and_o the_o church_n spring_v begin_v and_o a_o few_o step_v further_a of_o that_o judgement_n which_o be_v now_o hasten_v on_o will_v at_o length_n end_v the_o quarrel_n so_o that_o by_o a_o near_a converse_n with_o the_o word_n we_o may_v clear_o see_v from_o what_o point_n the_o church_n course_n and_o motion_n this_o day_n lie_v and_o how_o exact_o it_o keep_v in_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o by_o that_o clear_a conduct_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o a_o full_a map_n of_o her_o whole_a course_n and_o passage_n through_o
time_n be_v clear_o show_v ii_o that_o we_o may_v now_o with_o some_o clear_a evidence_n judge_v and_o have_v our_o faith_n persuade_v hereof_o that_o the_o church_n interest_n be_v upon_o the_o rise_a hand_n and_o on_o a_o present_a advance_v though_o nothing_o will_v seem_v more_o contradictory_n than_o all_o visible_a ground_n now_o be_v since_o this_o can_v sail_v john_n 3_o 30._o that_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o earth_n must_v increase_v yea_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o clear_o point_v forth_o antichrist_n ruin_n and_o progress_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o douncasting_a with_o resemblance_n to_o that_o great_a judgement_n on_o pharaoh_n as_o a_o evident_a type_n hereof_o in_o the_o same_o judicial_a strock_n of_o induration_n on_o both_o and_o gradual_a progress_n herein_o by_o one_o plague_n after_o another_o until_o the_o last_o and_o great_a assault_n as_o be_v then_o at_o the_o red-sea_n have_v the_o same_o effect_n for_o a_o more_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o great_a step_n of_o judgement_n and_o victory_n over_o this_o adversary_n when_o not_o only_o the_o song_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o the_o lamb_n also_o shall_v be_v then_o sing_v rev._n 15_o 3._o as_o import_v something_o more_o glorious_a and_o a_o great_a brightness_n to_o be_v put_v on_o this_o illustrious_a act_n of_o divine_a judgement_n reserve_v to_o these_o last_o time_n when_o a_o more_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v see_v then_o in_o any_o former_a delivery_n of_o his_o church_n iii_o it_o be_v no_o conjectural_a thing_n but_o what_o by_o a_o clear_a scripture_n conduct_v we_o may_v see_v that_o this_o time_n of_o the_o church_n now_o under_o so_o notable_a a_o crisis_n in_o her_o case_n be_v evident_o fall_v under_o that_o remarkable_a assault_n and_o conflict_n with_o that_o adversary_n before_o the_o accomplish_n of_o that_o vial_n on_o his_o seat_n and_o throne_n as_o we_o may_v see_v revel_n 17_o 13_o 14._o that_o when_o so_o conspicuous_a a_o step_n of_o the_o church_n victory_n be_v near_o the_o opposition_n thereto_o also_o will_v be_v in_o some_o high_a degree_n proportionable_a to_o the_o same_o when_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o such_o who_o shall_v receive_v power_n as_o king_n one_o hour_n with_o the_o beast_n shall_v have_v one_o mind_n and_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n thereto_o and_o shall_v make_v war_n with_o the_o lamb_n but_o the_o lamb_n shall_v overcome_v they_o for_o he_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v it_o find_v through_o the_o scripture_n where_o any_o great_a thing_n the_o lord_n have_v do_v for_o his_o church_n but_o some_o unusual_a darkness_n and_o sore_a wrestle_n have_v still_o go_v before_o and_o shall_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o stagger_v to_o our_o faith_n whatever_o be_v of_o present_a fear_n to_o see_v so_o dismal_a a_o time_n of_o trial_n as_o now_o be_v and_o amaze_a height_n of_o trouble_n beyond_o what_o former_a time_n have_v know_v when_o one_o of_o the_o great_a event_n of_o providence_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o reveal_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n until_o his_o second_o come_v be_v assure_o near_a in_o the_o fall_n and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n iv_o we_o have_v clear_a ground_n also_o to_o judge_v that_o so_o great_a a_o eclipse_n as_o seem_v almost_o universal_o over_o the_o state_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v no_o go_v down_o of_o the_o sun_n thereon_o whatever_o do_v befall_v the_o most_o famous_a eastern_a church_n to_o a_o utter_a dissipation_n thereof_o if_o these_o different_a periode_n of_o time_n be_v just_o consider_v how_o their_o sunset_a do_v then_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o entry_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o with_o that_o long_a and_o dismal_a night_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v whilst_o now_o this_o hour_n of_o trial_n on_o the_o church_n do_v meet_v in_o that_o bless_a period_n of_o antichrist_n begin_v fall_v and_o of_o a_o grow_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o the_o scripture_n so_o clear_o warrant_n our_o faith_n herein_o that_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o plant_v and_o not_o cut_v of_o but_o to_o bring_v forward_o that_o interest_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o sound_n of_o which_o the_o mediator_n have_v so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n in_o these_o last_o time_n v._o it_o be_v sure_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o evening_n and_o extremity_n of_o time_n when_o the_o motion_n of_o providence_n may_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v more_o quick_a and_o speady_a as_o be_v so_o near_o the_o centre_n and_o to_o the_o last_o