the_o subversion_n of_o his_o gospel_n when_o his_o infinite_a understanding_n can_v baffle_v their_o argument_n and_o his_o visible_a miracle_n rebuke_v their_o folly_n in_o set_v up_o any_o doctrine_n for_o divine_a that_o contradict_v what_o he_o deliver_v certain_o much_o more_o now_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v deliver_v and_o miracle_n for_o its_o confirmation_n be_v cease_v and_o man_n be_v not_o now_o to_o expect_v new_a but_o to_o believe_v the_o old_a nay_o when_o the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v often_o pervert_v to_o evil_a design_n and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o man_n offer_v to_o god_n they_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o devil_n the_o church_n be_v now_o and_o our_o religion_n in_o it_o like_o a_o ship_n at_o sea_n toss_v in_o a_o storm_n and_o through_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n we_o be_v put_v into_o a_o creek_n to_o careen_a and_o repair_v let_v we_o examine_v therefore_o all_o the_o leaky_a part_n of_o the_o vessel_n and_o supply_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o mast_n or_o rig_v before_o we_o put_v to_o sea_n again_o and_o mind_n what_o passenger_n we_o take_v in_o that_o they_o may_v neither_o blow_v we_o up_o nor_o sink_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n warn_v the_o ephesian_n so_o must_v i_o admonish_v you_o that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n ephes_n 5.6_o as_o if_o any_o wickedness_n by_o what_o authority_n soever_o colour_v can_v free_v those_o who_o teach_v or_o practice_v it_o from_o the_o revenge_n of_o heaven_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n come_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n on_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n here_o indeed_o in_o this_o world_n good_a man_n frequent_o suffer_v the_o same_o temporal_a evil_n with_o the_o bad_a because_o be_v in_o the_o same_o community_n and_o the_o offence_n be_v that_o of_o the_o whole_a society_n when_o the_o great_a part_n become_v vicious_a the_o wheat_n be_v singe_a by_o those_o flame_n that_o burn_v the_o chaff_n for_o the_o separation_n of_o these_o be_v not_o complete_v till_o a_o future_a state_n render_v justice_n exact_a and_o glorious_a and_o community_n must_v be_v punish_v here_o because_o in_o the_o other_o life_n these_o shall_v cease_v and_o every_o man_n bear_v his_o own_o burden_n it_o become_v we_o therefore_o since_o we_o must_v every_o one_o then_o answer_v for_o ourselves_o to_o examine_v well_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o not_o to_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n in_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o false_a principle_n of_o another_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n advise_v that_o every_o man_n examine_v himself_o before_o he_o partake_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o and_o in_o the_o second_o epist_n 13_o the_o chap._n 5_o the_o vers_n he_o exhort_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o prove_v their_o own_o self_n and_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v try_v his_o own_o work_n that_o he_o may_v have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o because_o every_o one_o shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n gal._n 6.4_o 5._o but_o yet_o because_o many_o thing_n in_o religion_n be_v place_v beyond_o the_o examination_n of_o every_o man_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o embrace_v they_o i_o must_v here_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n and_o rule_v to_o limit_v such_o as_o may_v be_v otherwise_o apt_a to_o be_v extravagant_a and_o extend_v this_o duty_n of_o try_v spirit_n beyond_o their_o own_o power_n and_o capacity_n and_o 1._o we_o that_o discourse_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v true_a must_v take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v express_v to_o the_o world_n in_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n in_o which_o it_o be_v contain_v now_o these_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v some_o set_v apart_o to_o be_v guide_n to_o other_o and_o therefore_o distinguish_v the_o church_n into_o pastor_n and_o people_n into_o those_o that_o be_v guide_n and_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v conduct_v by_o they_o into_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a but_o because_o all_o rule_n guide_v man_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v design_v to_o render_v these_o proper_a and_o effectual_a all_o collateral_a and_o subordinate_a help_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n we_o must_v take_v therefore_o the_o help_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o rely_v on_o their_o honesty_n and_o skill_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o inferior_a education_n without_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v not_o now_o reasonable_o to_o be_v expect_v can_v capacitate_v man_n to_o reach_v nor_o can_v they_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o the_o advantage_n of_o know_v thus_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_o translate_v must_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v by_o those_o that_o can_v understand_v the_o original_n and_o the_o book_n which_o we_o