over_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n and_o ireland_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o rome_n fatal_a period_n be_v near_o but_o to_o look_v hereon_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o last_o attempt_n of_o that_o wound_a adversary_n which_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o issue_n to_o have_v the_o most_o immediate_a connexion_n with_o his_o great_a downfall_n and_o the_o revive_v glory_n of_o the_o church_n for_o strong_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n who_o judge_v she_o section_n iu._n qu._n what_o be_v special_o call_v for_o in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o as_o be_v accountable_a for_o so_o great_a a_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n ans_fw-fr if_o this_o be_v suitable_o take_v to_o heart_n we_o can_v not_o but_o reckon_v ourselves_o under_o the_o great_a excitement_n and_o call_v to_o such_o a_o improvement_n hereof_o i._o that_o we_o account_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o have_v a_o faith_n for_o quiet_v our_o own_o spirit_n but_o also_o to_o confirm_v other_o by_o put_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o his_o word_n and_o to_o sanctify_v he_o before_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o important_a a_o duty_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a even_o with_o a_o moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o one_o short-coming_a when_o he_o call_v for_o the_o same_o numb_a 20.12_o and_o it_o be_v sure_a in_o no_o time_n be_v such_o a_o special_a trust_n more_o repose_v thereon_o than_o in_o this_o age_n both_o as_o a_o public_a debt_n on_o the_o church_n and_o personal_a on_o each_o christian_a how_o to_o witness_v for_o the_o lord_n upon_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o for_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v by_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_n and_o testimony_n thereto_o ii_o to_o reckon_v ourselves_o also_o under_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a call_v this_o day_n each_o in_o their_o present_a capacity_n and_o station_n to_o appear_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o stem_v so_o visible_a and_o impetuous_a a_o tide_n as_o be_v now_o run_v of_o distrust_n and_o of_o a_o discreditable_a faintness_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v never_o be_v the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o remarkable_o hold_v under_o such_o a_o trial_n as_o that_o wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n numb_a 14._o or_o have_v a_o more_o evident_a resemblance_n thereto_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n as_o in_o this_o day_n if_o they_o be_v serious_o ponder_v as_o i._o how_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o a_o false_a and_o evil_a report_n be_v too_o visible_o raise_v upon_o the_o bless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o discourage_v and_o faint_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n as_o be_v then_o by_o the_o spy_n that_o there_o be_v insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o anakim_v and_o of_o their_o wall_a city_n and_o do_v thus_o oppose_v the_o credit_n of_o sense_n to_o all_o these_o assurance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o their_o faith_n ii_o that_o this_o high_o dishonourable_a cowardice_n and_o distrust_n do_v so_o seize_v on_o that_o people_n as_o be_v like_a to_o resolve_v in_o a_o visible_a revolt_n and_o to_o cry_v for_o a_o leader_n to_o go_v back_o to_o egypt_n again_o which_o among_o too_o many_o in_o this_o time_n may_v be_v just_o fear_v iii_o that_o this_o be_v after_o such_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n then_o who_o have_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a and_o outstretch_v hand_n so_o late_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o from_o the_o iron_n furnace_n in_o egypt_n as_o render_v their_o misbelief_n to_o be_v a_o guilt_n under_o such_o aggravation_n as_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v in_o that_o manner_n plead_v verse_n 22._o these_o ten_o time_n have_v they_o tempt_v i_o who_o have_v see_v my_o glory_n and_o my_o miracle_n which_o i_o do_v in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n iu._n but_o herein_o we_o hope_v and_o be_v confident_o sure_a of_o a_o bless_a disparity_n in_o this_o resemblance_n as_o to_o the_o numerousness_n of_o such_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o act_n something_o of_o that_o part_n which_o these_o heroic_a witness_n caleb_n and_o joshua_n do_v and_o be_v then_o put_v to_o stand_v alone_o therein_o who_o through_o grace_n shall_v yet_o appear_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o withstand_v so_o high_a a_o tide_n of_o fear_n discouragement_n and_o unbelief_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o thus_o to_o plead_v against_o the_o same_o as_o these_o do_v num._n 14.9_o if_o the_o lord_n delight_n in_o we_o then_o let_v we_o not_o rebel_v against_o he_o neither_o fear_v the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v in_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n v._o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o precedent_n of_o providence_n of_o so_o singular_a a_o respect_n as_o the_o lord_n do_v then_o testify_v to_o his_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n who_o be_v of_o another_o spirit_n in_o follow_v he_o full_o in_o that_o day_n a_o continue_a assurance_n for_o all_o who_o shall_v be_v help_v to_o any_o honourable_a appearance_n of_o this_o kind_n by_o make_v they_o see_v and_o inherit_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n yea_o that_o such_o a_o residue_n as_o outlive_v this_o great_a and_o amaze_a storm_n shall_v have_v something_o of_o that_o testimony_n to_o bear_v also_o which_o caleb_n give_v josh_n 14.8_o 10._o my_o brethren_n which_o go_v up_o with_o i_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n faint_v but_o i_o full_o follow_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o now_o behold_v the_o lord_n have_v keep_v i_o alive_a etc._n etc._n o_o bless_a they_o who_o soul_n be_v raise_v with_o that_o holy_a zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o this_o great_a breach_n by_o a_o resolute_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o witness_v to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o such_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n give_v thereto_o now_o call_v for_o iii_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a duty_n of_o this_o day_n we_o stand_v also_o accountable_a for_o how_o to_o stem_v this_o high_a and_o grow_a tide_n of_o prejudice_n and_o reproach_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o in_o some_o unusual_a way_n be_v now_o aloft_o and_o rage_a and_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o gain_v some_o more_o awful_a regard_n hereof_o on_o man_n conscience_n that_o they_o may_v see_v something_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o maintain_v its_o conquest_n as_o no_o way_n else_o can_v possible_o claim_v i._n which_o reckon_v none_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a professor_n hereof_o who_o embrace_v not_o the_o same_o upon_o evidence_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o worth_n nor_o do_v judge_n the_o interest_n of_o religion_n to_o go_v by_o number_n and_o poll_n where_o this_o be_v want_v but_o pursue_v that_o end_n to_o have_v man_n engage_v first_o to_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o therefore_o can_v admit_v no_o such_o method_n of_o any_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o humour_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n which_o its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v ii_o which_o in_o its_o course_n be_v ever_o regular_a and_o certain_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o unchangeable_a and_o eternal_a truth_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o will_n of_o man_n herein_o or_o any_o mutable_a revolution_n of_o the_o time_n iii_o which_o do_v with_o the_o great_a lustre_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o bright_a light_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n yea_o by_o the_o further_a plainness_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n towards_o all_o commend_v itself_o so_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v it_o espouse_v not_o man_n affection_n before_o it_o gain_v on_o their_o conscience_n and_o it_o have_v their_o judgement_n fix_v on_o a_o judicious_a trial_n before_o their_o resolution_n nor_o account_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n can_v ever_o subsist_v by_o a_o external_a show_n and_o profession_n without_o its_o know_a evidence_n and_o the_o efficacy_n thereof_o on_o man_n soul_n iv_o which_o sincere_o follow_v the_o catholic_n interest_n of_o christianity_n and_o public_a good_a of_o mankind_n in_o promote_a the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o the_o world_n may_v see_v its_o high_a intent_n be_v to_o exalt_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o advance_v the_o simplicity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o gospel_n administration_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v rule_n among_o man_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o near_o
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 assurance_n of_o mind_n amid_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o such_o a_o time_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v this_o way_n also_o the_o world_n be_v render_v inexcusable_a for_o their_o misbelief_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o under_o such_o sufficiency_n of_o mean_n give_v for_o this_o end_n by_o so_o great_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o confirm_a evidence_n of_o its_o rruth_n so_o as_o they_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n herein_o but_o a_o obstinacy_n and_o resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v on_o which_o ground_n do_v our_o bless_a lord_n testify_v that_o it_o be_v no_o want_n of_o light_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o truth_n why_o man_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o but_o that_o they_o love_v darkness_n better_a than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o when_o such_o clear_a rational_a and_o convince_a evidence_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o their_o view_n how_o most_o man_n possible_o can_v get_v these_o put_v by_o or_o reject_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o comprehend_v but_o that_o a_o real_a irritation_n and_o torment_n of_o spirit_n from_o such_o clearness_n of_o evidence_n do_v thus_o more_o tend_v to_o harden_v than_o convince_v posit_n iv_o that_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a necessity_n of_o such_o a_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n to_o this_o day_n what_o ever_o can_v be_v object_v of_o so_o long_a a_o consent_n and_o prescription_n of_o time_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a on_o these_o ground_n i._o because_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o christian_a faith_n do_v still_o need_v these_o assistance_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a mistake_n that_o only_o for_o heathen_n and_o atheist_n such_o confirm_a evidence_n of_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v propose_v but_o not_o for_o any_o under_o a_o visible_a profession_n when_o the_o whole_a of_o divinity_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o full_a of_o demonstrative_a argument_n for_o the_o daily_a use_n of_o the_o most_o establish_a christian_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o time_n ii_o that_o as_o the_o high_a motive_n to_o all_o serious_a godliness_n and_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o christianity_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o its_o know_a certainty_n to_o we_o so_o be_v the_o continue_a use_n thereof_o to_o be_v still_o the_o same_o iii_o that_o these_o numerous_a trial_n and_o conflict_n of_o christian_n now_o do_v no_o less_o call_v for_o some_o high_a establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n on_o which_o they_o must_v alone_o rest_v when_o all_o visible_a prop_n fail_v in_o their_o judgement_n than_o of_o support_v grace_n nor_o be_v