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with_o or_o without_o the_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n and_o all_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v try_v themselves_o for_o this_o must_v be_v include_v as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o s._n john_n direction_n try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o high_a tribunal_n can_v be_v itself_o the_o high_a nor_o what_o be_v appoint_v sole_o to_o aid_v we_o in_o our_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o opinion_n nor_o the_o utmost_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o must_v examine_v they_o last_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o old_a nay_o of_o christ_n himself_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o examination_n of_o man_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o mankind_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n before_o they_o believe_v they_o then_o certain_o no_o assembly_n of_o man_n can_v now_o in_o reason_n pretend_v such_o authority_n to_o impose_v their_o own_o
value_n of_o thing_n before_o we_o receive_v they_o that_o counterfeit_a coin_n may_v not_o claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n with_o what_o be_v instamp_v with_o caesar_n image_n nor_o a_o entrance_n open_v for_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n ride_v in_o a_o kirk_n bear_v on_o the_o back_n of_o those_o that_o know_v not_o what_o they_o carry_v that_o they_o may_v bring_v popery_n in_o triumph_n to_o we_o like_o the_o grecian_n lodge_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o that_o wooden_a and_o insensible_a horse_n that_o enter_v troy_n and_o sack_v the_o city_n and_o so_o gain_v that_o by_o a_o easy_a strategem_fw-la which_o ten_o year_n siege_n can_v not_o effect_v for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n if_o man_n will_v now_o hearken_v to_o any_o i_o have_v choose_v this_o subject_a to_o discourse_n on_o that_o if_o possible_a we_o may_v separate_v the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o doctrine_n of_o apostle_n and_o those_o of_o devil_n and_o mark_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v from_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n that_o name_n may_v no_o long_o confound_v thing_n nor_o satan_n be_v receive_v by_o any_o of_o we_o though_o he_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n lest_o we_o mistake_v that_o for_o samuel_n in_o his_o mantle_n which_o only_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n raise_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v into_o the_o world_n and_o from_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v raise_v my_o discourse_n in_o this_o epistle_n s._n john_n endeavour_v to_o confirm_v christian_n in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o give_v they_o sufficient_a caution_n to_o beware_v 1_o of_o such_o heresy_n as_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n such_o as_o interfere_v with_o the_o great_a 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quarter_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o bid_v man_n to_o beware_v of_o idolatry_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a renunciation_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o heresy_n will_v both_o maim_n and_o wound_v it_o little_a child_n say_v he_o keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n and_o what_o he_o close_v his_o epistle_n with_o be_v what_o we_o all_o close_a our_o prayer_n with_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v also_o deliver_v from_o the_o insinuation_n or_o society_n of_o both_o these_o sort_n let_v all_o the_o people_n say_v amen_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o design_n of_o our_o apostle_n we_o may_v plain_o see_v how_o suitable_a this_o whole_a epistle_n be_v to_o the_o present_a humour_n and_o distraction_n among_o we_o and_o how_o soon_o be_v the_o advice_n embrace_v it_o will_v cure_v we_o of_o those_o languish_a distemper_n under_o which_o we_o seem_v to_o faint_v and_o die_v the_o extremity_n of_o disease_n vex_v and_o torture_v we_o and_o no_o soon_o have_v we_o get_v off_o a_o cold_a fit_a which_o make_v we_o almost_o shake_v and_o shiver_v into_o ash_n but_o the_o hot_a one_o come_v on_o which_o fire_n and_o almost_o be_v ready_a to_o consume_v we_o nay_o a_o strange_a mixture_n of_o both_o encounter_n we_o rather_o than_o we_o shall_v recover_v and_o live_v and_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o constitution_n be_v able_a to_o baffle_v whilst_o separate_v and_o apart_o be_v conjoin_v create_v a_o new_a disease_n which_o trouble_v the_o physician_n and_o put_v he_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o skill_n though_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o baffle_v he_o or_o leave_v we_o to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o vermin_n or_o the_o great_a disease_n and_o pest_n of_o man_n let_v we_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o this_o apostle_n that_o what_o ever_o injury_n our_o body_n may_v suffer_v which_o in_o too_o many_o be_v martyr_n already_o by_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o mind_n our_o soul_n may_v be_v safe_a and_o secure_a and_o keep_v unblameable_a to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v we_o be_v unite_v in_o our_o common_a profession_n not_o stagger_v with_o the_o high_a pretence_n of_o other_o nor_o let_v we_o yet_o relax_v our_o diligence_n