epocha_n and_o period_n of_o all_o prophetic_a chronology_n wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n shall_v most_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o and_o these_o scripture_n truth_n which_o be_v former_o dark_a &_o abstruse_a with_o that_o evidence_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o event_n as_o shall_v cause_v man_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o former_a thought_n and_o stumbling_n thereat_o and_o here_o i_o must_v say_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sight_n now_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o its_o complex_fw-la frame_n and_o state_n in_o so_o different_a a_o mould_n cast_v from_o any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n else_o and_o such_o a_o compound_n of_o a_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a monarchy_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v so_o solemn_a and_o undeniable_a a_o seal_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o its_o strange_a why_o this_o be_v not_o improven_v more_o against_o the_o atheism_n of_o this_o time_n that_o such_o a_o visible_a event_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o in_o be_v which_o be_v so_o clear_o fortolde_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1500._o year_n ago_o with_o its_o proper_a circumstance_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o antichristian_a state_n with_o its_o rise_n growth_n &_o duration_n as_o be_v to_o admiration_n still_o evident_a to_o the_o world_n when_o not_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o appearance_n of_o so_o strange_a future_a emergency_n be_v to_o be_v see_v or_o can_v have_v enter_v in_o man_n thought_n to_o show_v it_o only_o can_v be_v reveal_v to_o the_o church_n by_o he_o to_o who_o all_o his_o work_n be_v know_v from_o the_o beginning_n this_o i_o have_v look_v on_o as_o such_o a_o confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o no_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n can_v have_v more_o evidence_n for_o the_o same_o yea_o if_o such_o a_o party_n be_v not_o in_o be_v both_o what_o it_o now_o be_v and_o in_o former_a age_n have_v be_v it_o may_v in_o another_o manner_n stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o a_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o its_o most_o formidable_a appearance_n this_o day_n can_v do_v vi_o i_o shall_v but_o add_v here_o that_o we_o know_v and_o be_v sure_a the_o lord_n have_v reserve_v his_o great_a work_n to_o these_o latter_a day_n wherein_o his_o judgement_n shall_v be_v manifest_a and_o that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n before_o the_o close_a of_o time_n shall_v be_v conspicuous_a in_o the_o fall_n of_o antichrist_n on_o who_o ruin_n that_o glorious_a house_n which_o christ_n be_v yet_o to_o have_v for_o himself_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v be_v prepare_v and_o build_v up_o and_o though_o this_o great_a eclipse_n of_o antichristian_a darkness_n shall_v yet_o more_o prevail_v even_o over_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n and_o ireland_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o rome_n fatal_a period_n be_v near_o but_o to_o look_v hereon_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o vltimus_fw-la conatus_fw-la of_o that_o wound_a adversary_n which_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o issue_n to_o have_v the_o most_o immediate_a connexion_n with_o his_o great_a downfall_n and_o the_o revive_a glory_n of_o the_o church_n for_o strong_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n who_o judge_v she_o section_n iu._n qu._n what_o be_v special_o call_v for_o in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o as_o be_v accountable_a for_o so_o great_a a_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n answ_n if_o this_o be_v suitable_o take_v to_o heart_n we_o can_v not_o but_o reckon_v ourselves_o under_o the_o great_a excitment_n and_o call_v to_o such_o a_o improvement_n hereof_o i._o that_o we_o account_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o have_v a_o faith_n for_o quiet_v our_o own_o spirit_n but_o how_o to_o confirm_v other_o by_o put_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o the_o great_a assurance_n
of_o his_o word_n and_o to_o sanctify_v he_o before_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o important_a a_o duty_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a even_o with_o a_o moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o one_o short-coming_a when_o he_o call_v for_o the_o same_o numb_a 20_o 12._o and_o its_o sure_a in_o no_o time_n be_v such_o a_o special_a trust_n more_o repose_v thereon_o then_o in_o this_o age_n both_o as_o a_o public_a debt_n on_o the_o church_n &_o personal_a on_o each_o christian_a how_o to_o witness_v for_o the_o lord_n upon_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o for_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v by_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_v and_o testimony_n thereto_o ii_o to_o reckon_v ourselves_o also_o under_o some_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la call_v this_o day_n each_o in_o their_o present_a capacity_n and_o station_n how_o to_o appear_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o stem_v so_o visible_a and_o impetuous_a a_o tide_n as_o be_v now_o run_v of_o distrust_v and_o of_o a_o discreditable_a faint_a for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v never_o