Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n bad_a effect_n good_a 3,760 5 4.8923 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54944 A discourse concerning the trial of spirits wherein inquiry is made into mens pretences to inspiration for publishing doctrines, in the name of God beyond the rules of the sacred scriptures : in opposition to some principles and practices of papists and fanaticks, as they contradict the doctrines of the Church of England, defined in her Articles of Religion, established by her ecclesiastical canons, and confirmed by acts of Parliament / by Thomas Pittis ... Pittis, Thomas, 1636-1687. 1683 (1683) Wing P2313; ESTC R33964 135,179 370

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unto_o the_o world_n their_o coherence_n with_o any_o thing_n already_o reveal_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n to_o persuade_v any_o reasonable_o to_o embrace_v they_o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o inspiration_n itself_o be_v a_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o he_o that_o deliver_v principle_n to_o the_o world_n and_o reason_n enough_o for_o any_o to_o embrace_v they_o yet_o however_o the_o inspiration_n must_v still_o be_v prove_v as_o it_o have_v always_o be_v by_o miracle_n and_o those_o not_o false_a but_o real_a because_o otherwise_o every_o one_o that_o have_v confidence_n and_o wickedness_n enough_o to_o pretend_v to_o a_o impulse_n and_o call_v from_o heaven_n may_v impose_v what_o he_o please_v on_o the_o world_n and_o they_o must_v without_o examination_n believe_v it_o this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o render_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n useless_a and_o degrade_v they_o into_o the_o silly_a nature_n of_o a_o beast_n that_o be_v bridle_v and_o saddle_v be_v turn_v which_o way_n soever_o the_o rider_n please_v nay_o it_o will_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a and_o new_a method_n as_o miraculous_a nay_o more_o than_o the_o pretender_n inspiration_n to_o make_v the_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n both_o true_a if_o all_o those_o who_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a to_o we_o than_o that_o various_a sect_n opposite_a to_o one_o another_o distant_a to_o a_o total_a separation_n pretend_v all_o to_o be_v thus_o inspire_v and_o if_o what_o upon_o this_o they_o presume_v to_o deliver_v be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o message_n be_v direct_v and_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v direct_v unto_o all_o how_o can_v we_o since_o their_o confidence_n be_v equal_a know_v which_o to_o adhere_v to_o since_o all_o come_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o receive_v the_o opinion_n of_o all_o because_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v some_o man_n among_o we_o that_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o zodiac_n and_o their_o want_n of_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n not_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o pole_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o tremble_v and_o shake_v like_o a_o needle_n through_o all_o the_o point_n of_o the_o compass_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v by_o degree_n not_o at_o once_o but_o by_o succession_n but_o in_o the_o case_n we_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n many_o pretend_v to_o have_v thing_n reveal_v that_o yet_o thwart_a and_o encounter_v one_o another_o and_o all_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o embrace_v at_o once_o these_o several_a proposition_n be_v plain_o impossible_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v to_o make_v our_o choice_n we_o be_v either_o apparent_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a when_o all_o come_v with_o the_o same_o authority_n or_o else_o we_o open_o forsake_v the_o argument_n of_o inspiration_n and_o stand_v and_o examine_v these_o doctrine_n by_o a_o rule_n and_o instead_o of_o believe_v every_o spirit_n we_o try_v they_o but_o if_o man_n will_v notwithstanding_o these_o plain_a and_o palpable_a absurdity_n presume_v still_o to_o thrust_v such_o wild_a pretension_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v by_o confidence_n not_o argument_n i_o will_v willing_o have_v they_o to_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o what_o their_o pretend_a inspiration_n mean_n and_o what_o that_o impulse_n usual_o effect_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o make_v they_o so_o confident_a that_o they_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v or_o do_v they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o their_o own_o melancholy_n or_o thought_n brood_v to_o hatch_v a_o opinion_n do_v they_o find_v any_o more_o than_o their_o persuasion_n heighten_v and_o their_o assurance_n of_o what_o they_o be_v before_o willing_a to_o believe_v 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man_n can_v be_v inspire_v but_o they_o take_v their_o dream_n for_o a_o converse_n with_o spirit_n their_o melancholy_a fancy_n for_o inspiration_n the_o disease_n of_o their_o body_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o their_o own_o thought_n to_o be_v revelation_n and_o in_o short_a only_o think_v themselves_o awake_v