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power_n of_o conversion_n vi_o that_o its_o marvellous_a effect_n in_o subdue_a man_n from_o what_o once_o be_v their_o predominant_a interest_n and_o idol_n and_o to_o part_v from_o what_o have_v be_v as_o their_o right_a eye_n or_o hand_n can_v only_o be_v from_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n vii_o that_o such_o as_o be_v great_a adversary_n to_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v make_v no_o less_o eminent_a instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o choice_a vessel_n of_o honour_n than_o once_o they_o be_v in_o their_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n viii_o that_o this_o change_n have_v be_v discernible_a in_o time_n of_o most_o visible_a persecution_n and_o hazard_n when_o no_o outward_a advantage_n or_o gain_n can_v have_v the_o least_o influence_n thereon_o now_o as_o these_o be_v demonstrable_o clear_a so_o can_v
confirm_v and_o give_v light_n to_o other_o vii_o that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n also_o wherein_o the_o gospel_n do_v come_v to_o the_o gentile_a church_n be_v clear_o show_v 1_o thess_n 1.5_o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o as_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o also_o in_o much_o assurance_n of_o understanding_n upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n which_o be_v that_o way_n it_o do_v so_o wonderful_o prevail_v over_o the_o world_n against_o nature_n and_o the_o stream_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o further_a opposition_n thereto_o viii_o that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a service_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o visit_v the_o church_n do_v express_o lie_v here_o act_v 14.22_o to_o confirm_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o then_o in_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o so_o as_o they_o may_v follow_v the_o lord_n with_o the_o further_a light_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n amid_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o such_o a_o time_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v this_o way_n also_o the_o world_n be_v render_v inexcusable_a for_o their_o misbelief_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o under_o such_o sufficiency_n of_o mean_n give_v for_o this_o end_n by_o so_o great_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o confirm_a evidence_n of_o its_o rruth_n so_o as_o they_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n herein_o but_o a_o obstinacy_n and_o resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v on_o which_o ground_n do_v our_o bless_a lord_n testify_v that_o it_o be_v no_o want_n of_o light_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o truth_n why_o man_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o but_o that_o they_o love_v darkness_n better_a than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o when_o such_o clear_a rational_a and_o convince_a evidence_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o their_o view_n how_o most_o man_n possible_o can_v get_v these_o put_v by_o or_o reject_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o comprehend_v but_o that_o a_o real_a irritation_n and_o torment_n of_o spirit_n from_o such_o clearness_n of_o evidence_n do_v thus_o more_o tend_v to_o harden_v than_o convince_v posit_n iv_o that_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a necessity_n of_o such_o a_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n to_o this_o day_n what_o ever_o can_v be_v object_v of_o so_o long_a a_o consent_n and_o prescription_n of_o time_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a on_o these_o ground_n i._o because_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o christian_a faith_n do_v still_o need_v these_o assistance_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a mistake_n that_o only_o for_o heathen_n and_o atheist_n such_o confirm_a evidence_n of_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v propose_v but_o not_o for_o any_o under_o a_o visible_a profession_n when_o the_o whole_a of_o divinity_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o full_a of_o demonstrative_a argument_n for_o the_o daily_a use_n of_o the_o most_o establish_a christian_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o time_n ii_o that_o as_o the_o high_a motive_n to_o all_o serious_a godliness_n and_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o christianity_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o its_o know_a certainty_n to_o we_o so_o be_v the_o continue_a use_n thereof_o to_o be_v still_o the_o same_o iii_o that_o these_o numerous_a trial_n and_o conflict_n of_o christian_n now_o do_v no_o less_o call_v for_o some_o high_a establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n on_o which_o they_o must_v alone_o rest_v when_o all_o visible_a prop_n fail_v in_o their_o judgement_n than_o of_o support_v grace_n nor_o be_v it_o conceivable_a how_o man_n can_v this_o day_n walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o any_o true_a joy_n and_o comfort_n without_o a_o more_o solid_a assurance_n of_o their_o be_v on_o safe_a ground_n herein_o than_o most_o seem_v to_o reckon_v iv_o because_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o a_o eternal_a state_n in_o another_o world_n be_v so_o great_a and_o wonderful_a as_o it_o be_v strange_a how_o this_o be_v not_o the_o high_a interest_n of_o man_n life_n to_o have_v their_o faith_n more_o deep_o confirm_v on_o the_o further_a trial_n of_o their_o security_n now_o by_o the_o way_n herein_o who_o must_v short_o make_v so_o great_a a_o trial_n thereof_o at_o death_n for_o if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o come_v thus_o far_o as_o to_o ask_v our_o own_o soul_n what_o the_o christian_a faith_n indeed_o be_v that_o we_o be_v thus_o call_v to_o believe_v it_o can_v not_o possible_o but_o beget_v some_o ecstasy_n of_o wonder_v at_o the_o greatness_n thereof_o and_o to_o reckon_v any_o light_n and_o implicit_a assent_n to_o the_o same_o as_o a_o degree_n both_o of_o atheism_n and_o indifferency_n in_o this_o matter_n v._o though_o there_o be_v no_o conflict_n with_o heathen_n as_o in_o the_o first_o time_n yet_o be_v such_o a_o spirit_n never_o at_o a_o high_a pitch_n than_o it_o be_v now_o to_o take_v off_o all_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n when_o atheism_n seem_v to_o be_v at_o its_o last_o attempt_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o so_o amaze_a a_o hour_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o make_v these_o latter_a time_n more_o remarkable_o perilous_a and_o try_v than_o the_o first_o vi_o yea_o if_o such_o a_o confirm_a work_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a mean_n to_o advance_v the_o repute_n and_o honour_n of_o religion_n when_o its_o wont_a awe_n and_o veneration_n be_v so_o far_o lose_v and_o to_o awake_a man_n to_o deep_a impression_n of_o its_o truth_n when_o so_o few_o seem_v now_o under_o any_o such_o weight_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v never_o more_o need_v of_o the_o same_o than_o in_o this_o day_n posit_n v._o that_o such_o a_o service_n to_o the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o respect_v the_o more_o know_v inquisitive_a and_o judicious_a part_n thereof_o but_o the_o mean_a professor_n of_o religion_n also_o of_o who_o this_o be_v necessary_o require_v be_v evident_a on_o these_o ground_n i._o because_o each_o christian_n shall_v have_v undoubted_o such_o a_o ballast_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o solid_a and_o rational_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o great_a part_n and_o endowment_n the_o promote_a of_o which_o be_v it_o more_o deep_o consider_v i_o dare_v humble_o adventure_v to_o say_v will_v be_v find_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a mean_n to_o promote_v christianity_n this_o day_n ii_o because_o this_o be_v not_o to_o drive_v any_o to_o doubt_n or_o question_v the_o least_o sincere_a degree_n of_o assent_n though_o it_o be_v not_o with_o such_o strength_n of_o evidence_n as_o in_o other_o nor_o can_v by_o that_o formal_a argumentation_n give_v the_o same_o account_n thereof_o since_o a_o few_o ground_n this_o way_n may_v special_o help_v to_o some_o solid_a conviction_n &_o confirm_v of_o their_o mind_n when_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o other_o cogent_a argument_n for_o this_o end_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o the_o great_a clearness_n of_o evidence_n do_v still_o in_o the_o appoint_a way_n of_o mean_n lead_v in_o to_o a_o more_o firm_a and_o strong_a assent_n of_o the_o judgement_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n iii_o because_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o foundation_n in_o itself_o can_v be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v not_o with_o such_o a_o know_a evidence_n as_o man_n may_v build_v firm_o and_o with_o assurance_n thereon_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n thus_o only_o design_v to_o give_v his_o people_n a_o infallible_a and_o sure_a testimony_n to_o adventure_v on_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v sure_o also_o to_o they_o iv_o because_o none_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 22.3_o by_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o much_o the_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n for_o a_o save_a faith_n but_o that_o none_o can_v give_v a_o true_a assent_n and_o confession_n of_o the_o same_o but_o from_o these_o ground_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o man_n for_o this_o end_n and_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o character_n &_o evidence_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v imprint_v on_o the_o whole_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v clear_a and_o demonstrative_a to_o our_o judgement_n so_o be_v they_o as_o true_o divine_a as_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v thereby_o v._o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a cause_n for_o unbelief_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o any_o intricate_a obscureness_n of_o the_o same_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v such_o great_a assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v as_o milk_v for_o babe_n as_o well_o as_o meat_n to_o strong_a man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o further_a objective_n evidence_n of_o
opposition_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n make_v to_o any_o interest_n while_o the_o weapon_n of_o its_o warfare_n be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o carnal_a and_o with_o that_o success_n that_o make_v the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n hot_a persecution_n from_o heathen_n the_o time_n also_o of_o its_o most_o remarkable_a spread_v in_o the_o world_n iu._n that_o the_o same_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v this_o day_n which_o have_v have_v such_o discernible_a triumph_n and_o success_n when_o no_o external_a assistance_n can_v be_v have_v for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a power_n by_o which_o it_o gain_v the_o most_o savage_a and_o dark_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o take_v on_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o prefer_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o most_o desirable_a object_n of_o sense_n v._o yea_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o only_o have_v such_o vital_a influence_n on_o man_n heart_n and_o practice_n to_o change_v it_o into_o the_o same_o image_n but_o that_o herein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o great_a simplicity_n have_v still_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o its_o conquest_n and_o the_o great_a attractive_a on_o man_n soul_n to_o receive_v the_o same_o qu._n vi_o how_o be_v it_o demonstrable_a that_o such_o remarkable_a suffering_n of_o time_n pass_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o found_v on_o the_o alone_a certainty_n thereof_o and_o carry_v out_o by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n above_o any_o assistance_n of_o nature_n answ_n that_o it_o be_v sure_a i._n here_o be_v no_o comedy_n play_n or_o personate_a suffering_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n then_o and_o in_o after_o time_n do_v endure_v for_o christ_n or_o that_o these_o unexpressible_a torment_n and_o pain_n be_v any_o dream_n and_o delusion_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o the_o world_n and_o that_o their_o adversary_n do_v thus_o conflict_n and_o wrestle_v with_o their_o own_o shadow_n in_o so_o continue_v and_o cruel_a a_o opposition_n ii_o that_o the_o joy_n and_o exultation_n of_o spirit_n these_o witness_n have_v amid_o their_o torment_n who_o otherwise_o want_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n of_o their_o pain_n and_o suffering_n can_v have_v no_o rise_n but_o what_o be_v supernatural_a iii_o that_o this_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a dissimulation_n or_o counterfeit_n when_o they_o be_v step_v into_o eternity_n nor_o the_o product_n of_o a_o distemper_a judgement_n whilst_o all_o may_v see_v what_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n tenderness_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o their_o adversary_n they_o do_v then_o evidence_n iv_o that_o those_o great_a suffering_n be_v upon_o choice_n and_o christian_n hasten_v to_o endure_v they_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v safe_a at_o the_o rate_n of_o recede_v and_o depart_v in_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o truth_n v._o yea_o no_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v how_o such_o mean_a and_o feeble_a person_n as_o many_o of_o these_o be_v shall_v endure_v what_o will_v have_v make_v the_o great_a natural_a courage_n to_o faint_v as_o if_o they_o have_v forgo_v all_o humane_a passion_n which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n must_v needs_o have_v herein_o so_o that_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o see_v something_o no_o less_o marvellous_a and_o supernatural_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o martyr_n than_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n section_n iii_o qu._n i._o be_v it_o full_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o such_o a_o establishment_n as_o a_o religious_a worship_n must_v necessary_o determine_v man_n and_o constrain_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n on_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o can_v but_o see_v how_o religion_n have_v not_o another_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n answ_n it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a to_o make_v a_o rational_a trial_n herein_o and_o not_o see_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o demonstration_n to_o be_v thus_o clear_a i._o that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o for_o any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n but_o to_o come_v and_o see_v what_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o heathenism_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deny_v even_o under_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n its_o be_v the_o high_a reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o very_a mystery_n of_o that_o heathenish_a worship_n be_v so_o horrid_a and_o impure_a as_o they_o need_v a_o veil_n from_o the_o common_a view_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o rational_a reflection_n this_o day_n on_o that_o strange_a monster_n of_o mahumetanism_n but_o as_o of_o a_o visible_a prodigy_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n on_o these_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o their_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o give_v man_n up_o to_o such_o a_o imposture_n as_o expose_v the_o very_a name_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n to_o derision_n and_o can_v never_o claim_v a_o reception_n either_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o rule_n or_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o of_o its_o have_v any_o possible_a consistence_n with_o itself_o iii_o that_o its_o sure_a also_o that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v never_o another_o be_v but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n of_o christianity_n and_o where_o this_o foundation_n be_v divide_v from_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o yea_o that_o that_o people_n unto_o this_o day_n be_v such_o a_o confirm_v witness_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v strange_a this_o do_v not_o beget_v deep_a impression_n on_o man_n spirit_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n we_o must_v either_o forego_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n or_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n give_v and_o reveal_v for_o commerce_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v for_o this_o end_n hold_v forth_o that_o it_o be_v then_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o what_o be_v so_o high_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a as_o shall_v rather_o justify_v atheism_n q._n ii_o what_o special_a confirmation_n to_o christianity_n can_v this_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n bear_v who_o be_v in_o so_o express_v a_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n ans_fw-fr if_o this_o be_v bring_v near_o our_o thought_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o one_o of_o the_o great_a assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n i._n that_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v such_o a_o people_n and_o race_n as_o a_o live_n and_o visible_a evidence_n to_o our_o sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o renown_a nation_n and_o church_n of_o israel_n to_o which_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o thus_o be_v still_o as_o some_o part_n of_o the_o evident_a ruin_n of_o that_o once_o flourish_a state_n ii_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v such_o a_o people_n keep_v by_o themselves_o and_o not_o mix_v with_o the_o nation_n who_o father_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o do_v still_o own_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o do_v attest_v that_o doctrine_n in_o which_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o christianity_n lie_v even_o whilst_o with_o great_a malice_n they_o oppose_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o witness_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a collusion_n and_o deceit_n here_o iii_o their_o being_n under_o a_o stroke_n of_o that_o judicial_a induration_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n as_o no_o reason_n can_v possible_o comprehend_v such_o a_o thing_n how_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o light_n in_o the_o very_a noonday_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o be_v not_o express_o foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v conclude_v under_o such_o a_o arrest_n of_o judgement_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v bring_v in_o iv_o that_o so_o immediate_a a_o appearance_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o people_n both_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o as_o no_o instance_n can_v ever_o be_v find_v to_o resemble_v the_o same_o since_o man_n be_v form_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v as_o a_o conspicuous_a monument_n of_o divine_a wrath_n set_v up_o for_o every_o age_n and_o time_n of_o the_o church_n to_o turn_v aside_o and_o consider_v this_o great_a sight_n and_o inquire_v what_o mean_v so_o strange_a and_o amaze_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o scatter_a jew_n be_v now_o under_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o that_o this_o desolation_n on_o they_o and_o stroke_n have_v such_o special_a concur_v circumstance_n for_o give_v light_n thereto_o as_o be_v not_o above_o forty_o eight_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n with_o their_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v hot_a and_o reak_a with_o that_o blood_n which_o they_o have_v wish_v on_o they_o and_o their_o child_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o that_o time_n
