Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n divine_a faith_n infallible_a 2,020 5 9.1150 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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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 part_n of_o man_n who_o do_v very_o enjoy_v so_o marvellous_a a_o light_n as_o be_v immediate_o out_o of_o heaven_n and_o shine_v upon_o none_o else_o and_o know_v such_o a_o enjoiment_n as_o a_o immediate_a communion_n with_o the_o deity_n and_o his_o sensible_a presence_n with_o their_o spirit_n with_o returns_z from_o heaven_n to_o their_o suit_n in_o most_o real_a effect_n since_o if_o this_o be_v sure_a then_o must_v man_n seek_v for_o another_o idea_n of_o christianity_n &_o have_v other_o thought_n about_o the_o same_o than_o what_o most_o seem_v to_o have_v then_o be_v there_o a_o high_a glory_n put_v upon_o man_n soul_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o what_o all_o humane_a grandeur_n can_v ever_o amount_v to_o or_o be_v upon_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n 5._o the_o credit_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n on_o this_o great_a head_n of_o spiritual_a experience_n and_o the_o whole_a internal_a part_n of_o christianity_n be_v of_o such_o weight_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o age_n and_o most_o predominant_a part_n of_o man_n within_o the_o church_n be_v state_v in_o so_o visible_a a_o opposition_n thereto_o not_o only_o to_o oppose_v the_o power_n and_o spirituality_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o deny_v its_o principle_n and_o give_v a_o lie_n to_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o man_n soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v some_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o take_v of_o the_o great_a seal_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o whole_a internal_a demonstration_n of_o its_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o great_a prodigy_n of_o this_o age_n bejond_v any_o
and_o darkness_n which_o be_v not_o found_v by_o positive_a institution_n only_o but_o in_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o these_o thing_n themselves_o and_o though_o i_o design_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o to_o this_o hereafter_o yet_o shall_v this_o be_v of_o high_a use_n to_o strengthen_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o look_v in_o with_o the_o serious_a use_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o paganism_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n or_o of_o mahumetism_n in_o this_o day_n where_o even_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n such_o a_o sight_n be_v enough_o to_o expose_v the_o very_a name_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v just_a matter_n of_o abhorrence_n and_o to_o be_v the_o high_a reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o thus_o see_v whither_o so_o brutish_a and_o horrid_a a_o thing_n can_v ever_o claim_v a_o reception_n either_o on_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o rule_n or_o any_o internal_a evidence_n of_o truth_n or_o possible_a consistence_n with_o its_o self_n so_o that_o to_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o belief_n of_o the_o glorious_a be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o worse_o or_o more_o dreadful_a then_o to_o have_v the_o high_a contumely_n and_o affront_n thus_o put_v on_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o which_o tend_v rather_o to_o justify_v atheism_n this_o enquiry_n be_v it_o suitable_o improven_v can_v not_o but_o render_v that_o dilemma_n unanswerable_a either_o a_o christian_n or_o of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o either_o that_o which_o we_o enjoy_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o else_o a_o absolute_a nullity_n as_o to_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o no_o such_o sacred_a thing_n have_v a_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n inquiry_n ii_o but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o hold_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o godhead_n or_o to_o have_v any_o true_a enjoiment_n of_o religion_n without_o a_o further_a and_o unavoidable_a progress_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n so_o must_v the_o first_o entry_n hereof_o be_v on_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o by_o a_o necessary_a result_n upon_o this_o inquiry_n if_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n give_v such_o a_o promise_n of_o a_o redeemer_n to_o mankind_n after_o the_o fall_n and_o that_o on_o this_o great_a assurance_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v entir_o rest_v that_o so_o glorious_a a_o person_n as_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o be_v anoint_v to_o that_o work_n of_o redeemingman_n and_o bring_v he_o again_o to_o god_n since_o t●is_n must_v be_v first_o clear_v and_o our_o faith_n fix_v on_o the_o same_o ere_o we_o can_v enter_v on_o any_o enjoiment_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o attainable_a else_o but_o in_o such_o a_o order_n and_o settlement_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o old_a and_o have_v one_fw-mi absolute_a dependence_n on_o the_o same_o wherein_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o enquiry_n lie_v 1._o to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o first_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n to_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o absolute_a and_o give_v to_o be_v declarative_a of_o the_o immutable_a purpose_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n herein_o and_o not_o dependent_a upon_o any_o condition_n in_o man_n 2._o how_o this_o one_o great_a promise_n be_v give_v to_o be_v the_o original_a right_n and_o warrant_v of_o all_o other_o promise_n which_o do_v whole_o centre_n in_o he_o in_o who_o they_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_n 3._o as_o a_o promise_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o reason_n must_v stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o greatness_n hereof_o and_o cry_v out_o can_v this_o possible_o be_v yea_o the_o more_o deep_a enquiry_n herein_o must_v heighten_v such_o one_fw-mi astonishment_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a sink_n under_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v in_o very_a deed_n bear_v such_o regard_n to_o man_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o that_o concern_v as_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a how_o one_o day_n shall_v pass_v over_o man_n without_o some_o fresh_a revive_n of_o such_o a_o reflection_n 4._o to_o see_v how_o