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 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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 oâ—_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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kingdom_n it_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n hereof_o my_o soul_n do_v rest_n 3._o how_o far_o these_o set_v time_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o of_o the_o come_n in_o of_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o be_v accomplish_v will_v in_o due_a time_n be_v disclose_v and_o with_o humble_a sobriety_n we_o must_v judge_v hereof_o but_o it_o may_v be_v so_o far_o evident_a that_o then_o some_o singular_a withdraw_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v discernible_a from_o the_o gentile_a church_n with_o the_o shut_n up_o of_o these_o time_n and_o a_o very_a low_a ebb_n &_o great_a darkness_n on_o the_o whole_a western_a church_n before_o the_o rise_n again_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o light_n and_o return_v of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o east_n again_o and_o how_o it_o stand_v now_o with_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o gentile_a church_n any_o where_o you_o can_v more_o fit_o judge_v and_o discern_v there_o be_v a_o v._o inq_fw-fr yet_o for_o a_o more_o 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from_o heaven_n or_o be_v possible_o take_v up_o or_o understand_v in_o a_o natural_a way_n as_o humane_a science_n be_v but_o must_v have_v another_o teacher_n than_o man_n and_o a_o faculty_n and_o power_n supernatural_a to_o know_v and_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n herein_o yea_o how_o in_o its_o whole_a coustitution_n it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o these_o great_a excellency_n of_o light_n and_o life_n which_o do_v inseparable_o meet_v here_o who_o evidence_n lie_v in_o see_v and_o not_o in_o report_n or_o a_o naked_a testimony_n to_o the_o ear_n but_o be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v make_v know_v by_o its_o own_o beam_n and_o light_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o sad_a if_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v not_o this_o day_n shine_v with_o as_o full_a evidence_n to_o man_n in_o this_o low_a orb_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o meridian_n daylight_n be_v to_o our_o natural_a sense_n to_o let_v we_o see_v both_o the_o greatness_n and_o security_n of_o our_o hope_n yea_o that_o we_o be_v design_v for_o a_o eternal_a state_n &_o must_v therefore_o seek_v after_o a_o blessedness_n as_o will_v last_v as_o long_o as_o our_o immortal_a soul_n that_o can_v perish_v 3._o but_o this_o will_v necessary_o carry_v your_o thought_n further_o to_o see_v how_o the_o christian_a faith_n do_v not_o only_o with_o full_a evidence_n manifest_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o light_n but_o do_v the_o more_o bright_o appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n of_o darkness_n and_o of_o every_o false_a way_n and_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o the_o essential_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o same_o be_v as_o full_o evident_a and_o visible_a as_o be_v betwixt_o the_o day_n and_o night_n betwixt_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o these_o thing_n themselves_o and_o how_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n have_v sure_o that_o vital_a air_n and_o fragrancy_n herewith_o and_o such_o a_o native_a lustre_n as_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a for_o humane_a be_v and_o invention_n to_o represent_v than_o it_o be_v to_o draw_v a_o live_a man_n on_o a_o broad_a or_o for_o one_o to_o draw_v forth_o the_o natural_a send_v of_o a_o violet_n or_o rose_n 4._o it_o be_v here_o also_o you_o will_v find_v it_o special_o strengthen_v to_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o service_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n how_o here_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v servile_a or_o to_o affright_v any_o to_o come_v under_o such_o a_o bless_a yoke_n which_o in_o its_o whole_a constitution_n be_v so_o full_a of_o a_o holy_a sweetness_n to_o allure_v and_o impose_v no_o law_n of_o bondage_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n but_o what_o have_v inward_a motive_n to_o render_v it_o both_o easy_a and_o comfort_a do_v prescribe_v no_o duty_n to_o be_v a_o task_n and_o no_o service_n but_o from_o love_n and_o where_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v pure_o evangelic_n and_o administer_v to_o we_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o mediator_n yea_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n be_v the_o whole_a obedience_n and_o service_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o you_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o duty_n on_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o anough_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o suitableness_n thereto_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o follow_v the_o same_o that_o the_o lead_a motive_n and_o principle_n be_v pure_o for_o god_n nor_o can_v the_o way_n of_o his_o service_n be_v true_o follow_v until_o his_o reveal_v law_n have_v a_o internal_a efficacy_n on_o man_n soul_n and_o â—he_v moral_a rule_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n be_v turn_v â—nto_o live_v and_o inward_a principle_n this_o be_v a_o reflection_n i_o shall_v commend_v much_o to_o your_o thought_n that_o have_v such_o irresistible_a evidence_n therewith_o for_o your_o establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n to_o see_v how_o that_o bless_a way_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v to_o bring_v man_n again_o to_o himself_o be_v such_o as_o no_o length_n in_o any_o external_a part_n or_o the_o outwork_n hereof_o can_v bear_v weight_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o vital_a influence_n on_o the_o soul_n nor_o do_v its_o interest_n ever_o subsist_v in_o the_o world_n by_o humane_a power_n or_o authority_n but_o by_o a_o internal_a establishment_n of_o the_o same_o from_o its_o own_o evidence_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n 5._o it_o be_v here_o you_o may_v see_v likewise_o how_o the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v such_o as_o its_o high_a glory_n and_o triumph_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n be_v still_o most_o conspicous_a in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o affliction_n and_o trouble_v and_o in_o the_o most_o remarkable_a depth_n thereof_o this_o be_v sure_o a_o great_a discovery_n and_o a_o strange_a riddle_n to_o nature_n which_o stand_v in_o a_o express_a opposition_n to_o