be_v the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o remarkable_o sist_v under_o such_o a_o trial_n as_o that_o wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n numb_a 14._o or_o have_v a_o more_o evident_a resemblance_n thereto_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n as_o in_o this_o day_n if_o they_o be_v serious_o ponder_v as_o i_o how_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o a_o false_a &_o evil_a report_n be_v too_o visible_o raise_v upon_o the_o bless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o discourage_v and_o faint_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n as_o be_v then_o by_o the_o spy_n that_o there_o be_v insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o anakim_v and_o of_o their_o wall_a city_n and_o do_v thus_o oppose_v the_o credit_n of_o sense_n to_o all_o these_o assurance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o their_o faith_n ii_o that_o this_o high_o dishonourable_a faint_a and_o distrust_n do_v so_o seize_v on_o that_o people_n as_o be_v like_a to_o resolve_v in_o a_o visible_a revolt_n and_o to_o cry_v for_o a_o leader_n to_o go_v back_o to_o egypt_n again_o which_o among_o too_o many_o in_o this_o time_n may_v be_v just_o fear_v iii_o that_o this_o be_v after_o such_o extraordinare_a confirmation_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n then_o who_o have_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a and_o outstretch_a hand_n so_o lat_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o from_o the_o iron_n furnace_n in_o egypt_n as_o render_v their_o misbelief_n to_o be_v a_o guilt_n under_o such_o aggravation_n as_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v in_o that_o manner_n plead_v vers_fw-la 22._o these_o ten_o time_n have_v they_o tempt_v i_o who_o have_v see_v my_o glory_n and_o my_o miracle_n which_o i_o do_v in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n iu._n but_o herein_o we_o hope_v and_o be_v confident_o sure_a of_o a_o bless_a disparity_n in_o this_o resemblance_n as_o to_o the_o numberousnesse_n of_o such_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o act_v something_o of_o that_o part_n which_o these_o heroic_a witness_n a_o caleb_n &_o joshua_n do_v &_o be_v then_o put_v to_o stand_v alone_o therein_o who_o through_o great_a shall_v yet_o appear_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o withstand_v so_o high_a a_o tide_n of_o fear_n discouragement_n and_o misbelief_n as_o be_v this_o day_n and_o thus_o to_o plead_v against_o the_o same_o as_o these_o do_v num._n 14_o 9_o if_o the_o lord_n delight_n in_o we_o then_o let_v we_o not_o rebel_v against_o he_o neither_o fear_v the_o great_a difficulty_n can_v be_v in_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n v._o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o precedent_n of_o providence_n of_o so_o singular_a a_o respect_n as_o the_o lord_n do_v then_o testify_v to_o his_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n who_o be_v of_o another_o spirit_n in_o follow_v he_o full_o in_o that_o day_n a_o continue_a assurance_n for_o all_o who_o shall_v be_v help_v to_o any_o honourable_a appearance_n of_o this_o kind_n by_o make_v they_o see_v and_o inherit_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n yea_o that_o such_o a_o residue_n who_o outlive_v this_o great_a and_o amaze_a storm_n shall_v have_v something_o of_o that_o testimony_n to_o bear_v also_o which_o caleb_n give_v josh._n 14_o 8_o 10._o my_o brethren_n which_o go_v up_o with_o i_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n faint_a but_o i_o full_o follow_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o now_o behold_v the_o lord_n have_v keep_v i_o alive_a etc._n etc._n o_o bless_v they_o who_o soul_n be_v raise_v with_o that_o holy_a zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o this_o great_a breach_n by_o a_o resolute_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o witness_v to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o such_o great_a and_o extraordinar_a confirmation_n give_v thertho_fw-la now_o call_v for_o iii_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a duty_n of_o this_o day_n we_o stand_v also_o accountable_a for_o how_o to_o stem_v this_o high_a and_o grow_a tide_n of_o prejudice_n and_o reproach_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o in_o some_o unusual_a way_n be_v now_o aloft_o and_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o gain_v some_o more_o awful_a regard_n hereof_o on_o man_n conscience_n that_o they_o may_v see_v something_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o maintain_v its_o conquest_n as_o no_o way_n else_o can_v possible_o claim_v i._n which_o reckon_v none_o else_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a professor_n hereof_o who_o embrace_v not_o the_o same_o upon_o evidence_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o worth_n nor_o do_v judge_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n to_o go_v by_o number_n and_o poll_n where_o this_o be_v want_v but_o to_o pursue_v that_o end_n to_o have_v man_n engage_v first_o to_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o therefore_o can_v admit_v no_o such_o method_n of_o any_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o humour_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n which_o its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v ii_o which_o in_o its_o course_n be_v ever_o regular_fw-la and_o certain_a according_a to_o that_o