Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n heart_n know_v speak_v 4,049 5 4.4293 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39768 The true settlement of a Christians faith,bafter shaking assaults, by its own evidence; and by the internal sealing work of the spirit; pointed at, in some special inquiries thereon in a letter to a friend. With some serious reflections on the present times we are in, and those great vicissitudes of providence, wihch have been in the publick state of Britain in this last age, in a II. letter. By a minister of the Ghospel [sic]. Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694. 1692 (1692) Wing F1277A; ESTC R215628 111,123 216

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and_o immortality_n in_o a_o future_a state_n as_o have_v make_v it_o there_o continue_a and_o high_a exercise_n to_o have_v a_o further_o and_o new_a strenthn_n of_o there_o faith_n herein_o who_o yet_o all_o that_o time_n know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v shake_v or_o to_o have_v any_o inward_a fear_n as_o to_o there_o own_o personal_a interest_n herein_o but_o still_o find_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o great_a a_o thing_n and_o there_o spirit_n so_o deep_o seize_v with_o the_o wonder_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o whatever_o do_v tend_v to_o a_o high_a strenthn_n of_o their_o faith_n herein_o be_v also_o the_o great_a addition_n to_o their_o joy_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n do_v most_o understand_v such_o a_o say_n nunquam_fw-la satis_fw-la magna_fw-la securitas_fw-la in_o re_fw-la tanti_fw-la momenti_fw-la ubi_fw-la periclitatur_fw-la aeternitas_fw-la but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o thought_n i_o will_v humble_o offer_v to_o one_o of_o so_o know_v and_o judicious_a a_o spirit_n and_o where_o so_o great_a assistance_n you_o may_v have_v access_n to_o improve_v otherways_o ●ssiall_a be_v most_o in_o a_o directive_n way_n upon_o a_o sevenfold_a inquiry_n that_o may_v be_v of_o great_a weight_n for_o a_o christian_n lay_v the_o ground_n work_n of_o their_o profession_n on_o solid_a and_o clear_a ground_n which_o lie_v first_o here_o 1._o to_o know_v that_o rare_a and_o peculiar_a order_n that_o be_v suitable_a in_o a_o christian_n first_o entry_n on_o religion_n under_o a_o serious_a weight_n of_o the_o same_o on_o their_o spirit_n since_o as_o in_o any_o great_a study_n there_o be_v a_o entrance_n and_o a_o progress_n and_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v so_o entire_a a_o correspondence_n as_o nothing_o stand_v alone_o by_o itself_o but_o in_o a_o line_n of_o mutual_a respect_n which_o in_o that_o manner_n run_v through_o the_o same_o as_o one_fw-mi entry_n aright_o upon_o one_o step_n 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be_v shut_v up_o from_o correspondence_n together_o by_o any_o establish_a rule_n for_o the_o same_o then_o shall_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o man_n his_o immortal_a soul_n have_v no_o directive_n or_o comfort_a light_n as_o to_o his_o future_a state_n and_o safe_a passage_n thereto_o whilst_o the_o visible_a creation_n have_v a_o sun_n to_o shine_v thereon_o when_o such_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n as_o by_o the_o great_a improvement_n of_o nature_n it_o can_v be_v neither_o find_v nor_o follow_v then_o shall_v that_o rare_a structure_n and_o workmanship_n o●_n grace_n here_o and_o of_o glory_n and_o blessedness_n to_o come_v be_v a_o terra_fw-la incognita_fw-la to_o poor_a mankind_n and_o as_o man_n only_o in_o this_o low_a creation_n be_v capable_a of_o moral_a government_n and_o humane_a law_n which_o yet_o can_v extend_v no_o further_o than_o their_o visible_a work_n and_o action_n if_o such_o a_o bless_a record_n be_v not_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o 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the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n how_o this_o way_n the_o lord_n do_v put_v the_o high_a honour_n on_o man_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o passive_a valour_n of_o christianity_n yea_o thus_o put_v the_o most_o distinguish_a mark_n of_o respect_n on_o his_o choice_a favourite_n but_o there_o be_v a_o vi_o inquiry_n i_o must_v further_o direct_v you_o to_o without_o which_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v true_o effectual_a on_o your_o soul_n which_o be_v on_o that_o wonderful_a part_n of_o christianity_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n and_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o subject_a make_v it_o more_o difficult_a to_o speak_v hereon_o now_o in_o a_o short_a epistolary_a discourse_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o be_v possible_a only_o to_o point_v at_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o more_o clear_a and_o solid_a impression_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o make_v way_n for_o your_o own_o search_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o same_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v they_o be_v thing_n which_o have_v not_o be_v take_v on_o report_n or_o have_v find_v it_o easy_a to_o be_v satisfy_v herein_o as_o to_o a_o full_a acquiescence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o assurance_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v to_o a_o few_o special_a end_n i_o will_v refer_v your_o serious_a improvement_n of_o this_o great_a inquiry_n 1._o for_o this_o end_n that_o a_o clear_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o spiritual_a experience_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n may_v be_v more_o deap_o settle_v on_o your_o spirit_n and_o how_o in_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v direct_v his_o sacred_a truth_n unto_o man_n not_o only_o for_o trust_v but_o for_o trial_n which_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o that_o nature_n &_o state_v on_o so_o great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o the_o whole_a vital_a part_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o strange_a and_o dark_a thing_n until_o you_o be_v once_o enter_v hereon_o they_o be_v bless_v who_o beeleve_v and_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v what_o relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n above_o but_o they_o can_v never_o be_v blessed_v who_o do_v not_o see_v as_o well_o as_o believe_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o life_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o grace_n within_o time_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n 2._o it_o be_v here_o must_v be_v understand_v the_o first_o acquaintance_n of_o man_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v one_fw-mi acquaintance_n of_o that_o concern_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v over_o the_o weight_n of_o his_o people_n spiritual_a joy_n refreshment_n and_o support_v whilst_o they_o be_v within_o time_n on_o the_o same_o and_o be_v the_o first_o entry_n on_o converse_n with_o spirit_n and_o with_o god_n the_o father_n of_o spirit_n which_o shall_v be_v eternal_a 3._o it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o distinct_a evidence_n from_o any_o moral_a influence_n by_o the_o word_n or_o light_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o no_o humane_a power_n or_o angel_n can_v impart_v but_o god_n have_v reserve_v only_o to_o himself_o who_o can_v only_o make_v his_o own_o love_n know_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o no_o report_n or_o testimony_n of_o man_n can_v do_v 4._o it_o be_v hereby_o christian_n enter_v on_o possession_n in_o some_o degree_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o these_o great_a thing_n promise_v as_o a_o earnest_n in_o hand_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o rest_n shall_v not_o faill_n though_o it_o add_v no_o security_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o for_o a_o more_o abound_a assurance_n to_o such_o who_o receive_v the_o same_o 5._o though_o here_o be_v a_o common_a and_o joint_a interest_n among_o christian_n yet_o must_v each_o have_v his_o proper_a and_o distin●l_a part_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n which_o be_v his_o peculiar_a interest_n and_o talon_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a nothing_o do_v more_o work_n on_o man_n soul_n and_o afford_v more_o sweet_a thought_n then_o what_o this_o way_n be_v make_v there_o own_o to_o know_v in_o themselves_o the_o internal_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n thereof_o and_o to_o know_v what_o great_a thing_n have_v pass_v between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o remarkable_a time_n have_v go_v over_o they_o and_o special_a remarke_n herein_o of_o divine_a conduct_n and_o his_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n 6._o it_o be_v of_o that_o kind_n as_o none_o possible_o can_v take_v on_o trust_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o or_o will_v satisfy_v without_o personal_a trial_n though_o this_o be_v more_o know_v to_o such_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_a hebr._n 5_o 14._o 7._o but_o whatever_o singular_a use_n be_v hereby_o to_o the_o support_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o the_o ground_n thereof_o since_o these_o be_v only_o what_o god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o work_n though_o they_o be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n who_o have_v begin_v late_a to_o observe_v the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a the_o great_a talon_n which_o be_v by_o inward_a observation_n and_o experiment_n which_o have_v be_v most_o deep_o affect_v in_o the_o present_a