it_o conceivable_a how_o man_n can_v this_o day_n walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o any_o true_a joy_n and_o comfort_n without_o a_o more_o solid_a assurance_n of_o their_o be_v on_o safe_a ground_n herein_o than_o most_o seem_v to_o reckon_v iv_o because_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o a_o eternal_a state_n in_o another_o world_n be_v so_o great_a and_o wonderful_a as_o it_o be_v strange_a how_o this_o be_v not_o the_o high_a interest_n of_o man_n life_n to_o have_v their_o faith_n more_o deep_o confirm_v on_o the_o further_a trial_n of_o their_o security_n now_o by_o the_o way_n herein_o who_o must_v short_o make_v so_o great_a a_o trial_n thereof_o at_o death_n for_o if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o come_v thus_o far_o as_o to_o ask_v our_o own_o soul_n what_o the_o christian_a faith_n indeed_o be_v that_o we_o be_v thus_o call_v to_o believe_v it_o can_v not_o possible_o but_o beget_v some_o ecstasy_n of_o wonder_v at_o the_o greatness_n thereof_o and_o to_o reckon_v any_o light_n and_o implicit_a assent_n to_o the_o same_o as_o a_o degree_n both_o of_o atheism_n and_o indifferency_n in_o this_o matter_n v._o though_o there_o be_v no_o conflict_n with_o heathen_n as_o in_o the_o first_o time_n yet_o be_v such_o a_o spirit_n never_o at_o a_o high_a pitch_n than_o it_o be_v now_o to_o take_v off_o all_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n when_o atheism_n seem_v to_o be_v at_o its_o last_o attempt_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o so_o amaze_a a_o hour_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o make_v these_o latter_a time_n more_o remarkable_o perilous_a and_o try_v than_o the_o first_o vi_o yea_o if_o such_o a_o confirm_a work_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a mean_n to_o advance_v the_o repute_n and_o honour_n of_o religion_n when_o its_o wont_a awe_n and_o veneration_n be_v so_o far_o lose_v and_o to_o awake_a man_n to_o deep_a impression_n of_o its_o truth_n when_o so_o few_o seem_v now_o under_o any_o such_o weight_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v never_o more_o need_v of_o the_o same_o than_o in_o this_o day_n posit_n v._o that_o such_o a_o service_n to_o the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o respect_v the_o more_o know_v inquisitive_a and_o judicious_a part_n thereof_o but_o the_o mean_a professor_n of_o religion_n also_o of_o who_o this_o be_v necessary_o require_v be_v evident_a on_o these_o ground_n i._o because_o each_o christian_n shall_v have_v undoubted_o such_o a_o ballast_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o solid_a and_o rational_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o great_a part_n and_o endowment_n the_o promote_a of_o which_o be_v it_o more_o deep_o consider_v i_o dare_v humble_o adventure_v to_o say_v will_v be_v find_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a mean_n to_o promote_v christianity_n this_o day_n ii_o because_o this_o be_v not_o to_o drive_v any_o to_o doubt_n or_o question_v the_o least_o sincere_a degree_n of_o assent_n though_o it_o be_v not_o with_o such_o strength_n of_o evidence_n as_o in_o other_o nor_o can_v by_o that_o formal_a argumentation_n give_v the_o same_o account_n thereof_o since_o a_o few_o ground_n this_o way_n may_v special_o help_v to_o some_o solid_a conviction_n &_o confirm_v of_o their_o mind_n when_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o other_o cogent_a argument_n for_o this_o end_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o the_o great_a clearness_n of_o evidence_n do_v still_o in_o the_o appoint_a way_n of_o mean_n lead_v in_o to_o a_o more_o firm_a and_o strong_a assent_n of_o the_o judgement_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n iii_o because_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o foundation_n in_o itself_o can_v be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v not_o with_o such_o a_o know_a evidence_n as_o man_n may_v build_v firm_o and_o with_o assurance_n thereon_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n thus_o only_o design_v to_o give_v his_o people_n a_o infallible_a and_o sure_a testimony_n to_o adventure_v on_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v sure_o also_o to_o they_o iv_o because_o none_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 22.3_o by_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o much_o the_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n for_o a_o save_a faith_n but_o that_o none_o can_v give_v a_o true_a assent_n and_o confession_n of_o the_o same_o but_o from_o these_o ground_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o man_n for_o this_o end_n and_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o character_n &_o evidence_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v imprint_v on_o the_o whole_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v clear_a and_o demonstrative_a to_o our_o judgement_n so_o be_v they_o as_o true_o divine_a as_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v thereby_o v._o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a cause_n for_o unbelief_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o any_o intricate_a obscureness_n of_o the_o same_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v such_o great_a assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v as_o milk_v for_o babe_n as_o well_o as_o meat_n to_o strong_a man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o further_a objective_n evidence_n of_o
concern_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o inward_a life_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n v._n which_o plead_v a_o impartial_a trial_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n whether_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o profession_n or_o of_o popery_n give_v the_o great_a security_n to_o civil_a government_n and_o find_v the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o magistracy_n and_o to_o all_o civil_a and_o moral_a duty_n by_o which_o the_o awe_n and_o venerable_a esteem_n of_o religion_n be_v keep_v up_o in_o a_o nation_n it_o be_v high_a time_n that_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v implicit_a and_o become_v express_a upon_o this_o great_a interest_n they_o have_v within_o time_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o a_o deceit_n or_o mistake_v here_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a concern_v upon_o which_o account_n without_o respect_n to_o interest_n party_n or_o education_n i_o have_v this_o day_n seek_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o what_o adversary_n can_v possible_o pretend_v to_o reproach_n or_o prejudge_v any_o for_o the_o reform_a religion_n all_o they_o can_v do_v be_v but_o to_o charge_v man_n corruption_n and_o offence_n in_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o profession_n that_o can_v never_o give_v the_o least_o latitude_n or_o connivance_n thereto_o but_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n when_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o can_v know_v no_o other_o way_n to_o embrace_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o popery_n but_o by_o turn_v atheist_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o quit_v both_o religion_n and_o reason_n at_o once_o but_o i_o can_v say_v in_o a_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o adventure_v my_o soul_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o eternal_a state_n finis_fw-la a_o idea_n of_o the_o confirm_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o dismal_a and_o shake_v time_n though_o the_o measure_n of_o all_o christian_n establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o alike_o but_o must_v have_v respect_n to_o their_o different_a trial_n talent_n and_o improvement_n for_o this_o end_n yet_o may_v it_o cause_v astonishment_n to_o see_v how_o rare_a any_o study_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v when_o it_o be_v not_o only_a one_o of_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o christianity_n but_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n call_v for_o as_o the_o work_n of_o this_o day_n yea_o be_v this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o seem_v least_o improve_v of_o any_o for_o the_o more_o general_a state_n of_o professor_n within_o the_o church_n under_o some_o conviction_n hereof_o be_v this_o essay_n design_v wherein_o with_o humble_a confidence_n i_o may_v say_v the_o truth_n have_v be_v seek_v with_o that_o serious_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n hold_v forth_o as_o i_o judge_v needful_a for_o such_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o interest_n and_o adventure_v not_o only_o through_o time_n but_o for_o all_o eternity_n to_o support_v themselves_o upon_o the_o alone_a certainty_n hereof_o and_o ere_o these_o day_n of_o trial_n which_o we_o now_o see_v pass_v over_o this_o generation_n it_o may_v be_v find_v this_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o without_o cause_n direct_v to_o such_o a_o time_n if_o the_o lord_n gracious_o bless_v the_o same_o nor_o will_v it_o i_o hope_v be_v find_v unnecessary_a to_o present_v yet_o further_o some_o clear_a prospect_n of_o a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n and_o what_o those_o aught_o to_o be_v who_o with_o light_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n be_v like_a to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o in_o such_o a_o day_n which_o be_v here_o offer_v in_o a_o seven_o fold_v character_n under_o which_o a_o true_o confirm_v christian_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o profession_n may_v be_v state_v character_n i._n he_o be_v one_o who_o have_v another_o sense_n and_o impression_n of_o this_o great_a study_n for_o attain_v to_o a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v on_o high_a ground_n press_v to_o follow_v the_o same_o than_o most_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v apprehend_v and_o shall_v be_v thus_o consider_v 1._o as_o one_o to_o who_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n dear_a and_o who_o will_v have_v the_o world_n see_v that_o such_o as_o embrace_v the_o same_o and_o do_v most_o full_o adventure_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v those_o who_o walk_v on_o the_o high_a principle_n of_o true_a and_o enlighten_v reason_n yea_o who_o take_v deep_o to_o heart_n that_o obligation_n which_o be_v on_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o advance_v the_o repute_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v in_o such_o term_n therewith_o upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o confute_v and_o shame_v atheist_n and_o infidel_n if_o call_v thereunto_o 2._o who_o see_v also_o that_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o fall_a man_n as_o stands_z in_o need_n of_o all_o the_o contribution_n that_o can_v be_v not_o only_o to_o strengthen_v the_o christian_n faith_n to_o bear_v our_o against_o the_o strong_a assault_n of_o infidelity_n but_o to_o gain_v also_o more_o credit_n and_o veneration_n to_o the_o truth_n with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o easy_o deal_v with_o but_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o bear_v some_o congruity_n to_o their_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n for_o which_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v afford_v his_o ministerial_a help_n to_o render_v the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o pretence_n of_o hesitation_n about_o his_o truth_n more_o inexcusable_a 3._o he_o also_o see_v that_o the_o most_o important_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o christianity_n need_v the_o great_a confirmation_n in_o his_o faith_n and_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o so_o high_a and_o discriminate_v a_o profession_n from_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n need_v to_o know_v in_o what_o manner_n they_o embrace_v the_o same_o he_o see_v that_o the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n do_v absolute_o require_v to_o have_v the_o foundation_n sure_o lay_v on_o which_o so_o great_a a_o superstructure_n must_v rest_v so_o as_o he_o judge_v it_o a_o work_n by_o itself_o and_o to_o need_v some_o peculiar_a retire_v his_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o serious_a recess_n and_o composure_n thereof_o