sacrifice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v abhor_v than_o some_o of_o these_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o earth_n yea_o none_o more_o obstruct_v the_o treaty_n of_o the_o gospel_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n than_o minister_n who_o be_v call_v the_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n oh_o what_o a_o strange_a and_o astonish_a contradiction_n may_v this_o seem_v but_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o reproach_n to_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a call_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o of_o such_o the_o scripture_n have_v express_o warn_v i_o confess_v it_o may_v be_v say_v no_o atheist_n like_o a_o unsanctified_a minister_n yea_o no_o atheism_n of_o so_o black_a a_o dye_n as_o they_o who_o be_v still_o enure_v with_o holy_a thing_n have_v yet_o no_o sense_n thereof_o now_o in_o this_o very_a dark_a hour_n wherein_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v fall_v in_o a_o death_n like_o pang_n and_o oh_o many_o of_o her_o child_n in_o a_o sad_a lithargie_n that_o if_o we_o look_v in_o a_o 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charter_n of_o all_o our_o mercy_n and_o of_o our_o hope_n through_o eternity_n 5._o though_o every_o line_n of_o diâ—ine_a truth_n be_v inestimable_a yet_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v a_o more_o press_a caâ—l_n for_o our_o adherence_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v most_o controvert_v in_o the_o time_n for_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a testimony_n and_o it_o be_v know_v through_o all_o age_n what_o a_o singular_a blâ—ssing_n have_v follow_v the_o contend_v and_o witness_v of_o a_o few_o for_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o spait_n of_o public_a defection_n to_o keep_v it_o alive_a when_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o yea_o to_o effect_n above_o rational_a belief_n unus_fw-la athanasius_n contratotum_fw-la orbem_fw-la many_o such_o remark_n have_v not_o be_v want_v 6._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o which_o be_v always_o necessary_a and_o bind_a yet_o we_o may_v say_v in_o a_o time_n of_o the_o church_n hazard_n and_o 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clear_o see_v how_o one_o piece_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o punctual_a fulfil_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o other_o how_o that_o which_o be_v shadow_v out_o by_o dark_a type_n under_o the_o law_n and_o hold_v in_o a_o propheâ—y_n through_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o a_o plain_a and_o real_a history_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o a_o perfect_a of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n iv_o though_o its_o very_a manifest_a and_o by_o undeniable_a proof_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o real_a accomplishment_n and_o do_v certain_o take_v place_n in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o providence_n here_o in_o the_o world_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o man_n do_v not_o darken_v themselves_o they_o can_v be_v no_o stranger_n to_o such_o a_o thing_n yet_o we_o must_v say_v this_o truth_n which_o most_o near_o concern_v we_o be_v to_o the_o most_o of_o man_n 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their_o wit_n and_o invention_n on_o the_o rack_n how_o to_o dispute_v away_o any_o remander_n of_o a_o conscience_n to_o imprison_v their_o light_n and_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o reason_n run_v down_o godliness_n and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n thereof_o yea_o beside_o do_v not_o sensuality_n wherein_o many_o wallow_v and_o steep_v themselves_o so_o dull_a and_o droun_n the_o soul_n put_v such_o one_fw-mi interposition_n of_o the_o earth_n betwixt_o they_o and_o this_o truth_n as_o whole_o darken_v it_o and_o oh_o how_o sad_a that_o many_o have_v a_o large_a profession_n to_o be_v christian_n scarce_o ever_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o put_v the_o word_n to_o one_fw-mi essay_n and_o trial_n in_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o life_n to_o have_v their_o light_n follow_v with_o experience_n wherein_o the_o very_a truth_n and_o reality_n of_o religion_n lie_v to_o clear_v this_o i_o shall_v hold_v forth_o some_o thing_n which_o may_v show_v how_o little_a this_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n be_v know_v or_o study_v by_o the_o most_o of_o man_n 1._o the_o abound_v of_o so_o much_o atheism_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o who_o not_o only_o disclaim_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o religion_n they_o seem_v to_o profess_v but_o do_v state_n themselves_o in_o most_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n thereof_o these_o to_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o as_o a_o romance_n yea_o do_v only_o converse_v therewith_o to_o prove_v their_o wit_n and_o part_n in_o impung_v the_o same_o who_o avowed_o mock_v at_o the_o judgement_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n i_o confess_v these_o may_v be_v reckon_v monster_n a_o very_a prodigy_n in_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v though_o alace_o it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v strange_a we_o see_v the_o most_o horrid_a atheist_n do_v usual_o abound_v be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n â—ath_v most_o shine_v the_o savage_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o no_o such_o monstrous_a birth_n as_o be_v hatch_v within_o the_o visible_a chutch_n for_o thus_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n put_v a_o black_a dye_n on_o they_o than_o other_o o_o what_o a_o terrible_a sound_n shall_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o man_n ear_n if_o they_o once_o come_v to_o have_v serious_a thought_n thereof_o since_o they_o can_v admit_v this_o but_o they_o must_v certain_o read_v their_o own_o sentence_n of_o death_n which_o a_o few_o day_n shall_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a they_o be_v then_o unspeakable_o miserable_a 2._o that_o indifferency_n whieh_fw-it we_o see_v among_o man_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o most_o concern_v truth_n of_o scripture_n do_v show_v how_o little_a this_o be_v know_v or_o lay_v to_o heart_n whence_o there_o be_v such_o a_o generation_n who_o do_v not_o profess_o deny_v the_o scripture_n yet_o can_v turn_v it_o over_o in_o a_o school_n problem_n and_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v engage_v so_o far_o upon_o it_o it_o be_v not_o that_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o but_o they_o true_o choice_n to_o hide_v themselves_o from_o it_o as_o more_o suitable_a to_o that_o interest_n they_o drive_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v rather_o a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n then_o of_o faith_n a_o thing_n which_o they_o will_v dispute_v but_o not_o believe_v but_o o_o what_o other_o thought_n will_v a_o clear_a sight_n of_o this_o cause_n that_o within_o so_o few_o day_n the_o truth_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v sad_a earnest_n the_o fulfil_n whereof_o no_o sharpness_n of_o wit_n nor_o subtle_a argument_n will_v be_v able_a to_o evade_v 3._o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o barren_a theory_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n with_o so_o little_a serious_a christian_a diligence_n do_v it_o not_o sad_o witness_v how_o small_a acquaintance_n man_n have_v with_o this_o truth_n whence_o we_o see_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o these_o who_o prefess_o acknowledge_v the_o word_n and_o be_v daily_o converse_v with_o it_o yet_o can_v give_v no_o other_o account_n thereof_o but_o report_n so_o many_o that_o can_v satisfy_o discourse_v of_o the_o scripture_n can_v never_o put_v their_o seal_n to_o it_o that_o god_n be_v true_a therein_o whence_o be_v so_o many_o great_a school_n divine_v and_o able_a minister_n for_o part_n such_o visible_a atheist_n in_o their_o way_n and_o practice_n be_v it_o not_o they_o real_o judge_v divinity_n and_o religion_n rather_o a_o science_n and_o matter_n of_o speculation_n than_o a_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o feeling_n which_o man_n shall_v more_o live_v then_o speak_v and_o can_v be_v know_v without_o experience_n the_o true_a end_n of_o knowledge_n but_o o._n this_o can_v be_v find_v in_o book_n man_n will_v not_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o a_o throng_n of_o choice_a notion_n it_o confound_v the_o wife_n and_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n whilst_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o simple_a christian_a oft_o know_v more_o than_o these_o of_o great_a part_n 4._o the_o great_a hypocrisy_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v too_o clear_o show_v that_o this_o truth_n be_v little_a thought_n on_o or_o lay_v to_o heart_n for_o what_o be_v that_o false_a show_n and_o appearance_n which_o we_o may_v say_v be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o very_a sinfulness_n of_o sin_n be_v it_o not_o the_o height_n of_o atheism_n and_o a_o real_a contradiction_n in_o their_o practice_n to_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o will_v have_v one_fw-mi unquestionable_a accomplishment_n o_o can_v any_o be_v so_o monstrous_o irrational_a to_o drive_v this_o poor_a plot_n how_o to_o appear_v that_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v at_o such_o pain_n to_o act_v the_o part_n handsome_o of_o a_o serious_a christian_a to_o personat_fw-la his_o tear_n and_o grief_n his_o spiritual_a frame_n his_o zeal_n for_o god_n if_o he_o do_v think_v grave_o on_o this_o truth_n and_o do_v believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o will_v sure_o take_v place_n and_o be_v within_o a_o little_a no_o compliment_n but_o sad_a earnest_n and_o that_o he_o be_v every_o hour_n stand_v under_o that_o scripture-woe_n against_o hypocrite_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v make_v his_o very_a hair_n stand_v upright_o his_o joint_n louse_n and_o his_o thigh_n smite_v upon_o another_o can_v he_o but_o serious_o think_v upon_o this_o 5._o these_o unwarrantable_a way_n which_o in_o a_o time_n of_o trial_n man_n take_v for_o their_o escape_n may_v witness_v this_o that_o the_o word_n they_o do_v not_o judge_v a_o sure_a ground_n to_o adventure_v on_o whence_o be_v there_o such_o hesitation_n in_o suffer_a time_n from_o that_o day_n many_o take_n there_o leave_v of_o
