heresy_n and_o to_o condemn_v their_o horrid_a impiety_n and_o blasphemy_n who_o pass_v their_o wicked_a sentence_n of_o irrevocable_a damnation_n on_o who_o they_o please_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o end_n of_o god_n severe_a threaten_n against_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o his_o church_n throughout_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o silly_a and_o ignorant_a think_v they_o only_o be_v heaven_n secretary_n of_o state_n and_o the_o register_n of_o god_n unalterable_a decree_n these_o consideration_n i_o hope_v through_o god_n blessing_n may_v strengthen_v comfort_n and_o establish_v many_o poor_a self-condemning_a christian_n who_o under_o hellish_a suggestion_n and_o temptation_n do_v entertain_v very_o unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o the_o eternal_a infinite_a goodness_n mercy_n justice_n wisdom_n truth_n and_o love_n for_o god_n be_v love_n 1_o john_n 4._o 8._o and_o that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v how_o his_o irrevocable_a decree_n for_o the_o damnation_n of_o some_o can_v consist_v with_o unlimited_a goodness_n and_o love_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o his_o eternal_a foreknowledge_n of_o the_o wilful_a and_o final_a unbelief_n of_o all_o those_o from_o who_o the_o most_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o gen._n 19_o be_v please_v for_o most_o wise_a reason_n never_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o in_o this_o world_n to_o deny_v and_o withhold_v special_a sanctify_a grace_n who_o sovereign_a will_n and_o pleasure_n herein_o be_v not_o the_o real_a or_o physical_a cause_n of_o their_o final_a impenitency_n or_o damnation_n but_o only_o the_o antecedent_n to_o that_o infallible_a consequent_a as_o the_o withdrawment_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o antecedent_n of_o darkness_n jer._n 2._o 17._o have_v thou_o not_o procure_v this_o unto_o thyself_o v_o 19_o thy_o own_o iniquity_n shall_v correct_v thou_o hos_n 13._o 9_o o_o israel_n thy_o destruction_n be_v of_o thyself_o but_o in_o i_o be_v thy_o help_n yet_o lest_o we_o mistake_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o god_n most_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a will_n to_o deny_v sanctify_a grace_n to_o some_o which_o he_o give_v to_o other_o be_v the_o causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la for_o without_o this_o will_n they_o have_v not_o perish_v but_o not_o the_o physical_a or_o natural_a cause_n of_o their_o own_o damnation_n because_o it_o do_v not_o actual_o compel_v or_o influence_n no_o not_o that_o debile_a part_n of_o man_n freewill_n that_o yet_o remain_v since_o the_o fall_n unto_o any_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v that_o will_n of_o god_n to_o save_v some_o and_o pass_v by_o other_o who_o he_o please_v of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o rom._n 9_o 19_o etc._n etc._n which_o no_o man_n ever_o do_v or_o ever_o can_v resist_v consideration_n ii_o they_o to_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v most_o of_o his_o secret_a council_n throughout_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v man_n of_o extraordinary_a holiness_n and_o exemplary_a piety_n such_o who_o be_v to_o do_v or_o suffer_v beyond_o all_o or_o most_o other_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o word_n or_o for_o the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o it_o need_v no_o word_n to_o confirm_v that_o wherein_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v and_o perhaps_o our_o two_o witness_n may_v consider_v that_o the_o vnbelieve_a age_n we_o live_v in_o will_v question_v their_o eminency_n for_o sanctity_n come_v only_o from_o their_o own_o testimony_n of_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o may_v have_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v set_v themselves_o apart_o for_o martyr_n speak_v positive_o of_o their_o readiness_n to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o article_n of_o their_o christian_n faith_n consideration_n iii_o as_o to_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n discovery_n of_o judgement_n or_o mercy_n we_o find_v it_o various_a in_o scripture_n viz._n by_o apparition_n voices_z angel_n dream_n vision_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v the_o vnanimous_a opinion_n of_o divine_n and_o other_o solid_a and_o understanding_n christian_n that_o every_o of_o those_o way_n be_v long_o since_o cease_v 1._o whatever_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o penman_n of_o the_o word_n speak_v in_o a_o way_n of_o prediction_n as_o it_o have_v immediate_a relation_n unto_o judgement_n yet_o what_o they_o foretell_v be_v always_o most_o congruous_a