Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v faith_n word_n 14,132 5 4.8692 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39768 The true settlement of a Christians faith,bafter shaking assaults, by its own evidence; and by the internal sealing work of the spirit; pointed at, in some special inquiries thereon in a letter to a friend. With some serious reflections on the present times we are in, and those great vicissitudes of providence, wihch have been in the publick state of Britain in this last age, in a II. letter. By a minister of the Ghospel [sic]. Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694. 1692 (1692) Wing F1277A; ESTC R215628 111,123 216

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the_o same_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a these_o let_n and_o stumble_a block_n where_o the_o great_a hazard_n may_v be_v of_o offence_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v much_o preparatory_a also_o for_o a_o high_a service_n &_o a_o more_o unite_v appear_v for_o god_n herein_o and_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o most_o hazardous_a part_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o day_n in_o behalf_n of_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o testimony_n as_o the_o alone_a ground_n on_o which_o the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n must_v found_v since_o this_o be_v the_o very_a same_o inconvertible_a term_n to_o give_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o godhead_n and_o that_o tribute_n which_o be_v most_o inviolable_o sacred_a and_o essential_a to_o he_o it_o will_v seem_v almost_o incredible_a that_o fuch_n one_fw-mi hour_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n shall_v fall_v in_o with_o the_o grow_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o strange_a prevalence_n of_o a_o way_n which_o be_v to_o commensurat_fw-la the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o our_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v humane_a reason_n though_o corrupt_a finite_a and_o limit_v to_o be_v the_o alone_a judge_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n of_o divine_a thing_n when_o the_o high_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v prima_fw-la veritas_fw-la without_o which_o reason_n hathno_o principle_n to_o reston_n &_o no_o standard_n else_o be_v this_o that_o where_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o revealer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v his_o testimony_n it_o must_v then_o be_v as_o infallible_o true_a as_o it_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v god_n since_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a to_o find_v ever_o another_o foundation_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n but_o this_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o time_n of_o great_a expectation_n as_o to_o a_o near_a approach_n 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reason_n which_o have_v no_o firm_a or_o infallible_a ground_n to_o settle_v on_o beside_o itself_o and_o whilst_o they_o can_v make_v the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o as_o considerate_a and_o know_v as_o themselves_o meet_v with_o they_o the_o result_n thereof_o be_v to_o put_v a_o judicial_a madness_n in_o the_o room_n of_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o conceive_v a_o create_v &_o dependent_a god_n to_o give_v divine_a homage_n to_o and_o that_o at_o once_o he_o shall_v be_v both_o a_o god_n and_o a_o creature_n and_o adore_v a_o comprehensible_a object_n with_o divine_a worship_n yea_o this_o way_n without_o a_o contradiction_n to_o themselves_o they_o can_v give_v no_o faith_n to_o the_o creation_n as_o be_v bring_v pure_o out_o of_o nothing_o or_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o whole_o incomprehensible_a to_o reason_n they_o must_v deride_v israëls_n passage_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n or_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o on_o josua_n call_n to_o verify_v that_o rom._n 1_o 21_o because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n thence_o be_v such_o one_fw-mi amasing_a stroke_n thus_o inflict_v on_o their_o reason_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o in_o the_o poëtick_a fiction_n of_o phaethon_n that_o when_o he_o seek_v to_o guide_v the_o chariot_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o a_o time_n he_o be_v like_a to_o burn_v the_o earth_n until_o he_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o thunderbolt_n from_o heaven_n so_o have_v this_o party_n try_v how_o to_o manage_v reason_n as_o the_o supreme_a director_n and_o judge_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a as_o they_o have_v go_v near_o to_o destroy_v both_o reason_n and_o religion_n at_o once_o but_o though_o the_o strong_a rational_a argument_n with_o such_o
the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n how_o this_o way_n the_o lord_n do_v put_v the_o high_a honour_n on_o man_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o passive_a valour_n of_o christianity_n yea_o thus_o put_v the_o most_o distinguish_a mark_n of_o respect_n on_o his_o choice_a favourite_n but_o there_o be_v a_o vi_o inquiry_n i_o must_v further_o direct_v you_o to_o without_o which_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v true_o effectual_a on_o your_o soul_n which_o be_v on_o that_o wonderful_a part_n of_o christianity_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n and_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o subject_a make_v it_o more_o difficult_a to_o speak_v hereon_o now_o in_o a_o short_a epistolary_a discourse_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o be_v possible_a only_o to_o point_v at_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o more_o clear_a and_o solid_a impression_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o make_v way_n for_o your_o own_o search_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o same_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v they_o be_v thing_n which_o have_v not_o be_v take_v on_o report_n or_o have_v find_v it_o easy_a to_o be_v satisfy_v herein_o as_o to_o a_o full_a acquiescence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o assurance_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v to_o a_o few_o special_a end_n i_o will_v refer_v your_o serious_a improvement_n of_o this_o great_a inquiry_n 1._o for_o this_o end_n that_o a_o clear_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o spiritual_a experience_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n may_v be_v more_o deap_o settle_v on_o your_o spirit_n and_o how_o in_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v direct_v his_o sacred_a truth_n unto_o man_n not_o only_o for_o trust_v but_o for_o trial_n which_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o that_o nature_n &_o state_v on_o so_o great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o the_o whole_a vital_a part_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o strange_a and_o dark_a thing_n until_o you_o be_v once_o enter_v hereon_o they_o be_v bless_v who_o beeleve_v and_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v what_o relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n above_o but_o they_o can_v never_o be_v blessed_v who_o do_v not_o see_v as_o well_o as_o believe_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o life_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o grace_n within_o time_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n 2._o it_o be_v here_o must_v be_v understand_v the_o first_o acquaintance_n of_o man_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v one_fw-mi acquaintance_n of_o that_o concern_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v over_o the_o weight_n of_o his_o people_n spiritual_a joy_n refreshment_n and_o support_v whilst_o they_o be_v within_o time_n on_o the_o same_o and_o be_v the_o first_o entry_n on_o converse_n with_o spirit_n and_o with_o god_n the_o father_n of_o spirit_n which_o shall_v be_v eternal_a 3._o it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o distinct_a evidence_n from_o any_o moral_a influence_n by_o the_o word_n or_o light_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o no_o humane_a power_n or_o angel_n can_v impart_v but_o god_n have_v reserve_v only_o to_o himself_o who_o can_v only_o make_v his_o own_o love_n know_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o no_o report_n or_o testimony_n of_o man_n can_v do_v 4._o it_o be_v hereby_o christian_n enter_v on_o