to_o attain_v a_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o know_v the_o strong_a and_o firm_a conveyance_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o need_v not_o a_o new_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o but_o he_o know_v that_o no_o sharpness_n of_o man_n natural_a understanding_n about_o the_o truth_n can_v ever_o attain_v a_o true_a rest_n and_o settlement_n of_o mind_n therein_o without_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a spirit_n stoop_v down_o before_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o enter_v as_o a_o little_a child_n into_o his_o school_n and_o by_o that_o humble_a practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o undoubted_a come_n up_o to_o the_o great_a assurance_n and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o same_o as_o joh._n 7.17_o 4_o he_o know_v that_o as_o nothing_o tend_v more_o to_o shake_v man_n spirit_n and_o stagger_v they_o about_o the_o truth_n than_o a_o light_n and_o transient_a view_n hereof_o so_o do_v the_o great_a establishment_n follow_v on_o the_o near_a approach_n by_o a_o deep_a and_o serious_a enquiry_n about_o the_o same_o and_o he_o clear_o see_v that_o if_o such_o who_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n on_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n do_v but_o once_o come_v to_o have_v their_o spirit_n exceed_v in_o a_o more_o serious_a reflection_n thereon_o the_o first_o view_n they_o shall_v have_v can_v not_o but_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o amazement_n to_o think_v what_o can_v support_v a_o soul_n in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o way_n as_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v so_o visible_o above_o nature_n and_o that_o wherein_o they_o must_v do_v violence_n to_o the_o same_o wherein_o they_o must_v part_v with_o the_o multitude_n and_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o strong_a tide_n of_o example_n and_o must_v endure_v also_o in_o hope_n and_o believe_v for_o thing_n not_o see_v which_o be_v never_o the_o object_n of_o humane_a sense_n to_o any_o in_o this_o earth_n and_o be_v oft_o call_v to_o part_v with_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n of_o sense_n upon_o the_o alone_a credit_n of_o their_o faith_n yea_o wherein_o they_o must_v enter_v that_o profession_n on_o no_o other_o term_n than_o to_o be_v martyr_n for_o the_o same_o and_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n so_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o see_v a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o great_a riddle_n and_o wonder_v of_o
and_o man_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o word_n and_o that_o the_o high_a trial_n and_o probation_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o which_o all_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o life_n do_v still_o meet_v may_v be_v resolve_v here_o if_o they_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o a_o absolute_a security_n to_o rely_v on_o yea_o or_o not_o and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n to_o have_v a_o absolute_a dependence_n of_o his_o whole_a work_n on_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v the_o alone_a centre_n of_o his_o people_n rest_n yet_o may_v nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o with_o most_o he_o bear_v that_o name_n of_o be_v their_o trust_n when_o the_o whole_a burden_n and_o weight_n thereof_o lie_v alone_o upon_o visible_a ground_n so_o that_o those_o bond_n and_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v himself_o give_v unto_o man_n do_v bâ—ar_v no_o more_o credit_n than_o they_o have_v some_o external_n surety_n of_o in_o the_o earth_n which_o they_o still_o look_v after_o to_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v good_a and_o responsible_a for_o the_o same_o which_o be_v the_o high_a indignity_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n 9_o he_o do_v much_o take_v to_o heart_n this_o present_a period_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o fluctuate_a suspense_n and_o halt_v of_o so_o many_o under_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v now_o one_o of_o the_o most_o dismal_a sign_n hereof_o and_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n will_v in_o a_o unusual_a way_n take_v this_o generation_n off_o from_o any_o implicit_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o and_o when_o that_o great_a roll_n of_o visible_a professor_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n may_v be_v ere_o long_o in_o that_o manner_n call_v as_o each_o must_v answer_v to_o his_o own_o name_n and_o be_v put_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o proof_n before_o the_o world_n when_o no_o temporal_a interest_n but_o internal_a motive_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n must_v bear_v one_o out_o yea_o that_o the_o most_o establish_a may_v ere_o long_o find_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o be_v keep_v from_o stagger_v and_o a_o few_o day_n come_v in_o the_o church_n way_n more_o remarkable_a for_o trial_n than_o have_v be_v in_o some_o age_n before_o carat_n ii_o a_o true_o confirm_v christian_n may_v be_v thus_o also_o state_v as_o one_o who_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n most_o deep_o take_v up_o about_o that_o rare_a plot_n of_o man_n redemption_n and_o to_o see_v these_o great_a and_o wonderful_a truth_n there_o not_o single_o and_o apart_o but_o in_o that_o harmony_n order_n and_o consent_v of_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o as_o they_o be_v link_v together_o in_o this_o marvellous_a frame_n so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o whole_a one_o entire_a piece_n and_o whereof_o no_o part_n do_v in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o another_o which_o he_o find_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o principal_a demonstration_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v for_o confirm_v his_o people_n faith_n and_o thus_o in_o another_o manner_n than_o former_o can_v he_o now_o entertain_v his_o soul_n herewith_o and_o have_v his_o joy_n unspeakable_o heighten_v 1._o to_o see_v at_o once_o the_o ruin_a state_n of_o fall_a man_n and_o what_o a_o floodgate_n of_o all_o evil_n be_v let_v loose_a on_o adam_n race_n not_o only_o moral_o in_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v penal_a in_o the_o woe_n and_o misery_n thereof_o yea_o such_o a_o state_n where_o all_o hope_n of_o relief_n be_v for_o ever_o cut_v off_o in_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o any_o create_a help_n and_o where_o the_o execution_n of_o a_o righteous_a sentence_n on_o man_n for_o the_o voluntary_a violation_n of_o a_o law_n just_a holy_a and_o good_a can_v be_v no_o impeachment_n in_o the_o least_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n but_o then_o therewith_o he_o do_v see_v such_o a_o relief_n bring_v to_o light_n as_o can_v not_o only_o answer_v the_o whole_a extent_n of_o this_o ruin_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n more_o eminent_o display_v therein_o than_o if_o the_o law_n have_v be_v obey_v or_o absolute_o execute_v in_o its_o penalty_n on_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n yea_o which_o make_v this_o more_o wonderful_a to_o see_v a_o high_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n unto_o man_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n than_o be_v to_o adam_n in_o his_o primitive_a state_n whereby_o innumerable_a christian_n be_v make_v to_o endure_v and_o prevail_v over_o strong_a assault_n than_o break_v he_o even_o in_o his_o integrity_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o marvellous_a that_o the_o great_a and_o infinite_a god_n only_o can_v find_v out_o and_o effect_v it_o 2._o he_o do_v now_o see_v how_o clear_a a_o consistence_n and_o harmony_n be_v here_o that_o he_o who_o have_v no_o sin_n by_o inhesion_n but_o be_v holy_a harmless_a and_o undefiled_a shall_v be_v under_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o sin_n by_o imputation_n and_o by_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o divine_a justicâ—_n be_v make_v liable_a to_o answer_v both_o the_o whole_a duty_n and_o full_a penalty_n of_o the_o law_n have_v as_o surety_n betwixt_o the_o creditor_n and_o debtor_n put_v himself_o in_o his_o people_n room_n to_o answer_v the_o full_a demand_n thereof_o both_o for_o debt_n and_o duty_n 3._o it_o be_v here_o he_o do_v see_v that_o bless_a consent_n and_o harmony_n betwixt_o the_o spotless_a justice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o marvellous_a grace_n so_o as_o his_o love_n be_v to_o the_o high_a glorify_v in_o that_o marvellous_a way_n which_o secure_v the_o full_a and_o complete_a satisfaction_n of_o his_o law_n and_o all_o the_o right_n of_o inviolable_a justice_n 4._o whilst_o he_o be_v thus_o dazzle_v with_o the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o light_n and_o put_v to_o inquire_v what_o such_o a_o mystery_n can_v mean_v he_o be_v then_o further_o lead_v on_o to_o see_v that_o rare_a plot_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n here_o within_o time_n to_o be_v the_o very_o duplicate_v and_o counterpart_n of_o that_o eternal_a transaction_n and_o stipulation_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o thus_o see_v whatever_o god_n have_v declare_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o former_a to_o his_o church_n be_v first_o promise_v and_o secure_v to_o our_o bless_a head_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n wherein_o as_o with_o a_o reverend_n and_o awful_a distance_n so_o with_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o light_n he_o be_v make_v to_o see_v here_o these_o reciprocal_a obligation_n betwixt_o they_o and_o mutual_a trust_n for_o make_v good_a the_o whole_a term_n thereof_o in_o the_o appoint_a time_n 5._o he_o do_v also_o clear_o see_v that_o rare_a order_n and_o harmony_n of_o time_n in_o these_o signal_n period_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o from_o its_o more_o dark_a discovery_n and_o dawn_v do_v still_o more_o glorious_o open_v its_o self_n to_o the_o church_n by_o a_o gradual_a light_n and_o unvail_v of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o course_n unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n yea_o he_o have_v his_o faith_n thus_o unspeakable_o confirm_v to_o see_v herewith_o the_o gospel_n church_n be_v still_o the_o same_o whither_o of_o jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o how_o that_o series_n and_o consent_n have_v yet_o never_o be_v break_v off_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o church_n call_v forth_o from_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n set_v apart_o as_o a_o peculiar_a people_n for_o the_o lord_n where_o none_o ever_o have_v right_o and_o privilege_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o but_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n 6._o it_o be_v in_o this_o union_n and_o harmony_n he_o see_v all_o the_o branch_n and_o part_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n most_o exact_o mere_a and_o terminate_v to_o advance_v both_o the_o great_a excellency_n and_o blessedness_n of_o man_n and_o assimilate_v he_o to_o the_o bless_a image_n of_o god_n yea_o how_o all_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n thereof_o do_v so_o entire_o conspire_v for_o this_o end_n as_o may_v constrain_v the_o woâ—ld_n to_o see_v and_o admire_v the_o glorious_a nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o he_o who_o law_n these_o be_v wherein_o he_o do_v so_o bright_o shine_v forth_o 7._o nor_o can_v he_o look_v serious_o herein_o and_o not_o see_v that_o sweet_a concord_n as_o a_o part_n of_o this_o harmony_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o promissory_a and_o mandatory_a part_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o the_o christian_n comfort_n be_v most_o full_o establish_v and_o no_o duty_n abolish_v but_o the_o very_a path-road_n to_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 of_o word_n i_o fear_v lest_o it_o may_v make_v some_o thing_n â—â—em_v a_o little_a dark_a at_o the_o first_o view_n though_o i_o hope_v not_o upon_o any_o serious_a perusal_n of_o the_o same_o two_o thing_n i_o must_v further_o crave_v leave_n to_o add_v 1._o that_o when_o some_o succinct_a view_n of_o the_o great_a