receive_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o direction_n for_o man_n life_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o those_o inspire_a man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v among_o those_o that_o have_v not_o leisure_n nor_o skill_n enough_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o by_o any_o argument_n or_o authority_n and_o when_o these_o principle_n be_v settle_v 2._o the_o scripture_n have_v some_o point_v more_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v we_o must_v far_o make_v use_n of_o our_o guide_n and_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v over_o we_o to_o interpret_v to_o we_o such_o point_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o unridle_v ourselves_o and_o not_o adventure_v above_o our_o strength_n in_o judge_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v not_o learned_a this_o become_v the_o natural_a modesty_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v more_o especial_o agreeable_a to_o that_o humility_n of_o mind_n and_o those_o docile_a disposition_n which_o become_v the_o gospel_n the_o contrary_a humour_n and_o action_n of_o man_n be_v what_o make_v so_o many_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lay_v they_o open_v to_o the_o error_n and_o imposture_n of_o those_o who_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o design_n easy_o prevail_v upon_o and_o lead_v the_o simple_a in_o plain_a thing_n such_o as_o most_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v every_o man_n of_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v well_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v for_o himself_o but_o if_o they_o will_v enter_v into_o controversy_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v puzzle_v the_o learned_a it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o mistake_n and_o their_o own_o obstinacy_n add_v to_o their_o ignorance_n make_v their_o error_n become_v a_o heresy_n or_o if_o man_n will_v proceed_v in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n by_o false_a measure_n and_o course_n which_o be_v irregular_a not_o rely_v at_o all_o on_o those_o help_n and_o aid_n which_o reason_n dictate_v and_o god_n have_v both_o appoint_v and_o allow_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o they_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o by_o false_a reason_n instead_o of_o true_a or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o other_o when_o design_v man_n impose_v upon_o they_o by_o any_o fallacious_a and_o allure_a pretension_n 3._o even_o in_o plain_a case_n when_o private_a man_n that_o be_v not_o distinguish_v by_o any_o public_a character_n judge_v for_o themselves_o they_o ought_v to_o confine_v their_o opinion_n to_o themselves_o and_o permit_v they_o only_o to_o have_v a_o influence_n on_o their_o own_o action_n they_o have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o impose_v they_o on_o other_o than_o other_o private_a man_n have_v to_o impose_v they_o on_o they_o for_o all_o private_a man_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n equal_a none_o have_v authority_n to_o trouble_v other_o but_o they_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o choice_n which_o be_v the_o same_o liberty_n that_o they_o claim_v themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o man_n 4_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v antecedent_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n that_o under_o the_o same_o claim_n and_o title_n some_o be_v true_a and_o some_o false_a for_o if_o all_o be_v true_a there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o try_v spirit_n but_o we_o must_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n caution_n believe_v all_o who_o confident_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o yet_o our_o own_o experience_n sufficient_o inform_v we_o that_o opposite_a doctrine_n at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o vent_v in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o same_o confidence_n with_o the_o same_o pretention_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o one_o be_v false_a must_v by_o search_n and_o trial_n be_v
their_o sovereign_n sceptre_n that_o christ_n alone_n may_v be_v exalt_v the_o murder_v those_o that_o have_v sacred_a character_n impress_v upon_o they_o be_v take_v he_o that_o hinder_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o all_o the_o usurp_a tyranny_n in_o tne_n world_n be_v exercise_v only_o to_o bring_v in_o such_o a_o bless_a confusion_n that_o ambitious_a man_n may_v from_o the_o spoil_n of_o other_o build_v their_o own_o nest_n on_o high_a and_o this_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o seat_v the_o lord_n jesus_n on_o his_o throne_n though_o his_o religion_n be_v make_v their_o own_o footstool_n but_o if_o they_o find_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n open_a or_o their_o stomach_n too_o nice_a to_o digest_v such_o hard_a thing_n as_o these_o and_o that_o they_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v devil_n when_o the_o flame_n appear_v through_o their_o thin_a garment_n and_o they_o be_v not_o cut_v long_o enough_o to_o hide_v their_o cleave_a foot_n they_o will_v effect_v by_o stratagem_n what_o they_o can_v by_o open_v force_n and_o a_o ambush_n shall_v destroy_v what_o a_o field-army_n can_v they_o