high_a a_o value_n and_o account_n god_n put_v upon_o that_o one_o promise_n by_o so_o long_a a_o delay_n and_o procrastination_n of_o the_o same_o as_o a_o promise_n worthy_a of_o the_o church_n wait_v and_o expectation_n of_o the_o same_o for_o 4000_o year_n 5._o this_o enquiry_n must_v lie_v here_o to_o see_v the_o first_o entry_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n on_o the_o world_n in_o its_o precise_a time_n and_o date_n and_o how_o such_o a_o light_n do_v not_o shine_v on_o adam_n and_o eve_n in_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n whilst_o they_o stand_v in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n upon_o a_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o their_o god_n but_o with_o the_o fall_n down_o of_o that_o dismal_a night_n of_o there_o fall_v do_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o light_n first_o dawn_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o utter_a darkness_n in_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o fall_v angel_n whereby_o the_o final_a condemnatory_a sentence_n on_o the_o one_o and_o relief_n for_o the_o other_o be_v make_v know_v and_o promulgate_v together_o and_o the_o room_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n fill_v up_o with_o a_o high_a glory_n by_o the_o second_o 6._o how_o this_o bless_a light_n though_o with_o a_o gradual_a increase_n do_v never_o cease_v to_o shine_v on_o this_o world_n since_o it_o begin_v to_o dawn_n nor_o have_v there_o ever_o cease_v a_o peculiar_a people_n in_o a_o church_n relation_n who_o be_v distinct_a and_o separate_v from_o the_o residue_n of_o man_n who_o profession_n be_v found_v in_o the_o alone_a faith_n of_o a_o redeemer_n so_o as_o one_o day_n have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o that_o promise_n wherein_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v on_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v not_o shine_v also_o by_o vital_a influence_n of_o light_n and_o power_n and_o where_o the_o church_n head_n have_v not_o some_o part_n of_o his_o body_n here_o to_o converse_v with_o as_o the_o peculiar_a object_n of_o his_o complaisance_n and_o love_n and_o do_v rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n though_o that_o some_o age_n have_v have_v a_o high_a glory_n assign_v thereto_o and_o a_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o will_v he_o not_o restrict_n the_o ingather_n of_o his_o elect_a to_o any_o special_a period_n of_o time_n or_o let_v each_o age_n want_v a_o share_n of_o this_o glory_n and_o of_o a_o seed_n to_o be_v as_o salt_n to_o the_o earth_n 7._o but_o this_o enquiry_n go_v further_a to_o see_v these_o measure_n of_o evidence_n and_o divine_a condeshendence_n which_o be_v give_v to_o support_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n on_o that_o great_a promise_n even_o by_o a_o ocular_a discovery_n to_o the_o outward_a sense_n as_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o successive_a course_n of_o the_o legal_a sacrifice_n and_o these_o numerous_a figure_n and_o type_n in_o that_o long_a preparatory_a service_n wherein_o he_o do_v not_o let_v his_o people_n feed_v on_o ash_n naked_a shadow_n and_o where_o nothing_o be_v inept_v or_o usless_o but_o be_v express_o significative_a of_o that_o high_a mystery_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v possible_o bear_v no_o other_o sense_n or_o intent_n and_o since_o the_o whole_a stress_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n lie_v upon_o this_o one_o promise_n or_o what_o can_v make_v the_o state_n of_o man_n valevable_a in_o any_o true_a enjoiement_n of_o his_o life_n here_o it_o be_v on_o this_o head_n shall_v be_v set_v the_o first_o settlement_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o i_o know_v no_o relief_n but_o in_o a_o promise_a redeemer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v a_o christian_n if_o the_o morning_n and_o growing-light_n of_o that_o glorious_a mystery_n have_v not_o go_v before_o its_o meridian_n hight_v and_o as_o a_o clear_a conduct_n to_o the_o next_o step_n i_o shall_v enter_v on_o a_o iii_o inquiry_n to_o know_v that_o this_o fundamental_a promise_n of_o a_o redemer_n come_v to_o the_o world_n be_v assure_o make_v good_a and_o be_v no_o more_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o sense_n that_o its_o sure_a our_o eye_n see_v such_o a_o day_n and_o long_o expect_v period_n of_o time_n and_o can_v be_v no_o dark_a or_o doubtful_a thing_n now_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o may_v enter_v on_o its_o profession_n in_o the_o open_a light_n but_o to_o clear_v how_o with_o the_o same_o evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o promise_n we_o may_v see_v its_o performance_n also_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o one_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v
public_a administration_n of_o the_o word_n seem_v lose_v &_o the_o wisdom_n of_o word_n or_o what_o may_v appear_v more_o neat_a or_o polish_a that_o way_n be_v come_v in_o the_o room_n hereof_o as_o though_o the_o alone_a end_n of_o so_o high_a a_o service_n be_v to_o act_v a_o scene_n handsome_o on_o a_o theatre_n that_o may_v carry_v the_o applause_n of_o the_o spectator_n but_o not_o man_n heart_n unto_o god_n this_o i_o have_v look_v on_o with_o no_o less_o horror_n then_o on_o the_o most_o visible_a atheism_n and_o profanity_n of_o these_o time_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o dismal_a sign_n in_o the_o public_a state_n of_o religion_n 4._o these_o also_o may_v have_v some_o high_a access_n for_o such_o a_o witness_n who_o know_v with_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a excitment_n to_o engage_v upon_o some_o special_a work_n and_o service_n for_o god_n and_o to_o be_v act_v forth_o herein_o under_o the_o power_n and_o irresistible_a discovery_n of_o one_fw-mi inward_a call_v when_o under_o great_a opposition_n from_o their_o own_o spirit_n thereto_o and_o further_a a_o version_n of_o mind_n this_o i_o have_v know_v in_o the_o truth_n hereof_o in_o most_o eminent_a example_n but_o the_o credit_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n though_o in_o itself_o found_v on_o divine_a revelation_n do_v necessary_o require_v such_o one_fw-mi evidence_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n herein_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o know_v tender_a humble_a and_o judicious_a spirit_n who_o be_v skill_v both_o in_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o deep_n of_o satan_n who_o this_o way_n do_v oft_o act_v in_o the_o great_a deep_a and_o mystery_n of_o delusion_n 5._o there_o be_v yet_o something_o more_o singular_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o