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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n christian_a church_n true_a 4,006 5 4.8519 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39756 The fulfilling of the Scripture, or, An essay shewing the exact accomplishment of the Word of God in his works of providence, performed and to be performed for confirming the beleevers and convincing the atheists of the present time : containing in the end a few rare histories of the works and servants of God in the Church of Scotland. Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694. 1669 (1669) Wing F1265; ESTC R27365 219,887 314

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clear_o see_v how_o one_o piece_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o punctual_a fulfil_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o other_o how_o that_o which_o be_v shadow_v out_o by_o dark_a type_n under_o the_o law_n and_o hold_v in_o a_o prophe●y_n through_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o a_o plain_a and_o real_a history_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o a_o perfect_a of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n iv_o though_o its_o very_a manifest_a and_o by_o undeniable_a proof_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o real_a accomplishment_n and_o do_v certain_o take_v place_n in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o providence_n here_o in_o the_o world_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o man_n do_v not_o darken_v themselves_o they_o can_v be_v no_o stranger_n to_o such_o a_o thing_n yet_o we_o must_v say_v this_o truth_n which_o most_o near_o concern_v we_o be_v to_o the_o most_o of_o man_n even_o such_o who_o seem_v to_o give_v a_o large_a assent_n to_o the_o word_n a_o mystery_n and_o dark_a riddle_n there_o be_v few_o who_o do_v but_o inquire_v if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n if_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n have_v indeed_o a_o certain_a outmaking_n few_o do_v serious_o ponder_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o word_n shine_v forth_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v further_a confirm_v we_o see_v that_o to_o many_o alace_o too_o many_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o law_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v a_o trivial_a and_o a_o impertinent_a business_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n the_o world_n do_v pass_v without_o regard_v such_o as_o sport_v at_o religion_n when_o they_o come_v to_o earnest_n here_o dare_v not_o stand_v before_o this_o discovery_n it_o concern_v they_o much_o to_o reconcile_v their_o principle_n with_o their_o practice_n their_o fear_n beget_v hatred_n and_o both_o put_v 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wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v engage_v so_o far_o upon_o it_o it_o be_v not_o that_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o but_o they_o true_o choice_n to_o hide_v themselves_o from_o it_o as_o more_o suitable_a to_o that_o interest_n they_o drive_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v rather_o a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n then_o of_o faith_n a_o thing_n which_o they_o will_v dispute_v but_o not_o believe_v but_o o_o what_o other_o thought_n will_v a_o clear_a sight_n of_o this_o cause_n that_o within_o so_o few_o day_n the_o truth_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v sad_a earnest_n the_o fulfil_n whereof_o no_o sharpness_n of_o wit_n nor_o subtle_a argument_n will_v be_v able_a to_o evade_v 3._o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o barren_a theory_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n with_o so_o little_a serious_a christian_a diligence_n do_v it_o not_o sad_o witness_v how_o small_a acquaintance_n man_n have_v with_o this_o truth_n whence_o we_o see_v so_o great_a a_o 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nor_o lawgiver_n no_o piece_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o can_v call_v their_o own_o but_o at_o the_o mercy_n and_o arbitrary_a disposal_n of_o every_o place_n they_o reside_v in_o no_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n but_o a_o naked_a permission_n to_o brook_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n during_o the_o pleasure_n of_o these_o under_o who_o they_o get_v shelter_v a_o people_n put_v by_o themselves_o with_o a_o visible_a mark_n of_o divine_a wrath_n upon_o they_o like_o a_o beacon_n set_v up_o for_o all_o the_o nation_n to_o look_v on_o even_o these_o who_o be_v once_o eminent_o own_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v know_v in_o their_o palace_n for_o a_o refuge_n yea_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o no_o stir_n or_o essay_n that_o ever_o they_o make_v for_o their_o relief_n but_o be_v still_o to_o their_o further_a ruin_n and_o find_v god_n hand_n visible_o cross_v to_o they_o therein_o sure_a ammianus_n marcellinus_n a_o heathen_a writer_n do_v intend_v no_o testimony_n to_o the_o 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the_o enemy_n of_o his_o church_n if_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o ground_n shall_v arise_v down_o they_o must_v come_v how_o many_o great_a design_n of_o man_n have_v this_o bless_a design_n that_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v stand_v crush_v and_o break_v so_o that_o their_o work_n and_o counsel_n have_v be_v as_o the_o spider_n web_n when_o it_o stand_v cross_v to_o this_o end_n the_o godly_a need_v not_o fear_n that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o present_a help_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n for_o he_o will_v keep_v his_o word_n herein_o though_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v overturn_v and_o the_o mountain_n cast_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n o_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o counsel_n what_o be_v all_o these_o vicissitude_n and_o change_n here_o in_o the_o world_n but_o make_v way_n for_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n with_o what_o desire_n do_v he_o move_v towards_o this_o end_n so_o that_o as_o in_o zachary_n 6_o v._n 8._o the_o instrument_n by_o he_o appoint_v for_o execute_v his_o judgement_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v quiet_v his_o spirit_n his_o decree_n be_v mountain_n of_o brass_n which_o be_v unchangeable_a the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n take_v place_n in_o all_o generation_n therefore_o the_o word_n which_o be_v go_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n shall_v not_o return_v in_o vain_a but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v prosper_v in_o his_o hand_n iii_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o truth_n very_o clear_a and_o manifest_a whereof_o none_o can_v pretend_v ignorance_n if_o they_o do_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o force_v their_o own_o light_n from_o the_o fear_n of_o such_o a_o discovery_n for_o the_o obstruction_n do_v not●ly_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o object_n or_o that_o man_n can_v see_v this_o since_o we_o have_v it_o so_o clear_o hold_v forth_o in_o great_a and_o legible_a character_n nay_o we_o must_v say_v the_o cause_n be_v culpable_a there_o be_v much_o of_o the_o will_n in_o it_o which_o render_v such_o one_fw-mi ignorance_n without_o excuse_n o_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o little_o look_v after_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o near_a and_o weighty_a concernment_n when_o there_o need_v not_o a_o other_o demonstration_n but_o come_v and_o see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n through_o the_o earth_n for_o he_o have_v here_o so_o far_o condescend_v to_o his_o people_n to_o bring_v the_o truth_n near_o that_o they_o even_o feel_v and_o grip_v the_o same_o yea_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n say_v to_o every_o one_o as_o to_o thomas_n put_v in_o your_o band_n touch_v the_o word_n and_o truth_n thereof_o and_o be_v no_o long_o faithless_a taste_v but_o and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o that_o he_o be_v true_a in_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v we_o be_v indeed_o to_o look_v after_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o this_o truth_n the_o near_o the_o church_n be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n there_o 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engrave_v thereon_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n the_o great_a and_o wondrous_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o which_o he_o have_v witness_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o a_o manifest_a truth_n which_o even_o in_o the_o most_o strange_a and_o dark_a footstep_n of_o providence_n so_o clear_o shine_v forth_o these_o which_o at_o the_o first_o look_n be_v a_o astonishment_n and_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v yet_o after_o most_o clear_o verify_v the_o scripture_n that_o whilst_o the_o lord_n way_n go_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n yea_o out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a road_n of_o his_o work_n through_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o turn_n and_o cross_a dispensation_n yet_o at_o length_n it_o do_v evident_o clear_a and_o dissintangle_v itself_o which_o man_n may_v oft_o see_v break_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n out_o of_o a_o dark_a cloud_n that_o shive_v the_o more_o bright_o the_o more_o it_o be_v obscure_v 5._o be_v it_o not_o very_o clear_a which_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o such_o visible_a effect_n in_o these_o great_a change_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n hide_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o oft_o publish_v in_o the_o house_n top_n that_o man_n may_v see_v legible_o write_v upon_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n the_o desolate_a ruin_n and_o devastation_n of_o city_n &_o house_n great_a and_o fair_a which_o be_v make_v to_o be_v without_o inhabitant_n so_o as_o these_o who_o go_v by_o may_v clear_o read_v the_o cause_n and_o bear_v that_o witness_n lothereis_n sin_n visible_o punish_v according_a to_o the_o word_n 6._o how_o clear_a be_v this_o which_o we_o have_v so_o evident_o draw_v out_o and_o act_v over_o in_o a_o christian_a walk_n for_o what_o else_o be_v the_o spiritual_a conversation_n of_o such_o these_o visible_a effect_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n all_o along_o a_o christian_n way_n but_o a_o visible_a convince_a witness_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o word_n have_v not_o such_o a_o very_a audible_a echo_n and_o resound_v to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n where_o man_n may_v see_v the_o bible_n turn_v over_o into_o a_o practical_a history_n write_v forth_o and_o act_v on_o the_o heart_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o on_o a_o stage_n or_o theatre_n the_o word_n live_v speak_a move_a and_o clear_o diffuse_v itself_o through_o all_o the_o vein_n as_o it_o be_v and_o conduit_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n so_o that_o if_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v a_o thing_n manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a we_o must_v also_o see_v therein_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o the_o scripture_n 7._o i_o shall_v add_v we_o may_v
do_v commend_v itself_o to_o man_n conscience_n as_o a_o safe_a ground_n whereon_o they_o may_v repose_v their_o soul_n it_o be_v also_o clear_a how_o wonderful_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o original_a copy_n thereof_o keep_v through_o all_o age_n that_o what_o ever_o small_a variation_n there_o may_v appear_v as_o to_o some_o apiculi_n which_o in_o some_o place_n have_v cause_v divers_a reading_n yet_o in_o any_o necessary_a or_o save_a truth_n the_o great_a critic_n will_v confess_v they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o vary_v and_o it_o be_v know_v wherein_o we_o be_v to_o adore_v that_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o who_o this_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la be_v deliver_v do_v with_o such_o exact_a and_o singular_a care_n look_v to_o the_o same_o even_o in_o the_o least_o tittle_n or_o letter_n thereof_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n and_o study_v of_o the_o mazarite_n from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o to_o see_v to_o the_o preserve_n of_o that_o great_a record_n from_o be_v in_o the_o least_o vitiat_fw-la or_o corrupt_v and_o the_o great_a adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n can_v possible_o deny_v that_o aggreement_n betwixt_o these_o many_o original_a copy_n in_o the_o whole_a substance_n which_o may_v be_v very_o convince_a to_o the_o world_n and_o do_v not_o man_n see_v how_o marvellous_a the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v what_o a_o correspondency_n betwixt_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o that_o nothing_o in_o it_o do_v in_o the_o least_o vitiat_fw-la the_o proportion_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o work_n but_o all_o alongst_o a_o evident_a tendency_n to_o advance_v holiness_n and_o conform_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n with_o a_o wonderful_a consent_n and_o harmony_n in_o answer_v to_o this_o great_a end_n we_o see_v the_o simplicity_n and_o plain_n of_o its_o style_n yet_o back_v with_o a_o convince_a majesty_n and_o authority_n upon_o the_o conscience_n yea_o beside_o it_o have_v be_v attest_v by_o miracle_n that_o be_v great_a in_o themselves_o famous_a in_o their_o time_n transmit_v to_o the_o church_n in_o after_o age_n with_o unanswerable_a evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o word_n but_o other_o press_n and_o rational_a ground_n may_v let_v we_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n or_o imposture_n therein_o these_o be_v a_o great_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o i_o may_v say_v on_o very_o sure_a ground_n that_o next_o to_o that_o great_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o argument_n more_o convince_a to_o reach_v atheism_n a_o stroke_n and_o thorough_o satisfy_v a_o exercise_v spirit_n who_o may_v be_v plunge_v anent_o this_o great_a thing_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o its_o performance_n whilst_o under_o the_o assault_n of_o such_o a_o temptation_n if_o this_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n they_o may_v but_o retire_v within_o and_o 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righteous_a who_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v prove_v the_o truth_n thereof_o yea_o seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o excellent_a christian_n some_o of_o who_o though_o they_o can_v not_o well_o disput_n for_o it_o yet_o have_v so_o strong_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n within_o as_o make_v it_o a_o easy_a work_n to_o die_v for_o the_o same_o 3._o this_o do_v clear_o show_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n that_o alter_v not_o but_o take_v place_n in_o all_o age_n whence_o such_o as_o be_v wise_a to_o bring_v providence_n in_o to_o the_o word_n and_o compare_v the_o experience_n and_o remark_n of_o one_o time_n with_o another_o may_v have_v a_o great_a reach_n and_o be_v thus_o lead_v in_o a_o sure_a path_n as_o to_o the_o for_o see_v of_o event_n 4._o this_o also_o do_v demonstrat_fw-la that_o it_o be_v his_o word_n who_o do_v rule_n and_o guide_v the_o world_n and_o have_v a_o sovereign_a dominion_n over_o the_o fame_n whilst_o we_o may_v here_o see_v such_o remarkable_a event_n which_o both_o in_o the_o present_a and_o in_o former_a time_n have_v fall_v out_o as_o may_v show_v a_o power_n that_o can_v reach_v the_o great_a with_o a_o stroke_n shake_v the_o most_o establish_a kingdom_n and_o even_o over_o the_o belly_n of_o insuperable_a difficulty_n accomplish_v the_o word_n