book_n as_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o earth_n than_o that_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o alone_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o mankind_n qu._n vii_o how_o be_v the_o secure_a conveyance_n of_o the_o scripture_n demonstrable_a amid_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n past_a and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a tendency_n to_o its_o corruption_n answ_n i._o that_o it_o be_v so_o undeniable_o the_o first_o rule_v which_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o mankind_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o alone_a public_a standard_n of_o truth_n that_o have_v endure_v the_o trial_n and_o inquiry_n of_o all_o time_n past_a so_o as_o no_o pretence_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o antiquity_n can_v yet_o ever_o be_v to_o the_o contrary_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v so_o exact_a a_o harmony_n betwixt_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o one_o be_v a_o visible_a transcript_n of_o the_o other_o in_o its_o accomplishment_n that_o i_o 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the_o world_n may_v see_v do_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n as_o sure_a as_o man_n walk_v under_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o live_a soul_n iii_o that_o we_o now_o see_v what_o a_o length_n the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v come_v and_o how_o far_o thus_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v fulfil_v which_o once_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o all_o human_a appearance_n iv_o that_o so_o sure_a and_o exact_a a_o performance_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o undeniable_a in_o the_o event_n and_o of_o such_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n which_o be_v foretell_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n none_o can_v have_v believe_v what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o now_o have_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o former_a age_n the_o object_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v such_o a_o seal_n 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those_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n which_o seem_v most_o incredible_a to_o the_o world_n and_o now_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n to_o require_v the_o same_o attestation_n and_o witness_n iv_o that_o they_o who_o know_v and_o testify_v these_o thing_n sometime_o find_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o believe_v the_o same_o and_o do_v no_o less_o judge_n of_o such_o great_a experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o dream_n or_o imaginary_a thing_n than_o most_o now_o do_v until_o they_o know_v they_o by_o experience_n on_o their_o soul_n v._n that_o such_o also_o have_v be_v the_o most_o burn_a and_o shine_v light_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o innumerable_a in_o all_o age_n declare_v the_o same_o and_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o entrance_n to_o a_o eternal_a state_n when_o no_o outward_a interest_n can_v sway_v they_o hereto_o vi_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a assurance_n which_o have_v then_o press_v the_o most_o tender_a parent_n with_o their_o last_o and_o die_a breath_n to_o commend_v the_o same_o trial_n to_o their_o child_n and_o to_o charge_v their_o be_v earnest_a herein_o as_o the_o great_a interest_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o vii_o that_o whatever_o difference_n be_v oft_o among_o these_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n yet_o in_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o great_a trial_n of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o harmonious_a oneness_n in_o the_o same_o testimony_n in_o all_o time_n of_o the_o church_n viii_o that_o if_o any_o question_n this_o because_o so_o remote_a from_o man_n sense_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o carnal_a reason_n the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n do_v unanswerable_o prove_v both_o the_o reality_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o cause_n qu._n ii_o what_o clear_a and_o rational_a conviction_n can_v you_o offer_v of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o conversion_n of_o man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o new_a state_n by_o grace_n which_o do_v raise_v they_o as_o far_o above_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n as_o reason_n do_v above_o the_o state_n of_o the_o beast_n ans_fw-fr though_o i_o shall_v strive_v against_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o a_o miracle_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o conversion_n be_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o deny_v such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n as_o the_o world_n have_v hereof_o i._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v essential_o requisite_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o the_o whole_a consent_n of_o the_o scripture_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v never_o yet_o a_o argument_n in_o nature_n for_o one_o being_n a_o christian_a in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n thereof_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v for_o a_o naked_a form_n or_o show_v iii_o that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o few_o but_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o all_o time_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n on_o who_o so_o great_a a_o change_n and_o difference_n have_v be_v make_v thus_o evident_a both_o from_o themselves_o what_o once_o they_o be_v and_o from_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n iu._n that_o this_o have_v be_v not_o only_o upon_o such_o as_o have_v be_v signal_o impious_a in_o their_o practice_n but_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v wont_a to_o deride_v holiness_n as_o a_o fancy_n so_o as_o atheist_n must_v grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v as_o profess_a atheist_n sometime_o as_o themselves_o who_o have_v be_v make_v such_o conspicuous_a monument_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o none_o can_v object_n here_o as_o once_o the_o jew_n do_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o such_o as_o the_o world_n count_v most_o wise_a and_o know_v stand_v witness_n to_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v so_o know_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v more_o wise_a learned_a and_o judicious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o reason_n upon_o the_o earth_n than_o such_o as_o have_v be_v eminent_a example_n of_o the_o power_n of_o conversion_n vi_o that_o its_o marvellous_a effect_n in_o subdue_a man_n from_o what_o once_o be_v their_o predominant_a interest_n and_o idol_n and_o to_o part_v from_o what_o have_v be_v as_o their_o right_a eye_n or_o hand_n can_v only_o be_v from_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n vii_o that_o such_o as_o be_v great_a adversary_n to_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v make_v no_o less_o eminent_a instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o choice_a vessel_n of_o honour_n than_o once_o they_o be_v in_o their_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n viii_o that_o this_o change_n have_v be_v discernible_a in_o time_n of_o most_o visible_a persecution_n and_o hazard_n when_o no_o outward_a advantage_n or_o gain_n can_v have_v the_o least_o influence_n thereon_o now_o as_o these_o be_v demonstrable_o clear_a so_o can_v
there_o be_v no_o possible_a ground_n to_o question_v this_o i._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o so_o great_a a_o discovery_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o a_o power_n above_o nature_n which_o accompany_v the_o same_o in_o such_o a_o change_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v sure_o contrary_a state_n in_o another_o world_n when_o they_o be_v so_o undeniable_o manifest_v here_o qu._n iii_o but_o can_v so_o great_a a_o experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o upon_o earth_n be_v make_v rational_o convince_a to_o such_o as_o be_v themselves_o stranger_a thereto_o and_o for_o a_o further_o confirm_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n answ_n though_o this_o be_v a_o experiment_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o a_o more_o transcendent_a interest_n and_o value_n than_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a delusion_n herein_o if_o 1_n it_o be_v that_o to_o which_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n bear_v testimony_n and_o have_v send_v down_o the_o same_o as_o that_o which_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o they_o have_v approve_v but_o in_o the_o continue_a trial_n of_o their_o life_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o such_o as_o testify_v what_o they_o do_v and_o have_v so_o oft_o find_v in_o the_o retirement_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o god_n be_v of_o as_o discern_a spirit_n to_o know_v the_o true_a value_n of_o thing_n as_o any_o else_o yea_o such_o who_o testimony_n in_o other_o thing_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n can_v not_o refuse_v nor_o deny_v iii_o that_o its_o undeniable_o evident_a such_o must_v have_v another_o acquaintance_n and_o society_n than_o that_o of_o man_n which_o not_o only_o make_v these_o hide_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n so_o desirable_a where_o all_o may_v see_v they_o more_o flee_v than_o follow_v any_o humane_a witness_n but_o also_o make_v so_o visible_a a_o change_n both_o in_o their_o case_n and_o countenance_n after_o most_o sad_a anguish_n and_o down-castings_a of_o spirit_n iv_o that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a also_o how_o such_o as_o be_v most_o serious_a this_o way_n have_v be_v visible_o oft_o raise_v above_o their_o ordinary_a case_n and_o frame_v in_o prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n yea_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o they_o who_o never_o know_v there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o report_n can_v not_o withstand_v so_o clear_a conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n hereof_o that_o can_v beget_v such_o liberty_n humble_a tenderness_n and_o melt_a of_o heart_n yea_o such_o discernible_a joy_n and_o confidence_n v._o that_o no_o delusion_n or_o false_a show_n can_v be_v here_o when_o it_o be_v ever_o see_v that_o such_o as_o be_v most_o serious_a and_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n and_o these_o hide_a retirement_n with_o god_n be_v the_o most_o flourish_a also_o in_o the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a lustre_n and_o appearance_n of_o any_o in_o their_o profession_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v such_o only_a who_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v most_o special_o discernible_a beyond_o other_o when_o these_o low_a spring_n of_o outward_a help_n and_o encouragement_n be_v most_o visible_o shut_v up_o qu._n iv_o be_v that_o great_a and_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o conscience_n over_o man_n such_o as_o may_v be_v as_o demonstrable_a to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v answ_n it_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o man_n be_v not_o strike_v with_o deep_a conviction_n hereon_o when_o they_o can_v but_o see_v i._o that_o though_o this_o be_v the_o great_a tormentor_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o possible_a retreat_n from_o its_o power_n though_o man_n shall_v flee_v to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o do_v it_o enforce_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o reflection_n on_o its_o self_n even_o when_o it_o tremble_v at_o that_o sight_n ii_o that_o it_o cause_v great_a fear_n and_o horror_n upon_o the_o commitment_n of_o secret_a sin_n when_o no_o dread_n of_o humane_a witness_n or_o of_o visible_a hazard_n this_o way_n can_v occasion_v it_o iii_o that_o it_o admit_v no_o violence_n in_o any_o to_o outdare_v