possession_n in_o some_o degree_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o these_o great_a thing_n promise_v as_o a_o earnest_n in_o hand_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o rest_n shall_v not_o faill_n though_o it_o add_v no_o security_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o for_o a_o more_o abound_a assurance_n to_o such_o who_o receive_v the_o same_o 5._o though_o here_o be_v a_o common_a and_o joint_a interest_n among_o christian_n yet_o must_v each_o have_v his_o proper_a and_o distin●l_a part_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n which_o be_v his_o peculiar_a interest_n and_o talon_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a nothing_o do_v more_o work_n on_o man_n soul_n and_o afford_v more_o sweet_a thought_n then_o what_o this_o way_n be_v make_v there_o own_o to_o know_v in_o themselves_o the_o internal_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n thereof_o and_o to_o know_v what_o great_a thing_n have_v pass_v between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o remarkable_a time_n have_v go_v over_o they_o and_o special_a remarke_n herein_o of_o divine_a conduct_n and_o his_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n 6._o it_o be_v of_o that_o kind_n as_o none_o possible_o can_v take_v on_o trust_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o or_o will_v satisfy_v without_o personal_a trial_n though_o this_o be_v more_o know_v to_o such_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_a hebr._n 5_o 14._o 7._o but_o whatever_o singular_a use_n be_v hereby_o to_o the_o support_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o the_o ground_n thereof_o since_o these_o be_v only_o what_o god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o work_n though_o they_o be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n who_o have_v begin_v late_a to_o observe_v the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a the_o great_a talon_n which_o be_v by_o inward_a observation_n and_o experiment_n which_o have_v be_v most_o deep_o affect_v in_o the_o present_a time_n do_v not_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o may_o as_o a_o dead_a stock_n upon_o a_o christian_n hand_n without_o fresh_a and_o immediate_a supply_n yet_o be_v they_o still_o the_o same_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o do_v ever_o evidence_n how_o far_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o a_o spiritual_a estate_n do_v exceed_v the_o great_a enjoiment_n of_o nature_n 8._o this_o also_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o inward_a sense_n 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of_o man_n &_o the_o whole_a successive_a race_n of_o mankind_n each_o in_o their_o order_n with_o that_o full_a evidence_n of_o the_o holy_a righteousness_n of_o the_o judge_n herein_o as_o shall_v irresistable_o constrain_v their_o conscience_n to_o bear_v witness_n thereto_o 8._o yea_o what_o a_o concern_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n lie_v here_o of_o that_o eternal_a separation_n and_o part_n which_o will_v then_o follow_v betwixt_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_a world_n with_o that_o dreadful_a dimission_n to_o these_o infernal_a region_n and_o with_o this_o sight_n to_o see_v sin_n which_o make_v its_o first_o entry_n in_o heaven_n among_o the_o angel_n and_o have_v since_o so_o much_o overspread_v the_o earth_n now_o for_o ever_o shut_v up_o in_o hell_n both_o sin_n and_o sinner_n together_o never_o more_o to_o look_v out_o at_o the_o grate_n of_o these_o prison_n but_o ii_o there_o be_v another_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o subject_a which_o have_v be_v to_o i_o 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thus_o as_o the_o most_o of_o christian_n be_v with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n so_o as_o i_o can_v possible_o credit_v you_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o your_o own_o profession_n and_o herein_o can_v any_o exerce_fw-la reason_n and_o not_o see_v the_o faith_n of_o christianity_n be_v another_o thing_n then_o most_o this_o day_n do_v ever_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v and_o a_o much_o high_a attainment_n than_o a_o christian_n particular_a interest_n herein_o for_o where_o the_o first_o be_v assure_o attain_v it_o may_v seem_v not_o possible_a but_o the_o other_o must_v follow_v that_o man_n great_a business_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v to_o have_v a_o sure_a evidence_n for_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v ripen_v for_o so_o great_a a_o change_n i_o have_v know_v some_o who_o trial_n and_o conflict_n in_o their_o warefare_n have_v be_v extraordinare_a and_o strange_a who_o have_v profess_v their_o high_a releaf_n still_o lie_v herein_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o divine_a truth_n more_o than_o as_o to_o any_o particular_a promise_n make_v applicable_a to_o such_o a_o case_n and_o will_v have_v seek_v no_o more_o to_o carry_v their_o spirit_n above_o the_o present_a temptation_n that_o occur_v though_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_a or_o to_o be_v at_o rest_n as_o to_o all_o temporal_a event_n but_o a_o more_o full_a strenthn_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o their_o redeemer_n do_v live_v since_o than_o they_o be_v in_o sure_a term_n as_o to_o their_o security_n for_o whatever_o he_o have_v promise_v iii_o but_o i_o must_v add_v yet_o one_o thing_n further_o which_o seem_v indeed_o a_o prodigy_n proper_a to_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o that_o it_o be_v become_v so_o hard_a a_o work_n to_o bring_v man_n live_v in_o the_o day_n light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o serious_a believe_v the_o truth_n and_o existence_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o of_o their_o commerce_n and_o traffic_v with_o this_o visible_a world_n or_o to_o bring_v such_o who_o seem_v 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such_o a_o party_n can_v have_v no_o help_n or_o support_v from_o faith_n and_o reason_n herein_o and_o yet_o find_v the_o assure_a truth_n and_o be_v of_o devil_n and_o of_o their_o communion_n and_o warefare_n with_o man_n do_v mar_v any_o possible_a defence_n or_o design_n for_o atheism_n and_o a_o take_n off_o the_o terror_n of_o one_fw-mi infernal_a state_n off_o their_o soul_n they_o must_v therefore_o move_v to_o another_o airth_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o come_v under_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n to_o warrant_v the_o same_o for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v sure_a work_n at_o once_o against_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n on_o any_o way_n of_o conviction_n thence_o thus_o they_o keep_v a_o distance_n with_o the_o be_v of_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v some_o dark_a and_o abstract_a notion_n because_o it_o come_v not_o under_o their_o sense_n they_o can_v live_v at_o quiet_a and_o 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and_o that_o all_o inward_a temptation_n or_o assault_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o operate_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v but_o a_o deplorable_a fascination_n and_o bewitchment_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v so_o long_o under_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v there_o be_v little_a need_n for_o such_o a_o work_n to_o take_v this_o generation_n we_o be_v now_o in_o off_o all_o watch_n and_o guard_n against_o these_o destroy_a adversary_n and_o to_o render_v they_o more_o secure_a herein_o than_o they_o seem_v already_o to_o be_v and_o that_o this_o confidence_n must_v have_v some_o strange_a rise_n to_o go_v forth_o not_o only_o in_o the_o most_o direct_a opposition_n to_o sacred_a truth_n but_o to_o the_o universal_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n except_o he_o hope_v to_o find_v a_o numerous_a party_n who_o
