Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n church_n ground_n infallible_a 1,901 5 9.8298 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39768 The true settlement of a Christians faith,bafter shaking assaults, by its own evidence; and by the internal sealing work of the spirit; pointed at, in some special inquiries thereon in a letter to a friend. With some serious reflections on the present times we are in, and those great vicissitudes of providence, wihch have been in the publick state of Britain in this last age, in a II. letter. By a minister of the Ghospel [sic]. Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694. 1692 (1692) Wing F1277A; ESTC R215628 111,123 216

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endue_v with_o one_fw-mi extraordinare_fw-la unction_n but_o if_o it_o respect_v the_o quality_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o person_n it_o sure_o must_v render_v this_o no_o less_o difficult_a that_o not_o only_o such_o as_o king_n henry_n the_o viii_o and_o his_o daughter_n queen_n mary_n beside_o many_o other_o yea_o richard_n the_o iii_o shall_v on_o this_o account_n have_v the_o active_a faith_n of_o miracle_n and_o be_v empoured_a herewith_o from_o god_n for_o work_v of_o the_o same_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o french_a king_n claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n and_o power_n as_o peculiar_a to_o they_o alone_o and_o may_v not_o on_o this_o ground_n lewis_n the_o fourteen_o this_o day_n be_v reckon_v a_o fit_a instrument_n for_o such_o a_o heal_a miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o just_a repute_n and_o credit_v thereto_o 3._o but_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o such_o a_o hereditary_a gift_n shall_v not_o faill_n and_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o departure_n of_o england_n from_o the_o romish_a church_n since_o the_o first_o hold_v hereof_o be_v upon_o their_o adherence_n to_o the_o same_o and_o as_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_v to_o the_o romish_a profession_n or_o that_o it_o shall_v now_o control_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v i_o know_v what_o some_o popish_a writer_n say_v hereon_o that_o this_o miracle_n be_v not_o now_o perform_v by_o such_o who_o have_v apostatise_v from_o that_o faith_n virtute_fw-la propria_fw-la sed_fw-la virtute_fw-la signi_fw-la crucis_fw-la but_o there_o need_v no_o such_o salvo_n as_o to_o reckon_v its_o be_v alienate_v now_o from_o serve_v for_o the_o same_o use_n and_o end_v it_o do_v before_o nor_o to_o have_v another_o rise_v if_o it_o be_v serious_o ponder_v 4._o but_o what_o interest_n in_o this_o cure_n have_v the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o rite_n in_o apply_v with_o the_o touch_n a_o medal_n of_o gold_n to_o the_o patient_n therewith_o or_o what_o virtue_n can_v this_o amulet_n impart_v and_o so_o 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so_o extraordinary_a a_o seal_n if_o it_o serve_v also_o to_o comptrol_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o strengthen_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o antichristian_a darkness_n and_o idolatry_n yea_o if_o these_o who_o be_v thus_o empoured_a for_o so_o miraculous_a a_o cure_n have_v something_o suitable_a on_o their_o part_n of_o qualification_n to_o such_o who_o god_n have_v ever_o make_v use_n off_o to_o work_v miracle_n otherwise_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o expose_v so_o great_a a_o seal_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n wherein_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o so_o augu_v and_o solemn_a a_o way_n be_v reveal_v unto_o the_o high_a contumely_n and_o reproach_n 6._o though_o this_o have_v be_v a_o continue_a practice_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o notority_n of_o experience_n herein_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o cure_n be_v not_o question_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v essential_o requisite_a that_o such_o as_o claim_v to_o this_o power_n shall_v do_v it_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o divine_a warrant_n and_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n with_o a_o immediate_a reliance_n on_o a_o special_a outsetting_n of_o some_o extraordinar_a power_n from_o he_o herein_o and_o of_o his_o call_n to_o rest_v on_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v without_o respect_n to_o any_o institute_n &_o natural_a mean_n yea_o that_o there_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o so_o extraordinare_a a_o work_n i_o judge_v it_o shall_v then_o quick_o cease_v as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o these_o who_o be_v disease_v and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o cure_n shall_v know_v the_o warrant_n of_o their_o faith_n herein_o else_o it_o be_v as_o justifiable_a to_o go_v to_o loretta_n on_o such_o a_o account_n or_o to_o such_o who_o pretend_v by_o spell_n and_o charm_n to_o work_v extraordinary_a cure_n without_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o same_o this_o be_v not_o to_o detract_v in_o the_o least_o from_o any_o just_a right_n or_o privilege_n of_o sovera_v prince_n and_o i_o judge_v these_o who_o be_v now_o on_o the_o throne_n of_o britain_n may_v lay_v as_o just_a a_o claim_n from_o personal_a qualification_n thereto_o as_o any_o have_v go_v before_o but_o in_o give_v to_o caesar_n what_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o we_o must_v not_o invade_v that_o royalty_n and_o prerogative_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n only_o or_o to_o pretend_v to_o his_o seal_n and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o without_o his_o express_a warrant_n if_o any_o protestant_a writer_n have_v speak_v their_o thought_n on_o such_o a_o head_n i_o have_v as_o yet_o see_v none_o but_o some_o time_n past_a i_o be_v necessary_o call_v by_o a_o person_n of_o great_a worth_n to_o impart_v my_o light_n herein_o they_o be_v then_o much_o perplex_v in_o spirit_n with_o respect_n to_o a_o near_a relation_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o use_v such_o a_o mean_a and_o how_o small_a a_o reckon_n may_v be_v make_v by_o many_o yet_o i_o find_v it_o relate_v of_o that_o famous_a christian_a mrs_n honywood_n that_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o these_o terror_n of_o conscience_n which_o keep_v she_o so_o long_o be_v from_o consult_v some_o mean_a as_o to_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o child_n in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o ordinar_a mean_n and_o make_v her_o fear_n afterward_o lest_o satan_n may_v have_v a_o hand_n therein_o but_o i_o shall_v now_o cease_v to_o speak_v more_o on_o this_o subject_n and_o only_o shut_v up_o with_o some_o reflection_n further_o which_o have_v be_v matter_n of_o serious_a thought_n to_o i_o 1._o whence_o it_o be_v that_o such_o who_o be_v of_o the_o most_o try_v and_o comprehensive_a spirit_n have_v usual_o be_v under_o great_a weight_n and_o exercise_n of_o mind_n about_o their_o establishment_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n more_o than_o any_o other_o but_o herein_o it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o see_v and_o discern_v the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o 1._o how_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o more_o attainment_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n be_v upon_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o a_o high_a admiration_n and_o astonishment_n must_v needs_o follow_v thereon_o it_o be_v this_o which_o above_o all_o the_o wonder_n and_o depth_n of_o nature_n do_v swallow_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o solomon_n and_o put_v he_o into_o such_o a_o exstacy_n when_o he_o once_o begin_v to_o fix_v on_o this_o subject_a but_o will_v god_n indeed_o dwell_v with_o man_n on_o the_o earth_n yea_o will_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n take_v up_o his_o abode_n and_o dwell_v in_o such_o a_o tabernacle_n as_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o become_v true_o man_n which_o be_v special_o there_o import_v 2_o chron_n 6_o 18._o 2._o it_o be_v these_o only_a who_o have_v their_o soul_n
sabath_n morning_n with_o a_o extraordinar_a colic_n which_o grow_v upon_o he_o to_o that_o height_n as_o in_o a_o ordinare_fw-la way_n render_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o go_v forth_o upon_o the_o public_a work_n of_o the_o day_n which_o then_o lie_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o a_o great_a auditory_a at_o that_o time_n so_o that_o whilst_o he_o assay_v to_o rise_v he_o be_v press_v to_o take_v his_o bed_n again_o a_o very_a few_o minute_n before_o the_o set_v time_n for_o go_v to_o church_n but_o whilst_o he_o present_v the_o case_n to_o god_n upon_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o service_n it_o be_v in_o a_o moment_n take_v off_o not_o by_o any_o gradual_a abatement_n of_o such_o a_o distemper_n but_o entire_o at_o once_o so_o as_o he_o never_o have_v more_o sweet_a access_n and_o freedom_n to_o go_v forth_o on_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n both_o at_o that_o diet_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o public_a work_n and_o this_o also_o be_v when_o no_o outward_a mean_n be_v concur_v herein_o as_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o passive_a faith_n which_o christ_n do_v special_o require_v for_o a_o immediate_a cure_n from_o himself_o matth_n 9_o be_v this_o believe_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o help_v when_o no_o ordinare_fw-la mean_n can_v do_v so_o i_o doubt_v not_o this_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n act_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n leave_v room_n for_o omnipotency_n to_o act_v in_o such_o a_o exigence_n 9_o nor_o have_v there_o be_v want_v eminent_a proof_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o special_a application_n of_o faith_n make_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o other_o under_o disease_n where_o ordinare_fw-la mean_n have_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o the_o case_n past_o all_o hope_n and_o of_o such_o return_n by_o a_o present_a restore_n and_o under_o such_o evidence_n as_o enforce_v the_o conviction_n hereof_o upon_o man_n conscience_n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o