of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n there_o and_o point_v as_o with_o the_o finger_n at_o the_o same_o as_o also_o by_o the_o roman_n who_o interest_n in_o their_o opposition_n to_o christ_n they_o pretend_v to_o own_o qu._n iii_o be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o gospel_n promulgation_n such_o as_o no_o other_o profession_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o and_o where_o all_o may_v see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o human_a interest_n or_o contrivance_n in_o the_o same_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o no_o interest_n else_o be_v ever_o in_o such_o a_o way_n promote_v and_o it_o do_v exceed_v all_o natural_a understanding_n how_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n can_v in_o this_o manner_n prevail_v i._o to_o persuade_v man_n without_o any_o motive_n or_o inducement_n from_o this_o present_a world_n to_o embrace_v a_o doctrine_n so_o whole_o repugnant_a to_o nature_n yea_o to_o prefer_v a_o interest_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o which_o none_o ever_o in_o the_o earth_n see_v to_o the_o most_o desirable_a object_n of_o sense_n ii_o to_o admit_v no_o implicit_a reception_n from_o any_o but_o on_o their_o exact_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n herein_o or_o in_o another_o way_n claim_v a_o interest_n in_o man_n affection_n but_o by_o a_o full_a assent_n of_o their_o light_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o same_o iii_o to_o admit_v no_o gratification_n to_o the_o most_o predominant_a desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n towards_o any_o darling_n sin_n which_o according_a to_o human_a wisdom_n will_v be_v judge_v of_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o gain_v any_o acceptance_n with_o such_o yea_o to_o give_v no_o partial_a respect_n to_o the_o great_a princess_n more_o than_o to_o the_o mean_a iv_o to_o pursue_v its_o interest_n by_o so_o plain_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n with_o the_o whole_a ignominy_n thereof_o when_o nothing_o can_v more_o evident_o control_v such_o a_o end_n by_o any_o rule_n of_o human_a wisdom_n and_o policy_n if_o there_o have_v be_v consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n herein_o v._o and_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o can_v be_v no_o design_n without_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n to_o plead_v the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n with_o man_n by_o insert_v affliction_n and_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o first_o entry_n as_o essential_a to_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o necessity_n of_o take_v on_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n without_o which_o none_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n qu._n iu._n but_o wherein_o do_v the_o evidence_n of_o that_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n most_o clear_o appear_v in_o the_o love_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o which_o we_o find_v christ_n do_v so_o special_o press_v for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o world_n may_v know_v and_o have_v such_o a_o visible_a seal_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n joh._n 17.21_o ans_fw-fr the_o greatness_n of_o this_o demonstration_n may_v be_v thus_o evident_a to_o all_o i._o that_o it_o be_v so_o clear_o demonstrative_a of_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o bitterness_n strife_n recrimination_n or_o such_o indecency_n of_o heat_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v the_o fatal_a effect_n of_o discord_n in_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o let_v we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n ii_o that_o thus_o also_o we_o may_v know_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n upon_o man_n heart_n in_o subdue_a these_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n iii_o that_o this_o do_v so_o special_o tend_v to_o make_v religion_n lovely_n and_o to_o draw_v forth_o matter_n of_o praise_n and_o blessing_n to_o god_n from_o the_o world_n when_o they_o see_v such_o a_o native_a effect_n of_o christianity_n as_o this_o to_o make_v those_o who_o profess_v the_o same_o in_o that_o manner_n shine_v forth_o in_o tenderness_n humility_n and_o brotherly_a love_n so_o that_o they_o become_v as_o a_o public_a good_a and_o blessing_n to_o mankind_n in_o the_o place_n they_o be_v in_o iv_o this_o appear_v also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o union_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o among_o his_o follower_n which_o only_o a_o divine_a power_n can_v both_o frame_n and_o make_v effectual_a and_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o no_o humane_a society_n or_o constitution_n can_v ever_o claim_v such_o a_o unity_n therein_o as_o this_o be_v where_o not_o only_a person_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n and_o of_o all_o condition_n both_o high_a and_o low_a but_o of_o the_o most_o different_a interest_n humour_n and_o divide_v circumstance_n in_o other_o thing_n do_v yet_o in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o harmony_n meet_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n v._o because_o herein_o also_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 this_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n under_o a_o diversity_n of_o light_n and_o judgement_n otherways_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n meekness_n and_o condescendence_n among_o his_o people_n than_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 alone_a condition_n of_o christian_a communion_n qu._n v._n but_o what_o strength_n and_o evidence_n do_v this_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o bear_v in_o so_o divide_v a_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o the_o wound_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n this_o day_n be_v like_a to_o bleed_v unto_o death_n ans_fw-fr whatever_o just_a cause_n be_v of_o grief_n yet_o be_v there_o none_o for_o darken_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o demonstration_n on_o these_o ground_n i._o that_o none_o can_v deny_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v a_o most_o firm_a and_o entire_a unity_n among_o all_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o earth_n ii_o that_o no_o opposition_n be_v make_v thereto_o but_o what_o have_v be_v foretell_v as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v most_o express_o point_v at_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n iii_o because_o the_o further_a opposition_n thereto_o can_v be_v no_o more_o cause_n for_o any_o to_o stumble_v or_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o demonstration_n than_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n who_o great_a design_n have_v ever_o be_v to_o divide_v and_o break_v christian_n among_o themselves_o iv_o because_o this_o union_n which_o be_v chief_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a be_v much_o great_a often_o than_o what_o this_o way_n may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o of_o that_o kind_a as_o be_v not_o interrupt_v by_o distance_n of_o place_n or_o any_o want_n of_o local_a communion_n v._o that_o such_o a_o guard_n be_v set_v by_o the_o lord_n unto_o this_o piece_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o oppose_v any_o invasion_n thereon_o that_o there_o stand_v a_o angel_n with_o a_o flame_a sword_n upon_o every_o hand_n in_o the_o command_v and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o secure_v this_o bless_a unity_n of_o the_o saint_n among_o themselves_o so_o as_o none_o can_v invade_v the_o same_o but_o on_o their_o high_a peril_n of_o oppose_v that_o which_o be_v as_o the_o apple_n of_o christ_n eye_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v ever_o find_v that_o this_o demonstration_n have_v some_o clear_a evidence_n among_o such_o who_o be_v indeed_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o according_a to_o their_o advance_n in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v the_o more_o bright_o shine_v forth_o so_o that_o the_o near_a 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 vii_o that_o in_o all_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o tremendous_a mark_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n make_v visible_a on_o such_o who_o be_v contentious_a and_o have_v make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o cause_n division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o sow_v discord_n among_o brethren_n qu._n vi_o but_o what_o have_v the_o church_n now_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o compensate_a and_o make_v up_o the_o want_n of_o that_o great_a demonstration_n by_o miracle_n and_o such_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n ans_fw-fr i._o we_o may_v hereby_o see_v that_o the_o seal_n of_o martyrdom_n which_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o church_n have_v exceed_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n ii_o that_o there_o have_v be_v since_o such_o innumerable_a shine_a example_n of_o holiness_n yea_o these_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n who_o
man_n yea_o how_o visible_o many_o be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n by_o such_o prodigious_a and_o desperate_a act_n of_o wickedness_n as_o we_o shall_v think_v humane_a nature_n can_v not_o but_o tremble_v at_o iv_o that_o none_o can_v question_v the_o certainty_n both_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o apparition_n and_o bodily_a possession_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o can_v need_v no_o demonstration_n for_o this_o that_o in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o devil_n be_v both_o visible_o and_o audible_o know_v v._o that_o he_o be_v so_o manifest_a in_o his_o appearance_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o blasphemy_n which_o impetuous_o act_v man_n to_o war_n against_o heaven_n with_o their_o tongue_n in_o such_o oath_n and_o curse_v as_o have_v no_o sensual_a pleasure_n or_o gain_v herein_o yea_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n in_o so_o visible_a a_o excitement_n of_o other_o to_o such_o extravagancy_n under_o a_o show_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o any_o use_n of_o judgement_n or_o reason_n vi_o that_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o humane_a race_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v in_o a_o formal_a and_o express_v covenant_n with_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v undeniable_a upon_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n herein_o qu._n ii_o what_o special_a assistance_n to_o your_o faith_n do_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n bring_v therewith_o answ_n i._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o a_o party_n both_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o continue_a act_n be_v in_o a_o stare_v opposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n ii_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o the_o prey_n which_o these_o mighty_a hunter_n do_v follow_v after_o be_v not_o our_o body_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o it_o be_v the_o immortal_a soul_n and_o future_a state_n that_o man_n may_v be_v make_v sharer_n of_o the_o same_o misery_n under_o which_o they_o be_v conclude_v iii_o all_o may_v see_v their_o be_v under_o restraint_n of_o a_o supreme_a power_n above_o they_o and_o under_o such_o chain_n as_o do_v irresistible_o bind_v their_o rage_n and_o enmity_n against_o man_n by_o a_o invisible_a guard_n and_o hedge_n which_o they_o can_v break_v over_o iv_o their_o great_a rage_n and_o struggle_v be_v against_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n to_o god_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o his_o possession_n in_o such_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o more_o clear_o move_v for_o their_o rescue_n than_o these_o do_v to_o cross_v that_o bless_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n v._o there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n but_o find_v themselves_o pursue_v by_o such_o a_o adversary_n and_o have_v as_o discernable_o another_o party_n than_o themselves_o or_o the_o world_n to_o conflict_n with_o as_o if_o they_o see_v they_o in_o a_o visible_a shape_n vi_o that_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v discernable_o a_o much_o great_a restraint_n of_o satan_n dominion_n and_o power_n than_o in_o all_o the_o earth_n beside_o yea_o that_o the_o advantage_n of_o be_v within_o the_o external_a covenant_n of_o baptism_n be_v so_o demonstrable_a that_o the_o least_o yield_a or_o tendency_n to_o a_o renounce_n of_o the_o same_o or_o any_o act_n of_o homage_n for_o make_v use_n of_o his_o help_n have_v ever_o make_v way_n for_o some_o more_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o the_o devil_n over_o such_o than_o other_o vii_o thus_o be_v a_o most_o undeniable_a confirmation_n give_v of_o a_o invisible_a world_n and_o of_o such_o intellectual_a being_n there_o as_o be_v far_o above_o man_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o intercourse_n betwixt_o man_n and_o spirit_n such_o may_v clear_o show_v the_o interest_n that_o man_n soul_n have_v in_o another_o state_n and_o world_n than_o this_o qu._n iii_o be_v that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o never_o die_a state_n after_o death_n as_o full_o demonstrable_a to_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o further_a certainty_n of_o faith_n answ_n though_o it_o be_v so_o amaze_a a_o thing_n to_o believe_v a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o eternal_a state_n wherein_o it_o must_v short_o enter_v as_o by_o few_o seem_v to_o be_v apprehend_v yet_o be_v its_o demonstrative_a evidence_n such_o that_o except_o man_n lose_v all_o sense_n and_o use_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o immaterial_a and_o active_a substance_n as_o the_o soul_n which_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o cause_n either_o of_o its_o decay_n or_o dissolution_n from_o the_o body_n yea_o that_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o this_o visible_a creation_n be_v here_o that_o such_o a_o vital_a beam_n of_o life_n light_n and_o immortality_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v therein_o ii_o though_o we_o can_v see_v this_o rare_a and_o wonderful_a be_v yet_o we_o full_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o have_v a_o distinct_a interest_n both_o in_o its_o grief_n and_o comfort_n iii_o that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o dependence_n on_o the_o body_n in_o its_o be_v which_o do_v no_o way_n depend_v thereon_o in_o its_o act_n and_o exercise_n but_o be_v oft_o most_o vigorous_a and_o clear_a in_o its_o exercise_n not_o only_a when_o most_o separate_a and_o abstract_n from_o sensible_a thing_n but_o when_o the_o flesh_n be_v under_o the_o great_a decay_n and_o near_o its_o dissolution_n to_o show_v the_o soul_n lie_v not_o a_o die_a with_o the_o body_n but_o have_v its_o distinct_a subsistence_n to_o live_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n when_o it_o die_v iu._n it_o be_v be_v peculiar_o frame_v for_o converse_v and_o intercourse_n with_o spiritual_a being_n yea_o its_o being_n the_o only_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n admit_v to_o fellowship_n with_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o to_o have_v reflex_n act_n upon_o itself_o v._o it_o be_v a_o be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o value_n than_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o not_o only_o can_v know_v and_o conceive_v of_o thing_n above_o the_o evidence_n and_o impression_n of_o sense_n but_o make_v a_o rational_a choice_n of_o good_a though_o cross_a to_o any_o sensual_a pleasure_n yea_o to_o rejoice_v and_o have_v its_o proper_a delight_n when_o the_o body_n be_v afflict_v and_o in_o pain_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v defile_v from_o the_o most_o loathsome_a sore_n and_o defilement_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o we_o must_v needs_o see_v both_o its_o dominion_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o the_o body_n and_o have_v assure_o a_o subsistence_n without_o the_o same_o vi_o it_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o happiness_n beyond_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v these_o intellectual_a faculty_n which_o can_v possible_o want_v both_o object_n suitable_a thereto_o and_o enjoyment_n above_o the_o sense_n vii_o the_o most_o choice_a and_o excellent_a be_v usual_o most_v afflict_v and_o crush_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o their_o oppressor_n whilst_o the_o vile_a flourish_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n so_o that_o such_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a if_o in_o this_o life_n both_o their_o be_v and_o blessedness_n be_v terminate_v viii_o that_o there_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o sense_n of_o immortality_n that_o they_o who_o both_o fear_n and_o hate_v the_o evidence_n hereof_o yet_o under_o some_o constraint_n of_o reason_n have_v the_o same_o for_o a_o continue_a terror_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o certainty_n of_o death_n make_v it_o simple_o impossible_a for_o thing_n only_o suit_v to_o this_o life_n of_o sense_n to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a good_a or_o fruition_n of_o man_n since_o else_o the_o beast_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a happiness_n than_o such_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o respect_n to_o a_o after_o and_o immortal_a state_n qu._n iu._n what_o confirmation_n to_o your_o faith_n do_v that_o great_a and_o amaze_a change_n by_o death_n offer_v when_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v something_o mere_o natural_a answ_n though_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n move_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o it_o have_v various_a way_n of_o approach_n unto_o man_n yet_o may_v all_o see_v with_o the_o further_a conviction_n of_o rational_a evidence_n as_o well_o as_o certainty_n of_o faith_n i._n that_o death_n in_o its_o first_o constitution_n be_v penal_a and_o come_v by_o a_o divine_a appointment_n unto_o all_o not_o mere_o as_o man_n but_o as_o sinner_n and_o to_o be_v no_o natural_a accident_n and_o result_n of_o our_o primitive_a and_o original_a frame_n ii_o that_o its_o