from_o the_o discourse_n of_o any_o that_o will_v at_o all_o adventure_n be_v secure_a among_o ourselves_o but_o whatever_o notion_n of_o infallibility_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o present_a and_o particular_a inspiration_n on_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v present_v to_o we_o to_o debauch_v we_o from_o our_o principle_n let_v we_o well_o examine_v before_o we_o believe_v receive_v nothing_o that_o may_v contradict_v natural_a religion_n or_o what_o be_v superad_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o public_a and_o plain_o declare_v revelation_n to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o addition_n to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n 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 by_o the_o word_n spirit_n here_o be_v plain_o mean_v any_o one_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n or_o assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n publish_v any_o new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o include_v both_o papist_n and_o enthusiast_n the_o one_o tie_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o chair_n of_o the_o pope_n the_o other_o to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o fancy_n and_o this_o interpretation_n as_o it_o be_v general_o assent_v to_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a to_o every_o man_n that_o will_v either_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o epistle_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v come_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o any_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n teach_v lest_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o into_o snare_n that_o may_v captivate_v and_o destroy_v our_o soul_n now_o although_o this_o caution_n of_o saint_n john_n primary_o relate_v to_o the_o gnostick_n defection_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o direction_n to_o all_o age_n and_o may_v guard_v we_o from_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o man_n that_o under_o a_o specious_a authority_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n vent_v false_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n in_o any_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o both_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o argument_n to_o enforce_v it_o will_v be_v of_o a_o perpetual_a concernment_n as_o long_o as_o false_a prophet_n come_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n yet_o because_o the_o gnostic_n be_v most_o immediate_o reflect_v on_o as_o be_v the_o antichrist_n so_o early_o appear_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o defeat_v this_o religion_n under_o a_o denomination_n from_o it_o boast_v some_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n when_o they_o be_v man_n both_o ignorant_a and_o vile_a we_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n caution_n man_n to_o beware_v of_o these_o who_o fault_n be_v so_o scandalous_a that_o they_o seem_v manifest_a to_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o general_a the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o any_o error_n that_o may_v gratify_v themselves_o and_o become_v either_o their_o security_n or_o pleasure_n be_v the_o same_o why_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v neither_o be_v forgive_v in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v because_o the_o gnostic_n plain_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n although_o by_o a_o different_a argument_n from_o the_o former_a the_o former_a against_o who_o that_o severe_a though_o deserve_v sentence_n be_v pronounce_v invalidate_v all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n which_o prove_v
doctrine_n upon_o the_o world_n as_o rule_n for_o all_o to_o submit_v unto_o without_o any_o far_a examination_n and_o if_o they_o must_v be_v examine_v at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v by_o something_o of_o great_a credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n now_o that_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a be_v to_o be_v try_v whether_o true_a or_o false_a be_v plain_a to_o any_o that_o will_v give_v themselves_o leisure_n to_o consider_v not_o only_o that_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o false_a prophet_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o man_n true_a and_o false_a have_v the_o same_o evidence_n but_o that_o god_n himself_o give_v direction_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n how_o to_o know_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o deut._n 13.1_o and_o chap._n 18.22_o which_o rule_n have_v be_v vain_a and_o insignificant_a if_o by_o these_o man_n be_v not_o to_o try_v they_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o those_o that_o attribute_v great_a authority_n to_o christian_a general_n council_n do_v not_o think_v their_o canon_n obligatory_a unless_o the_o thing_n include_v in_o they_o bind_v antecedent_o by_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o a_o superior_a law_n till_o they_o be_v receive_v in_o those_o nation_n and_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v send_v 2._o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v so_o be_v also_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n god_n himself_o supply_v he_o with_o unction_n and_o ordination_n by_o give_v he_o authority_n from_o heaven_n and_o our_o saviour_n descend_v by_o a_o apparition_n from_o the_o cloud_n