assistance_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v here_o offer_v which_o these_o of_o the_o low_a capacity_n of_o the_o church_n may_v with_o that_o advantage_n improve_v as_o in_o a_o few_o hour_n by_o read_v it_o some_o time_n over_o may_v be_v so_o far_o impress_v on_o their_o mind_n and_o judgement_n that_o they_o can_v give_v some_o clear_a and_o judicious_a account_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v by_o such_o but_o serious_o weigh_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o use_n hereof_o be_v 2._o that_o i_o humble_o judge_v also_o it_o be_v a_o most_o special_a service_n for_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o day_n to_o have_v some_o short_a directory_n and_o remembrancer_n of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o monument_n of_o his_o providence_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o that_o manner_n hold_v forth_o as_o might_n most_o tend_v to_o some_o universal_a use_n of_o all_o within_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v my_o desire_n press_v i_o to_o some_o small_a essay_n herein_o with_o intent_n to_o have_v join_v it_o to_o this_o work_n but_o have_v with_o much_o conviction_n lay_v this_o whole_o aside_o as_o to_o any_o further_a appearance_n that_o way_n so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n that_o some_o more_o qualify_v may_v take_v to_o heart_n and_o under_o their_o hand_n so_o great_a a_o service_n both_o for_o their_o generation_n and_o posterity_n it_o be_v sure_a the_o lord_n have_v design_v his_o people_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n as_o well_o as_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o word_n and_o as_o no_o duty_n be_v more_o press_v than_o this_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o as_o to_o public_a and_o family_n instruction_n so_o be_v we_o no_o less_o accountable_a in_o these_o last_o time_n for_o this_o improvement_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o know_v public_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o care_n of_o each_o age_n to_o have_v that_o solemn_a remembrance_n kepâ—_n up_o hereof_o so_o as_o not_o a_o few_o but_o the_o very_a multitude_n within_o the_o church_n may_v be_v as_o a_o public_a library_n and_o repository_n of_o the_o same_o finis_fw-la
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
visible_a professor_n be_v destitute_a of_o any_o defence_n from_o internal_a motive_n and_o solid_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o there_o be_v never_o more_o cause_n to_o fear_v some_o unusual_a apostasy_n from_o the_o very_a visible_a profession_n of_o christ_n upon_o any_o violent_a trial_n and_o assault_v this_o way_n when_o such_o find_v it_o more_o easy_a to_o render_v up_o their_o religion_n than_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o same_o under_o strong_a temptation_n who_o yet_o never_o know_v that_o substance_n advantage_n or_o certainty_n herein_o as_o can_v preponderate_v with_o the_o want_n of_o all_o external_a motive_n for_o such_o a_o profession_n posit_n ii_o that_o thus_o one_o of_o the_o high_a service_n of_o these_o time_n for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v convince_o lie_v here_o to_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o firm_a certainty_n of_o the_o judgement_n on_o its_o own_o evidence_n more_o vigorous_o promote_v and_o the_o proper_a mean_n and_o assistance_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v for_o this_o end_n in_o some_o other_o manner_n yet_o improve_v than_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o this_o day_n for_o a_o more_o universal_a use_n the_o ground_n to_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n hereof_o be_v these_o i._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a wherever_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o man_n it_o come_v with_o so_o full_a a_o assurance_n of_o understanding_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o objective_a evidence_n as_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o possible_a doubtfulness_n herein_o which_o be_v the_o credit_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o in_o no_o other_o way_n it_o do_v require_v acceptance_n but_o with_o the_o further_a conviction_n of_o evidence_n ii_o because_o the_o express_a design_n and_o tendency_n of_o this_o bless_a revelation_n be_v no_o less_o to_o find_v such_o a_o rational_a assurance_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o its_o truth_n than_o to_o engage_v the_o will_n and_o consent_n for_o embrace_v thereof_o and_o though_o such_o great_a demonstration_n for_o this_o end_n can_v only_o in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la have_v a_o convince_a influence_n to_o persuade_v the_o understanding_n yet_o be_v they_o of_o such_o weight_n here_o as_o next_o to_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o great_a mean_n to_o bring_v up_o man_n assent_n to_o a_o full_a and_o quiet_v rest_n on_o that_o security_n to_o which_o they_o must_v trust_v themselves_o for_o ever_o and_o to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o this_o even_o here_o by_o the_o way_n be_v assure_o full_a though_o not_o yet_o their_o enjoyment_n iii_o because_o this_o faith_n of_o assent_n shall_v be_v first_o follow_v in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o conversion_n to_o know_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n wherein_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o the_o objective_a but_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o be_v not_o the_o internal_a work_n and_o testimony_n he_o give_v on_o the_o soul_n the_o first_o testimony_n but_o must_v still_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n without_o and_o such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n thereof_o wherewith_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n nor_o may_v any_o ever_o separate_a that_o which_o god_n have_v himself_o so_o indissoluble_o join_v iv_o that_o there_o be_v so_o convince_a a_o necessity_n and_o use_n hereof_o to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o a_o special_a way_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o youth_n for_o a_o more_o firm_a lay_n of_o the_o groundwork_n of_o their_o christian_a profession_n and_o for_o the_o seedplot_n of_o a_o bless_a and_o desirable_a growth_n among_o such_o in_o this_o day_n that_o they_o may_v thus_o know_v early_o something_o of_o these_o primary_n ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o also_o be_v it_o a_o study_n of_o that_o high_a importance_n as_o i_o humble_o judge_v shall_v be_v of_o notable_a use_n for_o a_o manuduction_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o student_n of_o divinity_n before_o they_o launch_v forth_o in_o that_o vast_a and_o immense_a ocean_n of_o the_o speculative_a part_n thereof_o and_o for_o be_v at_o some_o great_a advantage_n thus_o for_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o confirm_a work_n in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o future_a service_n v._o yea_o of_o what_o use_n may_v this_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o many_o who_o may_v be_v sore_o haunt_v with_o hide_a and_o dreadful_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n and_o to_o weaken_v they_o in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o be_v whole_o unfurnished_v of_o any_o such_o ground_n and_o argument_n in_o their_o judgement_n to_o repel_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o believe_v firm_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o save_v man_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n a_o much_o high_a act_n of_o faith_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v save_v we_o since_o as_o the_o one_o do_v unspeakable_o more_o transcend_v all_o human_a reason_n than_o the_o other_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n thus_o argue_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o less_o rom._n 8.32_o that_o he_o who_o give_v his_o own_o son_n to_o the_o death_n will_v he_o not_o also_o with_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n posit_n iii_o that_o such_o a_o confirm_v work_n be_v most_o special_o follow_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n to_o have_v this_o faith_n of_o assent_n and_o doctrinal_a certainty_n thereof_o on_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o evidence_n deep_o found_v in_o man_n judgement_n be_v so_o clear_a as_o can_v come_v under_o debate_n i._o that_o this_o way_n do_v the_o great_a author_n of_o our_o profession_n himself_o take_v not_o only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o power_n and_o energy_n of_o grace_n but_o with_o that_o convince_v evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o man_n understanding_n as_o might_n find_v also_o a_o firm_a and_o rational_a assurance_n hereof_o ii_o that_o for_o this_o end_n he_o do_v pray_v the_o father_n joh._n 17.21_o and_o be_v so_o much_o press_v herein_o that_o so_o great_a a_o external_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o concord_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o people_n may_v be_v keep_v clear_a that_o the_o world_n may_v thus_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o deep_a conviction_n hereof_o wrought_v in_o they_o by_o such_o a_o evidence_n iii_o that_o one_o special_a intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o luke_n be_v for_o this_o end_n luke_n 1.4_o that_o man_n may_v know_v not_o only_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o a_o naked_a relation_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v former_o instruct_v iv_o that_o herein_o do_v the_o ministry_n of_o apollo_n so_o bright_o shine_v forth_o act._n 18.28_o and_o be_v then_o of_o most_o singular_a use_n to_o the_o church_n by_o that_o clearness_n of_o rational_a conviction_n and_o demonstrative_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o great_a gainsayer_n can_v not_o withstand_v v._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v then_o without_o exception_n express_o require_v of_o the_o mean_a within_o the_o church_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o render_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n to_o all_o who_o ask_v and_o not_o only_o to_o know_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v but_o why_o they_o do_v so_o as_o be_v clear_a 1_o pet._n 3.15_o this_o can_v not_o be_v by_o bring_v forth_o of_o internal_a evidence_n for_o conviction_n of_o other_o but_o by_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o the_o most_o cogent_a ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v be_v most_o prevalent_a and_o confirm_v to_o the_o weak_a and_o leave_v other_o inexcusable_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v then_o special_o press_v in_o these_o primitive_a time_n as_o a_o proper_a test_n of_o their_o christian_a profession_n vi_o and_o we_o see_v herein_o also_o how_o much_o these_o excellent_a berean_o be_v take_v up_o and_o be_v so_o high_o commend_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 17.11_o to_o know_v the_o demonstrative_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o its_o own_o evidence_n with_o that_o entire_a harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o scripture_n therein_o and_o their_o be_v thus_o diligent_o intent_n in_o that_o comparing-work_n of_o religion_n to_o see_v the_o truth_n thereof_o not_o single_o and_o apart_o by_o themselves_o alone_o but_o in_o that_o joynt-union_n &_o coherence_n wherein_o they_o stand_v each_o in_o their_o own_o room_n for_o