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 distinâ—l_a part_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o inward_a experience_n which_o be_v his_o peculiar_a interest_n and_o talon_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a nothing_o do_v more_o work_n on_o man_n soul_n and_o afford_v more_o sweet_a thought_n then_o what_o this_o way_n be_v make_v there_o own_o to_o know_v in_o themselves_o the_o internal_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n thereof_o and_o to_o know_v what_o great_a thing_n have_v pass_v between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o remarkable_a time_n have_v go_v over_o they_o and_o special_a remarke_n herein_o of_o divine_a conduct_n and_o his_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n 6._o it_o be_v of_o that_o kind_n as_o none_o possible_o can_v take_v on_o trust_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o or_o will_v satisfy_v without_o personal_a trial_n though_o this_o be_v more_o know_v to_o such_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_a hebr._n 5_o 14._o 7._o but_o whatever_o singular_a use_n be_v hereby_o to_o the_o support_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o the_o ground_n thereof_o since_o these_o be_v only_o what_o god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o work_n though_o they_o be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n who_o have_v begin_v late_a to_o observe_v the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a the_o great_a talon_n which_o be_v by_o inward_a observation_n and_o experiment_n which_o have_v be_v most_o deep_o affect_v in_o the_o present_a time_n do_v not_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o may_o as_o a_o dead_a stock_n upon_o a_o christian_n hand_n without_o fresh_a and_o immediate_a supply_n yet_o be_v they_o still_o the_o same_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o do_v ever_o evidence_n how_o far_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o a_o spiritual_a estate_n do_v exceed_v the_o great_a enjoiment_n of_o nature_n 8._o this_o also_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o inward_a sense_n but_o what_o come_v under_o the_o most_o exact_a and_o judicious_a trial_n as_o to_o the_o principle_n it_o lean_v on_o without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a enjoiment_n of_o the_o same_o if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o full_o satisfy_v of_o hold_v their_o experience_n by_o right_n as_o in_o possession_n and_o that_o these_o great_a thing_n be_v no_o shadow_n or_o appearance_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o high_a truth_n substance_n and_o reality_n 9_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n be_v not_o know_v in_o the_o earth_n or_o enjoy_v in_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o light_n of_o inward_a evidence_n and_o experience_n except_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o balaam_n to_o see_v he_o but_o not_o near_o but_o not_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o converse_n and_o fellowship_n with_o that_o god_n who_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v or_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v their_o soul_n inward_a and_o familiar_a with_o he_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n 10._o it_o be_v by_o inward_a experience_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o god_n do_v in_o a_o more_o special_a way_n secure_v and_o preserve_v that_o sacred_a record_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n then_o by_o humane_a law_n or_o authority_n by_o one_fw-mi internal_a conform_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n to_o his_o reveal_v truth_n whereby_o the_o inward_a man_n become_v as_o a_o repository_n thereof_o for_o when_o man_n once_o become_v christian_n in_o truth_n they_o be_v then_o the_o declare_a epistle_n of_o christ_n by_o one_fw-mi indissoluble_a union_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o soul_n together_o i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o the_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o perfect_v here_o but_o within_o a_o little_a there_o will_v be_v one_fw-mi entrance_n on_o one_fw-mi eternity_n of_o experience_n of_o what_o once_o with_o admiration_n and_o desire_v be_v hope_v for_o and_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o that_o state_n above_o will_v be_v no_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o sense_n and_o pure_o experimental_a a_o second_o intent_n of_o this_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v to_o clear_v how_o the_o enjoiment_n of_o one_o christian_n in_o the_o way_n of_o experience_n may_v be_v no_o measure_n or_o rule_v to_o other_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o state_n upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o least_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o truth_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o of_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o discern_v herewith_o as_o a_o few_o grape_n do_v difference_n between_o a_o vine_n and_o a_o bramble_n 2._o because_o the_o real_a work_n of_o god_n may_v be_v long_o without_o the_o witness_n thereof_o and_o the_o first_o give_v of_o the_o new_a life_n and_o a_o discern_a of_o the_o same_o be_v distinct_a act_n
sabath_n morning_n with_o a_o extraordinar_a colic_n which_o grow_v upon_o he_o to_o that_o height_n as_o in_o a_o ordinare_fw-la way_n render_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o go_v forth_o upon_o the_o public_a work_n of_o the_o day_n which_o then_o lie_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o a_o great_a auditory_a at_o that_o time_n so_o that_o whilst_o he_o assay_v to_o rise_v he_o be_v press_v to_o take_v his_o bed_n again_o a_o very_a few_o minute_n before_o the_o set_v time_n for_o go_v to_o church_n but_o whilst_o he_o present_v the_o case_n to_o god_n upon_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o service_n it_o be_v in_o a_o moment_n take_v off_o not_o by_o any_o gradual_a abatement_n of_o such_o a_o distemper_n but_o entire_o at_o once_o so_o as_o he_o never_o have_v more_o sweet_a access_n and_o freedom_n to_o go_v forth_o on_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n both_o at_o that_o diet_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o public_a work_n and_o this_o also_o be_v when_o no_o outward_a mean_n be_v concur_v herein_o as_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o passive_a faith_n which_o christ_n do_v special_o require_v for_o a_o immediate_a cure_n from_o himself_o matth_n 9_o be_v this_o believe_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o help_v when_o no_o ordinare_fw-la mean_n can_v do_v so_o i_o doubt_v not_o this_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n act_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n leave_v room_n for_o omnipotency_n to_o act_v in_o such_o a_o exigence_n 9_o nor_o have_v there_o be_v want_v eminent_a proof_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o special_a application_n of_o faith_n make_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o other_o under_o disease_n where_o ordinare_fw-la mean_n have_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o the_o case_n past_o all_o hope_n and_o of_o such_o return_n by_o a_o present_a restore_n and_o under_o such_o evidence_n as_o enforce_v the_o conviction_n hereof_o upon_o man_n conscience_n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o in_o some_o strange_a case_n of_o this_o kind_a the_o true_a cause_n and_o the_o lord_n design_v herein_o do_v not_o until_o then_o break_v up_o according_a to_o that_o john_n 9_o 3._o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n may_v be_v tâ—us_o make_v manifest_a in_o they_o 10_o i_o may_v further_o add_v if_o there_o be_v this_o day_n a_o new_a erection_n and_o settlement_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n from_o among_o infidel_n and_o the_o commission_n for_o this_o end_n of_o minister_n of_o christ_n make_v evident_a and_o clear_a