yea_o that_o sure_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o wheel_n which_o move_v they_o be_v from_o he_o who_o word_n this_o be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o more_o clear_a that_o these_o curtain_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v stretch_v forth_o over_o the_o earrh_n then_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v stretch_v out_o over_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o frame_n of_o providence_n so_o as_o all_o the_o motious_a and_o step_n thereof_o even_o of_o the_o most_o casual_a thing_n that_o fall_v out_o have_v a_o visible_a tendency_n to_o accomplish_v these_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v hold_v forth_o 5._o this_o clear_o show_v it_o must_v be_v his_o word_n who_o have_v forseen_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be●all_v the_o church_n and_o the_o various_a change_n and_o adventure_n of_o every_o christian_n life_n through_o time_n whilst_o it_o be_v so_o wonderful_o shape_v and_o suit_v to_o every_o new_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o intend_a only_o for_o that_o time_n and_o to_o every_o case_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v alone_o write_v for_o they_o 6._o this_o also_o show_v that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v frame_v that_o admirable_a piece_n must_v have_v some_o immediate_a correspondence_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n know_v our_o sit_v down_o and_o rise_v up_o yea_o do_v search_n the_o heart_n and_o the_o reins_n for_o experience_n can_v tell_v how_o the_o word_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o heart_n do_v reach_v the_o most_o inward_a contrivance_n thereof_o do_v so_o clear_o reveall_a and_o open_v up_o a_o christian_a to_o himself_o 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special_a exercise_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o inquire_v and_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n concern_v the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n for_o it_o be_v there_o say_v many_o shall_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v increase_v import_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v much_o their_o study_n and_o cause_v a_o diligent_a fearch_n whereunto_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n in_o these_o time_n shall_v invite_v they_o and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o posture_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o these_o day_n on_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v shall_v it_o not_o be_v like_o the_o watchman_n in_o the_o last_o watch_n of_o the_o night_n who_o look_v oft_o what_o appearance_n there_o be_v from_o the_o east_n of_o the_o day_n break_v a_o serious_a enquery_n what_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v fulfil_v whereby_o we_o may_v know_v on_o very_o clear_a ground_n if_o the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n at_o hand_n and_o that_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o 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and_o be_v not_o that_o agrave_n duty_n which_o at_o all_o time_n in_o every_o station_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n shall_v engage_v man_n to_o this_o study_n thus_o every_o christian_a may_v become_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o put_v his_o seal_n thereto_o for_o which_o he_o shall_v think_v his_o life_n true_o desirable_a and_o he_o do_v in_o no_o small_a measure_n attain_v the_o true_a end_n thereof_o though_o he_o have_v no_o other_o opportunity_n for_o his_o master_n service_n and_o we_o may_v say_v this_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n like_o a_o great_a roll_n have_v be_v transmit_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o attest_v and_o as_o it_o be_v subscrybed_n by_o so_o many_o witness_n it_o do_v thus_o come_v to_o our_o time_n and_o to_o every_o man_n door_n and_o require_v their_o personal_a witness_v and_o seal_v of_o the_o same_o 2._o this_o shall_v make_v it_o a_o easy_a work_n to_o trust_v the_o word_n and_o to_o 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great_a atheist_n and_o mocker_n of_o religion_n in_o every_o age_n must_v sure_o be_v a_o clear_a truth_n but_o &c_n &c_n therefore_o iv_o argument_n that_o which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n in_o such_o and_o such_o period_n of_o time_n and_o have_v according_o come_v to_o pass_n the_o event_n exact_o answer_v to_o the_o prediction_n yea_o that_o whereof_o the_o great_a part_n be_v now_o fulfil_v and_o but_o a_o little_a at_o this_o day_n remain_v to_o be_v make_v out_o must_v be_v a_o certain_a truth_n but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o already_o fulfil_v and_o but_o a_o little_a thereof_o now_o remain_v therefore_o v._o argument_n that_o which_o not_o only_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n already_o accomplish_v but_o be_v a_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v such_o sure_a confirmation_n yea_o so_o great_a a_o pledge_n in_o our_o hand_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o what_o yet_o remain_v shall_v be_v certain_o fulfil_v must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a 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as_o may_v force_v its_o authority_n on_o man_n conscience_n and_o show_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fallacy_n or_o delusion_n in_o this_o witness_n if_o they_o but_o allow_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o reason_n see_v it_o be_v not_o the_o record_n of_o a_o few_o at_o one_o time_n or_o in_o one_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o a_o solemn_a witness_n from_o the_o saint_n and_o follower_n of_o god_n who_o judgement_n and_o integrity_n their_o adversary_n must_v often_o confess_v yea_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o every_o age_n through_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n in_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n most_o remote_a from_o other_o and_o this_o by_o most_o frequent_a renew_a prooff_n have_v find_v and_o experience_v the_o truth_n and_o real_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o word_n and_o now_o if_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_o convince_a i_o will_v but_o add_v o_o ●_o will_v you_o then_o come_v and_o see_v be_v but_o christian_n indeed_o and_o then_o you_o will_v no_o more_o 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or_o airy_a notion_n but_o such_o as_o can_v witness_v their_o truth_n to_o the_o serious_a experience_a christian_a who_o on_o this_o account_n i_o dare_v attest_v i_o shall_v here_o instance_n 5._o special_a truth_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v much_o try_v and_o prove_v in_o christian_n experience_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o 2._o the_o deceitfulnes_n of_o man_n heart_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a adversary_n with_o who_o we_o have_v war_n 4._o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o word_n have_v undoubted_a accomplishment_n 5._o the_o truth_n also_o of_o the_o threaten_n i_o mean_v such_o under_o who_o reach_n the_o godly_a may_v fall_v i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v a_o truth_n very_o clear_o prove_v to_o the_o christian_a who_o experience_n though_o sad_a do_v undeniable_o verify_v and_o confirm_v the_o scripture_n gal._n 5_o v._n 17._o rom._n 7_o v._n 19_o 21_o 23._o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o word_n which_o hold_v forth_o man_n nature_n in_o its_o true_a shape_n and_o form_n whither_o their_o bias_n and_o inclination_n most_o easy_o turn_v yea_o so_o marvellous_o answer_v their_o experience_n that_o to_o question_v the_o same_o be_v to_o put_v it_o far_o beyond_o question_n that_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o a_o new_a nature_n or_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n within_o for_o who_o ever_o make_v earnest_a of_o religion_n but_o their_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o war_n it_o be_v then_o that_o the_o house_n divide_v and_o corruption_n set_v up_o a_o standard_n yea_o no_o soon_o can_v any_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o he_o must_v be_v a_o soldier_n also_o and_o ●e_n may_v say_v none_o ever_o attain_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o mortification_n or_o be_v so_o old_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o can_v privilege_v they_o from_o the_o stir_n of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o necessity_n of_o that_o complaint_n who_o shall_v deliver_v we_o from_o a_o body_n of_o death_n but_o what_o ever_o advantage_n some_o of_o the_o saint_n have_v above_o other_o yet_o in_o this_o their_o experience_n can_v witness_v 1._o they_o now_o know_v two_o different_a party_n within_o themselves_o that_o until_o once_o grace_n come_v they_o can_v not_o understand_v which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o action_n do_v act_v opposit_o one_o to_o the_o other_o yea_o that_o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a duty_n wherein_o the_o flesh_n though_o not_o always_o in_o such_o a_o prevalent_a degree_n do_v not_o show_v some_o active_a resistance_n 2._o that_o all_o the_o stir_n and_o
so_o as_o their_o very_a bone_n may_v sing_v who_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o o_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a real_a pardon_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o always_o infer_v the_o sensible_a feel_n thereof_o and_o when_o it_o be_v remit_v in_o heaven_n there_o be_v not_o always_o a_o declaration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o conscience_n but_o it_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o this_o be_v sensible_o feel_v and_o that_o it_o be_v try_v by_o all_o even_a all_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a to_o have_v have_v as_o powerful_a a_o operation_n on_o a_o disquiet_n trouble_a soul_n as_o ever_o wine_n or_o the_o choice_a cordial_n can_v have_v on_o the_o sick_a or_o faint_a o_o if_o these_o who_o question_n this_o be_v in_o their_o case_n to_o who_o god_n speak_v peace_n after_o a_o storm_n they_o shall_v know_v how_o real_a and_o certain_a that_o be_v i_o will_v offer_v the_o christian_n witness_n to_o this_o promise_n from_o many_o many_o experiment_n by_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v seal_v it_o to_o 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their_o very_a first_o address_n have_v get_v a_o sweet_a disappointment_n to_o their_o fear_n be_v help_v to_o their_o foot_n yea_o some_o time_n have_v have_v as_o it_o be_v the_o fat_a calf_n kill_v to_o make_v merry_a with_o their_o friend_n 6._o that_o which_o have_v a_o audible_a voice_n within_o so_o strong_a a_o impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n which_o carry_v with_o it_o such_o a_o clear_a satisfy_a discovery_n of_o god_n heart_n and_o love_n be_v sure_o no_o delusion_n while_o the_o intimation_n of_o that_o one_o truth_n your_o sin_n be_v forgive_v or_o any_o other_o word_n of_o promise_n for_o that_o end_n they_o have_v find_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n beyond_o word_n which_o they_o can_v not_o resist_v but_o for_o the_o time_n have_v be_v as_o sure_o they_o see_v and_o feel_v this_o as_o that_o they_o live_v yea_o can_v no_o more_o now_o call_v it_o in_o question_n then_o former_o they_o can_v get_v it_o believe_v 7._o that_o be_v no_o delusion_n which_o cause_v they_o with_o another_o kind_n of_o freedom_n approach_v to_o god_n make_v they_o know_v there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o set_v the_o soul_n at_o liberty_n from_o the_o sore_a bondage_n and_o thraldom_n under_o which_o their_o former_a backslide_n have_v put_v they_o yea_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o sensible_o feel_v by_o themselves_o but_o may_v be_v discern_v by_o other_o while_o they_o can_v smother_v the_o joy_n of_o their_o heart_n or_o hide_v in_o their_o cowtenance_n such_o a_o change_n of_o their_o condition_n that_o true_o god_n have_v deal_v comfortable_o with_o they_o 8._o have_v not_o this_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n witness_v even_o a_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n which_o though_o but_o of_o short_a continuance_n yet_o for_o the_o present_a so_o strong_a as_o have_v ravish_v their_o soul_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o inheritance_n above_o and_o clear_a view_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o it_o yea_o sometime_o make_v they_o sing_v for_o joy_n in_o expectation_n of_o that_o bless_a day_n but_o o_o this_o be_v better_a feel_v then_o express_v 9_o and_o in_o a_o word_n can_v that_o be_v a_o delusion_n that_o have_v oft_o turn_v the_o poor_a man_n hell_n into_o a_o heaven_n which_o tryst_n the_o christian_a in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o work_n do_v so_o exact_o answer_v the_o promise_n most_o sensible_o feel_v after_o great_a shake_n of_o the_o conscience_n by_o the_o law_n and_o can_v make_v a_o sad_a outward_a lot_n so_o very_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a cause_v they_o triumph_v over_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n to_o sing_v in_o a_o dungeon_n to_o abound_v and_o have_v all_o thing_n under_o great_a want_n look_v grim_a death_n cheerful_o in_o the_o face_n in_o its_o most_o dreadful_a aspect_n yea_o do_v make_v so_o great_a and_o visible_a a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o christian_a and_o himself_o sixth_z instance_n be_v that_o promise_n of_o encouragement_n and_o support_v under_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v express_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v own_v his_o people_n bear_v their_o charge_n and_o be_v with_o they_o in_o trouble_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o suffering_n for_o his_o truth_n yea_o will_v bind_v up_o the_o break_a in_o heart_n &_o heal_v their_o wound_n psal_n 91_o ver_fw-la 15._o isai_n 43_o ver_fw-la 2._o cap._n 41_o ver_fw-la 17._o &_o cap._n 49_o ver_fw-la 14._o psal_n 9_o ver_fw-la 9_o isai_n 51_o ver_fw-la 12._o now_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v a_o truth_n and_o have_v a_o certain_a accomplishment_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n will_v witness_v and_o we_o know_v their_o testimony_n be_v true_a what_o at_o solemn_a time_n of_o god_n presence_n they_o have_v have_v in_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n how_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n do_v seal_v this_o and_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o we_o may_v say_v the_o fame_n and_o sweet_a savour_n have_v go_v forth_o and_o spread_v abroad_o through_o the_o church_n the_o father_n have_v tell_v it_o to_o the_o child_n and_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o but_o how_o little_a a_o part_n thereof_o can_v be_v express_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o marvellous_a record_n if_o the_o suffering_n and_o prison_n experiment_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v particular_o set_v down_o what_o they_o have_v sound_a under_o the_o cross_n but_o it_o be_v well_o we_o know_v this_o promise_n have_v be_v and_o this_o day_n be_v evident_o seal_v concern_v which_o i_o dare_v attest_v the_o experience_n of_o as_o many_o as_o do_v ever_o drink_v of_o this_o bless_a cup_n and_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o faithful_a &_o true_a witness_n