time_n do_v not_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o may_o as_o a_o dead_a stock_n upon_o a_o christian_n hand_n without_o fresh_a and_o immediate_a supply_n yet_o be_v they_o still_o the_o same_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o do_v ever_o evidence_n how_o far_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o a_o spiritual_a estate_n do_v exceed_v the_o great_a enjoiment_n of_o nature_n 8._o this_o also_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o inward_a sense_n but_o what_o come_v under_o the_o most_o exact_a and_o judicious_a trial_n as_o to_o the_o principle_n it_o lean_v on_o without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a enjoiment_n of_o the_o same_o if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o full_o satisfy_v of_o hold_v their_o experience_n by_o right_n as_o in_o possession_n and_o that_o these_o great_a thing_n be_v no_o shadow_n or_o appearance_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o high_a truth_n substance_n and_o reality_n 9_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n be_v not_o know_v in_o the_o earth_n or_o enjoy_v in_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o light_n of_o inward_a evidence_n and_o experience_n except_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o balaam_n to_o see_v he_o but_o not_o near_o but_o not_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o converse_n and_o fellowship_n with_o that_o god_n who_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v or_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v their_o soul_n inward_a and_o familiar_a with_o he_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n 10._o it_o be_v by_o inward_a 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sense_n and_o pure_o experimental_a a_o second_o intent_n of_o this_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v to_o clear_v how_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o one_o christian_n in_o the_o way_n of_o experience_n may_v be_v no_o measure_n or_o rule_v to_o other_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o state_n upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o least_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o truth_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o of_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o discern_v herewith_o as_o a_o few_o grape_n do_v difference_n between_o a_o vine_n and_o a_o bramble_n 2._o because_o the_o real_a work_n of_o god_n may_v be_v long_o without_o the_o witness_n thereof_o and_o the_o first_o give_v of_o the_o new_a life_n and_o a_o discern_a of_o the_o same_o be_v distinct_a act_n
disrelish_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o most_o this_o day_n than_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o with_o such_o let_v my_o soul_n be_v join_v in_o 9_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o sure_a that_o here_o be_v no_o illusion_n or_o imaginary_a thing_n where_o any_o fallacy_n or_o deceit_n lie_v to_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o observe_a christian_n who_o know_v herein_o what_o make_v they_o glad_a and_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o how_o no_o assistance_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n or_o in_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n can_v possible_o impart_v such_o a_o thing_n so_o may_v it_o be_v astonish_v how_o such_o who_o live_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v any_o design_n on_o one_fw-mi eternal_a stare_n in_o heaven_n can_v take_v this_o on_o report_n or_o be_v so_o little_a inquisitive_a about_o so_o wonderful_a a_o truth_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o one_fw-mi enjoiment_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n which_o without_o any_o 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allowance_n of_o subject_n but_o the_o regard_n of_o favourite_n who_o have_v know_v how_o great_a a_o rewarder_n he_o be_v of_o his_o own_o grace_n yea_o such_o who_o have_v make_v the_o most_o exact_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o security_n of_o their_o comfort_n herein_o and_o have_v put_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o that_o he_o have_v thus_o promise_v 4._o there_o be_v this_o special_a use_n to_o be_v make_v of_o such_o one_fw-mi enquiry_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n to_o see_v how_o great_a and_o wonderful_a a_o subject_n we_o have_v for_o reflection_n hereon_o and_o of_o what_o singular_a advantage_n this_o shall_v be_v for_o strenthn_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a against_o the_o working_n of_o unbeleef_n and_o to_o give_v a_o more_o full_a security_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o adventure_n of_o hope_n and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n for_o thing_n to_o come_v it_o be_v sure_a the_o reflex_n faculty_n 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so_o dark_a and_o incomprehensible_a a_o thing_n yea_o how_o great_a a_o difference_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o clear_a act_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n about_o divine_a thing_n and_o a_o real_a feeling_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n thereof_o betwixt_o the_o most_o sublime_a apprehension_n by_o theory_n and_o the_o sensible_a impression_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o what_o a_o present_a and_o marvellous_a change_n this_o make_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_n 2._o to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o no_o less_o under_o a_o full_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o as_o the_o alone_a and_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n then_o in_o their_o feel_a power_n and_o sweetness_n &_o that_o here_o be_v no_o casual_a thing_n or_o matter_n of_o doubtfulness_n or_o uncertainty_n but_o where_o they_o can_v clear_o see_v the_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n now_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o there_o inward_a sense_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o be_v sure_a that_o what_o god_n have_v speak_v he_o have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o same_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o clear_a spiritual_a comfort_n will_v be_v of_o low_a value_n if_o it_o be_v not_o with_o that_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o be_v god_n seal_n as_o they_o can_v adventure_v their_o eternal_a state_n on_o the_o truth_n hereof_o 3._o and_o how_o sweet_a a_o part_n be_v it_o when_o they_o can_v thus_o reflect_v on_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o with_o no_o less_o evidence_n of_o the_o proper_a cause_n and_o original_a then_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o effect_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a help_n to_o give_v stability_n and_o assurance_n to_o our_o faith_n to_o see_v how_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v never_o barren_a of_o new_a experiment_n of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o how_o the_o great_a objective_n mean_v in_o the_o way_n of_o light_n can_v do_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o internal_a effective_a cause_n that_o work_v powerful_o herein_o and_o as_o in_o nature_n so_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n how_o the_o same_o cause_n which_o make_v we_o live_v must_v make_v we_o move_v and_o act_n yea_o to_o see_v how_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o confirm_v a_o christian_a on_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o state_n and_o of_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o grace_n here_o do_v confirm_v christianity_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o glory_n which_o must_v infallible_o follow_v the_o same_o and_o ere_o long_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o their_o experience_n also_o 4._o to_o know_v this_o way_n that_o sure_o a_o near_a intimacy_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v with_o god_n and_o of_o a_o high_a kind_n which_o be_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o by_o the_o immediate_a ministry_n of_o the_o angel_n yea_o a_o great_a evidence_n thus_o give_v to_o a_o christian_n soul_n then_o by_o any_o external_a miracle_n since_o this_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o be_v give_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a complacence_n and_o delight_n and_o its_o sure_a the_o alone_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a love_n lie_v in_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o these_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n more_o than_o by_o any_o external_a providence_n 5._o to_o see_v how_o these_o great_a thing_n of_o experience_n come_v under_o a_o present_a trial_n and_o give_v to_o be_v experience_v here_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v not_o some_o rare_a contingency_n or_o what_o may_v be_v state_v on_o a_o extraordinar_a account_n but_o do_v keep_v close_o with_o a_o tender_a walk_n and_o near_a inteecourse_n with_o god_n through_o a_o christian_n whole_a course_n and_o thus_o know_v what_o such_o a_o anoint_v with_o fresh_a oil_n mean_v psalm_n 92_o 10._o by_o innumerable_a reiterated_a time_n of_o such_o enjoiment_n yea_o how_o the_o sense_n and_o sweetness_n thereof_o come_v not_o then_o by_o the_o power_n and_o working_n of_o reason_n but_o the_o immediatness_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n though_o even_o then_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v such_o a_o discursive_a work_n in_o the_o clearness_n of_o spiritual_a reason_n and_o light_n as_o can_v full_o quiet_v the_o mind_n that_o here_o be_v no_o illusion_n or_o deceit_n but_o let_v we_o we_o see_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v make_v use_n of_o a_o argument_n to_o settle_v and_o secure_v the_o soul_n when_o all_o essay_n whither_o from_o themselves_o or_o other_o can_v give_v no_o releaf_n 6._o thus_o be_v they_o admit_v to_o see_v herewith_o how_o deep_a the_o foundation_n of_o our_o comfort_n and_o security_n be_v lay_v on_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o reveal_v truth_n so_o as_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o christianity_n must_v be_v