the_o same_o but_o be_v a_o power_n that_o the_o great_a monarch_n find_v to_o be_v strong_a than_o they_o and_o be_v such_o that_o these_o oft_o be_v enforce_v for_o present_a ease_n and_o relief_n either_o to_o divert_v or_o bribe_v the_o same_o by_o some_o false_a ground_n of_o peace_n iv_o that_o it_o constrain_v man_n to_o justify_v god_n and_o judge_v themselves_o when_o his_o hand_n do_v pursue_v they_o and_o to_o find_v out_o their_o sin_n and_o guilt_n which_o be_v before_o hide_v v._o that_o it_o make_v man_n also_o afraid_a to_o be_v alone_o with_o themselves_o and_o to_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n because_o its_o light_n do_v torment_v they_o by_o that_o unavoidable_a application_n which_o conscience_n make_v hereof_o vi_o yea_o it_o make_v man_n guilt_n so_o legible_a oft_o in_o their_o countenance_n even_o when_o they_o study_v most_o to_o conceal_v it_o that_o all_o may_v see_v there_o be_v a_o accuser_n within_o who_o authority_n and_o power_n can_v possible_o be_v decline_v vii_o that_o with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o confidence_n and_o security_n it_o do_v support_v man_n spirit_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o sustain_v its_o great_a infirmity_n from_o without_o when_o it_o be_v a_o friend_n yea_o and_o uphold_v the_o oppress_v with_o unspeakable_a peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o it_o do_v oft_o cause_v the_o oppressor_n to_o tremble_v qu._n v._n but_o what_o do_v most_o necessary_o result_v from_o so_o clear_a a_o demonstration_n as_o the_o conscience_n be_v for_o confirm_v of_o our_o faith_n answ_n i._o that_o it_o be_v infallible_o thus_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a power_n and_o judgement_n to_o which_o all_o mankind_n be_v subject_v and_o give_v the_o world_n a_o unavoidable_a demonstration_n both_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o great_a and_o supernatural_a discovery_n which_o it_o make_v hereof_o ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a law_n also_o and_o invisible_a judge_n above_o we_o under_o who_o power_n and_o authority_n this_o court_n of_o justice_n do_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n both_o summon_v arrest_v bring_v in_o witness_n and_o sentence_n great_a and_o small_a iii_o that_o the_o internal_a government_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n this_o way_n both_o in_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o rebuke_n and_o most_o sensible_a enlargement_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n be_v unavoidable_o demonstrate_v iv_o that_o it_o bear_v so_o clear_a evidence_n to_o unknown_a and_o undoubted_a relief_n and_o none_o else_o can_v be_v ever_o find_v for_o these_o wound_n and_o sting_n of_o the_o conscience_n but_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n v._o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o delight_v free_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n when_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v disarm_v the_o conscience_n of_o that_o so_o intolerable_a a_o sting_n by_o which_o it_o begin_v so_o early_a a_o hell_n within_o the_o soul_n vi_o that_o such_o be_v the_o power_n and_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o can_v make_v it_o stand_v unbroken_v amid_o the_o great_a ruin_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n when_o under_o such_o a_o guard_n as_o that_o of_o its_o own_o innocency_n section_n v._n qu._n i._o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o that_o kingdom_n of_o light_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v up_o by_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o may_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o of_o faith_n answ_n this_o be_v of_o such_o special_a use_n both_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o awake_v such_o to_o deep_a reflection_n on_o the_o same_o with_o who_o there_o seem_v no_o hope_n to_o prevail_v but_o by_o proof_n from_o palpable_a experience_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n encompass_v the_o earth_n yea_o that_o they_o have_v a_o ordinary_a and_o familiar_a converse_n with_o many_o therein_o ii_o that_o these_o spirit_n though_o once_o original_o excellent_a have_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o apostasy_n as_o all_o may_v see_v their_o aim_n and_o only_a pleasure_n be_v to_o dishonour_n god_n and_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o man._n iii_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o deny_v the_o mark_n of_o that_o power_n and_o conquest_n which_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n have_v every_o where_n among_o
duty_n or_o comfort_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o time_n yea_o nothing_o be_v in_o the_o least_o here_o to_o subject_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o man_n rational_a comprehension_n but_o rather_o tend_v to_o enervate_v whole_o the_o strength_n of_o any_o such_o tenet_n and_o take_v off_o all_o pretence_n for_o the_o same_o but_o it_o be_v sure_a also_o i_o must_v quit_v all_o solid_a security_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o any_o clear_a sound_n in_o the_o light_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o admit_v these_o thing_n as_o undeniable_a 1._o that_o supernatural_a faith_n be_v the_o most_o high_o rational_a light_n that_o be_v within_o time_n and_o that_o none_o who_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v of_o so_o low_a a_o size_n as_o shall_v not_o be_v press_v and_o excite_v to_o be_v much_o about_o this_o groundwork_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o profession_n upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n yea_o be_v thus_o call_v as_o new_o bear_v babe_n to_o drink_v in_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o pet._n 2._o which_o as_o it_o be_v clear_o in_o the_o original_a be_v the_o rational_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v thus_o receive_v no_o less_o on_o conviction_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o judgement_n than_o with_o the_o out_o go_v of_o their_o affection_n 2._o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o a_o true_a and_o firm_a assent_n can_v be_v to_o divine_a truth_n but_o on_o its_o know_a certainty_n so_o here_o be_v no_o resolve_v of_o the_o christian_n faith_n on_o the_o strong_a rational_a evidence_n hereof_o which_o must_v still_o be_v resolve_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n make_v clear_a and_o evident_a to_o they_o to_o be_v such_o 3._o it_o be_v sure_a also_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v so_o large_a a_o measure_n of_o these_o ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o truth_n with_o such_o redouble_a argument_n of_o that_o kind_n to_o be_v of_o so_o small_a regard_n as_o be_v with_o most_o but_o for_o some_o great_a and_o universal_a use_n hereof_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o know_v how_o needful_a such_o assistance_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n will_v be_v whilst_o they_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n 4._o that_o these_o mean_n which_o tend_v most_o convince_o to_o found_v a_o rational_a assurance_n in_o the_o judgement_n be_v the_o proper_a vehicle_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o his_o seal_a work_n shall_v be_v both_o seek_v and_o expect_v nor_o can_v i_o judge_v how_o the_o credit_n and_o use_v hereof_o shall_v be_v so_o small_a and_o not_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n quit_v any_o external_n ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o without_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v never_o profit_v nor_o how_o we_o shall_v expect_v and_o suit_v his_o confirm_v work_n on_o the_o soul_n when_o these_o great_a confirm_v mean_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n have_v no_o just_a weight_n but_o oh_o how_o wonderful_a a_o teacher_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o such_o ordinary_a mean_n fail_v and_o be_v inaccessible_a by_o furnish_v his_o people_n then_o with_o these_o strong_a argument_n of_o love_n and_o power_n who_o have_v have_v but_o small_a measure_n of_o light_n yet_o be_v not_o unfaithful_a to_o improve_v the_o small_a degree_n of_o such_o a_o talon_n 5._o yea_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o attain_v a_o solid_a faith_n of_o thing_n whole_o remote_a from_o our_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n and_o apprehension_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o have_v a_o absolute_a reliance_n on_o a_o invisible_a refuge_n for_o our_o present_a and_o eternal_a state_n as_o no_o common_a assent_n can_v answer_v when_o the_o very_a rest_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o lie_v in_o the_o sure_a and_o firm_a persuasion_n hereof_o 6._o it_o be_v too_o visible_a also_o how_o little_a the_o practical_a use_n of_o such_o a_o mean_a have_v yet_o be_v essay_v in_o the_o church_n thaâ—_n all_o who_o be_v member_n thereof_o may_v no_o less_o know_v the_o strength_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n than_o the_o general_n article_n of_o religion_n the_o most_o usual_a instruct_v work_n lie_v almost_o whole_o about_o the_o noetick_a part_n of_o divinity_n there_o seem_v not_o that_o serious_a regard_n to_o press_v the_o dianoetick_a part_n hereof_o on_o man_n conscience_n as_o if_o this_o be_v to_o be_v restrain_v to_o a_o few_o who_o be_v more_o know_v learned_a and_o of_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n about_o the_o rational_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o who_o these_o choice_n and_o abundant_a help_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v in_o this_o age_n seem_v more_o peculiar_o direct_v it_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o first-time_n do_v remarkable_o then_o spread_v and_o prevail_v by_o these_o clear_a evidence_n hereof_o to_o the_o judgement_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n more_o than_o by_o extraordinary_a miracle_n nor_o know_v they_o otherwise_o whaâ—_n lt_n be_v to_o be_v christian_n but_o by_o embrace_v the_o truth_n with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n no_o less_o than_o of_o delight_n and_o affection_n but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v it_o be_v not_o the_o case_n now_o where_o religion_n be_v plant_v in_o a_o nation_n and_o have_v a_o uncontrollable_a public_a profession_n under_o the_o support_n of_o humane_a law_n i_o know_v no_o admit_a weight_n this_o can_v have_v except_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o christian_n now_o be_v bear_v and_o not_o new-created_a 7._o yea_o be_v it_o not_o sure_a though_o it_o seem_v little_o understand_v that_o the_o primary_n ground_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o as_o to_o their_o end_n demonstrative_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n such_o demonstration_n also_o which_o most_o native_o result_v from_o the_o same_o by_o infallible_a consequence_n and_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v account_v not_o as_o humane_a but_o divine_a argument_n give_v we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 8._o i_o shall_v but_o further_o add_v how_o such_o as_o do_v serious_o ponder_v thing_n will_v find_v this_o demonstration_n to_o be_v no_o more_o important_a than_o clear_a that_o to_o be_v a_o confirm_a christian_a and_o a_o confirm_a protestant_n be_v convertible_a term_n and_o that_o if_o they_o that_o be_v under_o that_o deplorable_a bondage_n and_o darkness_n of_o popery_n be_v but_o once_o awake_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o its_o intrinsic_a and_o objective_a evidence_n and_o take_v off_o that_o brutish_a credulity_n and_o dependence_n on_o the_o alone_a credit_n of_o other_o herein_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o strong_a engine_n to_o hold_v up_o that_o profession_n be_v then_o break_v and_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o such_o full_a and_o perspicuous_a evidence_n from_o the_o scripture_n as_o without_o blasphemy_n they_o can_v not_o seek_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v