in_o some_o strange_a case_n of_o this_o kind_a the_o true_a cause_n and_o the_o lord_n design_v herein_o do_v not_o until_o then_o break_v up_o according_a to_o that_o john_n 9_o 3._o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n may_v be_v t●us_o make_v manifest_a in_o they_o 10_o i_o may_v further_o add_v if_o there_o be_v this_o day_n a_o new_a erection_n and_o settlement_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n from_o among_o infidel_n and_o the_o commission_n for_o this_o end_n of_o minister_n of_o christ_n make_v evident_a and_o clear_a to_o go_v forth_o on_o such_o a_o service_n where_o no_o natural_a and_o ordinare_fw-la mean_v of_o conviction_n be_v attainable_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o something_o in_o a_o more_o extraordinare_a way_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n and_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n herein_o may_v be_v expect_v as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n it_o be_v let_v forth_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v find_v there_o have_v be_v any_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n without_o some_o extraordinare_a seal_n o●_n this_o 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never_o have_v enter_v on_o man_n thought_n if_o it_o be_v not_o pure_o a_o divine_a revelation_n none_o will_v offer_v to_o question_n and_o that_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o same_o in_o all_o time_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o less_o tendency_n to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n than_o it_o have_v to_o confirm_v a_o christian_n state_n but_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o your_o acquaintance_n herewith_o be_v bejond_v many_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o such_o high_a concern_n so_o far_o as_o i_o have_v attain_v i_o will_v offer_v some_o light_n hereon_o wherein_o my_o soul_n have_v find_v rest_n and_o settlement_n as_o to_o a_o clear_a sense_n and_o conception_n of_o the_o same_o 1._o that_o how_o rare_a soever_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o may_v be_v this_o day_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o some_o few_o select_a and_o eminent_a christian_n or_o what_o god_n do_v rare_o impart_v and_o on_o some_o singular_a account_n to_o his_o people_n but_o be_v the_o settle_a privilege_n of_o all_o who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o under_o his_o conduct_n 2._o this_o be_v one_fw-mi experiment_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o no_o humane_a testimony_n or_o vocal_a evidence_n can_v express_v that_o which_o be_v inward_a and_o a_o secret_a betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n or_o what_o taste_n that_o hide_a manna_n have_v rev._n 2_o 17._o which_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o enjoy_v the_o same_o for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v give_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n it_o be_v a_o internal_a work_n which_o go_v above_o word_n and_o such_o as_o god_n alone_o can_v impart_v who_o only_o can_v reveal_v his_o own_o love_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o shed_v abroad_o the_o sense_n hereof_o and_o have_v reserve_v this_o to_o himself_o it_o be_v that_o also_o which_o give_v a_o distinct_a evidence_n from_o any_o moral_a influence_n of_o the_o word_n though_o it_o can_v never_o be_v disjoin_v and_o divide_v from_o the_o same_o but_o be_v such_o one_fw-mi internal_a application_n hereof_o as_o put_v their_o soul_n to_o rest_n and_o quiet_a thereon_o 3._o it_o be_v here_o must_v be_v understand_v a_o more_o near_o and_o solemn_a approach_n of_o god_n and_o some_o high_a enjoiment_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n then_o be_v usual_o know_v which_o will_v make_v such_o a_o time_n remarkable_a and_o sweet_a to_o a_o christian_n after_o remembrance_n though_o some_o in_o a_o more_o extraordinar_a way_n and_o high_a degree_n may_v have_v this_o impart_v than_o other_o as_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n have_v be_v more_o heighten_v and_o have_v attain_v to_o high_a act_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o same_o according_a to_o that_o settle_a connection_n isay_n 57_o 12._o i_o doubt_v not_o there_o may_v be_v high_a pretence_n to_o this_o seal_n and_o earnest_n who_o know_v little_a what_o in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n of_o grace_n be_v require_v to_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o same_o but_o except_o the_o settle_a constitution_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v change_v for_o their_o sake_n it_o be_v then_o sure_a that_o god_n do_v never_o seal_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n or_o his_o respect_n and_o approve_v testimony_n on_o such_o who_o be_v of_o one_fw-mi untender_a unhumble_v and_o vindictive_a spirit_n and_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a then_o as_o job_n 18_o 4._o that_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v forsake_v for_o they_o and_o the_o rock_n remove_v out_o of_o its_o place_n 4._o it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v more_o clear_o understand_v by_o such_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v both_o to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_a hebrew_n 5_o 14._o and_o have_v thus_o attain_v a_o more_o deep_a and_o judicious_a reflection_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o same_o since_o this_o be_v usual_o one_o of_o the_o most_o search_a exercise_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o know_v the_o same_o from_o that_o of_o a_o stranger_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n herein_o to_o see_v that_o such_o a_o seal_n or_o any_o rare_a enjoiment_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v assure_o from_o god_n and_o wrought_v in_o he_o john_n 3_o 21._o it_o be_v clear_a also_o how_o many_o sharp_a conflict_n and_o a_o hot_a ware_n fare_v allot_v to_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n than_o other_o under_o grief_n trouble_n and_o opposition_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n have_v make_v way_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n for_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o same_o so_o as_o the_o gradual_a difference_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o experiment_n may_v be_v strange_a and_o marvellous_a and_o cause_n fear_v to_o impart_v the_o same_o nor_o be_v ever_o know_v within_o time_n 5._o though_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o all_o who_o be_v enter_v in_o a_o reconcile_a state_n with_o god_n must_v be_v seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n yet_o be_v not_o this_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o ordinar_a food_n and_o diet_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o as_o some_o more_o special_a restorative_n and_o cordial_a so_o as_o one_o enjoiment_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v be_v sometime_o so_o remarkable_a that_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n after_o it_o have_v be_v a_o continue_a strenthn_v to_o their_o faith_n yet_o be_v it_o no_o rare_a thing_n to_o these_o who_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o more_o near_a intimacy_n of_o converse_n with_o god_n to_o who_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o seal_v not_o once_o but_o in_o innumerable_a time_n have_v be_v know_v who_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v know_v also_o how_o long_o and_o sensible_a restraint_n of_o this_o great_a enjoiment_n may_v be_v when_o the_o choice_a promise_n of_o the_o word_n can_v afford_v no_o comfort_n but_o when_o the_o premise_n be_v clear_a the_o conclusion_n be_v oft_o suspend_v through_o hide_a jealousy_n and_o legal_a fear_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n 6._o it_o be_v sure_a this_o bless_a seal_n lie_v here_o also_o in_o some_o special_a directive_n work_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o light_n in_o particular_a case_n with_o assurance_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n and_o in_o seal_v instruction_n with_o that_o evidence_n and_o power_n on_o the_o soul_n as_o leave_v such_o a_o print_n and_o impression_n thereon_o as_o the_o seal_n leave_v on_o the_o wax_n this_o can_v be_v no_o strange_a or_o unknown_a thing_n to_o these_o who_o in_o a_o close_a adherence_n to_o scripture_n light_n have_v be_v special_o tender_a to_o try_v the_o same_o thereby_o and_o under_o a_o just_a horror_n and_o dread_a of_o enthusiasm_n or_o the_o small_a dash_a on_o such_o a_o rock_n 7._o but_o it_o be_v special_o discernible_a where_o this_o seal_n and_o earnest_n have_v be_v more_o abundant_o let_v forth_o to_o some_o bejond_a other_o that_o it_o be_v for_o some_o high_a support_n to_o their_o faith_n where_o a_o long_a interval_n of_o delay_n be_v to_o be_v between_o the_o promise_n and_o performent_n and_o such_o a_o trial_n of_o a_o defer_a hope_n herein_o as_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o make_v their_o heart_n sick_a into_o death_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v such_o a_o pledge_n and_o part_n in_o hand_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o rest_n shall_v not_o faill_n in_o due_a time_n now_o this_o be_v so_o manifest_a in_o the_o conduct_n and_o method_n of_o grace_n about_o the_o saint_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o how_o singular_a a_o way_n he_o do_v first_o seal_n before_o he_o enter_v they_o upon_o any_o great_a trial_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o long_a duration_n as_o there_o need_v no_o particular_a instance_n to_o clear_v the_o same_o 8._o it_o be_v here_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o hundred_o fold_n which_o christ_n have_v so_o express_o secure_v to_o his_o people_n on_o the_o adventure_n of_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v understand_v as_o that_o which_o assure_o lie_v in_o these_o rare_a enjoiment_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o their_o god_n in_o the_o shining_n of_o his_o face_n on_o they_o which_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n more_o than_o in_o any_o external_a providence_n or_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o high_a value_n with_o man_n since_o as_o this_o be_v the_o most_o sure_a and_o great_a evidence_n that_o we_o be_v christian_n so_o be_v it_o the_o most_o notable_a sign_n how_o dear_a such_o be_v to_o god_n and_o of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n then_o if_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o know_v nothing_o will_v seem_v more_o strange_a and_o