the_o gospel_n it_o be_v true_a the_o christian_n inward_a experience_n can_v best_o witness_v this_o for_o these_o have_v a_o argument_n from_o within_o they_o know_v and_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n by_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o understand_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v but_o that_o which_o here_o be_v intend_v it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v true_o let_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n that_o it_o do_v accompany_v the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n as_o a_o thing_n which_o from_o clear_a undeniable_a evidence_n may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o great_a atheist_n for_o i_o must_v think_v even_o bystander_n such_o who_o never_o know_v any_o save_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o live_v in_o these_o part_n where_o the_o ordinance_n be_v dispense_v with_o purity_n and_o power_n if_o they_o shut_v not_o their_o eye_n may_v oft_o clear_o see_v something_o go_v forth_o with_o the_o word_n that_o be_v beyond_o word_n a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o power_n which_o send_v forth_o its_o savour_n in_o the_o daily_a administration_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o by_o its_o effect_n and_o some_o convince_a discovery_n thereof_o do_v force_v this_o truth_n in_o upon_o man_n conscience_n who_o be_v otherways_o stranger_n thereto_o now_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o promise_n that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a therein_o i_o will_v give_v in_o these_o clear_a and_o convince_v witness_n to_o the_o same_o 1._o these_o excellent_a gift_n and_o endument_n give_v to_o the_o church_n be_v they_o not_o a_o visible_a proof_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v undeniable_a where_o once_o the_o gospel_n come_v that_o instrument_n be_v raise_v with_o another_o spirit_n reaper_n send_v forth_o while_o there_o be_v a_o harvest_n to_o be_v gather_v and_o shape_v for_o 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a_o spirit_n eminent_o fit_v to_o comfort_n some_o mighty_a in_o persuasion_n yet_o not_o so_o fit_a to_o expound_v other_o most_o dexterous_a to_o instruct_v yet_o not_o so_o powerful_a to_o apply_v some_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o other_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o the_o weary_a to_o some_o the_o face_n of_o a_o lion_n be_v give_v when_o a_o heroic_a spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o resolution_n be_v call_v for_o to_z other_o the_o face_n of_o a_o calf_n for_o patient_a endure_v in_o suffering_n time_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o choice_a meditation_n to_o think_v how_o with_o as_o great_a wonder_n we_o may_v say_v of_o this_o excellent_a body_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o man_n how_o curious_a yea_o marvellous_o be_v it_o frame_v where_o every_o part_n do_v answer_v another_o and_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a each_o have_v its_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o something_o proper_a to_o every_o one_o gift_n may_v be_v then_o see_v as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o face_n of_o man_n by_o which_o in_o something_n they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o 2._o these_o more_o eminent_a extraordinary_a outletting_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v also_o witness_v this_o truth_n which_o at_o some_o special_a time_n when_o the_o church_n necessity_n require_v it_o have_v be_v most_o discernible_a when_o the_o lord_n send_v forth_o his_o servant_n about_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a piece_n of_o work_n either_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v when_o he_o be_v to_o plant_v the_o church_n in_o some_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n will_v meet_v with_o much_o opposition_n be_v it_o not_o then_o manifest_a how_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a power_n and_o irresistible_a efficacy_n do_v accompany_v the_o truth_n before_o which_o there_o be_v no_o stand_n the_o disputer_n be_v then_o in_o his_o reason_n confound_v by_o something_o above_o reason_n the_o untoward_a and_o rude_a be_v force_v to_o stoop_v before_o the_o word_n and_o to_o confess_v they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o power_n and_o not_o with_o word_n yea_o these_o who_o the_o lord_n make_v use_v of_o who_o be_v feeble_a and_o weak_a as_o other_o in_o that_o day_n be_v make_v as_o a_o brazen_a wall_n &_o defence_a city_n 3._o be_v it_o not_o also_o undeniable_a that_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o of_o a_o dead_a letter_n and_o empty_a sound_n that_o with_o the_o word_n there_o go_v along_o a_o ministration_n of_o power_n and_o life_n whence_o a_o majesty_n and_o authority_n attend_v the_o public_a ordinance_n be_v oft_o so_o discernible_a that_o even_o these_o who_o know_v not_o what_o the_o spirit_n be_v be_v make_v to_o see_v something_o therein_o which_o do_v dazzle_v they_o with_o astonishment_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o at_o sometime_o such_o a_o beauty_n and_o power_n shine_v forth_o with_o ordinance_n like_o a_o glance_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n even_o go_v before_o man_n eye_n which_o for_o the_o present_n have_v make_v a_o wondered_a change_n upon_o some_o very_a gross_a man_n and_o put_v they_o in_o a_o other_o temper_n yea_o force_v they_o with_o fear_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o sure_o god_n be_v near_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o people●_n and_o i_o will_v ask_v whence_o be_v it_o the_o word_n give_v law_n to_o man_n conscience_n shall_v speak_v with_o such_o a_o authority_n as_o make_v they_o all_o to_o shiver_v that_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n be_v sometime_o make_v to_o stand_v before_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n like_o man_n stand_v at_o the_o bar_n upon_o life_n and_o death_n before_o a_o judge_n who_o authority_n they_o dare_v not_o decline_v 4._o it_o be_v very_o discernible_a what_o a_o great_a difference_n &_o a_o other_o appearance_n there_o be_v both_o on_o minister_n and_o christian_n at_o one_o time_n from_o what_o they_o be_v at_o a_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o duty_n as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o the_o same_o person_n which_o appear_v not_o only_o in_o the_o enlargement_n and_o streatn_v of_o their_o gift_n but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o life_n be_v it_o not_o see_v with_o what_o liberty_n these_o do_v sometime_o pray_v be_v as_o a_o ship_n with_o a_o full_a gale_n before_o the_o wound_n that_o it_o be_v then_o easy_a to_o preach_v when_o at_o other_o time_n there_o be_v like_o a_o shut_v door_n that_o even_o onlooker_n may_n perceive_v a_o sensible_a languish_a and_o they_o hamper_v in_o their_o very_a expression_n yea_o as_o man_n row_v against_o a_o contrary_a wind_n the_o word_n want_v that_o savour_n &_o relish_v it_o have_v have_v at_o other_o time_n and_o this_o not_o through_o a_o natural_a indisposition_n or_o want_n of_o preparation_n but_o that_o which_o all_o who_o ever_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n must_v confess_v have_v most_o sensible_o try_v they_o when_o they_o have_v think_v themselves_o at_o the_o great_a advantage_n for_o go_v about_o duty_n o_o who_o can_v deny_v this_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o thing_n in_o all_o age_n so_o sensible_o feel_v yea_o even_o obvious_a to_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n 5._o it_o be_v also_o clear_a that_o where_o ever_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v a_o church_n at_o some_o special_a turn_n of_o her_o condition_n there_o have_v usual_o be_v some_o more_o solemn_a time_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o high_a spring-tyde_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v indeed_o marvellous_a flow_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n after_o christ_n ascension_n which_o like_o a_o mighty_a current_n do_v carry_v all_o before_o it_o at_o which_o time_n more_o success_n do_v follow_v one_o sermon_n then_o have_v be_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o many_o other_o in_o a_o age_n this_o make_v the_o world_n wonder_n as_o if_o some_o universal_a
enchantment_n have_v fall_v on_o man_n what_o that_o can_v be_v which_o the_o more_o they_o seek_v to_o bear_v down_o the_o more_o it_o increase_v that_o make_v the_o rich_a choose_v poverty_n and_o these_o who_o dwell_v in_o palace_n take_v themselves_o with_o chearfulnes_n to_o the_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o in_o a_o large_a measure_n the_o spirit_n have_v be_v let_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n in_o after_o age_n yea_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n where_o the_o light_n have_v shine_v but_o have_v have_v its_o special_a time_n some_o solemn_a day_n of_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n before_o the_o sun_n go_v down_o which_o may_v be_v observe_v either_o at_o the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o at_o some_o other_o remarkable_a time_n and_o change_v of_o her_o condition_n whence_o a_o great_a tack_n of_o soul_n to_o christ_n have_v follow_v in_o a_o day_n wherein_o a_o effectual_a door_n be_v open_v beside_o the_o reach_a of_o the_o conscience_n and_o stir_v the_o affection_n of_o many_o other_o under_o a_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o usual_o go_v along_o with_o such_o solemn_a time_n 6_o the_o go_v back_o of_o the_o tide_n and_o visible_a withdraw_v of_o the_o spirit_n from_o particular_a church_n where_o it_o have_v sometime_o in_o a_o large_a measure_n be_v let_v forth_o be_v a_o very_a convince_a witness_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o promise_n for_o it_o be_v clear_o see_v at_o what_o a_o stand_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o these_o place_n where_o it_o most_o eminent_o shine_v that_o the_o land_n which_o blossom_v and_o be_v like_o a_o water_a garden_n have_v be_v make_v as_o the_o heath_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o rain_n be_v withdraw_v and_o then_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o lot_n have_v fall_v in_o such_o a_o time_n be_v put_v to_o very_o sore_a work_n to_o work_v as_o it_o be_v with_o 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upon_o the_o water_n shall_v make_v they_o appear_v as_o blood_n to_o the_o child_n of_o moab_n but_o we_o see_v what_o great_a thing_n the_o lord_n be_v thus_o bring_v about_o 3._o be_v it_o not_o oft_o manifest_a how_o not_o the_o small_a casuality_n or_o circumstance_n providence_n do_v loss_n without_o some_o improvement_n thereof_o yea_o that_o it_o guide_v the_o stroke_n of_o man_n sword_n in_o the_o battle_n and_o direct_v the_o bullet_n to_o its_o appoint_a mark_n and_o it_o do_v evident_o check_v the_o star_n and_o control_v that_o fatal_a necessity_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o fear_n may_v or_o will_v follow_v their_o aspect_n and_o it_o do_v even_o determine_v these_o which_o in_o themselves_o be_v most_o free_a and_o absolute_a the_o heart_n and_o will_v of_o man_n must_v not_o the_o crow_n of_o the_o cock_n the_o foldier_n divide_v of_o christ_n garment_n fall_v out_o for_o a_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o though_o it_o be_v at_o a_o venture_n that_o that_o man_n draw_v the_o bow_n which_o send_v ahab_n to_o his_o grave_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o chance_n do_v direct_v the_o arrow_n between_o the_o very_a joint_n of_o his_o armour_n 4._o amid_o the_o various_a emergent_n and_o hazard_n of_o man_n life_n may_v not_o experience_n tell_v that_o sure_o thing_n contingent_a be_v not_o abandon_v to_o fortune_n but_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n which_o do_v number_v our_o hair_n without_o which_o they_o can_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n o_o how_o astonish_n may_v it_o be_v to_o think_v how_o surprise_v hazard_n have_v be_v oft_o obviate_v by_o what_o unexpected_a mean_n man_n have_v be_v deliver_v from_o violent_a assault_n how_o help_n unlooked_a for_o have_v even_o try_v at_o a_o choke_v and_o a_o extremity_n yea_o while_o their_o foot_n be_v drip_v even_o betwixt_o their_o fall_n and_o fall_v they_o have_v be_v try_v with_o some_o remarkable_a cast_n of_o mercy_n 5._o be_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o discern_v how_o many_o accident_n which_o 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be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v a_o thing_n very_o evident_a but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v thus_o witness_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a these_o sweet_a and_o sensible_a enjoyment_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v of_o this_o truth_n the_o world_n can_v reach_v but_o it_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o in_o every_o age_n the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o some_o more_o notour_n convince_a providence_n both_o of_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n do_v solemn_o invite_v man_n to_o observe_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o word_n therein_o yea_o no_o time_n have_v want_v something_o of_o a_o public_a witness_n from_o ungodly_a man_n even_o great_a mocker_n of_o religion_n who_o under_o that_o constrain_a power_n of_o conscience_n at_o death_n or_o in_o some_o day_n of_o their_o strait_n have_v be_v force_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n by_o a_o very_a open_a confession_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o lord_n bless_a design_n in_o make_v his_o work_n sometime_o so_o conspicuous_a that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n but_o render_v atheism_n inexcusable_a that_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v shine_v forth_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i_o confess_v we_o may_v wonder_n why_o the_o world_n look_v so_o little_a upon_o this_o and_o how_o the_o conviction_n of_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n which_o they_o can_v shun_v do_v not_o more_o press_v they_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v full_o resolve_v this_o the_o brutish_a man_n know_v not_o neither_o do_v fool_n lay_v to_o heart_n how_o the_o scripture_n take_v place_n and_o that_o the_o flourish_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v but_o in_o judgement_n for_o their_o further_a ruin_n to_o prosecut_v this_o argument_n a_o little_a there_o be_v some_o special_a truth_n i_o will_v instance_n wherein_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o fulfil_v his_o word_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o world_n yea_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a observer_n and_o though_o they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o which_o i_o shall_v here_o touch_v yet_o i_o must_v say_v they_o be_v such_o concern_v truth_n and_o have_v so_o near_o a_o reference_n to_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o man_n can_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o but_o must_v also_o confess_v the_o scripture_n divinity_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o reality_n in_o godliness_n and_o in_o christian_a religion_n true_o i_o may_v here_o with_o some_o confidence_n challenge_v the_o great_a atheist_n yea_o appeal_v they_o to_o their_o conscience_n and_o serious_a thought_n if_o in_o these_o follow_a instance_n though_o but_o a_o little_a of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o such_o a_o subject_n the_o truth_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o very_o manifest_a first_o i_o shall_v first_o hold_v forth_o this_o truth_n that_o man_n be_v sure_o fall_v from_o that_o excellent_a estate_n wherein_o once_o he_o be_v form_v rom._n 5_o ver_fw-la 18._o 19_o and_o now_o be_v not_o that_o which_o he_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n a_o truth_n so_o clear_a that_o we_o may_v say_v even_o without_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v easy_a for_o any_o serious_a onlooker_n to_o discern_v the_o same_o do_v not_o even_o heathen_n have_v some_o glance_n at_o this_o the_o evidence_n whereof_o they_o can_v not_o altogether_o shun_v it_o be_v true_a the_o cause_n and_o original_a of_o this_o dreadful_a contagion_n how_o sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n