rule_n of_o a_o uncheangable_a and_o eternal_a truth_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o will_n of_o man_n herein_o or_o any_o mutable_a revolution_n of_o the_o time_n iii_o which_o do_v with_o the_o great_a lustre_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o bright_a light_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n yea_o by_o the_o further_a plainness_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n towards_o all_o commend_v itself_o so_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v it_o espouse_v not_o man_n affection_n before_o it_o gain_v on_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o have_v their_o judgement_n fix_v on_o a_o judicious_a trial_n before_o their_o resolution_n nor_o account_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n can_v ever_o subsist_v by_o a_o external_a show_n and_o profession_n without_o be_v know_v evidence_n and_o the_o efficacy_n thereof_o on_o man_n soul_n iv_o which_o sincere_o follow_v the_o catholic_n interest_n of_o christianity_n and_o public_a good_a of_o mankind_n in_o promot_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o the_o world_n may_v see_v its_o high_a intent_n be_v to_o exalt_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o advance_v the_o simplicity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o gospel_n administration_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v rule_n amongh_v man_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o near_o conceirn_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n and_o one_fw-mi inward_a life_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n v._n which_o plead_v a_o impartial_a trial_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n whither_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o profession_n or_o of_o popery_n give_v the_o great_a security_n to_o civil_a government_n &_o find_v the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o magistracy_n and_o to_o all_o civil_a and_o moral_a duty_n by_o which_o the_o awe_n and_o venerable_a esteem_n of_o religion_n be_v keep_v up_o in_o a_o nation_n it_o be_v high_a time_n that_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v implicit_a upon_o this_o great_a interest_n they_o have_v within_o time_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o a_o deceit_n or_o mistake_n here_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a conceirn_fw-mi upon_o which_o account_n without_o respect_n to_o interest_n party_n or_o education_n i_o have_v this_o day_n seek_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o what_o adversary_n can_v possible_o pretend_v to_o reproach_n or_o prejudge_v any_o at_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o can_v only_o amount_v to_o charge_v man_n corruption_n and_o offence_n in_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o
be_v now_o call_v to_o and_o accountable_a for_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o who_o be_v under_o so_o great_a a_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o same_o pag._n 99_o finis_fw-la a_o idea_n of_o the_o confirm_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o dismal_a and_o shake_a time_n though_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o christian_n establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o alike_o to_o all_o but_o must_v have_v respect_n to_o the_o different_a trial_n talon_n &_o improvement_n of_o such_o for_o this_o end_n yet_o may_v it_o be_v cause_n of_o astonishment_n how_o rare_a any_o study_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v now_o to_o be_v sound_n when_o it_o be_v not_o only_a one_o of_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o christianity_n but_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n call_v for_o as_o the_o work_n of_o this_o day_n yea_o that_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o seem_v least_a improven_v of_o any_o 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convoyance_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o needs_o no_o pawn_v of_o a_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o but_o he_o know_v here_o that_o no_o sharpness_n of_o man_n natural_a understanding_n about_o the_o truth_n can_v ever_o attain_v a_o true_a rest_n and_o settlement_n of_o mind_n therein_o without_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a spirit_n stoop_v down_o before_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o enter_v as_o little_a child_n into_o his_o school_n yea_o that_o by_o humble_a practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v one_fw-mi undoubted_a come_n up_o to_o the_o great_a assurance_n and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o same_o as_o joh._n 7_o 17._o 4._o he_o know_v that_o as_o nothing_o tend_v more_o to_o shake_v man_n spirit_n and_o stagger_v they_o about_o the_o truth_n than_o a_o light_n and_o transient_a view_n hereof_o so_o do_v the_o great_a establishment_n follow_v on_o the_o near_a approach_n by_o a_o 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to_o part_v with_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n of_o sense_n upon_o the_o alone_a credit_n of_o their_o faith_n yea_o where_o they_o must_v enter_v in_o that_o profession_n on_o no_o other_o term_n then_o to_o be_v martyr_n for_o the_o same_o and_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n so_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o see_v a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o great_a