some_o christian_n bejond_v other_o and_o in_o such_o a_o witness_n as_o to_o a_o special_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n raise_v on_o their_o soul_n of_o event_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o some_o remarkable_a case_n of_o trial_n when_o it_o have_v be_v contrare_fw-la to_o all_o humane_a appearance_n and_o no_o reason_n from_o any_o visible_a airth_n can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o same_o this_o i_o know_v may_v seem_v a_o strange_a thing_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o nor_o can_v it_o possible_o have_v that_o evidence_n or_o in_o that_o manner_n work_v to_o other_o as_o it_o be_v to_o these_o who_o know_v and_o have_v experience_v the_o same_o but_o we_o see_v and_o be_v sure_a there_o have_v be_v great_a attainment_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n both_o in_o scripture_n example_n and_o uncontroverted_a experiment_n make_v hereof_o in_o after_o time_n which_o have_v meet_v such_o in_o the_o road_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o in_o one_fw-mi express_v harmony_n and_o correspondence_n with_o the_o word_n since_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o any_o particular_a case_n must_v keep_v with_o the_o same_o exent_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n herein_o and_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v trust_v for_o no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v make_v warrantable_a by_o his_o promise_n but_o this_o be_v a_o subject_a on_o which_o i_o may_v not_o insist_v further_o then_o to_o clear_v the_o evidence_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o christian_n may_v be_v at_o such_o step_n in_o their_o way_n and_o passage_n through_o time_n and_o on_o so_o dark_a ground_n yea_o the_o tide_n of_o difficulty_n and_o amase_a fear_n swell_v to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n that_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o support_n of_o this_o kind_n by_o one_fw-mi argument_n of_o power_n to_o their_o soul_n they_o shall_v otherways_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v 2._o this_o experiment_n how_o rare_a so_o ever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o many_o be_v no_o dark_a or_o distinct_a thing_n from_o that_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o we_o shall_v look_v after_o or_o from_o that_o promise_a earnest_n which_o sometime_o the_o lord_n give_v with_o respect_n to_o a_o special_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n within_o time_n as_o well_o as_o their_o great_a interest_n in_o heaven_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n impart_v to_o some_o as_o to_o other_o 3._o it_o be_v also_o of_o no_o other_o kind_n than_o that_o settle_a allowance_n on_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o can_v raise_v and_o full_o quiet_a their_o spirit_n above_o any_o sink_a fear_n and_o above_o the_o present_a assault_n they_o may_v be_v under_o though_o with_o such_o evidence_n then_o as_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o attain_v at_o other_o time_n nor_o can_v be_v keep_v clear_a and_o comfort_v to_o themselves_o without_o much_o tenderness_n of_o spirit_n and_o fear_n 4._o where_o this_o be_v know_v and_o enjoy_v in_o any_o high_a degree_n by_o some_o then_o may_v be_v the_o allowance_n of_o other_o it_o be_v assure_o find_v on_o a_o special_a &_o near_a intimacy_n with_o god_n and_o to_o follow_v some_o discernible_a access_n and_o special_a gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o intercession_n in_o prayer_n and_o wrestle_n so_o as_o it_o thus_o meet_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o settle_a ordinance_n and_o in_o the_o same_o way_n wherein_o we_o may_v see_v the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o confidence_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o otherways_o there_o can_v be_v no_o comfort_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v the_o undoubted_a work_n of_o god_n 5._o and_o here_o must_v be_v try_v &_o seek_v for_o whither_o the_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o god_n do_v then_o still_o bring_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o renown_a conscience_n alongst_o therewith_o so_o as_o to_o clear_v the_o condition_n in_o themselves_o and_o their_o claim_n thereto_o of_o such_o a_o special_a promise_n whereon_o their_o confidence_n have_v be_v raise_v whereby_o it_o be_v thus_o render_v to_o they_o a_o absolute_a promise_n that_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v frustrate_a 6._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v further_o as_o this_o rare_a experiment_n come_v with_o such_o evidence_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o be_v discernible_a from_o any_o natural_a working_n of_o man_n own_o heart_n and_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o most_o deep_a enquiry_n and_o judicious_a trial_n of_o christian_n be_v needful_a to_o know_v that_o its_o sure_o from_o god_n and_o have_v both_o his_o warrant_n and_o seal_v herewith_o so_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o where_o he_o take_v a_o more_o singular_a way_n to_o try_v and_o exercise_v some_o and_o out_o of_o the_o ordinar_a road_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o other_o yea_o where_o support_v in_o the_o way_n of_o external_a providence_n may_v then_o cease_v that_o this_o special_a allowance_n by_o inward_a evidence_n be_v something_o more_o singular_a also_o and_o some_o high_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o believe_a be_v impart_v for_o such_o a_o case_n this_o lead_v i_o to_o offer_v some_o thought_n in_o the_o close_a upon_o two_o proposal_n which_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v if_o from_o another_o airth_n whilst_o i_o be_v write_v this_o there_o have_v not_o occur_v a_o special_a call_v herein_o and_o that_o i_o judge_v it_o may_v not_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o this_o discourse_n 1._o whither_o there_o be_v any_o such_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o these_o time_n we_o be_v now_o in_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n or_o that_o it_o be_v warrantable_a to_o expect_v such_o a_o thing_n from_o god_n which_o lie_v in_o a_o particular_a act_n of_o trust_n in_o some_o special_a case_n where_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v take_v off_o all_o ordinare_fw-la mean_n and_o nothing_o but_o a_o divine_a immediate_a and_o miraculous_a power_n can_v answer_v thereto_o for_o answer_v it_o be_v clear_v the_o active_a faith_n hereof_o which_o be_v once_o give_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o