how_o it_o be_v derive_v to_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n by_o imputation_n as_o well_o as_o inhesion_n how_o that_o poison_n be_v carry_v from_o the_o fountain_n to_o the_o cistern_n the_o scriptnre_n do_v only_o discover_v but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a may_v be_v obvious_a to_o all_o that_o poor_a man_n be_v thus_o sick_a and_o disease_v and_o now_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o such_o a_o fall_n and_o ruin_n as_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o word_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v strange_a that_o when_o this_o be_v so_o very_a convince_a and_o manifest_a it_o shall_v not_o force_v man_n to_o some_o more_o serious_a enquiry_n whence_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o if_o there_o can_v be_v a_o recovery_n of_o so_o sad_a and_o desperate_a like_o case_n but_o to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a i_o will_v offer_v these_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o that_o excellent_a fabric_n which_o may_v yet_o appear_v among_o its_o ruin_n some_o print_n and_o appearance_n though_o dark_a of_o that_o primitive_a lustte_n and_o beauty_n some_o draught_n which_o sin_n have_v not_o whole_o wear_v out_o that_o may_v clear_o tell_v what_o man_n once_o be_v and_o point_n out_o his_o former_a excellency_n that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o other_o wight_n of_o who_o absaloms_n character_n may_v be_v true_o say_v without_o all_o blemish_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n for_o we_o see_v the_o deep_a impression_n of_o a_o deity_n still_o root_v in_o man_n even_o among_o the_o most_o wild_a and_o savage_a which_o no_o invention_n can_v utter_o raze_v we_o see_v some_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v imprint_v in_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a some_o innate_a notion_n and_o idea_n which_o the_o soul_n have_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a among_o all_o and_o in_o every_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n likewise_o these_o natural_a truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o may_v see_v be_v no_o way_n impress_v on_o the_o soul_n from_o any_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o such_o whereto_o man_n by_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n be_v force_v to_o assent_v and_o beside_o what_o mean_v the_o
from_o heaven_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n do_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o man_n which_o in_o these_o day_n be_v most_o notour_n and_o famous_a but_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v produce_v one_o contradictory_n testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o relation_n by_o any_o adversary_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o at_o that_o time_n or_o since_o sure_o the_o world_n want_v no_o malice_n and_o these_o great_a thing_n be_v air_o publish_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n while_o much_o of_o that_o generation_n be_v alive_a yet_o it_o be_v clear_a though_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o concernment_n which_o make_v then_o so_o great_a a_o noise_n and_o be_v at_o that_o time_n put_v the_o earth_n all_o in_o a_o flame_n none_o be_v find_v either_o among_o jew_n or_o gentiles_n who_o can_v or_o dare_v put_v forth_o a_o manifesto_fw-la to_o discover_v the_o least_o cheat_n or_o falsehood_n in_o these_o thing_n attest_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n 4._o what_o ever_o different_a party_n and_o sect_n do_v break_v up_o with_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n to_o opppse_v the_o truth_n in_o other_o thing_n yet_o in_o this_o they_o have_v all_o one_o consent_n that_o he_o who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o christ_n which_o true_o do_v witness_v the_o clear_a irresistible_a manifestation_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o these_o time_n since_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v the_o least_o ground_n to_o challenge_v any_o imposture_n or_o deceit_n in_o this_o great_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a these_o bitter_a contention_n follow_v with_o such_o animosity_n and_o heat_n and_o irritation_n of_o these_o who_o the_o apostle_n and_o church_n in_o that_o time_n do_v with_o much_o zeal_n and_o sharp_a censure_n pursue_v will_v have_v engage_v they_o to_o put_v all_o the_o disgrace_n upon_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o can_v if_o they_o may_v have_v have_v where_o to_o fasten_v their_o tooth_n i_o will_v further_a add_v that_o even_o the_o argument_n and_o objection_n which_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v ever_o bring_v to_o oppose_v the_o same_o be_v indeed_o a_o convince_a witness_n and_o confirmation_n and_o show_v how_o little_o they_o can_v any_o way_n say_v in_o give_v their_o malice_n a_o vent_n we_o find_v that_o absurd_a alledgeance_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o great_a work_v christ_n do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n be_v by_o steal_v the_o name_n jehovah_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n which_o they_o allege_v he_o sew_v up_o in_o his_o thigh_n which_o true_o need_v no_o further_a refutation_n but_o the_o recite_v therefore_o and_o here_o they_o be_v even_o force_v to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o relation_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o evangelist_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o find_v also_o these_o late_a atheist_n such_o as_o vanninus_fw-la cardan_n etc._n etc._n dare_v not_o challenge_v 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within_o that_o straight_a channel_n of_o the_o word_n and_o can_v go_v without_o t●ese_fw-mi bound_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o concern_v scripture-promise_n that_o be_v only_o touch_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n these_o which_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o a_o clear_a continue_a series_n of_o the_o church_n condition_n through_o time_n and_o show_v the_o most_o remarkable_a change_n of_o her_o lot_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o diverse_a prophecy_n and_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n the_o spirit_n do_v point_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o true_o it_o shall_v cause_v no_o mistake_n or_o prejudice_n thar_z we_o find_v several_a of_o the_o scripture_n prophecy_n express_v in_o such_o dark_a term_n since_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v it_o fit_a that_o for_o a_o time_n these_o truth_n shall_v be_v lock_v up_o and_o seal_v but_o now_o light_n have_v so_o far_o break_v up_o with_o the_o event_n as_o we_o may_v see_v how_o very_a 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set_v up_o a_o counterfut_o thereto_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o only_o what_o account_n be_v give_v upon_o the_o close_a of_o the_o last_o argument_n of_o some_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o late_a time_n as_o herein_o the_o author_n have_v some_o confidence_n to_o profess_v he_o do_v endeavour_v what_o can_v be_v attain_v for_o certainty_n of_o the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o circumstance_n of_o these_o relation_n shall_v be_v find_v a_o mistake_n he_o dare_v say_v before_o he_o who_o be_v great_a than_o our_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n so_o he_o must_v also_o premit_fw-la the_o insert_v of_o they_o be_v upon_o no_o further_a intent_n then_o to_o be_v a_o witness_v to_o that_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n eminent_a appearance_n for_o his_o church_n in_o the_o
last_o day_n it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o profit_n to_o the_o church_n that_o some_o more_o fit_o qualify_v will_v study_v a_o more_o large_a collection_n of_o this_o kind_n o_o that_o this_o may_v go_v forth_o with_o a_o blessing_n from_o he_o who_o by_o the_o mean_a thing_n can_v serve_v himself_o &_o promote_v the_o edi●icaaion_n of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v raise_v some_o up_o with_o much_o of_o his_o spirit_n to_o make_v a_o further_a search_n and_o enquiry_n in_o this_o great_a and_o weiguty_a truth_n errata_fw-la page_n 12_o line_n 1_o for_o very_a read_v every_o pag._n 45_o lin_v 2_o for_z ate_z r._n be_v p._n 77_o lin_v 10_o for_o securit_o r._n sccurity_n p._n 90_o lin_v 18_o for_o be_v r._n where_o pag._n 94_o lin_v 13_o for_o plain_n r._n plainness_n p._n 105_o liu_o 26_o for_o most_o r._n must_v p._n 167_o lin_v 9_o for_o hash_fw-mi r._n harsh_a p._n 185_o len_v 3_o for_o therefore_o r._n thereof_o p._n 108_o lin_v 1._o for_o alba_n r._n alva_n pag._n 214_o lin_v 25._o for_o cruche_n r_o crutch_n pag._n 217_o lin_v 11_o for_o iii_o r._n 2._o p._n 220_o lin_v 1_o for_o iv_o r._n iii_o p._n 255_o l._n 31_o for_o petioned_a r._n petition_v p._n 285_o lin_v 11_o for_o observation_n r._n observable_a other_o such_o fmall_a escape_n as_o one_o letter_n for_o another_o or_o wrong_v point_v will_v not_o hinder_v a_o intelligent_a reader_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v two_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n his_o word_n and_o his_o work_n which_o may_v be_v call_v these_o two_o great_a luminary_n for_o give_v light_n to_o the_o church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v great_a i_o mean_v do_v more_o clear_o shine_v forth_o yea_o do_v communicate_v light_n to_o the_o other_o these_o man_n must_v not_o divide_v which_o by_o so_o strait_a a_o tie_n the_o lord_n have_v join_v and_o by_o a_o mervellous_a correspondence_n 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endeavour_v to_o clear_v in_o these_o thing_n which_o will_v be_v consider_v 1._o this_o be_v the_o very_a unfolding_n of_o the_o lord_n decree_v and_o secret_a purpose_n the_o bring_v forth_o of_o his_o work_n now_o within_o time_n to_o the_o view_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n which_o be_v before_o he_o in_o the_o deep_a of_o his_o thought_n and_o counsel_n from_o eternity_n it_o be_v a_o open_n up_o of_o the_o seal_a book_n which_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v that_o secret_a roll_n of_o election_n and_o the_o book_n of_o life_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v write_v but_o libre_fw-la fatidicus_fw-la the_o seal_a book_n of_o god_n dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n show_v out_o his_o counsel_n and_o design_n which_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o after_o age_n of_o time_n for_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v full_o comprehend_v what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v and_o all_o that_o be_v to_o befall_v his_o church_n and_o people_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n 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promise_n and_o many_o dark_a prediction_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o give_v the_o promise_n and_o prophecy_n a_o visible_a be_v yea_o bring_v truth_n so_o near_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o sense_n that_o we_o may_v even_o touch_v as_o it_o be_v and_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o life_n o_o what_o a_o excellent_a interpreter_n be_v experience_n taste_n and_o see_v for_o thus_o the_o serious_a christian_a get_v a_o view_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o the_o most_o subtle_a and_o pierce_a eye_n of_o unsanctified_a schoolman_n can_v reach_v yea_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o truth_n nearne_v to_o god_n and_o retire_v of_o the_o soul_n to_o he_o have_v oft_o get_v more_o light_a in_o one_fw-mi hour_n than_o other_o by_o many_o day_n put_v their_o judgement_n and_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n 4._o this_o be_v god_n own_o seal_n which_o he_o pnt_v to_o the_o word_n to_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o same_o i_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v that_o secret_a seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n within_o but_o something_o more_o external_a that_o solemn_a testimony_n of_o his_o work_n whereby_o he_o do_v every_o day_n appeal_v man_n conscience_n anent_o his_o truth_n for_o his_o work_n be_v very_o manifest_a whereon_o there_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o ingravening_a of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o as_o the_o impress_n and_o image_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v upon_o the_o wax_n man_n may_v also_o see_v who_o superscription_n and_o image_n that_o be_v which_o do_v appear_v on_o such_o and_o such_o passage_n of_o providence_n 5._o this_o be_v something_o we_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v only_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n or_o in_o any_o singular_a and_o eminent_a path_n of_o a_o christian_n experience_n nay_o it_o do_v shine_v forth_o in_o the_o small_a and_o most_o casual_a thing_n that_o fall_v out_o yea_o in_o every_o page_n of_o that_o great_a volumn_n of_o providence_n may_v be_v clear_o read_v 6._o 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promise_n therein_o for_o present_a use_n and_o encouragement_n for_o that_o be_v its_o proper_a work_n to_o take_v they_o safe_a through_o this_o labyrinth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o it_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o land_n it_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v there_o will_v be_v then_o no_o more_o need_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o go_v to_o a_o promise_n and_o adventure_v upon_o it_o we_o shall_v then_o no_o more_o watch_n with_o the_o watchman_n in_o a_o dark_a and_o stormy_a night_n and_o hope_v for_o the_o break_n of_o the_o day_n faith_n then_o shall_v not_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n how_o such_o a_o word_n shall_v be_v make_v out_o because_o of_o invincible_a difficulty_n in_o its_o way_n no_o than_o it_o have_v do_v its_o work_n and_o that_o which_o be_v write_v shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o that_o which_o be_v see_v and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o encouragement_n will_v then_o lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o great_a depth_n o_o then_o it_o be_v finish_v and_o do_v what_o all_o the_o promise_n prophecy_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n be_v bring_v forth_o and_o then_o no_o more_o need_n of_o something_o as_o a_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n in_o hand_n to_o they_o who_o have_v the_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o inheritance_n under_o who_o foot_n the_o god_n of_o peace_n have_v tread_v satan_n and_o all_o their_o enemy_n 9_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v something_o which_o be_v not_o only_o demonstrat_fw-la to_o a_o christian_a by_o sensible_a influence_n and_o god_n secret_a work_n with_o his_o spirit_n but_o be_v make_v out_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o providence_n and_o not_o only_o witness_v by_o that_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o by_o a_o external_a testimony_n which_o both_o rational_o hold_v this_o out_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sensible_o to_o the_o sight_n and_o experience_n and_o this_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o full_a of_o all_o outward_a evidence_n since_o the_o world_n must_v shut_v their_o eye_n if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v it_o and_o a_o christian_a must_v deny_v what_o he_o both_o see_v and_o feel_v if_o he_o deny_v a_o witness_n to_o this_o ii_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o lord_n peculiar_a work_n and_o design_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o great_a bussine_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o wheel_n of_o providence_n amid_o the_o various_a change_n and_o revolution_n which_o be_v here_o within_o time_n for_o bring_v about_o whereof_o the_o bless_a thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a this_o be_v indeed_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a truth_n worthy_a to_o be_v more_o noticed_a and_o lay_v to_o heart_n by_o man_n that_o the_o glorious_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o go_v throughout_o the_o earth_n and_o do_v particular_o reach_v all_o thing_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o small_a as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o man_n in_o all_o these_o do_v move_v certain_o and_o infallible_o for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o great_a thing_n god_n have_v before_o his_o eye_n for_o it_o be_v no_o personal_a interest_n of_o man_n how_o great_a so_o ever_o they_o be_v that_o can_v answer_v this_o end_n it_o be_v something_o beyond_o the_o set_v up_o of_o king_n or_o overturning_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n that_o he_o do_v mind_n amid_o these_o varion_n change_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v some_o great_a thing_n then_o that_o which_o we_o most_o notice_n the_o lord_n thereby_o design_n how_o such_o a_o party_n be_v advance_v and_o other_o bring_v low_o for_o these_o thing_n come_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o