they_o a_o plain_a rule_n than_o what_o he_o have_v there_o give_v reader_n it_o be_v like_a thou_o may_v think_v strange_a how_o these_o few_o sheet_n in_o the_o close_a fall_n in_o here_o after_o the_o forego_n part_n be_v finish_v but_o the_o they_o meet_v in_o one_o design_n and_o interest_n yet_o be_v not_o this_o then_o intend_a until_o the_o former_a be_v do_v and_o if_o it_o may_v tend_v to_o a_o solid_a use_n and_o fruit_n unto_o any_o i_o shall_v forbear_v a_o further_a apology_n herein_o i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o subject_n have_v carry_v it_o some_o further_a length_n than_o be_v design_v when_o i_o so_o much_o seek_v to_o be_v short_a as_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o through_o my_o desire_n to_o avoid_v any_o unnecessary_a multiply_a 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confirm_v and_o give_v light_n to_o other_o vii_o that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n also_o wherein_o the_o gospel_n do_v come_v to_o the_o gentile_a church_n be_v clear_o show_v 1_o thess_n 1.5_o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o as_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o also_o in_o much_o assurance_n of_o understanding_n upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n which_o be_v that_o way_n it_o do_v so_o wonderful_o prevail_v over_o the_o world_n against_o nature_n and_o the_o stream_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o further_a opposition_n thereto_o viii_o that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a service_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o visit_v the_o church_n do_v express_o lie_v here_o act_v 14.22_o to_o confirm_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o then_o in_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o so_o as_o they_o may_v follow_v the_o lord_n with_o the_o further_a light_n and_o 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the_o gospel_n with_o so_o clear_a and_o strong_a a_o conveyance_n thereof_o be_v yet_o so_o little_o operative_a on_o most_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v also_o of_o the_o whole_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o though_o this_o tend_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o resolve_v our_o religion_n into_o any_o mere_a exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o leave_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o energy_n and_o operation_n therewith_o on_o man_n soul_n entire_a yet_o do_v it_o full_o evince_v such_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o evidence_n with_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o make_v any_o doubtfulness_n herein_o simple_o impossible_a through_o want_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o mean_n yea_o such_o as_o be_v of_o another_o kind_n than_o to_o induce_v only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o same_o vi_o because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a symptom_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o few_o almost_o in_o whole_a congregation_n can_v give_v 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admit_v any_o pretence_n for_o the_o same_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v such_o kind_n of_o proof_n and_o evidence_n as_o leave_v man_n darkness_n herein_o without_o any_o shadow_n of_o excuse_n ii_o that_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o catechetical_a work_n of_o religion_n to_o take_v some_o account_n of_o the_o mean_a professor_n thereof_o and_o with_o a_o special_a respect_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o their_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n on_o what_o ground_n and_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n this_o be_v found_v and_o for_o their_o instruct_v therein_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o religion_n when_o one_o of_o the_o most_o ruine_v thing_n to_o the_o church_n lie_v here_o that_o the_o profession_n of_o most_o be_v lay_v in_o so_o deep_a a_o ignorance_n as_o they_o have_v almost_o nothing_o to_o say_v for_o the_o same_o but_o a_o naked_a affirmation_n i_o know_v the_o difficulty_n hereof_o for_o the_o weak_a may_v be_v object_v but_o without_o just_a cause_n since_o as_o the_o prime_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v few_o easy_a and_o plain_a for_o the_o mean_a capacity_n so_o also_o be_v the_o primary_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o such_o once_o with_o that_o desire_n do_v search_v after_o the_o same_o as_o for_o a_o hide_a and_o invaluable_a treasure_n wherein_o this_o respect_n shall_v be_v still_o have_v to_o difference_n betwixt_o what_o be_v initial_a and_o of_o a_o more_o fundamental_a concern_v for_o the_o weak_a and_o what_o may_v tend_v to_o a_o high_a growth_n and_o increase_n of_o other_o iii_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n also_o for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o the_o young_a growth_n now_o come_v up_o in_o the_o church_n be_v put_v to_o give_v some_o explicit_a evidence_n of_o their_o consent_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o may_v witness_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n now_o as_o their_o own_o proper_a deed_n wherein_o they_o be_v implicit_o engage_v in_o their_o infancy_n some_o special_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o this_o be_v i._o because_o god_n will_v have_v his_o service_n free_o enter_v in_o and_o upon_o choice_n as_o that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o honour_n for_o as_o the_o covenant_n bind_v mutual_o so_o do_v the_o seal_n thereof_o also_o and_o therefore_o upon_o our_o part_n be_v baptism_n a_o sacramental_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o god_n ii_o because_o it_o tend_v to_o a_o more_o resolute_a and_o firm_a adherence_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o this_o business_n shall_v be_v personal_o bring_v home_o to_o man_n conscience_n especial_o before_o their_o first_o admittance_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o thus_o to_o engage_v they_o as_o joshua_n do_v chap._n 24.22_o you_o be_v witness_n against_o yourselves_o herein_o and_o they_o say_v we_o be_v witness_n iii_o because_o this_o be_v express_o hold_v forth_o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o where_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o such_o than_o who_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o knowledge_n be_v personal_o bring_v to_o confirm_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n that_o solemn_a engagement_n and_o dedication_n by_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v vox_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o signify_v sponsio_fw-la &_o stipulatio_fw-la publica_fw-la inter_fw-la christianum_fw-la &_o dominum_fw-la christum_fw-la as_o the_o most_o judicious_a commentator_n on_o that_o scripture_n do_v clear_o render_v it_o and_o so_o this_o be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o heathenism_n but_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o church_n and_o partaker_n of_o that_o seal_n of_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o answer_v to_o that_o great_a demand_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v you_o now_o consent_v upon_o evidence_n and_o choice_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v a_o subject_a of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o embrace_v the_o law_n thereof_o and_o do_v you_o thus_o in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n declare_v the_o same_o wherein_o you_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o of_o what_o bless_a fruit_n and_o advantage_n shall_v this_o be_v both_o for_o the_o increase_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o this_o be_v more_o deep_o take_v to_o heart_n for_o some_o practical_a use_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o primitive_a pattern_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n iv_o it_o be_v special_o desirable_a also_o that_o there_o be_v some_o clear_a view_n and_o summary_n by_o itself_o of_o the_o most_o cogent_a ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n with_o respect_n both_o to_o the_o
as_o fundamental_a a_o constitution_n in_o the_o course_n of_o providence_n as_o the_o most_o firm_a establishment_n of_o nature_n iv_o that_o in_o no_o time_n since_o man_n be_v form_v in_o the_o earth_n do_v true_a joy_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o native_a result_n of_o welldoing_a or_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o be_v peace_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n nor_o have_v it_o ever_o want_v a_o witness_n even_o before_o any_o word_n give_v of_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n herein_o v._o that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o most_o dismal_a time_n what_o a_o public_a blessing_n such_o be_v who_o by_o more_o extraordinary_a trial_n have_v be_v put_v to_o the_o high_a exercise_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o patience_n yea_o how_o visible_o such_o have_v be_v promote_v to_o the_o most_o honourable_a service_n for_o god_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o credit_n of_o religion_n before_o man_n who_o on_o the_o first_o sight_n and_o view_n have_v be_v account_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o any_o vi_o whilst_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o may_v be_v ever_o see_v how_o with_o the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a here_o there_o be_v punishment_n of_o another_o kind_n dispense_v and_o more_o dreadful_a than_o any_o outward_a affliction_n such_o as_o judicial_a obstinacy_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n in_o opposition_n to_o god_n even_o when_o their_o own_o ruin_n be_v make_v visible_a to_o they_o herein_o vii_o how_o oft_o man_n be_v thus_o evident_o condemn_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n by_o some_o strange_a measure_n of_o temporal_a success_n and_o prosperity_n before_o some_o great_a fall_n and_o ruin_n as_o the_o issue_n hereof_o in_o the_o last_o scene_n of_o providence_n do_v full_o attest_v viii_o that_o it_o be_v see_v also_o how_o sin_n do_v ever_o bring_v its_o own_o punishment_n with_o it_o in_o some_o begin_a degree_n both_o of_o shame_n and_o torment_n and_o as_o seneca_n a_o heathen_a can_v say_v that_o wickedness_n be_v the_o most_o exquisite_a contriver_n of_o human_a misery_n so_o the_o world_n likewise_o may_v see_v how_o a_o present_a immunity_n from_o judgement_n be_v no_o release_n but_o when_o its_o sentence_n be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v yet_o be_v it_o at_o last_o sure_o execute_v ix_o and_o how_o evident_a be_v it_o that_o the_o great_a hater_n of_o godliness_n be_v yet_o enforce_v to_o justify_v the_o same_o and_o the_o christian_n choice_n herein_o as_o the_o great_a wisdom_n upon_o any_o surprise_v state_n and_o extremity_n yea_o how_o such_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o join_v interest_n then_o with_o such_o in_o their_o death_n who_o they_o most_o contemn_v in_o their_o life_n qu._n v._n how_o be_v it_o convince_v and_o demonstrable_a that_o god_n have_v give_v any_o clear_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o counsel_n unto_o man_n and_o that_o such_o a_o wonderful_a record_n be_v undoubted_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n ans_fw-fr that_o i._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o establish_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o commerce_n betwixt_o he_o and_o man_n here_o so_o as_o to_o know_v both_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v expect_v and_o hope_v from_o he_o ii_o that_o this_o also_o must_v be_v know_v and_o display_v its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o by_o such_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n as_o may_v render_v all_o inexcusable_a who_o give_v not_o entire_a credit_n thereto_o iii_o i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o clear_a and_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n than_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o