working_n of_o miracle_n now_o cease_v but_o in_o this_o passive_a sense_n i_o know_v no_o time_n nor_o age_n to_o which_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v and_o come_v not_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o warrant_v the_o same_o in_o these_o case_n 1._o when_o the_o lord_n measure_v out_o such_o trial_n to_o any_o of_o his_o people_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o under_o his_o special_a conduct_n where_o there_o be_v no_o releaf_n or_o support_v but_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o one_fw-mi extraordinar_fw-mi and_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n and_o no_o neglect_n in_o the_o least_o of_o what_o in_o the_o way_n of_o ordinare_fw-la and_o warrantable_a mean_n be_v attainable_a it_o be_v sure_a there_o it_o be_v both_o warrant_v and_o require_v such_o a_o faith_n yea_o be_v put_v by_o a_o more_o singular_a call_v on_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o same_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n i_o doubt_v not_o there_o have_v
endue_v with_o one_fw-mi extraordinare_fw-la unction_n but_o if_o it_o respect_v the_o quality_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o person_n it_o sure_o must_v render_v this_o no_o less_o difficult_a that_o not_o only_o such_o as_o king_n henry_n the_o viii_o and_o his_o daughter_n queen_n mary_n beside_o many_o other_o yea_o richard_n the_o iii_o shall_v on_o this_o account_n have_v the_o active_a faith_n of_o miracle_n and_o be_v empoured_a herewith_o from_o god_n for_o work_v of_o the_o same_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o french_a king_n claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n and_o power_n as_o peculiar_a to_o they_o alone_o and_o may_v not_o on_o this_o ground_n lewis_n the_o fourteen_o this_o day_n be_v reckon_v a_o fit_a instrument_n for_o such_o a_o heal_a miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o just_a repute_n and_o credit_v thereto_o 3._o but_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o such_o a_o hereditary_a gift_n shall_v not_o faill_n and_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o departure_n of_o england_n from_o the_o romish_a church_n since_o the_o first_o hold_v hereof_o be_v upon_o their_o adherence_n to_o the_o same_o and_o as_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_v to_o the_o romish_a profession_n or_o that_o it_o shall_v now_o control_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v i_o know_v what_o some_o popish_a writer_n say_v hereon_o that_o this_o miracle_n be_v not_o now_o perform_v by_o such_o who_o have_v apostatise_v from_o that_o faith_n virtute_fw-la propria_fw-la sed_fw-la virtute_fw-la signi_fw-la crucis_fw-la but_o there_o need_v no_o such_o salvo_n as_o to_o reckon_v its_o be_v alienate_v now_o from_o serve_v for_o the_o same_o use_n and_o end_v it_o do_v before_o nor_o to_o have_v another_o rise_v if_o it_o be_v serious_o ponder_v 4._o but_o what_o interest_n in_o this_o cure_n have_v the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o rite_n in_o apply_v with_o the_o touch_n a_o medal_n of_o gold_n to_o the_o patient_n therewith_o or_o what_o virtue_n can_v this_o amulet_n impart_v and_o so_o great_a a_o care_n take_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o lose_v it_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v not_o give_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o there_o outward_a want_n except_o it_o be_v from_o ostentation_n to_o show_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o when_o they_o cure_v the_o lame_a man_n and_o can_v make_v use_n of_o no_o such_o assistance_n of_o silver_n or_o gold_n herein_o act._n 3._o 5._o if_o the_o application_n of_o one_fw-mi extraordinar_fw-mi gift_n for_o heal_a disease_n without_o the_o use_n of_o natural_a mean_n be_v aneugh_o to_o warrant_v the_o same_o and_o that_o such_o a_o cure_n be_v wrought_v without_o any_o further_a enquiry_n as_o to_o the_o cause_n and_o ground_n whereon_o it_o have_v such_o a_o effect_n it_o be_v then_o sure_a the_o devil_n and_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n may_v have_v a_o public_a and_o easy_a market_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o exact_v a_o uncontrolled_a homage_n and_o subjection_n to_o they_o this_o way_n the_o extent_n of_o who_o power_n for_o cure_v of_o disease_n be_v bejond_v our_o reach_n but_o since_o such_o a_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o heal_v if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n shall_v be_v try_v in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o how_o it_o can_v answer_v to_o such_o peculiar_a evidence_n and_o criteria_fw-la of_o the_o same_o as_o by_o the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v clear_a it_o be_v suitable_a to_o try_v herein_o if_o this_o be_v indeed_o give_v to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v a_o divine_a testimony_n or_o any_o truth_n of_o the_o write_a word_n if_o it_o come_v with_o that_o solemn_a and_o convince_a evidence_n so_o as_o to_o serve_v a_o deep_a and_o reverend_a sense_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n on_o man_n spirit_n by_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o promote_v piety_n and_o more_o firm_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n among_o man_n as_o the_o native_a effect_n that_o shall_v follow_v a_o true_a miracle_n and_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o seal_n if_o it_o serve_v also_o to_o comptrol_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o strengthen_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o antichristian_a darkness_n and_o idolatry_n yea_o if_o these_o who_o be_v thus_o empoured_a for_o so_o miraculous_a a_o cure_n have_v something_o suitable_a on_o their_o part_n of_o qualification_n to_o such_o who_o god_n have_v ever_o make_v use_n off_o to_o work_v miracle_n otherwise_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o expose_v so_o great_a a_o seal_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n wherein_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o so_o augu_v and_o solemn_a a_o way_n be_v reveal_v unto_o the_o high_a contumely_n and_o reproach_n 6._o though_o this_o have_v be_v a_o continue_a practice_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o notority_n of_o experience_n herein_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o cure_n be_v not_o question_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v essential_o requisite_a that_o such_o as_o claim_v to_o this_o power_n shall_v do_v it_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o divine_a warrant_n and_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n