christ_n who_o have_v rather_o choif_v sin_n then_o affliction_n o_o be_v it_o not_o they_o judge_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o sufficient_a security_n to_o carry_v they_o through_o such_o a_o strait_a and_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v for_o if_o this_o be_v they_o shall_v reckon_v it_o their_o great_a safety_n to_o embark_v their_o interest_n on_o so_o sure_a a_o ground_n and_o with_o much_o quietness_n repose_v their_o soul_n and_o disburden_v their_o care_n by_o put_v it_o over_o on_o the_o word_n 6._o what_o do_v the_o frequent_a discouragement_n and_o unconfortable_a walk_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n speak_v forth_o do_v it_o not_o witness_v how_o little_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n with_o this_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n or_o establish_a thereanent_a what_o mean_v these_o distrustful_a fear_n and_o perplex_a complaint_n if_o their_o eye_n be_v but_o open_a to_o know_v they_o have_v such_o a_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n at_o their_o hand_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o small_a strait_n be_v so_o puzzle_v and_o ready_a to_o out_o wit_n they_o that_o they_o so_o usual_o stumble_v at_o the_o cross_n and_o as_o thing_n from_o without_o do_v appear_v their_o eucouragement_n make_v to_o ebb_v and_o flow_v be_v not_o here_o the_o cause_n that_o they_o stagger_v at_o the_o promise_n whilst_o probability_n in_o some_o visible_a way_n do_v not_o go_v along_o for_o its_o performance_n it_o be_v true_o easy_a to_o have_v some_o sweet_a notion_n of_o faith_n at_o a_o distance_n but_o whilst_o the_o trial_n come_v near_o upon_o such_o a_o close_a approach_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o other_o way_n but_o to_o put_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o particular_a interest_n on_o the_o word_n and_o on_o it_o alone_o many_o be_v then_o at_o a_o stand_n because_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o assure_v that_o though_o the_o earth_n 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confidence_n can_v bear_v up_o any_o stress_n or_o burden_n they_o lie_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o what_o end_n do_v the_o lord_n witness_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o word_n by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o its_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o lie_v but_o that_o from_o so_o sure_a and_o strong_a a_o ground_n his_o people_n may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n 5._o how_o can_v any_o think_v to_o adventure_v their_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o that_o whereon_o they_o fear_v to_o venture_v a_o outward_a interest_n or_o put_v over_o their_o dear_a thing_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o keep_n who_o can_v never_o say_v they_o know_v in_o who_o they_o believe_v 6._o may_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o man_n can_v believe_v a_o certain_a performance_n of_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o not_o be_v more_o deep_o affect_v therewith_o o_o be_v this_o true_a shall_v it_o sure_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o not_o one_o jot_n thereof_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o cause_v we_o awake_v in_o the_o night_n and_o bear_v we_o more_o company_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o think_v ourselves_o at_o a_o loss_n that_o day_n wherein_o we_o take_v not_o a_o turn_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o divine_a truth_n if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o must_v take_v place_n 7._o i_o will_v add_v if_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n which_o sure_o have_v a_o accomplishment_n o_o how_o be_v we_o so_o little_a christian_n why_o do_v man_n walk_n so_o sad_o jar_v with_o so_o great_a a_o hope_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v these_o be_v that_o be_v persuade_v within_o a_o little_a these_o heaven_n must_v pass_v away_o as_o a_o school_n the_o element_n melt_v with_o ●ervent_a heat_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v burn_v up_o i_o think_v if_o this_o will_v not_o press_v home_o on_o man_n to_o be_v serious_a and_o diligent_a they_o must_v be_v in_o a_o very_a sad_a lethargy_n v._o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o most_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a witness_n of_o its_o divinity_n that_o it_o be_v his_o word_n who_o be_v not_o like_a man_n to_o lie_v or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o repent_v and_o have_v this_o as_o its_o distinguish_a character_n that_o not_o one_o syllable_n thereof_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o be_v the_o undoubted_a privilege_n of_o god_n and_o of_o he_o alone_o to_o foresee_v thing_n contingent_a which_o be_v many_o age_n after_o to_o fall_v out_o and_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o necessary_a and_o natural_a cause_n and_o true_o this_o may_v be_v a_o convince_a argument_n yea_o we_o may_v say_v of_o all_o external_a testimony_n be_v the_o great_a but_o its_o strange_a to_o think_v what_o a_o generation_n there_o be_v who_o can_v sport_v at_o the_o scripture_n and_o question_v the_o truth_n thereof_o who_o yet_o do_v never_o once_o serious_o inquire_v if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a else_o so_o clear_a a_o witne_n may_v stare_v they_o in_o the_o face_n such_o a_o party_n we_o shall_v look_v on_o with_o compassion_n it_o be_v also_o sad_a to_o think_v at_o how_o poor_a a_o rate_n far_o below_o their_o allowance_n many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v here_o live_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o that_o excellent_a and_o more_o noble_a spirit_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o further_a comfort_n and_o establishment_n thereby_o it_o be_v true_a this_o bless_a record_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o itself_o and_o be_v know_v by_o its_o own_o light_n whereon_o there_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a impress_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n such_o convince_a mark_n of_o its_o true_a descent_n as_o may_v thorough_o show_v who_o it_o be_v and_o how_o far_o it_o exceed_v all_o humane_a invention_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n
be_v in_o the_o morning_n nor_o for_o many_o hour_n do_v they_o keep_v the_o ground_n they_o have_v attain_v but_o reubens_n character_n unstable_a as_o water_n may_v be_v still_o their_o complaint_n yea_o i_o be_o sure_a as_o many_o as_o ever_o obtain_v mercy_n to_o know_v themselves_o can_v tell_v that_o its_o past_a all_o reckon_n how_o oft_o their_o heart_n have_v deceive_v they_o when_o they_o trust_v it_o most_o this_o every_o day_n may_v cause_v they_o sit_v down_o and_o admire_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o can_v mend_v what_o they_o so_o oft_o mar_v and_o be_v strong_a to_o save_v and_o preserve_v than_o they_o be_v to_o destroy_v iii_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o body_n of_o death_n within_o they_o also_o know_v there_o be_v a_o adversary_n without_o eph._n 6_o v._n 12._o 1_o pet._n 5_o ver_fw-la 8._o joh._n 8_o v._n 44._o who_o way_n and_o device_n and_o method_n of_o tempt_v do_v most_o exact_o answer_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o word_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o truth_n which_o christian_a experience_n in_o all_o age_n do_v witness_v that_o no_o soon_o they_o have_v a_o serious_a look_n after_o god_n but_o find_v themselves_o pursue_v by_o a_o invisible_a party_n who_o approach_n though_o spiritual_a be_v yet_o certain_a and_o most_o sensible_o demonstrate_v beside_o that_o which_o the_o word_n do_v clear_o teach_v yea_o it_o be_v sure_o none_o of_o the_o saint_n be_v ever_o privilege_v from_o such_o experience_n for_o herein_o do_v the_o christians_n warfare_n lie_v but_o o_o how_o sweet_a may_v the_o evening_n be_v while_o they_o sit_v down_o can_v sing_v that_o song_n our_o soul_n have_v escape_v as_o a_o bird_n from_o the_o fowller_n i_o shall_v here_o give_v in_o something_o of_o the_o godly_a man_n experience_n which_o can_v bear_v witness_n to_o this_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v sure_o a_o other_o party_n than_o the_o world_n or_o themselves_o with_o which_o they_o have_v to_o do_v a_o invisible_a adversary_n without_o who_o they_o perceive_v by_o that_o sensible_a correspondence_n he_o keep_v with_o their_o heart_n within_o by_o these_o violent_a inroad_n importunat_a solistation_n these_o impetuous_a motion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v so_o strange_o hurry_v and_o oft_o drive_v over_o light_n and_o judgement_n yea_o over_o their_o strong_a resolution_n so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v as_o discernible_a to_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v something_o therein_o beside_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o a_o outward_a visible_a shape_n 2._o that_o since_o the_o time_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o look_v after_o god_n and_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o work_n upon_o their_o spirit_n they_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o most_o affright_v dreadful_a temptation_n and_o do_v now_o preceive_v his_o rage_n and_o violent_a pursuit_n to_o bring_v they_o back_o which_o they_o know_v not_o before_o when_o at_o peace_n with_o their_o idol_n and_o sinful_a way_n 3._o that_o the_o mark_v he_o levell_v at_o to_o which_o his_o usual_a temptation_n have_v a_o tendency_n be_v their_o soul_n and_o inward_a man_n to_o hinder_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o to_o turn_v their_o heart_n off_o from_o he_o to_o break_v the_o law_n and_o lay_v a_o side_n command_v duty_n 4._o that_o his_o ordinary_a approach_n to_o the_o heart_n be_v oft_o by_o a_o very_a small_a thing_n he_o need_v no_o more_o but_o a_o open_a door_n or_o a_o sinful_a look_n for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o a_o temptation_n and_o know_v by_o a_o wound_n in_o the_o eye_n how_o to_o carry_v death_n in_o to_o the_o soul_n 5._o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o party_n as_o know_v his_o time_n and_o opportunity_n can_v change_v his_o weapous_a and_o busk_n the_o book_n with_o divers_a bait_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v alway_n at_o hand_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o when_o they_o a●e_v out_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o in_o a_o carnal_a frame_n to_o put_v in_o then_o with_o some_o temptation_n and_o fish_n in_o such_o a_o drumly_a water_n 6._o that_o his_o way_n do_v true_o answer_n his_o name_n spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n this_o be_v so_o discern_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o he_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o ground_n be_v a_o most_o subtle_a observe_v adversary_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o dark_a to_o we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o light_n to_o he_o and_o knopw_v how_o to_o correspond_v with_o our_o corruption_n and_o to_o suit_v his_o temptation_n to_o our_o natural_a temper_n wherewith_o he_o be_v well_o acquaint_v and_o to_o our_o call_n and_o our_o company_n to_o the_o present_a strait_n to_o our_o predominant_a inclination_n and_o to_o our_o retirement_n and_o solitude_n yea_o that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o know_v how_o to_o follow_v in_o and_o ply_v with_o such_o a_o gale_n when_o we_o be_v in_o hot_a blood_n or_o in_o any_o distemper_n and_o discomposure_n of_o spirit_n 7._o that_o he_o can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o suit_v his_o temptation_n to_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o there_o be_v temptation_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o well_o as_o the_o left_a which_o be_v so_o refine_v and_o so_o like_o a_o christian_a exercise_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o discern_v the_o weed_n from_o the_o flower_n and_o most_o dreadful_a error_n from_o the_o choice_a truth_n to_o which_o they_o oft_o have_v a_o great_a resomblance_n though_o at_o last_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o native_a tendency_n even_o of_o the_o most_o specious_a error_n in_o the_o judgement_n be_v to_o looseness_n in_o practice_n and_o to_o make_v man_n religious_o irreligious_a 8._o that_o he_o be_v also_o a_o roar_a lion_n which_o they_o have_v oft_o prove_v by_o the_o dreadful_a blasphemous_a injection_n these_o fiery_a dart_n which_o be_v throw_v in_o with_o violence_n wherewith_o there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n of_o the_o inclination_n or_o consent_n but_o a_o discernible_a force_n put_v upon_o they_o assault_v they_o with_o most_o horrid_a atheistical_a thought_n even_o while_o their_o heart_n do_v rise_v with_o abhorrence_n and_o enter_v their_o dissent_n against_o the_o same_o 9_o that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o restless_a adversary_n who_o be_v go_v still_o about_o and_o give_v vo_o cessation_n but_o with_o purpose_n to_o return_v at_o some_o great_a advantage_n and_o be_v no_o less_o terrible_a in_o his_o flight_n then_o in_o his_o assault_n &_o that_o he_o can_v speak_v out_o of_o a_o friend_n as_o well_o as_o out_o of_o a_o foe_n yea_o and_o do_v then_o most_o dangerous_o tempt_v when_o the_o temptation_n be_v lest_o see_v or_o discover_v 10._o that_o his_o temptation_n do_v not_o only_o drive_v at_o engage_v of_o the_o heart_n to_o bring_v sin_n to_o the_o thought_n but_o also_o the_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o act_n for_o put_v some_o blot_n upon_o their_o walk_n and_o conversation_n 11._o that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o be_v overcome_v by_o resistance_n and_o do_v flee_v before_o these_o that_o withstand_v he_o which_o they_o have_v oft_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v return_v from_o prayer_n with_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o adversary_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n have_v be_v make_v to_o wonder_n how_o that_o which_o have_v oft_o foil_v they_o shall_v have_v be_v their_o temptation_n 13._o they_o also_o find_v by_o frequent_a observation_n that_o though_o he_o be_v most_o subtle_a be_v indeed_o one_o who_o through_o long_a experience_n and_o continue_a practice_n have_v attain_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o dexterity_n in_o tempt_v yet_o that_o he_o have_v one_o usual_a method_n and_o device_n which_o the_o serious_a christian_a by_o daily_a experience_n and_o watchfulness_n may_v easy_o discern_v and_o perceive_v his_o temptation_n in_o their_o rise_n and_o at_o a_o distance_n while_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v creep_v up_o the_o wall_n yea_o thus_o in_o some_o measure_n he_o may_v find_v out_o the_o depth_n of_o satan_n and_o know_v how_o to_o avo●d_v the_o net_n spread_v by_o that_o great_a foul_a iv_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o the_o godly_a for_o their_o use_n and_o encouragement_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n have_v a_o certain_a accomplishment_n and_o be_v a_o safe_a ground_n to_o adventure_v upon_o and_o worthy_a to_o be_v credit_v be_v a_o truth_n try_v in_o all_o age_n whereto_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n can_v give_v a_o large_a testimony_n now_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o grave_a subject_n it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o diverse_a kind_n of_o promise_n nor_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o live_v at_o so_o poor_a a_o rate_n and_o so_o unconfortable_o while_o such_o a_o well_o as_o this_o be_v at_o our_o hand_n for_o its_o easy_a to_o read_v the_o