when_o they_o be_v indeed_o asleep_a nay_o we_o may_v far_o raise_v our_o distrust_n and_o boldness_n towards_o these_o man_n because_o we_o know_v that_o confidence_n assurance_n and_o real_a belief_n of_o what_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n receive_v degree_n of_o accession_n and_o strength_n as_o well_o by_o thought_n conversation_n and_o argument_n as_o by_o any_o impulse_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v nay_o many_o time_n subtlety_n pride_n impudence_n and_o wilfulness_n will_v maintain_v a_o thing_n with_o as_o great_a eagerness_n and_o zeal_n as_o if_o man_n have_v be_v real_o inspire_v the_o devil_n can_v do_v much_o to_o 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to_o endeavour_v to_o imprint_v character_n on_o the_o air_n you_o may_v inscribe_v more_o durable_a divinity_n on_o the_o dust_n which_o every_o wind_n drive_v to_o and_o fro_o or_o impress_v more_o last_a footstep_n on_o the_o shore_n which_o the_o next_o tide_n wash_v away_o s._n judas_n tell_v we_o at_o the_o 12_o the_o verse_n of_o his_o epistle_n that_o they_o be_v cloud_n without_o water_n without_o any_o weight_n to_o balance_v they_o and_o be_v not_o only_o light_a as_o the_o air_n but_o as_o inconstant_a too_o s._n peter_n say_v that_o they_o be_v well_n without_o water_n cloud_n that_o be_v carry_v with_o a_o tempest_n but_o yet_o such_o to_o who_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n be_v reserve_v for_o ever_o 2_o pet._n 2._o ch_n 17._o certain_o such_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v wrong_n who_o by_o frequent_a shift_a declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v which_o opinion_n be_v right_a but_o like_o stick_n and_o straw_n be_v carry_v with_o the_o stream_n 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principle_n as_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o false_a prophet_n and_o true_a many_o man_n be_v such_o strange_a fatalist_n that_o they_o become_v altogether_o indifferent_a in_o their_o choice_n and_o conclude_v their_o fortune_n to_o be_v write_v on_o their_o forehead_n they_o care_v not_o whether_o they_o make_v any_o at_o all_o this_o be_v a_o opinion_n which_o when_o in_o its_o consequence_n pursue_v will_v make_v those_o that_o real_o espouse_v it_o and_o with_o equal_a reason_n to_o be_v as_o regardless_o of_o temporal_a welfare_n as_o they_o be_v of_o their_o eternal_a and_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o care_n either_o to_o do_v ill_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o to_o any_o purpose_n then_o indeed_o man_n may_v as_o secure_o go_v into_o a_o pest-house_n as_o
what_o it_o will_v that_o no_o subtlety_n may_v circumvent_v we_o nor_o creep_v into_o house_n lead_v the_o silly_a woman_n captive_a nor_o cause_v we_o to_o stray_v after_o they_o we_o know_v the_o devil_n be_v both_o cunning_a and_o diligent_a and_o that_o he_o suit_v his_o temptation_n to_o the_o various_a interest_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n that_o he_o walk_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n but_o it_o be_v only_a to_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v 1_o pet._n 5.8_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v painstaking_a man_n for_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v a_o proselyte_n but_o when_o they_o have_v make_v he_o he_o become_v twice_o more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o matth._n 23.15_o let_v we_o not_o then_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o new_a discovery_n forsake_v that_o which_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o let_v the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n advice_n rom._n 16.17_o 18._o let_v we_o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o because_o they_o be_v such_o as_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a then_o as_o it_o follow_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v bruise_v satan_n under_o our_o foot_n short_o let_v we_o live_v in_o that_o unity_n which_o our_o holy_a religion_n prescribe_v to_o we_o not_o raise_v or_o abett_v disturbance_n in_o the_o world_n but_o endeavour_v to_o fulfil_v s._n paul_n joy_n and_o make_v our_o minister_n task_n easy_a in_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n and_o of_o one_o judgement_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n philip._n 2._o at_o the_o beginning_n for_o if_o we_o be_v draw_v by_o harken_v to_o the_o various_a pretence_n of_o man_n that_o yet_o account_v themselves_o inspire_v to_o be_v always_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o we_o shall_v be_v consume_v one_o of_o another_o and_o this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o in_o our_o own_o age_n teach_v by_o experience_n but_o the_o apostle_n have_v long_o ago_o admonish_v man_n of_o this_o gal._n 5.15_o let_v we_o live_v therefore_o like_o those_o that_o have_v profess_v rule_n of_o faith_n and_o conversation_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o then_o if_o we_o thus_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v entertain_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o chap._n iu._n have_v thus_o discourse_v the_o apostle_n caution_n and_o evidence_v to_o you_o that_o every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a