unto_o the_o tenor_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o here_o we_o may_v enlarge_v but_o to_o be_v brief_a we_o find_v throughout_o sacred_a writ_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v these_o one_a severe_a chastisement_n in_o case_n of_o a_o long_a continuance_n and_o growth_n in_o sin_n and_o obstinate_a rebellion_n 2d_o god_n great_a readiness_n to_o return_v to_o be_v gracious_a even_o in_o the_o great_a height_n and_o aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o under_o the_o seem_v most_o forlorn_a circumstance_n than_o we_o can_v be_v to_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o he_o that_o so_o we_o all_o may_v be_v assure_v no_o state_n on_o this_o side_n hell_n with_o respect_n unto_o god_n severe_a indignation_n threaten_v be_v remediless_a and_o whole_o desperate_a now_o if_o our_o two_o new_a prophet_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o this_o touchstone_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v what_o spirit_n move_v they_o unto_o such_o presumption_n as_o to_o assure_v the_o world_n that_o our_o nation_n though_o god_n know_v a_o most_o wicked_a â—nd_n rebellious_a people_n be_v past_o all_o recovery_n or_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a god_n can_v or_o will_v give_v repentance_n to_o we_o for_o so_o we_o be_v to_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d judgement_n be_v immediate_o and_o irresistible_o to_o overtake_v we_o by_o what_o spirit_n these_o man_n be_v act_v let_v all_o judge_n 2._o the_o great_a end_n why_o god_n discover_v himself_o by_o these_o way_n in_o his_o sacred_a prediction_n be_v now_o cease_v and_o therefore_o all_o such_o way_n of_o discovery_n since_o that_o time_n be_v cease_v with_o respect_n to_o any_o matter_n of_o public_a prophecy_n relate_v to_o a_o city_n or_o kingdom_n now_o the_o great_a â—nd_n of_o sacred_a vision_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a be_v one_a to_o beget_v a_o holy_a â—we_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o church_n towards_o those_o person_n who_o god_n select_v out_o from_o many_o in_o and_o by_o who_o to_o make_v a_o immediate_a discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n not_o thereby_o to_o lift_v they_o up_o who_o be_v more_o humble_a and_o more_o afflict_a and_o less_o in_o their_o own_o and_o other_o eye_n than_o most_o good_a man_n beside_o 2._o that_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o his_o word_n may_v be_v seal_v up_o thereby_o both_o to_o that_o present_a age_n and_o to_o â—ll_o future_a even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v â—â—nce_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n any_o other_o write_n of_o the_o immediate_a indictment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o all_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o to_o â—â—tertain_v any_o man_n as_o prophet_n raise_v up_o by_o his_o immediate_a inspiration_n to_o publish_v any_o prediction_n unto_o a_o city_n or_o nation_n of_o as_o infallible_a certainty_n as_o 〈◊〉_d write_v word_n and_o how_o much_o more_o than_o when_o the_o matterâ—â—ey_n â—â—ey_z foretell_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o all_o scripture_n threaten_n â—hich_v never_o exclude_v a_o possibility_n of_o avoid_v the_o judgement_n by_o repentance_n be_v to_o offer_v high_a indignity_n to_o god_n himself_o and_o to_o his_o write_a â—ord_n and_o to_o all_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o penman_n thereof_o 3._o this_o write_a word_n st._n peter_n make_v to_o be_v a_o more_o sure_a and_o safe_a 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o church_n to_o walk_v by_o than_o that_o voice_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v â—â—â—rd_v by_o he_o and_o two_o more_o of_o christ_n disciple_n and_o favourite_n james_n 〈◊〉_d john_n at_o our_o saviour_n transfiguration_n on_o the_o mount_n although_o it_o 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o most_o excellent_a glory_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v testify_v throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o important_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n viz._n that_o christ_n be_v the_o father_n belove_a son_n aâ—â—sent_v among_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v hear_v he_o preach_v to_o we_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1_o 〈◊〉_d 18_o 19_o but_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n etc._n etc._n a_o famon_n text_n to_o assure_v we_o how_o eminent_o god_n have_v honour_v his_o write_a worâ—â—â—_n which_o confute_v the_o pretend_a authority_n of_o rome_n tradition_n and_o alâ—_n of_o any_o who_o will_v impose_v their_o impulse_n and_o impression_n on_o the_o worlâ—_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v like_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 4._o all_o that_o before_o have_v be_v say_v do_v not_o gainsay_v but_o that_o