dissolve_v and_o fall_v ere_o one_o special_a act_n of_o trust_n and_o adventure_v on_o his_o hand_n and_o under_o the_o assure_a warrant_n of_o his_o truth_n shall_v be_v frustrate_a and_o that_o the_o safe_a conduct_n also_o and_o security_n of_o one_o christian_n in_o his_o passage_n through_o time_n be_v of_o that_o consequence_n and_o so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o the_o great_a frame_n of_o providence_n that_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v entire_a and_o perfect_a if_o it_o shall_v fail_v as_o to_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n to_o make_v so_o great_a a_o nullity_n herein_o 7._o and_o be_v it_o not_o in_o such_o a_o reflex_n work_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o experience_n that_o such_o can_v only_o know_v the_o sweet_a enjoiment_n of_o time_n past_a and_o what_o that_o peculiar_a comfort_n of_o remembrance_n mean_n which_o i_o must_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o rare_a and_o most_o unknown_a enjoiment_n this_o day_n under_o the_o sun_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o can_v never_o be_v from_o the_o great_a delight_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o once_o pass_v which_o as_o they_o return_v no_o more_o so_o do_v ever_o leave_v a_o bitter_a sting_n and_o remembrance_n by_o a_o native_a result_n of_o the_o same_o whilst_o that_o which_o have_v be_v experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n can_v neither_o perish_v nor_o lose_v its_o sweetness_n but_o will_v render_v the_o most_o afflict_a part_n of_o their_o life_n past_a which_o be_v most_o bitter_a and_o sore_o then_o to_o be_v the_o most_o comfort_a part_n thereof_o to_o their_o remembrance_n when_o they_o can_v see_v herein_o both_o what_o they_o have_v design_v for_o god_n and_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o 8._o if_o there_o be_v any_o comfort_n of_o love_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o within_o time_n they_o may_v see_v how_o this_o be_v not_o attainable_a but_o in_o the_o light_n of_o inward_a experience_n whence_o they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o meet_v and_o have_v fellowship_n in_o the_o same_o savour_n and_o relish_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n when_o in_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o to_o be_v mutual_o disclose_v as_o they_o can_v discern_v something_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o one_o another_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o power_n and_o lively_a working_n of_o inward_a grace_n by_o that_o native_a lustre_n and_o evidence_n which_o thus_o follow_v the_o same_o so_o as_o under_o the_o sensible_a power_n of_o such_o attraction_n their_o soul_n be_v more_o close_o unite_v and_o join_v together_o yea_o be_v mutual_o strenthn_v by_o other_o conflict_n and_o what_o experiment_n they_o have_v make_v of_o divine_a truth_n herein_o as_o to_o their_o releaf_n and_o i_o must_v say_v where_o this_o be_v not_o understand_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v but_o a_o strange_a and_o dark_a notion_n nor_o without_o this_o can_v that_o special_a design_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o settlement_n of_o church_n in_o a_o visible_a state_n be_v either_o know_v or_o answer_v which_o be_v to_o have_v external_a ordinance_n carry_v on_o with_o life_n and_o power_n among_o man_n and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o our_o bless_a head_n herein_o the_o vii_o and_o last_o inquiry_n i_o will_v make_v as_o to_o a_o more_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o this_o great_a subject_n of_o the_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o know_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n thereto_o which_o be_v a_o inquiry_n of_o a_o high_o concern_v and_o import_v then_o seem_v to_o be_v apprehend_v or_o of_o what_o weight_n and_o necessity_n this_o be_v upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o because_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o spiritual_a experience_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o found_v on_o a_o certainty_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o event_n and_o performance_n and_o not_o what_o god_n do_v speak_v but_o what_o according_a to_o the_o same_o he_o have_v do_v so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o principle_n of_o faith_n but_o on_o man_n personal_a trial_n of_o the_o same_o according_a to_o that_o isai_n 43_o v._n 10._o you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v i_o and_o understand_v that_o i_o be_o he_o for_o though_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o infallible_a truth_n that_o whatever_o god_n have_v assure_v by_o promise_n he_o will_v do_v yet_o the_o experience_n hereof_o since_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v seal_v be_v of_o humane_a record_n and_o a_o testimony_n which_o can_v bear_v no_o weight_n from_o the_o great_a of_o man_n if_o the_o quality_n of_o such_o witness_n be_v not_o try_v and_o consider_v herein_o 2._o because_o the_o high_a pretence_n to_o spiritual_a enjoiment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v but_o a_o false_a testimony_n where_o there_o be_v no_o tender_a regard_n herewith_o to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o this_o connection_n be_v indissoluble_a act_n 9_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o my_o word_n good_a to_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o mica_n two_o 7._o it_o be_v true_a that_o choice_a christian_n may_v be_v much_o hide_v and_o in_o the_o dark_a herein_o to_o other_o and_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n shall_v have_v a_o sad_a part_n if_o they_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o man_n only_o this_o be_v sure_a there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v in_o the_o premise_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n lie_v more_o in_o what_o they_o be_v than_o what_o they_o express_v to_o other_o 3._o the_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n be_v of_o such_o weight_n here_o and_o to_o be_v special_o regard_v as_o one_o of_o the_o high_a service_n for_o god_n within_o time_n under_o their_o hand_n to_o put_v too_o their_o seal_n and_o testimony_n that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v judicial_o sist_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n since_o his_o declarative_a glory_n before_o angel_n and_o man_n do_v more_o peculiarly_a lie_v here_o then_o in_o the_o whole_a structure_n and_o frame_v of_o this_o creation_n this_o be_v a_o trust_n and_o debt_n also_o upon_o each_o age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o god_n may_v be_v transmitt_v to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v with_o such_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_v 4._o this_o inquiry_n be_v the_o more_o call_v for_o to_o know_v what_o these_o be_v who_o bear_v such_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o christian_a experience_n since_o this_o may_v awake_v the_o most_o sublime_a and_o inquisitive_a spirit_n of_o the_o time_n to_o search_v herein_o and_o be_v a_o subject_a of_o great_a thought_n and_o reflection_n that_o such_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n yea_o a_o innumerable_a part_n of_o man_n who_o do_v very_o enjoy_v so_o marvellous_a a_o light_n as_o be_v immediate_o out_o of_o heaven_n and_o shine_v upon_o none_o else_o and_o know_v such_o a_o enjoiment_n as_o a_o immediate_a communion_n with_o the_o deity_n and_o his_o sensible_a presence_n with_o their_o spirit_n with_o returns_z from_o heaven_n to_o their_o suit_n in_o most_o real_a effect_n since_o if_o this_o be_v sure_a then_o must_v man_n seek_v for_o another_o idea_n of_o christianity_n &_o have_v other_o thought_n about_o the_o same_o than_o what_o most_o seem_v to_o have_v then_o be_v there_o a_o high_a glory_n put_v upon_o man_n soul_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o what_o all_o humane_a grandeur_n can_v ever_o amount_v to_o or_o be_v upon_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n 5._o the_o credit_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n on_o this_o great_a head_n of_o spiritual_a experience_n and_o the_o whole_a internal_a 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just_o fear_v of_o a_o inordinate_a respect_n to_o man_n and_o concurrence_n of_o visible_a mean_n above_o what_o it_o can_v bear_v when_o nothing_o be_v more_o effectual_a to_o cause_v the_o great_a humane_a succour_n miscarry_v and_o sink_v under_o this_o weight_n they_o relyance_n thereon_o as_o if_o they_o can_v stand_v by_o them self_o without_o keep_v in_o with_o god_n alone_o with_o that_o god_n who_o be_v of_o infinite_a power_n both_o to_o hurt_v &_o help_v who_o presence_n be_v ever_o the_o high_a security_n of_o a_o nation_n though_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v against_o they_o 2._o but_o this_o also_o look_v with_o confidence_n &_o hope_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v near_o to_o