i_o propound_v which_o contain_v a_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v disentangle_v ourselves_o from_o those_o perplexity_n and_o different_a opinion_n that_o various_a man_n under_o the_o same_o pretention_n puzzle_v we_o withal_o but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n now_o as_o this_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n take_v from_o those_o who_o bring_v metal_n to_o the_o touchstone_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o value_v they_o proportionable_o to_o their_o worth_n so_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n that_o such_o pretender_n deliver_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o discern_v betwixt_o true_a and_o false_a and_o according_o judge_n whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no._n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n to_o show_v the_o people_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o holy_a and_o profane_a and_o to_o cause_n man_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o clean_a and_o the_o unclean_a ezek._n 44.23_o and_o the_o duty_n be_v continue_v under_o the_o gospel_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o pretension_n of_o man_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o many_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v in_o his_o name_n with_o pretension_n to_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o we_o find_v they_o too_o sudden_o after_o this_o prediction_n to_o have_v go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o even_o yet_o continue_v their_o boldness_n and_o impiety_n divide_v the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o trouble_v particular_a man_n but_o whole_a society_n overturning_a throne_n dissolve_v government_n among_o mankind_n and_o raise_v confusion_n not_o only_o in_o secular_a but_o religious_a affair_n to_o prevent_v therefore_o such_o unsufferable_a disturbance_n that_o religion_n may_v not_o cover_v malice_n or_o ambition_n nor_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o the_o humour_n or_o impiety_n of_o man_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v this_o entire_a without_o any_o mixture_n of_o villainy_n or_o imposture_n and_o by_o some_o certain_a character_n know_v what_o proper_o belong_v to_o it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o fancy_n or_o design_n of_o those_o who_o cunning_o ruin_v our_o principle_n and_o profession_n and_o since_o new_a light_n be_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n which_o they_o too_o easy_o gaze_v at_o till_o their_o eye_n be_v dazzle_v we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o distinguish_v these_o blaze_a comet_n from_o the_o true_a and_o fix_a star_n in_o the_o firmament_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v on_o earth_n and_o direct_v in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n we_o must_v try_v both_o doctrine_n and_o those_o that_o publish_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n if_o you_o will_v take_v a_o old_a apostle_n advice_n against_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o new_a he_o advise_v you_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n but_o still_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thess_n 5.21_o we_o must_v try_v the_o doctrine_n opinion_n example_n nay_o even_o the_o action_n of_o all_o pretender_n to_o revelation_n for_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o what_o we_o call_v tender_a conscience_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v very_o raw_a be_v rub_v often_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o former_a commission_n when_o they_o be_v not_o guide_v by_o a_o well_o balance_v judgement_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o have_v secret_a combat_n within_o themselves_o and_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o least_o touch_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o this_o world_n have_v some_o inconvenience_n still_o attend_v they_o and_o that_o which_o in_o some_o case_n be_v good_a with_o other_o circumstance_n become_v evil_a and_o most_o man_n that_o have_v a_o itch_n upon_o their_o ear_n have_v have_v a_o scab_n first_o upon_o their_o mind_n the_o best_a gold_n be_v most_o ductile_a and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n if_o the_o judgement_n be_v not_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v easy_o enslave_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o suit_n with_o passion_n and_o make_v impression_n on_o the_o temperament_n and_o bodily_a disposition_n of_o man_n a_o seal_n we_o know_v make_v the_o fair_a and_o most_o last_a impression_n upon_o such_o wax_n as_o be_v first_o soften_v and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n where_o the_o head_n be_v as_o soft_a as_o the_o passion_n pliable_a easy_o receive_v the_o next_o image_n though_o to_o the_o blot_n out_o and_o deface_v the_o old_a we_o have_v need_v therefore_o when_o any_o man_n come_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o some_o new_a inspiration_n to_o examine_v well_o both_o the_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o receive_v to_o our_o own_o the_o skill_n of_o other_o especial_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o