never_o have_v enter_v on_o man_n thought_n if_o it_o be_v not_o pure_o a_o divine_a revelation_n none_o will_v offer_v to_o question_n and_o that_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o same_o in_o all_o time_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o less_o tendency_n to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n than_o it_o have_v to_o confirm_v a_o christian_n state_n but_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o your_o acquaintance_n herewith_o be_v bejond_v many_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o such_o high_a concern_n so_o far_o as_o i_o have_v attain_v i_o will_v offer_v some_o light_n hereon_o wherein_o my_o soul_n have_v find_v rest_n and_o settlement_n as_o to_o a_o clear_a sense_n and_o conception_n of_o the_o same_o 1._o that_o how_o rare_a soever_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o may_v be_v this_o day_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o some_o few_o select_a and_o eminent_a christian_n or_o what_o god_n do_v rare_o impart_v and_o on_o some_o singular_a account_n to_o his_o people_n but_o be_v the_o settle_a privilege_n of_o all_o who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o under_o his_o conduct_n 2._o this_o be_v one_fw-mi experiment_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o no_o humane_a testimony_n or_o vocal_a evidence_n can_v express_v that_o which_o be_v inward_a and_o a_o secret_a betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n or_o what_o taste_n that_o hide_a manna_n have_v rev._n 2_o 17._o which_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o enjoy_v the_o same_o for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v give_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n it_o be_v a_o internal_a work_n which_o go_v above_o word_n and_o such_o as_o god_n alone_o can_v impart_v who_o only_o can_v reveal_v his_o own_o love_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o shed_v abroad_o the_o sense_n hereof_o and_o have_v reserve_v this_o to_o himself_o it_o be_v that_o also_o which_o give_v a_o distinct_a evidence_n from_o any_o moral_a influence_n of_o the_o word_n though_o it_o can_v never_o be_v disjoin_v and_o divide_v from_o the_o same_o but_o be_v such_o one_fw-mi internal_a application_n hereof_o as_o put_v their_o soul_n to_o rest_n and_o quiet_a thereon_o 3._o it_o be_v here_o must_v be_v understand_v a_o more_o near_o and_o solemn_a approach_n of_o god_n and_o some_o high_a enjoiment_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n then_o be_v usual_o know_v which_o will_v make_v such_o a_o time_n remarkable_a and_o sweet_a to_o a_o christian_n after_o remembrance_n though_o some_o in_o a_o more_o extraordinar_a way_n and_o high_a degree_n may_v have_v this_o impart_v than_o other_o as_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n have_v be_v more_o heighten_v and_o have_v attain_v to_o high_a act_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o same_o according_a to_o that_o settle_a connection_n isay_n 57_o 12._o i_o doubt_v not_o there_o may_v be_v high_a pretence_n to_o this_o seal_n and_o earnest_n who_o know_v little_a what_o in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n of_o grace_n be_v require_v to_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o same_o but_o except_o the_o settle_a constitution_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v change_v for_o their_o sake_n it_o be_v then_o sure_a that_o god_n do_v never_o seal_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n or_o his_o respect_n and_o approve_v testimony_n on_o such_o who_o be_v of_o one_fw-mi untender_a unhumble_v and_o vindictive_a spirit_n and_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a then_o as_o job_n 18_o 4._o that_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v forsake_v for_o they_o and_o the_o rock_n remove_v out_o of_o its_o place_n 4._o it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v more_o clear_o understand_v by_o such_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v both_o to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_a hebrew_n 5_o 14._o and_o have_v thus_o attain_v a_o more_o deep_a and_o judicious_a reflection_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o same_o since_o this_o be_v usual_o one_o of_o the_o most_o search_a exercise_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o know_v the_o same_o from_o that_o of_o a_o stranger_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n herein_o to_o see_v that_o such_o a_o seal_n or_o any_o rare_a enjoiment_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v assure_o from_o god_n and_o wrought_v in_o he_o john_n 3_o 21._o it_o be_v clear_a also_o how_o many_o sharp_a conflict_n and_o a_o hot_a ware_n fare_v allot_v to_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n than_o other_o under_o grief_n trouble_n and_o opposition_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n have_v make_v way_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n for_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o same_o so_o as_o the_o gradual_a difference_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o experiment_n may_v be_v strange_a and_o marvellous_a and_o cause_n fear_v to_o impart_v the_o same_o nor_o be_v ever_o know_v within_o time_n 5._o though_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o all_o who_o be_v enter_v in_o a_o reconcile_a state_n with_o god_n must_v be_v seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n yet_o be_v not_o this_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o ordinar_a food_n and_o diet_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o as_o some_o more_o special_a restorative_n and_o cordial_a so_o as_o one_o enjoiment_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v be_v sometime_o so_o remarkable_a that_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n after_o it_o have_v be_v a_o continue_a strenthn_v to_o their_o faith_n yet_o be_v it_o no_o rare_a thing_n to_o these_o who_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o more_o near_a intimacy_n of_o converse_n with_o god_n to_o who_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o seal_v not_o once_o but_o in_o innumerable_a time_n have_v be_v know_v who_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v know_v also_o how_o long_o and_o sensible_a restraint_n of_o this_o great_a enjoiment_n may_v be_v when_o the_o choice_a promise_n of_o the_o word_n can_v afford_v no_o comfort_n but_o when_o the_o premise_n be_v clear_a the_o conclusion_n be_v oft_o suspend_v through_o hide_a jealousy_n and_o legal_a fear_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n 6._o it_o be_v sure_a this_o bless_a seal_n lie_v here_o also_o in_o some_o special_a directive_n work_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o light_n in_o particular_a case_n with_o assurance_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n and_o in_o seal_v instruction_n with_o that_o evidence_n and_o power_n on_o the_o soul_n as_o leave_v such_o a_o print_n and_o impression_n thereon_o as_o the_o seal_n leave_v on_o the_o wax_n this_o can_v be_v no_o strange_a or_o unknown_a thing_n to_o these_o who_o in_o a_o close_a adherence_n to_o scripture_n light_n have_v be_v special_o tender_a to_o try_v the_o same_o thereby_o and_o under_o a_o just_a horror_n and_o dread_a of_o enthusiasm_n or_o the_o small_a dash_a on_o such_o a_o rock_n 7._o but_o it_o be_v special_o discernible_a where_o this_o seal_n and_o earnest_n have_v be_v more_o abundant_o let_v forth_o to_o some_o bejond_a other_o that_o it_o be_v for_o some_o high_a support_n to_o their_o faith_n where_o a_o long_a interval_n of_o delay_n be_v to_o be_v between_o the_o promise_n and_o performent_n and_o such_o a_o trial_n of_o a_o defer_a hope_n herein_o as_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o make_v their_o heart_n sick_a into_o death_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v such_o a_o pledge_n and_o part_n in_o hand_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o rest_n shall_v not_o faill_n in_o due_a time_n now_o this_o be_v so_o manifest_a in_o the_o conduct_n and_o method_n of_o grace_n about_o the_o saint_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o how_o singular_a a_o way_n he_o do_v first_o seal_n before_o he_o enter_v they_o upon_o any_o great_a trial_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o long_a duration_n as_o there_o need_v no_o particular_a instance_n to_o clear_v the_o same_o 8._o it_o be_v here_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o hundred_o fold_n which_o christ_n have_v so_o express_o secure_v to_o his_o people_n on_o the_o adventure_n of_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v understand_v as_o that_o which_o assure_o lie_v in_o these_o rare_a enjoiment_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o their_o god_n in_o the_o shining_n of_o his_o face_n on_o they_o which_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n more_o than_o in_o any_o external_a providence_n or_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o high_a value_n with_o man_n since_o as_o this_o be_v the_o most_o sure_a and_o great_a evidence_n that_o we_o be_v christian_n so_o be_v it_o the_o most_o notable_a sign_n how_o dear_a such_o be_v to_o god_n and_o of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n then_o if_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o know_v nothing_o will_v seem_v more_o strange_a and_o