with_o a_o immediate_a reliance_n on_o a_o special_a outsetting_n of_o some_o extraordinar_a power_n from_o he_o herein_o and_o of_o his_o call_n to_o rest_v on_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v without_o respect_n to_o any_o institute_n &_o natural_a mean_n yea_o that_o there_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o so_o extraordinare_a a_o work_n i_o judge_v it_o shall_v then_o quick_o cease_v as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o these_o who_o be_v disease_v and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o cure_n shall_v know_v the_o warrant_n of_o their_o faith_n herein_o else_o it_o be_v as_o justifiable_a to_o go_v to_o loretta_n on_o such_o a_o account_n or_o to_o such_o who_o pretend_v by_o spell_n and_o charm_n to_o work_v extraordinary_a cure_n without_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o same_o this_o be_v not_o to_o detract_v in_o the_o least_o from_o any_o 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the_o same_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a these_o let_n and_o stumble_a block_n where_o the_o great_a hazard_n may_v be_v of_o offence_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v much_o preparatory_a also_o for_o a_o high_a service_n &_o a_o more_o unite_v appear_v for_o god_n herein_o and_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o most_o hazardous_a part_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o day_n in_o behalf_n of_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o testimony_n as_o the_o alone_a ground_n on_o which_o the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n must_v found_v since_o this_o be_v the_o very_a same_o inconvertible_a term_n to_o give_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o godhead_n and_o that_o tribute_n which_o be_v most_o inviolable_o sacred_a and_o essential_a to_o he_o it_o will_v seem_v almost_o incredible_a that_o fuch_n one_fw-mi hour_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n shall_v fall_v in_o with_o the_o 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in_o stead_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o hand_n who_o trust_v he_o divine_a truth_n be_v the_o first_o groundstone_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o be_v not_o conceivable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o believe_v his_o be_v true_o god_n and_o not_o the_o truth_n also_o of_o his_o promise_n which_o ever_o conform_v not_o only_o to_o the_o thing_n signify_v but_o to_o his_o intent_n therein_o who_o can_v never_o delude_v or_o deceive_v but_o whilst_o i_o have_v be_v put_v to_o some_o thought_n with_o amazement_n on_o one_fw-mi appearance_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n against_o god_n this_o day_n among_o man_n not_o only_o within_o christendom_n but_o by_o such_o as_o once_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o protestant_a profession_n some_o reflection_n tend_v to_o give_v more_o clearness_n and_o settlement_n to_o my_o own_o spirit_n herein_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o in_o a_o few_o word_n mention_v 1._o that_o when_o the_o darkness_n of_o one_fw-mi implicit_a faith_n and_o reliance_n on_o man_n 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which_o may_v still_o be_v as_o though_o it_o be_v a_o new_a discovery_n to_o we_o in_o the_o present_a day_n since_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o methuselahs_n age_n to_o pass_v within_o time_n this_o shall_v be_v a_o suitable_a and_o continue_a exercise_n therein_o both_o to_o inquire_v and_o admire_v on_o the_o assure_a hope_n of_o one_fw-mi eternity_n with_o god_n which_o they_o have_v before_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o class_n with_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n and_o make_v equal_a unto_o they_o i_o have_v know_v such_o who_o for_o many_o year_n have_v be_v dazzle_v with_o this_o glory_n and_o greatness_n of_o that_o mystery_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o life_n
and_o immortality_n in_o a_o future_a state_n as_o have_v make_v it_o there_o continue_a and_o high_a exercise_n to_o have_v a_o further_o and_o new_a strenthn_n of_o there_o faith_n herein_o who_o yet_o all_o that_o time_n know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v shake_v or_o to_o have_v any_o inward_a fear_n as_o to_o there_o own_o personal_a interest_n herein_o but_o still_o find_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o great_a a_o thing_n and_o there_o spirit_n so_o deep_o seize_v with_o the_o wonder_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o whatever_o do_v tend_v to_o a_o high_a strenthn_n of_o their_o faith_n herein_o be_v also_o the_o great_a addition_n to_o their_o joy_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n do_v most_o understand_v such_o a_o say_n nunquam_fw-la satis_fw-la magna_fw-la securitas_fw-la in_o re_fw-la tanti_fw-la momenti_fw-la ubi_fw-la periclitatur_fw-la aeternitas_fw-la but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o thought_n i_o will_v humble_o offer_v to_o one_o of_o so_o know_v and_o judicious_a a_o spirit_n and_o where_o so_o great_a assistance_n you_o may_v have_v access_n to_o improve_v otherways_o ●ssiall_a be_v most_o in_o a_o directive_n way_n upon_o a_o sevenfold_a inquiry_n that_o may_v be_v of_o great_a weight_n for_o a_o christian_n lay_v the_o ground_n work_n of_o their_o profession_n on_o solid_a and_o clear_a ground_n which_o lie_v first_o here_o 1._o to_o know_v that_o rare_a and_o peculiar_a order_n that_o be_v suitable_a in_o a_o christian_n first_o entry_n on_o religion_n under_o a_o serious_a weight_n of_o the_o same_o on_o their_o spirit_n since_o as_o in_o any_o great_a study_n there_o be_v a_o entrance_n and_o a_o progress_n and_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v so_o entire_a a_o correspondence_n as_o nothing_o stand_v alone_o by_o itself_o but_o in_o a_o line_n of_o mutual_a respect_n which_o in_o that_o manner_n run_v through_o the_o same_o as_o one_fw-mi entry_n aright_o upon_o one_o step_n 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profession_n from_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v thus_o with_o full_a inward_a consent_n join_v in_o with_o the_o truth_n pure_o on_o its_o own_o evidence_n as_o though_o there_o be_v none_o of_o that_o profession_n in_o the_o bound_n and_o place_n they_o live_v in_o 2._o as_o the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n shall_v require_v that_o the_o foundation_n be_v sure_o lay_v ere_o we_o begin_v to_o build_v so_o be_v it_o sure_a that_o the_o first_o entry_n on_o serious_a religion_n must_v be_v on_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o