over_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n and_o ireland_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o rome_n fatal_a period_n be_v near_o but_o to_o look_v hereon_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o last_o attempt_n of_o that_o wound_a adversary_n which_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o issue_n to_o have_v the_o most_o immediate_a connexion_n with_o his_o great_a downfall_n and_o the_o revive_v glory_n of_o the_o church_n for_o strong_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n who_o judge_v she_o section_n iu._n qu._n what_o be_v special_o call_v for_o in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o as_o be_v accountable_a for_o so_o great_a a_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n ans_fw-fr if_o this_o be_v suitable_o take_v to_o heart_n we_o can_v not_o but_o reckon_v ourselves_o under_o the_o great_a excitement_n and_o call_v to_o such_o a_o improvement_n hereof_o i._o that_o we_o account_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o have_v a_o faith_n for_o quiet_v our_o own_o spirit_n but_o also_o to_o confirm_v other_o by_o put_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o his_o word_n and_o to_o sanctify_v he_o before_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o important_a a_o duty_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a even_o with_o a_o moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o one_o short-coming_a when_o he_o call_v for_o the_o same_o numb_a 20.12_o and_o it_o be_v sure_a in_o no_o time_n be_v such_o a_o special_a trust_n more_o repose_v thereon_o than_o in_o this_o age_n both_o as_o a_o public_a debt_n on_o the_o church_n and_o personal_a on_o each_o christian_a how_o to_o witness_v for_o the_o lord_n upon_o that_o great_a interest_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o for_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v by_o a_o confirmatory_n seal_n and_o testimony_n thereto_o ii_o to_o reckon_v ourselves_o also_o under_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a call_v this_o day_n each_o in_o their_o present_a capacity_n and_o station_n to_o appear_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o stem_v so_o visible_a and_o impetuous_a a_o tide_n as_o be_v now_o run_v of_o distrust_n and_o of_o a_o discreditable_a faintness_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v never_o be_v the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o remarkable_o hold_v under_o such_o a_o trial_n as_o that_o wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n numb_a 14._o or_o have_v a_o more_o evident_a resemblance_n thereto_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n as_o in_o this_o day_n if_o they_o be_v serious_o ponder_v as_o i._o how_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o a_o false_a and_o evil_a report_n be_v too_o visible_o raise_v upon_o the_o bless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o discourage_v and_o faint_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n as_o be_v then_o by_o the_o spy_n that_o there_o be_v insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o anakim_v and_o of_o their_o wall_a city_n and_o do_v thus_o oppose_v the_o credit_n of_o sense_n to_o all_o these_o assurance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o their_o faith_n ii_o that_o this_o high_o dishonourable_a cowardice_n and_o distrust_n do_v so_o seize_v on_o that_o people_n as_o be_v like_a to_o resolve_v in_o a_o visible_a revolt_n and_o to_o cry_v for_o a_o leader_n to_o go_v back_o to_o egypt_n again_o which_o among_o too_o many_o in_o this_o time_n may_v be_v just_o fear_v iii_o that_o this_o be_v after_o such_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n then_o who_o have_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a and_o outstretch_v hand_n so_o late_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o from_o the_o iron_n furnace_n in_o egypt_n as_o render_v their_o misbelief_n to_o be_v a_o guilt_n under_o such_o aggravation_n as_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v in_o that_o manner_n plead_v verse_n 22._o these_o ten_o time_n have_v they_o tempt_v i_o who_o have_v see_v my_o glory_n and_o my_o miracle_n which_o i_o do_v in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n iu._n but_o herein_o we_o hope_v and_o be_v confident_o sure_a of_o a_o bless_a disparity_n in_o this_o resemblance_n as_o to_o the_o numerousness_n of_o such_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o act_n something_o of_o that_o part_n which_o these_o heroic_a witness_n caleb_n and_o joshua_n do_v and_o be_v then_o put_v to_o stand_v alone_o therein_o who_o through_o grace_n shall_v yet_o appear_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o withstand_v so_o high_a a_o tide_n of_o fear_n discouragement_n and_o unbelief_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o thus_o to_o plead_v against_o the_o same_o as_o these_o do_v num._n 14.9_o if_o the_o lord_n delight_n in_o we_o then_o let_v we_o not_o rebel_v against_o he_o neither_o fear_v the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v in_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n v._o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o precedent_n of_o providence_n of_o so_o singular_a a_o respect_n as_o the_o lord_n do_v then_o testify_v to_o his_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n who_o be_v of_o another_o spirit_n in_o follow_v he_o full_o in_o that_o day_n a_o continue_a assurance_n for_o all_o who_o shall_v be_v help_v to_o any_o honourable_a appearance_n of_o this_o kind_n by_o make_v they_o see_v and_o inherit_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n yea_o that_o such_o a_o residue_n as_o outlive_v this_o great_a and_o amaze_a storm_n shall_v have_v something_o of_o that_o testimony_n to_o bear_v also_o which_o caleb_n give_v josh_n 14.8_o 10._o my_o brethren_n which_o go_v up_o with_o i_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n faint_v but_o i_o full_o follow_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o now_o behold_v the_o lord_n have_v keep_v i_o alive_a etc._n etc._n o_o bless_a they_o who_o soul_n be_v raise_v with_o that_o holy_a zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o this_o great_a breach_n by_o a_o resolute_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o witness_v to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o such_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n give_v thereto_o now_o call_v for_o iii_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a duty_n of_o this_o day_n we_o stand_v also_o accountable_a for_o how_o to_o stem_v this_o high_a and_o grow_a tide_n of_o prejudice_n and_o reproach_n against_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o in_o some_o unusual_a way_n be_v now_o aloft_o and_o rage_a and_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o gain_v some_o more_o awful_a regard_n hereof_o on_o man_n conscience_n that_o they_o may_v see_v something_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o maintain_v its_o conquest_n as_o no_o way_n else_o can_v possible_o claim_v i._n which_o reckon_v none_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a professor_n hereof_o who_o embrace_v not_o the_o same_o upon_o evidence_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o worth_n nor_o do_v judge_n the_o interest_n of_o religion_n to_o go_v by_o number_n and_o poll_n where_o this_o be_v want_v but_o pursue_v that_o end_n to_o have_v man_n engage_v first_o to_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o therefore_o can_v admit_v no_o such_o method_n of_o any_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o humour_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n which_o its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v ii_o which_o in_o its_o course_n be_v ever_o regular_a and_o certain_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o unchangeable_a and_o eternal_a truth_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o will_n of_o man_n herein_o or_o any_o mutable_a revolution_n of_o the_o time_n iii_o which_o do_v with_o the_o great_a lustre_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o bright_a light_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n yea_o by_o the_o further_a plainness_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n towards_o all_o commend_v itself_o so_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v it_o espouse_v not_o man_n affection_n before_o it_o gain_v on_o their_o conscience_n and_o it_o have_v their_o judgement_n fix_v on_o a_o judicious_a trial_n before_o their_o resolution_n nor_o account_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n can_v ever_o subsist_v by_o a_o external_a show_n and_o profession_n without_o its_o know_a evidence_n and_o the_o efficacy_n thereof_o on_o man_n soul_n iv_o which_o sincere_o follow_v the_o catholic_n interest_n of_o christianity_n and_o public_a good_a of_o mankind_n in_o promote_a the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o the_o world_n may_v see_v its_o high_a intent_n be_v to_o exalt_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o advance_v the_o simplicity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o gospel_n administration_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v rule_n among_o man_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o near_o
concern_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o inward_a life_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n v._n which_o plead_v a_o impartial_a trial_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n whether_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o profession_n or_o of_o popery_n give_v the_o great_a security_n to_o civil_a government_n and_o find_v the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o magistracy_n and_o to_o all_o civil_a and_o moral_a duty_n by_o which_o the_o awe_n and_o venerable_a esteem_n of_o religion_n be_v keep_v up_o in_o a_o nation_n it_o be_v high_a time_n that_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v implicit_a and_o become_v express_a upon_o this_o great_a interest_n they_o have_v within_o time_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o a_o deceit_n or_o mistake_v here_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a concern_v upon_o which_o account_n without_o respect_n to_o interest_n party_n or_o education_n i_o have_v this_o day_n seek_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o what_o adversary_n can_v possible_o pretend_v to_o reproach_n or_o prejudge_v any_o for_o the_o reform_a religion_n all_o they_o can_v do_v be_v but_o to_o charge_v man_n corruption_n and_o offence_n in_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o profession_n that_o can_v never_o give_v the_o least_o latitude_n or_o connivance_n thereto_o but_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n when_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o can_v know_v no_o other_o way_n to_o embrace_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o popery_n but_o by_o turn_v atheist_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o quit_v both_o religion_n and_o reason_n at_o once_o but_o i_o can_v say_v in_o a_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o adventure_v my_o soul_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o eternal_a state_n finis_fw-la a_o idea_n of_o the_o confirm_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o dismal_a and_o shake_v time_n though_o the_o measure_n of_o all_o christian_n establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o alike_o but_o must_v have_v respect_n to_o their_o different_a trial_n talent_n and_o improvement_n for_o this_o end_n yet_o may_v it_o cause_v astonishment_n to_o see_v how_o rare_a any_o study_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v when_o it_o be_v not_o only_a one_o of_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o christianity_n but_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n call_v for_o as_o the_o work_n of_o this_o day_n yea_o be_v this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o seem_v least_o improve_v of_o any_o for_o the_o more_o general_a state_n of_o professor_n within_o the_o church_n under_o some_o conviction_n hereof_o be_v this_o essay_n design_v wherein_o with_o humble_a confidence_n i_o may_v say_v the_o truth_n have_v be_v seek_v with_o that_o serious_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n hold_v forth_o as_o i_o judge_v needful_a for_o such_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o interest_n and_o adventure_v not_o only_o through_o time_n but_o for_o all_o eternity_n to_o support_v themselves_o upon_o the_o alone_a certainty_n hereof_o and_o ere_o these_o day_n of_o trial_n which_o we_o now_o see_v pass_v over_o this_o generation_n it_o may_v be_v find_v this_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a or_o without_o cause_n direct_v to_o such_o a_o time_n if_o the_o lord_n gracious_o bless_v the_o same_o nor_o will_v it_o i_o hope_v be_v find_v unnecessary_a to_o present_v yet_o further_o some_o clear_a prospect_n of_o a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n and_o what_o those_o aught_o to_o be_v who_o with_o light_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n be_v like_a to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o in_o such_o a_o day_n which_o be_v here_o offer_v in_o a_o seven_o fold_v character_n under_o which_o a_o true_o confirm_v christian_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o profession_n may_v be_v state_v character_n i._n he_o be_v one_o who_o have_v another_o sense_n and_o impression_n of_o this_o great_a study_n for_o attain_v to_o a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v on_o high_a ground_n press_v to_o follow_v the_o same_o than_o most_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v apprehend_v and_o shall_v be_v thus_o consider_v 1._o as_o one_o to_o who_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n dear_a and_o who_o will_v have_v the_o world_n see_v that_o such_o as_o embrace_v the_o same_o and_o do_v most_o full_o adventure_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v those_o who_o walk_v on_o the_o high_a principle_n of_o true_a and_o enlighten_v reason_n yea_o who_o take_v deep_o to_o heart_n that_o obligation_n which_o be_v on_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o advance_v the_o repute_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v in_o such_o term_n therewith_o upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o confute_v and_o shame_v atheist_n and_o infidel_n if_o call_v thereunto_o 2._o who_o see_v also_o that_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o fall_a man_n as_o stands_z in_o need_n of_o all_o the_o contribution_n that_o can_v be_v not_o only_o to_o strengthen_v the_o christian_n faith_n to_o bear_v our_o against_o the_o strong_a assault_n of_o infidelity_n but_o to_o gain_v also_o more_o credit_n and_o veneration_n to_o the_o truth_n with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o easy_o deal_v with_o but_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o bear_v some_o congruity_n to_o their_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n for_o which_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v afford_v his_o ministerial_a help_n to_o render_v the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o pretence_n of_o hesitation_n about_o his_o truth_n more_o inexcusable_a 3._o he_o also_o see_v that_o the_o most_o important_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o christianity_n need_v the_o great_a confirmation_n in_o his_o faith_n and_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o so_o high_a and_o discriminate_v a_o profession_n from_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o world_n need_v to_o know_v in_o what_o manner_n they_o embrace_v the_o same_o he_o see_v that_o the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n do_v absolute_o require_v to_o have_v the_o foundation_n sure_o lay_v on_o which_o so_o great_a a_o superstructure_n must_v rest_v so_o as_o he_o judge_v it_o a_o work_n by_o itself_o and_o to_o need_v some_o peculiar_a retire_v his_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o serious_a recess_n and_o composure_n thereof_o to_o attain_v a_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o know_v the_o strong_a and_o firm_a conveyance_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o need_v not_o a_o new_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o but_o he_o know_v that_o no_o sharpness_n of_o man_n natural_a understanding_n about_o the_o truth_n can_v ever_o attain_v a_o true_a rest_n and_o settlement_n of_o mind_n therein_o without_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a spirit_n stoop_v down_o before_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o enter_v as_o a_o little_a child_n into_o his_o school_n and_o by_o that_o humble_a practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o undoubted_a come_n up_o to_o the_o great_a assurance_n and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o same_o as_o joh._n 7.17_o 4_o he_o know_v that_o as_o nothing_o tend_v more_o to_o shake_v man_n spirit_n and_o stagger_v they_o about_o the_o truth_n than_o a_o light_n and_o transient_a view_n hereof_o so_o do_v the_o great_a establishment_n follow_v on_o the_o near_a approach_n by_o a_o deep_a and_o serious_a enquiry_n about_o the_o same_o and_o he_o clear_o see_v that_o if_o such_o who_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n on_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n do_v but_o once_o come_v to_o have_v their_o spirit_n exceed_v in_o a_o more_o serious_a reflection_n thereon_o the_o first_o view_n they_o shall_v have_v can_v not_o but_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o amazement_n to_o think_v what_o can_v support_v a_o soul_n in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o way_n as_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v so_o visible_o above_o nature_n and_o that_o wherein_o they_o must_v do_v violence_n to_o the_o same_o wherein_o they_o must_v part_v with_o the_o multitude_n and_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o strong_a tide_n of_o example_n and_o must_v endure_v also_o in_o hope_n and_o believe_v for_o thing_n not_o see_v which_o be_v never_o the_o object_n of_o humane_a sense_n to_o any_o in_o this_o earth_n and_o be_v oft_o call_v to_o part_v with_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n of_o sense_n upon_o the_o alone_a credit_n of_o their_o faith_n yea_o wherein_o they_o must_v enter_v that_o profession_n on_o no_o other_o term_n than_o to_o be_v martyr_n for_o the_o same_o and_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n so_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o see_v a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o great_a riddle_n and_o wonder_v of_o