fountain_n and_o repository_n of_o sacred_a light_n about_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o scripture_n and_o its_o be_v the_o alone_a public_a standard_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n iu._n that_o no_o way_n be_v ever_o make_v know_v to_o recover_v mankind_n from_o a_o state_n of_o bondage_n darkness_n and_o misery_n consistent_a with_o the_o very_a use_n of_o reason_n but_o by_o this_o bless_a light_n which_o shine_v there_o v._o yea_o that_o there_o be_v as_o visible_a a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o same_o and_o any_o pretend_a religion_n which_o ever_o be_v beside_o in_o the_o world_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o vi_o that_o there_o be_v one_o proper_a sphere_n where_o this_o glorious_a light_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v fix_v and_o wherein_o it_o shine_v forth_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o which_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n qu._n vi_o but_o what_o more_o peculiar_a evidence_n can_v you_o show_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o all_o may_v see_v they_o to_o be_v of_o infallible_a truth_n ans_fw-fr i._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a such_o a_o book_n be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o no_o create_v wisdom_n can_v ever_o have_v make_v and_o contain_v such_o thing_n of_o high_a concern_v to_o mankind_n as_o do_v infinite_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o human_a ability_n and_o invention_n and_o can_v never_o have_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o god_n himself_o ii_o that_o it_o give_v forth_o such_o exquisite_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o man_n must_v needs_o see_v the_o holy_a nature_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n most_o bright_o shine_v forth_o therein_o iii_o which_o do_v discover_v so_o great_a and_o proper_a a_o relief_n for_o all_o those_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o do_v attend_v this_o fall_a estate_n of_o man_n as_o none_o but_o a_o all-sufficient_a god_n can_v work_v iv_o that_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o bless_a record_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o have_v determine_v the_o change_n and_o revolution_n thereof_o when_o it_o be_v not_o more_o evident_a that_o these_o visible_a heaven_n be_v stretch_v forth_o over_o the_o earth_n than_o that_o this_o line_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v stretch_v over_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o frame_n of_o providence_n and_o do_v most_o clear_o and_o bright_o illuminate_v the_o same_o v._o that_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o matter_n shall_v meet_v with_o so_o visible_a a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n in_o one_o perfect_a and_o entire_a frame_n yea_o knit_v in_o so_o close_a a_o bond_n of_o union_n together_o as_o make_v the_o whole_a bible_n to_o be_v entire_o one_o piece_n though_o in_o the_o write_n of_o each_o distinct_a part_n thereof_o it_o can_v never_o have_v possible_o be_v contrive_v or_o foresee_v by_o human_a wisdom_n as_o we_o see_v here_o of_o so_o admirable_a a_o agreement_n and_o correspondence_n as_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o vi_o that_o none_o else_o can_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o world_n in_o so_o majestic_a a_o way_n and_o so_o become_v the_o greatness_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n to_o assume_v such_o a_o supremacy_n and_o give_v forth_o law_n for_o absolute_a obedience_n from_o all_o mankind_n thereto_o and_o on_o such_o a_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n or_o that_o any_o impostor_n either_o possible_o can_v or_o dare_v have_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n personate_v the_o same_o vii_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v his_o word_n who_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o have_v a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n thereof_o who_o thus_o not_o only_o give_v law_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o our_o inward_a part_n but_o do_v establish_v a_o internal_a religion_n there_o no_o less_o absolute_o than_o what_o respect_v our_o external_a work_n and_o action_n viii_o yea_o where_o all_o may_v see_v the_o penman_n thereof_o under_o so_o entire_a a_o subjection_n to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o contrivance_n of_o their_o own_o as_o they_o do_v record_v their_o own_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v thus_o also_o require_v all_o just_a respect_n and_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n when_o through_o the_o whole_a earth_n they_o be_v then_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n ix_o that_o this_o must_v be_v his_o word_n who_o alone_o can_v derive_v principle_n of_o life_n to_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o animate_v the_o same_o with_o a_o quicken_a spirit_n and_o be_v a_o work_n above_o the_o contrivance_n of_o angel_n or_o man_n when_o direct_v to_o each_o new_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n and_o personal_a case_n of_o christian_n as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v alone_o write_v for_o that_o time_n so_o that_o i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o persuade_v in_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o
any_o sight_n within_o time_n but_o when_o such_o come_v more_o close_a and_o near_o upon_o this_o trial_n and_o have_v once_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o greatness_n of_o that_o security_n which_o these_o have_v to_o adventure_v on_o and_o what_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o the_o sure_a spring_n of_o their_o supply_n for_o their_o work_n and_o trial_n within_o time_n then_o will_v this_o second_o wonder_n unspeakable_o exceed_v the_o first_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o be_v not_o of_o a_o more_o raise_v and_o enlarge_v spirit_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o short_a season_n they_o have_v here_o for_o it_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o how_o their_o difficulty_n shall_v not_o be_v more_o to_o bear_v the_o joy_n of_o so_o great_a a_o prospect_n and_o expectation_n than_o to_o bear_v any_o present_a grief_n and_o trouble_n yea_o how_o a_o man_n life_n who_o indeed_o sincere_o make_v the_o christian_a profession_n be_v not_o in_o some_o more_o continue_a transport_n of_o ravishment_n and_o wonder_v to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v sure_o make_v for_o their_o eternal_a state_n in_o another_o world_n and_o be_v among_o those_o on_o who_o the_o glorious_a god_n have_v choose_v to_o have_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n show_v forth_o in_o the_o region_n of_o blessedness_n above_o for_o ever_o 5._o he_o have_v another_o sight_n and_o prospect_n of_o the_o christian_a creed_n than_o most_o who_o give_v a_o easy_a assent_n thereunto_o and_o have_v his_o reason_n so_o dazzle_v with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o wonder_n thereof_o as_o have_v put_v he_o to_o such_o a_o exercise_n as_o that_o 2_o chron._n 6.18_o how_o to_o credit_v his_o eye_n therewith_o the_o more_o deep_a reflection_n he_o have_v upon_o the_o same_o but_o will_v god_n in_o very_a deed_n dwell_v with_o man_n on_o the_o earth_n he_o judge_v that_o they_o who_o after_o some_o fluctuate_a suspense_n be_v admit_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n with_o that_o certainty_n of_o its_o evidence_n as_o the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o discovery_n do_v require_v may_v have_v some_o resemblance_n to_o that_o transport_v which_o the_o angel_n have_v at_o the_o first_o creation_n when_o the_o morning_n star_n sing_v together_o and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shout_v for_o joy_n to_o see_v themselves_o thus_o who_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o pure_a nothing_o enter_v into_o that_o ineffable_a light_n of_o see_v god_n and_o also_o their_o own_o blessedness_n in_o he_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n so_o that_o he_o account_v it_o one_o of_o the_o high_a attainment_n of_o religion_n for_o a_o christian_a indeed_o to_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o have_v his_o soul_n as_o full_o persuade_v hereof_o as_o of_o his_o be_v that_o such_o a_o time_n assure_o be_v and_o be_v now_o many_o age_n since_o past_a when_o the_o glorious_a redeemer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o godhead_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v reveal_v in_o our_o nature_n that_o on_o he_o as_o surety_n to_o divine_a justice_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o elect_a church_n be_v the_o whole_a gild_n and_o sin_n thereof_o transfer_v and_o in_o this_o marvellous_a way_n do_v the_o holy_a god_n take_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o by_o himself_o that_o thus_o our_o nature_n be_v exalt_v by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n above_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n that_o the_o time_n be_v near_o when_o the_o mean_a afflict_a christian_a shall_v take_v in_o no_o other_o air_n than_o the_o breathe_n of_o the_o high_a paradise_n above_o and_o now_o have_v a_o eternity_n of_o joy_n and_o blessedness_n before_o he_o that_o within_o a_o very_a little_a time_n he_o shall_v know_v this_o welcome_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n to_o his_o follower_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n when_o he_o shall_v take_v off_o the_o cross_n and_o put_v on_o the_o crown_n whâ—n_v it_o shall_v be_v then_o no_o more_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o sense_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o inheritance_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o know_v those_o proper_a mansion_n in_o that_o state_n of_o glory_n and_o peculiar_a assignment_n thereunto_o which_o all_o the_o redeem_a shall_v then_o have_v and_o be_v put_v in_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o the_o elect_a angel_n to_o be_v as_o those_o pure_a flame_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n yea_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o street_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v as_o gold_n transparent_a as_o crystal_n and_o what_o that_o meeting-will_a be_v of_o his_o soul_n perfect_v and_o in_o a_o triumphant_a state_n with_o his_o glorify_a body_n raise_v incorruptible_a and_o never_o to_o part_v any_o more_o and_o to_o have_v his_o proper_a share_n of_o that_o bless_a and_o great_a solemnity_n that_o shall_v be_v celebrate_v in_o heaven_n the_o marriage_n supper_n of_o the_o lamb_n with_o the_o whole_a triumphant_a church_n and_o hear_v that_o honourable_a account_n which_o the_o great_a judge_n will_v then_o make_v of_o these_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o sharp_a conflict_n which_o he_o have_v go_v through_o within_o time_n with_o that_o solemn_a testimony_n of_o approbation_n which_o will_v be_v give_v hereof_o and_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o great_a thing_n must_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n can_v it_o be_v strange_a that_o such_o as_o will_v in_o that_o manner_n converse_v therewith_o though_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o see_v as_o no_o less_o undoubted_a reality_n than_o any_o present_a object_n of_o sense_n can_v be_v easy_o satisfy_v with_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o their_o judgement_n but_o will_v have_v their_o joy_n perfect_v so_o far_o as_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n can_v bear_v and_o so_o find_v it_o easy_a to_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n and_o to_o weep_v now_o for_o a_o season_n who_o be_v to_o rejoice_v for_o ever_o yea_o to_o say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o mephibosheth_n let_v they_o take_v it_o all_o and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o since_o he_o who_o be_v their_o life_n and_o exceed_v joy_n life_n and_o reign_v who_o be_v infinite_o better_a to_o they_o