existence_n and_o that_o man_n have_v assure_o a_o god_n to_o trust_v to_o and_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a as_o hebr._n 11_o 6._o he_o must_v first_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o same_o order_n john_n 17._o 3._o must_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n ere_o he_o come_v to_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v o_o how_o uncomfortable_a a_o thing_n shall_v humane_a state_n be_v without_o god_n and_o one_fw-mi absolute_a dependence_n on_o he_o who_o may_v see_v his_o life_n to_o be_v rather_o a_o curse_n and_o torment_n then_o bl●ssing_v if_o there_o be_v no_o supernatural_a help_n above_o himself_o against_o the_o e●il_n and_o misery_n of_o time_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o fear_n that_o shall_v thus_o seize_v upon_o he_o both_o as_o to_o his_o present_a and_o future_a state_n but_o what_o possible_a comfort_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o enjoiment_n of_o a_o godhead_n if_o we_o know_v not_o with_o assurance_n also_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o bless_a nature_n and_o what_o a_o god_n we_o have_v to_o adventure_v on_o 3._o thus_o by_o one_fw-mi unavoidable_a constraint_n there_o must_v be_v a_o further_a progress_n and_o enquiry_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o reveal_v rule_n of_o correspondence_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o both_o in_o order_n to_o duty_n and_o 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be_v shut_v up_o from_o correspondence_n together_o by_o any_o establish_a rule_n for_o the_o same_o then_o shall_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o man_n his_o immortal_a soul_n have_v no_o directive_n or_o comfort_a light_n as_o to_o his_o future_a state_n and_o safe_a passage_n thereto_o whilst_o the_o visible_a creation_n have_v a_o sun_n to_o shine_v thereon_o when_o such_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n as_o by_o the_o great_a improvement_n of_o nature_n it_o can_v be_v neither_o find_v nor_o follow_v then_o shall_v that_o rare_a structure_n and_o workmanship_n o●_n grace_n here_o and_o of_o glory_n and_o blessedness_n to_o come_v be_v a_o terra_fw-la incognita_fw-la to_o poor_a mankind_n and_o as_o man_n only_o in_o this_o low_a creation_n be_v capable_a of_o moral_a government_n and_o humane_a law_n which_o yet_o can_v extend_v no_o further_o than_o their_o visible_a work_n and_o action_n if_o such_o a_o bless_a record_n be_v not_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o 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the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n how_o this_o way_n the_o lord_n do_v put_v the_o high_a honour_n on_o man_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o passive_a valour_n of_o christianity_n yea_o thus_o put_v the_o most_o distinguish_a mark_n of_o respect_n on_o his_o choice_a favourite_n but_o there_o be_v a_o vi_o inquiry_n i_o must_v further_o direct_v you_o to_o without_o which_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v true_o effectual_a on_o your_o soul_n which_o be_v on_o that_o wonderful_a part_n of_o christianity_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n and_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o subject_a make_v it_o more_o difficult_a to_o speak_v hereon_o now_o in_o a_o short_a epistolary_a discourse_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o be_v possible_a only_o to_o point_v at_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o more_o clear_a and_o solid_a impression_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o make_v way_n for_o your_o own_o search_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o same_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v they_o be_v thing_n which_o have_v not_o be_v take_v on_o report_n or_o have_v find_v it_o easy_a to_o be_v satisfy_v herein_o as_o to_o a_o full_a acquiescence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o assurance_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v to_o a_o few_o special_a end_n i_o will_v refer_v your_o serious_a improvement_n of_o this_o great_a inquiry_n 1._o for_o this_o end_n that_o a_o clear_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o spiritual_a experience_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n may_v be_v more_o deap_o settle_v on_o your_o spirit_n and_o how_o in_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v direct_v his_o sacred_a truth_n unto_o man_n not_o only_o for_o trust_v but_o for_o trial_n which_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o that_o nature_n &_o state_v on_o so_o great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o the_o whole_a vital_a part_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o strange_a and_o dark_a thing_n until_o you_o be_v once_o enter_v hereon_o they_o be_v bless_v who_o beeleve_v and_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v what_o relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n above_o but_o they_o can_v never_o be_v blessed_v who_o do_v not_o see_v as_o well_o as_o believe_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o life_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o grace_n within_o time_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n 2._o it_o be_v here_o must_v be_v understand_v the_o first_o acquaintance_n of_o man_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v one_fw-mi acquaintance_n of_o that_o concern_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v over_o the_o weight_n of_o his_o people_n spiritual_a joy_n refreshment_n and_o support_v whilst_o they_o be_v within_o time_n on_o the_o same_o and_o be_v the_o first_o entry_n on_o converse_n with_o spirit_n and_o with_o god_n the_o father_n of_o spirit_n which_o shall_v be_v eternal_a 3._o it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o distinct_a evidence_n from_o any_o moral_a influence_n by_o the_o word_n or_o light_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o no_o humane_a power_n or_o angel_n can_v impart_v but_o god_n have_v reserve_v only_o to_o himself_o who_o can_v only_o make_v his_o own_o love_n know_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o no_o report_n or_o testimony_n of_o man_n can_v do_v 4._o it_o be_v hereby_o christian_n enter_v on_o possession_n in_o some_o degree_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o these_o great_a thing_n promise_v as_o a_o earnest_n in_o hand_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o rest_n shall_v not_o faill_n though_o it_o add_v no_o security_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o for_o a_o more_o abound_a assurance_n to_o such_o who_o receive_v