to_o invest_v he_o with_o dignity_n and_o power_n hence_o it_o be_v i_o say_v that_o this_o great_a apostle_n in_o his_o call_n dignify_v beyond_o his_o brethren_n commend_v the_o berean_o act_n 17.11_o because_o they_o search_v and_o examine_v his_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o those_o scripture_n they_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o by_o compare_v his_o doctrine_n with_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n with_o what_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o apostle_n preach_v and_o most_o probable_o with_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o what_o he_o deliver_v be_v consonant_a to_o that_o which_o be_v there_o exhibit_v concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v of_o more_o pliable_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o gentile_a temper_n than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n who_o be_v more_o regardless_o of_o these_o concern_v as_o s._n chrysostom_n comment_v upon_o this_o text._n 3._o the_o doctrine_n even_o of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o though_o never_o man_n speak_v like_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o examination_n by_o those_o that_o hear_v before_o they_o entertain_v they_o and_o certain_o if_o any_o may_v recommend_v proposition_n upon_o his_o own_o authority_n he_o may_v who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n in_o who_o all_o fullness_n dwell_v nay_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v as_o it_o be_v enclose_v in_o his_o own_o body_n yet_o he_o bid_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o consider_v how_o well_o his_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n agree_v with_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n in_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o according_o either_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v he_o for_o these_o say_v he_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a from_o the_o beginning_n that_o no_o doctrine_n under_o pretence_n of_o what_o inspiration_n soever_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o man_n without_o examination_n but_o as_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v his_o again_o to_o be_v measure_v not_o only_o by_o his_o own_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o by_o those_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o judge_v by_o so_o be_v there_o not_o reason_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o christianity_n under_o what_o authority_n soever_o they_o be_v publish_v shall_v still_o be_v examine_v by_o a_o superior_a rule_n even_o by_o what_o the_o primitive_a planter_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v leave_v for_o our_o perusal_n and_o direction_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n which_o privilege_n whatever_o romanist_n plead_v for_o themselves_o to_o hide_v from_o or_o deny_v to_o other_o be_v the_o great_a cruelty_n and_o irreligion_n enough_o it_o be_v to_o render_v any_o doctrine_n suspect_v that_o thus_o hide_v and_o run_v to_o corner_n and_o avoid_v all_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n and_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o mistrust_v those_o who_o take_v away_o man_n judgement_n of_o discretion_n value_v they_o only_o like_o beast_n that_o perish_v whilst_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v but_o whip_v to_o their_o work_n and_o many_o time_n cripple_v under_o their_o burden_n when_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o carry_v thus_o i_o have_v though_o more_o large_o than_o my_o first_o thought_n design_v not_o only_o state_v the_o use_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o synod_n and_o council_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n but_o show_v you_o withal_o that_o as_o their_o decree_n be_v not_o infallible_a so_o neither_o be_v they_o the_o high_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n have_v it_o be_v otherwise_o when_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o plant_v his_o gospel_n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n have_v just_o condemn_v he_o for_o a_o impostor_n and_o all_o the_o christian_a religion_n deliver_v and_o authorize_v by_o he_o have_v prove_v only_o a_o fable_n and_o a_o dream_n chap._n vii_o the_o most_o considerable_a adversary_n that_o oppose_v this_o way_n of_o state_v the_o church_n authority_n in_o determine_v point_n of_o faith_n seem_v to_o many_o to_o be_v the_o romanist_n and_o therefore_o this_o chapter_n will_v brief_o confute_v their_o high_a pretence_n to_o a_o strange_a infallibility_n by_o which_o they_o have_v introduce_v as_o strange_a doctrine_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v never_o a_o law_n yet_o so_o plain_o pen_v but_o that_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o render_v law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o secular_a interest_n will_v blunt_v its_o edge_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o property_n by_o alter_v or_o over-urging_a its_o design_n the_o same_o use_n have_v be_v make_v of_o text_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o two_o opponent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enlarge_a or_o diminish_v the_o infallibility_n promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o may_v the_o better_a countenance_n their_o own_o pretence_n some_o restrain_v the_o promise_n express_v the_o holy_a