and_o be_v not_o that_o agrave_n duty_n which_o at_o all_o time_n in_o every_o station_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n shall_v engage_v man_n to_o this_o study_n thus_o every_o christian_a may_v become_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o put_v his_o seal_n thereto_o for_o which_o he_o shall_v think_v his_o life_n true_o desirable_a and_o he_o do_v in_o no_o small_a measure_n attain_v the_o true_a end_n thereof_o though_o he_o have_v no_o other_o opportunity_n for_o his_o master_n service_n and_o we_o may_v say_v this_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n like_o a_o great_a roll_n have_v be_v transmit_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o attest_v and_o as_o it_o be_v subscrybed_n by_o so_o many_o witness_n it_o do_v thus_o come_v to_o our_o time_n and_o to_o every_o man_n door_n and_o require_v their_o personal_a witness_v and_o seal_v of_o the_o same_o 2._o this_o shall_v make_v it_o a_o easy_a work_n to_o trust_v the_o word_n and_o to_o 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of_o our_o talon_n wherewith_o we_o be_v entrust_v of_o which_o every_o christian_a shall_v study_v a_o serious_a improvement_n know_v they_o must_v render_v a_o account_n what_o their_o observation_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n have_v gain_v and_o what_o further_a establishment_n and_o confirmation_n they_o have_v thus_o attain_v 9_o i_o will_v add_v the_o concernment_n and_o weight_n of_o this_o duty_n may_v press_v it_o much_o on_o we_o for_o if_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n o_o then_o this_o be_v sure_a the_o saint_n have_v a_o great_a inheritance_n they_o be_v prince_n though_o now_o under_o a_o disguise_n and_o though_o yet_o minor_n they_o be_v heir_n of_o more_o than_o the_o world_n can_v shadow_v forth_o the_o christian_a be_v then_o more_o happy_a on_o a_o dunghill_n scrape_v his_o sore_n than_o such_o who_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fare_v delicate_o every_o day_n if_o this_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v look_v with_o compassion_n 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experience_n of_o every_o christian_a it_o will_v be_v some_o way_n as_o easy_a to_o number_v the_o drop_n of_o rain_n and_o dew_n since_o the_o creation_n as_o to_o reckon_v all_o these_o precious_a drop_n and_o emanation_n of_o love_n these_o sensible_a return_n and_o outmaking_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o they_o have_v have_v in_o their_o experience_n i_o true_o think_v it_o can_v hardly_o be_v believe_v though_o it_o be_v tell_v what_o some_o of_o the_o godly_a here_o have_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o word_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n and_o performance_n of_o scripture_n promise_n concern_v which_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n do_v aggree_v that_o by_o many_o confirmation_n the_o lord_n have_v oft_o seal_v the_o truth_n thereof_o to_o their_o soul_n there_o be_v 10._o special_a promise_n hold_v forth_o to_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o 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promise_n most_o express_a phil._n 4_o ver_fw-la 6._o ps_n 32_o 6._o ps_n 65_o 2._o ps_n 91_o 15._o now_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o piece_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o very_o clear_a that_o i_o can_v attest_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a since_o the_o beginning_n what_o frequent_a &_o unanswerable_a comfirmation_n they_o have_v get_v of_o this_o truth_n in_o their_o christian_a walk_n foe_z that_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o man_n ever_o be_v in_o earnest_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o stranger_n to_o this_o yea_o that_o he_o be_v never_o more_o certain_o persuade_v of_o any_o thing_n then_o of_o this_o that_o god_n do_v hear_v prayer_n o_o if_o man_n soul_n be_v but_o in_o their_o soul_n stead_n who_o evening_n wrestle_n and_o tear_n the_o lord_n have_v oft_o turn_v into_o a_o morning_n song_n they_o shall_v know_v this_o be_v no_o delusion_n i_o shall_v here_o touch_v something_o of_o that_o experience_n which_o by_o many_o 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this_o truth_n may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la not_o only_o from_o the_o real_a conquest_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o excellent_a trophy_n of_o her_o victory_n over_o many_o note_a enemy_n who_o have_v after_o be_v vessel_n of_o honour_n but_o also_o from_o the_o feign_a subjection_n that_o so_o many_o have_v be_v make_v to_o render_v be_v it_o not_o strange_a what_o a_o multitude_n do_v in_o these_o time_n profess_v the_o truth_n and_o yet_o hate_v it_o and_o be_v never_o draw_v with_o the_o cord_n of_o love_n how_o very_o many_o have_v court_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o woo_v the_o shadow_n of_o religion_n who_o never_o know_v the_o truth_n thereof_o which_o certain_o be_v a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n conquest_n that_o so_o many_o knee_n shall_v bow_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n who_o heart_n be_v never_o bow_v or_o real_o subdue_v to_o he_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a proof_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o we_o see_v the_o church_n increase_v &_o enlargement_n have_v come_v to_o pass_v most_o punctual_o after_o that_o manner_n yea_o with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n as_o be_v fortolde_v and_o promise_v so_o that_o the_o event_n do_v in_o every_o thing_n answer_v the_o word_n for_o first_o it_o be_v there_o hold_v out_o that_o from_o a_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n which_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o despise_v it_o shall_v grow_v up_o as_o a_o tender_a plant_n and_o spread_v forth_o its_o branch_n over_o the_o nation_n that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o desolat_a shall_v be_v more_o than_o of_o the_o marry_a wife_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o first_o &_o o_o have_v it_o not_o according_o come_v to_o pass_n 2._o this_o great_a increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o christ_n shall_v be_v lift_v up_o that_o then_o he_o shall_v draw_v all_o man_n after_o he_o for_o these_o promise_n we_o have_v thereof_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v clear_o point_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o do_v not_o the_o event_n here_o according_o answer_a 3._o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o that_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o gentiles_n and_o that_o their_o rejection_n shall_v make_v way_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n even_o the_o ingather_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o do_v not_o man_n see_v the_o event_n with_o this_o very_a circumstance_n 4._o we_o find_v the_o isle_n and_o outmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o foretell_v as_o a_o special_a part_n of_o the_o church_n increase_n and_o do_v we_o not_o clear_o see_v there_o be_v no_o place_n of_o the_o world_n where_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v more_o visible_a where_o more_o child_n have_v be_v beget_v to_o he_o by_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v say_v then_o in_o these_o northern_a place_n even_o in_o these_o isle_n of_o britain_n &_o ireland_n which_o be_v almost_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o little_a from_o that_o airth_n and_o near_o the_o pole_n which_o be_v inhabit_v yea_o we_o may_v judge_v have_v be_v that_o thule_n whereof_o the_o ancient_n do_v so_o much_o speak_v 5._o be_v it_o not_o also_o foretell_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o her_o enemy_n at_o who_o great_a increase_n the_o world_n shall_v wonder_v the_o prince_n thereof_o see_v and_o be_v trouble_v while_n god_n be_v know_v in_o her_o palace_n for_o a_o refuge_n and_o do_v not_o the_o event_n witness_v this_o that_o over_o all_o these_o counsel_n and_o essay_n which_o the_o world_n have_v have_v to_o hinder_v the_o church_n growth_n her_o rise_n have_v always_o be_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o her_o great_a enemy_n yea_o these_o who_o have_v be_v a_o terror_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n do_v oft_o fall_v and_o break_v themselves_o in_o that_o attempt_n can_v man_n deny_v the_o marvellous_a progress_n of_o the_o church_n how_o from_o a_o small_a beginning_n she_o at_o last_o possess_v the_o gate_n of_o both_o the_o east_n and_o western_a empire_n her_o old_a enemy_n and_o do_v we_o not_o this_o day_n see_v her_o conquest_n advance_v on_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichrist_n her_o last_o and_o great_a adversary_n 5._o as_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n anent_o the_o church_n increase_n be_v undeniable_a since_o man_n can_v contradict_v their_o sense_n therein_o we_o must_v also_o say_v this_o be_v a_o thing_n great_a and_o marvellous_a which_o no_o less_o than_o some_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n can_v bring_v about_o if_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o quick_a dispatch_n which_o the_o church_n growth_n under_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v make_v o_o may_v not_o the_o pagan_a world_n wonder_v how_o in_o the_o space_n of_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n it_o be_v almost_o become_v whole_o christian_n o_o strange_a a_o dioclesian_n &_o maximus_n so_o grievous_o persecute_v and_o trample_v on_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christianity_n &_o yet_o near_o that_o same_o age_n this_o great_a roman_a empire_n and_o emperor_n submit_v to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n 2._o how_o astonish_v be_v it_o for_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o increase_v to_o be_v bring_v about_o upon_o the_o ruin_n and_o dounfal_n of_o the_o idol_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o have_v their_o temple_n and_o be_v worship_v as_o god_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o renounce_v its_o bible_n and_o that_o religion_n which_o for_o so_o many_o age_n be_v deep_o root_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n these_o altar_n which_o be_v have_v in_o such_o reverence_n demolish_a and_o their_o temple_n make_v a_o ruinous_a heap_n yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o their_o god_n shall_v be_v thus_o obliterat_fw-la be_v not_o this_o indeed_o very_o wonderful_a but_o dagon_n have_v no_o strength_n to_o stand_v before_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n 3._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o advance_v by_o such_o a_o mean_a as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n even_o of_o that_o which_o to_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n how_o this_o voice_n shall_v put_v to_o perpetual_a silence_n these_o oracle_n that_o for_o so_o many_o age_n have_v give_v a_o response_n to_o the_o world_n may_v be_v indeed_o astonish_v yea_o that_o the_o church_n increase_v shall_v thus_o be_v bring_v about_o at_o no_o less_o rate_n than_o the_o overturning_a of_o great_a kingdom_n the_o conversion_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n shall_v tame_v and_o civilize_v the_o most_o savage_a and_o barbarous_a cause_n the_o lion_n to_o lie_v down_o with_o the_o lamb_n and_o even_o make_v so_o great_a and_o universal_a a_o change_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universe_n 4._o do_v it_o not_o speak_v forth_o some_o divine_a power_n the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o church_n growth_n and_o increase_v not_o only_o over_o the_o violence_n of_o man_n but_o over_o all_o these_o dreadful_a error_n and_o invention_n these_o thick_a mist_n which_o both_o in_o former_a and_o late_a time_n have_v ascend_v out_o of_o the_o pit_n to_o choke_v she_o that_o we_o may_v say_v the_o church_n have_v not_o only_o be_v help_v to_o tread_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o dragon_n but_o ou_fw-fr the_o adder_n and_o cockatrice_n also_o and_o do_v carry_v the_o trophy_n of_o her_o conquest_n over_o all_o these_o at_o this_o day_n 5._o i_o will_v add_v be_v it_o not_o marvellous_a how_o the_o church_n increase_v have_v be_v advance_v in_o a_o way_n most_o contrare_fw-la to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o ordinary_a policy_n by_o which_o state_n and_o empire_n have_v rise_v not_o by_o dissimulation_n but_o great_a plain_n and_o free_a deal_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n do_v never_o flatter_v the_o world_n to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n not_o by_o open_a violence_n but_o a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n &_o power_n before_o which_o man_n can_v not_o stand_v where_o foolishness_n be_v make_v to_o confound_v and_o outwit_v humane_a wisdom_n and_o weakness_n to_o overcome_v strength_n that_o we_o may_v say_v o_o how_o little_a of_o man_n and_o much_o of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v see_v therein_o third_z promise_v which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o word_n be_v the_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n &_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v there_o express_o hold_v forth_o &_o promise_v zach._n 12_o 10._o joh._n 14_o 17._o ps_n 59_o 21._o and_o do_v concern_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n though_o in_o a_o more_o full_a measure_n to_o be_v let_v out_o in_o the_o day_n of_o
upon_o the_o water_n shall_v make_v they_o appear_v as_o blood_n to_o the_o child_n of_o moab_n but_o we_o see_v what_o great_a thing_n the_o lord_n be_v thus_o bring_v about_o 3._o be_v it_o not_o oft_o manifest_a how_o not_o the_o small_a casuality_n or_o circumstance_n providence_n do_v loss_n without_o some_o improvement_n thereof_o yea_o that_o it_o guide_v the_o stroke_n of_o man_n sword_n in_o the_o battle_n and_o direct_v the_o bullet_n to_o its_o appoint_a mark_n and_o it_o do_v evident_o check_v the_o star_n and_o control_v that_o fatal_a necessity_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o fear_n may_v or_o will_v follow_v their_o aspect_n and_o it_o do_v even_o determine_v these_o which_o in_o themselves_o be_v most_o free_a and_o absolute_a the_o heart_n and_o will_v of_o man_n must_v not_o the_o crow_n of_o the_o cock_n the_o foldier_n divide_v of_o christ_n garment_n fall_v out_o for_o a_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o though_o it_o be_v at_o a_o venture_n that_o that_o man_n draw_v the_o bow_n which_o send_v ahab_n to_o his_o grave_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o chance_n do_v direct_v the_o arrow_n between_o the_o very_a joint_n of_o his_o armour_n 4._o amid_o the_o various_a emergent_n and_o hazard_n of_o man_n life_n may_v not_o experience_n tell_v that_o sure_o thing_n contingent_a be_v not_o abandon_v to_o fortune_n but_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n which_o do_v number_v our_o hair_n without_o which_o they_o can_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n o_o how_o astonish_n may_v it_o be_v to_o think_v how_o surprise_v hazard_n have_v be_v oft_o obviate_v by_o what_o unexpected_a mean_n man_n have_v be_v deliver_v from_o violent_a assault_n how_o help_n unlooked_a for_o have_v even_o try_v at_o a_o choke_v and_o a_o extremity_n yea_o while_o their_o foot_n be_v drip_v even_o betwixt_o their_o fall_n and_o fall_v they_o have_v be_v try_v with_o some_o remarkable_a cast_n of_o mercy_n 5._o be_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o discern_v how_o many_o accident_n which_o seem_v most_o casual_a yet_o by_o no_o humane_a prudence_n or_o industry_n can_v be_v prevent_v but_o be_v observable_o bring_v about_o and_o guide_v to_o fulfil_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n on_o ungodly_a man_n how_o be_v sisera_n lead_v in_o to_o the_o house_n of_o jael_n by_o other_o place_n how_o shall_v haman_n suit_v for_o mordecais_n death_n tryst_n with_o that_o very_a morning_n when_o the_o king_n thought_n be_v favourable_a to_o he_o for_o it_o may_v seem_v have_v haman_n be_v one_o day_n soon_o he_o will_v have_v get_v his_o will_n the_o three_o argument_n for_o the_o scripture_n accomplishment_n be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o christian_n experience_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o cnnrch_n bear_v witness_n thereto_o but_o it_o be_v also_o a_o truth_n which_o even_o to_o the_o view_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la from_o who_o it_o do_v oft_o force_v a_o testimony_n yea_o in_o every_o age_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v a_o thing_n very_o evident_a but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v thus_o witness_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a these_o sweet_a and_o sensible_a enjoyment_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v of_o this_o truth_n the_o world_n can_v reach_v but_o it_o be_v also_o sure_a that_o in_o every_o age_n the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o some_o more_o notour_n convince_a providence_n both_o of_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n do_v solemn_o invite_v man_n to_o observe_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o word_n therein_o yea_o no_o time_n have_v want_v something_o of_o a_o public_a witness_n from_o ungodly_a man_n even_o great_a mocker_n of_o religion_n who_o under_o that_o constrain_a power_n of_o conscience_n at_o death_n or_o in_o some_o day_n of_o their_o strait_n have_v be_v force_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n by_o a_o very_a open_a confession_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o lord_n bless_a design_n in_o make_v his_o work_n sometime_o so_o conspicuous_a that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n but_o render_v atheism_n inexcusable_a that_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v shine_v forth_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i_o confess_v we_o may_v wonder_n why_o the_o world_n look_v so_o little_a upon_o this_o and_o how_o the_o conviction_n of_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n which_o they_o can_v shun_v do_v not_o more_o press_v they_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v full_o resolve_v this_o the_o brutish_a man_n know_v not_o neither_o do_v fool_n lay_v to_o heart_n how_o the_o scripture_n take_v place_n and_o that_o the_o flourish_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v but_o in_o judgement_n for_o their_o further_a ruin_n to_o prosecut_v this_o argument_n a_o little_a there_o be_v some_o special_a truth_n i_o will_v instance_n wherein_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o fulfil_v his_o word_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o world_n yea_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a observer_n and_o though_o they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o which_o i_o shall_v here_o touch_v yet_o i_o must_v say_v they_o be_v such_o concern_v truth_n and_o have_v so_o near_o a_o reference_n to_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o man_n can_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o but_o must_v also_o confess_v the_o scripture_n divinity_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o reality_n in_o godliness_n and_o in_o christian_a religion_n true_o i_o may_v here_o with_o some_o confidence_n challenge_v the_o great_a atheist_n yea_o appeal_v they_o to_o their_o conscience_n and_o serious_a thought_n if_o in_o these_o follow_a instance_n though_o but_o a_o little_a of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o such_o a_o subject_n the_o