will_v hide_v their_o leaven_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o meal_n till_o in_o the_o end_n all_o be_v leaven_v blend_v truth_n and_o error_n together_o and_o like_o the_o gnostic_n make_v a_o religious_a mixture_n that_o shall_v have_v something_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o something_o of_o the_o christian_a that_o may_v look_v like_o what_o other_o profess_v but_o still_o add_v something_o of_o their_o own_o that_o poison_n may_v be_v swallow_v in_o a_o sweeten_v potion_n where_o man_n may_v take_v and_o yet_o never_o taste_v it_o the_o saducee_n can_v deny_v the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o yet_o adhere_v to_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o pharisee_n can_v admit_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o void_a they_o by_o their_o own_o tradition_n the_o arrian_n can_v own_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o grant_v he_o only_o to_o be_v a_o creature_n and_o the_o socinian_o can_v acknowledge_v he_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o among_o all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o error_n be_v entertain_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o truth_n that_o cover_v it_o and_o not_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a man_n often_o receive_v they_o both_o together_o the_o papist_n profess_v the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o add_v as_o many_o article_n of_o their_o own_o and_o those_o that_o be_v averse_a to_o these_o will_v yet_o embrace_v many_o error_n and_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o lead_v towards_o they_o when_o they_o be_v disperse_v among_o a_o great_a many_o truth_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o one_o mouthful_n of_o pestilential_a air_n may_v infect_v and_o destroy_v the_o man_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a all_o shall_v be_v wary_a in_o choose_v out_o wholesome_a habitation_n and_o since_o a_o little_a poison_n may_v make_v we_o swell_v and_o burst_v asunder_o this_o may_v be_v more_o effectual_a to_o destroy_v than_o all_o the_o food_n we_o swallow_v with_o it_o can_v be_v to_o save_v and_o preserve_v we_o in_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o discern_v it_o the_o more_o careful_a we_o ought_v to_o be_v three_o false_a prophet_n will_v be_v more_o difficult_a to_o be_v discern_v and_o therefore_o more_o strict_o to_o be_v examine_v by_o we_o because_o they_o will_v make_v their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n to_o receive_v a_o seem_a countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n these_o be_v what_o we_o own_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n and_o by_o these_o we_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v false_a which_o many_o text_n be_v bring_v to_o prove_v thus_o the_o devil_n tempt_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 4.6_o when_o he_o will_v attempt_v the_o ruin_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o disappointment_n of_o our_o redeemer_n nay_o of_o the_o whole_a most_o bless_a and_o glorious_a trinity_n in_o contrive_v and_o carry_v on_o such_o wonderful_a providence_n by_o persuade_v he_o to_o cast_v himself_o down_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o make_v he_o sin_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o himself_o and_o anticipate_v that_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o become_v our_o sacrifice_n he_o may_v tempt_v providence_n and_o hazard_n himself_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v he_o cast_v thyself_o down_o for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o will_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o and_o with_o their_o hand_n they_o shall_v bear_v thou_o up_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o dash_v thy_o foot_n against_o a_o stone_n render_v the_o text_n plausible_a to_o his_o purpose_n by_o omit_v that_o part_n of_o keep_v he_o in_o all_o his_o way_n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o trial_n of_o skill_n as_o render_v the_o devil_n exceed_v foolish_a because_o he_o that_o know_v all_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o he_o have_v omit_v which_o be_v the_o key_n to_o open_v that_o promise_n yet_o from_o this_o attempt_n of_o the_o devil_n upon_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o deceiver_n of_o mankind_n throughout_o all_o age_n endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v false_a doctrine_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o by_o bring_v text_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v they_o the_o instance_n be_v many_o and_o well_o know_v to_o those_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o book_n and_o write_n or_o have_v give_v themselves_o the_o variety_n and_o temptation_n to_o hear_v man_n of_o different_a opinion_n from_o we_o but_o alas_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o one_o of_o no_o extraordinary_a skill_n to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n both_o to_o his_o own_o and_o other_o ruin_n nay_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a guilt_n of_o the_o unskilful_a and_o unlearned_a 2_o epist_n 3.16_o how_o much_o more_o than_o may_v design_v man_n that_o by_o guile_n endeavour_n to_o catch_v the_o ignorant_a this_o way_n