spirit_n miraculous_a assistance_n in_o the_o guide_n the_o sacred_a penman_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o other_o extend_v it_o to_o every_o man_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o their_o church_n i_o shall_v here_o therefore_o spend_v a_o few_o leaf_n to_o show_v that_o the_o papist_n can_v have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o build_v their_o infallible_a determination_n on_o nor_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o maintain_v their_o infallibility_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o other_o church_n must_v forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o romanist_n may_v proud_o arrogate_v they_o to_o themselves_o or_o any_o reason_n why_o the_o right_a of_o other_o must_v sneak_v or_o stoop_v to_o their_o bold_a usurpation_n as_o if_o their_o church_n can_v not_o well_o be_v head_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o we_o allow_v it_o to_o have_v all_o the_o brain_n too_o and_o dash_v they_o out_o of_o the_o scull_n of_o other_o to_o fill_v their_o head_n till_o their_o understanding_n become_v incomprehensible_o infallible_a that_o all_o the_o race_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n may_v receive_v rule_n only_o from_o they_o and_o give_v up_o the_o natural_a freedom_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o enlarge_v the_o pope_n empire_n and_o authority_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v like_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o these_o they_o may_v either_o keep_v to_o themselves_o or_o allow_v they_o to_o other_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n this_o make_v a_o reproof_n to_o they_o like_a rebellion_n against_o a_o prince_n a_o crime_n so_o great_a that_o nothing_o but_o death_n can_v sufficient_o expiate_v among_o they_o
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be_v not_o impose_v upon_o when_o i_o read_v the_o word_n 2._o suppose_v that_o i_o do_v read_v they_o true_a and_o that_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v that_o i_o understand_v what_o i_o read_v yet_o since_o no_o other_o text_n can_v be_v plead_v for_o transubstantiation_n beside_o this_o be_v my_o body_n why_o must_v i_o of_o necessity_n understand_v that_o by_o these_o word_n i_o be_o command_v to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o my_o sense_n when_o by_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a construction_n agreeable_a to_o the_o usual_a sacramental_a phrase_n particular_o those_o which_o be_v use_v about_o the_o passeover_n my_o sense_n be_v still_o leave_v unto_o their_o liberty_n and_o no_o more_o than_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n that_o be_v this_o bread_n represent_v or_o signify_v my_o body_n will_v express_v the_o sense_n and_o baffle_v the_o objection_n it_o be_v so_o common_a to_o parallel_v this_o expression_n with_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n the_o way_n the_o door_n and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o verb_n be_v construe_v by_o represent_v signify_v and_o the_o like_a that_o i_o be_o ashamed_a we_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o continue_a repetition_n by_o the_o daily_a appearance_n of_o a_o baffle_a adversary_n thus_o we_o see_v by_o these_o three_o instance_n of_o erroneous_a determination_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o if_o ever_o they_o have_v infallibility_n they_o have_v lose_v it_o unless_o truth_n and_o error_n be_v reconcile_v and_o infallible_a falsehood_n be_v a_o proper_a expression_n seven_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o premise_n the_o romanist_n will_v yet_o hold_v the_o conclusion_n and_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v infallible_a we_o must_v call_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o miracle_n for_o this_o can_v no_o way_n become_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n to_o those_o that_o pretend_v it_o and_o whoever_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n aught_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o miracle_n when_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o the_o apostle_n prove_v their_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n we_o must_v demand_v therefore_o the_o same_o from_o those_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n since_o the_o promise_n they_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o be_v complete_v in_o the_o apostle_n nay_o it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o tell_v story_n instead_o of_o miracle_n nor_o to_o produce_v something_o do_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o cause_n be_v behind_o the_o curtain_n no_o natural_a account_n can_v be_v give_v but_o they_o must_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v sufficient_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o when_o this_o be_v accomplish_v which_o be_v impossible_a the_o infallibility_n pretend_v must_v be_v prove_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n and_o conduct_n of_o man_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o because_o they_o confirm_v a_o unnecessary_a thing_n and_o what_o suppose_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v add_v more_o head_n of_o argument_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o baffle_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o proud_a capitol_n chap._n viii_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n