than_o all_o these_o thing_n 6._o he_o account_v the_o strengthen_v of_o his_o faith_n to_o be_v such_o a_o concern_n not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v his_o soul_n adventure_v for_o all_o eternity_n but_o as_o the_o high_a way_n of_o glorify_v god_n here_o that_o whatever_o tend_v to_o a_o more_o full_a confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o he_o reckon_v also_o one_o of_o the_o great_a addition_n to_o his_o joy_n and_o comfort_n within_o time_n and_o that_o these_o manifold_a assistance_n with_o such_o reduplication_n thereof_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v himself_o give_v for_o this_o end_n be_v such_o that_o no_o fragment_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o talon_n shall_v be_v lose_v and_o though_o he_o know_v the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n can_v add_v nothing_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o itself_o yet_o be_v they_o thus_o give_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o strong_a trial_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n and_o of_o what_o their_o weakness_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o support_v 7._o it_o be_v in_o this_o study_n he_o see_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n how_o not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n also_o call_v for_o such_o a_o reckon_n that_o he_o may_v have_v trial_n in_o that_o manner_n dispense_v that_o no_o visible_a refuge_n will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o least_o to_o stand_v by_o he_o but_o all_o humane_a comfort_n and_o assistance_n will_v fail_v he_o so_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o lay_v in_o ballast_n now_o in_o its_o season_n and_o be_v found_v thereon_o with_o that_o assurance_n of_o judgement_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o that_o day_n when_o he_o must_v either_o get_v through_o in_o the_o alone_a way_n of_o believe_v against_o sense_n or_o perish_v and_o though_o no_o such_o attainment_n of_o light_n can_v bear_v out_o then_o without_o present_a and_o immediate_a influence_n from_o above_o and_o that_o it_o be_v sure_o according_a to_o the_o day_n so_o must_v the_o christian_n strength_n be_v yet_o do_v he_o see_v also_o the_o want_n of_o a_o establish_a judgement_n and_o of_o some_o proper_a stock_n lay_v up_o of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n this_o way_n against_o a_o sharp_a storm_n be_v like_a to_o make_v sad_a work_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o age_n ere_o the_o trial_n of_o such_o a_o time_n have_v do_v their_o work_n 8._o he_o see_v also_o how_o the_o great_a contest_v which_o in_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n be_v betwixt_o god_n
many_o that_o do_v competent_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o every_o single_a man_n that_o can_v render_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o storm_n do_v make_v man_n look_v to_o their_o anchor_n and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o awful_a judgement_n be_v hasten_v on_o we_o be_v remote_a one_o do_v not_o awaken_v we_o to_o beat_v we_o out_o of_o our_o inconsiderate_o choose_a refuges_n our_o precarious_a and_o unexamined_a confidence_n which_o in_o very_a propriety_n be_v but_o fancy_n and_o not_o faith_n build_v upon_o any_o solid_a ground_n however_o we_o must_v all_o needs_o die_v and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o a_o near_a prospect_n of_o the_o future_a state_n may_v convince_o show_v the_o most_o obstinate_a that_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v not_o to_o be_v conquer_v and_o no_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n sen._n pecudum_fw-la ritu_fw-la euntes_fw-la non_fw-la qà _fw-la eundum_fw-la est_fw-la sed_fw-la qà _fw-la itur_fw-la sen._n or_o by_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v take_v up_o and_o walk_v in_o mere_o for_o company_n wherefore_o we_o give_v our_o great_a thanks_o to_o the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n who_o have_v draw_v this_o his_o rich_o furnish_v scribe_n to_o supply_v we_o with_o so_o very_o needful_a a_o treatise_n as_o be_v here_o offer_v some_o of_o we_o do_v profess_v that_o in_o read_v it_o we_o be_v surprise_v with_o joy_n and_o with_o wonder_n that_o a_o topick_n so_o little_o write_v discourse_v or_o think_v of_o shall_v be_v treat_v on_o with_o such_o depth_n of_o judgement_n and_o with_o such_o experience_n as_o be_v rare_o find_v in_o the_o most_o laudable_a writer_n through_o the_o divine_a blessing_n which_o we_o implore_v we_o hope_v that_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n throughout_o these_o nation_n shall_v find_v good_a success_n of_o our_o people_n use_n of_o this_o most_o instructive_a work_n for_o which_o with_o the_o excellent_a author_n who_o do_v but_o consent_n to_o this_o edition_n of_o it_o we_o be_v indebt_v unto_o the_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a publisher_n by_o who_o mean_n we_o receive_v it_o we_o join_v with_o both_o of_o they_o in_o prayer_n to_o the_o most_o high_a that_o this_o rich_a seed_n of_o the_o sower_n may_v be_v make_v bread_n of_o life_n to_o the_o eater_n william_n bates_z matthew_n mead._n thomas_n cole_n john_n howe_n matthew_n sylvester_n daniel_n williams_n john_n shower_n the_o author_n preface_n this_o small_a treatise_n here_o offer_v be_v on_o the_o great_a subject_n that_o can_v fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v a_o study_n which_o be_v never_o more_o press_o call_v for_o than_o in_o these_o day_n for_o make_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o gain_v such_o a_o assurance_n of_o his_o truth_n as_o may_v full_o quiet_a and_o support_v the_o soul_n though_o all_o sensible_a prop_n shall_v be_v break_v and_o fail_v great_a change_n do_v sure_o hasten_v on_o this_o generation_n and_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o another_o manner_n like_a to_o be_v put_v to_o trial_n than_o since_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o recovery_n from_o antichristian_a bondage_n the_o storm_n now_o visible_o grow_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o nothing_o aught_o to_o faint_a or_o shake_v the_o spirit_n of_o any_o who_o know_v their_o anchor_n be_v sure_a and_o cast_v within_o the_o veil_n but_o the_o strong_a difficulty_n in_o follow_v the_o lord_n when_o overcome_v yield_v the_o great_a victory_n and_o will_v be_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o joy_n here_o but_o to_o all_o eternity_n in_o have_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_v endure_v and_o get_v well_o through_o a_o throng_n of_o temptation_n and_o assault_n in_o a_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o man_n think_v it_o their_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v their_o private_a interest_n by_o divide_v it_o in_o such_o a_o time_n from_o the_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o make_v light_a of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n now_o assault_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n yea_o of_o their_o own_o eternal_a state_n by_o any_o coolness_n or_o shrink_n from_o the_o same_o they_o will_v find_v no_o temporal_a motive_n can_v ever_o compensate_a that_o loss_n and_o ruin_n which_o inevitable_o will_v meet_v such_o in_o the_o issue_n yea_o that_o these_o word_n of_o mordecai_n to_o esther_n esth_n 4.13_o 14._o have_v the_o same_o voice_n and_o weight_n in_o this_o day_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o follow_a work_n i_o may_v with_o humble_a confidence_n say_v be_v under_o some_o pressure_n to_o have_v such_o clear_a evidence_n and_o quiet_v persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o make_v it_o less_o easy_a to_o have_v my_o own_o spirit_n satisfy_v herein_o than_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v to_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o that_o bless_a assurance_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v i_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o can_v be_v comfort_v or_o make_v a_o rational_a be_v desirable_a some_o singular_a engagement_n i_o judge_v myself_o also_o to_o stand_v under_o for_o put_v to_o my_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n from_o many_o signal_n confirmation_n hereof_o in_o the_o course_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n if_o such_o a_o poor_a testimony_n may_v be_v of_o any_o weight_n let_v the_o bless_a lord_n gracious_o accept_v this_o small_a offering_n to_o he_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o truth_n by_o so_o mean_v a_o instrument_n and_o give_v some_o fruit_n hereof_o that_o may_v abide_v and_o be_v find_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n may_v find_v by_o a_o perusal_n of_o the_o i._o chapter_n of_o what_o serious_a use_n and_o intent_n the_o ii_o be_v yea_o that_o in_o this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o incongruous_a to_o the_o forego_n subject_n what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o iii_o chapter_n but_o oh_o it_o be_v sad_a and_o amaze_a to_o think_v how_o few_o be_v under_o that_o weight_n of_o religion_n as_o once_o to_o have_v a_o serious_a inquiry_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n thereof_o and_o to_o account_v the_o most_o special_a assistance_n to_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o great_a helper_n of_o their_o joy_n within_o time_n the_o content_n chapter_n i._o the_o primitive_a confirmation_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v in_o seven_o position_n posit_n i._o sad_a be_v the_o aspect_n which_o the_o implicit_a and_o traditional_a profession_n of_o this_o day_n have_v upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n page_n 1._o posit_n ii_o it_o be_v a_o great_a service_n for_o the_o church_n to_o have_v a_o clear_a sound_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o assent_n upon_o know_v and_o solid_a ground_n herein_o more_o universal_o promote_v page_n 3_o posit_n iii_o the_o true_a primitive_a confirmation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v from_o the_o scripture_n page_n 5_o posit_v iv_o the_o continue_a necessity_n thereof_o be_v no_o less_o convince_a now_o for_o the_o church_n use_n than_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n page_n 7_o posit_n v._o such_o a_o confirmatory_n work_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o more_o know_v and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o man_n but_o the_o mean_a within_o the_o church_n page_n 9_o posit_n vi_o what_o be_v special_o call_v for_o in_o the_o practical_a use_n of_o this_o primitive_a confirmation_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o some_o serious_a proposal_n for_o this_o end_n page_n 11_o posit_n vii_o special_a excitement_n we_o be_v under_o for_o promote_a the_o same_o in_o so_o remarkable_a a_o period_n of_o time_n as_o this_o and_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o great_a revive_n yet_o of_o such_o a_o catholic_n spirit_n to_o advance_v the_o high_a end_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n page_n 15_o chapter_n ii_o for_o give_v some_o clear_a view_n of_o these_o primary_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o the_o mean_a christian_n shall_v know_v and_o with_o the_o least_o expense_n of_o time_n may_v improve_v for_o their_o daily_a use_n on_o these_o great_a principle_n section_n i._o i._o of_o the_o glorious_a be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n page_n 17_o ii_o of_o the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o be_v eternal_a page_n 19_o iii_o of_o a_o supreme_a providence_n in_o the_o conservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n page_n 20_o iu_o of_o that_o special_a providence_n which_o in_o its_o continue_a administration_n of_o human_a affair_n do_v unchangeable_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a page_n 22_o v._n how_o such_o a_o wonderful_a record_n as_o that_o of_o a_o