impose_v upon_o their_o understanding_n by_o pretend_v scripture_n to_o prove_v and_o countenance_v their_o false_a opinion_n especial_o among_o such_o as_o admit_v text_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o number_n not_o their_o weight_n and_o more_o regard_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n than_o the_o sense_n which_o be_v couch_v under_o they_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_n and_o then_o to_o plead_v it_o according_a to_o our_o own_o purpose_n and_o design_n nor_o be_v it_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o quote_v divers_a text_n that_o to_o ignorant_a man_n may_v by_o their_o sound_n seem_v to_o countenance_v their_o opinion_n that_o in_o their_o true_a meaning_n be_v nothing_o for_o they_o or_o else_o confirm_v a_o contrary_a proposition_n this_o the_o papist_n and_o dissenter_n know_v and_o this_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o ourselves_o when_o we_o view_v book_n who_o margin_n adorn_v they_o with_o multitude_n of_o text_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o and_o yet_o upon_o a_o more_o strict_a examination_n do_v not_o at_o all_o make_v for_o their_o purpose_n and_o common_o when_o man_n multiply_v these_o beyond_o necessity_n to_o prove_v what_o be_v certain_o confirm_v by_o few_o that_o be_v plain_a and_o pertinent_a their_o doctrine_n be_v either_o doubtful_a or_o false_a or_o else_o they_o do_v it_o to_o take_v up_o time_n and_o fill_v their_o discourse_n which_o their_o own_o barrenness_n can_v supply_v because_o all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n if_o in_o any_o place_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o pertinent_a to_o the_o point_n which_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v one_o text_n be_v as_o good_a as_o a_o thousand_o and_o to_o quote_v many_o if_o some_o be_v impertinent_a the_o whole_a possible_o may_v be_v suspect_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o wisdom_n to_o do_v it_o but_o in_o point_n much_o controvert_v among_o christian_n and_o in_o those_o especial_o for_o which_o the_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o divine_a institution_n four_o if_o false_a prophet_n can_v find_v as_o they_o never_o can_v and_o therefore_o deal_v in_o obscure_a place_n where_o the_o text_n be_v as_o dark_a as_o the_o place_n retire_v into_o which_o they_o creep_v to_o lead_v silly_a woman_n captive_a i_o say_v if_o they_o can_v find_v plain_a scripture_n to_o countenance_v their_o opinion_n they_o will_v yet_o pretend_v vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n disallow_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o beside_o confidence_n and_o a_o bold_a presumption_n yet_o some_o be_v apt_a frequent_o to_o cry_v a_o vision_n from_o the_o lord_n when_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n
it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o know_v or_o our_o frail_a capacity_n can_v receive_v so_o that_o we_o may_v accommodate_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n thou_o shall_v guide_v we_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v we_o to_o glory_n psal_n 73.24_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n still_o guide_v we_o into_o as_o far_o as_o our_o frailty_n be_v able_a to_o comport_v with_o his_o method_n and_o influence_n he_o do_v not_o now_o come_v among_o man_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o speak_v divers_a language_n or_o to_o work_v miracle_n among_o those_o who_o have_v the_o record_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o yet_o to_o reveal_v such_o secret_n as_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o proper_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o he_o do_v not_o help_v we_o to_o search_v into_o the_o closet_n and_o decree_n of_o heaven_n no_o more_o than_o he_o discover_v the_o counsel_n of_o prince_n nor_o do_v he_o elevate_v man_n understanding_n to_o distract_v themselves_o with_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o they_o but_o have_v give_v the_o law_n of_o life_n he_o guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n chap._n xiii_o have_v thus_o far_o accomplish_v my_o design_n in_o confute_v man_n false_a pretension_n to_o inspiration_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o due_a examination_n of_o other_o write_n and_o my_o own_o thought_n raise_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a either_o by_o my_o converse_v with_o or_o observation_n from_o other_o man_n for_o i_o dare_v not_o call_v any_o thing_n my_o own_o so_o as_o to_o be_v any_o first_o inventor_n have_v no_o common-place-book_n to_o direct_v i_o or_o else_o from_o some_o superior_a benediction_n upon_o human_a endeavour_n which_o i_o have_v attempt_v in_o some_o part_n to_o prove_v and_o vindicate_v and_o to_o show_v in_o this_o all_o that_o i_o believe_v or_o can_v at_o this_o time_n explain_v in_o any_o measure_n unto_o other_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o far_o use_v make_v of_o this_o writing_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o a_o few_o brief_a observation_n and_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a or_o some_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o first_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o in_o matter_n or_o religion_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o