cause_n within_o ourselves_o we_o sow_v spare_o and_o venture_v little_a out_o therefore_o we_o have_v so_o small_a a_o increase_n their_o be_v a_o price_n for_o wisdom_n but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o fool_n who_o have_v no_o heart_n thereto_o but_o this_o not_o concern_v we_o here_o i_o only_o aim_v to_o hold_v out_o this_o that_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v give_v his_o people_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o unquestionable_a verity_n and_o have_v as_o real_a and_o sure_a performance_n in_o the_o saint_n experience_n as_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o which_o come_v most_o necessary_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o work_n and_o concurrence_n of_o natural_a cause_n as_o that_o the_o fire_n do_v burn_v when_o combustible_a matter_n be_v add_v or_o the_o sun_n rise_v after_o its_o go_v down_o for_o indeed_o this_o truth_n be_v so_o manifest_a prove_v by_o such_o innumerable_a experiment_n amid_o the_o various_a change_n of_o a_o christian_n condition_n that_o we_o may_v summon_v as_o many_o witness_n as_o have_v be_v follower_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o a_o few_o who_o in_o all_o age_n have_v put_v the_o promise_n to_o a_o essay_n and_o put_v their_o seal_n thereto_o that_o god_n be_v true_a yea_o to_o ask_v at_o such_o if_o they_o know_v whither_o there_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o scripture_n promise_n that_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v i_o think_v be_v to_o inquire_v at_o a_o live_a man_n whither_o he_o see_v and_o feel_v or_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o motion_n since_o they_o have_v as_o sure_o and_o sensible_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o one_o as_o he_o have_v of_o the_o other_o but_o ere_o i_o speak_v any_o thing_n particular_o to_o this_o i_o will_v first_o premit_fw-la some_o thing_n to_o clear_v what_o we_o understand_v here_o by_o the_o saint_n experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o we_o will_v consider_v though_o the_o scripture_n have_v here_o its_o accomplishment_n and_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a christian_a while_o on_o the_o way_n in_o his_o militant_a condition_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o promise_n of_o the_o word_n yea_o the_o great_a which_o belong_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o will_v not_o be_v fulfil_v until_o they_o have_v cast_v off_o their_o armour_n and_o be_v call_v to_o divide_v the_o spoil_n their_o experience_n of_o which_o will_v be_v the_o high_a prize_n of_o the_o call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n whereof_o all_o which_o they_o now_o enjoy_v be_v but_o a_o earnest_n 2._o we_o will_v consider_v that_o the_o great_a intent_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o promise_n thereof_o be_v not_o for_o contemplation_n but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v they_o by_o experience_n and_o drive_v a_o bless_a trade_n and_o commerce_n therewith_o the_o merchandise_n of_o which_o be_v better_a nor_o that_o of_o gold_n for_o herely_v the_o christian_n life_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o talon_n the_o promise_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o memory_n as_o in_o a_o napkin_n but_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n what_o experience_n they_o have_v gain_v thereby_o and_o thus_o the_o diligent_a hand_n shall_v make_v rich_a 3._o what_o ever_o be_v the_o different_a 'size_n and_o degree_n of_o experience_n among_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o their_o growth_n and_o age_n in_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o mean_a who_o have_v interest_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o do_v ever_o grip_v they_o in_o earnest_n and_o put_v they_o to_o trial_n must_v know_v something_o of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o samein_o their_o own_o case_n for_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o suffer_v his_o work_n in_o his_o people_n to_o want_v a_o seal_n 4._o the_o godlye_v experience_n hereof_o be_v then_o much_o make_v out_o when_o they_o be_v much_o in_o observation_n and_o we_o know_v little_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n because_o we_o be_v not_o more_o habitual_o in_o a_o frame_n to_o observe_v thus_o he_o go_v by_o and_o we_o perceive_v not_o but_o they_o never_o want_v confirmation_n who_o be_v serious_o seek_v to_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n 5._o the_o special_a mercy_n and_o providence_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n be_v a_o certain_a return_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o in_o that_o way_n do_v meet_v they_o as_o the_o proper_a channel_n of_o their_o conveyance_n for_o they_o be_v the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o how_o refreshful_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o several_a case_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o their_o outgate_n theteof_o their_o mean_a as_o well_o as_o their_o great_a necessity_n be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n and_o under_o some_o promise_n and_o be_v all_o forseen_v in_o his_o everlasting_a view_n who_o have_v so_o marvellous_o suit_v the_o same_o to_o all_o that_o his_o people_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v direct_v to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o christian_a only_o 6._o this_o help_v to_o make_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o godly_a man_n to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a and_o sweet_a relish_n and_o to_o be_v someway_o twice_o his_o mercy_n when_o he_o get_v they_o in_o so_o immediate_a a_o way_n reach_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o as_o a_o observable_a return_n from_o heaven_n when_o thus_o the_o lord_n seal_v his_o word_n to_o he_o by_o his_o work_n &_o the_o way_n of_o the_o word_n he_o find_v have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o his_o comfortable_a outgate_n that_o when_o he_o have_v have_v no_o other_o escape_n but_o to_o tu●n_v in_o to_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o cast_v himself_o upon_o it_o he_o gain_v this_o experience_n he_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o be_v help_v and_o can_v give_v in_o this_o testimony_n of_o he_o that_o he_o have_v both_o speak_v it_o and_o himself_o also_o have_v do_v it_o according_a to_o his_o word_n 7_o it_o 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faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v and_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o a_o christian_a have_v find_v once_o or_o twice_o in_o his_o life_n but_o the_o daily_a food_n of_o such_o as_o live_v by_o faith_n 9_o this_o do_v put_v a_o strong_a obligation_n on_o the_o godly_a man_n to_o the_o word_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o these_o who_o have_v try_v it_o often_o may_v with_o much_o confidence_n trust_v it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o strait_n 10._o the_o experience_n which_o the_o godly_a have_v of_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v a_o most_o convince_a evidence_n of_o his_o state_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o earnest_n and_o pledge_v of_o the_o inheritance_n and_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o that_o which_o remain_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v perfect_a what_o concern_v he_o who_o have_v be_v his_o help_n hitherto_o and_o will_v be_v his_o exceed_a great_a reward_n in_o the_o end_n who_o have_v make_v he_o find_v so_o much_o of_o the_o gain_n of_o godliness_n here_o by_o the_o way_n now_o have_v premit_v these_o thing_n i_o shall_v here_o instance_n some_o particular_a promise_n where_o in_o the_o christ●●●s_v most_o usual_a trade_n and_o commerce_n doth_o and_o to_o which_o they_o give_v in_o their_o seal_n and_o witness_n i_o confess_v if_o all_o these_o proof_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v have_v of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o promise_n can_v be_v gather_v together_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o that_o divine_a hyperbole_n the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v thereof_o o_o what_o a_o admirable_a volume_n what_o a_o excellent_a commentary_n and_o copy_n shall_v this_o be_v of_o the_o scripture_n to_o see_v it_o thus_o turn_v over_o into_o the_o
this_o truth_n may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la not_o only_o from_o the_o real_a conquest_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o excellent_a trophy_n of_o her_o victory_n over_o many_o note_a enemy_n who_o have_v after_o be_v vessel_n of_o honour_n but_o also_o from_o the_o feign_a subjection_n that_o so_o many_o have_v be_v make_v to_o render_v be_v it_o not_o strange_a what_o a_o multitude_n do_v in_o these_o time_n profess_v the_o truth_n and_o yet_o hate_v it_o and_o be_v never_o draw_v with_o the_o cord_n of_o love_n how_o very_o many_o have_v court_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o woo_v the_o shadow_n of_o religion_n who_o never_o know_v the_o truth_n thereof_o which_o certain_o be_v a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n conquest_n that_o so_o many_o knee_n shall_v bow_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n who_o heart_n be_v never_o bow_v or_o real_o subdue_v to_o he_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a proof_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o we_o see_v the_o church_n increase_v &_o enlargement_n have_v come_v to_o pass_v most_o punctual_o after_o that_o manner_n yea_o with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n as_o be_v fortolde_v and_o promise_v so_o that_o the_o event_n do_v in_o every_o thing_n answer_v the_o word_n for_o first_o it_o be_v there_o hold_v out_o that_o from_o a_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n which_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o despise_v it_o shall_v grow_v up_o as_o a_o tender_a plant_n and_o spread_v forth_o its_o branch_n over_o the_o nation_n that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o desolat_a shall_v be_v more_o than_o of_o the_o marry_a wife_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o first_o &_o o_o have_v it_o not_o according_o come_v to_o pass_n 2._o this_o great_a increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o christ_n shall_v be_v lift_v up_o that_o then_o he_o shall_v draw_v all_o man_n after_o he_o for_o these_o promise_n we_o have_v thereof_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v clear_o point_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o do_v not_o the_o event_n here_o according_o answer_a 3._o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o that_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o gentiles_n and_o that_o their_o rejection_n shall_v make_v way_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n even_o the_o ingather_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o do_v not_o man_n see_v the_o event_n with_o this_o very_a circumstance_n 4._o we_o find_v the_o isle_n and_o outmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o foretell_v as_o a_o special_a part_n of_o the_o church_n increase_n and_o do_v we_o not_o clear_o see_v there_o be_v no_o place_n of_o the_o world_n where_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v more_o visible_a where_o more_o child_n have_v be_v beget_v to_o he_o by_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v say_v then_o in_o these_o northern_a place_n even_o in_o these_o isle_n of_o 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deny_v the_o marvellous_a progress_n of_o the_o church_n how_o from_o a_o small_a beginning_n she_o at_o last_o possess_v the_o gate_n of_o both_o the_o east_n and_o western_a empire_n her_o old_a enemy_n and_o do_v we_o not_o this_o day_n see_v her_o conquest_n advance_v on_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichrist_n her_o last_o and_o great_a adversary_n 5._o as_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n anent_o the_o church_n increase_n be_v undeniable_a since_o man_n can_v contradict_v their_o sense_n therein_o we_o must_v also_o say_v this_o be_v a_o thing_n great_a and_o marvellous_a which_o no_o less_o than_o some_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n can_v bring_v about_o if_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o quick_a dispatch_n which_o the_o church_n growth_n under_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v make_v o_o may_v not_o the_o pagan_a world_n wonder_v how_o in_o the_o space_n of_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n it_o be_v almost_o become_v whole_o christian_n o_o strange_a a_o dioclesian_n &_o maximus_n so_o grievous_o persecute_v and_o trample_v on_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christianity_n &_o yet_o near_o that_o same_o age_n this_o great_a roman_a empire_n and_o emperor_n submit_v to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n 2._o how_o astonish_v be_v it_o for_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o increase_v to_o be_v bring_v about_o upon_o the_o ruin_n and_o dounfal_n of_o the_o idol_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o have_v their_o temple_n and_o be_v worship_v as_o god_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o renounce_v its_o bible_n and_o that_o religion_n which_o for_o so_o many_o age_n be_v deep_o root_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n these_o altar_n which_o be_v have_v in_o such_o reverence_n demolish_a and_o their_o temple_n make_v a_o ruinous_a heap_n yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o their_o god_n shall_v be_v thus_o obliterat_fw-la be_v not_o this_o indeed_o very_o wonderful_a but_o 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bring_v near_o god_n in_o secret_a converse_n with_o he_o and_o take_v up_o to_o that_o mountain_n in_o a_o word_n do_v not_o the_o walk_n of_o a_o serious_a mortify_a christian_a convince_o witness_v this_o yea_o can_v but_o be_v some_o way_n astonish_v to_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v make_v they_o look_v so_o well_o and_o with_o such_o satisfaction_n when_o no_o visible_a cause_n for_o it_o when_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n from_o converse_n with_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n sure_a man_n will_v not_o think_v any_o rational_a spirit_n so_o dement_v to_o quit_v their_o former_a pleasure_n and_o choose_v the_o cross_n that_o they_o may_v only_o deceive_v the_o world_n with_o a_o counterfeit_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n if_o they_o do_v not_o real_o find_v the_o same_o and_o while_o it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a what_o a_o dreadful_a society_n and_o commerce_n many_o have_v with_o the_o devil_n shall_v any_o question_n