spend_v a_o very_a large_a parenthesis_n upon_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n for_o fear_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o some_o who_o unthinking_a honesty_n may_v make_v they_o jealous_a of_o their_o power_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o i_o allow_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o synod_n and_o council_n and_o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o private_a minister_n i_o assume_v too_o much_o judgement_n to_o myself_o in_o make_v use_n of_o my_o faculty_n without_o leave_n i_o answer_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_a leave_n from_o the_o article_n and_o canon_n establish_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o england_n for_o what_o i_o have_v already_o write_v concern_v this_o matter_n yet_o i_o shall_v far_o explain_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o attribute_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o best_a establish_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o as_o any_o man_n can_v possible_o do_v who_o do_v not_o pluck_v out_o his_o eye_n to_o do_v they_o service_n therefore_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n i_o ready_o yield_v that_o father_n and_o council_n and_o all_o congregation_n of_o holy_a and_o judicious_a christian_n much_o more_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n solemn_o assemble_v to_o treat_v concern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o any_o point_n introduce_v into_o religion_n be_v reverent_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o reason_n urge_v a_o regard_n to_o those_o who_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o study_n or_o the_o prospect_n they_o have_v obtain_v from_o a_o high_a ground_n and_o according_a to_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o live_v be_v probable_o capacitate_v to_o assist_v our_o judgement_n and_o to_o determine_v a_o controversy_n better_o than_o ourselves_o when_o person_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o authority_n also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o difficult_a and_o dispute_v proposition_n humble_o beg_v the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o blessing_n on_o their_o endeavour_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o their_o determination_n when_o neither_o secular_a interest_n or_o a_o blind_a passion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o other_o gain_v their_o vote_n and_o procure_v their_o assent_n nay_o when_o these_o be_v our_o own_o lawful_a governor_n though_o nothing_o can_v force_v our_o belief_n we_o may_v in_o a_o improper_a sense_n call_v their_o determination_n infallible_a quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la because_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o avoid_v schism_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o ecclesiastical_a union_n among_o we_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o they_o bind_v we_o not_o to_o contradict_v they_o public_o by_o any_o external_a solemn_a act_n since_o we_o ourselves_o have_v our_o assent_n virtual_o imply_v in_o canon_n or_o law_n make_v by_o those_o who_o public_o represent_v we_o although_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v every_o proposition_n thus_o determine_v to_o be_v exact_o true_a unless_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o convince_v our_o judgement_n if_o we_o have_v ability_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o proof_n themselves_o to_o restrain_v the_o external_a act_n and_o discourse_n of_o man_n when_o they_o oppose_v the_o public_a sanction_n and_o constitution_n of_o those_o who_o be_v fix_v in_o such_o place_n of_o authority_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o keep_v peace_n and_o order_n in_o any_o
their_o governors_n opinion_n enact_v into_o law_n for_o the_o true_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o pope_n or_o preside_v at_o their_o council_n and_o infallible_o assist_v in_o their_o determination_n but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n take_v as_o they_o be_v propound_v can_v possible_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n much_o less_o the_o high_a conduct_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o though_o they_o may_v be_v help_n to_o judge_v upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o rule_n yet_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n may_v frequent_o be_v mistake_v for_o reason_n illumination_n conscience_n nay_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n itself_o and_o according_a to_o the_o common_a inference_n about_o these_o matter_n be_v so_o conclude_v and_o believe_v by_o man_n that_o consult_v their_o own_o faculty_n but_o this_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o in_o any_o age_n since_o he_o inspire_v those_o that_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n either_o illuminate_v or_o direct_a mankind_n in_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n in_o any_o other_o manner_n than_o 1._o by_o those_o scripture_n allow_v the_o faculty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o general_a proposition_n of_o religion_n among_o mankind_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o sacred_a penman_n to_o record_v 2._o by_o incline_v as_o well_o as_o authorise_v some_o man_n be_v prepare_v by_o education_n and_o study_n to_o continue_v a_o succession_n of_o that_o ministry_n