dream_n or_o vision_n have_v madâ—_n on_o that_o poor_a delude_a multitude_n who_o will_v find_v their_o expectation_n frustrate_v in_o few_o day_n to_o their_o real_a shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o â—â—ce_n for_o how_o can_v they_o who_o proceed_v so_o direct_o opposite_a unto_o the_o wholâ—_n sense_n and_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n threaten_n in_o all_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o positive_a commination_n against_o the_o great_a sinner_n which_o always_o intend_v a_o condition_n or_o purpose_n of_o revocation_n upon_o repentance_n and_o be_v denounce_v for_o that_o great_a end_n and_o not_o to_o drive_v man_n or_o nation_n as_o ward_n and_o evans_n have_v do_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o desperation_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v how_o be_v it_o likely_a these_o ignorant_a and_o presumptuous_a false_a prophet_n can_v be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o whether_o these_o brainsick_a impostor_n who_o have_v thus_o strange_o transform_v the_o infinite_a patience_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n into_o false_a notion_n dream_n or_o impulse_n of_o their_o own_o head_n and_o which_o three_o year_n experience_n have_v abundant_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v false_a and_o also_o dangerous_a even_o to_o the_o present_a governmeut_n by_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n who_o watch_v for_o all_o such_o occasion_n â—nd_v weaken_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o who_o otherwise_o will_v strenuous_o â—nd_v unanimous_o oppose_v that_o inundation_n threaten_v all_o our_o ruin_n whether_o these_o man_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o two_o silver_n trumpet_n for_o proclaim_v the_o great_a jubilee_n or_o the_o second_o come_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n unto_o judgement_n begin_v his_o glorious_a kingdom_n here_o on_o earth_n 〈◊〉_d st._n paul_n have_v the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o that_o time_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 1_o and_o believe_v it_o the_o great_a midnight-cry_a mat._n 24._o will_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o effect_n both_o on_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostate_n state_n of_o christianity_n those_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n who_o both_o awake_v arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n at_o this_o alarm_n have_v give_v this_o necessary_a precaution_n to_o undeceive_v the_o delude_a multitude_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o a_o great_a assembly_n in_o buckingham-shire_n expect_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n on_o witsunday_n now_o immediate_o approach_v according_a to_o mr._n mason_n limit_v time_n in_o his_o dream_n or_o vision_n which_o be_v to_o expire_v so_o speedy_o as_o a_o week_n or_o a_o fortnight_n time_n will_v be_v soon_o confute_v and_o therefore_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n thereunto_o but_o the_o short_a event_n we_o shall_v therefore_o leave_v that_o fraternity_n to_o their_o honest_a meaning_n mr._n mason_n apprehension_n which_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v no_o other_o than_o the_o embrace_n of_o juno_n in_o a_o cloud_n etc._n etc._n and_o cast_v a_o more_o steadfast_a eye_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a ward_n and_o evans_n those_o two_o deceive_v witness_n etc._n etc._n that_o so_o we_o may_v right_o inform_v ourselves_o of_o what_o complexion_n they_o be_v and_o of_o what_o deep_a and_o â—hastly_a lineament_n their_o proteus-like_a countenance_n be_v compose_v who_o â—o_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o one_o word_n do_v seem_v to_o cast_v something_o like_o a_o contempt_n on_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o also_o on_o the_o spirit_n â—â—fallible_a testimony_n and_o on_o the_o sacred_a symbol_n of_o christianity_n or_o â—â—ose_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o make_v their_o whimsical_a â—mpulses_n equal_a thereunto_o if_o not_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o â—â—me_n that_o which_o follow_v on_o this_o subject_a be_v write_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n prove_v that_o the_o most_o tremendous_a and_o most_o positive_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n denounce_v against_o person_n city_n 〈◊〉_d nation_n do_v not_o lay_v they_o under_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o