endue_v with_o one_fw-mi extraordinare_fw-la unction_n but_o if_o it_o respect_v the_o quality_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o person_n it_o sure_o must_v render_v this_o no_o less_o difficult_a that_o not_o only_o such_o as_o king_n henry_n the_o viii_o and_o his_o daughter_n queen_n mary_n beside_o many_o other_o yea_o richard_n the_o iii_o shall_v on_o this_o account_n have_v the_o active_a faith_n of_o miracle_n and_o be_v empoured_a herewith_o from_o god_n for_o work_v of_o the_o same_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o french_a king_n claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n and_o power_n as_o peculiar_a to_o they_o alone_o and_o may_v not_o on_o this_o ground_n lewis_n the_o fourteen_o this_o day_n be_v reckon_v a_o fit_a instrument_n for_o such_o a_o heal_a miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o just_a repute_n and_o credit_v thereto_o 3._o but_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o such_o a_o hereditary_a gift_n shall_v not_o faill_n and_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o departure_n of_o england_n from_o the_o romish_a church_n since_o the_o first_o hold_v hereof_o be_v upon_o their_o adherence_n to_o the_o same_o and_o as_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_v to_o the_o romish_a profession_n or_o that_o it_o shall_v now_o control_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v i_o know_v what_o some_o popish_a writer_n say_v hereon_o that_o this_o miracle_n be_v not_o now_o perform_v by_o such_o who_o have_v apostatise_v from_o that_o faith_n virtute_fw-la propria_fw-la sed_fw-la virtute_fw-la signi_fw-la crucis_fw-la but_o there_o need_v no_o such_o salvo_n as_o to_o reckon_v its_o be_v alienate_v now_o from_o serve_v for_o the_o same_o use_n and_o end_v it_o do_v before_o nor_o to_o have_v another_o rise_v if_o it_o be_v serious_o ponder_v 4._o but_o what_o interest_n in_o this_o cure_n have_v the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o rite_n in_o apply_v with_o the_o touch_n a_o medal_n of_o gold_n to_o the_o patient_n therewith_o or_o what_o virtue_n can_v this_o amulet_n impart_v and_o so_o great_a a_o care_n take_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o lose_v it_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v not_o give_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o there_o outward_a want_n except_o it_o be_v from_o ostentation_n to_o show_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o when_o they_o cure_v the_o lame_a man_n and_o can_v make_v use_n of_o no_o such_o assistance_n of_o silver_n or_o gold_n herein_o act._n 3._o 5._o if_o the_o application_n of_o one_fw-mi extraordinar_fw-mi gift_n for_o heal_a disease_n without_o the_o use_n of_o natural_a mean_n be_v aneugh_o to_o warrant_v the_o same_o and_o that_o such_o a_o cure_n be_v wrought_v without_o any_o further_a enquiry_n as_o to_o the_o cause_n and_o ground_n whereon_o it_o have_v such_o a_o effect_n it_o be_v then_o sure_a the_o devil_n and_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n may_v have_v a_o public_a and_o easy_a market_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o exact_v a_o uncontrolled_a homage_n and_o subjection_n to_o they_o this_o way_n the_o extent_n of_o who_o power_n for_o cure_v of_o disease_n be_v bejond_v our_o reach_n but_o since_o such_o a_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o heal_v if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n shall_v be_v try_v in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o how_o it_o can_v answer_v to_o such_o peculiar_a evidence_n and_o criteria_fw-la of_o the_o same_o as_o by_o the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v clear_a it_o be_v suitable_a to_o try_v herein_o if_o this_o be_v indeed_o give_v to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v a_o divine_a testimony_n or_o any_o truth_n of_o the_o write_a word_n if_o it_o come_v with_o that_o solemn_a and_o convince_a evidence_n so_o as_o to_o serve_v a_o deep_a and_o reverend_a sense_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n on_o man_n spirit_n by_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o promote_v piety_n and_o more_o firm_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n among_o man_n as_o the_o native_a effect_n that_o shall_v follow_v a_o true_a miracle_n and_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o seal_n if_o it_o serve_v also_o to_o comptrol_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o strengthen_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o antichristian_a darkness_n and_o idolatry_n yea_o if_o these_o who_o be_v thus_o empoured_a for_o so_o miraculous_a a_o cure_n have_v something_o suitable_a on_o their_o part_n of_o qualification_n to_o such_o who_o god_n have_v ever_o make_v use_n off_o to_o work_v miracle_n otherwise_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o expose_v so_o great_a a_o seal_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n wherein_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o so_o augu_v and_o solemn_a a_o way_n be_v reveal_v unto_o the_o high_a contumely_n and_o reproach_n 6._o though_o this_o have_v be_v a_o continue_a practice_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o notority_n of_o experience_n herein_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o cure_n be_v not_o question_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v essential_o requisite_a that_o such_o as_o claim_v to_o this_o power_n shall_v do_v it_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o divine_a warrant_n and_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n with_o a_o immediate_a reliance_n on_o a_o special_a outsetting_n of_o some_o extraordinar_a power_n from_o he_o herein_o and_o of_o his_o call_n to_o rest_v on_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v without_o respect_n to_o any_o institute_n &_o natural_a mean_n yea_o that_o there_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o so_o extraordinare_a a_o work_n i_o judge_v it_o shall_v then_o quick_o cease_v as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o these_o who_o be_v disease_v and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o cure_n shall_v know_v the_o warrant_n of_o their_o faith_n herein_o else_o it_o be_v as_o justifiable_a to_o go_v to_o loretta_n on_o such_o a_o account_n or_o to_o such_o who_o pretend_v by_o spell_n and_o charm_n to_o work_v extraordinary_a cure_n without_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o same_o this_o be_v not_o to_o detract_v in_o the_o least_o from_o any_o just_a right_n or_o privilege_n of_o sovera_v prince_n and_o i_o judge_v these_o who_o be_v now_o on_o the_o throne_n of_o britain_n may_v lay_v as_o just_a a_o claim_n from_o personal_a qualification_n thereto_o as_o any_o have_v go_v before_o but_o in_o give_v to_o caesar_n what_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o we_o must_v not_o invade_v that_o royalty_n and_o prerogative_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n only_o or_o to_o pretend_v to_o his_o seal_n and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o without_o his_o express_a warrant_n if_o any_o protestant_a writer_n have_v speak_v their_o thought_n on_o such_o a_o head_n i_o have_v as_o yet_o see_v none_o but_o some_o time_n past_a i_o be_v necessary_o call_v by_o a_o person_n of_o great_a worth_n to_o impart_v my_o light_n herein_o they_o be_v then_o much_o perplex_v in_o spirit_n with_o respect_n to_o a_o near_a relation_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o use_v such_o a_o mean_a and_o how_o small_a a_o reckon_n may_v be_v make_v by_o many_o yet_o i_o find_v it_o relate_v of_o that_o famous_a christian_a mrs_n honywood_n that_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o these_o terror_n of_o conscience_n which_o keep_v she_o so_o long_o be_v from_o consult_v some_o mean_a as_o to_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o child_n in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o ordinar_a mean_n and_o make_v her_o fear_n afterward_o lest_o satan_n may_v have_v a_o hand_n therein_o but_o i_o shall_v now_o cease_v to_o speak_v more_o on_o this_o subject_n and_o only_o shut_v up_o with_o some_o reflection_n further_o which_o have_v be_v matter_n of_o serious_a