dissolve_v and_o fall_v ere_o one_o special_a act_n of_o trust_n and_o adventure_v on_o his_o hand_n and_o under_o the_o assure_a warrant_n of_o his_o truth_n shall_v be_v frustrate_a and_o that_o the_o safe_a conduct_n also_o and_o security_n of_o one_o christian_n in_o his_o passage_n through_o time_n be_v of_o that_o consequence_n and_o so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o the_o great_a frame_n of_o providence_n that_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v entire_a and_o perfect_a if_o it_o shall_v fail_v as_o to_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n to_o make_v so_o great_a a_o nullity_n herein_o 7._o and_o be_v it_o not_o in_o such_o a_o reflex_n work_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o experience_n that_o such_o can_v only_o know_v the_o sweet_a enjoiment_n of_o time_n past_a and_o what_o that_o peculiar_a comfort_n of_o remembrance_n mean_n which_o i_o must_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o rare_a and_o most_o unknown_a enjoiment_n this_o day_n under_o the_o sun_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o can_v never_o be_v from_o the_o great_a delight_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o once_o pass_v which_o as_o they_o return_v no_o more_o so_o do_v ever_o leave_v a_o bitter_a sting_n and_o remembrance_n by_o a_o native_a result_n of_o the_o same_o whilst_o that_o which_o have_v be_v experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n can_v neither_o perish_v nor_o lose_v its_o sweetness_n but_o will_v render_v the_o most_o afflict_a part_n of_o their_o life_n past_a which_o be_v most_o bitter_a and_o sore_o then_o to_o be_v the_o most_o comfort_a part_n thereof_o to_o their_o remembrance_n when_o they_o can_v see_v herein_o both_o what_o they_o have_v design_v for_o god_n and_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o 8._o if_o there_o be_v any_o comfort_n of_o love_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o within_o time_n they_o may_v see_v how_o this_o be_v not_o attainable_a but_o in_o the_o light_n of_o inward_a experience_n whence_o they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o meet_v and_o have_v fellowship_n in_o the_o same_o savour_n and_o relish_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n when_o in_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o to_o be_v mutual_o disclose_v as_o they_o can_v discern_v something_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o one_o another_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o power_n and_o lively_a working_n of_o inward_a grace_n by_o that_o native_a lustre_n and_o evidence_n which_o thus_o follow_v the_o same_o so_o as_o under_o the_o sensible_a power_n of_o such_o attraction_n their_o soul_n be_v more_o close_o unite_v and_o join_v together_o yea_o be_v mutual_o strenthn_v by_o other_o conflict_n and_o what_o experiment_n they_o have_v make_v of_o divine_a truth_n herein_o as_o to_o their_o releaf_n and_o i_o must_v say_v where_o this_o be_v not_o understand_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v but_o a_o strange_a and_o dark_a notion_n nor_o without_o this_o can_v that_o special_a design_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o settlement_n of_o church_n in_o a_o visible_a state_n be_v either_o know_v or_o answer_v which_o be_v to_o have_v external_a ordinance_n carry_v on_o with_o life_n and_o power_n among_o man_n and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o our_o bless_a head_n herein_o the_o vii_o and_o last_o inquiry_n i_o will_v make_v as_o to_o a_o more_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o this_o great_a subject_n of_o the_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o know_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n thereto_o which_o be_v a_o inquiry_n of_o a_o high_o concern_v and_o import_v then_o seem_v to_o be_v apprehend_v or_o of_o what_o weight_n and_o necessity_n this_o be_v upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o because_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o spiritual_a experience_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o found_v on_o a_o certainty_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o event_n and_o performance_n and_o not_o what_o god_n do_v speak_v but_o what_o according_a to_o the_o same_o he_o have_v do_v so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o principle_n of_o faith_n but_o on_o man_n personal_a trial_n of_o the_o same_o according_a to_o that_o isai_n 43_o v._n 10._o you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v i_o and_o understand_v that_o i_o be_o he_o for_o though_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o infallible_a truth_n that_o whatever_o god_n have_v assure_v by_o promise_n he_o will_v do_v yet_o the_o experience_n hereof_o since_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v seal_v be_v of_o humane_a record_n and_o a_o testimony_n which_o can_v bear_v no_o weight_n from_o the_o great_a of_o man_n if_o the_o quality_n of_o such_o witness_n be_v not_o try_v and_o consider_v herein_o 2._o because_o the_o high_a pretence_n to_o spiritual_a enjoiment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v but_o a_o false_a testimony_n where_o there_o be_v no_o tender_a regard_n herewith_o to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o this_o connection_n be_v indissoluble_a act_n 9_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o my_o word_n good_a to_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o mica_n two_o 7._o it_o be_v true_a that_o choice_a christian_n may_v be_v much_o hide_v and_o in_o the_o dark_a herein_o to_o other_o and_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n shall_v have_v a_o sad_a part_n if_o they_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o man_n only_o this_o be_v sure_a there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v in_o the_o premise_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n lie_v more_o in_o what_o they_o be_v than_o what_o they_o express_v to_o other_o 3._o the_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n be_v of_o such_o weight_n here_o and_o to_o be_v special_o regard_v as_o one_o of_o the_o high_a service_n for_o god_n within_o time_n under_o their_o hand_n to_o put_v too_o their_o seal_n and_o testimony_n that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v judicial_o sist_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n since_o his_o declarative_a glory_n before_o angel_n and_o man_n do_v more_o peculiarly_a lie_v here_o then_o in_o the_o whole_a structure_n and_o frame_v of_o this_o creation_n this_o be_v a_o trust_n and_o debt_n also_o upon_o each_o age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o god_n may_v be_v transmitt_v to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v with_o such_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_v 4._o this_o inquiry_n be_v the_o more_o call_v for_o to_o know_v what_o these_o be_v who_o bear_v such_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o christian_a experience_n since_o this_o may_v awake_v the_o most_o sublime_a and_o inquisitive_a spirit_n of_o the_o time_n to_o search_v herein_o and_o be_v a_o subject_a of_o great_a thought_n and_o reflection_n that_o such_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n yea_o a_o innumerable_a 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he_o have_v write_v in_o this_o book_n postscript_n sir_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a not_o only_o the_o lengthen_v of_o this_o discourse_n so_o far_o but_o in_o insist_v most_o special_o upon_o that_o head_n of_o the_o internal_a work_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o man_n soul_n but_o as_o i_o may_v with_o humble_a confidence_n say_v this_o be_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o peculiar_a engagement_n to_o such_o a_o subject_a so_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o further_a apology_n for_o the_o same_o 1._o that_o since_o ever_o i_o account_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n a_o serious_a business_n i_o have_v judge_v it_o not_o conceivable_a how_o christian_n shall_v have_v one_fw-mi assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o be_v at_o rest_n herein_o until_o it_o once_o be_v bring_v up_o to_o a_o full_a and_o quiet_v assurance_n on_o that_o security_n to_o which_o they_o must_v concredite_fw-la themselves_z for_o ever_o and_o thus_o know_v the_o 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in_o the_o judgement_n then_o to_o determine_v the_o will_n or_o consent_v for_o embrace_v the_o same_o yea_o on_o this_o account_v it_o have_v be_v oft_o matter_n of_o astonishment_n how_o in_o the_o teach_n and_o ministerial_a work_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n the_o primary_n truth_n of_o religion_n shall_v not_o be_v more_o hold_v forth_o to_o man_n with_o that_o clearness_n of_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n as_o such_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n require_v and_o the_o temper_n of_o this_o age_n call_v for_o or_o how_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o the_o high_a consequence_n and_o reality_n can_v have_v any_o possible_a reception_n from_o man_n by_o one_fw-mi implicit_a or_o ordinare_fw-la assent_n or_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o with_o most_o it_o seem_v their_o work_n seem_v whole_o set_v on_o the_o noetick_a when_o so_o little_a on_o the_o dianoetick_a part_n of_o divinity_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o must_v also_o witness_v that_o if_o ever_o i_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o attain_v one_fw-mi inward_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v at_o rest_n herein_o that_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o save_v lose_v man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o of_o glory_n hereafter_o i_o have_v find_v that_o no_o light_n or_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n though_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubtfulness_n in_o the_o same_o can_v effectual_o work_v without_o the_o internal_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o a_o supernatural_a power_n both_o to_o beget_v and_o strengthen_v such_o a_o faith_n in_o the_o soul_n