eternal_a state_n on_o the_o know_a certainty_n thereof_o do_v reason_n their_o soul_n to_o a_o steadfast_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n thereto_o to_o wit_n from_o the_o rare_a experiment_n and_o proof_n they_o have_v oft_o have_v of_o the_o same_o in_o their_o own_o trial_n 4._o it_o do_v more_o special_o call_v for_o a_o demonstrative_a clear_n of_o the_o credit_n of_o this_o testimony_n as_o one_o of_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n among_o man_n which_o seem_v least_o improve_v of_o any_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o general_a state_n of_o such_o who_o be_v within_o the_o church_n who_o be_v so_o great_a stranger_n to_o the_o same_o yea_o shall_v be_v judge_v one_o of_o the_o great_a want_n of_o this_o day_n when_o atheism_n be_v now_o at_o so_o astonish_v a_o height_n that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o study_v to_o have_v the_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o in_o itself_o lie_v deep_a and_o hide_v and_o be_v a_o secret_a betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o christian_n soul_n with_o such_o clearness_n and_o by_o that_o manner_n of_o evidence_n demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o beget_v some_o more_o awful_a sense_n and_o conviction_n hereof_o when_o such_o clear_a and_o unanswerable_a ground_n may_v be_v improve_v for_o this_o end_n on_o those_o who_o look_v thereon_o as_o some_o strange_a and_o dark_a riddle_n so_o as_o they_o can_v no_o more_o deny_v or_o withstand_v the_o evidence_n hereof_o than_o that_o they_o have_v a_o live_a soul_n which_o yet_o they_o never_o see_v or_o can_v ever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o human_a sense_n and_o how_o sad_a a_o prospect_n shall_v this_o give_v of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o not_o only_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a glory_n and_o spiritual_a power_n of_o christianity_n but_o have_v not_o the_o very_a notion_n or_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o 2d_o place_n it_o be_v thus_o that_o each_o christian_n for_o be_v solid_o confirm_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n may_v as_o clear_o see_v as_o he_o do_v sensible_o feel_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o have_v his_o faith_n as_o full_o establish_v by_o this_o inward_a and_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o his_o affection_n be_v quicken_v upon_o such_o strong_a and_o demonstrative_a ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n hereof_o as_o these_o be_v 1._o by_o consider_v his_o present_n and_o former_a state_n that_o not_o in_o a_o dream_n but_o in_o the_o most_o deep_a and_o serious_a composure_n of_o spirit_n he_o know_v that_o once_o he_o be_v blind_a and_o whole_o estrange_v from_o this_o mystery_n of_o christian_a experience_n which_o now_o he_o do_v see_v and_o once_o have_v the_o same_o sentiment_n hereof_o with_o such_o who_o do_v never_o at_o all_o reflect_v on_o the_o same_o but_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n seize_v on_o his_o soul_n than_o he_o find_v himself_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a world_n to_o know_v the_o dawning_n of_o this_o marvellous_a light_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o these_o enjoyment_n and_o vital_a act_n of_o christianity_n that_o have_v not_o the_o least_o dependence_n on_o any_o natural_a cause_n 2._o by_o consider_v the_o marvellous_a superstructure_n of_o experimental_a religion_n which_o from_o the_o inward_a observation_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n be_v such_o as_o the_o world_n can_v not_o almost_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o may_v be_v write_v hereof_o which_o yet_o be_v so_o entire_o found_v on_o one_o and_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o do_v in_o all_o the_o line_n of_o this_o great_a circumference_n still_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o centre_n yea_o thus_o how_o entire_a and_o harmonious_a a_o thing_n religion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v within_o upon_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o without_o so_o as_o every_o step_n in_o this_o way_n of_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v no_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a but_o what_o be_v by_o line_n and_o by_o rule_n with_o as_o sure_a and_o demonstrable_a a_o connexion_n with_o the_o external_n testimony_n of_o the_o word_n as_o there_o be_v in_o nature_n betwixt_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n which_o afford_v a_o more_o wonderful_a assistance_n to_o his_o faith_n than_o the_o great_a external_n miracle_n can_v ever_o do_v and_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v sometime_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n as_o act_n of_o his_o sovereign_a prerogative_n which_o make_v no_o rule_n yet_o with_o the_o establish_v constitution_n of_o his_o word_n do_v the_o continue_a experience_n of_o the_o saint_n most_o harmonious_o ever_o correspond_v 3._o by_o consider_v thus_o also_o the_o be_v and_o reality_n of_o grace_n not_o in_o its_o effect_n only_o but_o in_o its_o proper_a cause_n and_o original_a and_o how_o the_o truth_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v so_o express_v a_o transcript_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o external_n revelation_n that_o the_o impress_n do_v not_o more_o clear_o answer_v the_o seal_n on_o the_o wax_n than_o it_o do_v beget_v the_o same_o form_n and_o image_n of_o itself_o in_o such_o as_o believe_v yea_o also_o that_o conformity_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o ever_o bless_a archetype_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o reveal_v rule_n and_o how_o bright_a a_o discovery_n be_v this_o of_o so_o glorious_a a_o be_v and_o nature_n to_o which_o it_o be_v conform_v who_o be_v the_o alone_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o discovery_n as_o he_o be_v make_v to_o wonder_n that_o man_n in_o this_o age_n be_v so_o much_o awaken_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n though_o in_o its_o own_o room_n a_o most_o choice_a study_n and_o special_o desirable_a and_o will_v be_v as_o in_o a_o transport_v upon_o some_o rare_a natural_a experiment_n as_o make_v one_o in_o that_o manner_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v find_v i_o have_v find_v whilst_o here_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o demonstration_n and_o of_o more_o transcendent_a interest_n than_o all_o these_o can_v ever_o amount_v to_o on_o which_o the_o eye_n of_o most_o be_v this_o day_n shut_v 4._o by_o consider_v that_o unchangeable_a congruity_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n enjoin_v in_o the_o whole_a institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o man_n be_v make_v happy_a thereby_o now_o in_o their_o present_a state_n and_o how_o great_a a_o temporal_a revenue_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n as_o inward_a confidence_n peace_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n do_v as_o native_o follow_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n hereof_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n answer_v to_o its_o kind_n and_o be_v ever_o find_v the_o alone_a true_a relief_n of_o mankind_n against_o all_o the_o grief_n and_o bitterness_n of_o time_n yea_o that_o it_o be_v no_o distance_n of_o place_n but_o of_o man_n spirit_n by_o impurity_n and_o corruption_n that_o make_v so_o sad_a a_o distance_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n 5._o he_o be_v thus_o further_o confirm_v upon_o this_o great_a testimony_n of_o experimental_a religion_n by_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v sure_a such_o as_o do_v bear_v this_o witness_n be_v know_v 1._o to_o be_v such_o who_o be_v of_o the_o most_o discern_a and_o judicious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o any_o else_o 2._o who_o walk_n and_o practice_n use_v to_o have_v the_o great_a authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v 3._o who_o be_v find_v most_o intense_o take_v up_o in_o the_o retire_a work_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o witness_n and_o observation_n of_o other_o 4._o who_o seek_v no_o implicit_a credit_n from_o any_o herein_o but_o do_v pray_v man_n to_o come_v and_o see_v and_o prove_v the_o same_o in_o their_o own_o experience_n with_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o most_o exact_a inquiry_n and_o rational_a trial_n of_o all_o mankind_n if_o here_o be_v any_o casual_a thing_n and_o if_o that_o testimony_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a and_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o still_o one_o and_o the_o same_o 5._o who_o also_o out_o of_o the_o most_o remote_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o otherwise_o stranger_n among_o themselves_o do_v yet_o most_o harmonious_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o witness_n and_o be_v thus_o mutual_o disclose_v to_o each_o other_o by_o a_o near_a and_o feel_a intercourse_n of_o their_o soul_n from_o such_o a_o oneness_n in_o a_o spiritual_a state_n and_o those_o specific_a property_n of_o a_o spiritual_a
immediate_a revelation_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n be_v so_o demonstrable_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n page_n 24_o vi_o of_o the_o special_a evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n which_o man_n must_v needs_o see_v to_o be_v infallible_a page_n 25_o vii_o of_o the_o secure_a conveyance_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n past_a page_n 27_o viii_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n and_o entry_n of_o sin_n into_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v full_o demonstrable_a to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n page_n 28_o section_n ii_o i._o hold_v forth_o those_o great_a assistance_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v sure_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n before_o his_o come_n page_n 29_o ii_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o how_o it_o be_v now_o as_o sure_o in_o the_o event_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a he_o be_v promise_v page_n 30_o iii_o of_o the_o special_a advantage_n for_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n herein_o that_o for_o 4000_o year_n the_o promise_v come_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v defer_v page_n 32_o iu_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o internal_a excellency_n of_o christianity_n to_o bear_v further_a evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o page_n 33_o v._n that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n we_o now_o receive_v and_o enjoy_v which_o from_o the_o first_o promulgation_n thereof_o have_v have_v so_o great_a effect_n on_o the_o world_n page_n 34_o vi_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o time_n past_a be_v so_o demonstrable_o above_o the_o assistance_n of_o nature_n page_n 36_o section_n iii_o i._o for_o hold_v forth_o on_o what_o ground_n the_o faith_n of_o a_o deity_n must_v determine_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n page_n 37_o ii_o what_o confirmation_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o that_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n page_n 38_o iii_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o prevail_a on_o the_o world_n which_o no_o profession_n else_o can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o page_n 39_o iu._n the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a evidence_n which_o christ_n have_v himself_o give_v to_o the_o world_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n in_o the_o love_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o people_n joh_n 17.21_o page_n 40_o v._n how_o the_o strength_n of_o such_o a_o demonstration_n stand_v still_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o these_o divide_v time_n of_o the_o church_n page_n 42_o vi._n what_o in_o these_o last_o time_n be_v under_o our_o hand_n to_o compensate_a such_o a_o confirmation_n by_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n page_n 43_o section_n iu._n i._o for_o hold_v forth_o with_o the_o further_a rational_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o soul-quickning_a and_o experimental_a religion_n page_n 44_o ii_o the_o truth_n also_o of_o conversion_n of_o man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o new_a state_n of_o grace_n page_n 46_o iii_o of_o so_o great_a a_o experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o on_o earth_n page_n 48_o iu_o of_o so_o great_a a_o demonstration_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n and_o working_n of_o the_o conscience_n page_n 49_o v._o of_o that_o special_a confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n which_o do_v result_v from_o such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o conscience_n over_o man_n page_n 50_o section_n v._o i._o for_o hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n page_n 51_o ii_o what_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n the_o certainty_n hereof_o and_o of_o these_o power_n of_o darkness_n do_v clear_o afford_v page_n 52_o iii_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o clear_a evidence_n to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n page_n 54_o iu._n how_o confirm_v a_o seal_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o great_a change_n which_o pass_v on_o all_o man_n by_o death_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v no_o natural_a accident_n page_n 55_o v._o some_o special_a assistance_n to_o the_o christian_n faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o serve_v a_o unavoidable_a conviction_n on_o the_o great_a atheist_n page_n 57_o vi_o something_n of_o a_o visible_a hell_n in_o some_o near_a approach_n hereof_o even_o to_o man_n sense_n hold_v forth_o to_o awake_v and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o horror_n and_o torment_n in_o another_o world_n page_n 59_o vii_o some_o assistance_n to_o our_o faith_n of_o that_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n page_n 61_o chapter_n iii_o the_o confirm_v work_n of_o religion_n further_o improve_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o dismal_a and_o amaze_a time_n we_o be_v now_o fall_v in_o section_n i._n to_o hold_v forth_o what_o may_v be_v both_o for_o light_n and_o confirmation_n upon_o this_o great_a distress_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o under_o page_n 63_o section_n ii_o how_o great_a a_o talon_n we_o stand_v accountable_a for_o in_o this_o day_n of_o such_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o confirm_v the_o same_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n since_o the_o reformation_n which_o we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o adhere_v to_o page_n 65_o section_n iii_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n be_v the_o present_a lot_n of_o the_o church_n now_o fall_v in_o and_o what_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v hereof_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o further_a confirm_v in_o such_o a_o day_n page_n 73_o section_n iu._n some_o special_a service_n that_o we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o and_o accountable_a for_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o who_o be_v under_o so_o great_a a_o talon_n of_o light_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o same_o page_n 77_o the_o true_a and_o infallible_a way_n for_o attain_v a_o confirm_a state_n in_o religion_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n the_o primitive_a confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n hold_v forth_o and_o clear_v in_o its_o continue_a necessity_n and_o use_n to_o this_o day_n in_o seven_o position_n posit_n i._o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o a_o more_o sad_a and_o threaten_a aspect_n on_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o utter_a estrangement_n most_o be_v under_o to_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o those_o fundamental_a difference_n betwixt_o christianity_n and_o every_o false_a way_n which_o no_o pretend_v religion_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o position_n be_v these_o i._o that_o it_o be_v too_o visible_o manifest_a how_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n know_v so_o little_a of_o their_o own_o profession_n of_o any_o human_a art_n or_o science_n as_o such_o who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n or_o be_v so_o general_o stranger_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o for_o maintain_v either_o a_o due_a valuation_n or_o powerful_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o on_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o a_o implicit_a and_o traditional_a profession_n be_v the_o only_a part_n and_o propriety_n which_o most_o can_v claim_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v ii_o that_o very_o rare_o also_o be_v any_o serious_a personal_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o experimental_a and_o soul-quickning_a religion_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o expense_n of_o the_o most_o dismal_a and_o afflict_a time_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o temporal_a revenue_n as_o peace_n with_o god_n a_o immediate_a communion_n with_o he_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o be_v under_o such_o pressure_n of_o trouble_n as_o be_v above_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n iii_o that_o the_o further_a account_n why_o most_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o other_o form_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o custom_n and_o education_n that_o it_o do_v bespeak_v they_o from_o their_o birth_n and_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n yea_o become_v in_o that_o manner_n natural_a to_o they_o as_o the_o custom_n and_o language_n of_o their_o country_n which_o be_v ground_n that_o will_v determine_v to_o the_o very_a opposite_a profession_n if_o they_o be_v state_v under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o have_v the_o same_o motive_n to_o be_v mahumetan_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o can_v found_v no_o other_o assent_n than_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o strength_n thereof_o iv_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o most_o numerous_a part_n of_o
visible_a professor_n be_v destitute_a of_o any_o defence_n from_o internal_a motive_n and_o solid_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o there_o be_v never_o more_o cause_n to_o fear_v some_o unusual_a apostasy_n from_o the_o very_a visible_a profession_n of_o christ_n upon_o any_o violent_a trial_n and_o assault_v this_o way_n when_o such_o find_v it_o more_o easy_a to_o render_v up_o their_o religion_n than_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o same_o under_o strong_a temptation_n who_o yet_o never_o know_v that_o substance_n advantage_n or_o certainty_n herein_o as_o can_v preponderate_v with_o the_o want_n of_o all_o external_a motive_n for_o such_o a_o profession_n posit_n ii_o that_o thus_o one_o of_o the_o high_a service_n of_o these_o time_n for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v convince_o lie_v here_o to_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o firm_a certainty_n of_o the_o judgement_n on_o its_o own_o evidence_n more_o vigorous_o promote_v and_o the_o proper_a mean_n and_o assistance_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v for_o this_o end_n in_o some_o other_o manner_n yet_o improve_v than_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o this_o day_n for_o a_o more_o universal_a use_n the_o ground_n to_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n hereof_o be_v these_o i._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a wherever_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o man_n it_o come_v with_o so_o full_a a_o assurance_n of_o understanding_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o objective_a evidence_n as_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o possible_a doubtfulness_n herein_o which_o be_v the_o credit_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o in_o no_o other_o way_n it_o do_v require_v acceptance_n but_o with_o the_o further_a conviction_n of_o evidence_n ii_o because_o the_o express_a design_n and_o tendency_n of_o this_o bless_a revelation_n be_v no_o less_o to_o find_v such_o a_o rational_a assurance_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o its_o truth_n than_o to_o engage_v the_o will_n and_o consent_n for_o embrace_v thereof_o and_o though_o such_o great_a demonstration_n for_o this_o end_n can_v only_o in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la have_v a_o convince_a influence_n to_o persuade_v the_o understanding_n yet_o be_v they_o of_o such_o weight_n here_o as_o next_o to_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o great_a mean_n to_o bring_v up_o man_n assent_n to_o a_o full_a and_o quiet_v rest_n on_o that_o security_n to_o which_o they_o must_v trust_v themselves_o for_o ever_o and_o to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o this_o even_o here_o by_o the_o way_n be_v assure_o full_a though_o not_o yet_o their_o enjoyment_n iii_o because_o this_o faith_n of_o assent_n shall_v be_v first_o follow_v in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o conversion_n to_o know_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n wherein_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o the_o objective_a but_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o be_v not_o the_o internal_a work_n and_o testimony_n he_o give_v on_o the_o soul_n the_o first_o testimony_n but_o must_v still_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n without_o and_o such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n thereof_o wherewith_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n nor_o may_v any_o ever_o separate_a that_o which_o god_n have_v himself_o so_o indissoluble_o join_v iv_o that_o there_o be_v so_o convince_a a_o necessity_n and_o use_n hereof_o to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o a_o special_a way_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o youth_n for_o a_o more_o firm_a lay_n of_o the_o groundwork_n of_o their_o christian_a profession_n and_o for_o the_o seedplot_n of_o a_o bless_a and_o desirable_a growth_n among_o such_o in_o this_o day_n that_o they_o may_v thus_o know_v early_o something_o of_o these_o primary_n ground_n and_o demonstration_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o also_o be_v it_o a_o study_n of_o that_o high_a importance_n as_o i_o humble_o