may_v otherwise_o forsake_v the_o true_a israel_n when_o ephraim_n and_o manasseh_n shall_v combine_v together_o or_o single_o encounter_v it_o and_o we_o have_v be_v late_o and_o be_v not_o yet_o out_o of_o danger_n so_o vex_v with_o party_n different_a from_o one_o another_o whilst_o one_o extreme_a ride_v the_o other_o that_o the_o caution_n against_o believe_v every_o spirit_n can_v too_o often_o be_v repeat_v nor_o our_o trial_n of_o all_o preacher_n and_o doctrine_n be_v too_o frequent_o urge_v and_o practise_v our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n a_o caution_n who_o yet_o have_v the_o view_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o we_o only_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v they_o mat._n 24.4_o that_o they_o may_v not_o entertain_v a_o secret_a enemy_n instead_o of_o a_o bosom_n friend_n and_o certain_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o beware_v now_o although_o there_o be_v false_a pretender_n then_o for_o if_o they_o dare_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o the_o world_n design_v
they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o be_v wear_v to_o remember_v they_o of_o the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o to_o difference_n the_o jew_n from_o other_o nation_n and_o to_o prevent_v idolatry_n as_o often_o as_o they_o look_v upon_o these_o fringe_n which_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n command_v they_o to_o wear_v numb_a 15.38_o scrupulous_a be_v these_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n but_o they_o regard_v not_o so_o much_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o nor_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v ordain_v to_o signify_v and_o represent_v we_o read_v of_o some_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n who_o yet_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2._o tim._n 3.4_o and_o this_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v so_o long_o as_o religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v veil_v with_o hypocrisy_n and_o one_o man_n can_v discern_v the_o inside_n of_o another_o it_o be_v but_o be_v strict_a in_o outward_a appearance_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v account_v a_o saint_n and_o if_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v avoid_v mens_fw-la inside_n may_v be_v full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n and_o they_o be_v canonize_v still_o thus_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v take_v for_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n if_o he_o can_v but_o hide_v his_o malice_n and_o his_o flame_n and_o man_n may_v cheat_v their_o neighbour_n commit_v adultery_n or_o secret_a murder_n if_o their_o action_n escape_v the_o notice_n of_o other_o and_o they_o make_v not_o themselves_o a_o spectacle_n to_o the_o world_n this_o the_o minister_n of_o satan_n do_v like_v he_o act_v deed_n of_o darkness_n within_o whilst_o yet_o a_o candle_n be_v hang_v out_o at_o their_o door_n that_o be_v earnest_a for_o reformation_n in_o other_o man_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o reform_v themselves_o only_o they_o endeavour_v to_o cover_v those_o fault_n which_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o strive_v to_o amend_v if_o they_o bless_v god_n with_o their_o mouth_n they_o care_v not_o if_o they_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o their_o heart_n because_o their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o god_n but_o unto_o those_o man_n who_o they_o designing_o delude_v god_n himself_o complain_v of_o such_o atheistical_a hypocrite_n that_o turn_v thing_n upside_o down_o that_o seek_v to_o hide_v their_o counsel_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a they_o draw_v near_o i_o say_v god_n with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o isai_n 29.13_o and_o there_o be_v yet_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o lament_v the_o sad_a state_n of_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v still_o beguile_v with_o good_a word_n into_o ill_a practice_n and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n be_v draw_v to_o renounce_v it_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o various_a principle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n with_o noise_n and_o confidence_n with_o great_a zeal_n though_o little_a reason_n which_o therefore_o as_o a_o enemy_n some_o disgrace_n and_o vilify_v they_o distract_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v unsettle_a disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o all_o society_n both_o civil_a and_o religious_a draw_v man_n into_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o make_v they_o think_v those_o prophet_n inspire_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n that_o swell_v only_o with_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o disgorge_v themselves_o in_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n among_o mankind_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o cause_v these_o disorder_n they_o manage_v with_o such_o art_n and_o such_o suitable_a application_n and_o have_v so_o many_o plausible_a plea_n to_o the_o world_n by_o which_o they_o spread_v they_o with_o too_o much_o