to_o go_v forth_o on_o such_o a_o service_n where_o no_o natural_a and_o ordinare_fw-la mean_v of_o conviction_n be_v attainable_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o something_o in_o a_o more_o extraordinare_a way_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n and_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n herein_o may_v be_v expect_v as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n it_o be_v let_v forth_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v find_v there_o have_v be_v any_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n without_o some_o extraordinare_a seal_n oâ—_n this_o kind_n especial_o in_o the_o first_o entry_n and_o erection_n of_o the_o same_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o time_n or_o age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o clear_a sense_n of_o that_o scripture_n mark_v 9_o 23._o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o they_o that_o believe_v do_v not_o take_v place_n which_o be_v that_o no_o measure_n of_o trial_n or_o difficulty_n whither_o as_o to_o church_n or_o particular_a christian_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n can_v be_v at_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o restrain_v or_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n on_o a_o infinite_a divine_a power_n though_o all_o natural_a or_o second_o cause_n shall_v cease_v yea_o that_o there_o be_v no_o case_n so_o singular_a wherein_o the_o warrant_n of_o a_o divine_a promise_n herein_o and_o a_o christian_n faith_n shall_v not_o be_v of_o the_o same_o extent_n the_o ii_o proposal_n that_o i_o shall_v brief_o touch_v as_o it_o thus_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a be_v whither_o in_o these_o last_o time_n the_o lord_n do_v appear_v by_o any_o such_o extraordinare_a sign_n that_o be_v public_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v near_o such_o discovery_n of_o his_o godhead_n in_o any_o special_a act_n of_o providence_n as_o may_v bear_v the_o same_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n for_o answer_v it_o be_v sure_a the_o lord_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o this_o way_n but_o on_o some_o great_a and_o extraordinare_a ground_n who_o have_v settle_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n absolute_o on_o his_o reveal_v truth_n yet_o may_v it_o be_v say_v that_o no_o age_n be_v leave_v without_o some_o witness_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sad_a inadvertence_n and_o shut_v of_o man_n eye_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v go_v by_o they_o in_o any_o great_a act_n of_o his_o power_n but_o as_o to_o this_o proposal_n i_o shall_v only_o point_v at_o some_o instance_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v least_o fuitable_a regard_n or_o notice_n and_o to_o be_v pass_v by_o with_o most_o 1._o can_v there_o be_v a_o serious_a judgement_n and_o reflection_n on_o that_o great_a and_o amase_a stroke_n of_o the_o pestilence_n and_o not_o see_v a_o extraordinar_a appearance_n of_o god_n herein_o and_o of_o its_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o that_o kind_n in_o some_o more_o remarkable_a time_n wherein_o it_o be_v let_v forth_o as_o go_v above_o all_o natural_a cause_n and_o all_o may_v see_v the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n herein_o both_o in_o its_o risâ—_n progress_n and_o swift_a spread_v as_o a_o lightning_n through_o city_n or_o country_n in_o its_o pass_n by_o some_o more_o than_o other_o where_n no_o cause_n can_v appear_v so_o as_o man_n must_v see_v its_o be_v send_v with_o commission_n from_o heaven_n and_o a_o supernatural_a causality_n as_o visible_o as_o if_o they_o have_v stand_v with_o david_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n 2_o samuel_n 29_o 17._o to_o see_v the_o angel_n that_o smite_v the_o people_n between_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n upon_o which_o account_n david_n do_v choice_n rather_o to_o come_v under_o this_o stroke_n than_o the_o sword_n or_o famine_n because_o it_o be_v in_o a_o more_o immediate_a way_n the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la near_o approach_n and_o discovery_n of_o himself_o unto_o man_n 2._o it_o be_v of_o public_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n that_o miraculous_a and_o immediate_a witness_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o blead_n of_o the_o body_n of_o man_n on_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o murderer_n in_o such_o case_n where_o no_o ordinare_fw-la mean_n can_v bear_v evidence_n i_o will_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o warrantable_a use_n of_o such_o a_o appeal_n where_o the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o express_v herein_o but_o as_o its_o undoubted_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o same_o where_o no_o humane_a witness_n can_v answer_v to_o this_o end_n so_o be_v it_o sure_o one_fw-mi 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who_o will_v withstand_v the_o same_o for_o which_o end_n may_v it_o be_v clear_o understand_v what_o such_o one_fw-mi appearance_n do_v mean_a in_o so_o strange_a one_fw-mi administration_n of_o providence_n by_o the_o sword_n to_o these_o nation_n in_o this_o age_n what_o such_o unusual_a shake_n and_o overturning_n there_o yea_o by_o such_o restless_a opposition_n to_o any_o civil_a settlement_n since_o the_o lord_n begin_v to_o shake_v britain_n to_o make_v know_v this_o solemn_a period_n of_o time_n be_v come_v and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o 7t_n trumpet_z when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v take_v to_o himself_o his_o great_a power_n and_o reign_v which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o darken_v by_o the_o usurpation_n and_o enmity_n of_o man_n thereto_o yea_o that_o he_o be_v sure_o go_v forth_o who_o have_v that_o name_n write_v on_o his_o vesture_n and_o thigh_n king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n to_o make_v good_a the_o same_o and_o will_v have_v this_o name_n engrave_v on_o 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miscarry_v oâ—_n their_o end_n but_o this_o be_v a_o other_o sight_n and_o of_o a_o high_o concern_v to_o see_v and_o discern_v wise_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o amid_o all_o the_o realing_n of_o these_o strange_a time_n his_o way_n and_o course_n of_o providence_n have_v be_v ever_o steady_a and_o sixth_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v thus_o clear_o see_v if_o our_o spirit_n be_v more_o deep_o let_v forth_o on_o such_o a_o study_n that_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o day_n yea_o the_o stand_n and_o security_n of_o the_o public_a state_n of_o these_o nation_n do_v assure_o lie_v in_o a_o resolute_a concurrence_n with_o this_o great_a design_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o as_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o stand_n in_o the_o breach_n before_o he_o to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n but_o since_o this_o subject_a of_o the_o catholic_n right_a and_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o earth_n be_v so_o strange_a a_o mystery_n to_o many_o in_o these_o time_n and_o such_o different_a thought_n and_o conception_n be_v hereof_o as_o i_o have_v desire_v to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n on_o these_o sure_a principle_n and_o ground_n