judge_v shall_v be_v of_o notable_a use_n for_o a_o manuduction_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o student_n of_o divinity_n before_o they_o launch_v forth_o in_o that_o vast_a and_o immense_a ocean_n of_o the_o speculative_a part_n thereof_o and_o for_o be_v at_o some_o great_a advantage_n thus_o for_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o confirm_a work_n in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o future_a service_n v._o yea_o of_o what_o use_n may_v this_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o many_o who_o may_v be_v sore_o haunt_v with_o hide_a and_o dreadful_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n and_o to_o weaken_v they_o in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o be_v whole_o unfurnished_v of_o any_o such_o ground_n and_o argument_n in_o their_o judgement_n to_o repel_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o believe_v firm_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o save_v man_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n a_o much_o high_a act_n of_o faith_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v save_v we_o since_o as_o the_o one_o do_v unspeakable_o more_o transcend_v all_o human_a reason_n than_o the_o other_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n thus_o argue_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o less_o rom._n 8.32_o that_o he_o who_o give_v his_o own_o son_n to_o the_o death_n will_v he_o not_o also_o with_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n posit_n iii_o that_o such_o a_o confirm_v work_n be_v most_o special_o follow_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n to_o have_v this_o faith_n of_o assent_n and_o doctrinal_a certainty_n thereof_o on_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o evidence_n deep_o found_v in_o man_n judgement_n be_v so_o clear_a as_o can_v come_v under_o debate_n i._o that_o this_o way_n do_v the_o great_a author_n 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quam_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la hunc_fw-la esse_fw-la quem_fw-la impossibile_fw-it est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la x._o how_o plain_n be_v it_o that_o man_n can_v but_o see_v these_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n on_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o prophetic_a light_n and_o discovery_n as_o have_v be_v oft_o give_v of_o future_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o undeniable_a truth_n of_o miracle_n so_o as_o such_o a_o prodigy_n as_o a_o profess_a atheist_n can_v have_v no_o claim_n to_o humane_a race_n as_o a_o rational_a be_v more_o than_o the_o great_a monster_n in_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o true_a man_n qu._n ii_o whâ—t_n do_v witness_v the_o world_n not_o be_v eternal_a and_o its_o first_o original_a and_o begin_v from_o god_n to_o confirm_v your_o faith_n herein_o by_o rational_a demonstration_n ans_fw-fr i._o that_o eternity_n be_v a_o incommunicable_a perfection_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o that_o which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o corruptible_a and_o perish_a thing_n as_o this_o visible_a world_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o itself_o eternal_a nor_o can_v ever_o produce_v itself_o since_o thus_o it_o must_v both_o be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o be_v the_o great_a contradiction_n ii_o that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n now_o as_o time_n there_o can_v be_v no_o judge_v of_o day_n year_n and_o age_n to_o be_v infinite_a or_o how_o one_o thing_n in_o a_o continue_a order_n shall_v thus_o go_v before_o another_o without_o come_v to_o some_o first_o beginning_n iii_o if_o there_o be_v a_o gradual_a increase_n of_o human_a learning_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o art_n and_o science_n and_o the_o great_a experiment_n and_o invention_n have_v be_v but_o of_o a_o late_o rise_v and_o date_n then_o can_v there_o not_o possible_o be_v a_o eternal_a succession_n of_o mankind_n with_o a_o continue_a progress_n and_o experience_n this_o way_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v that_o but_o of_o late_a one_o part_n of_o 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the_o soul_n in_o that_o lesser_a world_n of_o man_n bear_v the_o same_o evidence_n therewith_o which_o though_o we_o never_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n yet_o do_v undeniable_o actuate_v the_o whole_a body_n in_o its_o function_n as_o the_o proper_a spring_n of_o every_o act_n and_o motion_n there_o vi_o it_o be_v thus_o further_o confirm_v by_o these_o continue_a vicissitude_n and_o turn_n of_o summer_n and_o winter_n and_o of_o day_n and_o night_n that_o man_n may_v have_v both_o light_n for_o his_o labour_n and_o darkness_n as_o a_o cover_n for_o his_o rest_n vii_o by_o such_o visible_a discovery_n of_o divine_a judgement_n and_o execution_n of_o his_o law_n on_o man_n here_o as_o all_o may_v see_v his_o hand_n therein_o who_o yet_o will_v not_o hear_v his_o voice_n in_o the_o word_n viii_o by_o these_o extraordinary_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o providence_n which_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n ix_o by_o so_o evident_a a_o restraint_n both_o over_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n 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this_o off_o their_o conscience_n or_o make_v a_o indifference_n herein_o without_o extinguish_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n to_o show_v that_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a difference_n which_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n have_v put_v betwixt_o they_o ii_o that_o we_o see_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n so_o constrain_v to_o a_o awful_a sense_n and_o regard_n of_o truth_n and_o welldoing_a and_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o loveliness_n and_o excellency_n hereof_o as_o do_v make_v they_o seek_v their_o own_o repute_n by_o a_o false_a show_n and_o counterfeit_v of_o the_o same_o and_o give_v such_o a_o be_v and_o rise_v to_o that_o dreadful_a imposture_n of_o hypocrisy_n iii_o that_o its_o the_o truth_n privilege_n ever_o to_o outlive_v falsehood_n and_o prevail_v over_o the_o same_o yea_o to_o have_v the_o great_a triumph_n after_o its_o sore_a conflict_n and_o how_o this_o be_v of_o
as_o fundamental_a a_o constitution_n in_o the_o course_n of_o providence_n as_o the_o most_o firm_a establishment_n of_o nature_n iv_o that_o in_o no_o time_n since_o man_n be_v form_v in_o the_o earth_n do_v true_a joy_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o native_a result_n of_o welldoing_a or_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o be_v peace_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n nor_o have_v it_o ever_o want_v a_o witness_n even_o before_o any_o word_n give_v of_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n herein_o v._o that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o most_o dismal_a time_n what_o a_o public_a blessing_n such_o be_v who_o by_o more_o extraordinary_a trial_n have_v be_v put_v to_o the_o high_a exercise_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o patience_n yea_o how_o visible_o such_o have_v be_v promote_v to_o the_o most_o honourable_a service_n for_o god_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o credit_n of_o religion_n before_o man_n who_o on_o the_o first_o sight_n and_o view_n have_v be_v account_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o any_o vi_o whilst_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o may_v be_v ever_o see_v how_o with_o the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a here_o there_o be_v punishment_n of_o another_o kind_n dispense_v and_o more_o dreadful_a than_o any_o outward_a affliction_n such_o as_o judicial_a obstinacy_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n in_o opposition_n to_o god_n even_o when_o their_o own_o ruin_n be_v make_v visible_a to_o they_o herein_o vii_o how_o oft_o man_n be_v thus_o evident_o condemn_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n by_o some_o strange_a measure_n of_o temporal_a success_n and_o prosperity_n before_o some_o great_a fall_n and_o ruin_n as_o the_o issue_n hereof_o in_o the_o last_o scene_n of_o providence_n do_v full_o attest_v viii_o that_o it_o be_v see_v also_o how_o sin_n do_v ever_o bring_v its_o own_o punishment_n with_o it_o in_o some_o begin_a degree_n both_o of_o shame_n and_o torment_n and_o as_o seneca_n a_o heathen_a can_v say_v that_o wickedness_n be_v the_o most_o exquisite_a contriver_n of_o human_a misery_n so_o the_o world_n likewise_o may_v see_v how_o a_o present_a immunity_n from_o judgement_n be_v no_o release_n but_o when_o its_o sentence_n be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v yet_o be_v it_o at_o last_o sure_o execute_v ix_o and_o how_o evident_a be_v it_o that_o the_o great_a hater_n of_o godliness_n be_v yet_o enforce_v to_o justify_v the_o same_o and_o the_o christian_n choice_n herein_o as_o the_o great_a wisdom_n upon_o any_o surprise_v state_n and_o extremity_n yea_o how_o such_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o join_v interest_n then_o with_o such_o in_o their_o death_n who_o they_o most_o contemn_v in_o their_o life_n qu._n v._n how_o be_v it_o convince_v and_o demonstrable_a that_o god_n have_v give_v any_o clear_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o counsel_n unto_o man_n and_o that_o such_o a_o wonderful_a record_n be_v undoubted_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n ans_fw-fr that_o i._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o establish_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o commerce_n betwixt_o he_o and_o man_n here_o so_o as_o to_o know_v both_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v expect_v and_o hope_v from_o he_o ii_o that_o this_o also_o must_v be_v know_v and_o display_v its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o by_o such_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n as_o may_v render_v all_o inexcusable_a who_o give_v not_o entire_a credit_n thereto_o iii_o i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o clear_a and_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n than_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o fountain_n and_o repository_n of_o sacred_a light_n about_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o scripture_n and_o its_o be_v the_o alone_a public_a standard_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n iu._n that_o no_o way_n be_v ever_o make_v know_v to_o recover_v mankind_n from_o a_o state_n of_o bondage_n darkness_n and_o misery_n consistent_a with_o the_o very_a use_n of_o reason_n but_o by_o this_o bless_a light_n which_o shine_v there_o v._o yea_o that_o there_o be_v as_o visible_a a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o same_o and_o any_o pretend_a religion_n which_o ever_o be_v beside_o in_o the_o world_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o vi_o that_o there_o be_v one_o proper_a sphere_n where_o this_o glorious_a light_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v fix_v and_o wherein_o it_o shine_v forth_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o which_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n qu._n vi_o but_o what_o more_o peculiar_a evidence_n can_v you_o show_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o all_o may_v see_v they_o to_o be_v of_o infallible_a truth_n ans_fw-fr i._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a such_o a_o book_n be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o no_o create_v wisdom_n can_v ever_o have_v make_v and_o contain_v such_o thing_n of_o high_a concern_v to_o mankind_n as_o do_v infinite_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o human_a ability_n and_o invention_n and_o can_v never_o have_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o god_n himself_o ii_o that_o it_o give_v forth_o such_o exquisite_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o man_n must_v needs_o see_v the_o holy_a nature_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n most_o bright_o shine_v forth_o therein_o iii_o which_o do_v discover_v so_o great_a and_o proper_a a_o relief_n for_o all_o those_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o do_v attend_v this_o fall_a estate_n of_o man_n as_o none_o but_o a_o all-sufficient_a god_n can_v work_v iv_o that_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o bless_a record_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o have_v determine_v the_o change_n and_o revolution_n thereof_o when_o it_o be_v not_o more_o evident_a that_o these_o visible_a heaven_n be_v stretch_v forth_o over_o the_o earth_n than_o that_o this_o line_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v stretch_v over_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o frame_n of_o providence_n and_o do_v most_o clear_o and_o bright_o illuminate_v the_o same_o v._o that_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o matter_n shall_v meet_v with_o so_o visible_a a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n in_o one_o perfect_a and_o entire_a frame_n yea_o knit_v in_o so_o close_a a_o bond_n of_o union_n together_o as_o make_v the_o whole_a bible_n to_o be_v entire_o one_o piece_n though_o in_o the_o write_n of_o each_o distinct_a part_n thereof_o it_o can_v never_o have_v possible_o be_v contrive_v or_o foresee_v by_o human_a wisdom_n as_o we_o see_v here_o of_o so_o admirable_a a_o agreement_n and_o correspondence_n as_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o vi_o that_o none_o else_o can_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o world_n in_o so_o majestic_a a_o way_n and_o so_o become_v the_o greatness_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n to_o assume_v such_o a_o supremacy_n and_o give_v forth_o law_n for_o absolute_a obedience_n from_o all_o mankind_n thereto_o and_o on_o such_o a_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n or_o that_o any_o impostor_n either_o possible_o can_v or_o dare_v have_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n personate_v the_o same_o vii_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v his_o word_n who_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o have_v a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n thereof_o who_o thus_o not_o only_o give_v law_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o our_o inward_a part_n but_o do_v establish_v a_o internal_a religion_n there_o no_o less_o absolute_o than_o what_o respect_v our_o external_a work_n and_o action_n viii_o yea_o where_o all_o may_v see_v the_o penman_n thereof_o under_o so_o entire_a a_o subjection_n to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o contrivance_n of_o their_o own_o as_o they_o do_v record_v their_o own_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v thus_o also_o require_v all_o just_a respect_n and_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n when_o through_o the_o whole_a earth_n they_o be_v then_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n ix_o that_o this_o must_v be_v his_o word_n who_o alone_o can_v derive_v principle_n of_o life_n to_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o animate_v the_o same_o with_o a_o quicken_a spirit_n and_o be_v a_o work_n above_o the_o contrivance_n of_o angel_n or_o man_n when_o direct_v to_o each_o new_a trial_n of_o the_o church_n and_o personal_a case_n of_o christian_n as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v alone_o write_v for_o that_o time_n so_o that_o i_o can_v be_v no_o more_o persuade_v in_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o
book_n as_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o earth_n than_o that_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o alone_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o mankind_n qu._n vii_o how_o be_v the_o secure_a conveyance_n of_o the_o scripture_n demonstrable_a amid_o all_o the_o change_n of_o time_n past_a and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a tendency_n to_o its_o corruption_n answ_n i._o that_o it_o be_v so_o undeniable_o the_o first_o rule_v which_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o mankind_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o alone_a public_a standard_n of_o truth_n that_o have_v endure_v the_o trial_n and_o inquiry_n of_o all_o time_n past_a so_o as_o no_o pretence_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o antiquity_n can_v yet_o ever_o be_v to_o the_o contrary_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v so_o exact_a a_o harmony_n betwixt_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o one_o be_v a_o visible_a transcript_n of_o the_o other_o in_o its_o accomplishment_n that_o i_o 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live_a book_n of_o the_o same_o v._o that_o those_o numerous_a version_n and_o commentary_n write_v thereon_o in_o diverse_a language_n do_v full_o evidence_n they_o have_v the_o same_o scripture_n and_o no_o other_o than_o what_o we_o have_v this_o day_n vi_o that_o this_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o writing_n but_o in_o that_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n for_o keep_v close_o thereto_o as_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o possible_a tendency_n to_o corrupt_v or_o alter_v the_o same_o beside_o the_o continue_a and_o public_a reference_n that_o have_v be_v since_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o its_o decision_n which_o all_o these_o sharp_a controversy_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n on_o all_o side_n do_v inevitable_o require_v qu._n viii_o what_o do_v confirm_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n and_o entry_n of_o sin_n into_o the_o world_n this_o way_n from_o clear_a and_o unavoidable_a evidence_n of_o reason_n answ_n i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o sin_n and_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o conscience_n of_o guilt_n arise_v hereon_o among_o all_o mankind_n can_v need_v no_o proof_n nor_o evidence_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a this_o shall_v have_v be_v original_o create_v with_o man_n or_o essential_o belong_v to_o his_o first_o frame_n and_o constitution_n since_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o conscience_n of_o guilt_n or_o remorse_n for_o what_o be_v give_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o first_o frame_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o sin_n to_o act_v thus_o suitable_o to_o their_o own_o original_a state_n iii_o that_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a also_o how_o one_o part_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v in_o such_o opposition_n to_o another_o iu._n nor_o that_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o inherent_a shame_n can_v be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o sense_n of_o guilt_n and_o by_o so_o natural_a a_o result_n follow_v the_o same_o or_o that_o such_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o own_o be_v if_o this_o be_v not_o upon_o a_o undoubted_a apostasy_n from_o what_o once_o he_o be_v and_o that_o inevitable_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n that_o he_o now_o be_v what_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o as_o the_o certainty_n of_o man_n fall_n though_o alone_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o yet_o may_v be_v as_o evident_a to_o reason_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o be_v now_o be_v section_n ii_o qu._n i._o be_v there_o such_o assistance_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n upon_o that_o great_a and_o astonish_a mystery_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n as_o can_v full_o answer_v the_o greatness_n thereof_o from_o clear_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n to_o man_n judgement_n answ_n it_o be_v sure_a there_o can_v nothing_o possible_o be_v desire_v more_o to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a mind_n than_o be_v give_v for_o the_o