his_o belief_n or_o practice_n as_o far_o as_o he_o have_v ability_n and_o capacity_n to_o understand_v because_o s._n john_n exhort_v all_o man_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o this_o will_v neither_o seem_v to_o be_v absurd_a or_o impossible_a when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o be_v man_n endue_v with_o rational_a faculty_n that_o we_o have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v plain_a that_o be_v universal_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n that_o we_o have_v guide_n appoint_v to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o what_o be_v difficult_a and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n promise_v to_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o which_o god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o who_o in_o earnest_a prayer_n devout_o ask_v it_o and_o which_o be_v present_a with_o he_o in_o all_o emergence_n till_o by_o a_o vicious_a life_n he_o strange_o grieve_v he_o and_o by_o a_o obstinate_a continuance_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n he_o provoke_v it_o total_o to_o withdraw_v from_o he_o be_v there_o a_o human_a throne_n of_o infallibility_n erect_v to_o which_o all_o other_o may_v appeal_v and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o he_o that_o possess_v it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o a_o apostle_n direction_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o since_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o the_o scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o no_o such_o human_a infallibility_n but_o assure_v we_o that_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n as_o it_o produce_v the_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o man_n to_o settle_v his_o own_o notion_n in_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n propound_v to_o his_o belief_n or_o which_o be_v design_v to_o guide_v his_o practice_n before_o he_o believe_v and_o entertain_v they_o make_v god_n word_n his_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a and_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o those_o guide_n and_o teacher_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o set_v over_o he_o in_o those_o point_n that_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a and_o this_o if_o do_v with_o that_o humility_n devout_a prayer_n for_o god_n assistance_n and_o true_a industry_n which_o become_v a_o man_n in_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o that_o of_o religion_n will_v either_o find_v out_o all_o truth_n or_o if_o he_o remain_v in_o any_o error_n it_o will_v be_v such_o as_o god_n will_v never_o condemn_v he_o for_o since_o the_o most_o gracious_a god_n will_v never_o expect_v from_o mankind_n that_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n shall_v exceed_v the_o cacapacity_n of_o their_o reception_n and_o what_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o appointment_n can_v help_v they_o to_o nor_o that_o either_o their_o belief_n or_o action_n shall_v ever_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o their_o being_n and_o those_o that_o so_o studious_o and_o industrious_o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o man_n reason_n and_o examination_n about_o the_o doctrine_n they_o propound_v render_v their_o opinion_n thing_n to_o be_v very_o much_o suspect_v and_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a when_o they_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o as_o for_o that_o peace_n among_o christian_n that_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o where_o else_o boast_v a_o establishment_n and_o continuance_n of_o whilst_o protestant_n be_v crumble_v into_o sect_n and_o division_n we_o may_v easy_o reply_v that_o they_o have_v their_o controversy_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o party_n among_o they_o that_o oppose_v each_o other_o with_o a_o equal_a heat_n and_o eagerness_n in_o dispute_n with_o other_o mortal_n and_o be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o several_a denomination_n even_o as_o the_o jesuit_n difference_n themselves_o from_o all_o be_v such_o swear_a vassal_n to_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o support_v it_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n let_v the_o romanist_n and_o other_o therefore_o first_o pull_v the_o mote_n out_o of_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o they_o may_v the_o better_o see_v to_o pull_v the_o beam_n out_o of_o another_o but_o why_o may_v not_o such_o peace_n and_o order_n as_o be_v convenient_a and_o perhaps_o as_o much_o as_o can_v ever_o be_v obtain_v be_v preserve_v among_o man_n profess_v christianity_n by_o the_o public_a authority_n check_v the_o disorderly_a action_n of_o man_n without_o impose_v setter_n on_o their_o belief_n which_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o compel_v or_o punish_v either_o if_o man_n be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o keep_v it_o to_o themselves_o and_o not_o trouble_v other_o by_o discourse_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v do_v as_o well_o as_o authority_n keep_v man_n in_o a_o tolerable_a order_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o management_n of_o secular_a affair_n though_o he_o that_o administer_v it_o be_v not_o