truth_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o very_o manifest_a first_o i_o shall_v first_o hold_v forth_o this_o truth_n that_o man_n be_v sure_o fall_v from_o that_o excellent_a estate_n wherein_o once_o he_o be_v form_v rom._n 5_o ver_fw-la 18._o 19_o and_o now_o be_v not_o that_o which_o he_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n a_o truth_n so_o clear_a that_o we_o may_v say_v even_o without_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v easy_a for_o any_o serious_a onlooker_n to_o discern_v the_o same_o do_v not_o even_o heathen_n have_v some_o glance_n at_o this_o the_o evidence_n whereof_o they_o can_v not_o altogether_o shun_v it_o be_v true_a the_o cause_n and_o original_a of_o this_o dreadful_a contagion_n how_o sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n how_o it_o be_v derive_v to_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n by_o imputation_n as_o well_o as_o inhesion_n how_o that_o poison_n be_v carry_v from_o the_o fountain_n to_o the_o cistern_n the_o scriptnre_n do_v only_o discover_v but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a may_v be_v obvious_a to_o all_o that_o poor_a man_n be_v thus_o sick_a and_o disease_v and_o now_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o such_o a_o fall_n and_o ruin_n as_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o word_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v strange_a that_o when_o this_o be_v so_o very_a convince_a and_o manifest_a it_o shall_v not_o force_v man_n to_o some_o more_o serious_a enquiry_n whence_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o if_o there_o can_v be_v a_o recovery_n of_o so_o sad_a and_o desperate_a like_o case_n but_o to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a i_o will_v offer_v these_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o that_o excellent_a fabric_n which_o may_v yet_o appear_v among_o its_o ruin_n some_o print_n and_o appearance_n though_o dark_a of_o that_o primitive_a lustte_n and_o beauty_n some_o draught_n which_o sin_n have_v not_o whole_o wear_v out_o that_o may_v clear_o tell_v what_o man_n once_o be_v and_o point_n out_o his_o former_a excellency_n that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o other_o wight_n of_o who_o absaloms_n character_n may_v be_v true_o say_v without_o all_o blemish_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n for_o we_o see_v the_o deep_a impression_n of_o a_o deity_n still_o root_v in_o man_n even_o among_o the_o most_o wild_a and_o savage_a which_o no_o invention_n can_v utter_o raze_v we_o see_v some_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v imprint_v in_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a some_o innate_a notion_n and_o idea_n which_o the_o soul_n have_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a among_o all_o and_o in_o every_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n likewise_o these_o natural_a truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o may_v see_v be_v no_o way_n impress_v on_o the_o soul_n from_o any_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o such_o whereto_o man_n by_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n be_v force_v to_o assent_v and_o beside_o what_o mean_v the_o
that_o such_o sign_n and_o prodigy_n have_v be_v in_o every_o age_n visible_a to_o the_o world_n experience_n and_o the_o grave_a history_n both_o of_o ancient_a and_o late_a time_n do_v full_o witness_v 2._o that_o such_o thing_n shall_v also_o be_v previous_a to_o great_a revolution_n in_o the_o world_n we_o know_v the_o scripture_n be_v most_o express_a joel_n 2_o ver_fw-la 30._o luk._n 21_o ver_fw-la 11._o and_o as_o we_o shall_v guard_v against_o any_o sinperstitious_a respect_n we_o will_v also_o beware_v of_o stupid_a atheistical_a inadvertency_n at_o these_o strange_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o call_v both_o for_o fear_n and_o observation_n 3._o that_o such_o have_v be_v usual_o previous_a to_o great_a calamity_n and_o judgement_n on_o a_o people_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o all_o age_n must_v witness_v even_o these_o who_o have_v be_v most_o cautious_a and_o discern_v in_o their_o time_n who_o can_v not_o shun_v this_o as_o a_o remark_n herodotus_n do_v set_v that_o down_o as_o a_o think_v most_o sure_a in_o his_o six_o boek_n cum_fw-la deus_fw-la puniturus_fw-la est_fw-la gentem_fw-la &_o urbem_fw-la prodigiis_fw-la id_fw-la solet_fw-la â—ignificare_fw-la and_o lucan_n can_v tell_v what_o go_v before_o the_o roman_n civil_a ware_n superique_fw-la minaces_fw-la prodigiis_fw-la terras_fw-la implerunt_fw-la yea_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v instance_a any_o great_a change_n or_o revolution_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o have_v not_o have_v some_o such_o extraordinary_a herald_n go_v before_o 4._o can_v the_o world_n deny_v how_o sometime_o these_o prodigious_a sign_n have_v be_v shape_v out_o to_o point_n at_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o stroke_n then_o imminent_a by_o a_o strange_a resemblance_n to_o the_o same_o such_o as_o a_o flame_a sword_n in_o the_o air_n the_o appearance_n of_o army_n fight_v even_o sometime_o upon_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o view_n of_o many_o most_o sober_a and_o judicious_a onlooker_n also_o shower_n of_o blood_n the_o noise_n of_o drum_n and_o such_o like_a which_o be_v know_v usual_o to_o go_v before_o war_n and_o commotion_n nine_o that_o there_o be_v evil_a spirit_n eph._n 6_o 12._o rev._n 20_o ver_fw-la 2_o 3._o and_o a_o diabolical_a power_n such_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v hold_v forth_o who_o constant_a work_n be_v the_o ruin_n and_o undo_n of_o man_n be_v a_o truth_n not_o only_o witness_v from_o that_o experience_n christian_n have_v of_o their_o assault_n but_o be_v undeniable_a by_o the_o world_n and_o great_a atheist_n except_o they_o deny_v the_o discovery_n of_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n i_o confess_v it_o may_v cause_v fear_n and_o astonishment_n to_o think_v on_o this_o that_o spirit_n so_o know_v and_o once_o original_o excellent_a have_v fall_v thus_o into_o such_o a_o height_n of_o indignation_n against_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o it_o be_v now_o their_o only_a aim_n and_o pleasure_n to_o dishonour_n god_n and_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o man_n it_o shall_v indeed_o cause_v we_o fear_v he_o that_o spare_v not_o the_o angel_n who_o sin_v but_o the_o truth_n itself_o be_v sure_a that_o such_o a_o party_n be_v at_o this_o day_n encompass_v the_o earth_n and_o traffic_v up_o and_o down_o there_o to_o prove_v which_o by_o argument_n be_v to_o light_v a_o candle_n to_o let_v man_n see_v that_o it_o be_v day_n while_o it_o be_v know_v what_o ordinary_a familiar_a converse_n many_o have_v therewith_o and_o alace_o too_o easy_a to_o discern_v that_o power_n which_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n have_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n how_o obvious_a be_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o conquest_n almost_o every_o where_o thousand_o lie_v in_o his_o chain_n how_o far_o do_v we_o see_v many_o transform_v even_o to_o the_o very_a image_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o in_o these_o desperate_a prodigious_a act_n of_o wickedness_n that_o be_v oft_o in_o the_o world_n may_v appear_v such_o whereat_o we_o shall_v think_v humane_a nature_n though_o corrupt_a can_v not_o but_o tremble_v yea_o look_v on_o with_o horror_n how_o many_o in_o all_o age_n have_v even_o be_v in_o a_o express_a covenant_n with_o they_o and_o be_v not_o there_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o the_o devil_n be_v visible_o and_o audible_o know_v where_o he_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o neighbourhood_n with_o man_n but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o such_o a_o demonstration_n i_o only_o here_o aim_v to_o hold_v forth_o what_o a_o concern_v truth_n this_o be_v and_o of_o great_a consequence_n if_o serious_o consider_v yea_o how_o both_o the_o scripture_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v hereby_o evident_o confirm_v since_o these_o thing_n must_v necessary_o follow_v 1._o that_o in_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_o fulfil_v which_o do_v witness_v what_o these_o spirit_n be_v adversary_n to_o man_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o inclination_n desperate_o evil_a who_o act_n in_o the_o earth_n have_v a_o visible_a tendency_n to_o man_n hurt_n and_o ruin_n yea_o their_o pretend_a favour_n always_o direct_v to_o that_o end_n whence_o we_o see_v such_o a_o natural_a inbred_a horror_n which_o be_v in_o man_n against_o they_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v no_o common_a thing_n which_o they_o so_o much_o pursue_v something_o more_o precious_a than_o the_o body_n for_o which_o so_o great_a and_o cruel_a a_o adversary_n be_v in_o continual_a labour_n for_o their_o act_n have_v no_o such_o tendency_n to_o ruin_v man_n estate_n in_o the_o world_n no_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a this_o be_v the_o soul_n the_o immortal_a soul_n to_o undo_v they_o in_o that_o great_a interest_n which_o be_v the_o mark_n whereaâ—_n they_o level_v that_o poor_a man_n may_v be_v sharer_n of_o that_o misery_n under_o which_o they_o be_v conclude_v 3._o be_v it_o not_o a_o undeniable_a consequence_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o invisible_a world_n that_o have_v inhabitant_n of_o another_o kind_n than_o such_o as_o be_v here_o that_o sure_a there_o be_v some_o be_v above_o man_n yea_o a_o real_a correspondence_n betwixt_o man_n and_o spirit_n and_o shall_v not_o man_n thus_o place_v in_o a_o middle_a estate_n betwixt_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o beast_n here_o below_o partake_v in_o his_o body_n with_o the_o one_o but_o in_o his_o reasonable_a soul_n with_o the_o other_o thence_o raise_v himself_o to_o thought_n of_o some_o more_o excellent_a condition_n for_o which_o he_o be_v frame_v than_o a_o sensual_a life_n and_o that_o sure_o the_o soul_n have_v a_o interest_n