immediate_a revelation_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n be_v so_o demonstrable_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n page_n 24_o vi_o of_o the_o special_a evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n which_o man_n must_v needs_o see_v to_o be_v infallible_a page_n 25_o vii_o of_o the_o secure_a conveyance_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n past_a page_n 27_o viii_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n and_o entry_n of_o sin_n into_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n page_n 28_o section_n ii_o i._o hold_v forth_o those_o great_a assistance_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v sure_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n before_o his_o come_n page_n 29_o ii_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o how_o it_o be_v now_o as_o sure_o in_o the_o event_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a he_o be_v promise_v page_n 30_o iii_o of_o the_o special_a advantage_n for_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n herein_o that_o for_o 4000_o year_n the_o promise_v come_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v defer_v page_n 32_o iu_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o internal_a excellency_n of_o christianity_n to_o bear_v further_a evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o page_n 33_o v._n that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n we_o now_o receive_v and_o enjoy_v which_o from_o the_o first_o promulgation_n thereof_o have_v have_v so_o great_a effect_n on_o the_o world_n page_n 34_o vi_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o time_n past_a be_v so_o demonstrable_o above_o the_o assistance_n of_o nature_n page_n 36_o section_n iii_o i._o for_o hold_v forth_o on_o what_o ground_n the_o faith_n of_o a_o deity_n must_v determine_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n page_n 37_o ii_o what_o confirmation_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o that_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n page_n 38_o iii_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o prevail_a on_o the_o world_n which_o no_o profession_n else_o can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o page_n 39_o iu._n the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a evidence_n which_o christ_n have_v himself_o give_v to_o the_o world_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n in_o the_o love_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o people_n joh_n 17.21_o page_n 40_o v._n how_o the_o strength_n of_o such_o a_o demonstration_n stand_v still_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o these_o divide_v time_n of_o the_o church_n page_n 42_o vi._n what_o in_o these_o last_o time_n be_v under_o our_o hand_n to_o compensate_a such_o a_o confirmation_n by_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n page_n 43_o section_n iu._n i._o for_o hold_v forth_o with_o the_o further_a rational_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o soul-quickning_a and_o experimental_a religion_n page_n 44_o ii_o the_o truth_n also_o of_o conversion_n of_o man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o new_a state_n of_o grace_n page_n 46_o iii_o of_o so_o great_a a_o experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o on_o earth_n page_n 48_o iu_o of_o so_o great_a a_o demonstration_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n and_o working_n of_o the_o conscience_n page_n 49_o v._o of_o that_o special_a confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n which_o do_v result_v from_o such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o conscience_n over_o man_n page_n 50_o section_n v._o i._o for_o hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n page_n 51_o ii_o what_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n the_o certainty_n hereof_o and_o of_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n do_v clear_o afford_v page_n 52_o iii_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o clear_a evidence_n to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n page_n 54_o iu._n how_o confirm_v a_o seal_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o great_a change_n which_o pass_v on_o all_o man_n by_o death_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v no_o natural_a accident_n page_n 55_o v._o some_o special_a assistance_n to_o the_o christian_n faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o serve_v a_o unavoidable_a conviction_n on_o the_o great_a atheist_n page_n 57_o vi_o something_n of_o a_o visible_a hell_n in_o some_o near_a approach_n hereof_o even_o to_o man_n sense_n hold_v forth_o to_o awake_v and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o horror_n and_o torment_n in_o another_o world_n page_n 59_o vii_o some_o assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n of_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n page_n 61_o chapter_n iii_o the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n further_o improve_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o dismal_a and_o amaze_a time_n we_o be_v now_o fall_v in_o section_n i._n to_o hold_v forth_o what_o may_v be_v both_o for_o light_n and_o confirmation_n upon_o this_o great_a distress_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o under_o page_n 63_o section_n ii_o how_o great_a a_o talon_n we_o stand_v accountable_a for_o in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o confirm_v the_o same_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n since_o the_o reformation_n which_o we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o adhere_v to_o page_n 65_o section_n iii_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n be_v the_o present_a lot_n of_o the_o church_n now_o fall_v in_o and_o what_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v hereof_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o further_a confirm_v in_o such_o a_o day_n page_n 73_o section_n iu._n some_o special_a service_n that_o we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o and_o accountable_a for_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o who_o be_v under_o so_o great_a a_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o same_o page_n 77_o the_o true_a and_o infallible_a way_n for_o attain_v a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n the_o primitive_a confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v in_o its_o continue_a necessity_n and_o use_n to_o this_o day_n in_o seven_o position_n posit_n i._o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o a_o more_o sad_a and_o threaten_a aspect_n on_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o utter_a estrangement_n most_o be_v under_o to_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o those_o fundamental_a difference_n betwixt_o christianity_n and_o every_o false_a way_n which_o no_o pretend_v religion_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o position_n be_v these_o i._o that_o it_o be_v too_o visible_o manifest_a how_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n know_v so_o little_a of_o their_o own_o profession_n of_o any_o human_a art_n or_o science_n as_o such_o who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n or_o be_v so_o general_o stranger_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o for_o maintain_v either_o a_o due_a valuation_n or_o powerful_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o on_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o a_o implicit_a and_o traditional_a profession_n be_v the_o only_a part_n and_o propriety_n which_o most_o can_v claim_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v ii_o that_o very_o rare_o also_o be_v any_o serious_a personal_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o experimental_a and_o soul-quickning_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o expense_n of_o the_o most_o dismal_a and_o afflict_a time_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o temporal_a revenue_n as_o peace_n with_o god_n a_o immediate_a communion_n with_o he_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o be_v under_o such_o pressure_n of_o trouble_n as_o be_v above_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n iii_o that_o the_o further_a account_n why_o most_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o other_o form_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o custom_n and_o education_n that_o it_o do_v bespeak_v they_o from_o their_o birth_n and_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n yea_o become_v in_o that_o manner_n natural_a to_o they_o as_o the_o custom_n and_o language_n of_o their_o country_n which_o be_v ground_n that_o will_v determine_v to_o the_o very_a opposite_a profession_n if_o they_o be_v state_v under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o have_v the_o same_o motive_n to_o be_v mahumetan_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o can_v found_v no_o other_o assent_n than_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o strength_n thereof_o iv_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o most_o numerous_a part_n of_o
doctrinal_a historical_a and_o prophetical_a part_n thereof_o and_o in_o that_o manner_n accommodate_v as_o the_o mean_a within_o the_o church_n may_v have_v such_o a_o help_n still_o at_o their_o hand_n and_o thus_o with_o the_o least_o expense_n of_o time_n be_v provide_v of_o such_o argument_n and_o reason_n as_o shall_v tend_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n not_o only_o to_o the_o further_a rational_a assent_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n but_o to_o give_v a_o most_o special_a support_v of_o mind_n against_o that_o inward_a trial_n of_o satan_n temptation_n and_o fiery_a dart_n this_o way_n yea_o be_v such_o a_o mean_a that_o in_o the_o serious_a improvement_n hereof_o by_o have_v such_o evidence_n once_o bring_v in_o on_o man_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n so_o as_o to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o i_o must_v humble_o judge_v there_o be_v nothing_o next_o to_o the_o internal_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v tend_v more_o to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o day_n posit_n vii_o that_o as_o there_o be_v some_o more_o signal_n period_n of_o time_n to_o which_o a_o great_a brightness_n and_o increase_n of_o light_n have_v respect_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o do_v there_o now_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o remarkable_a call_n and_o excitement_n to_o such_o a_o confirm_v work_n in_o this_o day_n about_o the_o christian_a faith_n when_o we_o may_v hope_v that_o a_o more_o solemn_a and_o restore_a time_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v on_o a_o near_a approach_n though_o all_o sensible_a evidence_n will_v seem_v to_o control_v this_o and_o may_v be_v now_o more_o look_v after_o and_o prepare_v for_o under_o a_o suitable_a impression_n of_o these_o ground_n for_o the_o same_o i._o that_o the_o promise_a time_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v assure_o draw_v near_o and_o whatever_o be_v judge_v by_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n immediate_a appearance_n herein_o by_o a_o miracle_n yet_o be_v it_o unquestionable_a that_o nothing_o in_o the_o way_n of_o mean_n can_v be_v more_o promise_a and_o hopeful_a to_o promote_v this_o great_a end_n than_o by_o promote_a so_o great_a a_o service_n as_o this_o for_o the_o christian_a church_n ii_o that_o a_o great_a extent_n also_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o rend_v of_o the_o veil_n that_o be_v now_o over_o many_o dark_a nation_n seem_v clear_o insure_v therewith_o and_o what_o a_o hopeful_a evidence_n shall_v this_o be_v if_o such_o a_o public_a and_o catholic_n spirit_n be_v more_o see_v how_o to_o advance_v the_o high_a end_n of_o religion_n on_o such_o a_o account_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o partial_a or_o divide_a interest_n yea_o that_o this_o bless_a zeal_n of_o god_n may_v in_o that_o manner_n appear_v to_o have_v the_o dark_a world_n get_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o convince_a prospect_n of_o the_o high_a rational_a demonstration_n of_o christianity_n as_o may_v through_o the_o lord_n gracious_a concurrence_n bring_v man_n once_o to_o a_o