the_o same_o 5._o though_o here_o be_v a_o common_a and_o joint_a interest_n among_o christian_n yet_o must_v each_o have_v his_o proper_a and_o distin●l_a part_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n which_o be_v his_o peculiar_a interest_n and_o talon_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a nothing_o do_v more_o work_n on_o man_n soul_n and_o afford_v more_o sweet_a thought_n then_o what_o this_o way_n be_v make_v there_o own_o to_o know_v in_o themselves_o the_o internal_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n thereof_o and_o to_o know_v what_o great_a thing_n have_v pass_v between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o remarkable_a time_n have_v go_v over_o they_o and_o special_a remarke_n herein_o of_o divine_a conduct_n and_o his_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n 6._o it_o be_v of_o that_o kind_n as_o none_o possible_o can_v take_v on_o trust_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o or_o will_v satisfy_v without_o personal_a trial_n though_o this_o be_v more_o know_v to_o such_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_a hebr._n 5_o 14._o 7._o but_o whatever_o singular_a use_n be_v hereby_o to_o the_o support_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o the_o ground_n thereof_o since_o these_o be_v only_o what_o god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o work_n though_o they_o be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n who_o have_v begin_v late_a to_o observe_v the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a the_o great_a talon_n which_o be_v by_o inward_a observation_n and_o experiment_n which_o have_v be_v most_o deep_o affect_v in_o the_o present_a time_n do_v not_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o may_o as_o a_o dead_a stock_n upon_o a_o christian_n hand_n without_o fresh_a and_o immediate_a supply_n yet_o be_v they_o still_o the_o same_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o do_v ever_o evidence_n how_o far_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o a_o spiritual_a estate_n do_v exceed_v the_o great_a enjoiment_n of_o nature_n 8._o this_o also_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o inward_a sense_n but_o what_o come_v under_o the_o most_o exact_a and_o judicious_a trial_n as_o to_o the_o principle_n it_o lean_v on_o without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a enjoiment_n of_o the_o same_o if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o full_o satisfy_v of_o hold_v their_o experience_n by_o right_n as_o in_o possession_n and_o that_o these_o great_a thing_n be_v no_o shadow_n or_o appearance_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o high_a truth_n substance_n and_o reality_n 9_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n be_v not_o know_v in_o the_o earth_n or_o enjoy_v in_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o light_n of_o inward_a evidence_n and_o experience_n except_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o balaam_n to_o see_v he_o but_o not_o near_o but_o not_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o converse_n and_o fellowship_n with_o that_o god_n who_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v or_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v their_o soul_n inward_a and_o familiar_a with_o he_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n 10._o it_o be_v by_o inward_a experience_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o god_n do_v in_o a_o more_o special_a way_n secure_v and_o preserve_v that_o sacred_a record_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n then_o by_o humane_a law_n or_o authority_n by_o one_fw-mi internal_a conform_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n to_o his_o reveal_v truth_n whereby_o the_o inward_a man_n become_v as_o a_o repository_n thereof_o for_o when_o man_n once_o become_v christian_n in_o truth_n they_o be_v then_o the_o declare_a epistle_n of_o christ_n by_o one_fw-mi indissoluble_a union_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o soul_n together_o i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o the_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o perfect_v here_o but_o within_o a_o little_a there_o will_v be_v one_fw-mi entrance_n on_o one_fw-mi eternity_n of_o experience_n of_o what_o once_o with_o admiration_n and_o desire_v be_v hope_v for_o and_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o that_o state_n above_o will_v be_v no_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o sense_n and_o pure_o experimental_a a_o second_o intent_n of_o this_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v to_o clear_v how_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o one_o christian_n in_o the_o way_n of_o experience_n may_v be_v no_o measure_n or_o rule_v to_o other_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o state_n upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o least_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o truth_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o of_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o discern_v herewith_o as_o a_o few_o grape_n do_v difference_n between_o a_o vine_n and_o a_o bramble_n 2._o because_o the_o real_a work_n of_o god_n may_v be_v long_o without_o the_o witness_n thereof_o and_o the_o first_o give_v of_o the_o new_a life_n and_o a_o discern_a of_o the_o same_o be_v distinct_a act_n
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 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to_o have_v the_o great_a prevalence_n now_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n how_o to_o divide_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o service_n thereof_o from_o its_o internal_a and_o vital_a part_n so_o as_o this_o mortal_a contagion_n have_v get_v in_o on_o the_o light_n and_o principle_n of_o this_o generation_n that_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n we_o may_v fear_v truth_n and_o piety_n shall_v quick_o perish_v from_o the_o earth_n oh_o what_o a_o strange_a &_o prodigious_a opposition_n be_v this_o against_o the_o whole_a internal_a work_n &_o vital_n of_o that_o pure_a and_o excellent_a religion_n wherein_o both_o the_o comfort_n and_o glory_n of_o humane_a state_n lie_v &_o how_o be_v it_o conceivable_a man_n shall_v be_v here_o capable_a of_o converse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o conformity_n to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o 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if_o this_o stand_v not_o sure_a the_o whole_a frame_n of_o experimental_a religion_n be_v a_o unaccountable_a riddle_n a_o second_o letter_n wherein_o some_o inquiry_n upon_o