that_o i_o may_v have_v full_a rest_n and_o settlement_n to_o my_o own_o spirit_n herein_o so_o i_o may_v say_v that_o in_o the_o clearness_n of_o this_o light_n i_o have_v find_v a_o special_a strengthen_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n when_o with_o the_o further_a evidence_n it_o may_v be_v see_v 1._o how_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o donative_n and_o universal_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o father_n as_o incarnate_a and_o after_o his_o ascension_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o which_o be_v his_o essential_a and_o natural_a kingdom_n which_o do_v belong_v to_o his_o person_n as_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n and_o god_n equal_a with_o he_o but_o be_v such_o as_o be_v promise_v and_o by_o special_a donation_n give_v to_o he_o that_o the_o end_n and_o uttermost_a coast_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v his_o inheritance_n ps_n 2_o 8._o and_o his_o dominion_n to_o be_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n psalm_n 72_o 8._o yea_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o dan._n 7_o shall_fw-mi 14._o when_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o dominion_n glory_n and_o a_o kingdom_n that_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n shall_v serve_v he_o etc._n etc._n 2._o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suspense_n or_o darkness_n in_o this_o so_o be_v it_o no_o less_o clear_a his_o enter_v on_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n be_v reserve_v only_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n to_o which_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o 4_o great_a monarchy_n which_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n be_v direct_v and_o subordinate_a to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o same_o and_o lo_o here_o may_v we_o see_v the_o first_o period_n of_o the_o visible_a glory_n of_o christ_n reign_n and_o his_o entrance_n on_o the_o same_o when_o after_o such_o strong_a opposiâ—ions_n the_o pagan_a world_n be_v at_o last_o make_v to_o bow_v down_o and_o fall_v before_o his_o truth_n and_o submit_v to_o he_o 3._o but_o herein_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o this_o special_a bequeathment_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n in_o that_o sense_n only_o of_o inbr_v the_o elect_a out_o of_o the_o same_o or_o of_o his_o internal_a reign_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o that_o it_o lie_v in_o a_o visible_a surrender_n and_o subject_v of_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o nation_n to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o government_n when_o the_o prince_n and_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v subject_v their_o regal_a authority_n to_o his_o rule_n and_o empire_n as_o hold_v their_o dominion_n from_o he_o to_o who_o all_o power_n and_o judgement_n be_v commit_v and_o can_v bear_v that_o stile_n only_o of_o be_v the_o 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no_o possible_a rise_n from_o nature_n who_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o overcome_v nature_n i_o know_v this_o may_v seem_v astonish_v and_o not_o easy_a for_o many_o to_o bear_v that_o profess_a christian_n may_v have_v the_o same_o need_n to_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n that_o pagan_n have_v or_o perish_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n only_o or_o any_o length_n in_o ext_a all_o duty_n can_v save_v none_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o internal_a evidence_n or_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o christianity_n 2._o it_o do_v relate_v to_o this_o head_n to_o know_v that_o god_n and_o his_o people_n here_o in_o the_o world_n be_v no_o stranger_n to_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o enjoiment_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o as_o this_o be_v one_fw-mi essential_a part_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o sure_a and_o establish_v constitution_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o one_fw-mi unalterable_a rule_n so_o be_v it_o matter_n of_o undoubted_a enjoiment_n without_o which_o a_o christian_n course_n and_o passage_n through_o time_n be_v unpassible_a it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o may_v make_v the_o most_o experience_a christian_n to_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o himself_o and_o be_v not_o a_o subject_n of_o ordinary_a thought_n 3._o to_o this_o belong_v also_o the_o truth_n and_o enjoiment_n of_o supernatural_a comfort_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n such_o as_o peace_n immediate_o from_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o nature_n and_o be_v never_o know_v to_o man_n but_o on_o this_o trial_n of_o experience_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v sure_a with_o respect_n unto_o which_o the_o high_a experiment_n of_o nature_n be_v low_a and_o of_o mean_a concern_v yea_o which_o be_v comfort_n of_o that_o kind_n as_o can_v be_v only_o know_v by_o its_o contrary_n and_o have_v be_v still_o more_o ouwe_a to_o the_o sore_a conflict_n then_o to_o the_o sweet_a calm_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n and_o such_o as_o the_o elect_a angel_n do_v never_o know_v or_o partake_v of_o 4._o the_o prevalency_n of_o prayer_n with_o god_n and_o to_o know_v with_o assure_a evidence_n both_o the_o acceptance_n hereof_o in_o heaven_n and_o the_o return_v thereof_o upon_o the_o earth_n be_v also_o one_o of_o these_o great_a thing_n of_o experience_n and_o can_v never_o be_v know_v else_o as_o a_o subject_n of_o contemplation_n only_o which_o have_v be_v direct_a of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o prescript_n for_o such_o one_o where_n no_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o power_n can_v possible_o answer_v and_o be_v not_o bound_v by_o the_o most_o desperate_a case_n which_o will_v seem_v to_o shut_v out_o all_o hope_n and_o encouradgment_n but_o as_o to_o this_o i_o must_v say_v how_o little_a seem_v that_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n though_o one_o of_o the_o most_o wonderful_a part_n thereof_o to_o be_v improven_v in_o that_o manner_n now_o as_o in_o former_a time_n and_o in_o the_o most_o extraordinare_a exigence_n which_o christian_n have_v be_v in_o yea_o how_o low_o a_o trade_n be_v it_o which_o by_o most_o this_o day_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o way_n as_o this_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v establish_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o have_v such_o immediate_a correspondence_n with_o the_o whole_a inward_a life_n and_o vital_n of_o christianity_n to_o preserve_v and_o strengthen_v the_o same_o a_o 5._o head_n on_o this_o subject_a to_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a thought_n and_o reflection_n be_v this_o that_o here_o on_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o experience_n as_o a_o earnest_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2_o corinth_n 1_o 22._o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n ephes._n 1_o 13._o in_o who_o also_o after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v by_o that_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n etc._n etc._n 2_o corinth_n 5_o 5._o now_o he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o for_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n be_v god_n who_o have_v also_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n i_o know_v there_o have_v be_v much_o inquiry_n on_o this_o subject_a as_o to_o a_o clear_a sense_n and_o judgement_n thereof_o both_o by_o schoolman_n and_o practical_a writer_n though_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o dark_a riddle_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o interpreter_n and_o some_o near_a intercourse_n with_o this_o great_a teacher_n that_o in_o his_o light_n we_o may_v see_v light_a but_o that_o it_o be_v sure_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o can_v