of_o blasphemy_n be_v let_v forth_o there_o and_o get_v such_o a_o prevalence_n among_o all_o rank_n as_o it_o be_v account_v a_o matter_n of_o fashion_n and_o bread_a to_o go_v a_o length_n bejond_v other_o in_o tear_v that_o bless_a name_n of_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v their_o breath_n by_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a oath_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n by_o itself_o that_o be_v pure_o diabolick_a and_o have_v nothing_o humane_a in_o it_o can_v have_v no_o affinity_n with_o the_o flesh_n nor_o be_v as_o one_fw-mi ordinary_a degree_n of_o a_o real_a possession_n by_o the_o devil_n and_o much_o sad_a then_o that_o which_o have_v be_v on_o many_o by_o constraint_n and_o put_v a_o force_n upon_o their_o tongue_n to_o blaspheme_v which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v a_o horror_n and_o dread_a since_o this_o be_v by_o consent_n and_o a_o delight_n that_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n but_o from_o pure_a enmity_n to_o the_o holy_a god_n yet_o be_v it_o now_o come_v to_o such_o a_o prodigious_a height_n as_o if_o britain_n do_v design_n a_o proper_a monopoly_n this_o way_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o same_o above_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n though_o none_o more_o will_v pretend_v a_o national_a love_n and_o respect_n to_o it_o be_v stand_v and_o interest_n to_o who_o that_o say_n of_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n may_v be_v applicable_a if_o such_o will_v once_o give_v it_o a_o hear_n si_fw-la tibi_fw-la non_fw-la vis_fw-la parcer●_n attamen_fw-la parce_fw-la patriae_fw-la tuus_fw-la do_v we_o thus_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o but_o when_o such_o a_o contagion_n seem_v to_o be_v past_o the_o restraint_n of_o humane_a law_n who_o declare_v their_o sin_n as_o sodom_n will_v not_o the_o great_a lawgiver_n at_o last_o take_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n to_o vindicate_v his_o authority_n 3._o but_o what_o a_o symptom_n be_v this_o herewith_o of_o approach_a judgement_n when_o to_o such_o a_o height_n and_o so_o universalie_a the_o corruption_n of_o the_o youth_n be_v in_o this_o day_n and_o these_o part_n in_o so_o one_fw-mi usual_a a_o way_n and_o among_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o atheism_n and_o profanity_n be_v in_o that_o manner_n get_v up_o as_o may_v be_v sad_o foresee_v what_o a_o dismal_a night_n must_v follow_v hereon_o and_o cause_v these_o know_v who_o respect_n seem_v to_o run_v so_o high_a for_o a_o national_a interest_n that_o what_o do_v thus_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n truth_n &_o godliness_n among_o man_n in_o so_o strange_a a_o debauchery_n of_o the_o generation_n that_o be_v come_v up_o give_v the_o same_o stroke_n to_o the_o great_a security_n of_o government_n and_o to_o what_o find_v the_o great_a obligation_n to_o civil_a or_o moral_a duty_n yea_o have_v a_o native_a and_o unavoidable_a tendence_n to_o ruin_v the_o politic_a body_n to_o emasculate_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o obstruct_v the_o vigorous_a improument_n of_o their_o natural_a part_n and_o will_v in_o 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be_v it_o possible_a to_o make_v void_a the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o justle_v our_o ever_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o once_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o nation_n off_o his_o throne_n to_o thrust_v the_o crown_n off_o his_o head_n the_o sceptre_n of_o who_o government_n be_v righteousness_n &_o peace_n and_o give_v if_o they_o can_v a_o mortal_a stroke_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o life_n and_o light_n of_o man_n and_o by_o who_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v yea_o as_o if_o they_o can_v make_v their_o party_n good_a against_o that_o rod_n of_o iron_n with_o which_o he_o bear_v rule_n over_o his_o adversary_n but_o what_o can_v these_o design_n to_o themselves_o to_o render_v humane_a be_v desirable_a here_o on_o the_o earth_n except_o to_o have_v a_o share_n of_o the_o same_o privilege_n with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n that_o within_o a_o little_a they_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o be_v and_z oh_o what_o a_o god_n do_v such_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o who_o only_o propitious_a to_o poor_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o otherwise_o not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o trust_n but_o of_o terror_n yet_o be_v this_o way_n now_o come_v to_o that_o length_n as_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o despise_v all_o moral_a relief_n 6._o i_o must_v yet_o add_v here_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a ungrateful_a subject_n how_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o a_o day_n when_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o way_n of_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o affect_a sense_n or_o regard_n on_o this_o generation_n and_o the_o great_a design_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o providence_n amid_o such_o marvellous_a change_n have_v go_v before_o in_o that_o manner_n withstand_v as_o most_o seem_v to_o unite_v there_o strength_n herein_o even_o when_o this_o may_v be_v in_o a_o singular_a way_n applicable_a to_o our_o time_n what_o the_o lord_n do_v once_o speak_v to_o israel_n by_o moses_n your_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o these_o great_a temptation_n the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o he_o have_v do_v in_o this_o last_o age_n yet_o if_o sovereign_a grace_n do_v not_o marvellous_o appear_v it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o both_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o work_n have_v discharge_v their_o commission_n without_o any_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o same_o and_o that_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n after_o such_o extraordinar_a method_n of_o divine_a patience_n have_v do_v their_o part_n and_o be_v now_o come_v to_o such_o a_o judicial_a withdraw_n and_o departure_n of_o that_o great_a ambassador_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o his_o church_n that_o there_o seem_v but_o small_a access_n to_o serious_a public_a humiliation_n and_o fast_v or_o to_o call_v for_o solemn_a assembly_n for_o this_o end_n
bind_v up_o but_o that_o they_o must_v widen_v further_a if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o some_o singular_a manner_n a_o stand_v up_o in_o this_o breach_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n which_o be_v a_o service_n that_o come_v now_o under_o our_o hand_n as_o may_v not_o linger_v or_o stay_v when_o warning_n of_o so_o extraordinar_a a_o kind_n be_v reinforce_v for_o this_o be_v a_o call_n have_v a_o limit_a time_n and_o season_n allot_v thereto_o that_o may_v have_v a_o short_a period_n than_o we_o apprehend_v when_o a_o door_n of_o intercession_n have_v be_v in_o such_o unusual_a manner_n keep_v open_a and_o grace_n have_v so_o long_o interpose_v before_o judgement_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o final_a execution_n 4._o i_o must_v add_v hereto_o what_o sense_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o the_o hazard_n of_o such_o a_o breach_n when_o a_o height_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o ungodliness_n be_v turn_v so_o open_a and_o visible_a as_o if_o satan_n do_v essay_n to_o have_v a_o open_a throne_n 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19_o that_o there_o be_v a_o most_o choice_n and_o serious_a part_n yet_o in_o these_o nation_n as_o be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v unquestionable_a but_o even_o such_o who_o in_o these_o difficult_a &_o perilous_a time_n pass_v have_v be_v help_v to_o stand_v and_o go_v through_o a_o variety_n of_o dark_a and_o strange_a dispensation_n i_o suppose_v have_v not_o find_v a_o time_n in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n try_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o conscience_n then_o be_v this_o day_n and_o that_o there_o be_v never_o more_o hazard_v of_o a_o insensible_a wear_n out_o from_o under_o former_a impression_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n which_o once_o they_o have_v or_o a_o more_o difficult_a part_n to_o have_v that_o ancient_a fear_n and_o tenderness_n of_o light_n keep_v in_o exercise_n which_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o the_o eye_n may_v be_v easy_o hurt_v but_o not_o so_o easy_o help_v but_o though_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o voice_n and_o call_v for_o stand_v in_o the_o gape_v and_o breach_n do_v respect_n all_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v there_o some_o more_o eminent_o fit_v from_o the_o lord_n with_o peculiar_a excellency_n on_o their_o spirit_n then_o other_o to_o appear_v on_o so_o high_a a_o service_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o talon_n not_o bequeath_v in_o vain_a where_o this_o in_o a_o more_o remarkable_a way_n be_v let_v forth_o so_o be_v it_o of_o great_a weight_n to_o know_v time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o this_o end_n and_o when_o a_o season_n of_o providence_n may_v call_v to_o some_o high_a improvement_n hereof_o for_o god_n then_o ever_o again_o may_v occur_v yea_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o how_o strange_a a_o manner_n the_o choice_a instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o day_n be_v make_v to_o differ_v not_o only_o from_o other_o but_o from_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v help_v to_o answer_v such_o a_o call_n and_o to_o know_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n herein_o but_o that_o i_o may_v touch_v this_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o know_v who_o may_v be_v at_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o in_o a_o near_a capacity_n than_o other_o for_o such_o a_o service_n about_o which_o i_o judge_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v questionable_a 1._o that_o such_o as_o have_v a_o more_o near_o and_o intimate_a converse_n with_o