further_a certainty_n hereof_o i._o that_o such_o a_o glorious_a person_n as_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o come_v and_o be_v anoint_v to_o that_o great_a work_n of_o redeem_v mankind_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o bring_v man_n back_o again_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v the_o alone_a foundation_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v since_o man_n fall_v ii_o that_o all_o the_o numerous_a type_n and_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n do_v so_o express_o tend_v to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n of_o that_o one_o bless_v propitiatory_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o iii_o that_o long_o ere_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v there_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o exact_v a_o protraicture_n of_o the_o messiah_n draw_v forth_o in_o the_o old_a with_o such_o peculiar_a mark_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o the_o church_n and_o infallible_o take_v place_n in_o the_o event_n as_o man_n can_v not_o upon_o any_o scripture_n evidence_n expect_v his_o come_n in_o another_o way_n iv_o that_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffering_n be_v so_o express_o hold_v forth_o and_o foretell_v with_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n thereof_o in_o the_o 53._o chap._n of_o isaiah_n and_o 9_o of_o daniel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o v._o that_o even_o the_o special_a season_n and_o period_n of_o time_n for_o accomplish_v this_o great_a promise_n be_v so_o far_o make_v know_v as_o upon_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquiry_n its_o near_a approach_n may_v be_v discernible_a and_o clear_a to_o what_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n this_o do_v special_o relate_v for_o which_o both_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o monarchy_n and_o daniel_n seventy_o week_n be_v set_v up_o as_o highway_n mark_v to_o guide_v man_n faith_n herein_o vi_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n how_o the_o promise_a messiah_n can_v be_v yet_o to_o come_v except_o the_o jew_n be_v put_v in_o the_o same_o state_n they_o be_v in_o at_o his_o come_n when_o now_o for_o these_o 1600._o year_n there_o have_v be_v no_o sceptre_n not_o lawgiver_n no_o temple_n or_o daily_a sacrifice_n vii_o that_o this_o great_a mystery_n can_v never_o possible_o have_v enter_v in_o our_o thought_n or_o be_v devise_v by_o any_o create_a understanding_n qu._n ii_o but_o be_v there_o as_o clear_v and_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n in_o the_o event_n that_o sure_o the_o bless_a messiah_n of_o the_o world_n be_v now_o come_v as_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v promise_v answ_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o possible_a debate_n i._o that_o so_o divine_a and_o wonderful_a a_o person_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o tiberius_n caesar_n manifest_v to_o israel_n with_o no_o outward_a show_n or_o observation_n who_o do_v so_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n before_o all_o the_o people_n as_o be_v above_o all_o create_a power_n yea_o that_o he_o be_v crucify_a at_o jerusalem_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n be_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n have_v be_v enforce_v to_o confess_v it_o ii_o that_o this_o special_a season_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n be_v the_o great_a epocha_n and_o period_n of_o time_n from_o which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v ever_o since_o to_o this_o day_n reckon_v her_o state_n and_o succession_n be_v undoubted_a and_o clear_a also_o iii_o that_o the_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n unto_o the_o world_n do_v so_o exact_o suit_n that_o which_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v at_o that_o time_n with_o great_a intentness_n look_v after_o the_o messiah_n so_o as_o some_o remarkable_a impostor_n take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n herein_o iv_o that_o in_o he_o who_o
be_v then_o reveal_v and_o who_o the_o christian_a church_n worship_n it_o be_v sure_a be_v most_o exact_o fulfil_v what_o ever_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o do_v appeal_v herein_o to_o these_o record_n which_o all_o the_o jew_n even_o to_o this_o day_n do_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a v._o that_o this_o be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o man_n in_o those_o day_n most_o know_v to_o all_o and_o famous_a yea_o by_o the_o special_a appointment_n of_o god_n at_o so_o solemn_a a_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o christ_n our_o passover_n be_v then_o sacrifice_v vi_o that_o no_o humane_a interest_n or_o policy_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o this_o discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o visible_o cross_v thereto_o or_o obstructive_a of_o its_o success_n than_o such_o a_o publish_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n with_o all_o the_o ignominy_n and_o abasement_n which_o attend_v the_o same_o have_v there_o be_v any_o way_n here_o to_o consult_v carnal_a reason_n or_o any_o other_o ground_n to_o bear_v it_o out_o than_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n vii_o that_o herein_o have_v all_o divide_a party_n and_o sect_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v enforce_v still_o to_o meet_v and_o consent_v in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o substance_n thereof_o viii_o that_o in_o the_o same_o light_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n about_o the_o messiah_n do_v the_o whole_a gentile_a church_n enter_v and_o make_v claim_v to_o their_o right_n for_o be_v adopt_v the_o seed_n and_o child_n of_o abraham_n on_o these_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_v give_v for_o the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n qu._n iii_o what_o confirmation_n be_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v defer_v for_o 4000_o year_n after_o the_o promise_n answ_n though_o the_o sovereign_a pleasure_n of_o god_n shall_v silence_v and_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n herein_o yet_o be_v there_o such_o a_o sight_n to_o be_v have_v hereof_o and_o of_o infinite_a divine_a wisdom_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o same_o as_o shall_v be_v most_o confirm_v for_o these_o end_n i._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o distinct_a represent_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o angel_n and_o man_n in_o such_o a_o gradual_a open_n up_o of_o the_o same_o ii_o to_o put_v that_o weight_n and_o high_a value_n on_o his_o own_o promise_n and_o testimony_n herein_o when_o on_o the_o alone_a credit_n thereof_o he_o will_v thus_o both_o try_v and_o bear_v out_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n for_o so_o many_o age_n and_o draw_v forth_o their_o desire_n and_o long_n in_o all_o that_o long_a space_n of_o time_n after_o the_o same_o iii_o to_o testify_v the_o greatness_n â—f_fw-mi his_o wrath_n against_o sin_n and_o the_o apostasy_n of_o mankind_n by_o suffer_v the_o generality_n thereof_o to_o lie_v so_o long_o under_o its_o fatal_a effect_n iv_o to_o prepare_v the_o church_n for_o so_o great_a a_o reception_n by_o all_o that_o long_o preparatory_a service_n of_o legal_a institution_n it_o high_o become_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o have_v so_o solemn_a and_o wondrous_a a_o introduction_n thereto_o v._o that_o thus_o the_o world_n may_v have_v its_o full_a trial_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o natural_a ability_n and_o of_o any_o improvement_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n for_o help_v after_o this_o have_v first_o be_v at_o the_o further_a height_n both_o in_o greece_n and_o rome_n before_o the_o alone_a redeemer_n of_o the_o church_n come_v qu._n iu._n what_o can_v offer_v further_a conviction_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n from_o its_o nature_n and_o internal_a excellency_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o essential_o good_a in_o its_o self_n than_o evident_o true_a answ_n i._o it_o be_v undeniable_a even_o to_o those_o that_o live_v at_o a_o distance_n that_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n that_o though_o all_o visible_a and_o humane_a prop_n shall_v fail_v it_o can_v subsist_v by_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o have_v thus_o ever_o preserve_v its_o station_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n ii_o that_o as_o it_o hold_v forth_o the_o most_o exquisite_a rule_n of_o perfection_n to_o follow_v so_o do_v it_o bring_v the_o great_a relief_n to_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o those_o misery_n which_o attend_v the_o humane_a state_n here_o so_o that_o a_o high_a glory_n do_v thus_o result_v to_o the_o holy_a god_n by_o this_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n to_o fall_v man_n than_o if_o he_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o primitive_a state_n iii_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v native_o tend_v to_o fix_v man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n in_o their_o principle_n affection_n and_o conversation_n from_o the_o world_n iu._n that_o it_o do_v more_o bright_o shine_v forth_o in_o simplicity_n and_o truth_n and_o in_o its_o internal_a and_o vital_a act_n than_o in_o any_o outward_a form_n or_o show_v yea_o in_o the_o way_n of_o self-denial_n meekness_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n do_v such_o a_o excellency_n appear_v as_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n have_v as_o visible_a a_o difference_n from_o the_o proud_a and_o vindictive_a spirit_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o day_n have_v from_o the_o night_n v._o that_o such_o christianity_n can_v be_v know_v by_o no_o naked_a doctrinal_a discovery_n of_o the_o same_o to_o man_n judgement_n or_o such_o rule_n as_o any_o humane_a science_n be_v acquire_v by_o without_o a_o inward_a power_n and_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n nor_o can_v there_o ever_o be_v a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o divinity_n until_o it_o be_v first_o ingraft_v in_o a_o divine_a heart_n so_o far_o be_v this_o mystery_n above_o all_o humane_a rule_n and_o contrivance_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o great_a opposition_n to_o any_o false_a show_n or_o hypocrisy_n yea_o bring_v such_o enforcement_n therewith_o of_o candour_n and_o truth_n and_o of_o love_n tenderness_n and_o sympathy_n towards_o other_o as_o all_o must_v see_v be_v not_o only_o the_o high_a ornament_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o the_o great_a blessing_n to_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v vii_o that_o such_o a_o native_a lustre_n and_o fragrancy_n do_v attend_v the_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o make_v it_o no_o more_o possible_a for_o humane_a be_v or_o cunning_a to_o represent_v this_o than_o to_o make_v the_o dead_a image_n of_o a_o man_n to_o live_v or_o to_o paint_v on_o a_o board_n the_o vital_a scent_n of_o a_o violet_n or_o rose_n to_o our_o sense_n viii_o that_o in_o this_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n subdue_a man_n to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o by_o the_o power_n of_o inward_a grace_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n do_v more_o eminent_o shine_v forth_o than_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v for_o this_o end_n with_o the_o great_a outward_a majesty_n and_o attendance_n of_o angel_n to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n ix_o that_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o that_o be_v without_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o place_n where_o horror_n falsehood_n and_o impiety_n do_v manifest_o reign_v qu._n v._n but_o how_o do_v you_o receive_v so_o wonderful_a a_o truth_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v when_o it_o be_v now_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o its_o first_o promulgation_n ans_fw-fr i._o that_o we_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a and_o persuade_v of_o the_o most_o visible_a and_o present_a object_n of_o sense_n than_o that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n which_o be_v still_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n whereby_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o all_o nation_n tongue_n and_o language_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v seal_v yea_o it_o have_v make_v that_o change_n upon_o man_n in_o turn_v they_o from_o ungodliness_n and_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n as_o have_v be_v no_o less_o marvellous_a than_o the_o turn_n of_o so_o many_o wolf_n into_o lamb_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o gospel_n which_o not_o only_o through_o a_o series_n of_o 1600_o year_n have_v be_v attest_v but_o by_o such_o innumerable_a witness_n who_o count_v not_o their_o life_n dear_a unto_o the_o death_n for_o seal_v thereof_o and_o find_v it_o sweet_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o the_o flame_n for_o christ_n iii_o which_o in_o all_o age_n past_a have_v stand_v out_o the_o great_a
there_o be_v no_o possible_a ground_n to_o question_v this_o i._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o so_o great_a a_o discovery_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o a_o power_n above_o nature_n which_o accompany_v the_o same_o in_o such_o a_o change_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v sure_o contrary_a state_n in_o another_o world_n when_o they_o be_v so_o undeniable_o manifest_v here_o qu._n iii_o but_o can_v so_o great_a a_o experiment_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n here_o upon_o earth_n be_v make_v rational_o convince_a to_o such_o as_o be_v themselves_o stranger_a thereto_o and_o for_o a_o further_o confirm_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n answ_n though_o this_o be_v a_o experiment_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o a_o more_o transcendent_a interest_n and_o value_n than_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a delusion_n herein_o if_o 1_n it_o be_v that_o to_o which_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n bear_v testimony_n and_o have_v send_v down_o the_o same_o as_o that_o which_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o they_o have_v approve_v but_o in_o the_o continue_a trial_n of_o their_o life_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o such_o as_o testify_v what_o they_o do_v and_o have_v so_o oft_o find_v in_o the_o retirement_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o god_n be_v of_o as_o discern_a spirit_n to_o know_v the_o true_a value_n of_o thing_n as_o any_o else_o yea_o such_o who_o testimony_n in_o other_o thing_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n can_v not_o refuse_v nor_o deny_v iii_o that_o its_o undeniable_o evident_a such_o must_v have_v another_o acquaintance_n and_o society_n than_o that_o of_o man_n which_o not_o only_o make_v these_o hide_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n so_o desirable_a where_o all_o may_v see_v they_o more_o flee_v than_o follow_v any_o humane_a witness_n but_o also_o make_v so_o visible_a a_o change_n both_o in_o their_o case_n and_o countenance_n after_o most_o sad_a anguish_n and_o down-castings_a of_o spirit_n iv_o that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a also_o how_o such_o as_o be_v most_o serious_a this_o way_n have_v be_v visible_o oft_o raise_v above_o their_o ordinary_a case_n and_o frame_v in_o prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n yea_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o they_o who_o never_o know_v there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o report_n can_v not_o withstand_v so_o clear_a conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n hereof_o that_o can_v beget_v such_o liberty_n humble_a tenderness_n and_o melt_a of_o heart_n yea_o such_o discernible_a joy_n and_o confidence_n v._o that_o no_o delusion_n or_o false_a show_n can_v be_v here_o when_o it_o be_v ever_o see_v that_o such_o as_o be_v most_o serious_a and_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n and_o these_o hide_a retirement_n with_o god_n be_v the_o most_o flourish_a also_o in_o the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a lustre_n and_o appearance_n of_o any_o in_o their_o profession_n vi_o that_o it_o be_v such_o only_a who_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v most_o special_o discernible_a beyond_o other_o when_o these_o low_a spring_n of_o outward_a help_n and_o encouragement_n be_v most_o visible_o shut_v up_o qu._n iv_o be_v that_o great_a and_o experimental_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o conscience_n over_o man_n such_o as_o may_v be_v as_o demonstrable_a to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v answ_n it_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o man_n be_v not_o strike_v with_o deep_a conviction_n hereon_o when_o they_o can_v but_o see_v i._o that_o though_o this_o be_v the_o great_a tormentor_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o possible_a retreat_n from_o its_o power_n though_o man_n shall_v flee_v to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o do_v it_o enforce_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o reflection_n on_o its_o self_n even_o when_o it_o tremble_v at_o that_o sight_n ii_o that_o it_o cause_v great_a fear_n and_o horror_n upon_o the_o commitment_n of_o secret_a sin_n when_o no_o dread_n of_o humane_a witness_n or_o of_o visible_a hazard_n this_o way_n can_v occasion_v it_o iii_o that_o it_o admit_v no_o violence_n in_o any_o to_o outdare_v the_o same_o but_o be_v a_o power_n that_o the_o great_a monarch_n find_v to_o be_v strong_a than_o they_o and_o be_v such_o that_o these_o oft_o be_v enforce_v for_o present_a ease_n and_o relief_n either_o to_o divert_v or_o bribe_v the_o same_o by_o some_o false_a ground_n of_o peace_n iv_o that_o it_o constrain_v man_n to_o justify_v god_n and_o judge_v themselves_o when_o his_o hand_n do_v pursue_v they_o and_o to_o find_v out_o their_o sin_n and_o guilt_n which_o be_v before_o hide_v v._o that_o it_o make_v man_n also_o afraid_a to_o be_v alone_o with_o themselves_o and_o to_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n because_o its_o light_n do_v torment_v they_o by_o that_o unavoidable_a application_n which_o conscience_n make_v hereof_o vi_o yea_o it_o make_v man_n guilt_n so_o legible_a oft_o in_o their_o countenance_n even_o when_o they_o study_v most_o to_o conceal_v it_o that_o all_o may_v see_v there_o be_v a_o accuser_n within_o who_o authority_n and_o power_n can_v possible_o be_v decline_v vii_o that_o with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o confidence_n and_o security_n it_o do_v support_v man_n spirit_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o sustain_v its_o great_a infirmity_n from_o without_o when_o it_o be_v a_o friend_n yea_o and_o uphold_v the_o oppress_v with_o unspeakable_a peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o it_o do_v oft_o cause_v the_o oppressor_n to_o tremble_v qu._n v._n but_o what_o do_v most_o necessary_o result_v from_o so_o clear_a a_o demonstration_n as_o the_o conscience_n be_v for_o confirm_v of_o our_o faith_n answ_n i._o that_o it_o be_v infallible_o thus_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a power_n and_o judgement_n to_o which_o all_o mankind_n be_v subject_v and_o give_v the_o world_n a_o unavoidable_a demonstration_n both_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o great_a and_o supernatural_a discovery_n which_o it_o make_v hereof_o ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a law_n also_o and_o invisible_a judge_n above_o we_o under_o who_o power_n and_o authority_n this_o court_n of_o justice_n do_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n both_o summon_v arrest_v bring_v in_o witness_n and_o sentence_n great_a and_o small_a iii_o that_o the_o internal_a government_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n this_o way_n both_o in_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o rebuke_n and_o most_o sensible_a enlargement_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n be_v unavoidable_o demonstrate_v iv_o that_o it_o bear_v so_o clear_a evidence_n to_o unknown_a and_o undoubted_a relief_n and_o none_o else_o can_v be_v ever_o find_v for_o these_o wound_n and_o sting_n of_o the_o conscience_n but_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n v._o that_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o delight_v free_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n when_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v disarm_v the_o conscience_n of_o that_o so_o intolerable_a a_o sting_n by_o which_o it_o begin_v so_o early_a a_o hell_n within_o the_o soul_n vi_o that_o such_o be_v the_o power_n and_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o can_v make_v it_o stand_v unbroken_v amid_o the_o great_a ruin_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n when_o under_o such_o a_o guard_n as_o that_o of_o its_o own_o innocency_n section_n v._n qu._n i._o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o that_o kingdom_n of_o light_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v up_o by_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o may_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o of_o faith_n answ_n this_o be_v of_o such_o special_a use_n both_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o awake_v such_o to_o deep_a reflection_n on_o the_o same_o with_o who_o there_o seem_v no_o hope_n to_o prevail_v but_o by_o proof_n from_o palpable_a experience_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n encompass_v the_o earth_n yea_o that_o they_o have_v a_o ordinary_a and_o familiar_a converse_n with_o many_o therein_o ii_o that_o these_o spirit_n though_o once_o original_o excellent_a have_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o apostasy_n as_o all_o may_v see_v their_o aim_n and_o only_a pleasure_n be_v to_o dishonour_n god_n and_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o man._n iii_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o deny_v the_o mark_n of_o that_o power_n and_o conquest_n which_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n have_v every_o where_n among_o