infallible_a nor_o do_v all_o that_o be_v subject_n still_o concur_v in_o opinion_n with_o he_o preserve_v therefore_o your_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o use_v it_o too_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v lead_v like_o blind_a man_n when_o you_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v and_o help_v to_o assist_v they_o when_o they_o wax_v dim_a and_o then_o have_v settle_v yourselves_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n second_o let_v i_o exhort_v you_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o not_o to_o be_v like_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n roll_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o tempest_n and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v please_v with_o every_o new_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n because_o variety_n in_o other_o thing_n different_a from_o religion_n be_v so_o grateful_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n for_o in_o such_o thing_n they_o may_v have_v their_o choice_n and_o not_o be_v limit_v by_o a_o superior_a power_n but_o our_o option_n in_o relation_n to_o principle_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v direct_v by_o a_o superior_a rule_n and_o guide_v and_o have_v once_o find_v out_o this_o we_o must_v not_o vary_v upon_o new_a pretension_n from_o what_o this_o prescribe_v to_o we_o lest_o have_v leave_v those_o path_n that_o shall_v direct_v we_o we_o wander_v about_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o satan_n get_v great_a advantage_n upon_o unsteady_a mind_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v a_o new_a impression_n
upon_o those_o head_n that_o be_v always_o soft_a and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o receive_v any_o who_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o thing_n fix_v and_o settle_v but_o the_o image_n and_o representation_n that_o be_v the_o book_n in_o which_o they_o read_v all_o their_o proposition_n interfere_v with_o each_o other_o and_o be_v either_o confuse_a or_o else_o be_v crumble_v and_o break_v in_o piece_n beside_o religion_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o if_o we_o play_v with_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o change_v the_o true_a principle_n for_o those_o that_o be_v false_a we_o either_o lose_v it_o quite_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o variety_n or_o it_o be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n if_o ever_o we_o recover_v it_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o tell_v we_o heb._n 6.4_o it_o be_v impossible_a or_o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o signify_v very_o difficult_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n charge_v man_n to_o take_v heed_n what_o they_o hear_v mar._n 4.24_o and_o s._n paul_n exhort_v man_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o s._n judas_n urge_v that_o we_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n three_o ver_n of_o his_o epistle_n let_v we_o therefore_o that_o be_v ground_v in_o our_o religion_n behave_v ourselves_o as_o man_n that_o be_v resolve_v and_o not_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v frighten_v from_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o ghastly_a look_n the_o bold_a threat_n or_o the_o pretence_n of_o new_a revelation_n from_o any_o but_o let_v those_o scripture_n we_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o our_o short_a creed_n draw_v from_o they_o be_v the_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o variety_n will_v disturb_v we_o while_o we_o live_v and_o almost_o distract_v we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o in_o all_o probability_n deprive_v we_o of_o our_o future_a happiness_n we_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o dreadful_a condition_n of_o those_o man_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o before_o they_o have_v prepare_v for_o another_o world_n who_o have_v all_o their_o guilt_n stand_v round_o about_o they_o and_o affright_v they_o with_o their_o ghastly_a appearance_n when_o they_o be_v toss_v and_o tumble_v upon_o a_o bed_n of_o sickness_n when_o they_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o death_n before_o they_o and_o the_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o a_o black_a and_o worse_a state_n beyond_o it_o and_o when_o to_o all_o this_o miserable_a and_o frightful_a scene_n of_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v inward_a pang_n and_o convulsion_n of_o mind_n double_v and_o heighten_v either_o by_o the_o falsehood_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o those_o principle_n by_o which_o we_o direct_v our_o eye_n in_o this_o view_n how_o tragical_a and_o horrid_a must_v our_o condition_n be_v when_o our_o spirit_n that_o shall_v support_v we_o under_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o body_n be_v so_o wound_v within_o we_o that_o they_o be_v a_o torment_n to_o themselves_o and_o our_o own_o doubt_n and_o vexatious_a uncertainty_n about_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v only_o guide_v we_o through_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n and_o let_v in_o the_o light_n from_o some_o glorious_a region_n beyond_o the_o grave_n so_o increase_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o be_v