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 any_o clear_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n thereof_o but_o to_o amazement_n both_o live_v and_o die_v stranger_n to_o the_o same_o yea_o how_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v otherwise_o serious_a in_o religion_n yet_o have_v their_o faith_n starve_v this_o way_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o any_o such_o support_n but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o the_o numerousness_n of_o professor_n but_o the_o strength_n and_o solidity_n of_o their_o faith_n wherein_o the_o church_n strength_n most_o lie_v and_o have_v more_o flourish_v in_o a_o few_o such_o to_o beget_v a_o great_a awe_n and_o veneration_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n than_o at_o other_o time_n in_o the_o great_a multitude_n so_o be_v it_o the_o glory_n of_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o can_v subsist_v by_o its_o own_o proper_a evidence_n and_o preserve_v its_o station_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n when_o all_o external_n argument_n do_v most_o visible_o cease_v posit_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a and_o clear_a how_o no_o simple_a instruct_v of_o man_n in_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v the_o proper_a and_o adequate_a mean_n for_o such_o a_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o on_o its_o own_o evidence_n or_o answer_v that_o apostolic_a pattern_n of_o lay_v the_o foundation_n heb._n 6.2_o but_o that_o some_o special_a duty_n else_o be_v call_v for_o to_o so_o high_a a_o end_n such_o wherein_n not_o only_o that_o true_a primitive_a confirmation_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v have_v some_o practical_a use_n but_o we_o may_v also_o hope_v therewith_o for_o a_o more_o remarkable_a outletting_a of_o confirm_v influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v herein_o i_o shall_v humble_o offer_v in_o a_o few_o particular_n i._o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o the_o ministerial_a work_n and_o of_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n to_o have_v all_o who_o hear_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o first_o place_n press_v to_o take_v religion_n so_o far_o to_o heart_n as_o to_o make_v a_o serious_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n hereof_o and_o thus_o to_o know_v their_o be_v on_o sure_a ground_n herein_o not_o because_o they_o know_v not_o another_o way_n but_o because_o they_o know_v this_o be_v the_o alone_a way_n of_o truth_n to_o which_o they_o dare_v trust_v their_o immortal_a soul_n ii_o that_o for_o this_o end_v the_o supreme_a truth_n of_o relion_n be_v represent_v with_o that_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n as_o both_o such_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n do_v require_v and_o the_o temper_n of_o such_o a_o gainsaying_n age_n now_o call_v for_o and_o to_o have_v this_o press_v more_o on_o man_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n that_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o the_o high_a consequence_n reality_n and_o substance_n can_v have_v no_o possible_a reception_n by_o any_o implicit_a or_o probable_a belief_n thereof_o nor_o can_v 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
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
death_n as_o a_o penalty_n which_o keep_v the_o fear_n and_o dread_v thereof_o so_o much_o on_o all_o live_n it_o be_v in_o that_o last_o period_n that_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o man_n be_v decide_v iii_o that_o the_o sting_n and_o bitterness_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o manifest_a in_o innumerable_a disease_n and_o stroke_n of_o death_n which_o many_o feel_v a_o 100_o time_n ere_o they_o die_v once_o beyond_o any_o other_o of_o the_o creature_n iv_o though_o the_o sentence_n of_o die_v be_v on_o all_o yet_o so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v betwixt_o the_o saint_n and_o residue_n of_o man_n here_o that_o its_o penal_a execution_n on_o the_o ungodly_a be_v such_o as_o nature_n can_v give_v no_o support_n under_o it_o v._o that_o supernatural_a presage_n and_o warning_n hereof_o ere_o it_o come_v be_v in_o all_o time_n know_v and_o sure_a yea_o such_o extraordinary_a evidence_n be_v sometime_o of_o the_o precise_a time_n as_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o any_o natural_a cause_n vi_o that_o its_o immediate_a commission_n from_o a_o supreme_a and_o invisible_a power_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o such_o execution_n oft_o of_o this_o sentence_n by_o sword_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n as_o the_o visible_a finger_n of_o god_n in_o a_o just_a retribution_n unto_o man_n for_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o less_o see_v and_o a_o supernatural_a causality_n than_o the_o effect_n have_v be_v undoubted_a and_o clear_a to_o show_v that_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n that_o this_o great_a revolution_n by_o death_n do_v each_o moment_n depend_v on_o a_o call_n from_o heaven_n vii_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o something_o supernatural_a in_o this_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v so_o know_v that_o as_o no_o relief_n can_v possible_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n to_o set_v man_n both_o above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o a_o after_o state_n when_o once_o it_o come_v near_o viii_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v sure_o above_o the_o possibility_n of_o nature_n which_o can_v bear_v out_o in_o this_o great_a adventure_n and_o trial_n of_o man_n faith_n both_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o strength_n thereof_o at_o death_n for_o which_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v thus_o choose_v that_o by_o so_o strange_a a_o entry_n and_o at_o so_o dark_a a_o port_n they_o shall_v first_o pass_v to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o glorious_a state_n above_o qu._n v._n what_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n can_v you_o show_v to_o confirm_v so_o great_a a_o faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a glory_n prepare_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o its_o earnest_n and_o first_o fruit_n here_o as_o may_v strike_v a_o undeniable_a conviction_n hereof_o on_o the_o world_n answ_n i._o the_o visible_a ripen_n and_o resemblance_n to_o such_o a_o state_n in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o christian_n growth_n to_o a_o more_o full_a stature_n of_o the_o man_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o the_o natural_a growth_n of_o our_o body_n ii_o though_o the_o open_n of_o these_o gate_n of_o the_o second_o world_n be_v hide_v so_o as_o no_o humane_a sense_n can_v discern_v the_o spirit_n in_o its_o ascent_n through_o those_o high_a region_n to_o that_o unconceivable_a paradise_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o three_o heaven_n yet_o be_v the_o triumphant_a entry_n and_o passage_n of_o innumerable_a christian_n at_o death_n such_o as_o have_v oft_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n iii_o such_o also_o be_v both_o humble_a tender_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o life_n and_o then_o in_o so_o great_a a_o composure_n of_o judgement_n that_o all_o may_v see_v they_o know_v what_o make_v they_o glad_a and_o can_v swallow_v up_o both_o the_o fear_n and_o bitterness_n of_o death_n yea_o and_o this_o be_v not_o give_v for_o their_o own_o support_n only_o but_o for_o a_o more_o public_a use_n for_o the_o conviction_n and_o confirmation_n of_o other_o iv_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n be_v demonstrable_a and_o have_v be_v oft_o bring_v down_o to_o man_n sense_n by_o these_o ravish_a joy_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o christ_n and_o exultation_n of_o spirit_n even_o in_o the_o flame_n v._o supernatural_a comfort_n attend_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n and_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o the_o flesh_n and_o outward_a cause_n with_o that_o joy_n and_o peace_n which_o by_o so_o natural_a a_o result_n follow_v well-doing_n and_o any_o service_n of_o love_n for_o christ_n which_o all_o may_v see_v to_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o that_o harvest_n which_o be_v above_o vi_o rare_a and_o marvellous_a a_o frame_n of_o the_o new_a man_n set_v up_o in_o this_o low_a region_n of_o grace_n in_o so_o discernible_a a_o conformity_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o resemblance_n to_o another_o state_n than_o here_o to_o which_o the_o world_n be_v but_o as_o a_o place_n of_o pilgrimage_n trial_n and_o a_o preparatory_a state_n only_o vii_o visible_a return_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n christian_n have_v after_o sad_a conflict_n and_o down-castings_a and_o such_o daybreak_n of_o vital_a quicken_a beam_n of_o divine_a light_n that_o have_v often_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o that_o of_o the_o martyr_n at_o the_o stake_n who_o cry_v out_o now_o he_o be_v come_v he_o be_v come_v viii_o their_o breathe_n of_o love_n after_o a_o unseen_a christ_n and_o visible_a effect_n of_o its_o power_n on_o man_n may_v show_v some_o begin_a translation_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o far_o herein_o as_o to_o be_v more_o where_o it_o love_v than_o where_o it_o live_v ix_o though_o we_o can_v see_v here_o that_o ineffable_a glory_n which_o be_v above_o but_o shall_v have_v our_o faith_n instead_o of_o eye_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o holiness_n as_o do_v not_o only_a evidence_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n partake_v of_o a_o future_a glory_n so_o as_o every_o degree_n and_o act_n thereof_o do_v enter_v in_o a_o begin_v state_n of_o fruition_n and_o blessedness_n and_o make_v it_o simple_o impossible_a for_o a_o good_a man_n in_o any_o true_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n not_o to_o be_v happy_a also_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o more_o near_a capacity_n to_o know_v that_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o x._o by_o so_o sure_a know_v and_o try_v a_o passage_n betwixt_o heaven_n and_o man_n soul_n in_o prayer_n with_o so_o settle_a a_o trade_n of_o commerce_n this_o way_n and_o certain_a return_n as_o with_o assurance_n such_o can_v say_v though_o they_o must_v change_v their_o place_n yet_o not_o their_o company_n xi_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n in_o israel_n passage_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o so_o excellent_a a_o country_n as_o canaan_n be_v no_o less_o sure_a in_o its_o self_n than_o that_o it_o be_v give_v for_o a_o emblem_n and_o type_n of_o the_o journey_v and_o militant_a state_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o and_o to_o be_v a_o solemn_a pledge_n of_o that_o canaan_n above_o xii_o such_o be_v the_o magnificence_n harmony_n and_o order_n of_o these_o visible_a heaven_n and_o celestial_a body_n there_o with_o their_o different_a degree_n of_o glory_n though_o all_o illuminate_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o light_a the_o sun_n as_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o a_o divine_a ordination_n to_o have_v some_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o that_o end_n to_o awake_v and_o raise_v our_o thought_n to_o these_o high_a region_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o all_o these_o by_o what_o be_v thus_o visible_a to_o our_o eye_n where_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v ever_o fix_v and_o shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n qu._n vi_o what_o visible_a and_o awaken_n evidence_n be_v there_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o hell_n and_o that_o state_n of_o horror_n and_o torment_n in_o another_o world_n which_o even_o to_o man_n sense_n here_o may_v present_v the_o certainty_n thereof_o answ_n i._o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n and_o party_n as_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n than_o the_o reality_n of_o some_o such_o a_o horrid_a region_n and_o place_n also_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o be_v adjudge_v to_o ii_o from_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o human_a race_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o visible_a service_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n but_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o enmity_n against_o the_o holy_a god_n and_o his_o image_n which_o do_v clear_o witness_v their_o respect_n and_o tendency_n to_o the_o same_o state_n and_o place_n and_o confederacy_n in_o their_o judgement_n as_o here_o in_o their_o sin_n iii_o such_o visible_a impression_n of_o vindictive_a justice_n be_v on_o man_n soul_n with_o such_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o unsufferable_a torment_n
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