the_o time_n and_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n about_o the_o church_n but_o more_o special_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a state_n of_o britain_n and_o ireland_n in_o this_o last_o age_n be_v serious_o design_v sir_n i_o may_v true_o say_v it_o do_v raise_v a_o special_a value_n and_o esteem_v on_o my_o spirit_n to_o meet_v with_o one_o in_o such_o a_o day_n who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o weight_n and_o impression_n of_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a time_n so_o far_o above_o the_o ordinare_fw-la thought_n of_o man_n when_o they_o seem_v so_o rare_a who_o look_v further_o than_o present_a thing_n either_o to_o what_o be_v pass_v in_o these_o extraordinar_a time_n have_v go_v over_o this_o generation_n or_o who_o have_v another_o judgement_n and_o 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and_o serious_a observation_n of_o the_o time_n he_o be_v fall_v in_o not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o providence_n in_o humane_a affair_n but_o what_o do_v more_o eminent_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o their_o lot_n be_v cast_v since_o this_o be_v one_fw-mi essential_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v also_o one_o of_o the_o most_o choice_n of_o humane_a excellency_n to_o discern_v and_o observe_v wise_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o i_o can_v only_o show_v you_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o a_o short_a touch_n which_o i_o have_v find_v most_o engage_v to_o such_o a_o inquiry_n in_o this_o day_n 1._o that_o as_o each_o distinct_a age_n have_v a_o proper_a talon_n give_v thereto_o under_o trust_n for_o observation_n of_o such_o event_n of_o providence_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v more_o near_o unto_o man_n in_o any_o singular_a way_n then_o in_o the_o ordinare_fw-la course_n of_o his_o act_n so_o 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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 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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 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have_v give_v up_o with_o both_o and_o will_v easy_o grasp_v at_o such_o a_o bait_n though_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o hook_n that_o will_v at_o last_o destroy_v they_o but_o do_v these_o mighty_a hunter_n and_o destroyer_n of_o mankind_n the_o devil_n come_v so_o little_a speed_n in_o their_o work_n this_o day_n that_o they_o must_v have_v a_o protestant_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n come_v forth_o before_o the_o sun_n to_o offer_v his_o assistance_n to_o help_v they_o forward_o herein_o or_o if_o he_o deny_v such_o one_fw-mi intent_n what_o security_n will_v he_o offer_v to_o secure_a man_n from_o a_o hazard_n that_o be_v more_o dreadful_a than_o the_o kill_n of_o their_o body_n and_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a concern_v be_v he_o empoured_a with_o authority_n from_o these_o infernal_a region_n i_o confess_v on_o these_o ground_n he_o may_v have_v advantage_n to_o give_v such_o one_fw-mi assurance_n 1._o that_o the_o strong_a man_n whilst_o he_o keep_v the_o house_n will_v be_v very_o tender_a to_o trouble_v their_o peace_n over_o who_o he_o sway_v with_o a_o uncontrolled_a dominion_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o affright_v nor_o awake_a man_n out_o of_o such_o a_o pleasant_a dream_n who_o have_v set_v their_o heart_n whole_o on_o the_o world_n &_o who_o portion_n be_v in_o this_o life_n until_o they_o be_v awake_v for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o same_o 2_o he_o may_v give_v full_a assurance_n also_o that_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v at_o no_o war_n nor_o needs_o be_v with_o such_o as_o be_v join_v in_o with_o his_o interest_n and_o at_o the_o same_o work_n to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o seek_v not_o to_o have_v they_o torment_v before_o the_o time_n 3._o but_o there_o be_v this_o ground_n i_o must_v judge_v he_o special_o go_v on_o that_o he_o will_v be_v easy_o credit_v on_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o this_o and_o know_v how_o small_a a_o patrociny_n will_v serve_v to_o promote_v a_o design_n for_o atheism_n and_o can_v 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be_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o most_o desirable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o he_o have_v extend_v it_o to_o be_v universal_a to_o all_o other_o place_n and_o to_o be_v a_o catholic_n good_a and_o privilege_n there_o need_v no_o question_n but_o that_o such_o a_o person_n himself_o must_v be_v in_o a_o deep_a quiet_a and_o under_o no_o touch_n of_o these_o assault_n and_o temptation_n other_o be_v expose_v to_o though_o one_o thing_n he_o may_v fear_v in_o the_o manage_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o design_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o these_o know_v and_o active_a spirit_n for_o who_o he_o act_v may_v not_o reckon_v their_o service_n much_o advance_v when_o there_o be_v as_o little_a of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o serpent_n herein_o as_o of_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o dove_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o invisible_a guard_n and_o hedge_n about_o each_o one_o of_o the_o saint_n over_o which_o satan_n can_v pass_v but_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o divine_a permission_n 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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 strength_n and_o sureness_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o full_a whilst_o we_o be_v here_o in_o the_o way_n of_o enjoyment_n yet_o be_v it_o undoubted_o full_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n i_o have_v judge_v it_o also_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o great_a joy_n which_o i_o can_v have_v within_o time_n whatever_o may_v be_v a_o further_o strenthn_v to_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o hope_v we_o be_v call_v to_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o not_o to_o lose_v any_o fragment_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o a_o more_o full_a establishment_n and_o do_v reckon_v this_o the_o credit_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o in_o no_o other_o way_n it_o do_v require_v acceptance_n of_o man_n but_o with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n and_o the_o further_a conviction_n of_o evidence_n as_o be_v design_v no_o less_o to_o find_v a_o rational_a certainty_n 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