success_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o it_o must_v full_o convince_v we_o of_o a_o necessity_n to_o use_v diligence_n in_o our_o inquiry_n and_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o preach_v religion_n among_o we_o let_v their_o pretension_n of_o authority_n be_v what_o they_o will_v though_o they_o arise_v as_o high_a as_o inspiration_n and_o aver_v their_o commission_n to_o be_v from_o heaven_n chap._n vi_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o my_o second_o particular_a propose_v about_o this_o duty_n of_o try_v spirit_n and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v you_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o know_v when_o doctrine_n propound_v as_o come_v from_o god_n be_v indeed_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o deliverer_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o inspire_v from_o above_o and_o according_o to_o be_v entertain_v in_o the_o world_n now_o because_o man_n be_v apt_a sometime_o to_o rely_v on_o false_a character_n of_o trial_n and_o there_o be_v several_a mark_n set_v up_o by_o man_n of_o various_a humour_n and_o interest_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o which_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v able_a to_o direct_v themselves_o and_o other_o and_o try_v doctrine_n and_o opinion_n i_o shall_v make_v some_o brief_a reflection_n on_o they_o that_o no_o prejudice_n may_v remain_v to_o hinder_v we_o from_o embrace_v the_o true_a method_n of_o try_v man_n proposition_n in_o religion_n especial_o those_o who_o come_v with_o so_o great_a a_o authority_n as_o inspiration_n and_o 1._o we_o meet_v with_o many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o suppose_v what_o they_o call_v the_o church_n which_o they_o make_v as_o narrow_a and_o little_a as_o they_o can_v to_o be_v either_o that_o into_o which_o they_o ultimate_o resolve_v their_o faith_n or_o at_o least_o to_o have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o determine_v all_o point_n in_o religion_n and_o what_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v accept_v as_o divine_a and_o therefore_o by_o her_o judgement_n all_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o determine_v but_o this_o guide_n will_v many_o time_n be_v uncertain_a nay_o false_a too_o if_o a_o society_n of_o man_n call_v the_o church_n agree_v upon_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v erroneous_a which_o we_o find_v a_o thing_n not_o impossible_a when_o our_o present_a experience_n may_v inform_v we_o that_o rome_n which_o will_v be_v the_o only_a church_n and_o many_o separate_a congregation_n in_o the_o world_n who_o yet_o assume_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o church_n err_v in_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o many_o way_n of_o discipline_n and_o manner_n and_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o error_n and_o that_o all_o council_n be_v manage_v by_o vote_n and_o these_o many_o time_n be_v give_v wrong_a not_o only_o through_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertency_n but_o humour_n and_o interest_n so_o far_o prevail_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o that_o we_o can_v yield_v their_o determination_n to_o be_v infallible_a especial_o since_o we_o often_o find_v great_a assembly_n manage_v by_o the_o trick_n and_o device_n of_o a_o few_o who_o design_n be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o multitude_n draw_v they_o by_o degree_n into_o the_o consent_n to_o what_o have_v they_o foresee_v they_o will_v never_o have_v yield_v be_v the_o promise_n indeed_o of_o a_o infallible_a direction_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o tie_v to_o the_o assembly_n which_o christian_n call_v council_n we_o can_v not_o reasonable_o dispute_v their_o determination_n but_o must_v obey_v they_o but_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v to_o publish_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o the_o world_n and_o neither_o make_v nor_o useful_a 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whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o john_n 14.26_o three_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n incline_v the_o will_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n to_o publish_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v impress_v upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o their_o memory_n now_o perfect_o retain_v and_o to_o commit_v these_o truth_n to_o write_v that_o future_a age_n may_v be_v able_a to_o read_v what_o they_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o hear_v to_o exhibit_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o divine_a rule_n and_o to_o live_v also_o suitable_a to_o their_o doctrine_n to_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n now_o though_o this_o influence_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o such_o as_o have_v imbibe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n with_o their_o understanding_n because_o their_o will_n may_v seem_v immediate_o to_o follow_v what_o their_o understanding_n dictate_v to_o be_v true_a and_o the_o 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which_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o