continue_v impenitent_a or_o of_o perish_v under_o the_o same_o doom_n exceed_v useful_a botâ—_n for_o sinner_n of_o the_o great_a obduracy_n as_o well_o as_o for_o such_o who_o arâ—_n wound_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o tempt_v to_o despair_n who_o may_v here_o clear_o behold_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n most_o simple_a and_o iâ—â—fallible_a decree_n touch_v the_o damnation_n of_o every_o self-reprobating_a sinâ—ner_n and_o how_o it_o become_v the_o antecedent_n unto_o but_o not_o the_o physicâ—â—_n cause_n of_o their_o damnation_n which_o destruction_n be_v therefore_o possible_a to_o 〈◊〉_d prevent_v take_v in_o a_o simple_a and_o physical_a sense_n and_o consideration_n 〈◊〉_d man_n as_o a_o rational_a and_o free_a agent_n who_o will_n be_v never_o force_v 〈◊〉_d prenecessitate_v to_o do_v evil_a mere_o from_o god_n decree_n as_o the_o effect_n thaâ—_n follow_v its_o cause_n although_o this_o decree_n ground_a on_o his_o foresight_n of_o man_n self-reprobation_n as_o also_o his_o decree_n for_o peculiar_a election_n whicâ—_n be_v ground_v on_o no_o good_a in_o man_n foresee_v admit_v of_o no_o frustration_n these_o weighty_a matter_n with_o some_o other_o consideration_n of_o greaâ—_n moment_n be_v on_o this_o occasion_n here_o brief_o and_o clear_o handle_v even_o to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o such_o who_o education-light_n or_o interest_n or_o partial_a and_o blinâ—_n respect_v of_o person_n have_v not_o cast_v a_o mist_n on_o their_o understanding_n aâ—â—_n the_o argument_n be_v solid_a and_o orthodox_n agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o universality_n of_o dâ—â—vines_n beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o above_o all_o to_o the_o whole_a teneur_n of_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n throughout_o all_o its_o part_n a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o mr._n masons_n midnight-cry_a and_o those_o two_o false_a prophet_n who_o most_o bold_o presume_v to_o comment_n thereupon_o from_o their_o whimsy_n and_o impulse_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o and_o preparative_a unto_o the_o say_a mr._n mason_n late_o delude_v vision_n which_o have_v gather_v such_o a_o great_a concourse_n of_o people_n in_o buckingham-shire_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o world_n sir_n see_v you_o have_v be_v please_v to_o ask_v my_o opinion_n of_o that_o book_n late_o publish_v by_o t._n w._n and_o v._o e._n who_o call_v themselves_o the_o two_o witness_n to_o the_o midnight-cry_a it_o be_v one_o small_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o honour_n i_o owe_v you_o to_o comply_v with_o this_o request_n though_o i_o â—ave_n at_o present_a something_o on_o my_o hand_n which_o hinder_v i_o from_o giâ—ing_v such_o a_o ample_a answer_n as_o otherwise_o i_o may_v i_o be_v in_o expectation_n to_o find_v some_o extraordinary_a thing_n in_o that_o midnight-cry_a not_o know_v at_o first_o sight_n but_o this_o may_v be_v that_o cryâ—retold_v â—retold_z in_o matth._n 25._o 6._o which_o all_o agree_v be_v to_o be_v the_o prodromus_n of_o christ_n second_o come_v immediate_o to_o ensue_v thereon_o upon_o which_o alarm_n the_o text_n express_o tell_v we_o one_a that_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n who_o be_v both_o asleep_a awake_v 2d_o both_o these_o virgin_n trim_v their_o lamp_n 3d._a the_o foolish_a go_v to_o the_o wise_a for_o oil_n to_o furnish_v their_o extinguish_v lamp_n four_o be_v repulse_v they_o go_v to_o buy_v oil_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v when_o i_o see_v such_o a_o grand_a effect_n or_o something_o like_o it_o throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n make_v up_o of_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n and_o that_o it_o receive_v its_o life_n and_o influence_n from_o this_o late_a midnight_n cry_v i_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o consider_v if_o not_o to_o conclude_v that_o this_o alarm_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v that_o of_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o text_n before_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o author_n thereof_o doubtless_o have_v very_o pious_a end_n in_o publish_v a_o warn_v to_o we_o all_o so_o useful_a and_o seasonable_a at_o all_o time_n that_o the_o sin_n of_o england_n and_o particular_o of_o this_o city_n be_v very_o great_a beyond_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o heinous_a aggravation_n we_o lie_v under_o with_o respect_n of_o that_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o gospel-light_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o the_o many_o wonderful_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n god_n have_v wrought_v out_o for_o we_o beyond_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o other_o and_o the_o many_o warning_n we_o have_v have_v by_o several_a great_a judgement_n both_o of_o plague_n fire_n earthquake_n war_n etc._n etc._n and_o our_o great_a incorrigible_a frame_n grow_v rather_o worse_o and_o worse_o under_o all_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v have_v great_a cause_n to_o fear_n and_o expect_v some_o