give_v some_o extraordinar_fw-mi demonstration_n of_o himself_o by_o providence_n as_o this_o generation_n shall_v not_o get_v their_o eye_n shut_v at_o yea_o that_o this_o strange_a piece_n of_o his_o work_n be_v a_o prelude_n and_o entry_n on_o a_o revolution_n of_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o 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religion_n in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o can_v effectual_o take_v off_o man_n from_o sin_n so_o have_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o religion_n be_v oft_o make_v use_n off_o as_o the_o grand_a engine_n to_o secure_v they_o therein_o and_o what_o be_v speak_v by_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v be_v more_o applicable_a to_o our_o day_n than_o almost_o any_o past_a that_o never_o be_v one_fw-mi age_v more_o fertile_a of_o religion_n under_o a_o different_a profession_n hereof_o and_o never_o more_o barren_a of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o same_o on_o man_n soul_n 14._o it_o have_v be_v in_o this_o age_n that_o such_o a_o call_v often_o and_o aloud_o have_v sound_v in_o our_o ear_n to_o come_v and_o see_v how_o the_o great_a power_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v but_o as_o a_o little_a dust_n in_o the_o balance_n for_o the_o sovereign_a god_n to_o blow_v off_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o that_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o dominion_n and_o preeminence_n over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n to_o change_v the_o great_a monarchy_n oh_o what_o a_o strange_a reflex_n work_n may_v this_o be_v to_o have_v our_o spirit_n but_o go_v back_o on_o these_o great_a and_o marvellous_a shake_n and_o utter_a raze_n have_v be_v of_o public_a settlement_n that_o seem_v most_o firm_o lay_v the_o bow_v down_o and_o fall_v of_o the_o great_a of_o man_n and_o raise_v up_o such_o who_o have_v b●en_o low_a when_o the_o great_a god_n once_o begin_v to_o contend_v with_o the_o oak_n and_o cedar_n and_o herewith_o to_o see_v the_o extent_n of_o his_o power_n over_o man_n spirit_n and_o inclination_n as_o well_o as_o their_o act_n so_o as_o to_o determine_v their_o concurrence_n with_o their_o hand_n
no_o condition_n on_o the_o earth_n can_v be_v safe_a whither_o as_o to_o a_o a_o nation_n or_o person_n be_v it_o never_o at_o such_o advantage_n in_o external_a thing_n wherein_o they_o can_v say_v god_n be_v with_o we_o herein_o and_o we_o be_v design_v for_o he_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o must_v be_v found_v whole_o on_o atheism_n where_o the_o state_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v not_o judge_v from_o the_o sin_n thereof_o and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o more_o than_o from_o any_o visible_a hazard_n for_o though_o particular_a place_n and_o people_n under_o a_o profession_n of_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o the_o same_o height_n in_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o sin_n yet_o it_o must_v sure_o have_v its_o fatal_a period_n when_o defer_v judgement_n will_v not_o stay_v on_o day_n long_o 4._o what_o ever_o uncertainty_n be_v in_o humane_a thing_n yet_o be_v this_o unchangeable_a and_o sure_a that_o such_o who_o inherit_v the_o same_o sin_n of_o other_o against_o who_o god_n have_v appear_v in_o any_o eminency_n of_o providence_n shall_v inherit_v the_o same_o judgement_n which_o have_v not_o only_o be_v measure_v out_o to_o such_o as_o have_v go_v before_o but_o be_v pledge_n to_o after_o time_n of_o what_o may_v be_v expect_v for_o as_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n change_v not_o and_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o dear_a to_o he_o now_o as_o ever_o so_o be_v he_o immutable_o just_a and_o his_o way_n keep_v the_o same_o measure_n with_o his_o reveal_v truth_n so_o as_o a_o solid_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n need_v no_o extraordinare_a prophetik_a spirit_n to_o infer_v judgement_n from_o sin_n where_o there_o be_v no_o serious_a return_v unto_o he_o and_o when_o the_o lord_n god_n have_v speak_v who_o can_v but_o prophecy_n amos_n 3_o 8._o 5._o it_o be_v of_o unquestionable_a evidence_n also_o that_o national_a sin_n wherein_o the_o body_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o people_n be_v unite_v and_o have_v a_o joint_a acceession_n herein_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o the_o public_a sin_n of_o a_o community_n must_v meet_v with_o a_o stroke_n and_o judgement_n within_o time_n of_o as_o public_a extent_n and_o can_v be_v lay_v over_o in_o this_o respect_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n when_o once_o its_o measure_n be_v fill_v up_o here_o since_o else_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o remunerative_a justice_n shall_v not_o have_v on_o such_o a_o account_n a_o vindication_n before_o the_o world_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n if_o his_o spotless_a judgement_n shall_v not_o thus_o bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o guilt_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v give_v his_o word_n and_o dominion_n and_o authority_n over_o nation_n both_o to_o pluke_n up_o and_o to_o plant_v as_o well_o as_o over_o person_n which_o can_v never_o be_v make_v void_a 6._o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubtfulness_n here_o also_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a for_o a_o church_n to_o subsist_v or_o preserve_v ît_n station_n in_o a_o church_n state_n by_o a_o naked_a external_a form_n only_o or_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n without_o some_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o same_o since_o if_o there_o be_v no_o real_a inbr_n or_o build_v up_o of_o the_o elect_a there_o than_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o more_o work_n in_o the_o same_o and_o no_o interest_n be_v there_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v fellowship_n with_o so_o that_o the_o intrinsic_a strength_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n yea_o of_o the_o politic_a body_n therein_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o number_n or_o bulk_n but_o in_o the_o weight_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o extensive_a growth_n of_o a_o church_n to_o a_o visible_a profession_n that_o make_v a_o real_a increase_n but_o how_o great_a a_o interest_n do_v a_o few_o such_o who_o way_n be_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v make_v in_o the_o place_n they_o be_v in_o though_o this_o seem_v little_o apprehend_v what_o influence_n the_o hide_a part_n in_o a_o nation_n of_o humble_a serious_a christian_n have_v on_o the_o external_a state_n thereof_o and_o on_o the_o administration_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n who_o make_v least_o appearance_n in_o it_o by_o a_o near_a intercourse_n with_o heaven_n and_o by_o such_o high_a value_n and_o regard_v which_o they_o have_v there_o so_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v even_o subject_v the_o great_a vicissitude_n and_o change_n of_o the_o time_n to_o the_o intercession_n and_o prayer_n of_o such_o let_v i_o but_o add_v this_o herewith_o that_o though_o the_o lord_n do_v ever_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o residue_n of_o man_n in_o time_n of_o public_a calamity_n and_o judgement_n so_o as_o not_o to_o lay_v they_o common_a herein_o with_o the_o wicked_a yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o a_o numerous_a party_n even_o of_o most_o choice_n and_o real_a christian_n in_o a_o land_n will_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o wrath_n and_o of_o some_o dismal_a stroke_n when_o the_o set_v time_n of_o judgement_n be_v once_o come_v but_o may_v be_v then_o such_o with_o a_o nation_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o hear_n or_o intercession_n but_o for_o that_o instance_n of_o the_o lord_n sist_z his_o judgement_n if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o 10_o person_n in_o the_o city_n of_o the_o plain_a it_o be_v a_o eminent_a return_n to_o abraham_n and_o extraordinar_a act_n of_o condescendence_n that_o make_v no_o rule_n there_o be_v a_o choice_n and_o numerous_a remnant_n in_o judea_n who_o seek_v the_o lord_n then_o when_o that_o dismal_a night_n of_o the_o captivity_n come_v on_o and_o it_o be_v of_o late_a that_o such_o a_o tremendous_a instance_n we_o have_v before_o we_o in_o the_o case_n of_o bohemia_n where_o so_o conspicous_a a_o part_n than_o be_v of_o a_o people_n zealous_a for_o god_n when_o such_o a_o public_a overwhelm_a stroke_n come_v on_o but_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n to_o what_o seem_v in_o some_o singular_a way_n to_o speak_v to_o britain_n and_o ireland_n by_o very_o sad_a and_o monitory_a sign_n bejond_v any_o of_o the_o church_n about_o it_o be_v i_o know_v easy_a and_o usual_a to_o challenge_v the_o darkness_n of_o providence_n more_o than_o to_o regard_v what_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o as_o the_o intent_n &_o voice_n thereof_o and_o these_o be_v indeed_o sad_a and_o dismal_a like_o dispensation_n that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o silent_a but_o have_v a_o distinct_a and_o audible_a voice_n yet_o seal_v no_o instruction_n herewith_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n i_o confess_v a_o natural_a respect_n and_o tie_v to_o such_o a_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n bejond_v any_o else_o render_v this_o to_o some_o to_o be_v more_o heavy_a and_o dreadful_a that_o if_o sovereign_a grace_n do_v not_o wonderful_o interpose_v it_o can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o course_n of_o divine_a