to_o a_o further_o establish_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n there_o as_o though_o such_o have_v intentional_o act_v for_o the_o same_o when_o if_o second_o cause_n have_v bring_v forth_o their_o ordinary_a effect_n it_o may_v have_v be_v judge_v impossible_a to_o fail_v xiii_o we_o have_v see_v that_o issue_n of_o all_o the_o counsel_n expense_n and_o cruelty_n of_o philip_n the_o ii_o of_o spain_n to_o bear_v down_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o netherlands_o which_o be_v to_o the_o further_a settle_v of_o this_o illustrious_a state_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o yea_o how_o their_o conspicuous_a rise_n and_o flourish_a even_o in_o the_o external_o and_o their_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n do_v most_o visible_o keep_v together_o fourteen_o we_o know_v that_o deluge_n of_o blood_n which_o so_o quick_o follow_v the_o french_a massacre_n and_o the_o most_o dismal_a time_n which_o ever_o that_o nation_n know_v do_v then_o visible_o contemporate_a with_o such_o a_o time_n of_o their_o great_a rage_n and_o persecution_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o event_n of_o the_o three_o vial_n most_o clear_o fulfil_v herein_o rev._n 16.5_o 6._o thou_o be_v righteous_a o_o lord_n which_o art_n and_o waste_v and_o shall_v be_v because_o thou_o have_v judge_v thus_o for_o they_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o thy_o saint_n and_o prophet_n and_o thou_o have_v give_v they_o blood_n to_o drink_v in_o great_a measure_n xv._o yea_o have_v we_o not_o see_v how_o four_o king_n of_o france_n successive_o be_v in_o less_o than_o thirty_o year_n take_v away_o in_o the_o same_o continue_a pursuit_n how_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n there_o in_o who_o that_o whole_a race_n of_o the_o valois_n be_v thus_o extinct_a yea_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o death_n be_v most_o remarkable_a monument_n of_o divine_a judgement_n as_o the_o most_o famous_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n do_v attest_v xvi_o we_o have_v see_v what_o marvellous_a effect_n do_v follow_v those_o bloody_a year_n of_o queen_n mary_n reign_n in_o england_n to_o promote_v and_o commend_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n to_o man_n conscience_n there_o with_o so_o great_a a_o triumph_n as_o it_o have_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o such_o choice_n and_o excellent_a witness_n for_o christ_n and_o have_v bring_v in_o more_o rent_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o bless_a head_n than_o may_v to_o the_o further_a compense_n all_o that_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n there_o though_o high_o precious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n xvii_o we_o have_v see_v likewise_o the_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n of_o late_a against_o the_o protestant_n in_o bohemia_n in_o a_o short_a time_n most_o visible_o return_v on_o the_o author_n thereof_o and_o how_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o god_n may_v be_v see_v in_o call_v forth_o the_o swede_n to_o avenge_v the_o same_o and_o in_o that_o desolate_v stroke_n which_o follow_v in_o germany_n xviii_o we_o have_v see_v in_o these_o late_a time_n the_o issue_n of_o that_o horrid_a massacre_n on_o the_o protestant_n in_o ireland_n to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n in_o a_o very_a few_o year_n after_o of_o that_o barbarous_a party_n who_o have_v thus_o act_v herein_o xix_o we_o have_v see_v what_o wonderful_a providence_n do_v attend_v the_o act_n of_o that_o poor_a handful_n of_o protestant_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o piedmont_n since_o the_o reformation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o bloody_a massacre_n which_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n there_o against_o they_o which_o be_v so_o astonish_v as_o all_o may_v see_v a_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o as_o be_v clear_o attest_v by_o the_o most_o faithful_a history_n of_o that_o time_n xx._n and_o can_v it_o be_v forget_v unto_o this_o day_n how_o visible_o a_o divine_a hand_n do_v appear_v in_o break_v that_o great_a spanish_a armado_n in_o the_o year_n 1588._o which_o have_v be_v for_o some_o year_n in_o contrive_v against_o england_n xxi_o astonish_v and_o special_o demonstrative_a of_o the_o immediate_a power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o praise_v also_o for_o after_o age_n be_v that_o solemn_a time_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o scotland_n for_o plant_v the_o reform_a religion_n there_o with_o that_o zeal_n and_o oneness_n of_o spirit_n as_o do_v then_o appear_v in_o all_o rank_n to_o embrace_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o profession_n thereof_o amid_o the_o great_a threaten_n of_o their_o adversary_n so_o as_o a_o few_o year_n do_v bring_v forth_o that_o which_o will_v have_v seem_v strange_a for_o a_o age_n to_o accomplish_v yea_o that_o we_o find_v betwixt_o the_o last_o martyr_n for_o the_o truth_n there_o who_o be_v burn_v at_o st._n andrews_n 1558._o and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o full_a abolishment_n of_o popery_n with_o the_o full_a concurrence_n of_o civil_a authority_n herein_o in_o july_n 1560._o be_v but_o little_a above_o two_o year_n to_o show_v what_o great_a thing_n the_o lord_n can_v do_v above_o all_o humane_a council_n or_o confidence_n xxii_o it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v in_o what_o remarkable_a degree_n these_o last_o vial_n of_o the_o holy_a judgement_n of_o god_n have_v take_v place_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o how_o conspicuous_a the_o event_n have_v be_v of_o that_o prophecy_n 2_o thes_n 2.8_o in_o these_o great_a effect_n and_o consumption_n thereof_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o assure_a pledge_n of_o the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o what_o remain_v herein_o xxiii_o and_o as_o every_o step_n of_o the_o church_n rise_v have_v be_v still_o advance_v in_o a_o continue_a conflict_n betwixt_o the_o truth_n and_o antichrist_n so_o have_v we_o still_o see_v when_o the_o assault_n and_o opposition_n have_v be_v great_a it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a tendency_n to_o a_o great_a victory_n which_o be_v it_o right_o consider_v upon_o clear_a and_o solid_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n the_o most_o formidable_a appearance_n of_o trouble_n from_o this_o adversary_n will_v with_o more_o comfort_n than_o fear_v this_o day_n be_v look_v on_o so_o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o near_a and_o most_o immediate_a event_n yet_o be_v it_o sure_a as_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a who_o word_n be_v pass_v hereon_o that_o whosoever_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v that_o interest_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v lose_v the_o day_n and_o find_v their_o cause_n desperate_a for_o the_o party_n with_o who_o they_o contend_v herein_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n against_o who_o no_o humane_a power_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v these_o be_v but_o a_o few_o which_o be_v here_o mention_v of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o our_o god_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v still_o as_o present_v in_o our_o sight_n in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v and_o faint_a and_o here_o mention_v to_o lay_v no_o stress_n or_o weight_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o profession_n thereon_o but_o on_o the_o alone_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o they_o be_v such_o a_o undeniable_a seal_n for_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o of_o so_o know_v public_a and_o famous_a evidence_n as_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o consider_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n now_o than_o in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n thus_o appear_v herein_o section_n iii_o qu._n what_o present_a judgement_n be_v we_o call_v to_o have_v of_o this_o time_n upon_o clear_a and_o assure_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v under_o what_o aspect_n thereof_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v under_o when_o so_o great_a a_o crisis_n be_v this_o day_n as_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o very_a height_n of_o its_o conflict_n whether_o as_o to_o life_n or_o death_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v no_o present_a appearance_n of_o the_o time_n that_o must_v direct_v our_o faith_n nor_o shall_v we_o either_o stretch_v our_o fear_n or_o expectation_n of_o thing_n and_o event_n beyond_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n do_v warrant_n in_o his_o word_n but_o it_o be_v clear_a if_o we_o credit_v the_o same_o and_o admit_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o hesitation_n or_o darkness_n as_o to_o what_o the_o lord_n be_v bring_v forth_o for_o his_o church_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o pretence_n to_o seek_v another_o light_n either_o from_o the_o star_n above_o or_o the_o diviner_n of_o this_o time_n when_o so_o woeful_a a_o trade_n have_v get_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n wtll_v thus_o go_v to_o the_o god_n of_o ekron_n as_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o
god_n in_o israel_n or_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o his_o write_a oracle_n to_o inquire_v at_o when_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o lie_n open_a and_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sound_n speak_v to_o all_o who_o have_v a_o serious_a and_o unprejudged_a spirit_n i._o that_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v now_o pass_v and_o go_v through_o that_o most_o dismal_a and_o continue_a trial_n herein_o which_o be_v to_o go_v over_o her_o head_n under_o antichrist_n reign_v and_o height_n and_o whatever_o appearance_n he_o now_o have_v in_o great_a wrath_n yet_o be_v it_o sure_a and_o evident_a that_o the_o winter_n be_v past_a and_o the_o church_n spring_v begin_v and_o a_o few_o step_n further_o off_o that_o judgement_n which_o be_v now_o hasten_v on_o will_v at_o length_n end_v the_o quarrel_n so_o that_o by_o a_o near_a converse_n with_o the_o word_n we_o may_v clear_o see_v from_o what_o point_n the_o church_n course_n and_o motion_n this_o day_n lie_v and_o how_o exact_o it_o keep_v in_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o by_o the_o clear_a conduct_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o a_o full_a map_n of_o her_o whole_a course_n and_o passage_n through_o time_n be_v clear_o show_v ii_o that_o we_o may_v now_o with_o some_o clear_a evidence_n judge_n and_o have_v our_o faith_n persuade_v hereof_o that_o the_o church_n interest_n be_v upon_o the_o rise_a hand_n and_o on_o a_o present_a advance_n though_o nothing_o will_v seem_v more_o contradictory_n than_o all_o visible_a ground_n now_o be_v since_o this_o can_v fail_v john_n 3.30_o that_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o earth_n must_v increase_v yea_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o clear_o point_v forth_o antichrist_n ruin_n and_o progress_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o downcasting_a with_o resemblance_n to_o that_o great_a judgement_n on_o pharaoh_n as_o a_o evident_a type_n hereof_o in_o the_o same_o judicial_a stroke_n of_o induration_n on_o both_o and_o gradual_a progress_n herein_o by_o one_o plague_n after_o another_o until_o the_o last_o and_o great_a assault_n as_o be_v then_o at_o the_o red_a sea_n have_v the_o same_o effect_n for_o a_o more_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o great_a step_n of_o judgement_n and_o victory_n over_o this_o adversary_n when_o not_o only_o the_o song_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o the_o lamb_n also_o shall_v be_v then_o sing_v rev._n 15.3_o as_o import_v something_o more_o glorious_a and_o a_o great_a brightness_n to_o be_v put_v on_o this_o illustrious_a act_n of_o divine_a judgement_n reserve_v to_o these_o last_o time_n when_o a_o more_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v see_v than_o in_o any_o former_a deliverance_n of_o his_o church_n iii_o it_o be_v no_o conjectural_a thing_n but_o what_o by_o a_o clear_a scripture_n conduct_v we_o may_v see_v that_o this_o time_n of_o the_o church_n now_o under_o so_o notable_a a_o crisis_n in_o her_o case_n be_v evident_o fall_v under_o that_o remarkable_a assault_n and_o conflict_n with_o that_o adversary_n before_o the_o