it_o be_v but_o call_v any_o one_o heretic_n and_o a_o dress_v he_o up_o with_o picture_n of_o devil_n and_o present_o he_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o flame_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o sovereign_a power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n that_o it_o reach_v not_o only_o the_o body_n but_o the_o soul_n thus_o as_o some_o flea_n the_o truth_n to_o prove_v it_o naked_a and_o instead_o of_o declare_v it_o expose_v it_o so_o other_o pretend_v to_o its_o safe_a custody_n permit_v none_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o themselves_o and_o so_o the_o rest_n must_v swallow_v a_o serpent_n for_o a_o fish_n and_o eat_v stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n as_o if_o impose_v cheat_n upon_o the_o world_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o prove_v a_o man_n insallible_a and_o delude_v other_o be_v the_o only_a argument_n to_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o great_a secret_a of_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o do_v not_o only_a silence_n dispute_v but_o forbid_v enquiry_n that_o do_v not_o only_o stop_v the_o mouth_n but_o crack_v the_o skull_n of_o mankind_n take_v away_o our_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o our_o choice_n and_o metamorphosing_a man_n into_o beast_n and_o then_o they_o put_v the_o yoke_n upon_o we_o and_o whip_v we_o on_o to_o toil_n and_o drudgery_n that_o their_o own_o pasture_n may_v be_v cover_v with_o flock_n and_o their_o valley_n stand_v thick_a with_o corn_n whilst_o the_o high_a hill_n laugh_v and_o sing_v for_o if_o it_o be_v once_o suppose_v that_o their_o church_n be_v infallible_a whatever_o they_o determine_v must_v be_v true_a and_o when_o we_o have_v vow_v obedience_n to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o afterward_o to_o make_v enquiry_n a_o powerful_a way_n this_o be_v to_o reconcile_v man_n when_o contradiction_n themselves_o may_v thus_o meet_v and_o at_o any_o infinite_a distance_n embrace_v when_o the_o romanist_n please_v to_o declare_v they_o true_a if_o this_o one_o point_n be_v but_o admit_v it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o dispute_v the_o rest_n for_o all_o the_o article_n must_v certain_o be_v true_a which_o a_o church_n have_v determine_v that_o can_v err_v this_o be_v a_o new_a way_n indeed_o to_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n to_o pull_v out_o our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o better_a and_o instead_o of_o captivate_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n to_o deliver_v up_o our_o reason_n to_o another_o man_n this_o be_v perfect_o to_o enslave_v ourselves_o when_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a to_o entangle_v our_o neck_n in_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o old_a law_n for_o the_o great_a load_n and_o oppression_n of_o a_o new_a and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o like_o gentle_a beast_n ready_o trap_v and_o furnish_v for_o other_o to_o ride_v we_o let_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n once_o be_v infallible_a and_o then_o they_o become_v as_o omniscient_a as_o apollo_n all_o their_o determination_n be_v ex_fw-la tripod_n and_o we_o must_v then_o become_v as_o silent_a as_o in_o the_o grave_a and_o make_v ourselves_o a_o prey_n to_o these_o worm_n we_o must_v kneel_v down_o at_o the_o pope_n foot_n and_o make_v ourselves_o fit_a to_o be_v tread_v upon_o but_o our_o reason_n be_v so_o proper_o our_o own_o that_o as_o no_o man_n have_v a_o right_a over_o it_o so_o be_v it_o strong_o fortify_v within_o we_o that_o none_o be_v able_a to_o take_v it_o from_o we_o unless_o we_o will_v deliver_v it_o up_o ourselves_o if_o we_o will_v suffer_v the_o philistine_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o strength_n and_o put_v out_o our_o eye_n they_o will_v certain_o then_o make_v sport_n with_o we_o and_o if_o we_o yield_v so_o great_a a_o point_n as_o they_o unjust_o challenge_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a we_o deserve_v then_o to_o be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n when_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o prove_v their_o authority_n but_o because_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o rule_v and_o we_o become_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o obey_v the_o prophet_n than_o may_v prophesy_v false_o and_o the_o priest_n bear_v rule_v by_o their_o mean_n when_o the_o people_n shall_v love_v to_o have_v it_o so_o and_o what_o will_v you_o do_v in_o the_o end_n thereof_o jer._n 5.31_o seneca_n say_v of_o man_n that_o be_v curious_a about_o trifle_n operose_fw-la nihil_fw-la agunt_fw-la de_n brev_v aquavitae_fw-la cap._n 13._o that_o they_o be_v very_o industrious_a about_o nothing_o and_o though_o the_o study_v of_o many_o of_o our_o modern_a controversy_n be_v like_o a_o emperor_n lock_v himself_o into_o his_o closet_n that_o he_o may_v be_v very_o busy_a in_o catch_v fly_n and_o we_o may_v say_v of_o some_o great_a controvertist_n in_o the_o world_n what_o seneca_n say_v of_o those_o that_o take_v abundance_n of_o pain_n to_o find_v out_o a_o few_o unprofitable_a experiment_n that_o by_o this_o they_o do_v not_o appear_v more_o learned_a but_o troublesome_a vid._n ut_fw-la sup_n yet_o when_o by_o admit_v a_o principle_n our_o reason_n be_v destroy_v and_o our_o religion_n in_o a_o eternal_a hazard_n by_o be_v at_o the_o devoir_n of_o another_o altogether_o as_o fallible_a as_o ourselves_o and_o of_o who_o honesty_n we_o can_v always_o be_v assure_v we_o must_v then_o rally_v our_o argument_n to_o resist_v or_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o slavery_n that_o there_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o foundation_n from_o any_o text_n for_o the_o romanist_n pretend_v infallibility_n nor_o any_o argument_n ground_v upon_o reason_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o make_v appear_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v yet_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o be_v man_n and_o the_o pope_n himself_o to_o be_v no_o other_o because_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a promise_n of_o entire_a infallibility_n make_v