providence_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n that_o ever_o the_o measure_n of_o sin_n contempt_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o opposition_n to_o the_o holy_a god_n in_o the_o design_n both_o of_o his_o word_n and_o providence_n have_v come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o be_v visible_a in_o these_o church_n this_o day_n but_o that_o some_o extraordinare_a appearance_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n from_o the_o lord_n have_v as_o visiby_v follow_v thereon_o to_o be_v a_o public_a monument_n for_o after_o time_n wherein_o these_o remark_n be_v so_o unavoidable_a 1._o to_o what_o a_o strange_a and_o fatal_a issue_n have_v that_o pure_a profession_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o have_v be_v long_o enjoy_v there_o now_o come_v when_o such_o public_a contempt_n and_o scorn_v be_v throw_v upon_o the_o same_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n thereof_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o their_o great_a abhorrence_n when_o the_o most_o numerous_a part_n of_o the_o multitude_n every_o where_o may_v be_v see_v in_o a_o state_v opposition_n to_o the_o dominion_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o law_n yea_o such_o horrid_a tenet_n as_o well_o as_o practice_n even_o in_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n may_v be_v discernible_a there_o as_o in_o pagan_a nation_n under_o some_o aw●_n and_o restraint_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n will_v be_v affrigt_v since_o every_o nation_n will_v walk_v in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o god_n but_o these_o be_v such_o as_o have_v at_o once_o divest_v themselves_o of_o all_o hope_n and_o cast_v off_o all_o fear_n or_o dread_n of_o a_o wrath_n that_o be_v to_o come_v 2._o and_o as_o to_o one_o special_a evidence_n hereof_o what_o cause_n may_v it_o be_v to_o meditate_v terror_n as_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o these_o nation_n when_o a_o spirit_n
bind_v up_o but_o that_o they_o must_v widen_v further_a if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o some_o singular_a manner_n a_o stand_v up_o in_o this_o breach_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n which_o be_v a_o service_n that_o come_v now_o under_o our_o hand_n as_o may_v not_o linger_v or_o stay_v when_o warning_n of_o so_o extraordinar_a a_o kind_n be_v reinforce_v for_o this_o be_v a_o call_n have_v a_o limit_a time_n and_o season_n allot_v thereto_o that_o may_v have_v a_o short_a period_n than_o we_o apprehend_v when_o a_o door_n of_o intercession_n have_v be_v in_o such_o unusual_a manner_n keep_v open_a and_o grace_n have_v so_o long_o interpose_v before_o judgement_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o final_a execution_n 4._o i_o must_v add_v hereto_o what_o sense_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o the_o hazard_n of_o such_o a_o breach_n when_o a_o height_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o ungodliness_n be_v turn_v so_o open_a and_o visible_a as_o if_o satan_n do_v essay_n to_o have_v a_o open_a throne_n again_o set_v up_o as_o once_o he_o have_v among_o the_o nation_n whilst_o the_o spirit_n of_o few_o be_v seize_v with_o any_o suitable_a impression_n of_o the_o same_o lest_o this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o recall_v shall_v i_o not_o visit_v these_o thing_n shall_v not_o my_o soul_n be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o nation_n jer._n 5_o 9_o and_o what_o a_o time_n be_v it_o when_o the_o reverence_n and_o authority_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o go_v off_o man_n spirit_n that_o if_o such_o can_v bring_v up_o a_o private_a interest_n and_o have_v some_o treasure_n of_o that_o kind_n lay_v up_o they_o be_v under_o no_o fear_n of_o treasure_v up_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a example_n that_o of_o daniel_n who_o upon_o the_o foreseeing_a of_o a_o stroke_n which_o he_o be_v not_o to_o fear_v for_o himself_o yet_o be_v astonish_v for_o one_fw-mi hour_n and_o his_o thought_n trouble_v he_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o strangeness_n of_o it_o dan_fw-mi 4_o 19_o that_o there_o be_v a_o most_o choice_n and_o serious_a part_n yet_o in_o these_o nation_n as_o be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v unquestionable_a but_o even_o such_o who_o in_o these_o difficult_a &_o perilous_a time_n pass_v have_v be_v help_v to_o stand_v and_o go_v through_o a_o variety_n of_o dark_a and_o strange_a dispensation_n i_o suppose_v have_v not_o find_v a_o time_n in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n try_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o conscience_n then_o be_v this_o day_n and_o that_o there_o be_v never_o more_o hazard_v of_o a_o insensible_a wear_n out_o from_o under_o former_a impression_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n which_o once_o they_o have_v or_o a_o more_o difficult_a part_n to_o have_v that_o ancient_a fear_n and_o tenderness_n of_o light_n keep_v in_o exercise_n which_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o the_o eye_n may_v be_v easy_o hurt_v but_o not_o so_o easy_o help_v but_o though_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o voice_n and_o call_v for_o stand_v in_o the_o gape_v and_o breach_n do_v respect_n all_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v there_o some_o more_o eminent_o fit_v from_o the_o lord_n with_o peculiar_a excellency_n on_o their_o spirit_n then_o other_o to_o appear_v on_o so_o high_a a_o service_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o talon_n not_o bequeath_v in_o vain_a where_o this_o in_o a_o more_o remarkable_a way_n be_v let_v forth_o so_o be_v it_o of_o great_a weight_n to_o know_v time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o this_o end_n and_o when_o a_o season_n of_o providence_n may_v call_v to_o some_o high_a improvement_n hereof_o for_o god_n then_o ever_o again_o may_v occur_v yea_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o how_o strange_a a_o manner_n the_o choice_a instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o day_n be_v make_v to_o differ_v not_o only_o from_o other_o but_o from_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v help_v to_o answer_v such_o a_o call_n and_o to_o know_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n herein_o but_o that_o i_o may_v touch_v this_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o know_v who_o may_v be_v at_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o in_o a_o near_a capacity_n than_o other_o for_o such_o a_o service_n about_o which_o i_o judge_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v questionable_a 1._o that_o such_o as_o have_v a_o more_o near_o and_o intimate_a converse_n with_o god_n in_o this_o day_n have_v a_o great_a room_n also_o in_o this_o service_n to_o stand_v in_o such_o a_o gape_v yea_o to_o save_v a_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n when_o judgement_n be_v ready_a to_o break_v forth_o these_o have_v their_o soul_n keep_v in_o that_o manner_n under_o the_o power_n and_o attraction_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n bejond_v the_o residue_n of_o man_n as_o not_o to_o be_v affright_v or_o take_v off_o from_o appear_v for_o he_o by_o the_o force_n and_o prevalence_n of_o example_n it_o be_v these_o who_o be_v at_o most_o advantage_n to_o discern_v the_o judicial_a remove_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o generation_n they_o live_v among_o and_o the_o imminent_a hazard_n of_o wrath_n and_o approach_a judgement_n yea_o it_o be_v these_o who_o from_o internal_a motive_n can_v find_v it_o easy_a to_o lay_v their_o dear_a thing_n at_o the_o stake_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o land_n they_o belong_v to_o and_o without_o respect_n to_o private_a interest_n lay_v themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o public_a hazard_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o bless_a bernard_n as_o he_o speak_v malo_fw-la in_o nos_fw-la murmur_n bominum_fw-la sit_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la bonum_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la deus_fw-la i_o digne●ur_fw-la uti_fw-la pro_fw-la clypeo_fw-la 2._o they_o be_v in_o a_o special_a way_n fit_v to_o answer_v this_o call_n and_o service_n who_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o singular_a engagement_n they_o be_v under_o to_o god_n much_o on_o their_o heart_n and_o what_o hereby_o they_o owe_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n to_o do_v for_o he_o and_o for_o a_o more_o special_a service_n to_o the_o age_n they_o live_v in_o to_o seek_v the_o interest_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o people_n to_o who_o they_o have_v the_o near_a natural_a tie_n which_o be_v that_o service_n for_o the_o generation_n and_o public_a trust_n should_o near_o these_o who_o have_v have_v more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la receipt_n of_o mercy_n from_o the_o lord_n &_o of_o these_o special_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o dare_v stand_v up_o for_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o truth_n though_o they_o shall_v stand_v alone_o herein_o which_o sure_o in_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v find_v a_o safe_a stand_v then_o with_o the_o multitude_n or_o such_o who_o design_n for_o the_o public_a interest_n go_v no_o further_o than_o their_o private_a concern_v do_v influence_n it_o be_v sure_a the_o word_n of_o mordechai_n esth_n 4_o 13._o be_v still_o direct_v to_o this_o day_n think_v not_o with_o thyself_o thou_o shall_v escape_v for_o if_o thou_o altogether_o