accomplish_n of_o that_o vial_n on_o his_o seat_n and_o throne_n as_o we_o may_v see_v rev._n 17.13_o 14._o that_o when_o so_o conspicuous_a a_o step_n of_o the_o church_n victory_n be_v near_o the_o opposition_n thereto_o also_o will_v be_v in_o some_o high_a degree_n proportionable_a to_o the_o same_o when_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o such_o who_o shall_v receive_v power_n as_o king_n one_o hour_n with_o the_o beast_n shall_v have_v one_o mind_n and_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n thereto_o and_o shall_v make_v war_n with_o the_o lamb_n but_o the_o lamb_n shall_v overcome_v they_o for_o he_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v it_o find_v through_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v any_o great_a thing_n for_o his_o church_n but_o some_o unusual_a darkness_n and_o sore-wrestling_n have_v still_o go_v before_o and_o shall_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o stagger_v to_o our_o faith_n whatever_o it_o be_v of_o present_a fear_n to_o see_v so_o dismal_a a_o time_n of_o trial_n as_o now_o be_v and_o amaze_a height_n of_o trouble_n beyond_o what_o former_a time_n have_v know_v when_o one_o of_o the_o great_a event_n of_o providence_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o reveal_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n until_o his_o second_o come_v be_v assure_o near_a in_o the_o fall_n and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n iu._n we_o have_v clear_a ground_n also_o to_o judge_v that_o so_o great_a a_o eclipse_n as_o seem_v almost_o universal_o over_o the_o state_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v no_o go_v down_o of_o the_o sun_n thereon_o whatever_o do_v befall_v the_o most_o famous_a eastern_a church_n to_o a_o utter_a dissipation_n thereof_o if_o these_o different_a period_n of_o time_n be_v just_o consider_v how_o their_o sunset_n do_v then_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o entry_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o with_o that_o long_a and_o dismal_a night_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v whilst_o now_o this_o hour_n of_o trial_n on_o the_o church_n do_v meet_v in_o that_o bless_a period_n of_o antichrist_n begin_v fall_v and_o of_o a_o grow_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o the_o scripture_n so_o clear_o warrant_v our_o faith_n herein_o that_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o plant_v and_o not_o cut_v off_o but_o to_o bring_v forward_o that_o interest_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o sound_n of_o which_o the_o mediator_n have_v so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n in_o these_o last_o time_n v._o it_o be_v sure_a we_o now_o live_v in_o the_o evening_n and_o extremity_n of_o time_n when_o the_o motion_n of_o providence_n may_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v more_o quick_a and_o speedy_a as_o be_v so_o near_o the_o centre_n and_o to_o the_o last_o epocha_n and_o period_n of_o all_o prophetic_a chronology_n wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n shall_v most_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o and_o these_o scripture_n truth_n which_o be_v former_o dark_a and_o abstruse_a with_o that_o evidence_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o event_n as_o shall_v cause_v man_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o former_a thought_n and_o stumbling_n thereat_o and_o here_o i_o must_v say_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sight_n now_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o its_o complex_fw-la frame_n and_o state_n in_o so_o different_a a_o mould_n cast_v from_o any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n else_o and_o such_o a_o compound_v of_o a_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a monarchy_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v so_o solemn_a and_o undeniable_a a_o seal_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o be_v strange_a why_o this_o be_v not_o improve_v more_o against_o the_o atheism_n of_o this_o time_n that_o such_o a_o visible_a event_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o in_o be_v which_o be_v so_o clear_o foretell_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1500._o year_n ago_o with_o its_o proper_a circumstance_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o antichristian_a state_n with_o its_o rise_n growth_n and_o duration_n as_o be_v to_o admiration_n still_o evident_a to_o the_o world_n when_o not_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o appearance_n of_o so_o strange_a future_a emergency_n be_v to_o be_v see_v or_o can_v have_v enter_v man_n thought_n to_o show_v it_o only_o can_v be_v reveal_v to_o the_o church_n by_o he_o to_o who_o all_o his_o work_n be_v know_v from_o the_o beginning_n this_o i_o have_v look_v on_o as_o such_o a_o confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o no_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n can_v have_v more_o evidence_n for_o the_o same_o yea_o if_o such_o a_o party_n be_v not_o in_o be_v both_o what_o it_o now_o be_v and_o in_o former_a age_n have_v be_v it_o may_v in_o another_o manner_n stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o a_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o its_o most_o formidable_a appearance_n this_o day_n can_v do_v vi_o i_o shall_v but_o add_v here_o that_o we_o know_v and_o be_v sure_a the_o lord_n have_v reserve_v his_o great_a work_n to_o these_o latter_a day_n wherein_o his_o judgement_n shall_v be_v manifest_a and_o that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n before_o the_o close_a of_o time_n shall_v be_v conspicuous_a in_o the_o fall_n of_o antichrist_n on_o who_o ruin_n that_o glorious_a house_n which_o christ_n be_v yet_o to_o have_v for_o himself_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v be_v prepare_v and_o build_v up_o and_o though_o this_o great_a eclipse_n of_o antichristian_a darkness_n shall_v yet_o more_o prevail_v even_o
declarative_a glory_n be_v so_o high_o concern_v that_o a_o christian_n shall_v account_v the_o mean_a room_n herein_o one_o of_o the_o most_o desirable_a attainment_n within_o time_n yea_o it_o seem_v just_a matter_n of_o regret_n also_o that_o this_o come_v not_o under_o a_o more_o public_a care_n and_o notice_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n where_o religion_n have_v any_o true_a regard_n to_o have_v such_o solemn_a providence_n as_o occur_v in_o that_o time_n and_o place_n which_o may_v be_v call_v most_o instructive_a providence_n to_o the_o church_n and_o of_o a_o further_a reach_n and_o extent_n than_o any_o private_a use_n both_o search_v after_o and_o record_v as_o become_v so_o high_a a_o service_n to_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o one_o of_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o posterity_n in_o order_n to_o have_v they_o not_o only_o possess_v of_o a_o pure_a religion_n but_o of_o that_o seal_n also_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o the_o great_a act_n of_o providence_n append_v thereto_o and_o thus_o to_o have_v that_o increase_n which_o each_o successive_a age_n bring_v therewith_o to_o the_o public_a stock_n of_o the_o church_n look_v after_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o the_o great_a trust_n repose_v thereon_o so_o that_o the_o child_n rise_v not_o up_o and_o say_v we_o have_v not_o hear_v nor_o have_v our_o father_n faithful_o communicate_v to_o we_o the_o wondrous_a work_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v in_o their_o time_n 3._o he_o be_v thus_o also_o teach_v to_o see_v the_o demonstrative_a cause_n of_o the_o most_o strange_a judgement_n on_o the_o church_n to_o be_v as_o clear_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o event_n and_o though_o the_o holy_a god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a be_v not_o alike_o quick_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o word_n yet_o do_v he_o ever_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o most_o opportune_a season_n and_o as_o judgement_n defer_v be_v no_o acquittance_n so_o do_v it_o more_o threaten_v its_o be_v the_o great_a when_o it_o come_v than_o a_o quick_a and_o present_a dispatch_n yea_o though_o this_o tempest_n which_o now_o blow_v on_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o the_o darkness_n be_v such_o as_o no_o moon_n or_o star_n may_v for_o many_o day_n yet_o appear_v of_o any_o visible_a sign_n of_o hope_n yet_o be_v his_o soul_n thus_o at_o rest_n whilst_o he_o can_v see_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n clear_v on_o which_o he_o have_v more_o in_o trust_n than_o any_o adventure_n within_o time_n and_o do_v rejoice_v whatever_o miscarry_v there_o may_v be_v of_o inferior_a end_n that_o this_o great_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v secure_v herein_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n do_v shine_v forth_o in_o the_o most_o strange_a and_o amaze_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n whereat_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o stagger_v when_o they_o do_v not_o wise_o consider_v the_o same_o 4._o he_o see_v now_o likewise_o so_o high_a a_o value_n which_o the_o lord_n put_v on_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n and_o that_o the_o great_a dispensation_n whereby_o he_o deal_v with_o man_n be_v by_o trust_n and_o on_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o word_n as_o it_o add_v further_a to_o his_o confirmation_n to_o see_v all_o humane_a and_o visible_a refuge_n oft_o take_v out_o of_o his_o church_n sight_n yea_o his_o great_a work_n in_o the_o earth_n make_v the_o great_a delay_n ere_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o and_o his_o church_n case_n be_v put_v so_o far_o beyond_o help_n before_o a_o cure_n as_o the_o first_o quicken_n of_o her_o crush_a and_o almost_o dead_a hope_n must_v be_v at_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o he_o be_v thus_o herein_o more_o singular_o strengthen_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n speak_v the_o same_o in_o the_o way_n of_o providence_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n not_o by_o may_v nor_o by_o power_n that_o he_o do_v with_o unspeakable_a advantage_n supply_v and_o fill_v the_o room_n thereof_o by_o the_o next_o word_n but_o by_o my_o spirit_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o in_o this_o day_n shall_v with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v both_o seek_v and_o look_v after_o 5._o it_o be_v in_o this_o rare_a study_n he_o attain_v also_o the_o great_a confirmation_n to_o his_o faith_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v desire_v within_o time_n to_o see_v now_o when_o it_o be_v so_o near_a the_o close_a thereof_o and_o after_o all_o the_o revolution_n of_o time_n past_a how_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n have_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o strength_n still_o keep_v its_o way_n straight_o and_o fix_v amid_o all_o those_o dark_a cloud_n which_o have_v be_v to_o darken_v the_o same_o and_o be_v now_o go_v its_o course_n until_o it_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a day_n yea_o thus_o to_o see_v how_o signal_o this_o present_a age_n be_v hold_v upon_o that_o same_o appeal_n andd_v solemn_a testimony_n which_o joshua_n give_v josh_n 23.14_o that_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n speak_v concern_v you_o all_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v to_o you_o and_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v thereof_o and_o solomon_n do_v bear_v also_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n 1_o king_n 8.56_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v give_v rest_n unto_o his_o people_n israel_n according_a to_o all_o that_o he_o promise_v there_o have_v not_o fail_v one_o word_n of_o all_o his_o good_a promise_n which_o he_o promise_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n so_o be_v this_o now_o that_o great_a testimony_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o the_o high_a tribute_n of_o praise_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v give_v by_o man_n that_o this_o present_a generation_n stand_v accountable_a to_o make_v the_o same_o yea_o much_o great_a appeal_n to_o the_o world_n if_o they_o can_v instance_n one_o promise_v or_o prediction_n of_o that_o sacred_a