thought_n to_o i_o 1._o whence_o it_o be_v that_o such_o who_o be_v of_o the_o most_o try_v and_o comprehensive_a spirit_n have_v usual_o be_v under_o great_a weight_n and_o exercise_n of_o mind_n about_o their_o establishment_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n more_o than_o any_o other_o but_o herein_o it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o see_v and_o discern_v the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o 1._o how_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o more_o attainment_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n be_v upon_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o a_o high_a admiration_n and_o astonishment_n must_v needs_o follow_v thereon_o it_o be_v this_o which_o above_o all_o the_o wonder_n and_o depth_n of_o nature_n do_v swallow_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o solomon_n and_o put_v he_o into_o such_o a_o exstacy_n when_o he_o once_o begin_v to_o fix_v on_o this_o subject_a but_o will_v god_n indeed_o dwell_v with_o man_n on_o the_o earth_n yea_o will_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n take_v up_o his_o abode_n and_o dwell_v in_o such_o a_o tabernacle_n as_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o become_v true_o man_n which_o be_v special_o there_o import_v 2_o chron_n 6_o 18._o 2._o it_o be_v these_o only_a who_o have_v their_o soul_n
no_o condition_n on_o the_o earth_n can_v be_v safe_a whither_o as_o to_o a_o a_o nation_n or_o person_n be_v it_o never_o at_o such_o advantage_n in_o external_a thing_n wherein_o they_o can_v say_v god_n be_v with_o we_o herein_o and_o we_o be_v design_v for_o he_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o must_v be_v found_v whole_o on_o atheism_n where_o the_o state_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v not_o judge_v from_o the_o sin_n thereof_o and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o more_o than_o from_o any_o visible_a hazard_n for_o though_o particular_a place_n and_o people_n under_o a_o profession_n of_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o the_o same_o height_n in_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o sin_n yet_o it_o must_v sure_o have_v its_o fatal_a period_n when_o defer_v judgement_n will_v not_o stay_v on_o day_n long_o 4._o what_o ever_o uncertainty_n be_v in_o humane_a thing_n yet_o be_v this_o unchangeable_a and_o sure_a that_o such_o who_o inherit_v the_o same_o sin_n of_o other_o against_o who_o god_n have_v appear_v in_o any_o eminency_n of_o providence_n shall_v inherit_v the_o same_o judgement_n which_o have_v not_o only_o be_v measure_v out_o to_o such_o as_o have_v go_v before_o but_o be_v pledge_n to_o after_o time_n of_o what_o may_v be_v expect_v for_o as_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n change_v not_o and_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o dear_a to_o he_o now_o as_o ever_o so_o be_v he_o immutable_o just_a and_o his_o way_n keep_v the_o same_o measure_n with_o his_o reveal_v truth_n so_o as_o a_o solid_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n need_v no_o extraordinare_a prophetik_a spirit_n to_o infer_v judgement_n from_o sin_n where_o there_o be_v no_o serious_a return_v unto_o he_o and_o when_o the_o lord_n god_n have_v speak_v who_o can_v but_o prophecy_n amos_n 3_o 8._o 5._o it_o be_v of_o unquestionable_a evidence_n also_o that_o national_a sin_n wherein_o the_o body_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o people_n be_v unite_v and_o have_v a_o joint_a acceession_n herein_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o the_o public_a sin_n of_o a_o community_n must_v meet_v with_o a_o stroke_n and_o judgement_n within_o time_n of_o as_o public_a extent_n and_o can_v be_v lay_v over_o in_o this_o respect_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n when_o once_o its_o measure_n be_v fill_v up_o here_o since_o else_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o remunerative_a justice_n shall_v not_o have_v on_o such_o a_o account_n a_o vindication_n before_o the_o world_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n if_o his_o spotless_a judgement_n shall_v not_o thus_o bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o guilt_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v give_v his_o word_n and_o dominion_n and_o authority_n over_o nation_n both_o to_o pluke_n up_o and_o to_o plant_v as_o well_o as_o over_o person_n which_o can_v never_o be_v make_v void_a 6._o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubtfulness_n here_o also_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a for_o a_o church_n to_o subsist_v or_o preserve_v ît_n station_n in_o a_o church_n state_n by_o a_o naked_a external_a form_n only_o or_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n without_o some_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o same_o since_o if_o there_o be_v no_o real_a inbr_n or_o build_v up_o of_o the_o elect_a there_o than_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o more_o work_n in_o the_o same_o and_o no_o interest_n be_v there_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v fellowship_n with_o so_o that_o the_o intrinsic_a strength_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n yea_o of_o the_o politic_a body_n therein_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o number_n or_o bulk_n but_o in_o the_o weight_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o extensive_a growth_n of_o a_o church_n to_o a_o visible_a profession_n that_o make_v a_o real_a increase_n but_o how_o great_a a_o interest_n do_v a_o few_o such_o who_o way_n be_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v make_v in_o the_o place_n they_o be_v in_o though_o this_o seem_v little_o apprehend_v what_o influence_n the_o hide_a part_n in_o a_o nation_n of_o humble_a serious_a christian_n have_v on_o the_o external_a state_n thereof_o and_o on_o the_o administration_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n who_o make_v least_o appearance_n in_o it_o by_o a_o near_a intercourse_n with_o heaven_n and_o by_o such_o high_a value_n and_o regard_v which_o they_o have_v there_o so_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v even_o subject_v the_o great_a vicissitude_n and_o change_n of_o the_o time_n to_o the_o intercession_n and_o prayer_n of_o such_o let_v i_o but_o add_v this_o herewith_o that_o though_o the_o lord_n do_v ever_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o residue_n of_o man_n in_o time_n of_o public_a calamity_n and_o judgement_n so_o as_o not_o to_o lay_v they_o common_a herein_o with_o the_o wicked_a yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o a_o numerous_a party_n even_o of_o most_o choice_n and_o real_a christian_n in_o a_o land_n will_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o wrath_n and_o of_o some_o dismal_a stroke_n when_o the_o set_v time_n of_o judgement_n be_v once_o come_v but_o may_v be_v then_o such_o with_o a_o nation_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o hear_n or_o intercession_n but_o for_o that_o instance_n of_o the_o lord_n sist_z his_o judgement_n if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o 10_o person_n in_o the_o city_n of_o the_o plain_a it_o be_v a_o eminent_a return_n to_o abraham_n and_o extraordinar_a act_n of_o condescendence_n that_o make_v no_o rule_n there_o be_v a_o choice_n and_o numerous_a remnant_n in_o judea_n who_o seek_v the_o lord_n then_o when_o that_o dismal_a night_n of_o the_o captivity_n come_v on_o and_o it_o be_v of_o late_a that_o such_o a_o tremendous_a instance_n we_o have_v before_o we_o in_o the_o case_n of_o bohemia_n where_o so_o conspicous_a a_o part_n than_o be_v of_o a_o people_n zealous_a for_o god_n when_o such_o a_o public_a overwhelm_a stroke_n come_v on_o but_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n to_o what_o seem_v in_o some_o singular_a way_n to_o speak_v to_o britain_n and_o ireland_n by_o very_o sad_a and_o monitory_a sign_n bejond_v any_o of_o the_o church_n about_o it_o be_v i_o know_v easy_a and_o usual_a to_o challenge_v the_o darkness_n of_o providence_n more_o than_o to_o regard_v what_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o as_o the_o intent_n &_o voice_n thereof_o and_o these_o be_v indeed_o sad_a and_o dismal_a like_o dispensation_n that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o silent_a but_o have_v a_o distinct_a and_o audible_a voice_n yet_o seal_v no_o instruction_n herewith_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n i_o confess_v a_o natural_a respect_n and_o tie_v to_o such_o