hold_v thy_o peace_n at_o this_o time_n enlargement_n and_o deliverance_n shall_v arise_v from_o another_o place_n but_o thou_o and_o thy_o father_n house_n shall_v be_v destroy_v 3._o but_o it_o be_v undoubted_a that_o this_o service_n do_v in_o some_o peculiar_a way_n lie_v to_o the_o door_n of_o prince_n and_o ruler_n according_a to_o their_o station_n who_o be_v of_o more_o public_a relation_n than_o other_o their_o authority_n come_v in_o with_o the_o second_o covenant_n which_o by_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n be_v render_v necessary_a and_o have_v their_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o by_o who_o king_n rule_n and_o prince_n decree_v judgement_n proverb_n 8._o 15._o so_o as_o the_o advance_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preservation_n of_o sacred_a truth_n both_o in_o its_o purity_n and_o power_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o their_o high_a trust_n yea_o what_o a_o singular_a blessing_n this_o be_v to_o a_o time_n when_o such_o do_v eminent_o interpose_v upon_o any_o imminent_a hazard_n to_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o bear_v evidence_n that_o they_o have_v one_fw-mi unction_n from_o god_n on_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o their_o office_n and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v 2_o chron._n 34_o 19_o that_o when_o the_o king_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n that_o he_o rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o command_v hilkia_n the_o son_n of_o shaphan_n etc._n etc._n go_v and_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o i_o and_o for_o they_o that_o be_v leave_v in_o israël_n and_o in_o juda_n concern_v the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v find_v for_o great_a be_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v pour_v upon_o we_o because_o our_o father_n keep_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o
thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v alone_o sacred_a to_o he_o what_o concern_v the_o public_a right_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o visible_a politic_a body_n with_o the_o high_a respect_n to_o his_o royal_a authority_n who_o be_v the_o alone_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n thereto_o it_o be_v know_v that_o he_o have_v give_v one_fw-mi express_n charter_n for_o the_o same_o to_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n according_a to_o which_o the_o due_a limit_n and_o bound_n of_o that_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n which_o he_o have_v settle_v there_o and_o the_o full_a extent_n hereof_o shall_v be_v both_o keep_v clear_a and_o close_o adhere_v to_o as_o one_fw-mi interest_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n he_o have_v join_v also_o these_o two_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a power_n in_o so_o entire_a a_o harmony_n that_o though_o they_o be_v to_o be_v 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kingdom_n of_o christ_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n yea_o when_o none_o can_v want_v a_o interest_n and_o room_n in_o this_o service_n where_o it_o have_v once_o a_o weight_n and_o value_n on_o their_o heart_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o hope_v this_o day_n that_o these_o who_o by_o so_o singular_a a_o appearance_n of_o god_n have_v now_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o these_o nation_n be_v no_o less_o eminent_o fit_v to_o appear_v for_o he_o herein_o than_o they_o be_v state_v under_o the_o high_a engagement_n for_o such_o one_fw-mi end_n 3._o it_o be_v sure_o one_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o a_o interest_n which_o be_v pure_o sacred_a to_o he_o wherein_o the_o spread_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n be_v most_o near_o concern_v which_o lie_v in_o a_o serious_a and_o faithful_a ministry_n to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v of_o that_o concern_v as_o it_o may_v be_v just_o call_v indicium_fw-la stantis_fw-la &_o cadentis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o way_n which_o he_o have_v himself_o consecrate_v for_o the_o inbr_n and_o perfeit_v of_o the_o elect_n by_o which_o so_o great_a effect_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o world_n where_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a mission_n for_o the_o same_o to_o any_o part_n thereof_o &_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o build_n up_o there_o one_fw-mi ordinance_n by_o which_o most_o visible_a efficacy_n &_o supernatural_a influence_n be_v convey_v in_o a_o moral_a way_n under_o the_o blessing_n of_o that_o iustitution_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n nothing_o be_v more_o threaten_v to_o a_o nation_n as_o to_o the_o fall_v down_o of_o some_o dismal_a night_n of_o judgement_n than_o the_o corruption_n and_o debaese_n of_o that_o which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v so_o excellent_a where_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o extrinsic_a and_o of_o a_o humane_a concern_v be_v so_o much_o look_v after_o but_o that_o which_o be_v god_n part_n in_o the_o great_a intent_n of_o this_o erection_n be_v of_o so_o low_a regard_n that_o if_o one_fw-mi inquiry_n be_v make_v through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o britain_n they_o shall_v find_v the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n there_o still_o amid_o so_o bright_a a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v now_o shine_v &_o what_o a_o multitude_n be_v thus_o perish_v through_o want_n of_o knowledge_n whilst_o it_o seem_v so_o ●itle_o desire_v or_o design_v to_o have_v such_o a_o ministry_n who_o high_a study_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o great_a intent_n of_o christianity_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n not_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o allure_v and_o persuade_v their_o come_n under_o his_o bless_a dominion_n and_o yoke_n to_o press_v internal_a renovation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o necessity_n hereof_o with_o that_o seriousness_n as_o may_v take_v hold_n on_o their_o conscience_n and_o let_v they_o see_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o high_o irrational_a then_o to_o sist_z in_o one_fw-mi exterior_a profession_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o prove_v once_o upon_o their_o own_o trial_n the_o truth_n hereof_o in_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o whither_o it_o have_v not_o a_o vital_a part_n which_o lie_v in_o one_fw-mi inward_a life_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o as_o this_o alone_a be_v such_o a_o ministry_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o blessing_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n so_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o distinguish_a profession_n though_o in_o its_o self_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v of_o no_o regard_n where_o this_o be_v want_v as_o a_o test_n for_o so_o sacred_a one_fw-mi office_n it_o be_v i_o hope_v unquestionable_a that_o the_o trust_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v great_a than_o any_o temporal_a concern_v of_o a_o kingdom_n or_o state_n and_o how_o this_o ordinance_n be_v that_o which_o have_v the_o most_o peculiar_a influence_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o day_n for_o that_o bless_a and_o near_a approach_a time_n of_o his_o more_o conspicous_a reign_n on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o glory_n thereof_o i_o abstract_a here_o from_o any_o thing_n controversal_a as_o thing_n be_v state_v in_o the_o present_a day_n only_o as_o to_o what_o i_o hope_v there_o may_v be_v one_fw-mi unite_v agreement_n in_o by_o all_o who_o have_v a_o deep_a sense_n on_o their_o spirit_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o perish_v of_o immortal_a soul_n this_o way_n and_o a_o serious_a respect_n to_o that_o catholic_n interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n among_o man_n i_o know_v it_o be_v never_o a_o hard_a part_n than_o in_o this_o age_n to_o stem_v such_o a_o tide_n as_o seem_v yet_o on_o the_o grow_a hand_n of_o prejudice_n against_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n when_o so_o many_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a tear_v one_o another_o and_o count_v it_o desirable_a to_o have_v where_o at_o they_o may_v offend_v and_o stumble_v whilst_o that_o study_n be_v not_o more_o follow_v to_o prevent_v so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a man_n taking_n of_o offence_n even_o where_o it_o be_v not_o give_v according_a that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o the_o excess_n of_o dispute_v in_o this_o age_n have_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o the_o manage_n thereof_o so_o little_a to_o that_o end_n of_o edification_n but_o the_o defect_n may_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o the_o suitable_a improvement_n of_o christian_a prudence_n as_o a_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o god_n so_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o regulate_v of_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n case_n and_o what_o the_o present_a day_n can_v bear_v without_o coolness_n or_o indifference_n in_o any_o concern_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v that_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v too_o little_o improven_v we_o be_v indeed_o bless_v with_o a_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o sacred_a truth_n which_o have_v no_o dependence_n on_o humane_a counsel_n or_o power_n to_o change_v or_o alter_v the_o same_o or_o on_o the_o mutable_a revolution_n of_o time_n and_o can_v never_o vary_v from_o its_o self_n yet_o be_v the_o tenderness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a condescendence_n in_o the_o application_n thereof_o to_o be_v so_o far_o regard_v as_o on_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a part_n of_o religion_n lie_v therein_o how_o present_a duty_n may_v be_v with_o a_o judicious_a discretion_n direct_v to_o that_o great_a end_n of_o edification_n since_o that_o which_o may_v be_v necessare_fw-la in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o other_o circumstance_n may_v be_v hurtful_a and_o destructive_a this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a