riddle_n and_o wonder_v of_o any_o sight_n within_o time_n but_o when_o such_o come_v more_o close_a and_o near_o upon_o this_o trial_n and_o have_v once_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o greatness_n of_o that_o security_n which_o these_o have_v to_o adventure_v on_o yea_o what_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o the_o sure_a spring_n of_o their_o supply_n for_o their_o work_n and_o trial_n within_o time_n then_o will_v this_o second_o wonder_n unspeakable_o exceed_v the_o first_o how_o its_o possible_a that_o such_o be_v not_o of_o a_o more_o 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hear_v nor_o have_v our_o father_n faithful_o transmitt_v to_o we_o the_o wondrous_a work_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v in_o their_o time_n 3._o he_o be_v thus_o also_o teach_v to_o see_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o demonstrative_a cause_n of_o the_o most_o strange_a judgement_n on_o the_o church_n to_o be_v as_o clear_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o event_n and_o though_o the_o holy_a god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a be_v not_o alike_o quick_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o word_n yet_o do_v he_o ever_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o most_o opportune_a season_n and_o as_o judgement_n defer_v be_v no_o acquittance_n so_o do_v it_o more_o threaten_v its_o be_v the_o great_a when_o it_o come_v than_o a_o quick_a and_o present_a dispatch_n yea_o though_o this_o tempest_n which_o now_o blow_v on_o the_o chruche_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o the_o darkness_n be_v such_o as_o no_o moon_n or_o star_n may_v for_o many_o day_n yet_o appear_v of_o any_o visible_a sign_n of_o hope_n yet_o be_v his_o soul_n thus_o at_o rest_n whilst_o he_o can_v see_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n clear_v on_o which_o he_o have_v more_o in_o dependence_n then_o any_o adventure_n within_o time_n and_o do_v rejoice_v whatever_o miscarry_v may_v be_v of_o inferior_a end_n that_o this_o great_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v secure_v herein_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n do_v shine_v forth_o in_o the_o most_o strange_a and_o amaze_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n whereat_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v when_o they_o do_v not_o wise_o consider_v the_o same_o 4._o he_o see_v now_o likewise_o so_o high_a a_o value_n which_o the_o lord_n put_v on_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n and_o that_o the_o great_a dispensation_n whereby_o he_o deal_v with_o 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faith_n be_v both_o seek_v and_o look_v after_o 5._o it_o be_v in_o this_o rare_a study_n he_o attain_v also_o the_o great_a confirmation_n to_o his_o faith_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v desire_v within_o time_n to_o see_v now_o when_o it_o be_v so_o near_a the_o close_a thereof_o and_o after_o all_o the_o revolution_n of_o time_n past_a how_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n have_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o strength_n still_o keep_v its_o way_n straight_o and_o fix_v amid_o all_o these_o dark_a cloud_n which_o have_v be_v to_o darken_v the_o same_o and_o be_v now_o go_v its_o course_n until_o it_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a day_n yea_o thus_o to_o see_v how_o signal_o this_o present_a age_n be_v sist_v upon_o that_o same_o appeal_n and_o solemn_a testimony_n which_o as_o josua_n give_v josh._n 23_o 14._o that_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n speak_v concern_v you_o all_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v to_o you_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n have_v fail_v thereof_o and_o solomon_n do_v bear_v also_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n 1_o king_n 8_o v._n 56._o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v give_v rest_n unto_o his_o people_n israel_n according_a to_o all_o that_o he_o promise_v there_o have_v not_o fail_v one_o word_n of_o all_o his_o good_a promise_n which_o he_o promise_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n so_o be_v this_o now_o that_o great_a testimony_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o the_o high_a tribute_n of_o praise_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v give_v by_o man_n that_o this_o present_a generation_n stand_v accountable_a to_o make_v the_o same_o yea_o much_o great_a appeal_n to_o the_o world_n if_o they_o can_v instance_n one_o promise_n or_o prediction_n of_o that_o sacred_a record_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o fail_v or_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o may_v be_v this_o 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be_v thus_o also_o state_v as_o one_o who_o have_v not_o only_o attain_v a_o solid_a rest_n and_o settlment_n of_o mind_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o do_v know_v the_o pure_a genuine_a truth_n of_o christianity_n amid_o such_o high_a opposition_n betwixt_o the_o romish_a and_o reform_a church_n herein_o and_o in_o the_o 1_o place_n have_v in_o this_o manner_n sist_v himself_o upon_o such_o a_o trial_n i_o as_o one_o who_o know_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o save_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n to_o which_o god_n have_v annex_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o can_v never_o be_v