7. In what age has such a work been wrought, considering the _swiftness_ as well as the _extent_ of it? When have such _numbers_ of sinners in so _short_ a time been recovered from the error of their ways? When hath religion, I will not say, since the _reformation_, but since the time of _Constantine the Great_, made so large a progress in any nation, within so small a space? I believe, hardly can either antient or modern history, supply us with a parallel instance.
* 8. Let understanding men observe also the _depth_ of the work, so _extensively_ and _swiftly_ wrought. It is not a slight or superficial thing: but multitudes of men have been so thoroughly _convinced of sin_, that their _bones were smitten asunder, as it were with a sword dividing the very joints and marrow_. Many of these have been shortly after so filled with _peace and joy_ in _believing_, that whether they were in the body, or out of the body, they could scarcely tell. And in the power of this faith they have trampled under foot, whatever the world accounts either terrible or desirable: having evidenced in the severest trials, so fervent a love to God, so invariable and tender a good-will to mankind, particularly to their enemies, and such a measure of all the fruits of holiness, as were not unworthy the apostolic age. Now so deep a repentance, so firm a faith, so fervent love and unblemished holiness, wrought in so many persons, within so short a time, the world has not seen for many ages.
9. No less remarkable is the _purity_ of the religion which has extended itself so _deeply_ and _swiftly_. I speak ♦particularly, with regard to the doctrines held by those, among whom it is so extended. Those of the church of _England_, at least, must acknowledge this. For where is there a body of people in the realm, who, number for number, so closely adhere to what our church delivers as pure doctrine? Where are those who have approved and do approve themselves more _orthodox_, more sound in their opinions? Is there a _Socinian_ or _Arian_ among them all? Nay, were you to recite the whole catalogue of _heresies_, enumerated by Bishop _Pearson_, it might be asked, who can lay any one of these to their charge?
♦ “paticularly” replaced with “particularly”
Nor is their religion more _pure_ from _heresy_, than it is from _superstition_. In former times, wherever an unusual concern for the things of God hath appeared, on the one hand, _strange and erroneous opinions_ continually sprung up with it; on the other, a _zeal_ for things which were no part of religion, as though they had been essential branches of it. And many have laid as great (if not greater) stress on trifles, as on the weightier matters of the law. But it has not been so in the present case. No stress has been laid on any thing, as though it were necessary to salvation, but what is undeniably contained in the word of God. And of the things contained therein, the stress laid on each, has been in proportion to the nearness of its relation, to what is there laid down as the sum of all, the love of God and our neighbour. So _pure_ from _superstition_, so throughly _scriptural_ is that religion, which has lately spread in this nation.
* 10. It is likewise _rational_ as well as _scriptural_; it is as _pure_ from _enthusiasm_, as from _superstition_. It is true, the contrary has been continually _affirmed_. But to _affirm_ is one thing, to _prove_ is another. Who will _prove_, that it is _enthusiasm_ to _love_ God? Even though we love him with all our heart? To _rejoice_ in the sense of his love to us? To _praise_ him, even with all our strength? Who is able, to _make good_ this charge, against the _love of all mankind_? Or, laying rhetorical flourishes aside, to come close to the question, and _demonstrate_, that it is _enthusiasm_, in every state we are in, therewith to be _content_? I do but just touch on the _general heads_. Ye men of reason, give me a man, who setting raillery and ill names apart, will maintain this by dint of _argument_. If not, own _this religion_ is the thing you seek; sober, manly, rational, divine: however exposed to the censure of those, who are accustomed to revile what they understand not.