part_n that_o such_o have_v allot_v to_o they_o in_o the_o time_n we_o be_v fall_v in_o who_o will_v stand_v in_o such_o a_o gape_v &_o breach_n where_o opposition_n now_o thereto_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o it_o may_v seem_v almost_o hopeless_a to_o crave_v justice_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n conscience_n when_o a_o latitude_n on_o principle_n have_v come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o the_o authority_n of_o light_n be_v without_o fear_n control_v yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o the_o answer_v of_o that_o command_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o suitable_o take_v to_o heart_n &_o the_o great_a consequence_n thereof_o which_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n towards_o these_o who_o be_v without_o though_o not_o be_v in_o that_o sense_n without_o the_o church_n yet_o as_o no_o less_o state_v in_o a_o visible_a enmity_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n than_o such_o can_v be_v there_o have_v be_v much_o serious_a study_n and_o design_n by_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o age_n to_o promote_v his_o kingdom_n in_o britain_n and_o ireland_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o there_o eminent_o fit_v for_o so_o difficult_a a_o service_n how_o to_o gain_v and_o prevail_v with_o the_o further_a measure_n of_o prudence_n and_o judgement_n upon_o the_o most_o obstinate_o prejudge_v as_o any_o in_o this_o day_n there_o have_v be_v also_o of_o late_a a_o singular_a improvement_n make_v and_o blessed_v for_o a_o more_o unite_v contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o so_o hazardous_a a_o time_n but_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v yet_o some_o further_a length_n and_o essay_n call_v for_o upon_o this_o great_a service_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o take_v off_o let_v and_o stumble_a blok_n out_o of_o their_o way_n who_o may_v be_v upon_o a_o sad_a precipice_n of_o break_v and_o further_a alienation_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o some_o more_o full_a clear_n of_o the_o same_o from_o these_o design_a reflection_n cast_v thereon_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o conviction_n may_v thus_o insensible_o prevail_v and_o gain_v ground_n with_o the_o great_a gainsayer_n whilst_o we_o know_v little_a what_o design_n grace_n may_v in_o this_o day_n have_v on_o such_o and_o as_o the_o further_a regard_n shall_v be_v keep_v to_o light_v upon_o any_o controvert_v truth_n without_o lose_v ground_n herein_o yet_o shall_v i_o judge_v it_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o see_v these_o who_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n once_o meet_v in_o a_o more_o joint_a concurrence_n in_o behalf_n of_o these_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o controvert_v when_o the_o face_n of_o this_o generation_n be_v so_o threaten_v as_o to_o a_o further_a revolt_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n both_o in_o the_o pureness_n and_o power_n thereof_o this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o work_n by_o its_o self_n which_o as_o its_o of_o the_o high_a public_a concern_v so_o do_v it_o require_v a_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la measure_n of_o judiciousnes_n in_o follow_v the_o same_o my_o unfitness_n to_o speak_v on_o such_o a_o subject_a shall_v have_v restrain_v i_o herein_o be_v it_o not_o to_o witness_v something_o of_o a_o serious_a desire_n under_o which_o my_o soul_n be_v press_v for_o such_o one_fw-mi end_n when_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o perish_v of_o so_o many_o who_o have_v one_fw-mi eternal_a state_n before_o they_o be_v so_o visible_a this_o day_n and_o yet_o no_o further_o trial_n make_v to_o gain_v and_o recover_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o i_o may_v gain_v some_o other_o can_v more_o fit_o judge_n as_o to_o the_o suitable_a manage_n of_o such_o a_o service_n and_o how_o to_o fall_v in_o on_o the_o right_n lithe_a of_o duty_n herein_o only_a something_n i_o shall_v wish_v be_v more_o design_v for_o take_v off_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o break_v thus_o one_o of_o the_o great_a engine_n of_o satan_n this_o day_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o in_o come_v a_o great_a length_n by_o these_o who_o be_v of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n to_o sacrifice_v private_a resentment_n to_o that_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o truth_n upon_o conceive_a injury_n when_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a wat_fw-mi one_fw-mi influence_n personal_a prejudice_n this_o day_n have_v to_o keep_v up_o distance_n to_o heighten_v difference_n and_o cause_n further_a estrangement_n on_o such_o a_o account_n from_o any_o fervent_a appearance_n for_o god_n and_o this_o be_v sure_o one_o of_o the_o most_o honourable_a part_n of_o a_o christian_n work_n how_o far_o he_o may_v overcome_v the_o distemper_n of_o other_o by_o humility_n tenderness_n and_o love_n and_o walk_v in_o such_o a_o countermotion_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o this_o day_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o service_n this_o day_n much_o call_v for_o to_o have_v stumbling_n more_o prevent_v against_o these_o unquestionable_a settle_a administration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n so_o as_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n may_v be_v right_o understand_v the_o proper_a object_n whereof_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o inward_a man_n and_o it_o be_v great_a design_n to_o restore_v &_o edify_v which_o be_v in_o such_o a_o way_n that_o where_o it_o be_v true_o answer_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o tender_a and_o heal_a and_o to_o attract_v any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n to_o join_v in_o herewith_o for_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a measure_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v sufler_n from_o the_o weakness_n or_o exorbitancy_n of_o any_o it_o be_v suitable_a for_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o plead_v that_o from_o heathen_n that_o the_o offence_n and_o practice_n of_o none_o shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n 3._o it_o be_v desirable_a also_o that_o further_a conviction_n may_v be_v serve_v on_o these_o who_o be_v prone_a to_o stumble_v how_o in_o the_o promote_a of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n there_o be_v no_o pursue_v any_o divide_a interest_n of_o a_o party_n and_o that_o if_o such_o will_v once_o try_v and_o see_v they_o can_v then_o judge_v where_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a interest_n within_o time_n lie_v which_o all_o be_v joint_o concern_v to_o promote_v who_o have_v any_o design_n on_o the_o christian_a profession_n for_o eternal_a thing_n 4._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v this_o more_o wat_fw-mi one_fw-mi advantage_n shall_v it_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o conciliate_v a_o great_a respect_n thereto_o that_o all_o may_v see_v how_o sweet_a a_o contemperature_n and_o harmony_n there_o be_v betwixt_o pure_a zeal_n for_o god_n which_o be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o further_a prudence_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o man_n and_o how_o the_o rule_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o bitterness_n wrath_n or_o recrimination_n which_o be_v so_o abound_v this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n in_o pursue_v of_o difference_n upon_o any_o concern_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o herein_o do_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n more_o eminent_o appear_v in_o secure_v the_o concord_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n under_o a_o diversity_n of_o light_n and_o judgement_n in_o some_o lesser_a difference_n about_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o man_n heart_n in_o subdue_n the_o distemper_n of_o their_o mind_n then_o by_o impose_v the_o most_o severe_a and_o absolute_a uniformity_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o it_o be_v ever_o find_v how_o this_o have_v be_v most_o easy_a and_o practicable_a among_o such_o who_o have_v make_v the_o high_a advance_v in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n then_o any_o else_o since_o he_o near_o the_o line_n be_v to_o the_o centre_n the_o near_a also_o be_v they_o among_o themselves_o and_o i_o must_v add_v herewith_o that_o it_o may_v be_v little_o know_v what_o convictive_a power_n may_v follow_v in_o a_o time_n of_o such_o high_a distemper_n as_o this_o on_o a_o suitable_a application_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o dwell_v with_o prudence_n and_o come_v from_o above_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n give_v for_o the_o same_o james_z 3_o 17._o to_o make_v a_o high_a interest_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o then_o now_o in_o a_o ordinare_fw-la way_n will_v seem_v possible_a 4._o as_o the_o further_a tenderness_n and_o prudence_n be_v call_v for_o to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o further_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o take_v out_o of_o