or_o debate_n whither_o the_o saint_n have_v true_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n of_o spirit_n who_o they_o serve_v and_o worship_n four_o that_o the_o righteous_a be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n prov._n 12_o ver_fw-la 26._o and_o have_v a_o other_o spirit_n which_o be_v great_a and_o more_o choice_n then_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o truth_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a man_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o prejudice_n must_v needs_o confess_v and_o that_o therein_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_o verify_v when_o such_o clear_a and_o convince_a evidence_n do_v stare_v they_o in_o the_o face_n i_o confess_v the_o saint_n be_v much_o under_o a_o dark_a cloud_n here_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o corruption_n yea_o be_v oft_o account_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n but_o when_o grace_n in_o any_o great_a measure_n &_o in_o its_o vigorous_a exercise_n do_v show_v itself_o than_o there_o appear_v so_o much_o as_o will_v darken_v all_o the_o grandour_n of_o this_o earth_n &_o 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who_o they_o move_v as_o to_o their_o great_a and_o last_o end_n yea_o do_v evidence_n a_o more_o true_a excellency_n of_o spirit_n what_o a_o sweet_a calm_a and_o serenity_n they_o have_v within_o while_o go_v through_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o cross_a and_o vex_v with_o what_o discernible_a quietness_n these_o can_v look_v upon_o most_o affright_a revolution_n in_o the_o world_n as_o such_o who_o treasure_n and_o great_a interest_n be_v beyond_o hazard_n though_o the_o earth_n be_v all_o turn_v to_o ash_n 3._o be_v there_o not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o way_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o such_o a_o majesty_n and_o authority_n that_o attend_v holiness_n as_o do_v force_n respect_n and_o fear_v even_o from_o these_o who_o do_v most_o hate_v they_o yea_o and_o do_v force_v man_n to_o justify_v such_o in_o their_o conscience_n who_o they_o open_o reproach_n and_o persecut_a whence_o be_v it_o that_o a_o serious_a tender_a christian_n be_v oft_o a_o scar_n crow_v &_o terror_n to_o the_o profane_a when_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a cause_n for_o it_o but_o that_o they_o be_v strike_v with_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n in_o these_o carrying_z such_o a_o resemblance_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o sorce_v fear_n and_o subjection_n from_o that_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 4._o do_v not_o a_o christian_a and_o holy_a walk_v cause_n man_n shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n yea_o darken_v all_o their_o neighbour_n and_o in_o the_o dark_a night_n be_v it_o not_o see_v how_o grace_n shine_v with_o the_o great_a lustre_n what_o a_o sweet_a and_o odoriferous_a send_v do_v this_o even_o send_v through_o the_o country_n where_o they_o live_v that_o may_v show_v to_o all_o what_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v betwixt_o such_o and_o these_o who_o be_v wallow_a in_o this_o puddle_n of_o the_o earth_n 5._o be_v ●●●ot_v obvious_a what_o a_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n yea_o something_o more_o become_v our_o immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v see_v in_o the_o self-denial_n of_o christian_n their_o bear_a injury_n forgive_a such_o as_o injure_v they_o without_o revile_v then_o in_o that_o proud_a vindictive_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o sure_o such_o walk_v by_o a_o more_o excellent_a rule_n and_o move_v from_o a_o high_a principle_n 6._o it_o may_v be_v also_o evident_a to_o the_o world_n what_o a_o other_o spirit_n be_v in_o these_o who_o do_v not_o bow_v with_o the_o speate_v of_o every_o time_n nor_o yield_v to_o man_n because_o of_o their_o outward_a power_n then_o in_o that_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o while_o the_o one_o do_v press_v man_n to_o save_v themselves_o on_o any_o term_n the_o other_o do_v cause_v the_o christian_a take_v up_o his_o cross_n yea_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o save_v his_o conscience_n &_o whence_o be_v that_o patience_n and_o resolution_n by_o which_o the_o godly_a in_o time_n of_o suffering_n have_v overcome_v their_o persecutor_n their_o bold_a avow_a of_o the_o truth_n before_o man_n when_o hazard_n be_v most_o obvious_a and_o that_o advantage_n wherewith_o they_o appear_v above_o other_o in_o such_o a_o time_n o_o do_v it_o not_o clear_o witness_v they_o be_v of_o a_o other_o metal_n who_o do_v thus_o abide_v the_o fire_n yea_o become_v more_o bright_a by_o that_o wherewith_o other_o be_v consume_v i_o will_v add_v that_o which_o the_o world_n can_v deny_v how_o this_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o the_o saint_n have_v prevail_v over_o the_o great_a enticement_n of_o carnal_a gain_n and_o pleasure_n which_o to_o many_o may_v seem_v a_o wonder_n as_o the_o popish_a party_n do_v once_o say_v of_o luther_n bestia_fw-la haet_fw-la non_fw-la cur_n at_o aurum_n that_o which_o they_o do_v speak_v in_o contempt_n that_o it_o do_v prove_v he_o a_o beast_n do_v in_o effect_n show_v he_o therein_o to_o be_v something_o above_o man_n for_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n before_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n can_v never_o stand_v five_o that_o the_o promise_a encouragement_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n for_o his_o name_n be_v a_o truth_n and_o the_o scripture_n herein_o verify_v i_o be_o sure_a not_o only_o christian_a experience_n can_v witness_v but_o may_v even_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o other_o be_v demonstrat_fw-la from_o very_a convince_a ground_n that_o it_o be_v no_o fancy_n or_o delusion_n 〈◊〉_d 9_o ver_fw-la 9_o be_v 51_o ver_fw-la 12._o 1._o the_o very_a countenance_n and_o outward_a appearance_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o a_o suffer_a time_n do_v oft_o declare_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o as_o sure_o they_o must_v have_v joy_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o whence_o the_o world_n do_v not_o know_v &_o have_v some_o other_o correspondence_n then_o with_o thing_n visible_a for_o it_o may_v be_v oft_o say_v as_o of_o daniel_n &_o his_o fellow_n that_o under_o great_a pressure_n and_o a_o very_a mean_a condition_n they_o look_v as_o well_o yea_o with_o as_o much_o chearfulnes_n as_o these_o who_o live_v on_o the_o king_n allowance_n 2._o it_o can_v be_v no_o counterfeit_n which_o shall_v thus_o reconcile_v the_o christian_n with_o a_o suffer_a lot_n for_o it_o be_v know_v how_o very_a search_a affliction_n and_o trouble_n prove_v which_o oft_o do_v broach_v the_o vessel_n and_o bring_v forth_o what_o have_v former_o most_o close_o lurk_v and_o o_o do_v not_o that_o holy_a confidence_n and_o freedom_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v evidence_v in_o confess_v the_o truth_n before_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n and_o their_o most_o cruel_a adversary_n yea_o that_o chearfulnes_n which_o in_o most_o extreme_a piece_n of_o suffer_v they_o oft_o do_v wittness_n even_o when_o they_o
wherein_o they_o live_v i_o shall_v here_o point_v at_o this_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n write_v in_o such_o great_a letter_n as_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o most_o common_a onlooker_n can_v pass_v this_o without_o a_o remark_n it_o be_v true_a much_o may_v be_v lay_v over_o to_o that_o great_a general_a a●fize_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n that_o day_n of_o retribution_n yea_o sometime_o we_o see_v the_o most_o wicked_a and_o vile_a go_v in_o peace_n to_o the_o grave_n the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n do_v also_o appear_v very_o observable_o in_o the_o different_a measure_n and_o kind_a of_o punishment_n and_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a how_o prone_a man_n be_v to_o look_v more_o to_o the_o interest_n that_o second_o cause_n have_v in_o such_o a_o thing_n then_o to_o a_o divine_a hand_n but_o this_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o the_o lord_n be_v know_v on_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v and_o in_o every_o age_n do_v set_v up_o such_o convince_a example_n before_o man_n that_o the_o great_a atheist_n may_v see_v yea_o oft_o their_o conscience_n must_v break_v the_o jail_n restrain_v it_o as_o they_o will_v and_o force_v this_o acknowledgement_n that_o such_o judgement_n can_v be_v no_o casual_a thing_n while_o something_o of_o a_o power_n high_o than_o man_n and_o a_o clear_a verify_n of_o the_o word_n be_v so_o discernible_a therein_o now_o to_o demonstrat_fw-la this_o truth_n i_o will_v offer_v something_n which_o may_v show_v how_o very_a near_o this_o come_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o man_n so_o as_o none_o can_v be_v a_o stranger_n thereto_o or_o want_v conviction_n of_o this_o piece_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n except_o they_o willing_o shut_v their_o eye_n while_o it_o be_v clear_a 1._o that_o the_o very_a heathen_n who_o never_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o a_o write_a law_n have_v 〈◊〉_d so_o much_o of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n that_o not_o only_o they_o can_v put_v some_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o even_o in_o some_o measure_n can_v discern_v god_n put_v some_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o same_o how_o flagitious_a crime_n use_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n we_o may_v say_v time_n can_v never_o yet_o wear_v out_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o truth_n through_o the_o world_n and_o though_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v receive_v and_o credit_v which_o not_o have_v a_o sure_a ground_n do_v quick_o evanish_v it_o be_v truth_n privilege_n still_o to_o outlive_v falsehood_n yet_o it_o be_v sure_a how_o in_o the_o dark_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o have_v be_v still_o notice_v with_o a_o remark_n and_o transmit_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o yea_o the_o record_n of_o the_o nation_n even_o by_o heathen_a writer_n show_v what_o remarkable_a punishment_n have_v follow_v cruel_a oppression_n covenant-breaking_a and_o bloodshed_n and_o such_o other_o gross_a sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n yea_o how_o these_o have_v be_v the_o usual_a forerunner_n of_o great_a stroke_n on_o kingdom_n and_o family_n 2_o do_v not_o the_o world_n see_v that_o in_o these_o remarkable_a judgement_n which_o have_v come_v on_o a_o nation_n and_o people_n there_o be_v something_o high_a than_o instrument_n or_o second_o cause_n which_o may_v be_v very_o evident_a in_o bring_v the_o same_o about_o so_o that_o all_o who_o go_v by_o must_v confess_v such_o be_v no_o casual_a tryst_n nor_o do_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n but_o that_o sure_o a_o divine_a hand_n be_v there_o and_o true_o though_o some_o desolate_v stroke_n be_v very_o terrible_a in_o themselves_o and_o blood_n and_o ruin_n shall_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o pleasure_n yet_o whereas_o thereby_o that_o stately_a sound_n be_v hear_v even_o his_o voice_n who_o make_v the_o earth_n to_o tremble_v and_o god_n be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o with_o fear_n but_o even_o some_o holy_a congratulation_n consider_v his_o work_n now_o to_o clear_v what_o a_o convince_a witness_n these_o be_v to_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o very_a obvious_a remarke_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o world_n can_v contradict_v of_o the_o lord_n own_o immediate_a hand_n in_o such_o judgement_n 1._o that_o strange_a concurrence_n and_o tryst_n of_o providence_n which_o use_v to_o appear_v when_o god_n be_v against_o a_o people_n how_o all_o thing_n will_v then_o conspire_v as_o in_o a_o fatal_a conjunction_n to_o ●●●k_v the_o woe_n and_o ruin_n that_o man_n may_v see_v sure_o this_o 〈◊〉_d ●rom_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n from_o a_o hand_n against_o which_o there_o be_v no_o strive_v 2._o how_o such_o remarkable_a stroke_n be_v see_v to_o try_v with_o some_o great_a and_o remarkable_a height_n of_o sin_n in_o such_o a_o nation_n and_o people_n so_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a then_o for_o all_o onlooker_n to_n confess_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n therein_o 3._o that_o when_o judgement_n be_v come_v on_o a_o land_n it_o may_v be_v see_v how_o instrument_n be_v raise_v and_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n act_v with_o all_o advantage_n for_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o service_n 4._o a_o visible_a blast_v then_o both_o of_o counsel_n and_o strength_n and_o these_o mean_n which_o otherway_v look_v most_o probable_a how_o remarkable_o such_o be_v confound_v even_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o ordinary_a ability_n their_o heart_n and_o usual_a courage_n take_v from_o they_o while_o the_o lord_n be_v on_o a_o work_n of_o judgement_n 5._o that_o astonish_a success_n which_o be_v usual_o see_v to_o follow_v these_o who_o the_o lord_n send_v forth_o to_o execut_v his_o judgement_n how_o then_o they_o move_v swift_o and_o with_o vigour_n they_o do_v not_o stumble_v or_o weary_a it_o be_v neither_o river_n nor_o wall_a city_n can_v stand_v in_o their_o way_n mountain_n be_v make_v valley_n to_o show_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o hand_n in_o that_o day_n be_v strong_a upon_o they_o to_o strengthen_v their_o loin_n and_o make_v the_o sword_n and_o axe_n sharp_a for_o his_o service_n 6._o amid_o these_o various_a stroke_n which_o come_v on_o a_o land_n can_v man_n pass_v that_o of_o the_o pestilence_n without_o some_o special_a note_n where_o god_n immediate_a hand_n something_o supernatural_a above_o ordinary_a or_o natural_a cause_n may_v be_v clear_o see_v both_o in_o its_o strange_a progress_n in_o spread_v which_o like_o a_o lightning_n do_v oft_o go_v throw_v city_n and_o country_n in_o a_o small_a time_n do_v not_o these_o tell_v aloud_o to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o come_v not_o unsent_a and_o without_o some_o special_a commission_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o stryve_v against_o they_o nor_o be_v ordinary_a mean_n effectual_a in_o some_o such_o extraordinary_a plague_n until_o he_o who_o bring_v it_o on_o do_v also_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n take_v it_o off_o 3._o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a even_o to_o the_o world_n that_o clear_a resemblance_n which_o be_v oft_o betwixt_o sin_n and_o the_o stroke_n how_o holy_a justice_n do_v keep_v a_o proportion_n and_o do_v shape_n out_o the_o judgement_n so_o exact_o both_o in_o measure_n and_o kind_a that_o it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o see_v the_o stroke_n point_v as_o with_o a_o hand_n to_o the_o cause_n by_o its_o discernible_a likeness_n and_o both_o at_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o thus_o measure_v out_o to_o man_n as_o they_o have_v deal_v with_o other_o we_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n try_v agag_n and_o adonibezek_n how_o sodom_n burn_v lust_n be_v punish_v with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n yea_o what_o even_o david_n have_v measure_v out_o for_o his_o murder_n and_o adultery_n the_o sword_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n and_o for_o the_o other_o his_o wife_n by_o his_o own_o son_n abuse_v and_o true_o every_o age_n observation_n can_v witness_v this_o truth_n from_o many_o convince_a example_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v oft_o see_v if_o man_n will_v serious_o observe_v 1._o how_o a_o universal_a overspread_a of_o sin_n in_o a_o land_n have_v usual_o some_o national_a and_o universal_a stroke_n follow_v 2._o that_o blood_n wait_v on_o bloody_a man_n and_o suffer_v they_o not_o oft_o to_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n one_o oppressor_n punish_v by_o another_o the_o unmerciful_a man_n pay_v home_o in_o his_o own_o coin_n by_o such_o as_o shall_v show_v as_o little_a mercy_n to_o he_o or_o he_o 3._o how_o the_o proud_a and_o insolent_a who_o do_v most_o hunt_v after_o outward_a glory_n be_v usual_o try_v with_o some_o humble_v abase_v stroke_n he_o pour_v contempt_n on_o prince_n and_o such_o who_o will_v not_o honour_n god_n shall_v not_o brook_v that_o honour_n