never_o have_v enter_v on_o man_n thought_n if_o it_o be_v not_o pure_o a_o divine_a revelation_n none_o will_v offer_v to_o question_n and_o that_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o same_o in_o all_o time_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o less_o tendency_n to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n than_o it_o have_v to_o confirm_v a_o christian_n state_n but_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o your_o acquaintance_n herewith_o be_v bejond_v many_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o such_o high_a concern_n so_o far_o as_o i_o have_v attain_v i_o will_v offer_v some_o light_n hereon_o wherein_o my_o soul_n have_v find_v rest_n and_o settlement_n as_o to_o a_o clear_a sense_n and_o conception_n of_o the_o same_o 1._o that_o how_o rare_a soever_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o may_v be_v this_o day_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o some_o few_o select_a and_o eminent_a christian_n or_o what_o god_n do_v rare_o impart_v and_o on_o some_o singular_a account_n to_o his_o people_n but_o be_v the_o settle_a privilege_n of_o all_o who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o under_o his_o conduct_n 2._o this_o be_v one_fw-mi experiment_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o no_o humane_a testimony_n or_o vocal_a evidence_n can_v express_v that_o which_o be_v inward_a and_o a_o secret_a betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n or_o what_o taste_n that_o hide_a manna_n have_v rev._n 2_o 17._o which_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o enjoy_v the_o same_o for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v give_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n it_o be_v a_o internal_a work_n which_o go_v above_o word_n and_o such_o as_o god_n alone_o can_v impart_v who_o only_o can_v reveal_v his_o own_o love_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o shed_v abroad_o the_o sense_n hereof_o and_o have_v reserve_v this_o to_o himself_o it_o be_v that_o also_o which_o give_v a_o distinct_a evidence_n from_o any_o moral_a influence_n of_o the_o word_n though_o it_o can_v never_o be_v disjoin_v and_o divide_v from_o the_o same_o but_o be_v such_o one_fw-mi internal_a application_n hereof_o as_o put_v their_o soul_n to_o rest_n and_o quiet_a thereon_o 3._o it_o be_v here_o must_v be_v understand_v a_o more_o near_o and_o solemn_a approach_n of_o god_n and_o some_o high_a enjoiment_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n then_o be_v usual_o know_v which_o will_v make_v such_o a_o time_n remarkable_a and_o sweet_a to_o a_o christian_n after_o remembrance_n though_o some_o in_o a_o more_o extraordinar_a way_n and_o high_a degree_n may_v have_v this_o impart_v than_o other_o as_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n have_v be_v more_o heighten_v and_o have_v attain_v to_o high_a act_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o same_o according_a to_o that_o settle_a connection_n isay_n 57_o 12._o i_o doubt_v not_o there_o may_v be_v high_a pretence_n to_o this_o seal_n and_o earnest_n who_o know_v little_a what_o in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n of_o grace_n be_v require_v to_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o same_o but_o except_o the_o settle_a constitution_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v change_v for_o their_o sake_n it_o be_v then_o sure_a that_o god_n do_v never_o seal_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n or_o his_o respect_n and_o approve_v testimony_n on_o such_o who_o be_v of_o one_fw-mi untender_a unhumble_v and_o vindictive_a spirit_n and_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a then_o as_o job_n 18_o 4._o that_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v forsake_v for_o they_o and_o the_o rock_n remove_v out_o of_o its_o place_n 4._o it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v more_o clear_o understand_v by_o such_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v both_o to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_a hebrew_n 5_o 14._o and_o have_v thus_o attain_v a_o more_o deep_a and_o judicious_a reflection_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o same_o since_o this_o be_v usual_o one_o of_o the_o most_o search_a exercise_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o know_v the_o same_o from_o that_o of_o a_o stranger_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n herein_o to_o see_v that_o such_o a_o seal_n or_o any_o rare_a enjoiment_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v assure_o from_o god_n and_o wrought_v in_o he_o john_n 3_o 21._o it_o be_v clear_a also_o how_o many_o sharp_a conflict_n and_o a_o hot_a ware_n fare_v allot_v to_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n than_o other_o under_o grief_n trouble_n and_o opposition_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n have_v make_v way_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n for_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o same_o so_o as_o the_o gradual_a difference_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o experiment_n may_v be_v strange_a and_o marvellous_a and_o cause_n fear_v to_o impart_v the_o same_o nor_o be_v ever_o know_v within_o time_n 5._o though_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o all_o who_o be_v enter_v in_o a_o reconcile_a state_n with_o god_n must_v be_v seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n yet_o be_v not_o this_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o ordinar_a food_n and_o diet_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o as_o some_o more_o special_a restorative_n and_o cordial_a so_o as_o one_o enjoiment_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v be_v sometime_o so_o remarkable_a that_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n after_o it_o have_v be_v a_o continue_a strenthn_v to_o their_o faith_n yet_o be_v it_o no_o rare_a thing_n to_o these_o who_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o more_o near_a intimacy_n of_o converse_n with_o god_n to_o who_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o seal_v not_o once_o but_o in_o innumerable_a time_n have_v be_v know_v who_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v know_v also_o how_o long_o and_o sensible_a restraint_n of_o this_o great_a enjoiment_n may_v be_v when_o the_o choice_a promise_n of_o the_o word_n can_v afford_v no_o comfort_n but_o when_o the_o premise_n be_v clear_a the_o conclusion_n be_v oft_o suspend_v through_o hide_a jealousy_n and_o legal_a fear_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n 6._o it_o be_v sure_a this_o bless_a seal_n lie_v here_o also_o in_o some_o special_a directive_n