a_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n bejond_v any_o else_o render_v this_o to_o some_o to_o be_v more_o heavy_a and_o dreadful_a that_o if_o sovereign_a grace_n do_v not_o wonderful_o interpose_v it_o can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o course_n of_o divine_a providence_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n that_o ever_o the_o measure_n of_o sin_n contempt_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o opposition_n to_o the_o holy_a god_n in_o the_o design_n both_o of_o his_o word_n and_o providence_n have_v come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o be_v visible_a in_o these_o church_n this_o day_n but_o that_o some_o extraordinare_a appearance_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n from_o the_o lord_n have_v as_o visiby_v follow_v thereon_o to_o be_v a_o public_a monument_n for_o after_o time_n wherein_o these_o remark_n be_v so_o unavoidable_a 1._o to_o what_o a_o strange_a and_o fatal_a issue_n have_v that_o pure_a profession_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o have_v be_v long_o enjoy_v there_o now_o come_v when_o such_o public_a contempt_n and_o scorn_v be_v throw_v upon_o the_o same_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n thereof_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o their_o great_a abhorrence_n when_o the_o most_o numerous_a part_n of_o the_o multitude_n every_o where_o may_v be_v see_v in_o a_o state_v opposition_n to_o the_o dominion_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o law_n yea_o such_o horrid_a tenet_n as_o well_o as_o practice_n even_o in_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n may_v be_v discernible_a there_o as_o in_o pagan_a nation_n under_o some_o aw●_n and_o restraint_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n will_v be_v affrigt_v since_o every_o nation_n will_v walk_v in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o god_n but_o these_o be_v such_o as_o have_v at_o once_o divest_v themselves_o of_o all_o hope_n and_o cast_v off_o all_o fear_n or_o dread_n of_o a_o wrath_n that_o be_v to_o come_v 2._o and_o as_o to_o one_o special_a evidence_n hereof_o what_o cause_n may_v it_o be_v to_o meditate_v terror_n as_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o these_o nation_n when_o a_o spirit_n
bind_v up_o but_o that_o they_o must_v widen_v further_a if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o some_o singular_a manner_n a_o stand_v up_o in_o this_o breach_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n which_o be_v a_o service_n that_o come_v now_o under_o our_o hand_n as_o may_v not_o linger_v or_o stay_v when_o warning_n of_o so_o extraordinar_a a_o kind_n be_v reinforce_v for_o this_o be_v a_o call_n have_v a_o limit_a time_n and_o season_n allot_v thereto_o that_o may_v have_v a_o short_a period_n than_o we_o apprehend_v when_o a_o door_n of_o intercession_n have_v be_v in_o such_o unusual_a manner_n keep_v open_a and_o grace_n have_v so_o long_o interpose_v before_o judgement_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o final_a execution_n 4._o i_o must_v add_v hereto_o what_o sense_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o the_o hazard_n of_o such_o a_o breach_n when_o a_o height_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o ungodliness_n be_v turn_v so_o open_a and_o visible_a as_o if_o satan_n do_v essay_n to_o have_v a_o open_a throne_n again_o set_v up_o as_o once_o he_o have_v among_o the_o nation_n whilst_o the_o spirit_n of_o few_o be_v seize_v with_o any_o suitable_a impression_n of_o the_o same_o lest_o this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o recall_v shall_v i_o not_o visit_v these_o thing_n shall_v not_o my_o soul_n be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o nation_n jer._n 5_o 9_o and_o what_o a_o time_n be_v it_o when_o the_o reverence_n and_o authority_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o go_v off_o man_n spirit_n that_o if_o such_o can_v bring_v up_o a_o private_a interest_n and_o have_v some_o treasure_n of_o that_o kind_n lay_v up_o they_o be_v under_o no_o fear_n of_o treasure_v up_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a example_n that_o of_o daniel_n who_o upon_o the_o foreseeing_a of_o a_o stroke_n which_o he_o be_v not_o to_o fear_v for_o himself_o yet_o be_v astonish_v for_o one_fw-mi hour_n and_o his_o thought_n trouble_v he_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o strangeness_n of_o it_o dan_fw-mi 4_o 19_o that_o there_o be_v a_o most_o choice_n and_o serious_a part_n yet_o in_o these_o nation_n as_o be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v unquestionable_a but_o even_o such_o who_o in_o these_o difficult_a &_o perilous_a time_n pass_v have_v be_v help_v to_o stand_v and_o go_v through_o a_o variety_n of_o dark_a and_o strange_a dispensation_n i_o suppose_v have_v not_o find_v a_o time_n in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n try_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o conscience_n then_o be_v this_o day_n and_o that_o there_o be_v never_o more_o hazard_v of_o a_o insensible_a wear_n out_o from_o under_o former_a impression_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n which_o once_o they_o have_v or_o a_o more_o difficult_a part_n to_o have_v that_o ancient_a fear_n and_o tenderness_n of_o light_n keep_v in_o exercise_n which_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o the_o eye_n may_v be_v easy_o hurt_v but_o not_o so_o easy_o help_v but_o though_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o voice_n and_o call_v for_o stand_v in_o the_o gape_v and_o breach_n do_v respect_n all_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v there_o some_o more_o eminent_o fit_v from_o the_o lord_n with_o peculiar_a excellency_n on_o their_o spirit_n then_o other_o to_o appear_v on_o so_o high_a a_o service_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o talon_n not_o bequeath_v in_o vain_a where_o this_o in_o a_o more_o remarkable_a way_n be_v let_v forth_o so_o be_v it_o of_o great_a weight_n to_o know_v time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o this_o end_n and_o when_o a_o season_n of_o providence_n may_v call_v to_o some_o high_a improvement_n hereof_o for_o god_n then_o ever_o again_o may_v occur_v yea_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o how_o strange_a a_o manner_n the_o choice_a instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o day_n be_v make_v to_o differ_v not_o only_o from_o other_o but_o from_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v help_v to_o answer_v such_o a_o call_n and_o to_o know_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n herein_o but_o that_o i_o may_v touch_v this_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o know_v who_o may_v be_v at_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o in_o a_o near_a capacity_n than_o other_o for_o such_o a_o service_n about_o which_o i_o judge_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v questionable_a 1._o that_o such_o as_o have_v a_o more_o near_o and_o intimate_a converse_n with_o god_n in_o this_o day_n have_v a_o great_a room_n also_o in_o this_o service_n to_o stand_v in_o such_o a_o gape_v yea_o to_o save_v a_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n when_o judgement_n be_v ready_a to_o break_v forth_o these_o have_v their_o soul_n keep_v in_o that_o manner_n under_o the_o power_n and_o attraction_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n bejond_v the_o residue_n of_o man_n as_o not_o to_o be_v affright_v or_o take_v off_o from_o appear_v for_o he_o by_o the_o force_n and_o prevalence_n of_o example_n it_o be_v these_o who_o be_v at_o most_o advantage_n to_o discern_v the_o judicial_a remove_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o generation_n they_o live_v among_o and_o the_o imminent_a hazard_n of_o wrath_n and_o approach_a judgement_n yea_o it_o be_v these_o who_o from_o internal_a motive_n can_v find_v it_o easy_a to_o lay_v their_o dear_a thing_n at_o the_o stake_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o land_n they_o belong_v to_o and_o without_o respect_n to_o private_a interest_n lay_v themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o public_a hazard_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o bless_a bernard_n as_o he_o speak_v malo_fw-la in_o nos_fw-la murmur_n bominum_fw-la sit_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la bonum_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la deus_fw-la i_o digne●ur_fw-la uti_fw-la pro_fw-la clypeo_fw-la 2._o they_o be_v in_o a_o special_a way_n