death_n as_o a_o penalty_n which_o keep_v the_o fear_n and_o dread_v thereof_o so_o much_o on_o all_o live_n it_o be_v in_o that_o last_o period_n that_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o man_n be_v decide_v iii_o that_o the_o sting_n and_o bitterness_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o manifest_a in_o innumerable_a disease_n and_o stroke_n of_o death_n which_o many_o feel_v a_o 100_o time_n ere_o they_o die_v once_o beyond_o any_o other_o of_o the_o creature_n iv_o though_o the_o sentence_n of_o die_v be_v on_o all_o yet_o so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v betwixt_o the_o saint_n and_o residue_n of_o man_n here_o that_o its_o penal_a execution_n on_o the_o ungodly_a be_v such_o as_o nature_n can_v give_v no_o support_n under_o it_o v._o that_o supernatural_a presage_n and_o warning_n hereof_o ere_o it_o come_v be_v in_o all_o time_n know_v and_o sure_a yea_o such_o extraordinary_a evidence_n be_v sometime_o of_o the_o precise_a time_n as_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a rise_n from_o any_o natural_a cause_n vi_o that_o its_o immediate_a commission_n from_o a_o supreme_a and_o invisible_a power_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o such_o execution_n oft_o of_o this_o sentence_n by_o sword_n famine_n and_o pestilence_n as_o the_o visible_a finger_n of_o god_n in_o a_o just_a retribution_n unto_o man_n for_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o less_o see_v and_o a_o supernatural_a causality_n than_o the_o effect_n have_v be_v undoubted_a and_o clear_a to_o show_v that_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n that_o this_o great_a revolution_n by_o death_n do_v each_o moment_n depend_v on_o a_o call_n from_o heaven_n vii_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o something_o supernatural_a in_o this_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v so_o know_v that_o as_o no_o relief_n can_v possible_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n to_o set_v man_n both_o above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o a_o after_o state_n when_o once_o it_o come_v near_o viii_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v sure_o above_o the_o possibility_n of_o nature_n which_o can_v bear_v out_o in_o this_o great_a adventure_n and_o trial_n of_o man_n faith_n both_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o strength_n thereof_o at_o death_n for_o which_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v thus_o choose_v that_o by_o so_o strange_a a_o entry_n and_o at_o so_o dark_a a_o port_n they_o shall_v first_o pass_v to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o glorious_a state_n above_o qu._n v._n what_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n can_v you_o show_v to_o confirm_v so_o great_a a_o faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a glory_n prepare_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o its_o earnest_n and_o first_o fruit_n here_o as_o may_v strike_v a_o undeniable_a conviction_n hereof_o on_o the_o world_n answ_n i._o the_o visible_a ripen_n and_o resemblance_n to_o such_o a_o state_n in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o christian_n growth_n to_o a_o more_o full_a stature_n of_o the_o man_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o the_o natural_a growth_n of_o 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and_o comfort_n christian_n have_v after_o sad_a conflict_n and_o down-castings_a and_o such_o daybreak_n of_o vital_a quicken_a beam_n of_o divine_a light_n that_o have_v often_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o that_o of_o the_o martyr_n at_o the_o stake_n who_o cry_v out_o now_o he_o be_v come_v he_o be_v come_v viii_o their_o breathe_n of_o love_n after_o a_o unseen_a christ_n and_o visible_a effect_n of_o its_o power_n on_o man_n may_v show_v some_o begin_a translation_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o far_o herein_o as_o to_o be_v more_o where_o it_o love_v than_o where_o it_o live_v ix_o though_o we_o can_v see_v here_o that_o ineffable_a glory_n which_o be_v above_o but_o shall_v have_v our_o faith_n instead_o of_o eye_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o holiness_n as_o do_v not_o only_a evidence_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n partake_v of_o a_o future_a glory_n so_o as_o every_o degree_n and_o act_n thereof_o do_v enter_v in_o a_o begin_v state_n of_o fruition_n and_o blessedness_n and_o make_v it_o simple_o impossible_a for_o a_o good_a man_n in_o any_o true_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n not_o to_o be_v happy_a also_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o more_o near_a capacity_n to_o know_v that_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o x._o by_o so_o sure_a know_v and_o try_v a_o passage_n betwixt_o heaven_n and_o man_n soul_n in_o prayer_n with_o so_o settle_a a_o trade_n of_o commerce_n this_o way_n and_o certain_a return_n as_o with_o assurance_n such_o can_v say_v though_o they_o must_v change_v their_o place_n yet_o not_o their_o company_n xi_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n in_o israel_n passage_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o so_o excellent_a a_o country_n as_o canaan_n be_v no_o less_o sure_a in_o its_o self_n than_o that_o it_o be_v give_v for_o a_o emblem_n and_o type_n of_o the_o journey_v and_o militant_a state_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o and_o to_o be_v a_o solemn_a pledge_n of_o that_o canaan_n above_o xii_o such_o be_v the_o magnificence_n harmony_n and_o order_n of_o these_o visible_a heaven_n and_o celestial_a body_n there_o with_o their_o different_a degree_n of_o glory_n though_o all_o illuminate_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o light_a the_o sun_n as_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o a_o divine_a ordination_n to_o have_v some_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o that_o end_n to_o awake_v and_o raise_v our_o thought_n to_o these_o high_a region_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o all_o these_o by_o what_o be_v thus_o visible_a to_o our_o eye_n where_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v ever_o fix_v and_o shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n qu._n vi_o what_o visible_a and_o awaken_n evidence_n be_v there_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o hell_n and_o that_o state_n of_o horror_n and_o torment_n in_o another_o world_n which_o even_o to_o man_n sense_n here_o may_v present_v the_o certainty_n thereof_o answ_n i._o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n and_o party_n as_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n than_o the_o reality_n of_o some_o such_o a_o horrid_a region_n and_o place_n also_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o be_v adjudge_v to_o ii_o from_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o human_a race_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o visible_a service_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n but_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o enmity_n against_o the_o holy_a god_n and_o his_o image_n which_o do_v clear_o witness_v their_o respect_n and_o tendency_n to_o the_o same_o state_n and_o place_n and_o confederacy_n in_o their_o judgement_n as_o here_o in_o their_o sin_n iii_o such_o visible_a impression_n of_o vindictive_a justice_n be_v on_o man_n soul_n with_o such_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o unsufferable_a torment_n
off_o or_o make_v that_o thrive_v which_o god_n have_v himself_o curse_v and_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a how_o far_o we_o have_v go_v thus_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o strength_n by_o such_o eager_a seek_v humane_a prop_n and_o support_v that_o we_o have_v forget_v the_o guide_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o covenant_n of_o our_o god_n and_o what_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v former_o do_v in_o the_o great_a strait_n of_o his_o church_n when_o there_o be_v much_o humble_a trust_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v more_o to_o recover_v his_o truth_n than_o all_o humane_a may_v or_o power_n can_v do_v section_n ii_o qu._n what_o talon_n be_v we_o still_o accountable_a for_o to_o support_v our_o faith_n against_o the_o great_a fear_n of_o this_o time_n from_o these_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n for_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n we_o be_v now_o call_v to_o contend_v for_o which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n when_o so_o strong_a and_o unusual_a a_o tide_n now_o be_v against_o the_o same_o ans_fw-fr if_o man_n shut_v not_o their_o eye_n and_o hide_v this_o great_a talon_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n under_o the_o ground_n it_o be_v sure_a none_o can_v question_v such_o a_o seal_n which_o before_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o amazement_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v put_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v now_o bring_v under_o such_o a_o call_v as_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v deut._n 4.34_o to_o ask_v of_o the_o time_n that_o be_v past_a since_o israel_n come_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gentile_a church_n by_o the_o gospel_n whether_o there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o this_o in_o the_o earth_n that_o god_n have_v assay_v to_o take_v to_o himself_o a_o people_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o nation_n by_o temptation_n by_o sign_n and_o by_o wonder_n and_o by_o war_n and_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o outstretch_v arm_n and_o by_o great_a terror_n according_a to_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v do_v for_o the_o rescue_n of_o his_o people_n in_o these_o last_o time_n from_o antichristian_a bondage_n and_o darkness_n and_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o church-state_n but_o unto_o we_o be_v this_o show_v that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o beside_o he_o you_o be_v still_o call_v to_o see_v and_o be_v as_o eye_n witness_n to_o these_o thing_n i._n how_o bright_a a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v go_v before_o this_o great_a darkness_n on_o the_o church_n and_o what_o a_o solemn_a triumph_n in_o these_o late_a age_n the_o truth_n have_v have_v over_o antichrist_n so_o as_o the_o full_a stroke_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o establish_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o now_o more_o marvellous_a and_o above_o humane_a appearance_n than_o what_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o begin_v degree_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n ii_o in_o how_o few_o year_n also_o there_o be_v as_o a_o new_a christian_a world_n bring_v forth_o in_o that_o swift_a course_n and_o progress_n which_o the_o ingather_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v so_o as_o between_o the_o year_n 1560_o and_o 1621._o such_o famous_a plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v settle_v in_o a_o church-state_n which_o all_o may_v see_v be_v the_o immediate_a work_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o show_v that_o none_o shall_v fear_v or_o stagger_v at_o his_o promise_n though_o the_o water_n yet_o swell_v and_o come_v to_o the_o flow_n of_o jordan_n and_o difficulty_n appear_v unsuperable_a to_o humane_a sense_n after_o these_o great_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v iii_o how_o extraordinary_a a_o call_v and_o excitement_n of_o instrument_n be_v then_o evident_a for_o the_o service_n of_o that_o time_n and_o reaper_n thus_o eminent_o prepare_v for_o so_o great_a a_o harvest_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v put_v the_o world_n to_o inquire_v whence_o these_o be_v in_o so_o numerous_a a_o concurrence_n when_o a_o few_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n be_v so_o rare_o to_o be_v find_v in_o many_o age_n before_o iu._n yea_o such_o a_o accession_n also_o of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o endowment_n be_v then_o for_o building_n of_o the_o church_n â—s_n have_v not_o be_v former_o know_v since_o the_o first_o come_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o glory_n of_o these_o last_o time_n have_v even_o in_o some_o degree_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o first_o v._o and_o can_v the_o most_o dismal_a thing_n of_o this_o time_n countervail_v the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o have_v so_o clear_o see_v with_o the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n come_v therewith_o to_o the_o world_n as_o a_o seal_n and_o attestation_n thereto_o beyond_o any_o miracle_n yea_o how_o innumerable_a a_o company_n in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o different_a tongue_n and_o language_n and_o these_o so_o remote_a from_o one_o another_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o same_o truth_n but_o with_o such_o resolution_n adventure_v their_o soul_n thereon_o as_o may_v full_o witness_v they_o have_v another_o prospect_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v in_o some_o other_o manner_n ravish_v with_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o same_o than_o be_v now_o in_o these_o time_n vi_o such_o high_a spring_n tide_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o after_o so_o sad_a a_o restraint_n have_v be_v for_o so_o many_o age_n before_o under_o antichristian_a darkness_n for_o whatever_o be_v then_o as_o a_o private_a seal_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o christian_n whilst_o the_o witness_n do_v prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o such_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o a_o public_a confirmatory_n seal_v to_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v after_o the_o reformation_n vii_o yea_o be_v it_o not_o the_o most_o sober_a serious_a and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o man_n upon_o a_o sure_a trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o do_v most_o firm_o embrace_v the_o same_o and_o how_o many_o of_o these_o also_o be_v of_o the_o great_a part_n and_o ability_n who_o none_o can_v judge_v to_o adventure_v so_o far_o herein_o without_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o this_o be_v their_o undoubted_a interest_n and_o salvation_n viii_o we_o have_v see_v not_o only_o man_n of_o mean_a and_o low_a estate_n but_o such_o of_o the_o high_a place_n and_o quality_n most_o cheerful_o adventure_v whatever_o interest_n can_v be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o find_v that_o such_o as_o be_v most_o acquaint_v with_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o its_o power_n and_o live_v up_o in_o their_o practice_n to_o what_o they_o profess_v thereof_o be_v those_o who_o with_o the_o great_a assurance_n most_o resolute_o still_o adhere_v thereto_o ix_o we_o have_v see_v also_o it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a spread_v in_o the_o world_n when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a pretence_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n or_o external_n motive_n for_o the_o same_o x_o we_o have_v see_v something_o not_o only_o extraordinary_a but_o even_o miraculous_a in_o the_o joy_n and_o resolution_n of_o innumerable_a martyr_n since_o the_o reformation_n who_o do_v bear_v out_o with_o a_o more_o than_o humane_a strength_n against_o a_o cruelty_n so_o visible_o inhuman_a and_o savage_a yea_o which_o do_v in_o some_o degree_n exceed_v that_o measure_n of_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o be_v against_o a_o great_a light_n than_o they_o xi_o and_o have_v we_o not_o see_v of_o what_o spirit_n such_o still_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n who_o be_v the_o most_o notorious_a instrument_n in_o the_o church_n persecution_n and_o how_o visible_o such_o do_v act_n herein_o under_o so_o impetuous_a a_o incitement_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o as_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n speak_v of_o nero_n the_o truth_n may_v boast_v in_o have_v such_o adversary_n xii_o it_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v see_v that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v yet_o ever_o undo_v this_o bless_a inteterest_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n though_o no_o way_n or_o change_v of_o weapon_n have_v be_v leave_v untried_a but_o we_o have_v thus_o see_v whither_o so_o strong_a and_o unite_v a_o confederacy_n as_o the_o catholic_n league_n in_o france_n do_v at_o last_o resolve_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o great_a actor_n and_o contriver_n therein_o but_o