which_o our_o saviour_n appoint_v to_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n unto_o other_o and_o 3._o confirm_v by_o a_o secret_a and_o inexplicable_a operation_n which_o be_v easy_o believe_v by_o all_o that_o affirm_v god_n grace_n or_o providence_n and_o in_o consequence_n his_o be_v the_o proposition_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o incline_v their_o faculty_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o which_o influence_n be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n to_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o docil_n disposition_n as_o well_o as_o give_v in_o our_o sacred_a baptism_n till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o either_o resist_v or_o renounce_v it_o all_o which_o shall_v be_v more_o evident_a before_o i_o make_v a_o end_n now_o none_o of_o these_o though_o great_a privilege_n can_v entitle_v any_o to_o that_o illumination_n or_o immediate_a guidance_n which_o wild_a man_n make_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o conductor_n of_o their_o action_n but_o they_o may_v mistake_v and_o be_v confident_a in_o it_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o high_a opinion_n proceed_v either_o from_o thoughtfulness_n or_o disposition_n for_o immediate_a motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o 2_o as_o for_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n if_o they_o mistake_v they_o not_o for_o fancy_n opinion_n or_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o agreement_n of_o our_o judgement_n with_o god_n word_n for_o thus_o much_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v which_o be_v knowledge_n with_o another_o and_o include_v the_o relation_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o a_o rule_n these_o be_v so_o far_o therefore_o from_o be_v a_o rule_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o another_o and_o can_v be_v proper_a conscience_n without_o it_o be_v therefore_o guide_v by_o a_o superior_a rule_n they_o can_v be_v safe_a conductor_n themselves_o and_o if_o conscience_n as_o take_v by_o those_o that_o plead_v hard_a for_o it_o be_v once_o allow_v its_o full_a latitude_n fancy_n interest_n and_o the_o humour_n and_o impious_a mistake_n of_o man_n will_v pass_v for_o conscience_n and_o a_o safe_a guide_n and_o introduce_v such_o a_o medley_n and_o mixture_n in_o religion_n that_o every_o one_o under_o the_o covert_n of_o this_o will_v do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n even_o as_o when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o babel_n and_o our_o house_n of_o prayer_n into_o den_n of_o thief_n be_v fill_v with_o nothing_o but_o sacrilege_n and_o confusion_n three_o some_o make_v such_o providence_n as_o crown_v their_o opinion_n with_o success_n to_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o their_o opinion_n be_v true_a but_o to_o evince_v the_o invalidity_n of_o this_o need_v no_o other_o than_o this_o observation_n that_o when_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o cloud_n their_o author_n punish_v or_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o tenet_n become_v improsperous_a the_o same_o man_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o argument_n nor_o permit_v other_o to_o defend_v their_o opinion_n by_o the_o same_o medium_n with_o which_o they_o prove_v their_o own_o when_o the_o sun_n for_o a_o season_n shine_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o heaven_n smile_n then_o behold_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o but_o when_o a_o prosperous_a ray_n refresh_v other_o and_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o countenance_n they_o have_v before_o but_o have_v the_o frown_n and_o discouragement_n of_o superior_n behold_v now_o wickedness_n be_v seat_v in_o high_a place_n the_o holy_a seed_n be_v lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o persecution_n attend_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o canaanites_n possess_v the_o holy_a land_n but_o if_o success_n be_v a_o argument_n for_o inspiration_n and_o smile_a providence_n a_o rule_n to_o judge_v doctrine_n by_o numa_n pompilius_n may_v have_v have_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o inspiration_n from_o his_o nymph_n aegeria_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n he_o establish_v among_o the_o roman_n the_o jew_n may_v have_v be_v lose_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v justify_v the_o make_v their_o god_n to_o go_v before_o they_o they_o have_v cease_v to_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o church_n and_o will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n or_o babylon_n nay_o by_o this_o they_o may_v have_v justify_v their_o condemn_v the_o great_a messiah_n and_o pilate_n and_o the_o roman_a guard_n may_v have_v have_v a_o argument_n for_o execute_v he_o the_o primitive_a christian_n must_v be_v condemn_v and_o the_o apostle_n inspiration_n be_v prove_v a_o imposture_n if_o a_o dark_a providence_n be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v mahomet_n must_v have_v be_v deem_v a_o true_a prophet_n when_o he_o gather_v so_o many_o proselyte_n in_o the_o east_n and_o the_o great_a turk_n be_v yet_o as_o holy_a as_o he_o have_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n prosperous_a in_o the_o world_n nay_o popery_n itself_o must_v then_o be_v embrace_v if_o the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n of_o opinion_n must_v prove_v they_o true_a and_o