in_o a_o other_o world_n which_o he_o shall_v most_o look_v after_o 4._o must_v not_o this_o also_o be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a guard_n and_o these_o desperate_a spirit_n be_v under_o restraint_n by_o a_o power_n strong_a than_o they_o which_o can_v bound_v their_o malice_n for_o this_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o these_o who_o have_v so_o great_a enmity_n to_o man_n be_v so_o near_o and_o have_v such_o advantage_n over_o we_o can_v not_o keep_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n but_o that_o they_o be_v keep_v in_o chain_n by_o a_o high_a power_n 5._o how_o be_v it_o that_o now_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o within_o this_o precinct_n of_o the_o church_n satan_n power_n be_v so_o much_o restrain_v in_o respect_n of_o former_a time_n while_o it_o be_v know_v what_o a_o familiar_a converse_n they_o have_v with_o man_n do_v even_o haunt_v their_o house_n and_o be_v so_o public_a in_o their_o appearance_n under_o such_o name_n of_o fairy_n and_o brounies_n which_o since_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o be_v yea_o have_v not_o the_o devil_n to_o this_o day_n a_o open_a throne_n and_o dominion_n in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o christ_n be_v not_o worship_v it_o be_v also_o know_v how_o the_o oracle_n of_o old_a do_v cease_v and_o that_o public_a worship_n which_o the_o world_n for_o many_o age_n have_v give_v they_o with_o the_o very_a time_n of_o christ_n apearance_n and_o break_v up_o of_o the_o gospel_n these_o night_n beast_n get_v to_o their_o den_n when_o once_o the_o day_n be_v break_v up_o plutarch_n and_o other_o heathen_a writer_n be_v a_o witness_n to_o this_o 6._o whence_o be_v it_o that_o within_o the_o church_n where_o satan_n be_v most_o restrain_v yet_o there_o he_o do_v more_o stir_n then_o in_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o do_v it_o not_o show_v that_o that_o be_v the_o party_n with_o which_o he_o be_v at_o war_n hence_o do_v he_o more_o rage_n the_o more_o clear_a the_o light_n shine_v yea_o be_v there_o not_o see_v something_o beside_o man_n natural_a enemity_n at_o the_o truth_n even_o a_o fury_n and_o violence_n wherewith_o some_o be_v visible_o drive_v in_o their_o act_n with_o such_o a_o unsatiable_a cruelry_n against_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o provocation_n as_o hold_v
care_n and_o expense_n what_o a_o sore_a vanity_n be_v this_o 12._o will_v not_o the_o want_n of_o a_o very_a small_a thing_n oft_o embitter_v the_o pleasant_a lot_n and_o turn_v into_o wormwood_n and_o gall_n the_o small_a touch_n of_o pain_n the_o gravel_n or_o toothache_a yea_o even_o some_o melancholy_a thought_n will_v make_v man_n disrelish_v all_o their_o present_a enjoyment_n what_o a_o torment_n do_v a_o small_a ruffle_n and_o affront_v oft_o prove_v to_o the_o proud_a man_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v it_o not_o also_o find_v how_o carnal_a mirth_n and_o joy_n man_n wallow_v in_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n have_v still_o in_o the_o close_a a_o bitter_a sting_n and_o hasth_n waygate_n which_o as_o the_o shadow_n attend_v the_o body_n be_v the_o native_a and_o unseparable_a consequent_a thereof_o and_o sure_o that_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o discern_v there_o be_v no_o condition_n which_o can_v want_v a_o cross_n or_o some_o mixture_n of_o discontent_n even_o where_o there_o be_v least_o see_v cause_n i_o will_v add_v which_o can_v want_v a_o remark_n in_o every_o time_n that_o while_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o top_n and_o further_a period_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o project_n have_v thing_n according_a to_o their_o desire_n bring_v to_o some_o happy_a close_a they_o be_v oft_o then_o upon_o some_o turn_n and_o change_v in_o their_o condition_n either_o by_o death_n or_o some_o very_a sad_a cross_n and_o even_o in_o that_o day_n their_o thought_n have_v perish_v true_o such_o as_o be_v wise_a observer_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n therein_o may_v oft_o see_v how_o usual_a a_o tryst_n this_o be_v that_o when_o there_o be_v too_o bright_a a_o sun-blink_a in_o outward_a prosperity_n if_o great_a sobriety_n and_o moderation_n do_v not_o accompany_v the_o same_o it_o be_v a_o ominous_a and_o fatal_a presage_n of_o a_o storm_n &_o ad_fw-la summum_fw-la quicquid_fw-la venit_fw-la 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still_o verify_v yea_o may_v be_v discernible_a to_o the_o conviction_n of_o bystander_n that_o integrity_n and_o a_o upright_a walk_n have_v much_o peace_n in_o the_o end_n and_o do_v land_n man_n upon_o a_o comfortable_a harbour_n anent_o which_o i_o can_v appeal_v the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o ordinary_a onlooker_n if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v oft_o very_a convince_a and_o discernible_a to_o they_o from_o many_o instance_n from_o the_o lord_n usual_a way_n with_o these_o who_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o their_o generation_n at_o their_o death_n from_o that_o testimony_n which_o they_o have_v then_o give_v to_o this_o yea_o from_o most_o visible_a sign_n and_o evidence_n hereof_o even_o upon_o their_o countenance_n and_o carriage_n while_o it_o be_v see_v 1._o how_o great_a a_o advantage_n such_o use_n to_o have_v above_o other_o when_o death_n approach_v so_o that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v balaam_n wish_v alone_o to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o have_v his_o latter_a end_n like_o they_o but_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n be_v still_o force_v to_o witness_v their_o respect_n to_o the_o lot_n of_o a_o die_a christian_a and_o will_v wish_v a_o share_n thereof_o when_o it_o come_v to_o their_o turn_n anent_o which_o i_o may_v ask_v the_o great_a mocker_n at_o religion_n and_o at_o the_o life_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n if_o they_o can_v possible_o shun_v this_o conviction_n that_o sure_o such_o be_v of_o the_o best_a estare_fw-la and_o at_o the_o great_a advantage_n in_o their_o end_n 2._o this_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v be_v hide_v from_o the_o world_n what_o abundant_a peace_n the_o saint_n do_v then_o testify_v in_o their_o choice_n what_o a_o present_a unspeakable_a complacency_n they_o have_v with_o this_o that_o they_o value_v christ_n above_o all_o other_o advantage_n do_v choose_v affâ—iction_n rather_o than_o sin_n and_o now_o while_o they_o be_v turn_v their_o face_n to_o the_o wall_n find_v the_o witness_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 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undeniable_a that_o in_o these_o great_a revolution_n of_o the_o monarchy_n there_o be_v a_o discernible_a consent_n and_o harmony_n betwixt_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o ancient_a record_n which_o we_o yet_o have_v of_o these_o time_n so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o some_o of_o the_o most_o observable_a circumstance_n thereof_o which_o be_v particular_o mention_v by_o daniel_n we_o may_v read_v in_o xenophon_n herodot_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n 3._o it_o must_v also_o be_v grant_v that_o something_n which_o in_o daniel_n prophesy_v will_v seem_v most_o strange_a and_o improbable_a such_o as_o belshazars_n death_n in_o that_o very_a night_n the_o hand_n writing_n be_v show_v to_o he_o may_v be_v particular_o understand_v in_o xenophons_n history_n how_o cyrus_n take_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o babylonian_a security_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o solemn_a feast_n and_o by_o divert_v the_o channel_n of_o euphrates_n do_v enter_v the_o 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the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v sure_o verify_v and_o now_o many_o age_n past_a have_v have_v a_o accomplishment_n the_o lord_n be_v come_v unto_o his_o temple_n even_o he_o who_o day_n abraham_n and_o the_o saint_n under_o the_o law_n do_v long_o after_o this_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a and_o notable_a crisis_n that_o ever_o the_o church_n be_v under_o the_o great_a epocha_n and_o period_n of_o time_n from_o which_o she_o do_v now_o reckon_v which_o we_o know_v be_v no_o fable_n or_o cunning_a device_n of_o man_n that_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n do_v make_v his_o abode_n for_o some_o time_n in_o the_o earth_n suffer_v at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n before_o many_o witness_n do_v arise_v from_o death_n on_o the_o three_o day_n be_v see_v and_o know_v by_o his_o disciple_n thereafter_o and_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n for_o which_o he_o come_v be_v receive_v up_o again_o into_o glory_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a truth_n which_o concern_v we_o no_o less_o to_o know_v and_o be_v sure_a of_o than_o our_o soul_n be_v worth_a and_o interest_n through_o eternity_n the_o fulfil_n whereof_o beside_o the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a writ_n the_o witness_n and_o record_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o testify_v what_o they_o certain_o know_v be_v a_o truth_n which_o from_o such_o convince_a rational_a ground_n may_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o great_a height_n of_o atheism_n know_v not_o how_o to_o state_n itself_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o same_o and_o true_o in_o this_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o tender_v the_o strengthen_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n and_o their_o encouragement_n that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o concern_v promise_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o which_o our_o whole_a hope_n and_o blessedness_n depend_v so_o be_v it_o also_o most_o clear_a and_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o event_n i_o shall_v but_o only_o touch_v this_o whereof_o so_o much_o have_v be_v 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far_o reveal_v