miserable_o torture_v betwixt_o hope_n and_o fear_n when_o our_o settle_a belief_n of_o future_a thing_n can_v only_o render_v our_o passage_n pleasant_a and_o our_o condition_n tolerable_a now_o since_o a_o settlement_n of_o our_o principle_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o than_o the_o settlement_n of_o our_o estate_n because_o these_o only_a serve_v to_o defray_v the_o charge_n of_o our_o body_n whilst_o they_o ride_v post_n through_o a_o short_a stage_n when_o those_o prepare_v we_o for_o and_o enter_v we_o into_o heaven_n and_o must_v maintain_v we_o through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o a_o endless_a eternity_n and_o since_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o have_v the_o best_a evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n of_o any_o precept_n of_o religion_n extant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o have_v exhibit_v in_o sacred_a writ_n a_o method_n to_o find_v out_o what_o have_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n let_v man_n pretence_n be_v what_o they_o will_v under_o whatsoever_o plausible_a denomination_n who_o that_o be_v rational_a will_v not_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v both_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o interest_n if_o he_o have_v a_o veneration_n for_o god_n or_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o be_v to_o settle_v himself_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o upon_o these_o to_o build_v his_o belief_n and_o practice_n till_o at_o last_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o great_a redeemer_n of_o man_n he_o reach_v heaven_n not_o to_o pluck_v the_o star_n out_o of_o the_o firmament_n but_o by_o the_o will_n and_o favour_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o ascend_v above_o they_o and_o enjoy_v a_o happiness_n suitable_a to_o man_n glorify_a capacity_n in_o those_o blissful_a region_n that_o can_v neither_o admit_v of_o a_o decay_n or_o period_n but_o shall_v continue_v their_o state_n and_o to_o true_a christian_n their_o happiness_n in_o they_o through_o all_o the_o endless_a unmeasurable_a space_n of_o a_o boundless_a and_o incomprehensible_a eternity_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v this_o exhortation_n with_o arnobius_n argument_n and_o persuade_v rhetoric_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o first_o book_n against_o the_o gentile_n if_o man_n have_v gentle_a soul_n capable_a of_o impression_n they_o can_v under_o pretence_n of_o other_o rule_n offer_v any_o injury_n to_o christ_n nor_o reproach_v his_o religion_n but_o embrace_v both_o if_o but_o upon_o this_o account_n only_o that_o they_o promise_v to_o they_o prosperous_a thing_n thing_n to_o be_v wish_v for_o and_o earnest_o desire_v can_v any_o one_o refuse_v to_o give_v honour_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o glad_a tiding_n who_o vanquish_v the_o shade_n and_o darkness_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n who_o always_o preach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v hurt_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o but_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o more_o secure_a expectation_n o_o ingratum_fw-la &_o impium_fw-la seculum_fw-la as_o he_o go_v on_o o_o ungrateful_a and_o wicked_a generation_n if_o a_o physician_n shall_v come_v to_o you_o out_o of_o a_o far_a country_n and_o shall_v promise_v you_o such_o a_o universal_a medicine_n that_o will_v infallible_o cure_v you_o of_o all_o disease_n will_v you_o not_o present_o run_v after_o he_o pay_v all_o the_o signal_n of_o courtship_n and_o honour_n and_o receive_v he_o with_o all_o kindness_n and_o hospitality_n will_v you_o not_o wish_v his_o medicine_n to_o be_v infallible_a by_o the_o application_n of_o which_o you_o be_v promise_v freedom_n from_o those_o misery_n that_o attend_v your_o body_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a period_n of_o your_o age_n nay_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v yet_o doubtful_a will_v you_o not_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o your_o own_o welfare_n commit_v yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o not_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o drink_v even_o his_o unknown_a potion_n in_o hope_n of_o your_o own_o health_n and_o safety_n eluxit_fw-la atque_fw-la apparuit_fw-la christus_fw-la rei_fw-la maximae_fw-la nunciator_fw-la etc._n etc._n christ_n the_o proclaimer_n of_o great_a tiding_n have_v now_o shine_v and_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n what_o cruelty_n then_o what_o barbarous_a inhumanity_n what_o insuperable_a pride_n be_v it_o with_o a_o supercilious_a disdain_n to_o contemn_v he_o who_o bring_v such_o glad_a tiding_n unto_o man_n let_v we_o embrace_v therefore_o his_o joyful_a message_n give_v credit_n to_o that_o which_o afford_v such_o hope_n and_o pay_v all_o reverence_n and_o honour_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v contradict_v the_o kind_a promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o suppose_v a_o future_a state_n impossible_a but_o it_o be_v more_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o prove_v his_o denial_n or_o with_o any_o certainty_n to_o convince_v himself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o state_n of_o man_n hereafter_o since_o