fit_v to_o answer_v this_o call_n and_o service_n who_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o singular_a engagement_n they_o be_v under_o to_o god_n much_o on_o their_o heart_n and_o what_o hereby_o they_o owe_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n to_o do_v for_o he_o and_o for_o a_o more_o special_a service_n to_o the_o age_n they_o live_v in_o to_o seek_v the_o interest_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o people_n to_o who_o they_o have_v the_o near_a natural_a tie_n which_o be_v that_o service_n for_o the_o generation_n and_o public_a trust_n should_o near_o these_o who_o have_v have_v more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la receipt_n of_o mercy_n from_o the_o lord_n &_o of_o these_o special_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o dare_v stand_v up_o for_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o truth_n though_o they_o shall_v stand_v alone_o herein_o which_o sure_o in_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v find_v a_o safe_a stand_v then_o with_o the_o multitude_n or_o such_o who_o design_n for_o the_o public_a interest_n go_v no_o further_o than_o their_o private_a concern_v do_v influence_n it_o be_v sure_a the_o word_n of_o mordechai_n esth_n 4_o 13._o be_v still_o direct_v to_o this_o day_n think_v not_o with_o thyself_o thou_o shall_v escape_v for_o if_o thou_o altogether_o hold_v thy_o peace_n at_o this_o time_n enlargement_n and_o deliverance_n shall_v arise_v from_o another_o place_n but_o thou_o and_o thy_o father_n house_n shall_v be_v destroy_v 3._o but_o it_o be_v undoubted_a that_o this_o service_n do_v in_o some_o peculiar_a way_n lie_v to_o the_o door_n of_o prince_n and_o ruler_n according_a to_o their_o station_n who_o be_v of_o more_o public_a relation_n than_o other_o their_o authority_n come_v in_o with_o the_o second_o covenant_n which_o by_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n be_v render_v necessary_a and_o have_v their_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o by_o who_o king_n rule_n and_o prince_n decree_v judgement_n proverb_n 8._o 15._o so_o as_o the_o advance_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preservation_n of_o sacred_a truth_n both_o in_o its_o purity_n and_o power_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o their_o high_a trust_n yea_o what_o a_o singular_a blessing_n this_o be_v to_o a_o time_n when_o such_o do_v eminent_o interpose_v upon_o any_o imminent_a hazard_n to_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o bear_v evidence_n that_o they_o have_v one_fw-mi unction_n from_o god_n on_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o their_o office_n and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v 2_o chron._n 34_o 19_o that_o when_o the_o king_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n that_o he_o rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o command_v hilkia_n the_o son_n of_o shaphan_n etc._n etc._n go_v and_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o i_o and_o for_o they_o that_o be_v leave_v in_o israël_n and_o in_o juda_n concern_v the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v find_v for_o great_a be_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v pour_v upon_o we_o because_o our_o father_n keep_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o
who_o will_v withstand_v the_o same_o for_o which_o end_n may_v it_o be_v clear_o understand_v what_o such_o one_fw-mi appearance_n do_v mean_a in_o so_o strange_a one_fw-mi administration_n of_o providence_n by_o the_o sword_n to_o these_o nation_n in_o this_o age_n what_o such_o unusual_a shake_n and_o overturning_n there_o yea_o by_o such_o restless_a opposition_n to_o any_o civil_a settlement_n since_o the_o lord_n begin_v to_o shake_v britain_n to_o make_v know_v this_o solemn_a period_n of_o time_n be_v come_v and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o 7t_n trumpet_z when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v take_v to_o himself_o his_o great_a power_n and_o reign_v which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o darken_v by_o the_o usurpation_n and_o enmity_n of_o man_n thereto_o yea_o that_o he_o be_v sure_o go_v forth_o who_o have_v that_o name_n write_v on_o his_o vesture_n and_o thigh_n king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n to_o make_v good_a the_o same_o and_o will_v have_v this_o name_n engrave_v on_o all_o the_o way_n and_o act_n of_o providence_n who_o must_v reign_v until_o he_o have_v put_v all_o his_o enemy_n under_o his_o foot_n 1_o corinth_n 15_o 25._o and_o the_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o shall_v perish_v and_o these_o nation_n shall_v utter_o be_v lay_v waste_n isay_n 60_o 11._o for_o thus_o have_v the_o lord_n speak_v and_o be_v settle_v &_o seal_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o he_o that_o chainge_v not_o it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v be_v walk_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o most_o in_o these_o time_n past_a and_o even_o from_o his_o choice_a people_n there_o have_v be_v oft_o a_o hide_v of_o his_o work_n and_o keep_v it_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n amid_o these_o strange_a change_n as_o have_v put_v the_o most_o discern_a to_o a_o stand_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o see_v man_n intent_n in_o their_o act_n and_o under_o what_o influence_n they_o hake_v move_v yea_o what_o bitter_a rise_n of_o heart_n an●_n quarrelling_n have_v be_v upon_o the_o miscarry_v o●_n their_o end_n but_o this_o be_v a_o other_o sight_n and_o of_o a_o high_o concern_v to_o see_v and_o discern_v wise_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o amid_o all_o the_o realing_n of_o these_o strange_a time_n his_o way_n and_o course_n of_o providence_n have_v be_v ever_o steady_a and_o sixth_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v thus_o clear_o see_v if_o our_o spirit_n be_v more_o deep_o let_v forth_o on_o such_o a_o study_n that_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o day_n yea_o the_o stand_n and_o security_n of_o the_o public_a state_n of_o these_o nation_n do_v assure_o lie_v in_o a_o resolute_a concurrence_n with_o this_o great_a design_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o as_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o stand_n in_o the_o breach_n before_o he_o to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n but_o since_o this_o subject_a of_o the_o catholic_n right_a and_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o earth_n be_v so_o strange_a a_o mystery_n to_o many_o in_o these_o time_n and_o such_o different_a thought_n and_o conception_n be_v hereof_o as_o i_o have_v desire_v to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n on_o these_o sure_a principle_n and_o ground_n that_o i_o may_v have_v full_a rest_n and_o settlement_n to_o my_o own_o spirit_n herein_o so_o i_o may_v say_v that_o in_o the_o clearness_n of_o this_o light_n i_o have_v find_v a_o special_a strengthen_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n when_o with_o the_o further_a evidence_n it_o may_v be_v see_v 1._o how_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o donative_n and_o universal_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o father_n as_o incarnate_a and_o after_o his_o ascension_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o which_o be_v his_o essential_a and_o natural_a kingdom_n which_o do_v belong_v to_o his_o person_n as_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n and_o god_n equal_a with_o he_o but_o be_v such_o as_o be_v promise_v and_o by_o special_a donation_n give_v to_o he_o that_o the_o end_n and_o uttermost_a coast_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v his_o inheritance_n ps_n 2_o 8._o and_o his_o dominion_n to_o be_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n psalm_n 72_o 8._o yea_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o dan._n 7_o shall_fw-mi 14._o when_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o dominion_n glory_n and_o a_o kingdom_n that_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n shall_v serve_v he_o etc._n etc._n 2._o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suspense_n or_o darkness_n in_o this_o so_o be_v it_o no_o less_o clear_a his_o enter_v on_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n be_v reserve_v only_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n to_o which_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o 4_o great_a monarchy_n which_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n