that_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o enquiry_n and_o particular_a collation_n of_o the_o time_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o discern_v the_o messiah_n come_v and_o near_o approach_v of_o which_o salvation_n the_o prophet_n do_v inquire_v 1._o pet._n 1_o ver_fw-la 10._o and_o true_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o monarchy_n and_o right_o uptake_v of_o daniel_n week_n be_v sure_o and_o solid_a ground_n for_o a_o clear_a computation_n thereanent_fw-la thence_o be_v it_o that_o so_o general_a a_o expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o come_v so_o as_o divers_a impostoure_n do_v arise_v who_o the_o people_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v and_o we_o see_v with_o what_o amazement_n the_o pharisee_n do_v inquire_v at_o john_n the_o baptist_n if_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n or_o not_o yea_o josephus_n show_v how_o the_o persuasion_n of_o this_o do_v most_o excite_v that_o people_n to_o war_n with_o the_o roman_n from_o the_o prophecy_n they_o have_v in_o holy_a writ_n that_o from_o judea_n shall_v about_o that_o time_n come_v who_o be_v to_o be_v emperor_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o sure_a there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o tiberius_n and_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o herod_n be_v make_v manifest_a to_o israel_n and_o come_v with_o no_o outward_a show_n and_o observation_n but_o do_v great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n before_o all_o the_o people_n be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o ignominy_n of_o his_o death_n be_v after_o adore_v and_o follow_v both_o by_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentiles_n who_o doctrine_n do_v also_o in_o a_o short_a time_n spread_v through_o the_o world_n a_o truth_n which_o the_o great_a adversary_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o confess_v and_o do_v attest_v the_o history_n thereof_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la to_o be_v a_o faithful_a relation_n not_o only_a jew_n but_o the_o heathen_a writer_n suetonius_n tacitus_n and_o plinius_n the_o young_a that_o live_v near_o and_o some_o of_o they_o contemporary_a with_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v witness_n that_o this_o jesus_n who_o the_o christian_n worship_n do_v true_o suffer_v in_o the_o time_n of_o pilat_n jurisdiction_n over_o the_o jew_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o clear_v how_o this_o appearance_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n do_v exact_o try_v with_o the_o very_a time_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n thereanent_a be_v not_o jacob_n prophecy_n thus_o accomplish_v for_o until_o that_o time_n it_o be_v clear_v the_o royal_a line_n of_o david_n house_n do_v not_o cease_v until_o herod_n a_o stranger_n come_v to_o reign_v by_o who_o it_o be_v utter_o cut_v off_o and_o it_o be_v manifest_v these_o 70_o week_n mention_v by_o daniel_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o year_n else_o they_o can_v admit_v no_o other_o sense_n which_o reckon_v from_o the_o decree_n give_v out_o by_o cyrus_n to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n be_v 490_o year_n and_o do_v answer_v to_o the_o very_a time_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o his_o death_n which_o necessary_o fall_v in_o the_o last_o of_o these_o week_n a_o thing_n so_o manifest_a that_o porphyrius_n a_o avow_a enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v have_v no_o answer_n but_o that_o this_o prophecy_n have_v be_v devise_v after_o the_o event_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o jew_n though_o as_o direct_v adversary_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o admit_v 5._o it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o in_o he_o who_o at_o that_o time_n be_v reveal_v to_o israel_n who_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v this_o day_n worship_n be_v exact_o accomplish_v whatever_n be_v by_o the_o prophet_n toâ—d_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n for_o the_o christian_a cause_n that_o it_o need_v but_o appeal_n to_o
these_o record_n which_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o her_o adversary_n where_o there_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o portraicure_n of_o he_o hold_v forth_o both_o as_o to_o his_o person_n his_o way_n of_o come_v the_o place_n whence_o the_o entertainment_n he_o shall_v get_v and_o his_o death_n that_o i_o must_v think_v it_o a_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n how_o man_n shall_v acknowledge_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o not_o grant_v the_o new_a since_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o jew_n look_v for_o no_o other_o messiah_n than_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v hold_v out_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o esay_n daniel_n micah_n malachi_n etc._n etc._n who_o do_v by_o such_o clear_a mark_n point_v he_o forth_o and_o show_v the_o church_n how_o they_o shall_v know_v he_o when_o he_o come_v for_o true_o it_o may_v thence_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o certain_a the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v then_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o i_o will_v but_o serious_o ask_v what_o do_v the_o lew_n this_o day_n miss_v in_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n which_o the_o old_a testament_n allow_v they_o to_o expect_v in_o the_o messiah_n be_v it_o that_o he_o come_v with_o no_o outward_a show_v and_o glory_n sure_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n such_o a_o one_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v no_o shall_v he_o not_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n 2._o gen._n who_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n as_o esay_n show_v his_o voice_n not_o hear_v in_o the_o street_n despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v shadow_v out_o under_o the_o law_n who_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n yea_o come_v with_o no_o outward_a pomp_n but_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o ride_v upon_o a_o ass_n be_v to_o be_v betray_v and_o sell_v and_o his_o price_n show_v by_o zach_n for_o 30_o piece_n a_o crucify_a die_a christ_n that_o shall_v be_v wound_v in_o the_o house_n of_o his_o friend_n and_o cut_v off_o from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o his_o people_n o_o can_v man_n possible_o deny_v so_o clear_a a_o accomplihment_n of_o these_o in_o our_o bless_a lord_n 6_o be_v it_o not_o undeniable_a that_o the_o jew_n now_o in_o their_o present_a case_n can_v possible_o expect_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o the_o messiah_n can_v this_o day_n come_v according_a to_o the_o scriptrue_a except_o they_o can_v be_v put_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o they_o be_v then_o in_o at_o christ_n come_v certain_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v ever_o fulfil_v anent_o this_o if_o it_o be_v not_o already_o can_v he_o come_v forth_o out_o of_o bethlehem_n whilst_o now_o no_o such_o place_n be_v know_v by_o that_o name_n can_v he_o come_v into_o his_o temple_n that_o be_v utter_o destroy_v be_v there_o not_o now_o a_o subversion_n of_o the_o tribe_n and_o the_o family_n of_o david_n not_o know_v at_o this_o day_n yea_o be_v not_o the_o gentiles_n bring_v in_o who_o isai_n show_v shall_v be_v gather_v under_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v not_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n cease_v which_o the_o jew_n will_v confess_v have_v be_v for_o many_o age_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v after_o his_o come_n and_o i_o will_v ask_v how_o be_v that_o ever_o fulfil_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n shall_v exceed_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o first_o for_o this_o can_v be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o structure_n or_o outward_a magnificence_n sure_o there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o this_o glory_n can_v appear_v but_o as_o it_o point_v at_o christ_n and_o the_o break_n up_o of_o that_o glorious_a light_n which_o be_v before_o its_o destruction_n 7._o there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n who_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o receive_v the_o spirit_n by_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v put_v this_o seal_n thereto_o in_o all_o age_n that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o true_o without_o partial_a respect_n which_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v force_v to_o justify_v it_o may_v be_v say_v these_o be_v the_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n in_o their_o time_n many_o of_o great_a outward_a part_n and_o ability_n who_o moral_a integrity_n and_o candour_n be_v beyond_o question_n even_o with_o their_o adversary_n and_o these_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentiles_n of_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n who_o not_o only_o by_o a_o naked_a profession_n but_o by_o their_o walk_n and_o suffering_n do_v show_v forth_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n yea_o shine_v as_o light_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o onlooker_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o convince_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o its_o enemy_n can_v possible_o deny_v 8._o that_o excellent_a doctrine_n deliver_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v it_o not_o clear_o show_v whence_o it_o be_v and_o witness_v its_o own_o authority_n for_o here_o we_o may_v see_v a_o manifest_a agreement_n betwixt_o this_o and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n that_o as_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n hold_v forth_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n so_o the_o prophet_n do_v carry_v it_o on_o with_o further_a clearness_n and_o the_o evangelist_n bring_v forward_o like_o a_o excellent_a edifice_n that_o be_v found_v and_o advance_v in_o