propagation_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o can_v conjecture_v that_o so_o sudden_a a_o alteration_n can_v be_v make_v as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o their_o trade_n and_o education_n be_v rough_a and_o stubborn_a this_o be_v general_o observe_v of_o mariner_n so_o as_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v such_o gentle_a precept_n so_o opposite_a to_o their_o custom_n and_o inclination_n without_o a_o superior_a influence_n mollify_a their_o temper_n and_o the_o powerful_a operation_n and_o persuasion_n of_o god_n to_o make_v they_o willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n when_o paul_n therefore_o be_v convert_v by_o a_o miracle_n and_o bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o that_o jesus_n who_o he_o have_v persecute_v that_o glorious_a light_n which_o shine_v upon_o his_o understanding_n rectify_v also_o the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o incline_v that_o to_o follow_v his_o conviction_n so_o that_o he_o become_v not_o disobedient_a to_o the_o heavenly_a vision_n but_o show_v both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n act_n 26.19_o 20._o four_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lead_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o work_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n these_o be_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o heaven_n that_o sufficient_o authorise_v whatever_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o give_v testimony_n unto_o for_o these_o be_v either_o visible_a effect_n beyond_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o some_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a alteration_n of_o nature_n by_o lay_v a_o restraint_n upon_o its_o usual_a operation_n or_o cause_v it_o to_o take_v a_o different_a course_n by_o a_o strange_a composition_n of_o second_o cause_n or_o a_o powerful_a concurrence_n of_o some_o agent_n not_o include_v in_o the_o immediate_a cause_n they_o
argue_v some_o superior_a operation_n and_o we_o must_v attribute_v they_o to_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n according_o have_v man_n use_v to_o difference_n they_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o a_o good_a or_o a_o bad_a design_n hence_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n two_o character_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o consequent_o as_o many_o of_o a_o true_a as_o i_o have_v hint_v immediate_o before_o 1_o if_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v that_o he_o give_v for_o confirmation_n of_o what_o he_o pretend_v in_o its_o design_n destroy_v natural_a religion_n i._n e._n what_o proceed_v from_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o man_n for_o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v come_v to_o pass_v which_o he_o give_v thou_o if_o this_o be_v wrought_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a one_o god_n to_o pay_v divine_a homage_n to_o a_o false_a one_o or_o to_o many_o the_o sign_n be_v permit_v only_o to_o prove_v they_o and_o such_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v account_v false_a but_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o villainy_n and_o imposture_n deut._n 13._o at_o the_o begin_n 2._o when_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o true_a and_o the_o thing_n foretell_v follow_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a and_o what_o he_o that_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n never_o commission_v the_o prophet_n to_o deliver_v deut._n 18.22_o when_o sign_n therefore_o and_o wonder_n be_v real_o effect_v that_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n establish_v what_o be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n and_o destroy_v all_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o fix_v nothing_o contradictory_n to_o what_o have_v be_v confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o do_v prefigure_v this_o new_a method_n and_o at_o such_o a_o particular_a period_n of_o the_o world_n be_v predict_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v they_o must_v needs_o confirm_v the_o 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the_o delivery_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o s._n john_n the_o baptist_n send_v two_o of_o his_o disciple_n unto_o christ_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n that_o be_v to_o give_v law_n unto_o the_o world_n our_o saviour_n return_v this_o answer_n tell_v john_n what_o thing_n you_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v how_o that_o the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v luke_o 7.22_o these_o miracle_n so_o full_a of_o goodness_n and_o divine_a influence_n be_v a_o sufficient_a attestation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n hence_o he_o make_v the_o same_o reply_n also_o to_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o propose_v the_o same_o question_n the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v in_o my_o father_n name_n they_o bear_v witness_n of_o i_o john_n 10.25_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o of_o the_o same_o person_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n 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