success_n become_v the_o measure_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o way_n to_o justify_v all_o lucky_a usurpation_n to_o determine_v right_a and_o wrong_n by_o combat_n and_o the_o long_a sword_n may_v just_o measure_v out_o the_o large_a possession_n and_o the_o property_n of_o mankind_n must_v submit_v to_o power_n a_o rebel_n then_o may_v lawful_o possess_v his_o sovereings_n throne_n if_o he_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o force_v the_o bright_a majesty_n to_o a_o exchange_n and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v full_o pursue_v the_o man_n that_o own_o it_o may_v bow_v the_o knee_n and_o say_v to_o a_o usurper_n god_n save_o the_o king_n this_o will_v make_v many_o time_n the_o great_a villainy_n to_o have_v more_o authority_n than_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n and_o force_v true_a religion_n to_o be_v vanquish_v by_o a_o false_a nay_o he_o that_o by_o this_o rule_n be_v take_v for_o a_o prophet_n to_o day_n may_v be_v a_o impostor_n to_o morrow_n though_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n because_o a_o man_n may_v receive_v hosanna_n from_o the_o multitude_n and_o their_o cry_n shall_v short_o be_v crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o common_a observation_n it_o be_v holy_a david_n long_a ago_o and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n whatever_o jew_n or_o millenaries_n may_v dream_v that_o the_o wicked_a will_n sometime_o be_v in_o great_a power_n when_o the_o righteous_a hang_v down_o their_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n when_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o observe_v for_o some_o time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n but_o their_o strength_n be_v firm_a and_o sound_a they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n like_o other_o man_n but_o plague_v less_o than_o those_o that_o be_v better_o therefore_o pride_n compass_v they_o as_o a_o chain_n and_o violence_n cover_v they_o as_o a_o garment_n their_o
end_n of_o the_o mosaic_a constitution_n and_o such_o a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o divinity_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o thereby_o to_o prepare_v he_o for_o that_o eternal_a inheritance_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v now_o consider_v all_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o what_o i_o design_n and_o with_o all_o faithfulness_n according_a to_o my_o knowledge_n discharge_v myself_o the_o discourse_n on_o such_o a_o point_n have_v be_v long_o but_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o prove_v unuseful_a in_o such_o time_n as_o these_o in_o which_o truth_n be_v blend_v and_o beset_v with_o error_n strange_a doctrine_n have_v insinuate_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o be_v now_o sail_v betwixt_o sylla_n and_o charybdis_n and_o god_n know_v which_o may_v swallow_v we_o when_o truth_n like_o pure_a and_o clean_a wheat_n be_v put_v betwixt_o two_o millstone_n that_o seem_v to_o join_v to_o grind_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o religion_n like_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v almost_o crucify_a betwixt_o two_o thief_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n his_o providence_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o through_o his_o help_n we_o hope_v for_o deliverance_n from_o all_o our_o trouble_n for_o vain_a be_v the_o help_n of_o man_n without_o he_o chap._n x._o have_v hitherto_o for_o the_o most_o part_n treat_v concern_v false_a spirit_n and_o argue_v against_o the_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n among_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n and_o give_v some_o direction_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v what_o inspiration_n be_v true_a and_o what_o false_a that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v object_v against_o the_o body_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o i_o have_v leave_v neither_o soul_n nor_o spirit_n to_o animate_v it_o but_o have_v hint_v only_o some_o operation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o restrain_v that_o to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o future_a generation_n to_o guide_v man_n into_o all_o truth_n i_o shall_v spend_v some_o sheet_n to_o prove_v that_o as_o there_o be_v promise_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v conduct_v man_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n so_o that_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o apparent_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o show_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o sacred_a spirit_n inform_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o how_o he_o still_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o receive_v they_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v very_o thick_a of_o briar_n and_o thorn_n that_o scratch_n and_o tear_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o her_o passage_n through_o it_o and_o since_o the_o most_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n agree_v in_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o their_o journey_n yet_o because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v out_o by_o the_o way_n and_o differ_v about_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v thither_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o hinder_v man_n of_o good_a intention_n and_o different_a judgement_n