god_n maâ—_n discover_v several_a great_a thing_n unto_o who_o he_o please_v and_o both_o hoâ—_n and_o when_o he_o see_v best_o and_o that_o also_o since_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v thâ—_n seal_v up_o but_o than_o we_o must_v take_v these_o consideration_n along_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 1._o they_o be_v unto_o man_n of_o piety_n and_o such_o who_o he_o intend_v to_o makâ—_n some_o way_n or_o other_o eminent_o instrumental_a for_o his_o glory_n etc._n etc._n 2._o anâ—_n of_o modesty_n and_o humility_n who_o be_v not_o ambitious_a to_o expose_v themseluâ—â—_o as_o prophet_n immediate_o send_v by_o god_n 3._o and_o least_o of_o all_o do_v they_o speaâ—_n any_o thing_n for_o public_a instruction_n which_o do_v contradict_v the_o whole_a â—â—â—nor_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o which_o before_o but_o these_o who_o call_v themselves_o the_o two_o witness_n have_v not_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v immediate_o raise_v up_o by_o god_n in_o any_o of_o the_o several_a respect_n aforesaid_a nor_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d those_o which_o follow_v consideration_n iu._n the_o ratification_n of_o sacred_a prediction_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o carry_v its_o own_o self-evidence_n that_o they_o caâ—_n be_v no_o other_o than_o from_o god_n contrary_a to_o all_o preâ—tended_a revelation_n the_o confirmation_n of_o sacred_a prediction_n be_v to_o be_v conâ—sidered_v 1._o affirmative_o and_o this_o either_o as_o they_o have_v more_o immediate_a relation_n to_o private_a person_n oâ—_n family_n or_o to_o public_a community_n as_o city_n and_o nation_n as_o it_o concern_v the_o first_o so_o the_o confirmation_n be_v of_o a_o more_o private_a consideration_n as_o by_o particular_a sign_n and_o token_n this_o also_o hold_v good_a in_o prophecy_n of_o a_o more_o public_a nature_n and_o be_v common_o grant_v for_o their_o sake_n who_o the_o prediction_n concern_v as_o a_o revelation_n of_o the_o particular_a time_n place_n manner_n circumstance_n with_o the_o antecedent_n concomitant_n and_o consequence_n and_o this_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o twofold_a conviction_n natural_a and_o moral_a natural_a so_o far_o as_o these_o circumstantial_o may_v and_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v heathen_n and_o infidel_n of_o the_o transcendent_a be_v of_o a_o supreme_a omniscient_a omnipotent_a god_n the_o allâ—ise_a fore-ordain_a disposer_n and_o predeterminer_n of_o all_o event_n also_o of_o his_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o love_n to_o his_o creature_n in_o his_o government_n of_o they_o accord_v to_o such_o law_n as_o establish_v his_o praise_n and_o glory_n and_o his_o â—_z felicity_n a_o moral_a conviction_n also_o so_o far_o as_o these_o circumstanâ—ials_n have_v a_o great_a prevalency_n with_o those_o who_o profess_v their_o subjection_n â—ohis_fw-la write_v law_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o further_a sin_n the_o end_n of_o â—ll_a and_o to_o constrain_v they_o unto_o new_a obedience_n in_o order_n to_o avoid_v the_o threaten_v and_o obtain_v the_o promise_a reward_n or_o as_o they_o more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o public_a as_o city_n or_o kingdom_n or_o people_n so_o the_o sacred_a prediction_n be_v confirm_v two_o way_n either_o 1._o by_o renew_a appearance_n or_o 2._o by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n the_o first_o run_v much_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v from_o god_n infinite_a goodness_n endeavour_v to_o fix_v man_n serious_a attention_n and_o â—o_o remove_v all_o ground_n of_o diffidence_n also_o from_o infinite_a mercy_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a who_o be_v never_o willing_a to_o strike_v before_o he_o warn_v â—gain_o and_o again_o to_o provoke_v to_o repentance_n and_o further_o also_o for_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wilful_o obstinate_a and_o hence_o â—o_o many_o prophet_n be_v send_v to_o the_o jew_n rise_v early_o and_o sit_v up_o late_o â—nd_v so_o many_o sign_n and_o prodigy_n before_o their_o total_a destruction_n or_o â—_o by_o miracle_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a now_o if_o we_o examine_v our_o two_o prophet_n