god_n in_o this_o day_n have_v a_o great_a room_n also_o in_o this_o service_n to_o stand_v in_o such_o a_o gape_v yea_o to_o save_v a_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n when_o judgement_n be_v ready_a to_o break_v forth_o these_o have_v their_o soul_n keep_v in_o that_o manner_n under_o the_o power_n and_o attraction_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n bejond_v the_o residue_n of_o man_n as_o not_o to_o be_v affright_v or_o take_v off_o from_o appear_v for_o he_o by_o the_o force_n and_o prevalence_n of_o example_n it_o be_v these_o who_o be_v at_o most_o advantage_n to_o discern_v the_o judicial_a remove_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o generation_n they_o live_v among_o and_o the_o imminent_a hazard_n of_o wrath_n and_o approach_a judgement_n yea_o it_o be_v these_o who_o from_o internal_a motive_n can_v find_v it_o easy_a to_o lay_v their_o dear_a thing_n at_o the_o stake_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o land_n they_o belong_v to_o and_o without_o respect_n to_o private_a interest_n lay_v themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o public_a hazard_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o bless_a bernard_n as_o he_o speak_v malo_fw-la in_o nos_fw-la murmur_n bominum_fw-la sit_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la bonum_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la deus_fw-la i_o digne●ur_fw-la uti_fw-la pro_fw-la clypeo_fw-la 2._o they_o be_v in_o a_o special_a way_n fit_v to_o answer_v this_o call_n and_o service_n who_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o singular_a engagement_n they_o be_v under_o to_o god_n much_o on_o their_o heart_n and_o what_o hereby_o they_o owe_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n to_o do_v for_o he_o and_o for_o a_o more_o special_a service_n to_o the_o age_n they_o live_v in_o to_o seek_v the_o interest_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o people_n to_o who_o they_o have_v the_o near_a natural_a tie_n which_o be_v that_o service_n for_o the_o generation_n and_o public_a trust_n should_o near_o these_o who_o have_v have_v more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la receipt_n of_o mercy_n from_o the_o lord_n &_o of_o these_o special_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o dare_v stand_v up_o for_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o truth_n though_o they_o shall_v stand_v alone_o herein_o which_o sure_o in_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v find_v a_o safe_a stand_v then_o with_o the_o multitude_n or_o such_o who_o design_n for_o the_o public_a interest_n go_v no_o further_o than_o their_o private_a concern_v do_v influence_n it_o be_v sure_a the_o word_n of_o mordechai_n esth_n 4_o 13._o be_v still_o direct_v to_o this_o day_n think_v not_o with_o thyself_o thou_o shall_v escape_v for_o if_o thou_o altogether_o hold_v thy_o peace_n at_o this_o time_n enlargement_n and_o deliverance_n shall_v arise_v from_o another_o place_n but_o thou_o and_o thy_o father_n house_n shall_v be_v destroy_v 3._o but_o it_o be_v undoubted_a that_o this_o service_n do_v in_o some_o peculiar_a way_n lie_v to_o the_o door_n of_o prince_n and_o ruler_n according_a to_o their_o station_n who_o be_v of_o more_o public_a relation_n than_o other_o their_o authority_n come_v in_o with_o the_o second_o covenant_n which_o by_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n be_v render_v necessary_a and_o have_v their_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o by_o who_o king_n rule_n and_o prince_n decree_v judgement_n proverb_n 8._o 15._o so_o as_o the_o advance_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preservation_n of_o sacred_a truth_n both_o in_o its_o purity_n and_o power_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o their_o high_a trust_n yea_o what_o a_o singular_a blessing_n this_o be_v to_o a_o time_n when_o such_o do_v eminent_o interpose_v upon_o any_o imminent_a hazard_n to_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o bear_v evidence_n that_o they_o have_v one_fw-mi unction_n from_o god_n on_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o their_o office_n and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v 2_o chron._n 34_o 19_o that_o when_o the_o king_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n that_o he_o rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o command_v hilkia_n the_o son_n of_o shaphan_n etc._n etc._n go_v and_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o i_o and_o for_o they_o that_o be_v leave_v in_o israël_n and_o in_o juda_n concern_v the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v find_v for_o great_a be_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v pour_v upon_o we_o because_o our_o father_n keep_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o
thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v alone_o sacred_a to_o he_o what_o concern_v the_o public_a right_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o visible_a politic_a body_n with_o the_o high_a respect_n to_o his_o royal_a authority_n who_o be_v the_o alone_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n thereto_o it_o be_v know_v that_o he_o have_v give_v one_fw-mi express_n charter_n for_o the_o same_o to_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n according_a to_o which_o the_o due_a limit_n and_o bound_n of_o that_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n which_o he_o have_v settle_v there_o and_o the_o full_a extent_n hereof_o shall_v be_v both_o keep_v clear_a and_o close_o adhere_v to_o as_o one_fw-mi interest_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n he_o have_v join_v also_o these_o two_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a power_n in_o so_o entire_a a_o harmony_n that_o though_o they_o be_v to_o be_v 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kingdom_n of_o christ_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n yea_o when_o none_o can_v want_v a_o interest_n and_o room_n in_o this_o service_n where_o it_o have_v once_o a_o weight_n and_o value_n on_o their_o heart_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o hope_v this_o day_n that_o these_o who_o by_o so_o singular_a a_o appearance_n of_o god_n have_v now_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o these_o nation_n be_v no_o less_o eminent_o fit_v to_o appear_v for_o he_o herein_o than_o they_o be_v state_v under_o the_o high_a engagement_n for_o such_o one_fw-mi end_n 3._o it_o be_v sure_o one_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o a_o interest_n which_o be_v pure_o sacred_a to_o he_o wherein_o the_o spread_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n be_v most_o near_o concern_v which_o lie_v in_o a_o serious_a and_o faithful_a ministry_n to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v of_o that_o concern_v as_o it_o may_v be_v just_o call_v indicium_fw-la stantis_fw-la &_o cadentis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o way_n which_o he_o have_v himself_o consecrate_v for_o the_o inbr_n and_o perfeit_v of_o the_o elect_n by_o which_o so_o great_a effect_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o world_n where_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a mission_n for_o the_o same_o to_o any_o part_n thereof_o &_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o build_n up_o there_o one_fw-mi ordinance_n by_o which_o most_o visible_a efficacy_n &_o supernatural_a influence_n be_v convey_v in_o a_o moral_a way_n under_o the_o blessing_n of_o that_o iustitution_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n nothing_o be_v more_o threaten_v to_o a_o nation_n as_o to_o the_o fall_v down_o of_o some_o dismal_a night_n of_o judgement_n than_o the_o corruption_n and_o debaese_n of_o that_o which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v so_o excellent_a where_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o extrinsic_a and_o of_o a_o humane_a concern_v be_v so_o much_o look_v after_o but_o that_o which_o be_v god_n part_n in_o the_o great_a intent_n of_o this_o erection_n be_v of_o so_o low_a regard_n that_o if_o one_fw-mi inquiry_n be_v make_v through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o britain_n they_o shall_v find_v the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n there_o still_o amid_o so_o bright_a a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v now_o shine_v &_o what_o a_o multitude_n be_v thus_o perish_v through_o want_n of_o knowledge_n whilst_o it_o seem_v so_o ●itle_o desire_v or_o design_v to_o have_v such_o a_o ministry_n who_o high_a study_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o great_a intent_n of_o christianity_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n not_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o allure_v and_o persuade_v their_o come_n under_o his_o bless_a dominion_n and_o yoke_n to_o press_v internal_a renovation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o necessity_n hereof_o with_o that_o seriousness_n as_o may_v take_v hold_n on_o their_o conscience_n and_o let_v they_o see_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o high_o irrational_a then_o to_o sist_z in_o one_fw-mi exterior_a profession_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o prove_v once_o upon_o their_o own_o trial_n the_o truth_n hereof_o in_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o whither_o it_o have_v not_o a_o vital_a part_n which_o lie_v in_o one_fw-mi inward_a life_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o as_o this_o alone_a be_v such_o a_o ministry_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o blessing_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n so_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o distinguish_a profession_n though_o in_o its_o self_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v of_o no_o regard_n where_o this_o be_v want_v as_o a_o test_n for_o so_o sacred_a one_fw-mi office_n it_o be_v i_o hope_v unquestionable_a that_o the_o trust_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v great_a than_o any_o temporal_a concern_v of_o a_o kingdom_n or_o state_n and_o how_o this_o ordinance_n be_v that_o which_o have_v the_o most_o peculiar_a influence_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o day_n for_o that_o bless_a and_o near_a approach_a time_n of_o his_o more_o conspicous_a reign_n