the_o one_o but_o perfect_v in_o the_o other_o all_o breathe_a the_o same_o spirit_n with_o a_o convince_a tendency_n to_o the_o same_o end_n so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v the_o old_a jew_n under_o the_o law_n be_v in_o effect_n christian_n and_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v jew_n be_v one_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o their_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o poor_a apostate_n people_n now_o in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v whole_o depart_v from_o their_o own_o doctrive_n and_o will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o they_o may_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o in_o this_o i_o will_v serious_o attest_v the_o adversary_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o paganism_n the_o turk_n alcoran_n or_o jewish_a talmud_n hold_v forth_o any_o such_o doctrine_n or_o rule_v as_o that_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v such_o pure_a and_o excellent_a precept_n to_o restrain_v the_o inordinacy_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n back_v with_o argument_n become_v a_o immortal_a soul_n a_o doctrine_n so_o sincere_a solid_a and_o rational_a so_o consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a scope_n and_o drift_n thereof_o which_o hold_v forth_o the_o most_o exquisite_a rule_n of_o perfection_n for_o man_n to_o press_v after_o yea_o where_o every_o page_n and_o line_n breathe_v forth_o holiness_n towards_o god_n and_o righteousness_n and_o humanity_n towards_o man_n 9_o i_o shall_v add_v these_o clear_a convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v attend_v the_o first_o publish_v thereof_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a a_o seal_n from_o the_o lord_n as_o may_v force_v the_o great_a atheist_n to_o silence_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v jew_n as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o father_n as_o any_o who_o do_v first_o publish_v the_o gospel_n none_o more_o zealous_a according_a to_o the_o law_n then_o paul_n be_v before_o his_o conversion_n none_o also_o can_v challenge_v their_o drive_v any_o outward_a interest_n hereby_o since_o persecution_n and_o bond_n yea_o great_a hazard_n be_v that_o which_o they_o can_v expect_v 2._o it_o be_v clear_a they_o walk_v by_o no_o rule_n of_o human_a policy_n nor_o these_o ordinary_a way_n of_o insinuation_n which_o the_o world_n do_v use_v to_o engage_v man_n and_o make_v a_o party_n to_o themselves_o but_o do_v deliver_v the_o truth_n truth_n most_o repugnant_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o interest_n with_o great_a candour_n and_o simplicity_n though_o likewise_o with_o a_o convince_a authority_n and_o confidence_n yea_o come_v with_o a_o message_n to_o the_o world_n which_o have_v no_o other_o convoy_n or_o persuade_v argument_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n but_o withal_o such_o a_o power_n accompany_v the_o same_o before_o which_o man_n can_v not_o stand_v 3._o what_o be_v publish_v concern_v christ_n by_o the_o evangelist_n the_o great_a work_n he_o do_v his_o die_a at_o jerusalem_n with_o all_o the_o stupendous_a circumstance_n thereof_o and_o sign_n
nor_o lawgiver_n no_o piece_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o can_v call_v their_o own_o but_o at_o the_o mercy_n and_o arbitrary_a disposal_n of_o every_o place_n they_o reside_v in_o no_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n but_o a_o naked_a permission_n to_o brook_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n during_o the_o pleasure_n of_o these_o under_o who_o they_o get_v shelter_v a_o people_n put_v by_o themselves_o with_o a_o visible_a mark_n of_o divine_a wrath_n upon_o they_o like_o a_o beacon_n set_v up_o for_o all_o the_o nation_n to_o look_v on_o even_o these_o who_o be_v once_o eminent_o own_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v know_v in_o their_o palace_n for_o a_o refuge_n yea_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o no_o stir_n or_o essay_n that_o ever_o they_o make_v for_o their_o relief_n but_o be_v still_o to_o their_o further_a ruin_n and_o find_v god_n hand_n visible_o cross_v to_o they_o therein_o sure_a ammianus_n marcellinus_n a_o heathen_a writer_n do_v intend_v no_o testimony_n to_o the_o christian_a cause_n in_o relate_v that_o strange_a passage_n which_o near_o his_o time_n fall_v out_o how_o the_o jew_n by_o julian's_n warrant_v and_o permission_n do_v attempt_v to_o build_v the_o temple_n again_o but_o a_o fire_n break_v up_o from_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o which_o destroy_v many_o of_o the_o workman_n force_v they_o with_o much_o terror_n to_o desist_v 3._o must_v it_o not_o be_v some_o strange_a and_o dreadful_a provocation_n beyond_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o forefather_n whereat_o so_o strange_a and_o unusual_a a_o stroke_n do_v point_n while_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o notwithstanding_o frequent_a idolatry_n and_o depart_v from_o god_n when_o they_o be_v at_o that_o height_n in_o wickedness_n to_o offer_v up_o their_o child_n to_o molech_n and_o set_v up_o altar_n in_o the_o grove_n to_o reject_v the_o message_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o thrust_v some_o of_o they_o in_o a_o dungeon_n yet_o be_v only_o punish_v with_o 70_o year_n captivity_n and_o after_o by_o god_n very_o immediate_a hand_n bring_v again_o these_o who_o have_v take_v they_o captive_a concur_v with_o they_o to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n but_o now_o how_o long_o and_o dark_a have_v their_o night_n be_v since_o this_o judgement_n come_v on_o they_o and_o though_o they_o can_v not_o these_o many_o age_n charge_v themselves_o with_o idolatry_n yet_o no_o saviour_n or_o deliverer_n have_v be_v raise_v up_o no_o prophet_n send_v forth_o no_o sign_n or_o appearance_n at_o this_o day_n of_o relief_n now_o for_o these_o 1600_o year_n yea_o amid_o these_o frequent_a change_n and_o revolution_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n no_o change_n in_o their_o condition_n sure_o if_o that_o people_n be_v in_o speak_v term_n with_o their_o conscience_n this_o may_v put_v they_o to_o a_o strange_a demur_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n if_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o kill_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o blood_n pursue_v they_o what_o attrocious_a provocation_n beyond_o other_o they_o can_v condescend_v on_o for_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v so_o long_o and_o so_o sore_o by_o such_o a_o unusual_a and_o unheard_a of_o stroke_n thus_o contend_v 4._o what_o a_o marvellous_a concurrence_n of_o providence_n and_o convince_a appearance_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n be_v in_o this_o judgement_n the_o besiege_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n try_v with_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o passover_n while_o so_o great_a a_o confluence_n of_o people_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n be_v there_o on_o that_o account_n that_o both_o sword_n and_o famine_n may_v contribute_v their_o help_n to_o destroy_v what_o unreasonable_a and_o astonish_a obstinacy_n against_o all_o offer_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o most_o press_a insinuation_n thereof_o which_o titus_n vespasian_n make_v even_o while_o their_o ruin_n be_v otherwise_o inevitable_a a_o unheard_a of_o strife_n where_o the_o enemy_n do_v contend_v to_o save_v but_o they_o to_o undo_v themselves_o how_o judicial_o harden_v under_o most_o remarkable_a prodigy_n and_o warning_n which_o they_o have_v of_o that_o approach_a desolation_n divide_v whole_o among_o themselves_o yea_o so_o cruel_a one_o upon_o another_o within_o that_o their_o adversary_n without_o can_v not_o but_o look_v thereon_o with_o compassion_n o_o what_o a_o stroke_n be_v this_o wherein_n great_a atheist_n will_v grant_v a_o fatality_n for_o indeed_o man_n can_v consider_v the_o same_o without_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a hand_n and_o something_o above_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o cause_n where_o all_o do_v thus_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o solemn_a tryst_n to_o accomplish_v that_o people_n ruin_n 5._o but_o it_o be_v here_o we_o may_v see_v a_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o his_o church_n that_o these_o who_o of_o all_o the_o world_n be_v most_o violent_a enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a truth_n be_v also_o a_o most_o convince_a witness_v to_o the_o same_o while_o first_o these_o do_v clear_o attest_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v our_o alone_a charter_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o true_a copy_n whereof_o they_o do_v most_o tender_o preserve_v what_o ever_o absurd_a gloss_n some_o of_o their_o rabbi_n have_v thereon_o yea_o dare_v never_o offer_v in_o the_o least_o to_o vitiat_fw-la the_o original_n but_o have_v have_v the_o same_o transmit_v still_o from_o one_o age_n to_o a_o other_o to_o which_o record_v that_o be_v this_o day_n in_o their_o hand_n the_o christian_a church_n can_v with_o much_o confidence_n appeal_v and_o demonstrat_fw-la from_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o â—undoubted_a truth_n of_o the_o new_a yea_o in_o this_o we_o may_v appeal_v the_o atheist_n to_o his_o conscience_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o imposture_n or_o any_o cunning_a device_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v so_o far_o witness_v even_o by_o the_o great_a adversary_n and_o maligner_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o that_o strange_a induration_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o unreasonable_a reject_v of_o the_o truth_n who_o after_o so_o long_a a_o time_n can_v see_v the_o cause_n which_o be_v most_o discernible_a in_o their_o stroke_n o_o be_v not_o this_o also_o a_o most_o convince_a seal_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o clear_a fulfil_n thereof_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vail_n