and_o try_v they_o by_o these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d what_o particular_n can_v we_o find_v they_o comport_v with_o any_o of_o these_o â—ings_n which_o have_v ratify_v the_o sacred_a prediction_n and_o especial_o threaten_n of_o desolation_n to_o a_o city_n or_o a_o whole_a land_n for_o their_o â—ry_a end_n seem_v contrary_a to_o god_n in_o the_o judgement_n he_o threaten_v â—o_o to_o speak_v as_o a_o man_n be_v anxious_o solicitous_a lest_o the_o wicked_a misunderstand_v his_o intention_n and_o run_v away_o from_o he_o into_o final_a desperation_n 〈◊〉_d at_o large_a before_o but_o these_o witness_n on_o the_o contrary_a labour_v to_o â—â—ssess_v the_o world_n who_o be_v otherwise_o apt_a to_o entertain_v too_o hard_a thought_n 〈◊〉_d god_n that_o all_o his_o holy_a attribute_n yea_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n canâ—â—t_v have_v a_o more_o magnificent_a exaltation_n and_o triumph_n than_o in_o the_o â—â—mediate_a and_o irresistible_a destruction_n of_o this_o nation_n or_o rather_o its_o total_a desolation_n as_o their_o odd_a phrase_n of_o beginning_n and_o make_v a_o end_n at_o once_o seem_v to_o import_v as_o for_o mr._n ward_n he_o give_v we_o no_o one_o collateral_a sign_n or_o token_n to_o convince_v any_o that_o he_o be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o raise_v up_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n but_o toil_n hard_a to_o show_v we_o after_o what_o manner_n he_o come_v to_o be_v infallible_o persuade_v into_o the_o good_a opinion_n he_o have_v of_o his_o impulse_n hope_v that_o then_o we_o need_v no_o other_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o only_a his_o ipse_fw-la dixit_fw-la whereas_o neither_o of_o they_o show_v we_o any_o antecedent_n concomitant_n or_o circumstantial_o of_o time_n place_n or_o manner_n when_o where_o or_o how_o they_o have_v this_o revelation_n etc._n etc._n but_o its_o worth_n our_o consideration_n that_o evans_n the_o other_o witness_n will_v hardly_o own_o such_o a_o impulse_n as_o ward_n avouch_v for_o he_o honest_o confess_v he_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o more_o to_o say_v for_o the_o matter_n than_o that_o he_o have_v a_o firm_a belief_n that_o ward_n because_o he_o say_v so_o have_v obtain_v this_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n if_o we_o follow_v he_o hence_o we_o need_v not_o much_o question_n but_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o evans_n may_v in_o a_o little_a time_n slip_v his_o neck_n out_o of_o the_o collar_n and_o leave_v mr._n ward_n to_o witness_v alone_o and_o then_o woe_n be_v to_o the_o man_n that_o be_v alone_a and_o touch_v sign_n or_o miracle_n neither_o of_o they_o pretend_v thereunto_o 2._o negative_o god_n never_o that_o yet_o i_o have_v observe_v confirm_v one_o threaten_v touch_v the_o ruin_n of_o any_o either_o 1._o by_o such_o a_o absolute_a oath_n as_o have_v not_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n the_o condition_n of_o reverse_v it_o upon_o the_o sinner_n repentance_n nor_o do_v his_o oath_n hinder_v it_o but_o serve_v rather_o to_o awake_v the_o guilty_a to_o a_o more_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n they_o be_v in_o and_o thereby_o to_o quicken_v up_o a_o speedy_a conversion_n one_o standard_n royal_a or_o sacred_a test_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n whereby_o to_o understand_v god_n most_o positive_a threaten_n and_o all_o such_o commination_n as_o seem_v to_o carry_v in_o they_o a_o most_o absolute_a and_o irrevocable_a decree_n and_o that_o be_v in_o numb_a 14._o 21_o 23._o as_o true_o as_o i_o live_v sure_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o land_n which_o i_o swear_v to_o their_o father_n neither_o shall_v any_o of_o they_o that_o provoke_v i_o see_v it_o which_o the_o original_a both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n render_v conditional_o if_o they_o see_v the_o land_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o margin_n also_o observe_v both_o in_o the_o forementioned_a text_n and_o also_o in_o psal_n 95._o 11._o â—v_fw-la unto_o who_o i_o swear_v in_o my_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o my_o rest_n agreeable_a to_o heb._n 3._o 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v if_o they_o repent_v they_o may_v enter_v for_o my_o threaten_v though_o confirm_v with_o a_o oath_n do_v not_o simple_o in_o a_o physical_a sense_n hinder_v they_o from_o repent_v and_o so_o from_o enter_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n the_o jew_n account_v this_o oath_n the_o most_o dreadful_a ratification_n of_o their_o doom_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v denounce_v on_o that_o day_n as_o their_o tradition_n be_v for_o their_o great_a anniversary_n fast_o on_o the_o 10_o of_o the_o seven_o month_n or_o solemn_a day_n of_o atonement_n numb_a 16._o the_o only_a fast_a in_o all_o their_o year_n and_o wherein_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v strict_o command_v to_o afflict_v their_o soul_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o