on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o glory_n thereof_o i_o abstract_a here_o from_o any_o thing_n controversal_a as_o thing_n be_v state_v in_o the_o present_a day_n only_o as_o to_o what_o i_o hope_v there_o may_v be_v one_fw-mi unite_v agreement_n in_o by_o all_o who_o have_v a_o deep_a sense_n on_o their_o spirit_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o perish_v of_o immortal_a soul_n this_o way_n and_o a_o serious_a respect_n to_o that_o catholic_n interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n among_o man_n i_o know_v it_o be_v never_o a_o hard_a part_n than_o in_o this_o age_n to_o stem_v such_o a_o tide_n as_o seem_v yet_o on_o the_o grow_a hand_n of_o prejudice_n against_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n when_o so_o many_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a tear_v one_o another_o and_o count_v it_o desirable_a to_o have_v where_o at_o they_o may_v offend_v and_o stumble_v whilst_o that_o study_n be_v not_o more_o follow_v to_o prevent_v so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a man_n taking_n of_o offence_n even_o where_o it_o be_v not_o give_v according_a that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o the_o excess_n of_o dispute_v in_o this_o age_n have_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o the_o manage_n thereof_o so_o little_a to_o that_o end_n of_o edification_n but_o the_o defect_n may_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o the_o suitable_a improvement_n of_o christian_a prudence_n as_o a_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o god_n so_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o regulate_v of_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n case_n and_o what_o the_o present_a day_n can_v bear_v without_o coolness_n or_o indifference_n in_o any_o concern_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v that_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v too_o little_o improven_v we_o be_v indeed_o bless_v with_o a_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o sacred_a truth_n which_o have_v no_o dependence_n on_o humane_a counsel_n or_o power_n to_o change_v or_o alter_v the_o same_o or_o on_o the_o mutable_a revolution_n of_o time_n and_o can_v never_o vary_v from_o its_o self_n yet_o be_v the_o tenderness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a condescendence_n in_o the_o application_n thereof_o to_o be_v so_o far_o regard_v as_o on_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a part_n of_o religion_n lie_v therein_o how_o present_a duty_n may_v be_v with_o a_o judicious_a discretion_n direct_v to_o that_o great_a end_n of_o edification_n since_o that_o which_o may_v be_v necessare_fw-la in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o other_o circumstance_n may_v be_v hurtful_a and_o destructive_a this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a
part_n that_o such_o have_v allot_v to_o they_o in_o the_o time_n we_o be_v fall_v in_o who_o will_v stand_v in_o such_o a_o gape_v &_o breach_n where_o opposition_n now_o thereto_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o it_o may_v seem_v almost_o hopeless_a to_o crave_v justice_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n conscience_n when_o a_o latitude_n on_o principle_n have_v come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o the_o authority_n of_o light_n be_v without_o fear_n control_v yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o the_o answer_v of_o that_o command_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o suitable_o take_v to_o heart_n &_o the_o great_a consequence_n thereof_o which_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n towards_o these_o who_o be_v without_o though_o not_o be_v in_o that_o sense_n without_o the_o church_n yet_o as_o no_o less_o state_v in_o a_o visible_a enmity_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n than_o such_o can_v be_v there_o have_v be_v much_o serious_a study_n and_o design_n by_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o age_n to_o promote_v his_o kingdom_n in_o britain_n and_o ireland_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o there_o eminent_o fit_v for_o so_o difficult_a a_o service_n how_o to_o gain_v and_o prevail_v with_o the_o further_a measure_n of_o prudence_n and_o judgement_n upon_o the_o most_o obstinate_o prejudge_v as_o any_o in_o this_o day_n there_o have_v be_v also_o of_o late_a a_o singular_a improvement_n make_v and_o blessed_v for_o a_o more_o unite_v contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o so_o hazardous_a a_o time_n but_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v yet_o some_o further_a length_n and_o essay_n call_v for_o upon_o this_o great_a service_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o take_v off_o let_v and_o stumble_a blok_n out_o of_o their_o way_n who_o may_v be_v upon_o a_o sad_a precipice_n of_o break_v and_o further_a alienation_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o some_o more_o full_a clear_n of_o the_o same_o from_o these_o design_a reflection_n cast_v thereon_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o conviction_n may_v thus_o insensible_o prevail_v and_o gain_v ground_n with_o the_o great_a gainsayer_n whilst_o we_o know_v little_a what_o design_n grace_n may_v in_o this_o day_n have_v on_o such_o and_o as_o the_o further_a regard_n shall_v be_v keep_v to_o light_v upon_o any_o controvert_v truth_n without_o lose_v ground_n herein_o yet_o shall_v i_o judge_v it_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o see_v these_o who_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n once_o meet_v in_o a_o more_o joint_a concurrence_n in_o behalf_n of_o these_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o controvert_v when_o the_o face_n of_o this_o generation_n be_v so_o threaten_v as_o to_o a_o further_a revolt_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n both_o in_o the_o pureness_n and_o power_n thereof_o this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o work_n by_o its_o self_n which_o as_o its_o of_o the_o high_a public_a concern_v so_o do_v it_o require_v a_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la measure_n of_o judiciousnes_n in_o follow_v the_o same_o my_o unfitness_n to_o speak_v on_o such_o a_o subject_a shall_v have_v restrain_v i_o herein_o be_v it_o not_o to_o witness_v something_o of_o a_o serious_a desire_n under_o which_o my_o soul_n be_v press_v for_o such_o one_fw-mi end_n when_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o perish_v of_o so_o many_o who_o have_v one_fw-mi eternal_a state_n before_o they_o be_v so_o visible_a this_o day_n and_o yet_o no_o further_o trial_n make_v to_o gain_v and_o recover_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o i_o may_v gain_v some_o other_o can_v more_o fit_o judge_n as_o to_o the_o suitable_a manage_n of_o such_o a_o service_n and_o how_o to_o fall_v in_o on_o the_o right_n lithe_a of_o duty_n herein_o only_a something_n i_o shall_v wish_v be_v more_o design_v for_o take_v off_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o break_v thus_o one_o of_o the_o great_a engine_n of_o satan_n this_o day_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o in_o come_v a_o great_a length_n by_o these_o who_o be_v of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n to_o sacrifice_v private_a resentment_n to_o that_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o truth_n upon_o conceive_a injury_n when_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a wat_fw-mi one_fw-mi influence_n personal_a prejudice_n this_o day_n have_v to_o keep_v up_o distance_n to_o heighten_v difference_n and_o cause_n further_a estrangement_n on_o such_o a_o account_n from_o any_o fervent_a appearance_n for_o god_n and_o this_o be_v sure_o one_o of_o the_o most_o honourable_a part_n of_o a_o christian_n work_n how_o far_o he_o may_v overcome_v the_o distemper_n of_o other_o by_o humility_n tenderness_n and_o love_n and_o walk_v in_o such_o a_o countermotion_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o this_o day_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o service_n this_o day_n much_o call_v for_o to_o have_v stumbling_n more_o prevent_v against_o these_o unquestionable_a settle_a administration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n so_o as_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n may_v be_v right_o understand_v the_o proper_a object_n whereof_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o inward_a man_n and_o it_o be_v great_a design_n to_o restore_v &_o edify_v which_o be_v in_o such_o a_o way_n that_o where_o it_o be_v true_o answer_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o tender_a and_o heal_a and_o to_o attract_v any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n to_o join_v in_o herewith_o for_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a measure_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v sufler_n from_o the_o weakness_n or_o exorbitancy_n of_o any_o it_o be_v suitable_a for_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o plead_v that_o from_o heathen_n that_o the_o offence_n and_o practice_n of_o none_o shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n 3._o it_o be_v desirable_a also_o that_o further_a conviction_n may_v be_v serve_v on_o these_o who_o be_v prone_a to_o stumble_v how_o in_o the_o promote_a of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n there_o be_v no_o pursue_v any_o divide_a interest_n of_o a_o party_n and_o that_o if_o such_o will_v once_o try_v and_o see_v they_o can_v then_o judge_v where_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a interest_n within_o time_n lie_v which_o all_o be_v joint_o concern_v to_o promote_v who_o have_v any_o design_n on_o the_o christian_a profession_n for_o eternal_a thing_n 4._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v this_o more_o wat_fw-mi one_fw-mi advantage_n shall_v it_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o conciliate_v a_o great_a respect_n thereto_o that_o all_o may_v see_v how_o sweet_a a_o contemperature_n and_o harmony_n there_o be_v betwixt_o pure_a zeal_n for_o god_n which_o be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o further_a prudence_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o man_n and_o how_o the_o rule_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o bitterness_n wrath_n or_o recrimination_n