work_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o light_n in_o particular_a case_n with_o assurance_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n and_o in_o seal_v instruction_n with_o that_o evidence_n and_o power_n on_o the_o soul_n as_o leave_v such_o a_o print_n and_o impression_n thereon_o as_o the_o seal_n leave_v on_o the_o wax_n this_o can_v be_v no_o strange_a or_o unknown_a thing_n to_o these_o who_o in_o a_o close_a adherence_n to_o scripture_n light_n have_v be_v special_o tender_a to_o try_v the_o same_o thereby_o and_o under_o a_o just_a horror_n and_o dread_a of_o enthusiasm_n or_o the_o small_a dash_a on_o such_o a_o rock_n 7._o but_o it_o be_v special_o discernible_a where_o this_o seal_n and_o earnest_n have_v be_v more_o abundant_o let_v forth_o to_o some_o bejond_a other_o that_o it_o be_v for_o some_o high_a support_n to_o their_o faith_n where_o a_o long_a interval_n of_o delay_n be_v to_o be_v between_o the_o promise_n and_o performent_n and_o such_o a_o trial_n of_o a_o defer_a hope_n herein_o as_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o make_v their_o heart_n sick_a into_o death_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v such_o a_o pledge_n and_o part_n in_o hand_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o rest_n shall_v not_o faill_n in_o due_a time_n now_o this_o be_v so_o manifest_a in_o the_o conduct_n and_o method_n of_o grace_n about_o the_o saint_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o how_o singular_a a_o way_n he_o do_v first_o seal_n before_o he_o enter_v they_o upon_o any_o great_a trial_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o long_a duration_n as_o there_o need_v no_o particular_a instance_n to_o clear_v the_o same_o 8._o it_o be_v here_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o hundred_o fold_n which_o christ_n have_v so_o express_o secure_v to_o his_o people_n on_o the_o adventure_n of_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v understand_v as_o that_o which_o assure_o lie_v in_o these_o rare_a enjoiment_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o their_o god_n in_o the_o shining_n of_o his_o face_n on_o they_o which_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n more_o than_o in_o any_o external_a providence_n or_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o high_a value_n with_o man_n since_o as_o this_o be_v the_o most_o sure_a and_o great_a evidence_n that_o we_o be_v christian_n so_o be_v it_o the_o most_o notable_a sign_n how_o dear_a such_o be_v to_o god_n and_o of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n then_o if_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o know_v nothing_o will_v seem_v more_o strange_a and_o
dissolve_v and_o fall_v ere_o one_o special_a act_n of_o trust_n and_o adventure_v on_o his_o hand_n and_o under_o the_o assure_a warrant_n of_o his_o truth_n shall_v be_v frustrate_a and_o that_o the_o safe_a conduct_n also_o and_o security_n of_o one_o christian_n in_o his_o passage_n through_o time_n be_v of_o that_o consequence_n and_o so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o the_o great_a frame_n of_o providence_n that_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v entire_a and_o perfect_a if_o it_o shall_v fail_v as_o to_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n to_o make_v so_o great_a a_o nullity_n herein_o 7._o and_o be_v it_o not_o in_o such_o a_o reflex_n work_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o experience_n that_o such_o can_v only_o know_v the_o sweet_a enjoiment_n of_o time_n past_a and_o what_o that_o peculiar_a comfort_n of_o remembrance_n mean_n which_o i_o must_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o rare_a and_o most_o unknown_a enjoiment_n this_o day_n under_o the_o sun_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a this_o can_v never_o be_v from_o the_o great_a delight_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o once_o pass_v which_o as_o they_o return_v no_o more_o so_o do_v ever_o leave_v a_o bitter_a sting_n and_o remembrance_n by_o a_o native_a result_n of_o the_o same_o whilst_o that_o which_o have_v be_v experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n can_v neither_o perish_v nor_o lose_v its_o sweetness_n but_o will_v render_v the_o most_o afflict_a part_n of_o their_o life_n past_a which_o be_v most_o bitter_a and_o sore_o then_o to_o be_v the_o most_o comfort_a part_n thereof_o to_o their_o remembrance_n when_o they_o can_v see_v herein_o both_o what_o they_o have_v design_v for_o god_n and_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o 8._o if_o there_o be_v any_o comfort_n of_o love_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o within_o time_n they_o may_v see_v how_o this_o be_v not_o attainable_a but_o in_o the_o light_n of_o inward_a experience_n whence_o they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o meet_v and_o have_v fellowship_n in_o the_o same_o savour_n and_o relish_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n when_o in_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o to_o be_v mutual_o disclose_v as_o they_o can_v discern_v something_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o one_o another_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o power_n and_o lively_a working_n of_o inward_a grace_n by_o that_o native_a lustre_n and_o evidence_n which_o thus_o follow_v the_o same_o so_o as_o under_o the_o sensible_a power_n of_o such_o attraction_n their_o soul_n be_v more_o close_o unite_v and_o join_v together_o yea_o be_v mutual_o strenthn_v by_o other_o conflict_n and_o what_o experiment_n they_o have_v make_v of_o divine_a truth_n herein_o as_o to_o their_o releaf_n and_o i_o must_v say_v where_o this_o be_v not_o understand_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v but_o a_o strange_a and_o dark_a notion_n nor_o without_o this_o can_v that_o special_a design_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o settlement_n of_o church_n in_o a_o visible_a state_n be_v either_o 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of_o the_o most_o cautious_a and_o discern_a among_o man_n how_o such_o solemn_a forewarning_n from_o heaven_n by_o extraordinar_a sign_n and_o prodigy_n have_v be_v still_o previous_a to_o public_a change_n and_o revolution_n and_o to_o any_o great_a calamity_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v sure_a these_o be_v no_o imaginary_a thing_n but_o be_v direct_v for_o some_o special_a end_n and_o be_v sometime_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n visible_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n as_o have_v not_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n know_v for_o some_o age_n past_a as_o that_o late_a comet_n 81._o yea_o occur_v not_o according_a to_o the_o settle_a constitution_n of_o nature_n but_o come_v both_o with_o a_o surprise_a aspect_n and_o be_v express_o form_v and_o direct_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o some_o high_a end_n then_o to_o be_v a_o empty_a show_n and_o wonder_v to_o the_o world_n but_o when_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o threaten_n thereof_o cease_v to_o warn_v or_o be_v matter_n of_o tremble_a and_o the_o atheistick_a contempt_n and_o derision_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v in_o this_o day_n at_o such_o a_o height_n it_o be_v like_o the_o door_n may_v be_v now_o judicial_o shut_v on_o any_o extraordinar_a presage_n or_o warning_n