divide_v against_o itself_o 2._o who_o know_v that_o within_o a_o little_a his_o religion_n will_v be_v try_v in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n where_o each_o must_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n 3._o as_o such_o who_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a indifference_n in_o the_o exterior_a profession_n of_o either_o way_n but_o that_o so_o high_a a_o contrariety_n of_o principle_n be_v in_o this_o opposition_n that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v sure_a antichristianisme_n must_v be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n 4._o yea_o who_o have_v in_o that_o abstract_n manner_n seek_v to_o state_n the_o case_n herein_o with_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o be_v come_v out_o of_o paganism_n to_o give_v a_o serious_a assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o thus_o press_v to_o join_v in_o with_o that_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v most_o exact_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o in_o the_o genuine_a and_o perspicuous_a sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o have_v seek_v to_o know_v how_o he_o can_v embrace_v the_o popish_a creed_n and_o adventure_v his_o eternal_a state_n thereon_o or_o can_v extinguish_v his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n 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now_o on_o foot_n also_o against_o the_o truth_n yet_o he_o can_v but_o see_v how_o nothing_o can_v more_o effectual_o tend_v to_o confirm_v the_o protestant_n cause_n and_o take_v the_o credit_n of_o popery_n off_o the_o conscience_n of_o these_o in_o their_o own_o profession_n who_o be_v considerate_a and_o in_o the_o least_o serious_a herein_o when_o the_o world_n must_v thus_o see_v 1_o how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o such_o to_o take_v any_o measure_n and_o latitude_n in_o the_o doctrinal_n of_o their_o profession_n when_o this_o can_v most_o serve_v the_o juncture_n of_o such_o a_o time_n and_o heighten_v or_o narrow_a the_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o reform_a church_n at_o their_o pleasure_n so_o as_o to_o sacrifice_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n unto_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n if_o no_o less_o can_v secure_v that_o end_n 2._o that_o the_o most_o horrid_a turkish_a slavery_n over_o man_n body_n come_v no_o such_o length_n as_o that_o strange_a claim_n that_o these_o now_o make_v of_o a_o absolute_a impire_n over_o man_n conscience_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o such_o a_o tribute_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o they_o shall_v then_o be_v secure_a if_o they_o but_o come_v the_o length_n to_o sin_n against_o their_o light_n and_o adventure_v on_o so_o small_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o go_v to_o hell_n and_o perish_v eternal_o since_o its_o a_o external_a and_o simulate_v profession_n of_o such_o a_o way_n they_o do_v thus_o enforce_v from_o these_o who_o they_o see_v can_v in_o faith_n be_v persuade_v hereof_o 3._o yea_o it_o have_v be_v too_o visible_a how_o much_o that_o master-plot_n and_o engine_n have_v in_o these_o time_n be_v work_v to_o take_v man_n first_o off_o all_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o destroy_v they_o in_o the_o moral_n of_o christianity_n to_o make_v this_o conquest_n more_o easy_a that_o such_o may_v have_v no_o inward_a defence_n and_o support_v against_o the_o terror_n of_o human_a violence_n yea_o in_o this_o way_n when_o they_o have_v seek_v how_o to_o divide_v protestant_n among_o themselves_o and_o betwixt_o ruler_n and_o they_o this_o seam_n the_o last_o and_o great_a engine_n of_o all_o how_o to_o divide_v betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o god_n and_o act_v the_o same_o plot_n which_o be_v lay_v betwixt_o balack_n and_o balaam_n as_o know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o naked_a show_n or_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n they_o nead_v fear_n so_o much_o as_o that_o old_a protestant_n spirit_n in_o the_o power_n &_o life_n thereof_o before_o which_o their_o interest_n can_v never_o stand_v and_o dread_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o revive_n hereof_o which_o as_o the_o hand-writing_n upon_o the_o wall_n do_v ever_o more_o threaten_v the_o fatal_a ruin_n of_o that_o kingdom_n than_o any_o human_a power_n or_o strength_n 6._o here_o also_o he_o find_v just_a cause_n of_o astonishment_n how_o king_n or_o great_a man_n in_o the_o earth_n shall_v give_v their_o power_n to_o 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to_o flee_v to_o such_o for_o help_v or_o by_o who_o he_o be_v kill_v and_o that_o heroic_a prince_n henry_n the_o 4._o be_v first_o stob_v in_o the_o mouth_n and_o then_o in_o the_o heart_n yea_o that_o the_o public_a record_n of_o that_o nation_n can_v possible_o deny_v how_o the_o house_n of_o bourbon_n owe_v its_o power_n and_o preservation_n more_o to_o the_o protestant_n without_o who_o it_o have_v be_v full_o extinct_a than_o ahaswerus_n do_v to_o mordecai_n the_o jew_n for_o what_o he_o find_v write_v in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o persia_n when_o the_o decree_n be_v then_o past_a to_o destroy_v all_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o jew_n 7._o as_o in_o no_o time_n past_a be_v ever_o a_o great_a expectation_n than_o be_v now_o which_o way_n the_o scale_n will_v turn_v