divine_a wrath_n and_o last_o plague_n be_v but_o in_o part_n pour_v out_o wherein_o the_o appearance_n of_o god_n will_v be_v with_o much_o terror_n to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o last_o triumph_n of_o his_o justice_n within_o time_n will_v not_o be_v of_o one_fw-mi ordinare_fw-la kind_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v great_a shake_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o time_n of_o break_v down_o as_o well_o as_o of_o build_v up_o which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o draw_v near_o ii_o because_o we_o be_v enter_v on_o these_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o a_o more_o singular_a way_n then_o heretofore_o to_o put_v the_o whole_a generation_n of_o his_o people_n on_o that_o part_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o study_n thereof_o which_o relate_v to_o his_o work_n and_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o providence_n about_o his_o church_n when_o the_o key_n shall_v then_o be_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n for_o open_v up_o and_o a_o more_o full_a understanding_n the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o time_n pass_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o weighty_a part_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o latter_a time_n in_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o and_o these_o high_a improvement_n to_o be_v make_v on_o that_o bless_a study_n than_o be_v attainable_a in_o former_a age_n when_o his_o work_n now_o be_v come_v to_o a_o more_o full_a point_n it_o have_v be_v remarkable_o the_o business_n of_o this_o age_n to_o make_v a_o more_o accurate_a search_n and_o some_o great_a discovery_n upon_o natural_a cause_n and_o the_o working_n thereof_o but_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o ere_o long_o the_o inquisitive_a world_n shall_v be_v in_o another_o manner_n awake_v and_o their_o inquiry_n run_v in_o a_o high_a channel_n above_o all_o second_o cause_n to_o see_v and_o admire_v the_o great_a act_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o divinity_n thereof_o and_o not_o what_o be_v humane_a therein_o but_o as_o they_o be_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o the_o same_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o dismal_a sign_n of_o the_o present_a time_n how_o much_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v at_o work_n to_o darken_v so_o far_o as_o possible_a the_o most_o eminent_a discovery_n of_o god_n in_o his_o work_n and_o in_o the_o most_o extraordinare_a revolution_n of_o humane_a affair_n as_o if_o they_o will_v set_v bound_n and_o limit_n to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o course_n and_o order_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o subject_n both_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o his_o work_n to_o the_o comprehension_n of_o their_o reason_n though_o some_o civil_a respect_n they_o will_v give_v and_o the_o name_n of_o his_o be_v the_o prime_a cause_n but_o shut_v their_o eye_n on_o what_o be_v more_o extraordinar_a and_o solemn_a in_o any_o piece_n of_o his_o work_n i_o will_v yet_o point_v at_o some_o special_a head_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o choice_n part_n of_o divinity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v will_v in_o another_o manner_n be_v open_v up_o and_o i_o desire_v to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n hereof_o 1._o as_o to_o these_o more_o singular_a case_n of_o providence_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n course_n since_o her_o first_o translation_n from_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o gentile_n with_o the_o issue_n and_o consequence_n thereof_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o rule_n or_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v one_fw-mi inquiry_n to_o be_v more_o full_o improven_v than_o whatever_o have_v be_v attain_v this_o way_n when_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o shall_v tend_v to_o clear_v all_o bygone_n in_o his_o work_n 2._o these_o remarkable_a period_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o prophetical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v successive_o bring_v forth_o in_o their_o proper_a season_n as_o be_v foretell_v be_v yet_o to_o have_v the_o seal_n more_o full_o take_v off_o and_o that_o vale_n which_o be_v over_o they_o so_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v clear_a and_o easy_a to_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o only_o keep_v his_o word_n and_o truth_n to_o his_o church_n but_o have_v keep_v these_o time_n also_o exact_o to_o which_o such_o great_a event_n of_o providence_n do_v relate_v 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a discovery_n yet_o to_o be_v make_v then_o have_v be_v hitherto_o how_o the_o church_n have_v be_v lead_v in_o a_o right_a way_n and_o by_o a_o straight_a line_n in_o her_o whole_a course_n through_o that_o long_a and_o terrible_a wilderness_n which_o she_o be_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o eminent_a service_n the_o saint_n have_v be_v put_v on_o in_o these_o strange_a measure_n of_o their_o warefare_n which_o be_v then_o allot_v to_o they_o and_o in_o theit_n overcome_v work_n thereby_o yea_o what_o a_o high_a triumph_n our_o bless_a redeemer_n have_v have_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o his_o people_n in_o so_o dismal_a a_o time_n then_o in_o any_o external_a flourish_a state_n of_o his_o church_n so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v it_o be_v then_o day_n as_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o irresistible_a efficacy_n of_o his_o truth_n on_o his_o follower_n when_o it_o seem_v otherwise_o as_o the_o darkness_n of_o midnight_n 4._o there_o belong_v to_o this_o part_n of_o divinity_n some_o high_a break_v up_o of_o light_n yet_o to_o be_v make_v on_o that_o mystery_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o with_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o providence_n and_o what_o a_o joint_a interest_n they_o have_v herein_o as_o to_o what_o have_v be_v more_o singular_a in_o the_o lord_n way_n and_o disposal_n about_o other_o of_o his_o people_n we_o have_v little_o understand_v what_o one_fw-mi enrich_n trade_n we_o may_v drive_v upon_o that_o stock_n of_o these_o ancient_a experiment_n of_o christian_n in_o follow_v the_o lord_n and_o these_o eminent_a trial_n they_o have_v make_v of_o the_o truth_n who_o have_v in_o age_n past_o go_v before_o and_o what_o a_o pawn_n be_v thus_o put_v in_o our_o hand_n for_o a_o further_o strengthen_v in_o the_o faith_n yea_o what_o public_a interest_n thus_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v in_o some_o eminent_a act_n of_o providence_n about_o particular_a christian_n which_o in_o the_o import_n and_o greatness_n thereof_o be_v not_o give_v for_o themselves_o only_o but_o as_o a_o public_a concern_v to_o the_o whole_a generation_n that_o seek_v after_o god_n in_o their_o day_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v according_a to_o that_o psal_n ●0_n 3._o many_o shall_v see_v it_o and_o fear_n and_o shall_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n 5._o i_o must_v add_v one_o great_a improvement_n of_o this_o special_a head_n of_o divinity_n which_o will_v yet_o be_v above_o the_o measure_n of_o time_n past_a in_o the_o extent_n of_o that_o reference_n and_o appeal_v before_o angel_n and_o man_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n for_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v and_o promise_v to_o his_o church_n and_o be_v that_o tribute_n of_o praise_n which_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v in_o to_o he_o now_o when_o it_o be_v so_o near_o to_o the_o close_a of_o time_n then_o by_o that_o great_a testimony_n of_o joshua_n 25_o 14._o how_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n the_o lord_n have_v then_o speak_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n but_o have_v full_o take_v place_n and_o be_v the_o same_o appeal_n which_o solomon_n make_v i._o king_n 8_o 56._o for_o this_o with_o a_o high_a glory_n and_o evidence_n be_v to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n when_o it_o be_v draw_v near_o to_o that_o magnificent_a close_a and_o period_n of_o prophetic_a chronology_n and_o finish_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n therein_o how_o his_o spotless_a truth_n have_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n keep_v its_o way_n and_o course_n amid_o all_o these_o dark_a cloud_n which_o have_v spread_v to_o darken_v the_o same_o and_o no_o promise_n or_o prediction_n of_o that_o sacred_a record_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v ever_o fail_v or_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n now_o when_o it_o be_v draw_v so_o near_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n it_o be_v true_a each_o age_n have_v have_v their_o proper_a measure_n of_o light_n in_o order_n to_o the_o service_n of_o that_o time_n and_o something_o peculiar_a allot_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n yea_o some_o great_a eminency_n do_v belong_v to_o these_o time_n past_a when_o the_o suffering_n of_o christian_n do_v most_o abound_v in_o the_o adventure_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o love_n then_o in_o after_o time_n but_o as_o to_o high_a