forth_o a_o vive_a resemblance_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o some_o violent_a pressure_n and_o incitement_n from_o that_o airth_n 7._o be_v it_o not_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o party_n by_o this_o that_o he_o be_v a_o adversary_n to_o god_n and_o holiness_n for_o which_o he_o do_v so_o impetuous_o tempt_v and_o press_v man_n to_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o blasphemy_n which_o so_o visible_o rage_v in_o the_o world_n and_o act_n man_n to_o war_n against_o heaven_n with_o their_o tongue_n by_o curse_v and_o blasphemous_a oath_n which_o have_v no_o carnal_a pleasure_n or_o gain_v but_o yet_o can_v forbear_v from_o a_o violent_a incitement_n which_o may_v be_v see_v sway_v they_o to_o the_o same_o 8._o whence_o be_v it_o which_o be_v so_o very_o know_v and_o notour_n that_o these_o horrid_a wretch_n who_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o devil_n can_v enter_v in_o any_o formal_a engadgement_n without_o renounce_v christ_n and_o their_o baptism_n do_v it_o not_o show_v that_o direct_a opposition_n he_o stand_v in_o to_o christ_n yea_o to_o the_o very_a name_n and_o shadow_n of_o christianity_n 9_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o even_o the_o gross_a atheist_n upon_o any_o appearance_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o apprehension_n from_o that_o airth_n will_v not_o then_o make_v scorn_n of_o prayer_n but_o turn_v in_o earnest_a to_o that_o which_o at_o other_o time_n they_o mock_v o_o do_v it_o not_o show_v man_n atheism_n be_v their_o choice_n but_o not_o their_o judgement_n that_o not_o only_o there_o be_v a_o dreadful_a horror_n and_o fear_v which_o by_o nature_n man_n have_v of_o these_o evil_a spirit_n but_o some_o inbred_a sense_n also_o and_o impression_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o do_v bewray_v itself_o whither_o they_o will_v or_o not_o in_o a_o press_a strait_n and_o extremity_n ten_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o enmity_n betwixt_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o serpent_n as_o the_o scripture_n have_v hold_v forth_o be_v very_o manifest_a a_o truth_n wherein_o the_o world_n may_v see_v the_o scripture_n clear_o verify_v gal._n 4_o ver_fw-la 29._o it_o be_v true_o strange_a that_o this_o put_v not_o man_n to_o more_o serious_a thought_n to_o pursue_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o its_o true_a rise_n what_o shall_v cause_v such_o a_o violent_a and_o unreasonable_a contrariety_n against_o the_o way_n and_o follower_n of_o god_n for_o here_o upon_o grave_a reflection_n they_o must_v needs_o see_v what_o a_o convince_a witness_n their_o way_n be_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o may_v put_v they_o in_o some_o other_o humour_n yea_o help_v to_o turn_v this_o poison_n into_o a_o antidote_n against_o itself_o but_o this_o be_v sure_a and_o undeniable_a the_o discovery_n where_o of_o can_v but_o stair_n the_o great_a atheist_n in_o the_o face_n from_o these_o convince_a evidence_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v see_v no_o private_a quarrel_n which_o ever_o be_v among_o man_n have_v be_v with_o such_o vigour_n and_o malice_n pursue_v as_o this_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v still_o put_v the_o world_n more_o in_o a_o flame_n than_o any_o private_a interest_n yea_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a how_o man_n be_v carry_v with_o the_o spaite_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a inclination_n to_o oppose_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o this_o feed_v and_o enmity_n can_v never_o be_v take_v up_o through_o all_o the_o succession_n of_o time_n a_o strife_n which_o be_v not_o late_o begin_v or_o to_o be_v see_v only_o in_o one_o age_n betwixt_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bond_n woman_n and_o of_o the_o free_a no_o the_o most_o sage_a and_o wise_a among_o man_n the_o great_a peacemaker_n can_v yet_o never_o fall_v on_o a_o way_n to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o party_n but_o the_o child_n have_v still_o serve_v themselves_o heir_n to_o the_o quarrel_n and_o hatred_n of_o their_o father_n against_o the_o church_n 3._o be_v it_o not_o see_v that_o these_o who_o be_v more_o civil_a and_o can_v hold_v a_o little_a up_o with_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n yet_o will_v break_v forth_o in_o great_a rage_n against_o the_o power_n thereof_o when_o once_o it_o begin_v to_o appear_v it_o be_v indeed_o here_o that_o imbred_a contrariety_n which_o be_v in_o man_n against_o holiness_n do_v bewray_v itself_o even_o in_o these_o who_o be_v other_o way_n note_v for_o a_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a disposition_n while_o once_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v scorch_v with_o its_o heat_n 4._o what_o a_o strong_a natural_a antipathy_n be_v this_o which_o cause_v man_n pnrsue_v with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n these_o from_o who_o they_o never_o have_v any_o personal_a injury_n sure_o their_o conscience_n must_v oft_o tell_v that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n or_o any_o other_o provocation_n then_o what_o be_v from_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o such_o but_o this_o be_v their_o nature_n and_o indisposition_n a_o enmity_n which_o they_o can_v no_o more_o help_n than_o they_o can_v change_v their_o nature_n or_o the_o leopard_n can_v change_v its_o spot_n 5._o from_o what_o a_o strong_a inclination_n and_o inward_a principle_n do_v the_o world_n thus_o act_v in_o its_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n and_o follower_n of_o god_n while_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o though_o these_o be_v never_o so_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a yet_o their_o enemy_n be_v still_o restless_a and_o can_v sleep_v beside_o they_o 6._o it_o be_v see_v how_o this_o do_v separat_fw-la betwixt_o near_a friend_n and_o relation_n and_o alienat_fw-la such_o who_o have_v sometime_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o other_o no_o bond_n in_o nature_n so_o straight_o which_o it_o will_v not_o break_v it_o do_v oft_o set_v the_o husband_n against_o the_o wife_n and_o the_o parent_n against_o the_o child_n yea_o when_o religion_n once_o break_v up_o in_o a_o corner_n of_o a_o land_n or_o a_o family_n do_v it_o not_o then_o make_v a_o visible_a jar_n and_o put_v all_o in_o a_o flame_n 7._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o when_o once_o grace_n appear_v in_o man_n they_o be_v as_o a_o sign_n and_o wonder_v to_o a_o profane_a generation_n the_o world_n do_v then_o sensible_o change_v her_o countenance_n and_o look_v like_o a_o stepmother_n while_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o professor_n turn_v loose_a and_o run_v to_o that_o excess_n of_o riot_n with_o other_o will_v cause_v their_o old_a adversary_n warm_a towards_o they_o and_z alace_o prove_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o gain_v man_n friendship_n while_o the_o world_n think_v they_o be_v their_o own_o when_o once_o they_o turn_v profane_a eleven_o that_o the_o creature_n be_v make_v subject_n to_o vanity_n because_o of_o sin_n which_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v witness_v that_o thing_n here_o beneath_o the_o sun_n be_v indeed_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n rom._n 8_o warrant_v 20._o eccles_n 2_o ver_fw-la 11._o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o such_o great_a letter_n write_v forth_o to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n that_o none_o can_v be_v stranger_n thereto_o it_o be_v true_a the_o cause_n and_o solid_a remedy_n of_o this_o so_o general_a a_o complaint_n be_v only_o reach_v by_o the_o godly_a man_n who_o know_v how_o to_o read_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n as_o a_o piece_n of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o word_n and_o do_v serious_o consider_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v &_o not_o as_o they_o appear_v but_o it_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o in_o every_o age_n through_o the_o various_a change_n of_o man_n life_n this_o be_v so_o cleir_o witness_v that_o the_o most_o gross_a and_o brutish_a can_v shift_v the_o conviction_n thereof_o but_o in_o one_o of_o these_o two_o time_n have_v be_v force_v to_o a_o public_a acknowledge_v of_o the_o same_o at_o death_n when_o they_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n or_o in_o a_o day_n of_o strait_n when_o the_o world_n be_v leave_v they_o now_o to_o demonstrat_fw-la this_o i_o shall_v here_o but_o offer_v these_o few_o query_n 1._o have_v not_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n be_v usual_o the_o great_a example_n of_o its_o vanity_n and_o change_v how_o few_o have_v ambition_n raise_v but_o it_o have_v also_o ruin_v yea_o give_v the_o sore_a fall_n to_o these_o it_o have_v lift_v most_o high_a what_o sudden_a change_n do_v attend_v great_a man_n and_o high_a place_n which_o these_o who_o sit_v l●●_n do_v escape_v sure_o if_o the_o tragedy_n of_o prince_n and_o such_o who_o in_o their_o condition_n have_v be_v raise_v above_o other_o be_v put_v by_o themselves_o in_o record_n it_o shall_v make_v a_o great_a volumn_n and_o show_v how_o their_o glory_n and_o prosperous_a estate_n do_v only_o make_v their_o
other_o sinful_a man_n to_o be_v carry_v through_o creditable_o but_o as_o sure_a as_o ever_o he_o speak_v to_o i_o in_o his_o word_n his_o spirit_n witness_v to_o my_o heart_n say_v fear_v not_o he_o have_v accept_v my_o suffering_n and_o the_o outgate_n shall_v not_o be_v matter_n of_o prayer_n but_o of_o praise_n he_o say_v also_o thy_o word_n be_v find_v and_o i_o do_v eat_v it_o and_o it_o be_v to_o i_o the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o my_o heart_n and_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n after_o some_o faint_a he_o say_v now_o i_o feel_v i_o believe_v i_o enjoy_v i_o rejoice_v and_o turn_v to_o mr_n blair_n then_o present_v he_o say_v i_o feed_v on_o manna_n i_o have_v angel_n food_n my_o eye_n shall_v see_v my_o redeemer_n i_o know_v that_o he_o shall_v stand_v at_o the_o latter_a day_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v catch_v up_o in_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o air_n and_o afterward_o have_v these_o word_n i_o sleep_v in_o christ_n and_o when_o i_o awake_v i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v with_o his_o likeness_n o_o for_o arm_n to_o embrace_v he_o and_o to_o one_o speak_v anent_o his_o painfulness_n in_o the_o ministry_n he_o cry_v out_o i●disclaim_v all_o the_o port_n i_o will_v be_v in_o at_o be_v redemption_n and_o forgiveness_n if_o sin_n through_o his_o blood_n and_o thus_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o as_o it_o be_v overcome_v with_o sensible_a enjoyment_n he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n his_o last_o word_n be_v glory_n glory_n dwell_v in_o em●●nuels_n land_n sixth_z witness_n be_v that_o convince_a appearance_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o apostolic_a spirit_n on_o some_o of_o these_o instrument_n who_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o in_o these_o last_o time_n and_o these_o great_a enduement_n wherewith_o they_o be_v send_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n a_o truth_n which_o we_o must_v say_v if_o not_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n yet_o have_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o in_o these_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v plant_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o enduement_n have_v be_v let_v forrh_n to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o with_o the_o first_o dawn_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v both_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n raise_v up_o it_o can_v be_v also_o deny_v that_o since_o the_o cannon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v close_v yea_o in_o these_o late_a age_n there_o have_v be_v very_o extraordinary_a man_n give_v to_o the_o church_n who_o have_v special_a revelation_n from_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o mind_n anent_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o now_o look_v after_o yet_o herein_o do_v the_o lord_n remarkable_o condescend_v when_o some_o great_a piece_n of_o service_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v more_o call_n for_o it_o and_o true_o these_o be_v lead_v in_o no_o other_o path_n then_o that_o of_o the_o word_n though_o they_o have_v a_o more_o special_a discovery_n and_o immediate_a inbrethe_n of_o god_n mind_n as_o to_o the_o application_n thereof_o in_o particular_a case_n neither_o do_v they_o press_v upon_o man_n conscience_n to_o credit_v the_o same_o but_o be_v most_o cautious_a witness_v much_o humble_a sobriety_n on_o that_o account_n it_o be_v know_v what_o extraordinary_a instrument_n how_o wonderful_o call_v and_o qualify_v luther_n zuingliu●_n calvine_n mr_n wishart_n and_o mr_n knox_n be_v who_o god_n send_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o grapple_v with_o antichrist_n and_o sound_v a_o retreat_n to_o his_o church_n from_o babylon_n likewise_o 〈◊〉_d beza_n bacere_fw-la and_o martyr_n with_o divers_a in_o england_n such_o as_o latimer_n ridley_n bradfoord_n etc._n etc._n who_o indeed_o be_v burn_v and_o shine_a light_n in_o their_o time_n mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n before_o which_o the_o world_n can_v not_o stand_v but_o beside_o these_o famous_a witness_n of_o who_o life_n we_o have_v something_o this_o day_n on_o public_a record_n i_o must_v here_o craveliberty_n to_o set_v down_o a_o few_o more_o more_o late_a instance_n of_o our_o own_o church_n in_o scotland_n to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n such_o as_o be_v but_o little_o know_v to_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o life_n publish_v which_o i_o think_v a_o great_a loss_n to_o after_o generation_n who_o we_o may_v say_v and_o this_o with_o a_o warrant_n and_o in_o sobriety_n be_v man_n true_o extraordinary_a eminent_o serviceable_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o of_o a_o prophetic_a and_o apostolic_a spirit_n and_o such_o who_o through_o grace_n do_v not_o even_o come_v short_a of_o the_o first_o three_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o these_o before_o mention_v but_o also_o some_o of_o these_o great_a light_n who_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n 1._o i_o shall_v instance_n mr_n john_n welsh_n who_o the_o lord_n call_v forth_o to_o the_o ministry_n at_o kirck_n cubright_a in_o galloway_n and_o afterward_o be_v transport_v to_o the_o church_n of_o a_o who_o mr_n rutherfoord_n in_o one_o of_o his_o book_n call_v that_o heavenly_a prophetical_a and_o apostolic_a man_n of_o god_n and_o show_v that_o from_o the_o witness_n of_o his_o life_n he_o have_v this_o account_n that_o of_o every_o 24_o hour_n he_o give_v usual_o eight_o to_o prayer_n if_o other_o necessary_a and_o urgent_a duty_n do_v not_o hinder_v yea_o spend_v many_o day_n and_o night_n which_o he_o set_v apart_o in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o i_o can_v also_o add_v this_o from_o very_o sure_a information_n and_o true_o anent_o any_o of_o those_o particular_n i_o serious_o study_v to_o have_v satisfy_v ground_n anent_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v his_o use_n 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