and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o wonder_n when_o the_o near_a event_n of_o providence_n be_v so_o dark_a and_o amaze_a so_o do_v he_o find_v this_o in_o some_o eztraordinare_a way_n call_v for_o to_o be_v still_o and_o see_v what_o god_n will_v do_v for_o his_o church_n and_o with_o humble_a confidence_n look_v for_o some_o dispensation_n as_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v in_o this_o extreme_a exigence_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o that_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o in_o former_a time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o way_n more_o signal_o glorious_a beyond_o what_o have_v former_o be_v yea_o do_v in_o faith_n thus_o judge_n that_o then_o be_v the_o church_n day_n break_v and_o have_v find_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o her_o strength_n and_o right_a lithe_a of_o duty_n when_o her_o hope_n and_o confidence_n be_v take_v of_o all_o visible_a refuge_n and_o entire_o settle_v on_o her_o invisible_a head_n and_o his_o promise_n put_v to_o suit_n by_o prayer_n without_o faint_v herein_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o truth_n &_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n stand_v engage_v for_o antichrist_n fall_v as_o well_o as_o for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o since_o he_o have_v say_v this_o adversary_n shall_v be_v break_v and_o bring_v down_o it_o must_v sure_o be_v though_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o ground_n shall_v rise_v for_o this_o end_n and_o now_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n call_v for_o become_v the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o assurance_n on_o which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n of_o the_o elect_a angel_n yea_o of_o the_o glorious_a god_n to_o see_v who_o do_v indeed_o credit_v he_o in_o this_o day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a support_n herein_o and_o though_o it_o be_v now_o like_a to_o shake_v sore_o the_o departure_n of_o many_o from_o the_o faith_n who_o have_v some_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o yet_o may_v it_o be_v hope_v for_o that_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o next_o tide_n shall_v bring_v in_o more_o with_o a_o solid_a and_o true_a increase_n to_o the_o church_n than_o these_o sad_a day_n do_v now_o take_v off_o carat_n vi_o it_o be_v thus_o a_o confirm_a christian_n shall_v be_v special_o consider_v as_o one_o who_o be_v not_o only_o at_o rest_n on_o the_o know_a certainty_n of_o he_o say_v but_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v some_o account_n of_o the_o solid_a rational_a ground_n and_o demonstration_n hereof_o unto_o all_o who_o ask_v after_o the_o same_o and_o do_v thus_o judge_n 1_o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o appoint_a mean_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v afford_v for_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o man_n faith_n within_o time_n yea_o preferable_a to_o any_o external_a miracle_n which_o be_v more_o extraordinare_a and_o remott_a assistance_n thereto_o 2._o that_o these_o be_v give_v as_o so_o great_a a_o helper_n to_o his_o joy_n and_o excitment_n of_o his_o affection_n to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o as_o make_v he_o wonder_v how_o the_o greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o man_n be_v call_v to_o believe_v can_v come_v near_o their_o thought_n and_o yet_o not_o more_o take_v up_o about_o this_o confirm_a work_n 3._o that_o the_o too_o visible_a neglect_n hereof_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o youth_n and_o community_n of_o professor_n in_o the_o church_n seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a and_o fundamental_a defect_n of_o this_o day_n the_o reason_n hereof_o with_o some_o clear_a view_n of_o these_o mean_n which_o may_v most_o answer_v such_o a_o end_n be_v brief_o offer_v in_o this_o precede_a work_n carat_n vii_o à _z true_o confirm_v christian_n may_v in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v herein_o also_o consider_v as_o such_o who_o faith_n be_v oft_o try_v through_o all_o these_o stage_n of_o christianity_n he_o have_v be_v take_v have_v some_o proper_a record_n of_o the_o most_o choice_n and_o signal_n confirmation_n of_o his_o life_n to_o improve_v the_o same_o not_o only_o for_o his_o own_o support_n in_o that_o last_o warfare_n of_o death_n
but_o for_o strenthn_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o wherein_o he_o do_v thus_o judge_n 1_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a support_n or_o relief_n from_o religion_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n if_o it_o can_v bear_v out_o then_o and_o that_o death_n be_v the_o great_a touchstone_n and_o trial_n when_o the_o true_a value_n and_o difference_n betwixt_o thing_n of_o a_o eternal_a truth_n and_o substance_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v be_v best_a see_v 2._o he_o reckon_v each_o real_a christian_a by_o his_o profession_n then_o sist_v and_o accountable_a even_o by_o some_o explicit_a personal_a testimony_n to_o put_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a and_o bear_v the_o same_o witness_n with_o his_o last_o and_o die_a breath_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o he_o give_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o of_o that_o joy_n complacence_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v find_v and_o now_o have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o