over_o their_o mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v while_o they_o read_v the_o law_n judicial_o smite_v by_o the_o lord_n with_o blindness_n that_o they_o can_v see_v until_o once_o this_o vail_n be_v take_v off_o and_o true_o we_o may_v say_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o their_o judgement_n more_o strange_a and_o astonish_a then_o such_o a_o continue_a obstinacy_n against_o the_o truth_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o dark_a in_o the_o noon_n day_n but_o that_o herein_o the_o scripture_n be_v fulfil_v so_o that_o we_o may_v even_o turn_v a_o poison_n unto_o a_o antidote_n ix_o that_o which_o be_v so_o express_o foretell_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n yea_o be_v the_o great_a drift_n of_o the_o prophecy_n thereof_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n and_o reveal_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o world_n 2_o thiss_v 2_o ver_fw-la 3_o 4_o 7_o 8_o 9_o have_v long_o since_o be_v accomplish_v wherein_o we_o may_v say_v the_o wonderful_a correspond_v of_o the_o event_n with_o the_o prophecy_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o this_o truth_n be_v now_o as_o plain_a and_o obvious_a as_o once_o it_o be_v dark_a to_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v undeniable_a 1._o how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n particular_a to_o point_n antichrist_n forth_o by_o such_o notour_n mark_n and_o character_n that_o after_o age_n may_v know_v he_o if_o they_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o strange_a the_o popish_a party_n shall_v seal-up_a the_o scripture_n and_o forbid_v the_o ordinary_a read_n of_o it_o since_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o that_o light_n will_v soon_o make_v their_o kingdom_n dark_a for_o if_o man_n will_v but_o set_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n over_o against_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v use_n of_o that_o notable_a key_n for_o open_v up_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o shall_v be_v then_o easy_a to_o know_v the_o antichrist_n be_v sure_o come_v and_o who_o this_o be_v and_o herein_o do_v the_o lord_n tender_a respect_n to_o his_o church_n appear_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o in_o a_o very_a solemn_a manner_n forewarn_v man_n anent_o this_o great_a trial_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n give_v a_o alarm_n that_o such_o a_o adversary_n be_v come_v yea_o of_o the_o time_n thereof_o who_o will_v do_v more_o hurt_n than_o all_o who_o have_v go_v before_o but_o do_v also_o make_v so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n rise_v
that_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o outletting_n thereof_o which_o do_v convince_o follow_v the_o gospel_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o these_o last_o time_n a_o truth_n which_o we_o must_v say_v have_v be_v manifest_a and_o by_o many_o solemn_a proof_n thereof_o demonstrat_fw-la no_o less_o then_o in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n it_o be_v undeniable_a how_o great_a a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o spirit_n &_o downpowring_a thereof_o be_v for_o this_o be_v god_n own_o seal_n which_o be_v not_o put_v to_o a_o lie_n or_o falsehood_n thus_o he_o bear_v witness_n to_o his_o work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o by_o this_o also_o the_o lord_n do_v seal_v and_o attest_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o commission_n of_o his_o servant_n who_o publish_v the_o same_o yea_o at_o some_o special_a season_n when_o the_o truth_n have_v least_o countenance_n or_o encouragement_n from_o without_o time_n of_o contradiction_n when_o man_n will_v not_o receive_v its_o testimony_n and_o a_o great_a speate_v of_o opposition_n be_v to_o the_o gospel_n then_o have_v this_o in_o a_o more_o full_a and_o large_a measure_n be_v discernible_a thus_o do_v the_o lord_n eminent_o own_o and_o confirm_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o for_o some_o follow_a age_n by_o so_o great_a a_o downpowr_a of_o the_o spirit_n such_o visible_a and_o extraordinary_a effect_n thereof_o as_o do_v then_o astonish_v the_o world_n and_o force_v man_n to_o confess_v something_o above_o nature_n that_o this_o be_v sure_o the_o great_a work_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o have_v we_o not_o also_o cause_v to_o say_v that_o thus_o the_o lord_n have_v bear_v a_o very_a solemn_a testimony_n to_o his_o truth_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o these_o late_a time_n anent_o which_o i_o dare_v appeal_n by_o stander_n yea_o the_o adversary_n to_o their_o conscience_n if_o without_o shut_v their_o eye_n they_o can_v shift_v the_o conviction_n of_o a_o convince_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n accompany_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n a_o power_n which_o carry_v kingdom_n and_o city_n before_o it_o yea_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n over_o the_o belly_n of_o great_a violence_n and_o opposition_n to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a i_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o few_o remarkable_a evidence_n which_o may_v stare_v the_o gross_a of_o man_n in_o the_o face_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n convince_v they_o of_o this_o truth_n 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o marvellous_a conquest_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v in_o germany_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o luther_n melanchton_n bucer_n martyr_n musculus_fw-la and_o a_o few_o other_o of_o these_o excellent_a instrument_n who_o the_o lord_n then_o send_v forth_o o_o be_v not_o this_o a_o day_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o pour_v forth_o thereof_o in_o a_o large_a measure_n a_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n triumph_n not_o by_o might_n or_o by_o power_n yet_o such_o as_o before_o it_o the_o world_n can_v not_o stand_v city_n and_o country_n may_v then_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o once_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v with_o the_o same_o that_o man_n be_v either_o scorch_v or_o true_o warm_v and_o gain_v thereby_o do_v not_o that_o marvellous_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n also_o attend_v the_o ministry_n of_o zuinglius_fw-la and_o oecolampadius_n in_o zurick_n and_o basile_n when_o so_o through_o a_o reformation_n follow_v to_o the_o throw_v down_o of_o image_n abolish_n of_o the_o mass_n by_o public_a authority_n notwitstand_v of_o its_o long_a continuance_n and_o this_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v very_o eminent_o appear_v also_o in_o these_o famon_n plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o calvine_n farel_n and_o vires_fw-la in_o geneva_n lausanna_n and_o other_o adjacent_a province_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o life_n of_o vires_fw-la that_o at_o lion_n which_o be_v a_o great_a populous_a city_n he_o preach_v in_o a_o open_a place_n where_o divers_a thousand_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o truth_n yea_o some_o who_o come_v by_o with_o no_o purpose_n to_o hear_v only_o out_o of_o curiosity_n step_v in_o be_v so_o wrought_v on_o and_o overcome_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n as_o for_o that_o time_n make_v they_o neglect_v their_o other_o business_n 2._o that_o great_a success_n which_o do_v attend_v the_o ministry_n of_o mr_n wishart_n in_o scotland_n can_v also_o witness_v this_o truth_n whence_o so_o marvellous_a a_o change_n do_v quick_o follow_v in_o these_o place_n where_o he_o preach_v through_o angus_n lothian_n and_o the_o western_a part_n yea_o how_o much_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o people_n be_v then_o raise_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o know_v from_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n i_o only_o name_n 3._o beside_o these_o which_o be_v more_o know_v and_o upon_o public_a record_n i_o must_v here_o instance_n a_o very_a solemn_a and_o extraordinary_a outletting_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o about_o the_o year_n 1625._o and_o thereafter_o be_v in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n while_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o from_o the_o prelatic_a party_n this_o by_o the_o profane_a rabble_n of_o that_o time_n be_v call_v the_o stewarton_n sickness_n for_o in_o that_o parish_n first_o but_o after_o through_o much_o of_o that_o country_n particular_o at_o irwine_n under_o the_o ministry_n of_o famous_a mr_n dickson_n it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a where_o it_o can_v be_v say_v which_o divers_a minister_n and_o christian_n yet_o alive_a can_v witness_v that_o for_o considerable_a time_n few_o sabbath_n do_v pass_v without_o some_o evident_o convert_v and_o some_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n accompany_v his_o word_n yea_o that_o many_o be_v so_o choke_v and_o take_v by_o the_o heart_n that_o through_o terror_n the_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n convince_a they_o of_o sin_n in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n they_o have_v be_v make_v to_o fall_v over_o and_o thus_o carry_v out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o after_o prove_v most_o solid_a and_o lively_a christian_n and_o as_o it_o be_v know_v some_o 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o gross_a who_o use_v to_o mock_v at_o religion_n be_v engage_v upon_o the_o same_o that_o go_v abroad_o of_o such_o thing_n â—o_o go_v to_o some_o of_o these_o part_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v then_o most_o lively_o have_v be_v effectual_o reach_v before_o their_o return_n with_o a_o visible_a change_n follow_v the_o same_o and_o true_o this_o great_a spring_n tide_v which_o i_o may_v so_o call_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o of_o a_o short_a time_n but_o for_o some_o year_n continuancâ—_n yea_o thus_o like_o a_o spread_a 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