inquisitive_a and_o serious_a spirit_n about_o the_o same_o oh_o that_o such_o may_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o this_o dismal_a hour_n with_o something_o of_o that_o ancient_a spirit_n to_o travel_v with_o desire_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o of_o bless_a nehemiah_n these_o be_v indeed_o come_v to_o seek_v the_o welfare_n of_o their_o people_n in_o their_o great_a interest_n iii_o and_o this_o far_a excitement_n we_o be_v now_o under_o for_o this_o end_n in_o a_o time_n when_o popery_n seem_v to_o be_v upon_o one_o of_o its_o last_o and_o great_a assault_n against_o the_o church_n since_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o what_o ever_o tend_v to_o confirm_v man_n in_o christianity_n from_o their_o own_o trial_n and_o inquiry_n upon_o the_o confirm_v evidence_n thereof_o must_v have_v the_o same_o native_a result_n to_o make_v such_o confirm_a protestant_n yea_o nothing_o be_v more_o demonstrable_a than_o that_o the_o method_n and_o ground_n that_o be_v take_v both_o to_o engage_v and_o fix_v man_n in_o the_o popish_a profession_n have_v the_o same_o rational_a tendency_n to_o promote_v atheism_n and_o to_o give_v infidel_n the_o great_a advantage_n to_o reject_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v amen_n chap._n ii_o the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n reduce_v to_o practical_a use_n in_o some_o clear_a view_n of_o those_o primary_n ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o none_o shall_v pretend_v ignorance_n of_o who_o enter_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n upon_o choice_n and_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n section_n i._n qu._n i._n what_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n can_v you_o give_v for_o so_o great_a a_o faith_n as_o that_o of_o the_o glorious_a be_v of_o god_n who_o be_v invisible_a to_o humane_a sense_n since_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n ans_fw-fr though_o this_o be_v principal_o found_v on_o the_o sacred_a truth_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o own_o word_n yet_o i_o be_o with_o the_o further_a infallible_a evidence_n confirm_v herein_o i._o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a that_o this_o marvellous_a frame_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v a_o be_v and_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n than_o that_o a_o supreme_a infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n must_v be_v the_o first_o cause_n hereof_o and_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a it_o can_v ever_o otherwise_o have_v be_v ii_o that_o he_o have_v thus_o make_v himself_o visible_a to_o our_o eye_n by_o such_o a_o visible_a world_n and_o in_o so_o exquisite_a a_o order_n and_o correspondence_n to_o support_v the_o same_o 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 run_v through_o the_o whole_a creation_n we_o may_v as_o clear_o thus_o see_v that_o god_n be_v as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a soul_n in_o a_o live_a body_n iii_o that_o this_o harmony_n be_v among_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o other_o for_o to_o hold_v this_o wonderful_a frame_n as_o all_o must_v abandon_v reason_n or_o see_v a_o infinite_o wise_a conduct_v herein_o and_o no_o need_n of_o extraordinary_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v what_o the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o nature_n do_v witness_n iv_o that_o this_o rare_a frame_n of_o man_n can_v never_o have_v come_v in_o be_v but_o by_o he_o who_o can_v unite_n such_o different_a substance_n as_o a_o material_a body_n and_o a_o immaterial_a soul_n in_o so_o near_o and_o marvellous_a a_o union_n v._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n thereto_o as_o show_v religion_n to_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o as_o essential_a to_o his_o be_v as_o his_o reason_n be_v yea_o that_o the_o ultimate_a difference_n of_o man_n from_o the_o beast_n and_o most_o essential_a property_n of_o humane_a nature_n lie_v here_o vi_o that_o though_o every_o one_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o what_o torment_v he_o yet_o it_o be_v never_o possible_a for_o a_o atheist_n to_o free_v himself_o from_o that_o unavoidable_a sense_n and_o fâ—ar_n of_o a_o deity_n nor_o in_o a_o world_n so_o much_o lose_v in_o wickedness_n can_v he_o ever_o extinguish_v the_o awe_n of_o religion_n or_o make_v any_o rational_a opposition_n to_o this_o great_a article_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o mankind_n vii_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o thing_n here_o be_v so_o great_a as_o without_o shut_v out_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o see_v how_o nothing_o possible_o can_v have_v be_v better_o and_o that_o any_o want_n hereof_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o universe_n will_v be_v as_o the_o dislocation_n of_o a_o joint_n of_o the_o body_n and_o be_v not_o conceivable_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n appoint_v viii_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a that_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o shall_v not_o exist_v or_o that_o this_o universe_n which_o be_v a_o work_n so_o high_o become_v the_o greatness_n of_o its_o maker_n can_v possible_o subsist_v for_o one_o hour_n or_o minute_n of_o time_n without_o a_o supreme_a independent_a power_n and_o be_v on_o which_o all_o visible_a being_n have_v their_o dependence_n since_o they_o can_v depend_v upon_o nothing_o ix_o that_o such_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o faith_n also_o of_o a_o godhead_n as_o without_o this_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n can_v not_o moral_o subsist_v or_o any_o possible_a order_n subjection_n piety_n and_o justice_n be_v to_o support_v human_a society_n but_o as_o bradwardine_n say_v o_o
be_v then_o reveal_v and_o who_o the_o christian_a church_n worship_n it_o be_v sure_a be_v most_o exact_o fulfil_v what_o ever_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o do_v appeal_v herein_o to_o these_o record_n which_o all_o the_o jew_n even_o to_o this_o day_n do_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a v._o that_o this_o be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o man_n in_o those_o day_n most_o know_v to_o all_o and_o famous_a yea_o by_o the_o special_a appointment_n of_o god_n at_o so_o solemn_a a_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o christ_n our_o passover_n be_v then_o sacrifice_v vi_o that_o no_o humane_a interest_n or_o policy_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o this_o discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o visible_o cross_v thereto_o or_o obstructive_a of_o its_o success_n than_o such_o a_o publish_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n with_o all_o the_o ignominy_n and_o abasement_n which_o attend_v the_o same_o have_v there_o be_v any_o way_n here_o to_o consult_v carnal_a reason_n or_o any_o other_o ground_n to_o bear_v it_o out_o than_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n vii_o that_o herein_o have_v all_o divide_a party_n and_o sect_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v enforce_v still_o to_o meet_v and_o consent_v in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o substance_n thereof_o viii_o that_o in_o the_o same_o light_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n about_o the_o messiah_n do_v the_o whole_a gentile_a church_n enter_v and_o make_v claim_v to_o their_o right_n for_o be_v adopt_v the_o seed_n and_o child_n of_o abraham_n on_o these_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_v give_v for_o the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n qu._n iii_o what_o confirmation_n be_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v defer_v for_o 4000_o year_n after_o the_o promise_n answ_n though_o the_o sovereign_a pleasure_n of_o god_n shall_v silence_v and_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n herein_o yet_o be_v there_o such_o a_o sight_n to_o be_v have_v hereof_o and_o of_o infinite_a divine_a wisdom_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o same_o as_o shall_v be_v most_o confirm_v for_o these_o end_n i._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o distinct_a represent_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o angel_n and_o man_n in_o such_o a_o gradual_a open_n up_o of_o the_o same_o ii_o to_o put_v that_o weight_n and_o high_a value_n on_o his_o own_o promise_n and_o testimony_n herein_o when_o on_o the_o alone_a credit_n thereof_o he_o will_v thus_o both_o try_v and_o bear_v out_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n for_o so_o many_o age_n and_o draw_v forth_o their_o desire_n and_o long_n in_o all_o that_o long_a space_n of_o time_n after_o the_o same_o iii_o to_o testify_v the_o greatness_n â—f_fw-mi his_o wrath_n against_o sin_n and_o the_o apostasy_n of_o mankind_n by_o suffer_v the_o generality_n thereof_o to_o lie_v so_o long_o under_o its_o fatal_a effect_n iv_o to_o prepare_v the_o church_n for_o so_o great_a a_o reception_n by_o all_o that_o long_o preparatory_a service_n of_o legal_a institution_n it_o high_o become_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o have_v so_o solemn_a and_o wondrous_a a_o introduction_n thereto_o v._o that_o thus_o the_o world_n may_v have_v its_o full_a trial_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o natural_a ability_n and_o of_o any_o improvement_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n for_o help_v after_o this_o have_v first_o be_v at_o the_o further_a height_n both_o in_o greece_n and_o rome_n before_o the_o alone_a redeemer_n of_o the_o church_n come_v qu._n iu._n what_o can_v offer_v further_a conviction_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n from_o its_o nature_n and_o internal_a excellency_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o essential_o good_a in_o its_o self_n than_o evident_o true_a answ_n i._o it_o be_v undeniable_a even_o to_o those_o that_o live_v at_o a_o distance_n that_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n that_o though_o all_o visible_a and_o humane_a prop_n shall_v fail_v it_o can_v subsist_v by_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o have_v thus_o ever_o preserve_v its_o station_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n ii_o that_o as_o it_o hold_v forth_o the_o most_o exquisite_a rule_n of_o perfection_n to_o follow_v so_o do_v it_o bring_v the_o great_a relief_n to_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o those_o misery_n which_o attend_v the_o humane_a state_n here_o so_o that_o a_o high_a glory_n do_v thus_o result_v to_o the_o holy_a god_n by_o this_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n to_o fall_v man_n than_o if_o he_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o primitive_a state_n iii_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v native_o tend_v to_o fix_v man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n in_o their_o principle_n affection_n and_o conversation_n from_o the_o world_n iu._n that_o it_o do_v more_o bright_o shine_v forth_o in_o simplicity_n and_o truth_n and_o in_o its_o internal_a and_o vital_a act_n than_o in_o any_o outward_a form_n or_o show_v yea_o in_o the_o way_n of_o self-denial_n meekness_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n do_v such_o a_o excellency_n appear_v as_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n have_v as_o visible_a a_o difference_n from_o the_o proud_a and_o vindictive_a spirit_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o day_n have_v from_o the_o night_n v._o that_o such_o christianity_n can_v be_v know_v by_o no_o naked_a doctrinal_a discovery_n of_o the_o same_o to_o man_n judgement_n or_o such_o rule_n as_o any_o humane_a science_n be_v acquire_v by_o without_o a_o inward_a power_n and_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n nor_o can_v there_o ever_o be_v a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o divinity_n until_o it_o be_v first_o ingraft_v in_o a_o divine_a heart_n so_o far_o be_v this_o mystery_n above_o all_o humane_a rule_n and_o contrivance_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o