press_v the_o same_o on_o his_o dear_a relation_n as_o their_o alone_a true_a interest_n 3._o he_o see_v also_o how_o honourable_a it_o be_v for_o the_o lord_n that_o such_o who_o faith_n have_v be_v oft_o try_v and_o when_o thus_o with_o joy_n and_o admiration_n he_o can_v look_v back_o on_o the_o most_o press_a and_o conspicuous_a conflict_n of_o time_n shall_v have_v it_o their_o last_o work_n to_o pay_v in_o some_o tribute_n of_o praise_n unto_o he_o who_o word_n &_o promise_n unto_o they_o do_v yet_o never_o fail_v 4._o he_o account_v the_o more_o weighty_a trial_n he_o have_v be_v carry_v through_o in_o his_o christian_a warfare_n do_v both_o give_v more_o access_n to_o this_o service_n and_o add_v more_o to_o the_o value_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n 5._o he_o judge_v this_o one_o special_a way_n and_o advantage_n whereby_o one_o generation_n may_v declare_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o other_o in_o a_o family_n line_n and_o relation_n to_o show_v forth_o thus_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v upright_o that_o he_o be_v their_o rock_n and_o with_o he_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n yea_o which_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o unspeakable_a joy_n when_o now_o in_o his_o turn_n he_o can_v say_v that_o such_o have_v the_o lord_n be_v to_o he_o what_o be_v david_n die_a word_n 1_o king_n 1_o 14._o who_o have_v deliver_v my_o soul_n out_o of_o all_o distress_n how_o that_o in_o no_o trouble_n or_o exigence_n of_o his_o life_n he_o be_v ever_o leave_v without_o a_o door_n of_o outgate_n and_o thus_o also_o with_o caleb_n josh._n 14_o 10._o to_o give_v in_o some_o such_o witness_n for_o god_n i_o be_o now_o near_o the_o close_a of_o time_n and_o do_v testify_v that_o the_o word_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o promise_v he_o have_v sure_o accomplish_v which_o have_v bring_v i_o safe_a and_o honourable_o through_o when_o such_o as_o do_v dicredit_v the_o same_o by_o misbelief_n and_o seek_v after_o another_o refuge_n find_v all_o their_o confidence_n fail_v 6._o and_o know_v likeways_o how_o great_a a_o suprizall_n death_n may_v be_v and_o that_o such_o as_o have_v shine_v in_o their_o day_n may_v yet_o fetch_v under_o a_o cloud_n and_o go_v silent_a off_o the_o stage_n he_o judge_v it_o the_o more_o needful_a to_o have_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o his_o die_a work_n prepare_v as_o one_o of_o the_o choice_a legacy_n he_o can_v bequeath_v to_o his_o survive_a friend_n in_o a_o season_n when_o it_o have_v usual_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o weight_n and_o acceptance_n it_o be_v still_o qualify_v with_o christian_a prudence_n and_o humble_a sobriety_n so_o as_o all_o may_v see_v its_o whole_a intent_n be_v to_o commend_v to_o man_n conscience_n the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o not_o themselves_o and_o thus_o only_o direct_v for_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o near_a relation_n i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v strange_a to_o some_o what_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o head_n but_o as_o its_o sure_a the_o present_a day_n have_v its_o duty_n and_o each_o time_n of_o our_o life_n have_v some_o proper_a work_n so_o i_o humble_o judge_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o fall_v in_o as_o the_o last_o service_n of_o a_o die_a christian_a to_o his_o generation_n to_o deliver_v of_o his_o hand_n the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o have_v oft_o prove_v with_o his_o confirmatory_n seal_v and_o testimony_n thereto_o and_o now_o in_o some_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la way_n call_v for_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o great_a darkness_n when_o if_o that_o security_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n stand_v not_o good_a to_o the_o church_n we_o may_v fear_v religion_n may_v quick_o wear_v out_o and_o truth_n perish_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o so_o solemn_a and_o weighty_a a_o thing_n shall_v be_v manage_v with_o much_o humble_a prudence_n so_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v that_o no_o serious_a and_o observe_v christian_n but_o have_v some_o peculiare_a ingadgment_n under_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o sist_v even_o beyond_o other_o yea_o some_o such_o singular_a confirmation_n in_o the_o journal_n of_o their_o life_n that_o shall_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o hide_v under_o the_o ground_n where_o the_o strenthn_n of_o other_o hereby_o be_v conceirn_v and_o that_o such_o shall_v not_o then_o leave_v the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n at_o a_o loss_n or_o part_v therewith_o without_o their_o testimony_n which_o have_v leave_v they_o at_o so_o great_a a_o advantage_n and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o offer_v particular_a rule_n in_o such_o a_o duty_n but_o that_o christian_a wisdom_n must_v direct_v herein_o as_o the_o present_a case_n be_v circumstantiate_a yet_o may_v it_o be_v hope_v be_v this_o more_o take_v to_o heart_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o singular_a mean_n to_o put_v a_o more_o deep_a impression_n of_o man_n die_a work_n on_o their_o own_o spirit_n even_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o health_n to_o excite_v their_o survive_a friend_n and_o to_o 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