to_o a_o further_o establish_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n there_o as_o though_o such_o have_v intentional_o act_v for_o the_o same_o when_o if_o second_o cause_n have_v bring_v forth_o their_o ordinary_a effect_n it_o may_v have_v be_v judge_v impossible_a to_o fail_v xiii_o we_o have_v see_v that_o issue_n of_o all_o the_o counsel_n expense_n and_o cruelty_n of_o philip_n the_o ii_o of_o spain_n to_o bear_v down_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o netherlands_o which_o be_v to_o the_o further_a settle_v of_o this_o illustrious_a state_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o yea_o how_o their_o conspicuous_a rise_n and_o flourish_a even_o in_o the_o external_o and_o their_o resolute_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n do_v most_o visible_o keep_v together_o fourteen_o we_o know_v that_o deluge_n of_o blood_n which_o so_o quick_o follow_v the_o french_a massacre_n and_o the_o most_o dismal_a time_n which_o ever_o that_o nation_n know_v do_v then_o visible_o contemporate_a with_o such_o a_o time_n of_o their_o great_a rage_n and_o persecution_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o event_n of_o the_o three_o vial_n most_o clear_o fulfil_v herein_o rev._n 16.5_o 6._o thou_o be_v righteous_a o_o lord_n which_o art_n and_o waste_v and_o shall_v be_v because_o thou_o have_v judge_v thus_o for_o they_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o thy_o saint_n and_o prophet_n and_o thou_o have_v give_v they_o blood_n to_o drink_v in_o great_a measure_n xv._o yea_o have_v we_o not_o see_v how_o four_o king_n of_o france_n successive_o be_v in_o less_o than_o thirty_o year_n take_v away_o in_o the_o same_o continue_a pursuit_n how_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n there_o in_o who_o that_o whole_a race_n of_o the_o valois_n be_v thus_o extinct_a yea_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o death_n be_v most_o remarkable_a monument_n of_o divine_a judgement_n as_o the_o most_o famous_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n do_v attest_v xvi_o we_o have_v see_v what_o 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that_o within_o a_o little_a while_n his_o religion_n will_v be_v try_v in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n where_o every_o man_n must_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n 3._o who_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a indifference_n in_o the_o exterior_a profession_n of_o either_o way_n but_o that_o so_o high_a a_o contrariety_n of_o principle_n be_v in_o this_o opposition_n that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v sure_a antichristianism_n must_v be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n 4._o yea_o who_o have_v in_o that_o abstract_n manner_n seek_v to_o state_n the_o case_n herein_o with_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o be_v just_o come_v out_o of_o paganism_n to_o give_v a_o serious_a
support_v it_o but_o these_o weapon_n which_o be_v not_o against_o the_o conscience_n or_o by_o any_o terror_n of_o the_o second_o death_n but_o of_o the_o first_o 3._o that_o this_o be_v such_o a_o argument_n if_o they_o have_v not_o in_o a_o strange_a manner_n forget_v which_o have_v within_o these_o 100_o year_n be_v so_o full_o answer_v and_o by_o such_o a_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n that_o according_a to_o these_o measure_n of_o cruelty_n against_o the_o protestant_n there_o so_o be_v it_o return_v in_o a_o deluge_n of_o their_o own_o blood_n yea_o so_o both_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o truth_n be_v more_o deep_o root_v and_o though_o we_o yet_o see_v not_o the_o end_n of_o these_o wonder_n but_o the_o dark-side_n only_o of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o such_o a_o day_n yet_o do_v we_o know_v this_o sore_a rod_n on_o the_o church_n be_v but_o as_o the_o saw_n and_o axe_n in_o the_o carpenter_n hand_n who_o shall_v never_o undo_v that_o glorious_a work_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o be_v still_o further_o perfect_v on_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n 5._o though_o some_o unusual_a deep_n and_o method_n of_o subtlety_n be_v now_o on_o foot_n also_o against_o the_o truth_n yet_o he_o can_v but_o see_v how_o nothing_o can_v more_o effectual_o tend_v to_o confirm_v the_o protestant_a cause_n and_o take_v the_o credit_n of_o popery_n off_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o in_o their_o own_o profession_n who_o be_v considerate_a and_o in_o the_o least_o serious_a herein_o when_o the_o world_n must_v thus_o see_v 1._o how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o such_o to_o take_v any_o measure_n and_o latitude_n in_o the_o doctrinal_n of_o their_o profession_n when_o this_o can_v most_o serve_v the_o juncture_n of_o such_o a_o time_n and_o heighten_v or_o narrow_a the_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o reform_a church_n at_o their_o pleasure_n so_o as_o to_o sacrifice_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n unto_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n if_o no_o less_o can_v secure_v that_o end_n 2._o that_o the_o most_o horrid_a turkish_a slavery_n over_o man_n body_n come_v no_o such_o length_n as_o that_o strange_a claim_n that_o these_o now_o make_v of_o a_o absolute_a empire_n over_o man_n conscience_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o such_o a_o tribute_n of_o their_o obedience_n that_o they_o shall_v then_o be_v secure_a if_o they_o but_o come_v the_o length_n to_o sin_n against_o their_o light_n and_o adventure_v on_o so_o small_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o go_v to_o hell_n and_o perish_v eternal_o since_o it_o be_v a_o external_a and_o feign_a profession_n of_o such_o away_o that_o they_o do_v thus_o force_v from_o those_o who_o they_o see_v can_v in_o faith_n be_v persuade_v hereof_o 3._o yea_o it_o have_v be_v too_o visible_a how_o much_o that_o master-plot_n and_o engine_n have_v in_o these_o time_n be_v work_v to_o take_v man_n first_o 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ever_o more_o threaten_v the_o fatal_a ruin_n of_o that_o kingdom_n than_o any_o humane_a power_n or_o strength_n 6._o here_o also_o he_o find_v just_a cause_n of_o astonishment_n how_o king_n or_o great_a man_n in_o the_o earth_n shall_v give_v their_o power_n to_o support_v the_o romish_a interest_n which_o have_v be_v so_o visible_o destructive_a to_o they_o when_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v how_o its_o first_o advance_v and_o progress_n to_o that_o supreme_a height_n which_o it_o once_o attain_v and_o the_o decline_a of_o the_o civil_a empire_n do_v by_o the_o same_o step_n go_v together_o until_o magistracy_n be_v turn_v unto_o a_o dead_a image_n and_o shadow_n except_z its_z be_v enliven_v by_o their_o breath_n and_o authority_n as_o it_o be_v during_o the_o whole_a height_n of_o that_o antichristian_a power_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v deny_v that_o in_o these_o late_a time_n the_o french_a monarchy_n be_v never_o more_o near_o its_o dissolution_n in_o its_o right_a line_n than_o by_o the_o catholic_n league_n there_o and_o it_o will_v seem_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v forget_v how_o henry_n the_o three_o who_o have_v most_o seek_v to_o crush_v the_o protestant_n in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o league_n be_v at_o last_o constrain_v to_o flee_v to_o such_o for_o help_v or_o by_o who_o he_o be_v kill_v and_o that_o heroic_a prince_n henry_n the_o four_o who_o be_v first_o stab_v in_o the_o mouth_n and_o then_o in_o the_o heart_n yea_o that_o the_o public_a record_n of_o that_o nation_n can_v possible_o deny_v but_o the_o house_n of_o bourbon_n owe_v its_o power_n and_o preservation_n more_o to_o the_o protestant_n without_o who_o it_o have_v be_v full_o extinct_a than_o ahashuerus_n do_v to_o mordecai_n the_o jew_n for_o what_o he_o find_v write_v in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o persia_n when_o the_o decree_n be_v then_o past_a to_o destroy_v all_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o jew_n 7._o as_o in_o no_o time_n past_a be_v ever_o a_o great_a expectation_n than_o be_v now_o which_o way_n the_o scale_n will_v turn_v and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o wonder_n when_o the_o near_a event_n of_o providence_n be_v so_o dark_a and_o amaze_a so_o do_v he_o find_v this_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n call_v for_o to_o be_v still_o and_o see_v what_o god_n will_v do_v for_o his_o church_n and_o with_o humble_a confidence_n look_v for_o some_o such_o dispensation_n as_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v in_o this_o extreme_a exigence_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o that_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o in_o former_a time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o way_n more_o signal_o glorious_a beyond_o what_o have_v former_o be_v yea_o he_o do_v in_o faith_n thus_o judge_n that_o then_o be_v the_o church_n day_n break_v and_o have_v find_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o her_o strength_n and_o right_a line_n of_o duty_n when_o her_o hope_n and_o confidence_n be_v take_v off_o from_o all_o visible_a refuge_n and_o entire_o settle_v on_o her_o invisible_a head_n and_o his_o promise_n put_v to_o suit_n by_o prayer_n without_o faint_v herein_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n stand_v engage_v for_o antichrist_n fall_v as_o well_o as_o for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o since_o he_o have_v say_v this_o adversary_n shall_v be_v break_v and_o bring_v down_o it_o must_v sure_o be_v though_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o ground_n shall_v rise_v for_o this_o end_n and_o now_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n call_v for_o become_v the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o assurance_n on_o which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n of_o the_o elect_a angel_n yea_o of_o the_o glorious_a god_n to_o see_v who_o do_v indeed_o credit_v he_o in_o this_o day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a support_n herein_o and_o though_o it_o now_o threaten_v sore_o the_o departure_n of_o many_o from_o the_o faith_n who_o have_v some_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o yet_o may_v it_o be_v hope_v for_o that_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o next_o tide_n shall_v bring_v in_o more_o with_o a_o solid_a and_o true_a increase_n to_o the_o church_n than_o these_o sad_a day_n do_v now_o take_v off_o carat_n vi_o it_o be_v thus_o a_o confirm_a christian_n shall_v be_v special_o consider_v as_o one_o who_o be_v not_o only_o at_o rest_n on_o the_o know_a certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v some_o account_n of_o the_o solid_a rational_a ground_n and_o demonstration_n hereof_o unto_o all_o who_o ask_v after_o the_o same_o and_o do_v thus_o judge_n 1._o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o appoint_a mean_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v afford_v for_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o man_n faith_n within_o time_n yea_o preferable_a to_o any_o external_a miracle_n
which_o be_v more_o extraordinary_a and_o remote_a assistance_n thereto_o 2._o that_o these_o be_v give_v as_o such_o a_o great_a help_n to_o his_o joy_n and_o excitement_n of_o his_o affection_n to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o as_o may_v make_v he_o wonder_v how_o the_o greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o man_n be_v call_v to_o believe_v can_v come_v near_o their_o thought_n and_o yet_o no_o more_o take_v they_o up_o about_o this_o confirm_v work_n 3._o that_o the_o too_o visible_a neglect_n hereof_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o youth_n and_o community_n of_o professor_n in_o the_o church_n seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a and_o fundamental_a defect_n of_o this_o day_n the_o reason_n hereof_o with_o some_o clear_a view_n of_o these_o mean_n whicâ—â—ight_v most_o answer_v such_o a_o end_n be_v brief_o offer_v in_o this_o precede_a work_n carat_n vii_o a_o true_o confirm_a christian_n may_v in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v herein_o also_o consider_v as_o such_o who_o faith_n be_v oft_o try_v through_o all_o these_o stage_n of_o christianity_n he_o have_v be_v take_v have_v some_o proper_a record_n of_o the_o most_o choice_a and_o signal_n confirmation_n of_o his_o life_n to_o improve_v the_o same_o not_o only_o for_o his_o own_o support_n in_o that_o last_o warfare_n of_o death_n but_o for_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o wherein_o he_o do_v thus_o judge_n 1._o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a support_n or_o relief_n from_o religion_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n if_o it_o can_v bear_v out_o then_o and_o that_o death_n be_v the_o great_a toâ—chstone_n and_o trial_n when_o the_o true_a value_n and_o difference_n betwixt_o thing_n of_o a_o eternal_a truth_n and_o substance_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v be_v best_a see_v 2._o he_o reckon_v each_o real_a christian_a by_o his_o profession_n then_o engage_v and_o accountable_a even_o by_o some_o explicit_a personal_a testimony_n to_o put_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a and_o bear_v the_o same_o witness_n with_o his_o last_o and_o die_a breath_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o he_o give_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o of_o that_o joy_n complacence_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v find_v and_o now_o have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o press_v the_o same_o on_o his_o dear_a relation_n as_o their_o alone_a true_a interest_n 3._o he_o see_v also_o how_o honourable_a it_o be_v for_o the_o lord_n that_o such_o who_o faith_n have_v be_v oft_o try_v and_o when_o thus_o with_o joy_n and_o admiration_n he_o can_v look_v back_o on_o the_o most_o press_a and_o conspicuous_a conflict_n of_o time_n shall_v have_v it_o their_o last_o work_n to_o pay_v in_o some_o tribute_n of_o praise_n unto_o he_o who_o word_n and_o promise_v unto_o they_o do_v yet_o never_o fail_v 4._o he_o account_v the_o more_o weighty_a trial_n he_o have_v be_v carry_v through_o in_o his_o christian_a warfare_n do_v both_o add_v more_o to_o this_o service_n and_o impart_v more_o to_o the_o value_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n 5._o he_o judge_v this_o one_o special_a way_n and_o advantage_n whereby_o one_o generation_n may_v declare_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n unto_o another_o in_o a_o family_n line_n and_o relation_n to_o show_v forth_o thus_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v upright_o that_o he_o be_v their_o rock_n and_o with_o he_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n yea_o which_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o unspeakable_a joy_n when_o now_o in_o his_o turn_n he_o can_v say_v that_o such_o have_v the_o lord_n be_v to_o he_o what_o be_v david_n die_a word_n 1_o king_n 1.14_o who_o have_v deliver_v my_o soul_n out_o of_o all_o distress_n how_o that_o in_o no_o trouble_n or_o exigence_n of_o his_o life_n he_o be_v ever_o leave_v without_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n and_o thus_o also_o with_o caleb_n josh_n 14.10_o to_o give_v in_o some_o such_o witness_n for_o god_n i_o be_o now_o near_o the_o close_a of_o time_n and_o do_v testify_v that_o the_o word_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o promise_v he_o have_v sure_o accomplish_v which_o have_v bring_v i_o safe_a and_o honourable_o through_o when_o such_o as_o do_v distrust_v the_o same_o by_o misbelief_n and_o seek_v after_o another_o refuge_n find_v all_o their_o confidence_n fail_v 6._o and_o know_v likewise_o how_o great_a a_o suprizal_n death_n may_v be_v and_o that_o such_o as_o have_v shine_v in_o their_o day_n may_v yet_o set_v under_o a_o cloud_n and_o go_v silent_a off_o the_o stage_n he_o judge_v it_o the_o more_o needful_a to_o have_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o his_o die_a work_n prepare_v as_o one_o of_o the_o choice_a legacy_n he_o can_v bequeath_v to_o his_o survive_v friend_n in_o a_o season_n when_o it_o have_v usual_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o weight_n and_o acceptance_n it_o be_v still_o qualify_v with_o christian_a prudence_n and_o humble_a sobriety_n so_o as_o all_o may_v see_v its_o whole_a intent_n be_v to_o commend_v to_o man_n conscience_n the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o not_o themselves_o and_o thus_o direct_v it_o for_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o near_a relation_n i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v strange_a to_o some_o what_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o head_n but_o as_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o present_a day_n have_v its_o duty_n and_o each_o time_n of_o out_o life_n have_v some_o proper_a work_n so_o i_o humble_o judge_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o fall_v in_o as_o the_o last_o service_n of_o a_o die_a christian_a to_o his_o generation_n to_o deliver_v off_o his_o hand_n the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o have_v oft_o prove_v with_o his_o confirmatory_n seal_n and_o testimony_n thereto_o and_o now_o be_v it_o in_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n call_v for_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o great_a darkness_n when_o if_o the_o security_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n stand_v not_o good_a to_o the_o church_n we_o may_v fear_v religion_n may_v quick_o 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case_n be_v circumstantiate_v yet_o may_v it_o be_v hope_v be_v this_o more_o take_v to_o heart_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o singular_a mean_n to_o make_v more_o deep_a impression_n of_o man_n die_a work_n on_o their_o spirit_n even_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o health_n to_o excite_v their_o survive_a friend_n and_o to_o keep_v religion_n thus_o alive_a in_o a_o family_n state_n and_o relation_n and_o gain_v a_o more_o venerable_a respect_n to_o the_o same_o on_o man_n conscience_n yea_o to_o fix_v also_o strong_a engagement_n on_o the_o succeed_a offspring_n thus_o be_v present_v here_o a_o short_a idea_n of_o the_o solid_a and_o judicious_a work_n of_o christian_a confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n under_o these_o forego_n character_n to_o show_v how_o rare_a a_o attainment_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v yea_o to_o present_a herein_o a_o special_a series_n and_o scale_n of_o the_o great_a step_n in_o this_o confirmatory_n work_n by_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v follow_v and_o none_o of_o 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duty_n or_o comfort_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o time_n yea_o nothing_o be_v in_o the_o least_o here_o to_o subject_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o man_n rational_a comprehension_n but_o rather_o tend_v to_o enervate_v whole_o the_o strength_n of_o any_o such_o tenet_n and_o take_v off_o all_o pretence_n for_o the_o same_o but_o it_o be_v sure_a also_o i_o must_v quit_v all_o solid_a security_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o any_o clear_a sound_n in_o the_o light_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o admit_v these_o thing_n as_o undeniable_a 1._o that_o supernatural_a faith_n be_v the_o most_o high_o rational_a light_n that_o be_v within_o time_n and_o that_o none_o who_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v of_o so_o low_a a_o size_n as_o shall_v not_o be_v press_v and_o excite_v to_o be_v much_o about_o this_o groundwork_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o profession_n upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n yea_o be_v thus_o 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and_o remembrancer_n of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o monument_n of_o his_o providence_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o that_o manner_n hold_v forth_o as_o might_n most_o tend_v to_o some_o universal_a use_n of_o all_o within_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v my_o desire_n press_v i_o to_o some_o small_a essay_n herein_o with_o intent_n to_o have_v join_v it_o to_o this_o work_n but_o have_v with_o much_o conviction_n lay_v this_o whole_o aside_o as_o to_o any_o further_a appearance_n that_o way_n so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n that_o some_o more_o qualify_v may_v take_v to_o heart_n and_o under_o their_o hand_n so_o great_a a_o service_n both_o for_o their_o generation_n and_o posterity_n it_o be_v sure_a the_o lord_n have_v design_v his_o people_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n as_o well_o as_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o word_n and_o as_o no_o duty_n be_v more_o press_v than_o this_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o 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