which_o be_v so_o abound_v this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n in_o pursue_v of_o difference_n upon_o any_o concern_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o herein_o do_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n more_o eminent_o appear_v in_o secure_v the_o concord_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n under_o a_o diversity_n of_o light_n and_o judgement_n in_o some_o lesser_a difference_n about_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o man_n heart_n in_o subdue_n the_o distemper_n of_o their_o mind_n then_o by_o impose_v the_o most_o severe_a and_o absolute_a uniformity_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o it_o be_v ever_o find_v how_o this_o have_v be_v most_o easy_a and_o practicable_a among_o such_o who_o have_v make_v the_o high_a advance_v in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n then_o any_o else_o since_o he_o near_o the_o line_n be_v to_o the_o centre_n the_o near_a also_o be_v they_o among_o themselves_o and_o i_o must_v add_v herewith_o that_o it_o may_v be_v little_o know_v what_o convictive_a power_n may_v follow_v in_o a_o time_n of_o such_o high_a distemper_n as_o this_o on_o a_o suitable_a application_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o dwell_v with_o prudence_n and_o come_v from_o above_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n give_v for_o the_o same_o james_z 3_o 17._o to_o make_v a_o high_a interest_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o then_o now_o in_o a_o ordinare_fw-la way_n will_v seem_v possible_a 4._o as_o the_o further_a tenderness_n and_o prudence_n be_v call_v for_o to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o further_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o take_v out_o of_o
divine_a wrath_n and_o last_o plague_n be_v but_o in_o part_n pour_v out_o wherein_o the_o appearance_n of_o god_n will_v be_v with_o much_o terror_n to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o last_o triumph_n of_o his_o justice_n within_o time_n will_v not_o be_v of_o one_fw-mi ordinare_fw-la kind_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v great_a shake_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o time_n of_o break_v down_o as_o well_o as_o of_o build_v up_o which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o draw_v near_o ii_o because_o we_o be_v enter_v on_o these_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n then_o heretofore_o to_o put_v the_o whole_a generation_n of_o his_o people_n on_o that_o part_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o study_n thereof_o which_o relate_v to_o his_o work_n and_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o providence_n about_o his_o church_n when_o the_o key_n shall_v then_o be_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n for_o open_v up_o and_o a_o more_o full_a understanding_n the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o time_n pass_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o weighty_a part_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o latter_a time_n in_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o and_o these_o high_a improvement_n to_o be_v make_v on_o that_o bless_a study_n than_o be_v attainable_a in_o former_a age_n when_o his_o work_n now_o be_v come_v to_o a_o more_o full_a point_n it_o have_v be_v remarkable_o the_o business_n of_o this_o age_n to_o make_v a_o more_o accurate_a search_n and_o some_o great_a discovery_n upon_o natural_a cause_n and_o the_o working_n thereof_o but_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o ere_o long_o the_o inquisitive_a world_n shall_v be_v in_o another_o manner_n awake_v and_o their_o inquiry_n run_v in_o a_o high_a channel_n above_o all_o second_o cause_n to_o see_v and_o admire_v the_o great_a act_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o divinity_n thereof_o and_o not_o what_o be_v humane_a therein_o but_o as_o they_o be_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o the_o same_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o dismal_a sign_n of_o the_o present_a time_n how_o much_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v at_o work_n to_o darken_v so_o far_o as_o possible_a the_o most_o eminent_a discovery_n of_o god_n in_o his_o work_n and_o in_o the_o most_o extraordinare_a revolution_n of_o humane_a affair_n as_o if_o they_o will_v set_v bound_n and_o limit_n to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o course_n and_o order_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o subject_n both_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o his_o work_n to_o the_o comprehension_n of_o their_o reason_n though_o some_o civil_a respect_n they_o will_v give_v and_o the_o name_n of_o his_o be_v the_o prime_a cause_n but_o shut_v their_o eye_n on_o what_o be_v more_o extraordinar_a and_o solemn_a in_o any_o piece_n of_o his_o work_n i_o will_v yet_o point_v at_o some_o special_a head_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o choice_n part_n of_o divinity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v will_v in_o another_o manner_n be_v open_v up_o and_o i_o desire_v to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n hereof_o 1._o as_o to_o these_o more_o singular_a case_n of_o providence_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n course_n since_o her_o first_o translation_n from_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o gentile_n with_o the_o issue_n and_o consequence_n thereof_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o rule_n or_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v one_fw-mi inquiry_n to_o be_v more_o full_o improven_v than_o whatever_o have_v be_v attain_v this_o way_n when_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o shall_v tend_v to_o clear_v all_o bygone_n in_o his_o work_n 2._o these_o remarkable_a period_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o prophetical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v successive_o bring_v forth_o in_o their_o proper_a season_n as_o be_v foretell_v be_v yet_o to_o have_v the_o seal_n more_o full_o take_v off_o and_o that_o vale_n which_o be_v over_o they_o so_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v clear_a and_o easy_a to_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o only_o keep_v his_o word_n and_o truth_n to_o his_o church_n but_o have_v keep_v these_o time_n also_o exact_o to_o which_o such_o great_a event_n of_o providence_n do_v relate_v 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a discovery_n yet_o to_o be_v make_v then_o have_v be_v hitherto_o how_o the_o church_n have_v be_v lead_v in_o a_o right_a way_n and_o by_o a_o straight_a line_n in_o her_o whole_a course_n through_o that_o long_a and_o terrible_a wilderness_n which_o she_o be_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o eminent_a service_n the_o saint_n have_v be_v put_v on_o in_o these_o strange_a measure_n of_o their_o warefare_n which_o be_v then_o allot_v to_o they_o and_o in_o theit_n overcome_v work_n thereby_o yea_o what_o a_o high_a triumph_n our_o bless_a redeemer_n have_v have_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o his_o people_n in_o so_o dismal_a a_o time_n then_o in_o any_o external_a flourish_a state_n of_o his_o church_n so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v it_o be_v then_o day_n as_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o irresistible_a efficacy_n of_o his_o truth_n on_o his_o follower_n when_o it_o seem_v otherwise_o as_o the_o darkness_n of_o midnight_n 4._o there_o belong_v to_o this_o part_n of_o divinity_n some_o high_a break_v up_o of_o light_n yet_o to_o be_v make_v on_o that_o mystery_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o with_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o providence_n and_o what_o a_o joint_a interest_n they_o have_v herein_o as_o to_o what_o have_v be_v more_o singular_a in_o the_o lord_n way_n and_o disposal_n about_o other_o of_o his_o people_n we_o have_v little_o understand_v what_o one_fw-mi enrich_n trade_n we_o may_v drive_v upon_o that_o stock_n of_o these_o ancient_a experiment_n of_o christian_n in_o follow_v the_o lord_n and_o these_o eminent_a trial_n they_o have_v make_v of_o the_o truth_n who_o have_v in_o age_n past_o go_v before_o and_o what_o a_o pawn_n be_v thus_o put_v in_o our_o hand_n for_o a_o further_o strengthen_v in_o the_o faith_n yea_o what_o public_a interest_n thus_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v in_o some_o eminent_a act_n of_o providence_n about_o particular_a christian_n which_o in_o the_o import_n and_o greatness_n thereof_o be_v not_o give_v for_o themselves_o only_o but_o as_o a_o public_a concern_v to_o the_o whole_a generation_n that_o seek_v after_o god_n in_o their_o day_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v according_a to_o that_o psal_n ●0_n 3._o many_o shall_v see_v it_o and_o fear_n and_o shall_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n 5._o i_o must_v add_v one_o great_a improvement_n of_o this_o special_a head_n of_o divinity_n which_o will_v yet_o be_v above_o the_o measure_n of_o time_n past_a in_o the_o extent_n of_o that_o reference_n and_o appeal_v before_o angel_n and_o man_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n for_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v and_o promise_v to_o his_o church_n and_o be_v that_o tribute_n of_o praise_n which_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v in_o to_o he_o now_o when_o it_o be_v so_o near_o to_o the_o close_a of_o time_n then_o by_o that_o great_a testimony_n of_o joshua_n 25_o 14._o how_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n the_o lord_n have_v then_o speak_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n but_o have_v full_o take_v place_n and_o be_v the_o same_o appeal_n which_o solomon_n make_v i._o king_n 8_o 56._o for_o this_o with_o a_o high_a glory_n and_o evidence_n be_v to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n when_o it_o be_v draw_v near_o to_o that_o magnificent_a close_a and_o period_n of_o prophetic_a chronology_n and_o finish_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n therein_o how_o his_o spotless_a truth_n have_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n keep_v its_o way_n and_o course_n amid_o all_o these_o dark_a cloud_n which_o have_v spread_v to_o darken_v the_o same_o and_o no_o promise_n or_o prediction_n of_o that_o sacred_a record_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v ever_o fail_v or_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n now_o when_o it_o be_v draw_v so_o near_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n it_o be_v true_a each_o age_n have_v have_v their_o proper_a measure_n of_o light_n in_o order_n to_o the_o service_n of_o that_o time_n and_o something_o peculiar_a allot_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n yea_o some_o great_a eminency_n do_v belong_v to_o these_o time_n past_a when_o the_o suffering_n of_o christian_n do_v most_o abound_v in_o the_o adventure_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o love_n then_o in_o after_o time_n but_o as_o to_o high_a