be_v cut_v off_o v_o 29_o 31._o here_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v that_o most_o serious_a fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o heart-affliction_n and_o contrition_n be_v god_n ordinance_n by_o which_o to_o turn_v away_o even_o the_o severe_a threaten_n of_o his_o wrath_n most_o suitable_a to_o that_o oath_n of_o god_n in_o ezek._n 33._o 11._o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o any_o sinner_n but_o that_o they_o turn_v and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n 2._o or_o by_o that_o seal_n or_o witness_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o believer_n which_o testify_v to_o all_o more_o or_o less_o that_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n adopt_a and_o sanctify_a call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o full_a persuasion_n of_o faith_n but_o mr._n ward_n like_o a_o good_a christian_a shall_v we_o say_v have_v prostitute_v his_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n and_o all_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v witness_n in_o he_o and_o lay_v all_o at_o stake_n to_o maintain_v his_o strong_a impression_n or_o impulse_n and_o tempt_v uncharitable_a person_n to_o think_v he_o have_v no_o other_o article_n of_o his_o religion_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o that_o be_v more_o sacred_a or_o venerable_a in_o his_o eye_n consideration_n v._n the_o consequent_a effect_n which_o the_o immediate_a manifestation_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o holy_a prophet_n or_o penman_n of_o scripture_n or_o eminent_a worthy_n of_o the_o church_n have_v upon_o themselves_o be_v far_o differ_v from_o the_o effect_n which_o seem_v to_o appear_v in_o our_o two_o late_a pretend_a prophet_n more_o general_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a one_a humble_a and_o low_a thought_n of_o themselves_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o abraham_n that_o great_a prophet_n gen_n 17._o 3_o 17_o 18._o ch._n 18._o 3_o 27._o thus_o with_o jacob_n chap._n 28._o 27._o chap._n 33._o 10._o moses_n exod._n 3._o 15._o gideon_n judg._n 6._o 15._o isaiah_n ch._n 6._o 5._o 2._o sweet_a courteous_a affable_a demeanour_n and_o condescension_n to_o other_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o this_o particular_o one_o text_n for_o all_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 24_o 25._o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a or_o forbear_v in_o meekness_n inctruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n so_o opposite_a to_o persecution_n or_o the_o muggletonian_a way_n of_o damn_v etc._n etc._n compare_v with_o tit._n 3._o 2._o speak_v evil_a of_o no_o man_n be_v not_o brawler_n but_o gentle_a show_v all_o meekness_n unto_o all_o men._n and_o how_o unsuitable_a to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o these_o two_o man_n so_o presumptuous_o assert_v that_o satan_n have_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n in_o mr._n baxter_n who_o then_o detect_v by_o what_o spirit_n these_o pretend_a prophet_n be_v move_v this_o meekness_n which_o we_o be_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o opposite_a to_o proud_a rail_a brawl_a and_o unchristian_a demeanour_n be_v one_o of_o the_o excellent_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5._o 23._o a_o temper_n so_o amiable_a that_o the_o british_a saxon_n resolve_v this_o shall_v be_v their_o touchstone_n to_o try_v that_o doctrine_n which_o austin_n the_o monk_n come_v over_o with_o from_o pope_n gregory_n call_v the_o great_a even_o then_o when_o they_o can_v not_o argue_v the_o point_n with_o he_o more_o particular_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o positive_a threaten_n to_o the_o great_a sinner_n have_v always_o tend_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o worthy_n of_o old_a unto_o a_o extraordinary_a wrestle_a mourn_a and_o prayer_n for_o they_o and_o this_o 1._o whether_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o denounce_v against_o god_n backsliden_fw-mi church_n we_o see_v it_o most_o conspicuous_a viz._n in_o moses_n when_o they_o have_v make_v and_o worship_v their_o golden_a calf_n exod._n 32._o 10._o let_v i_o alone_o that_o my_o wrath_n may_v wax_v hot_a against_o they_o and_o censure_v they_o and_o deut._n 9_o 14._o add_v that_o i_o may_v blot_v out_o their_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n