from_o entertain_v a_o delusion_n by_o reason_n of_o any_o shortness_n in_o their_o sight_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o and_o so_o miscarry_v in_o their_o great_a concernment_n and_o fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v complain_v as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o this_o errable_a state_n of_o life_n leave_v without_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o our_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v some_o thing_n before_o hint_v more_o plain_o and_o open_o that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v without_o sufficient_a conduct_n from_o the_o holy_a and_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n at_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n express_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o action_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o discharge_n this_o that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o engage_v in_o i_o shall_v first_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v come_v according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o 1._o he_o come_v upon_o our_o saviour_n himself_o 2._o he_o inspire_v and_o comfort_v his_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o 3._o he_o still_o influence_n the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v and_o do_v not_o resist_v he_o first_o that_o this_o holy_a spirit_n rest_v upon_o our_o saviour_n accompany_v he_o throughout_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n none_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o embracement_n of_o christianity_n can_v possible_o contradict_v for_o his_o miracle_n attest_v this_o divine_a residency_n and_o loud_o proclaim_v it_o to_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v this_o irrefragable_a testimony_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n the_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n sufficient_o attest_v and_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n inspire_v and_o do_v assist_v he_o as_o his_o conception_n be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o do_v it_o continual_o breath_n upon_o he_o through_o all_o the_o period_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n it_o give_v a_o visible_a attestation_n to_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o witness_v his_o commission_n to_o the_o world_n when_o at_o his_o baptism_n it_o descend_v in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o light_v upon_o he_o matth._n 3.16_o and_o this_o be_v second_v by_o a_o audible_a voice_n loud_o thunder_v from_o the_o very_a sky_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v in_o his_o life_n he_o have_v the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n john_n 3.34_o he_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o the_o same_o proportion_n of_o power_n and_o assistance_n with_o s._n john_n who_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o by_o this_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o messiah_n nor_o with_o those_o prophet_n of_o old_a who_o be_v inspire_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n to_o who_o divine_a and_o unaccountable_a impulse_n be_v neither_o constant_a in_o their_o method_n or_o continuance_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n accompany_v our_o saviour_n throughout_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o his_o life_n so_o that_o he_o can_v upon_o any_o emergent_a occasion_n make_v discovery_n of_o it_o to_o other_o and_o always_o know_v it_o to_o be_v resident_a in_o himself_o he_o carry_v it_o with_o he_o to_o his_o cross_n and_o death_n to_o support_v he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o triumph_v over_o his_o temptation_n and_o enemy_n it_o hover_v as_o it_o be_v over_o his_o grave_n guard_v his_o body_n with_o a_o security_n beyond_o the_o soldier_n power_n and_o at_o last_o raise_v he_o with_o triumph_n from_o the_o dead_a rom._n 8.11_o and_o thus_o baffle_v the_o argument_n for_o infidelity_n second_o this_o spirit_n promise_v come_v also_o upon_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n at_o the_o beginning_n it_o descend_v with_o noise_n and_o a_o glorious_a splendour_n and_o come_v with_o such_o a_o train_n of_o solemnity_n and_o its_o appearance_n be_v so_o gay_a and_o pompous_a that_o it_o amuse_v nation_n and_o confound_v the_o multitude_n it_o shake_v the_o great_a place_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o sit_v glorious_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o cleave_a fiery_a tongue_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o each_o apostle_n give_v they_o at_o once_o a_o character_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o and_o ability_n to_o execute_v that_o commission_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v before_o give_v they_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n here_o be_v the_o prophecy_n of_o joel_n accomplish_v that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o descend_v with_o power_n in_o the_o lap_n of_o a_o cloud_n with_o a_o rush_a wind_n to_o blow_v open_a the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n that_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v come_v in_o it_o come_v with_o cleave_a fiery_a tongue_n to_o teach_v the_o apostle_n to_o sound_v forth_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n with_o a_o become_a zeal_n and_o warm_a affection_n the_o tongue_n be_v cleave_a that_o