be_v direct_v and_o subordinate_a to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o same_o and_o lo_o here_o may_v we_o see_v the_o first_o period_n of_o the_o visible_a glory_n of_o christ_n reign_n and_o his_o entrance_n on_o the_o same_o when_o after_o such_o strong_a opposi●ions_n the_o pagan_a world_n be_v at_o last_o make_v to_o bow_v down_o and_o fall_v before_o his_o truth_n and_o submit_v to_o he_o 3._o but_o herein_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o this_o special_a bequeathment_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n in_o that_o sense_n only_o of_o inbr_v the_o elect_a out_o of_o the_o same_o or_o of_o his_o internal_a reign_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o that_o it_o lie_v in_o a_o visible_a surrender_n and_o subject_v of_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o nation_n to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o government_n when_o the_o prince_n and_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v subject_v their_o regal_a authority_n to_o his_o rule_n and_o empire_n as_o hold_v their_o dominion_n from_o he_o to_o who_o all_o power_n and_o judgement_n be_v commit_v and_o can_v bear_v that_o stile_n only_o of_o be_v the_o catholic_n king_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o for_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o shine_v with_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n from_o the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o it_o may_v be_v strange_a how_o possible_o it_o shall_v be_v question_v &_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o comfort_v to_o christian_a magistrate_n then_o to_o have_v so_o high_o desirable_a a_o hold_n of_o their_o power_n as_o they_o may_v have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o interest_v in_o their_o security_n and_o interest_n as_o a_o part_n of_o that_o inheritance_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n nor_o do_v it_o evacuate_v the_o magistracy_n of_o heathen_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o humane_a society_n though_o they_o have_v none_o in_o the_o church_n as_o it_o can_v never_o make_v void_a also_o his_o catholic_n right_a and_o dominion_n over_o they_o by_o who_o king_n reign_n prov._n 8_o 15._o although_o it_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o 4._o but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o further_a &_o grow_a light_n on_o this_o great_a subject_n which_o now_o meet_v we_o &_o to_o be_v clear_o see_v how_o the_o more_o eminent_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o glory_n and_o state_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v alone_o reserve_v to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o trumpet_n for_o which_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o contemporate_n of_o the_o same_o with_o that_o period_n of_o time_n in_o which_o be_v the_o first_o rise_v and_o restore_v of_o the_o church_n from_o antichristian_a darkness_n when_o the_o lord_n do_v himself_o go_v forth_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n to_o plant_v and_o settle_v the_o reform_a church_n and_o thus_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o kingdom_n do_v with_o the_o first_o blast_n of_o that_o trumpet_n sound_v a_o retreat_n to_o his_o people_n out_o of_o babylon_n so_o i_o have_v herein_o be_v make_v to_o admire_v with_o joy_n the_o exactness_n of_o that_o correspondence_n betwixt_o the_o event_n of_o this_o trumpet_n that_o have_v already_o take_v place_n with_o what_o be_v so_o punctual_o foretell_v hereof_o rev._n 11_o 15._o for_o as_o it_o be_v sure_o there_o promise_v that_o then_o shall_v be_v a_o open_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o ark_n of_o his_o testimony_n be_v see_v there_o which_o have_v be_v former_o shut_v up_o lo_o how_o express_o have_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n make_v good_a his_o word_n herein_o and_o keep_v the_o time_n which_o he_o have_v set_v for_o the_o same_o in_o the_o bright_a shine_a forth_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n when_o for_o so_o many_o age_n keep_v hide_v from_o the_o world_n to_o which_o be_v the_o
divine_a wrath_n and_o last_o plague_n be_v but_o in_o part_n pour_v out_o wherein_o the_o appearance_n of_o god_n will_v be_v with_o much_o terror_n to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o last_o triumph_n of_o his_o justice_n within_o time_n will_v not_o be_v of_o one_fw-mi ordinare_fw-la kind_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v great_a shake_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o time_n of_o break_v down_o as_o well_o as_o of_o build_v up_o which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o draw_v near_o ii_o because_o we_o be_v enter_v on_o these_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n then_o heretofore_o to_o put_v the_o whole_a generation_n of_o his_o people_n on_o that_o part_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o study_n thereof_o which_o relate_v to_o his_o work_n and_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o providence_n about_o his_o church_n when_o the_o key_n shall_v then_o be_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n for_o open_v up_o and_o a_o more_o full_a understanding_n the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o time_n pass_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o weighty_a part_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o latter_a time_n in_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o and_o these_o high_a improvement_n to_o be_v make_v on_o that_o bless_a study_n than_o be_v attainable_a in_o former_a age_n when_o his_o work_n now_o be_v come_v to_o a_o more_o full_a point_n it_o have_v be_v remarkable_o the_o business_n of_o this_o age_n to_o make_v a_o more_o accurate_a search_n and_o some_o great_a discovery_n upon_o natural_a cause_n and_o the_o working_n thereof_o but_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o ere_o long_o the_o inquisitive_a world_n shall_v be_v in_o another_o manner_n awake_v and_o their_o inquiry_n run_v in_o a_o high_a channel_n above_o all_o second_o cause_n to_o see_v and_o admire_v the_o great_a act_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o divinity_n thereof_o and_o not_o what_o be_v humane_a therein_o but_o as_o they_o be_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o the_o same_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o dismal_a sign_n of_o the_o present_a time_n how_o much_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v at_o work_n to_o darken_v so_o far_o as_o possible_a the_o most_o eminent_a discovery_n of_o god_n in_o his_o work_n and_o in_o the_o most_o extraordinare_a revolution_n of_o humane_a affair_n as_o if_o they_o will_v set_v bound_n and_o limit_n to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o course_n and_o order_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o subject_n both_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o his_o work_n to_o the_o comprehension_n of_o their_o reason_n though_o some_o civil_a respect_n they_o will_v give_v and_o the_o name_n of_o his_o be_v the_o prime_a cause_n but_o shut_v their_o eye_n on_o what_o be_v more_o extraordinar_a and_o solemn_a in_o any_o piece_n of_o his_o work_n i_o will_v yet_o point_v at_o some_o special_a head_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o choice_n part_n of_o divinity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v will_v in_o another_o manner_n be_v open_v up_o and_o i_o desire_v to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n hereof_o 1._o as_o to_o these_o more_o singular_a case_n of_o providence_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n course_n since_o her_o first_o translation_n from_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o gentile_n with_o the_o issue_n and_o consequence_n thereof_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o rule_n or_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v one_fw-mi inquiry_n to_o be_v more_o full_o improven_v than_o whatever_o have_v be_v attain_v this_o way_n when_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o shall_v tend_v to_o clear_v all_o bygone_n in_o his_o work_n 2._o these_o remarkable_a period_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o prophetical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v successive_o bring_v forth_o in_o their_o proper_a season_n as_o be_v foretell_v be_v yet_o to_o have_v the_o seal_n more_o full_o take_v off_o and_o that_o 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