great_a opposition_n to_o any_o false_a show_n or_o hypocrisy_n yea_o bring_v such_o enforcement_n therewith_o of_o candour_n and_o truth_n and_o of_o love_n tenderness_n and_o sympathy_n towards_o other_o as_o all_o must_v see_v be_v not_o only_o the_o high_a ornament_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o the_o great_a blessing_n to_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v vii_o that_o such_o a_o native_a lustre_n and_o fragrancy_n do_v attend_v the_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o make_v it_o no_o more_o possible_a for_o humane_a be_v or_o cunning_a to_o represent_v this_o than_o to_o make_v the_o dead_a image_n of_o a_o man_n to_o live_v or_o to_o paint_v on_o a_o board_n the_o vital_a scent_n of_o a_o violet_n or_o rose_n to_o our_o sense_n viii_o that_o in_o this_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n subdue_a man_n to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o by_o the_o power_n of_o inward_a grace_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n do_v more_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o than_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v for_o this_o end_n with_o the_o great_a outward_a majesty_n and_o attendance_n of_o angel_n to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o that_o be_v without_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o place_n where_o horror_n falsehood_n and_o impiety_n do_v manifest_o reign_v qu._n v._n but_o how_o do_v you_o receive_v so_o wonderful_a a_o truth_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v when_o it_o be_v now_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o its_o first_o promulgation_n ans_fw-fr i._o that_o we_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a and_o persuade_v of_o the_o most_o visible_a and_o present_a object_n of_o sense_n than_o that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n which_o be_v still_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n whereby_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o all_o nation_n tongue_n and_o language_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v seal_v yea_o it_o have_v make_v that_o change_n upon_o man_n in_o turn_v they_o from_o ungodliness_n and_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n as_o have_v be_v no_o less_o marvellous_a than_o the_o turn_n of_o so_o many_o wolf_n into_o lamb_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n which_o not_o only_o through_o a_o series_n of_o 1600_o year_n have_v be_v attest_v but_o by_o such_o innumerable_a witness_n who_o count_v not_o their_o life_n dear_a unto_o the_o death_n for_o seal_v thereof_o and_o find_v it_o sweet_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o the_o flame_n for_o christ_n iii_o which_o in_o all_o age_n past_a have_v stand_v out_o the_o great_a
this_o way_n as_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v know_v by_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n when_o not_o in_o the_o least_o distemper_n of_o their_o natural_a reason_n that_o may_v present_v to_o man_n sense_n something_o of_o a_o visible_a hell_n as_o convince_o as_o if_o one_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o same_o iv_o a_o tremble_a sense_n and_o terror_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n oft_o follow_v upon_o horrid_a act_n of_o wickedness_n and_o so_o eminent_o break_v forth_o upon_o a_o surprise_a sight_n of_o death_n that_o all_o may_v see_v something_o more_o dreadful_a herein_o than_o in_o the_o dissolution_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o power_n and_o present_a arrest_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v make_v visible_a in_o the_o same_o v._o there_o be_v begin_v degree_n of_o blaspheme_v and_o rage_n against_o god_n because_o of_o his_o plague_n and_o such_o prodigy_n of_o cruelty_n exercise_v by_o man_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o may_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o to_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a and_o rather_o the_o effect_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n act_v in_o a_o humane_a shape_n vi_o so_o clear_a a_o prelude_n and_o beginning_n of_o hell_n be_v in_o that_o judicial_a obduration_n and_o blindness_n which_o many_o be_v give_v up_o to_o under_o the_o great_a discovery_n of_o light_n that_o all_o may_v see_v their_o be_v thus_o bind_v over_o in_o chain_n and_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n until_o death_n bring_v they_o forth_o to_o the_o execution_n and_o that_o no_o relief_n or_o application_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n have_v then_o any_o success_n vii_o such_o a_o map_n and_o shadow_n of_o eternal_a vengeance_n be_v in_o these_o terrible_a act_n of_o divine_a judgement_n inflict_v here_o on_o apostate_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o other_o flagitious_a person_n which_o with_o the_o very_a first_o view_n may_v present_v a_o awful_a and_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o some_o strange_a and_o supernatural_a punishment_n be_v oft_o so_o visible_a on_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n viii_o and_o whatever_o be_v of_o natural_a cause_n in_o such_o visible_a representation_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o that_o sulphureous_a lake_n where_o once_o sodom_n be_v and_o those_o burn_a mountain_n of_o haecla_n aetna_n and_o vesuvius_n yet_o we_o may_v true_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v thus_o set_v before_o the_o world_n as_o visible_a memorial_n of_o the_o infernal_a flame_n and_o as_o it_o be_v so_o many_o chimny's_n or_o vent-hole_n thereof_o for_o such_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o same_o because_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o see_v or_o feel_v such_o a_o thing_n qu._n vii_o what_o assistance_n have_v our_o faith_n of_o that_o great_a and_o wonderful_a truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n after_o its_o dissolution_n in_o the_o grave_a unto_o dust_n answ_n i._o it_o have_v great_a assistance_n from_o that_o visible_a and_o stupendous_a frame_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n when_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o same_o infinite_a power_n that_o have_v not_o only_o make_v man_n but_o the_o whole_a creation_n can_v as_o easy_o collect_v and_o reunite_v the_o disperse_a ash_n of_o the_o body_n as_o form_v the_o same_o ii_o from_o that_o great_a pledge_n hereof_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n iii_o from_o that_o tribulation_n and_o sore_a pain_n that_o the_o saint_n here_o in_o their_o outward_a man_n be_v expose_v to_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o in_o the_o holy_a justice_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o give_v such_o body_n for_o labour_n and_o for_o toil_n and_o to_o his_o martyr_n to_o endure_v unexpressible_a torment_n for_o christ_n at_o last_o to_o perish_v for_o ever_o iv_o from_o these_o visible_a resemblance_n and_o pâ—efigurations_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n herein_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n and_o production_n of_o nature_n so_o as_o all_o may_v see_v how_o every_o night_n be_v as_o the_o grave_a of_o the_o day_n light_n and_o each_o morning_n a_o new_a resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o and_o how_o visible_a a_o image_n of_o death_n be_v in_o each_o season_n of_o the_o winter_n with_o so_o marvellous_a and_o beautiful_a a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o earth_n on_o every_o return_n of_o the_o spring_n in_o the_o herb_n flower_n and_o plant_n take_v life_n and_o rise_v again_o in_o the_o leaf_n blossom_n and_o fruit_n yea_o this_o in_o such_o a_o variety_n as_o may_v no_o less_o convince_o evidence_n a_o infinite_a divine_a power_n herein_o than_o that_o the_o same_o body_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v raise_v at_o the_o last_o day_n v._o from_o that_o continue_a miracle_n of_o the_o harvest_n after_o the_o seedtime_n with_o so_o amaze_a a_o production_n of_o the_o grain_n sow_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o first_o die_v there_o before_o it_o be_v quicken_v so_o as_o to_o be_v at_o last_o bring_v to_o 30_o 60_o yea_o sometime_o a_o hundred_o fold_n out_o of_o the_o very_a same_o grain_n which_o to_o these_o who_o have_v never_o before_o know_v the_o same_o will_v seem_v incredible_a and_o above_o all_o reason_n to_o conceive_v or_o give_v credit_n thereto_o chap._n iii_o the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n improve_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n to_o clear_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o before_o this_o generation_n and_o let_v we_o see_v how_o nothing_o be_v so_o strange_a in_o the_o event_n of_o this_o day_n which_o shall_v not_o more_o strengthen_v then_o shake_v and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v still_o own_o the_o same_o interest_n according_a to_o his_o faithfulness_n which_o be_v here_o brief_o point_v at_o upon_o some_o special_a inquiry_n propose_v about_o the_o same_o section_n i._n qu._n i._n what_o can_v afford_v both_o light_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o we_o see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n about_o his_o church_n to_o be_v most_o remarkable_o now_o a_o work_n of_o judgement_n with_o such_o dark_a and_o search_a trial_n therewith_o as_o former_a time_n have_v not_o know_v ans_fw-fr it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v have_v be_v too_o evident_o look_v for_o and_o that_o we_o can_v pretend_v no_o want_n of_o light_n herein_o upon_o these_o ground_n i._o that_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o when_o this_o have_v be_v in_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n dispense_v that_o some_o remarkable_o search_v time_n may_v be_v expect_v to_o follow_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v now_o strange_a to_o we_o that_o such_o thing_n fall_v in_o with_o this_o day_n which_o do_v not_o meet_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o first_o entry_n of_o the_o reformation_n who_o then_o have_v not_o so_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o confirmation_n therein_o which_o have_v be_v since_o ii_o that_o some_o unusual_a trial_n and_o conflict_n in_o the_o lord_n method_n of_o providence_n shall_v be_v suit_v also_o to_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o work_n which_o he_o be_v bring_v forth_o may_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n and_o to_o see_v a_o time_n of_o such_o sore_a wrestle_n as_o this_o when_o all_o thing_n seem_v to_o cry_v and_o be_v in_o pain_n as_o micah_n 4.20_o yea_o when_o some_o great_a event_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o near_o to_o its_o full_a height_n and_o period_n of_o accomplishment_n as_o we_o have_v safe_a ground_n for_o assurance_n of_o this_o day_n iii_o nor_n have_v this_o sad_a and_o dismal_a hour_n on_o the_o church_n be_v more_o obvious_a than_o the_o provoke_a cause_n hereof_o in_o which_o the_o holy_a righteousness_n of_o god_n may_v be_v no_o less_o clear_a than_o the_o cloud_n now_o be_v dark_a when_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o visible_a fall_v off_o from_o that_o love_n tenderness_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v former_o attend_v its_o profession_n for_o these_o many_o year_n past_a we_o may_v have_v see_v that_o some_o sore_a and_o remarkable_a judgement_n be_v come_v and_o that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n undo_v we_o be_v under_o some_o sad_a stroke_n of_o spiritual_a judgement_n ready_a to_o be_v utter_o undo_v iu._n yea_o it_o have_v be_v too_o visible_a that_o such_o evil_n follow_v the_o reform_a church_n as_o in_o no_o time_n it_o be_v ever_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v pass_v by_o without_o some_o signal_n evidence_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o the_o same_o before_o the_o world_n v._o we_o know_v that_o carnal_a confidence_n have_v a_o curse_n ever_o wait_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o none_o can_v take_v it_o