discovery_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n &_o the_o depth_n of_o providence_n about_o his_o church_n these_o be_v reserve_v to_o that_o period_n when_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n hereon_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o perfect_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v to_o be_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o wait_v and_o come_v to_o such_o a_o solemn_a time_n and_o to_o have_v his_o lot_n fall_v therein_o as_o be_v speak_v dan._n 12_o 12._o iii_o but_o for_o a_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o subject_n since_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v in_o the_o discovery_n and_o entertainment_n of_o his_o work_n in_o the_o day_n thereof_o and_o now_o when_o a_o more_o eminent_a appearance_n thereof_o be_v near_o that_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n in_o their_o complex_fw-la body_n shall_v in_o a_o more_o solemn_a way_n be_v the_o lord_n it_o shall_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o return_n and_o oblation_n of_o praise_n upon_o the_o great_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n shall_v be_v more_o remarkable_a as_o a_o public_a deed_n of_o nation_n and_o church_n then_o have_v yet_o hitherto_o be_v yea_o that_o when_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o any_o singular_a way_n appear_v for_o their_o security_n and_o stand_v by_o providence_n of_o a_o public_a and_o national_a extent_n that_o a_o gratulatory_a retribution_n on_o their_o part_n must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o extent_n under_o a_o public_a care_n and_o regard_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o settle_a frame_n of_o subordinat_a mean_n by_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v work_v in_o the_o great_a design_n thereof_o that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o regard_n wherein_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o angel_n have_v the_o great_a interest_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a ordinance_n he_o have_v settle_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n though_o as_o to_o their_o special_a office_n and_o delegate_v service_n to_o particular_a churche●_n and_o christian_n be_v something_o that_o be_v more_o dark_a but_o it_o may_v be_v hope_v will_n ere_o long_o be_v with_o a_o clear_a evidence_n know_v in_o these_o great_a transaction_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o take_v place_n when_o a_o near_a communion_n may_v be_v then_o attain_v betwixt_o these_o bless_a spirit_n and_o the_o saint_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n then_o be_v yet_o know_v but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o put_v honour_n on_o institute_v mean_n and_o on_o that_o establish_a order_n of_o his_o work_n yet_o whilst_o most_o have_v such_o ordinare_fw-la thought_n of_o god_n herein_o and_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o fix_v their_o eye_n whole_o on_o man_n his_o honour_n be_v concern_v to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v he_o be_v god_n by_o more_o extraordinar_a demonstration_n yea_o such_o be_v most_o of_o the_o great_a event_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v bring_v forth_o as_o not_o possible_o in_o a_o other_o way_n be_v expect_v but_o on_o this_o subject_a i_o will_v humble_o offer_v some_o few_o reflection_n which_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o a_o serious_a regard_n 1._o that_o as_o it_o be_v high_o become_v on_o some_o eminent_a piece_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n or_o public_a deliverance_n for_o a_o nation_n or_o state_n to_o have_v solemn_a and_o public_a return_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o thereon_o yet_o be_v it_o strange_a how_o so_o little_a regard_n shall_v thus_o be_v to_o have_v the_o greatness_n of_o any_o such_o mercy_n seek_v out_o and_o the_o same_o public_a care_n extend_v for_o keep_v up_o a_o venerable_a remembrance_n thereof_o so_o that_o such_o a_o service_n of_o gratitude_n be_v not_o bound_v with_o the_o transient_a work_n of_o a_o day_n since_o otherways_o it_o be_v a_o most_o essential_a want_n and_o with_o hold_v a_o proper_a and_o important_a part_n of_o that_o tribute_n which_o be_v due_a into_o god_n herein_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suitable_a regard_n to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o such_o providence_n and_o what_o be_v so_o strait_o enjoin_v of_o the_o lord_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o church_n continue_a practice_n there_o yea_o of_o the_o same_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a use_n in_o all_o after_o time_n if_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v still_o a_o public_a trust_n under_o the_o further_a humane_a care_n to_o promote_v the_o same_o though_o divine_a record_n and_o history_n for_o this_o intent_n do_v now_o cease_v 2._o but_o as_o this_o have_v one_fw-mi unquestionable_a tie_n on_o church_n and_o a_o christian_a state_n to_o design_n the_o most_o honourable_a respect_n and_o entertainment_n of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o god_n in_o their_o day_n and_o be_v make_v their_o proper_a talon_n to_o answer_v to_o so_o do_v a_o just_a exoneration_n herein_o call_v for_o the_o most_o exact_a scrutiny_n and_o search_n on_o the_o truth_n and_o evidence_n thereof_o on_o which_o the_o weight_n and_o credit_n of_o this_o service_n do_v so_o far_o depend_v to_o cause_v a_o more_o full_a assent_n by_o these_o who_o come_v after_o to_o such_o a_o testimony_n that_o these_o rare_a providence_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v thus_o make_v himself_o know_v be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o present_a time_n seek_v out_o and_o inquire_v unto_o under_o their_o proper_a círcumstance_n but_o by_o such_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o advantage_n for_o a_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n who_o sincerity_n and_o judiciousness_n may_v be_v convince_a and_o the_o integrity_n of_o such_o one_fw-mi intent_n clear_v from_o any_o partial_a respect_n or_o end_n but_o allennerly_a for_o exalt_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o strengthen_v man_n in_o the_o faith_n by_o so_o great_a a_o seal_n to_o his_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o posterity_n yea_o wherein_o these_o who_o in_o some_o lesser_a difference_n do_v not_o full_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o judgement_n yet_o may_v entire_o unite_v in_o such_o a_o service_n and_o testimony_n as_o this_o 3._o where_o the_o lord_n make_v himself_o know_v in_o more_o illustrious_a act_n of_o his_o power_n as_o may_v be_v call_v magnalia_fw-la dei_fw-la to_o some_o particular_a nation_n and_o church_n beside_o other_o who_o herein_o be_v in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la way_n interest_v it_o may_v seem_v equal_a and_o answer_v to_o the_o high_a reason_n they_o shall_v be_v of_o that_o value_n as_o to_o be_v enter_v on_o a_o national_a record_n and_o have_v that_o concurrence_n of_o humane_a authority_n to_o make_v the_o evidence_n hereof_o as_o authentic_a as_o the_o public_a deed_n or_o right_n which_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o state_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o history_n and_o the_o church_n have_v be_v bless_v with_o that_o singular_a mercy_n of_o martyrology_n by_o faithful_a and_o impartial_a hand_n to_o attest_v the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o support_v of_o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o sufferer_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o late_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n the_o concurrence_n of_o civil_a authority_n to_o that_o work_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v now_o extant_a by_o a_o excellent_a writer_n but_o for_o this_o intent_n ●●_o be_v something_o distinct_a by_o its_o self_n with_o respect_n only_o to_o these_o monument_n of_o providence_n relate_v to_o a_o particular_a ch●rch_n that_o be_v of_o public_a clear_a and_o uncontrolled_a evidence_n to_o have_v the_o remembrance_n thereof_o with_o the_o high_a honour_n keep_v up_o and_o secure_v from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o cavil_v of_o man_n thereat_o yea_o to_o such_o passage_n in_o that_o day_n whereon_o the_o signature_n and_o impress_n of_o the_o more_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n have_v have_v most_o full_a and_o bright_a evidence_n these_o great_a change_n of_o a_o public_a interest_n which_o have_v then_o occur_v wherein_o some_o extraordinar_a conjunction_n in_o the_o course_n of_o providence_n may_v be_v see_v above_o natural_a cause_n and_o the_o ordinare_fw-la way_n of_o god_n work_v such_o interposition_n of_o his_o wonderful_a power_n by_o which_o he_o have_v design_v to_o put_v some_o eminent_a honour_n on_o act_n of_o trust_n and_o relyance_n on_o his_o truth_n as_o may_v be_v exemplary_a to_o after_o time_n and_o serve_v for_o that_o end_n that_o they_o who_o come_v after_o may_v set_v their_o hope_n on_o god_n and_o not_o forget_v his_o work_n psal_n 78_o 7._o yea_o extraordinar_a act_n also_o of_o divine_a judgement_n whereby_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o some_o unusual_a manner_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n against_o public_a and_o notorious_a violation_n of_o the_o same_o which_o may_v be_v clear_o see_v be_v not_o design_v for_o that_o age_n only_o but_o as_o a_o public_a concern_v for_o after_o time_n 4._o can_v it_o be_v question_v that_o since_o that_o