this_o way_n until_o one_o prodigy_n of_o some_o unusual_a judgement_n come_v that_o will_v not_o be_v baffle_v by_o man_n whilst_o i_o speak_v on_o such_o a_o subject_a i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o come_v under_o the_o notion_n by_o many_o of_o a_o miracle_n though_o matter_n of_o very_a ordinare_fw-la thought_n with_o other_o and_o of_o a_o light_n and_o common_a regard_n about_o the_o same_o which_o be_v in_o that_o strange_a and_o astonish_a cure_n of_o the_o struma_n or_o as_o it_o be_v term_v the_o king_n evil_a by_o a_o touch_n of_o the_o hand_n only_o without_o any_o application_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n that_o here_o be_v no_o imposture_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o that_o many_o 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sure_a where_o he_o intend_v such_o a_o miraculous_a discovery_n of_o himself_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n he_o give_v it_o with_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o work_n and_o a_o concurrence_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v serve_v conviction_n on_o all_o who_o impress_n and_o signature_n it_o bear_v to_o difference_n the_o same_o from_o any_o imposture_n or_o its_o be_v a_o diabolick_a sign_n and_o work_v and_o so_o this_o call_v for_o a_o just_a enquiry_n and_o trial_n in_o the_o present_a case_n in_o these_o respect_n 1._o to_o know_v its_o true_a rise_n and_o original_n which_o i_o find_v in_o the_o english_a chronicle_n to_o be_v date_v from_o the_o time_n of_o edward_n the_o confessor_n when_o antichristian_a darkness_n be_v then_o at_o his_o great_a height_n it_o be_v in_o the_o 1042_o year_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o reign_v and_o when_o that_o prediction_n of_o the_o apostle_n thessaly_n 2_o 2._o of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a power_n and_o 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of_o man_n &_o the_o whole_a successive_a race_n of_o mankind_n each_o in_o their_o order_n with_o that_o full_a evidence_n of_o the_o holy_a righteousness_n of_o the_o judge_n herein_o as_o shall_v irresistable_o constrain_v their_o conscience_n to_o bear_v witness_n thereto_o 8._o yea_o what_o a_o concern_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n lie_v here_o of_o that_o eternal_a separation_n and_o part_n which_o will_v then_o follow_v betwixt_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_a world_n with_o that_o dreadful_a dimission_n to_o these_o infernal_a region_n and_o with_o this_o sight_n to_o see_v sin_n which_o make_v its_o first_o entry_n in_o heaven_n among_o the_o angel_n and_o have_v since_o so_o much_o overspread_v the_o earth_n now_o for_o ever_o shut_v up_o in_o hell_n both_o sin_n and_o sinner_n together_o never_o more_o to_o look_v out_o at_o the_o grate_n of_o these_o prison_n but_o ii_o there_o be_v another_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o subject_a which_o have_v be_v to_o i_o 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and_o that_o all_o inward_a temptation_n or_o assault_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o operate_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v but_o a_o deplorable_a fascination_n and_o bewitchment_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v so_o long_o under_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v there_o be_v little_a need_n for_o such_o a_o work_n to_o take_v this_o generation_n we_o be_v now_o in_o off_o all_o watch_n and_o guard_n against_o these_o destroy_a adversary_n and_o to_o render_v they_o more_o secure_a herein_o than_o they_o seem_v already_o to_o be_v and_o that_o this_o confidence_n must_v have_v some_o strange_a rise_n to_o go_v forth_o not_o only_o in_o the_o most_o direct_a opposition_n to_o sacred_a truth_n but_o to_o the_o universal_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n except_o he_o hope_v to_o find_v a_o numerous_a party_n who_o
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 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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 awâ—_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
except_o to_o personate_v &_o act_n such_o a_o part_n as_o that_o of_o the_o mourn_a woman_n among_o the_o jew_n at_o funeral_n and_o among_o these_o of_o the_o most_o serious_a spirit_n in_o this_o day_n such_o a_o restraint_n may_v be_v find_v of_o that_o seriousness_n and_o fervour_n herein_o which_o once_o do_v appear_v as_o render_v it_o a_o more_o ominous_a presage_v that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o to_o follow_v but_o that_o last_o sentence_n let_v they_o alone_o and_o must_v not_o all_o thus_o reason_n and_o judge_n that_o as_o the_o interest_n of_o sacred_a truth_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o man_n subject_v thereto_o be_v of_o much_o high_a value_n than_o any_o temporal_a interest_n so_o be_v the_o vindication_n of_o the_o same_o before_o the_o world_n of_o a_o great_a concern_v then_o the_o stability_n or_o stand_v of_o kingdom_n yea_o to_o fear_n more_o deep_o that_o such_o a_o time_n how_o long_o so_o ever_o defer_v must_v at_o last_o take_v place_n when_o his_o spotless_a procedure_n of_o judgement_n shall_v be_v then_o clear_v full_o shall_v i_o not_o visit_v for_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o my_o soul_n be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o people_n but_o now_o in_o the_o three_o place_n there_o be_v one_o inquiry_n that_o shall_v lie_v near_o and_o have_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a call_n for_o the_o same_o in_o such_o a_o day_n to_o know_v what_o be_v yet_o leave_v and_o accessible_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n that_o may_v be_v as_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n for_o the_o lord_n return_v once_o more_o and_o his_o respiting_a of_o imminent_a judgement_n when_o so_o great_a a_o ruin_n be_v like_a to_o fall_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o this_o generation_n i_o know_v any_o such_o thing_n will_v be_v to_o most_o as_o matter_n of_o derision_n who_o fear_n and_o hope_n of_o this_o kind_n go_v no_o high_a than_o present_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v little_a i_o can_v adventure_v to_o speak_v hereon_o but_o as_o to_o any_o measure_n of_o light_n i_o have_v attain_v i_o can_v no_o more_o question_n that_o the_o same_o voice_n from_o the_o lord_n be_v now_o go_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n and_o ireland_n then_o that_o i_o read_v what_o be_v speak_v to_o juda_n ezechiel_n 22_o 30._o and_o i_o seek_v for_o a_o man_n among_o you_o that_o shall_v make_v up_o the_o hedge_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o gate_n before_o i_o for_o the_o land_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o destroy_v it_o but_o i_o find_v none_o therefore_o have_v i_o pour_v out_o my_o indignation_n upon_o they_o i_o have_v consume_v they_o with_o the_o fire_n of_o my_o wrath_n their_o own_o way_n have_v i_o recompense_v on_o their_o head_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n it_o be_v sure_a than_o wrath_n be_v near_o to_o a_o break_n forth_o when_o this_o last_o call_n come_v yet_o with_o a_o offer_n of_o peace_n nor_o be_v it_o questionable_a there_o be_v a_o serious_a part_n than_o who_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o such_o a_o time_n