record_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o fail_v or_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o may_v be_v this_o day_n read_v in_o the_o event_n and_o under_o those_o proper_a circumstance_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o take_v place_n in_o its_o proper_a season_n as_o evident_o as_o it_o be_v foretell_v and_o must_v still_o bear_v the_o same_o witness_n psal_n 18.30_o that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a and_o his_o word_n try_v on_o all_o the_o adventure_n of_o faith_n and_o trial_n which_o to_o this_o moment_n of_o time_n have_v be_v make_v hereof_o and_o of_o his_o be_v still_o a_o buckler_n to_o such_o as_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o be_v call_v to_o send_v this_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o the_o succeed_a age_n that_o it_o may_v never_o cease_v to_o shine_v or_o want_v a_o public_a witness_n thereto_o before_o angel_n and_o man_n until_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v finish_v in_o that_o magnificent_a close_n which_o shall_v be_v thereof_o at_o the_o second_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n carat_n v._o a_o confirm_a christian_a in_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v thus_o also_o state_v as_o one_o who_o have_v not_o only_o attain_v a_o solid_a rest_n and_o settlement_n of_o mind_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o do_v know_v the_o pure_a genuine_a truth_n of_o christianity_n amid_o such_o high_a opposition_n betwixt_o the_o romish_a and_o reform_a church_n herein_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n have_v in_o this_o manner_n hold_v himself_o upon_o such_o a_o trial_n 1._o as_o one_o who_o know_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o save_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n to_o which_o god_n have_v annex_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o can_v never_o be_v divide_v against_o itself_o 2._o who_o know_v that_o within_o a_o little_a while_n his_o religion_n will_v be_v try_v in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n where_o every_o man_n must_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n 3._o who_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a indifference_n in_o the_o exterior_a profession_n of_o either_o way_n but_o that_o so_o high_a a_o contrariety_n of_o principle_n be_v in_o this_o opposition_n that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v sure_a antichristianism_n must_v be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n 4._o yea_o who_o have_v in_o that_o abstract_n manner_n seek_v to_o state_n the_o case_n herein_o with_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o be_v just_o come_v out_o of_o paganism_n to_o give_v a_o serious_a
which_o be_v more_o extraordinary_a and_o remote_a assistance_n thereto_o 2._o that_o these_o be_v give_v as_o such_o a_o great_a help_n to_o his_o joy_n and_o excitement_n of_o his_o affection_n to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o as_o may_v make_v he_o wonder_v how_o the_o greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o man_n be_v call_v to_o believe_v can_v come_v near_o their_o thought_n and_o yet_o no_o more_o take_v they_o up_o about_o this_o confirm_v work_n 3._o that_o the_o too_o visible_a neglect_n hereof_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o youth_n and_o community_n of_o professor_n in_o the_o church_n seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a and_o fundamental_a defect_n of_o this_o day_n the_o reason_n hereof_o with_o some_o clear_a view_n of_o these_o mean_n whicâ—â—ight_v most_o answer_v such_o a_o end_n be_v brief_o offer_v in_o this_o precede_a work_n carat_n vii_o a_o true_o confirm_a christian_n may_v in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v herein_o also_o consider_v as_o such_o who_o faith_n be_v oft_o try_v through_o all_o these_o stage_n of_o christianity_n he_o have_v be_v take_v have_v some_o proper_a record_n of_o the_o most_o choice_a and_o signal_n confirmation_n of_o his_o life_n to_o improve_v the_o same_o not_o only_o for_o his_o own_o support_n in_o that_o last_o warfare_n of_o death_n but_o for_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o wherein_o he_o do_v thus_o judge_n 1._o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a support_n or_o relief_n from_o religion_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n if_o it_o can_v bear_v out_o then_o and_o that_o death_n be_v the_o great_a toâ—chstone_n and_o trial_n when_o the_o true_a value_n and_o difference_n betwixt_o thing_n of_o a_o eternal_a truth_n and_o substance_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v be_v best_a see_v 2._o he_o reckon_v each_o real_a christian_a by_o his_o profession_n then_o engage_v and_o accountable_a even_o by_o some_o explicit_a personal_a testimony_n to_o put_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a and_o bear_v the_o same_o witness_n with_o his_o last_o and_o die_a breath_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o he_o give_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o of_o that_o joy_n complacence_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v find_v and_o now_o have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o press_v the_o same_o on_o his_o dear_a relation_n as_o their_o alone_a true_a interest_n 3._o he_o see_v also_o how_o honourable_a it_o be_v for_o the_o lord_n that_o such_o who_o faith_n have_v be_v oft_o try_v and_o when_o thus_o with_o joy_n and_o admiration_n he_o can_v look_v back_o on_o the_o most_o press_a and_o conspicuous_a conflict_n of_o time_n shall_v have_v it_o their_o last_o work_n to_o pay_v in_o some_o tribute_n of_o praise_n unto_o he_o who_o word_n and_o promise_v unto_o they_o do_v yet_o never_o fail_v 4._o he_o account_v the_o more_o weighty_a trial_n he_o have_v be_v carry_v through_o in_o his_o christian_a warfare_n do_v both_o add_v more_o to_o this_o service_n and_o impart_v more_o to_o the_o value_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n 5._o he_o judge_v this_o one_o special_a way_n and_o advantage_n whereby_o one_o generation_n may_v declare_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n unto_o another_o in_o a_o family_n line_n and_o relation_n to_o show_v forth_o thus_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v upright_o that_o he_o be_v their_o rock_n and_o with_o he_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n yea_o which_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o unspeakable_a joy_n when_o now_o in_o his_o turn_n he_o can_v say_v that_o such_o have_v the_o lord_n be_v to_o he_o what_o be_v david_n die_a word_n 1_o king_n 1.14_o who_o have_v deliver_v my_o soul_n out_o of_o all_o distress_n how_o that_o in_o no_o trouble_n or_o exigence_n of_o his_o life_n he_o be_v ever_o leave_v without_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n and_o thus_o also_o with_o caleb_n josh_n 14.10_o to_o give_v in_o some_o such_o witness_n for_o god_n i_o be_o now_o near_o the_o close_a of_o time_n and_o do_v testify_v that_o the_o word_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o promise_v he_o have_v sure_o accomplish_v which_o have_v bring_v i_o safe_a and_o honourable_o through_o when_o such_o as_o do_v distrust_v the_o same_o by_o misbelief_n and_o seek_v after_o another_o refuge_n find_v all_o their_o confidence_n fail_v 6._o and_o know_v likewise_o how_o great_a a_o suprizal_n death_n may_v be_v and_o that_o such_o as_o have_v shine_v in_o their_o day_n may_v yet_o set_v under_o a_o cloud_n and_o go_v silent_a off_o the_o stage_n he_o judge_v it_o the_o more_o needful_a to_o have_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o his_o die_a work_n prepare_v as_o one_o of_o the_o choice_a legacy_n he_o can_v bequeath_v to_o his_o survive_v friend_n in_o a_o season_n when_o it_o have_v usual_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o weight_n and_o acceptance_n it_o be_v still_o qualify_v with_o christian_a prudence_n and_o humble_a sobriety_n so_o as_o all_o may_v see_v its_o whole_a intent_n be_v to_o commend_v to_o man_n conscience_n the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o not_o themselves_o and_o thus_o direct_v it_o for_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o near_a relation_n i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v strange_a to_o some_o what_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o head_n but_o as_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o present_a day_n have_v its_o duty_n and_o each_o time_n of_o out_o life_n have_v some_o proper_a work_n so_o i_o humble_o judge_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o fall_v in_o as_o the_o last_o service_n of_o a_o die_a christian_a to_o his_o generation_n to_o deliver_v off_o his_o hand_n the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o have_v oft_o prove_v with_o his_o confirmatory_n seal_n and_o testimony_n thereto_o and_o now_o be_v it_o in_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n call_v for_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o great_a darkness_n when_o if_o the_o security_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n stand_v not_o good_a to_o the_o church_n we_o may_v fear_v religion_n may_v quick_o wear_v out_o and_o truth_n perish_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o so_o solemn_a and_o weighty_a a_o thing_n shall_v it_o be_v manage_v with_o much_o humble_a prudence_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o serious_a and_o observe_v christian_n but_o have_v some_o peculiar_a engagement_n under_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o hold_v even_o beyond_o other_o yea_o some_o such_o singular_a confirmation_n in_o the_o journal_n of_o their_o life_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o hide_v under_o the_o ground_n where_o the_o strengthen_n of_o other_o hereby_o be_v concern_v and_o that_o such_o shall_v not_o then_o leave_v the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n at_o a_o loss_n or_o part_v therewith_o without_o their_o testimony_n which_o have_v leave_v they_o at_o so_o grâ—at_a a_o advantage_n and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o offer_v particular_a rule_n in_o such_o a_o duty_n but_o that_o christian_a wisdom_n must_v direct_v herein_o as_o the_o present_a case_n be_v circumstantiate_v yet_o may_v it_o be_v hope_v be_v this_o more_o take_v to_o heart_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o singular_a mean_n to_o make_v more_o deep_a impression_n of_o man_n die_a work_n on_o their_o spirit_n even_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o health_n to_o excite_v their_o survive_a friend_n and_o to_o keep_v religion_n thus_o alive_a in_o a_o family_n state_n and_o relation_n and_o gain_v a_o more_o venerable_a respect_n to_o the_o same_o on_o man_n conscience_n yea_o to_o fix_v also_o strong_a engagement_n on_o the_o succeed_a offspring_n thus_o be_v present_v here_o a_o short_a idea_n of_o the_o solid_a and_o judicious_a work_n of_o christian_a confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n under_o these_o forego_n character_n to_o show_v how_o rare_a a_o attainment_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v yea_o to_o present_a herein_o a_o special_a series_n and_o scale_n of_o the_o great_a step_n in_o this_o confirmatory_n work_n by_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v follow_v and_o none_o of_o these_o may_v be_v part_v from_o other_o though_o some_o be_v of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o absolute_a use_n for_o such_o a_o end_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v here_o what_o need_v any_o such_o expense_n of_o time_n or_o pain_n in_o this_o case_n when_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o essential_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o question_v and_o that_o without_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n no_o external_a mean_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v be_v of_o use_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o alone_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o beget_v a_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a faith_n without_o which_o the_o further_a light_n and_o objective_a evidence_n though_o back_v with_o a_o continue_a dispensation_n of_o external_n miracle_n can_v never_o bear_v christian_n out_o either_o as_o to_o