and_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n when_o immediate_a and_o irrevocable_a destruction_n seem_v to_o attend_v that_o whole_a nation_n how_o sweet_o and_o excellent_o do_v moses_n intercede_v for_o they_o and_o god_n wrath_n be_v pacify_v so_o at_o other_o time_n also_o deut._n 9_o from_o verse_n 22._o to_o the_o end_n compare_v with_o numb_a 11._o 10_o 11._o another_o instance_n we_o have_v in_o phineas_n numb_a 25._o 11._o and_o in_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 12._o 23._o and_o in_o jeremy_n chap_n 4._o 19_o chap._n 9_o â—_o 10._o chap._n 13_o 17._o and_o in_o isaiah_n chap._n 22._o 4._o and_o in_o ezek._n chap._n 21._o 6._o and_o in_o micah_n chap._n 1._o 8._o and_o god_n himself_o put_v his_o backsliden_fw-mi child_n even_a they_o when_o lie_v under_o his_o severe_a and_o most_o positive_a threaten_n into_o the_o right_a way_n of_o prevent_v the_o desolation_n threaten_v jer._n 4._o 8._o chap._n 6._o 26._o chap._n 7._o 29._o 2._o or_o whether_o consider_v as_o against_o the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o his_o church_n and_o here_o n._n b._n first_o god_n put_v they_o also_o into_o the_o right_a way_n of_o prevent_v their_o ruin_n threaten_v isa_n 13._o 6._o we_o will_v have_v heal_v babylon_n what_o babylon_n that_o curse_a nation_n sentence_v to_o utter_a desolation_n yes_o this_o babylon_n but_o she_o will_v not_o compare_v with_o jer._n 51._o 9_o thus_o god_n stir_v up_o ninive_n to_o repentance_n exhort_v they_o to_o turn_v from_o their_o violence_n etc._n etc._n jonah_n 3._o 2_o 8._o and_o pharaoh_n also_o even_o after_o that_o god_n have_v express_o tell_v he_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o up_o to_o show_v his_o wondrous_a power_n or_o justice_n on_o he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n exod._n 9_o 16._o compare_v with_o chap._n 10._o 3._o a_o text_n great_o to_o be_v note_a second_o god_n himself_o express_v very_o enlarge_v bowel_n towards_o these_o his_o enemy_n even_o then_o when_o lie_v under_o his_o severe_a comminatin_n one_o great_a instance_n take_v for_o all_o moab_n be_v threaten_v by_o god_n oath_n to_o be_v make_v a_o perpetual_a desolation_n zeph._n 2._o 9_o yet_o his_o wonderful_a bowel_n of_o compassion_n yern_v towards_o that_o great_a enemy_n of_o his_o church_n isaiah_n 15._o 5._o ch_n 16._o 9_o jer._n 48._o 31_o 32_o 36._o text_n worthy_a to_o be_v engrave_v in_o letter_n of_o gold_n and_o fix_v in_o we_o three_o god_n draw_v out_o the_o prophet_n heart_n to_o mourn_v over_o they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o lie_v under_o his_o severe_a doom_n that_o they_o may_v be_v teach_v how_o to_o mourn_v for_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o repent_v and_o escape_v the_o desolation_n threaten_v thus_o for_o tyre_n ezek._n 27._o 1_o 31._o for_o egypt_n ezek._n â—2_n 2_o 18._o and_o thus_o for_o moab_n jer._n 48._o 20._o to_o instance_n no_o more_o now_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v not_o difficult_a for_o any_o consider_a person_n to_o conjecture_n by_o what_o spirit_n ward_n and_o evans_n do_v act_n in_o these_o respect_n for_o they_o be_v far_o from_o stir_v up_o themselves_o or_o other_o to_o pray_o and_o fast_o and_o wrestle_v for_o our_o poor_a sinful_a land_n which_o they_o have_v thus_o unmerciful_o sentence_v to_o unavoidable_a destruction_n that_o they_o seem_v resolve_v to_o pawn_n all_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n they_o have_v of_o salvation_n or_o all_o the_o religion_n they_o have_v as_o a_o certain_a pledge_n that_o god_n will_v not_o give_v repentance_n to_o england_n though_o they_o shall_v seek_v it_o never_o so_o fervent_o nay_o more_o that_o his_o most_o sacred_a oath_n be_v go_v forth_o without_o a_o if_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o infallible_o be_v assure_v god_n have_v make_v a_o irrevocable_a decree_n for_o our_o immediate_a destruction_n now_o let_v any_o judge_n do_v not_o these_o man_n faith_n teach_v we_o all_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o a_o hellish_a plunge_v of_o desperation_n and_o thereby_o to_o become_v sevenfold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o now_o we_o be_v do_v not_o it_o teach_v flat_a rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o word_n who_o command_v we_o all_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o at_o all_o time_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o our_o soul_n before_o he_o in_o the_o worst_a condition_n we_o can_v be_v in_o psal_n 68_o 8._o and_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o faint_a luke_n 18._o 1._o compare_v with_o job_n 35._o 14._o judgement_n be_v before_o he_o therefore_o trust_v thou_o in_o he_o which_o text_n be_v excellent_o explain_v jer._n