though_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v one_o of_o a_o true_o raise_v spirit_n to_o do_v and_o endure_v something_o more_o than_o ordinare_fw-la for_o god_n when_o so_o great_a a_o ruin_n be_v ready_a to_o fall_v under_o their_o hand_n but_o to_o clear_v the_o import_n of_o such_o a_o call_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n under_o this_o allusion_n here_o make_v use_v off_o to_o stand_v in_o a_o gape_v and_o breach_n when_o the_o church_n as_o a_o defence_a city_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o a_o extreme_a and_o imminent_a hazard_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v what_o must_v follow_v if_o no_o intercessor_n be_v find_v to_o answer_v the_o voice_n of_o this_o call_n by_o a_o suitable_a appearance_n herein_o 1._o though_o it_o may_v be_v now_o reckon_v that_o the_o sky_n be_v more_o clear_a as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o britain_n then_o for_o many_o year_n past_a when_o the_o breach_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v sure_a against_o either_o foreign_a or_o intestine_a assault_n and_o that_o in_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o ordinare_fw-la course_n of_o humane_a affair_n thing_n be_v come_v to_o a_o more_o secure_a and_o settle_a state_n yet_o be_v there_o a_o other_o aspect_n of_o thing_n that_o shall_v deep_o affect_v our_o spirit_n when_o the_o public_a hazard_n of_o the_o time_n be_v great_a than_o from_o all_o humane_a power_n and_o the_o party_n to_o be_v most_o fear_v be_v assure_o divine_a wrath_n after_o a_o long_a interval_n of_o forbearance_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o break_v forth_o in_o some_o extraordinar_a act_n of_o judgement_n for_o where_o a_o day_n of_o atonement_n go_v not_o before_o can_v no_o true_a deliverance_n be_v expect_v to_o raise_v and_o settle_v these_o nation_n yet_o how_o rare_a be_v they_o who_o take_v this_o to_o heart_n or_o tremble_v within_o themselves_o on_o the_o thought_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v near_o if_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o natural_a or_o visible_a cause_n though_o nothing_o be_v more_o discernible_a from_o moral_a sign_n 2._o what_o ever_o present_v calm_a be_v from_o these_o terror_n and_o fear_n that_o have_v be_v of_o late_a yet_o may_v it_o be_v judge_v whither_o it_o be_v a_o serious_a business_n or_o not_o to_o stand_v in_o such_o a_o breach_n as_o be_v this_o day_n when_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o such_o numerous_a assault_n as_o there_o seem_v no_o less_o cause_n to_o stand_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o interest_n now_o in_o these_o nation_n against_o such_o who_o be_v under_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o then_o once_o be_v against_o the_o heathen_n whilst_o that_o primitive_a spirit_n which_o be_v then_o a_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o of_o glory_n do_v too_o rare_o appear_v or_o these_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o impression_n as_o be_v then_o that_o be_v under_o a_o sad_a and_o judicial_a restraint_n most_o be_v take_v up_o so_o entire_o with_o private_a refentment_n of_o personal_a injury_n and_o bitter_a in_o estine_a conflict_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o such_o a_o hazard_n can_v be_v hear_v until_o it_o be_v feel_v it_o be_v the_o power_n and_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n on_o man_n soul_n that_o do_v first_o make_v protestant_n and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o plant_n &_o settlement_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n but_o it_o will_v seem_v now_o reckon_v that_o the_o protestant_a interest_n can_v stand_v though_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v extinct_a in_o the_o power_n and_o vital_n thereof_o and_o may_v easy_o be_v give_v up_o by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o generation_n if_o its_o outwork_n can_v be_v preserve_v where_o a_o temporal_a interestâ—enders_n â—enders_z that_o necessary_a whilst_o that_o magnetic_a power_n and_o virtue_n which_o the_o truth_n once_o have_v on_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v or_o any_o deep_a sense_n of_o that_o interest_n which_o religion_n once_o have_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o a_o passive_a testimony_n for_o the_o same_o 3._o be_v not_o the_o gape_v and_o breach_n we_o have_v to_o stand_v in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n that_o where_o the_o ancient_a love_n of_o these_o renown_a church_n the_o love_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o kindness_n of_o their_o espousal_n unto_o god_n do_v so_o bright_o shine_v forth_o after_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n it_o be_v now_o resolve_v unto_o so_o dismal_a a_o change_n as_o with_o most_o what_o ever_o be_v most_o lovely_a excellent_a and_o desirable_a in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v have_v the_o most_o attractive_a influence_n on_o man_n soul_n be_v visible_o despise_v and_o vilify_v yea_o which_o render_v this_o breach_n and_o gape_v more_o dreadful_a that_o after_o all_o the_o cost_n &_o expense_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v ware_v in_o plant_v and_o let_v forth_o a_o vine_n yard_n to_o britain_n send_v more_o servant_n then_o at_o the_o first_o with_o the_o indear_n persuasive_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n with_o solemn_a and_o express_a warning_n of_o the_o hazard_n of_o such_o stroke_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v as_o have_v be_v afterward_o feel_v yet_o have_v the_o return_n be_v in_o a_o continue_a and_o grow_a enmity_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o instead_o of_o render_v the_o fruit_n of_o this_o vineyard_n in_o its_o season_n have_v rather_o conspire_v to_o deride_v and_o despiteful_o use_v such_o as_o have_v come_v to_o demand_v the_o same_o and_o what_o can_v be_v judge_v will_v be_v the_o result_n hereof_o if_o man_n have_v not_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v the_o earth_n can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o breach_n of_o these_o nation_n shall_v be_v
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 ever_o keep_v distinct_a yet_o be_v not_o to_o be_v divide_v from_o other_o but_o to_o move_v joint_o in_o such_o a_o bless_a and_o desirable_a union_n as_o may_v most_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o public_a good_a of_o humane_a society_n and_o now_o when_o this_o great_a promise_n of_o christ_n enter_v in_o a_o more_o conspicious_a manner_n on_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v come_v to_o the_o birth_n and_o begin_v to_o bring_v forth_o which_o be_v that_o period_n where_o to_o it_o may_v be_v say_v have_v be_v reserve_v the_o perfection_n of_o ihe_a church_n visible_a state_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n how_o high_o desirable_a shall_v it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v assistant_n thereto_o in_o such_o a_o day_n but_o oh_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o these_o who_o have_v such_o raise_a hope_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n and_o kingdom_n in_o heaven_n can_v have_v so_o low_a desire_n or_o design_n how_o to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o 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 â—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