to_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n but_o only_o with_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v promise_n of_o infallibility_n in_o some_o text_n but_o these_o be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o yet_o though_o deliver_v in_o general_a term_n they_o be_v to_o be_v restrain_v not_o only_o to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v but_o to_o thing_n necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v in_o relation_n to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v inspire_v and_o these_o be_v only_o such_o truth_n as_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o posterity_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n this_o be_v plain_a both_o from_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n of_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n guide_v into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 6.3_o be_v the_o former_a and_o from_o the_o comparison_n of_o this_o text_n with_o another_o in_o the_o verse_n of_o which_o this_o text_n be_v a_o part_n we_o have_v this_o add_v to_o confirm_v the_o promise_n lest_o any_o shall_v think_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o prove_v equal_o certain_a with_o the_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v whatsoever_o he_o shall_v be_v commission_v to_o inspire_v you_o with_o that_o shall_v he_o communicate_v unto_o you_o which_o be_v still_o include_v in_o these_o two_o particular_n 1._o in_o what_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o or_o 2._o in_o what_o he_o shall_v suggest_v to_o they_o to_o make_v their_o defence_n before_o king_n and_o ruler_n which_o need_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v they_o who_o ignorance_n in_o the_o law_n may_v cause_v they_o to_o fear_v because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v teach_v they_o in_o the_o same_o hour_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o say_v luke_o 12.11_o 12._o this_o only_o be_v superad_v and_o he_o will_v show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o must_v either_o relate_v to_o the_o gnostick_n defection_n and_o the_o perdition_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v predict_v matth._n 24._o or_o else_o to_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o prejudice_v against_o to_o inform_v they_o that_o this_o with_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v whilst_o he_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o flesh_n they_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v satisfy_v in_o joh._n 10.12_o or_o else_o it_o must_v include_v those_o prediction_n of_o prophet_n more_o frequent_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n such_o be_v that_o of_o agabus_n act_n 11.28_o who_o foretell_v the_o famine_n that_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n and_o that_o prediction_n of_o s._n paul_n bond_n and_o imprisonment_n act_n 21.11_o all_o which_o
unto_o swift_a destruction_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o great_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o relation_n to_o man_n principle_n and_o belief_n faith_n will_v not_o have_v be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o qualification_n to_o justify_v a_o sinner_n 3._o by_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n we_o may_v preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o if_o conscience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o agreement_n of_o our_o notion_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o man_n then_o the_o trial_n of_o opinion_n under_o whatever_o pretence_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v convey_v by_o this_o rule_n and_o according_o either_o reject_v or_o receive_v they_o must_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o examine_v doctrine_n and_o opinion_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o man_n on_o earth_n than_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n settle_v upon_o a_o unalterable_a and_o firm_a foundation_n contentment_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o mean_a peasant_n as_o happy_a as_o his_o prince_n and_o create_v a_o level_a among_o mankind_n how_o much_o great_a delight_n than_o must_v that_o satisfaction_n advance_v man_n to_o which_o relate_v to_o thing_n of_o a_o everlasting_a concernment_n that_o cause_v the_o pang_n of_o death_n ro_o vanish_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o torment_n to_o depart_v that_o carry_v we_o with_o all_o steadiness_n and_o peace_n through_o all_o the_o billow_n and_o storm_n of_o the_o world_n into_o that_o bless_a haven_n of_o rest_n and_o tranquillity_n where_o we_o shall_v know_v no_o trouble_n any_o more_o this_o be_v enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a feast_n a_o pleasure_n beyond_o the_o great_a sensuality_n exceed_v what_o man_n can_v otherwise_o possess_v or_o as_o much_o as_o invent_v or_o think_v upon_o for_o what_o be_v then_o all_o the_o concernment_n or_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n when_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o be_o fix_v and_o settle_v if_o i_o live_v in_o misery_n it_o can_v be_v long_o nature_n will_v soon_o have_v spin_v her_o thread_n if_o no_o accident_n cut_v it_o off_o and_o if_o have_v my_o religion_n fix_v upon_o such_o principle_n which_o can_v deceive_v i_o i_o regulate_v my_o action_n by_o their_o direction_n death_n must_v then_o be_v welcome_a to_o i_o because_o it_o give_v i_o the_o fruit_n of_o my_o hope_n and_o enter_v i_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o my_o master_n who_o from_o earth_n have_v suffer_v a_o antecedent_n separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n enter_v visible_o into_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o have_v make_v a_o passage_n to_o the_o same_o for_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o in_o fullness_n of_o faith_n and_o indisputable_a assurance_n they_o have_v have_v a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n in_o 4._o this_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o other_o will_v make_v man_n endeavour_v to_o live_v without_o disturbance_n in_o that_o society_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n nothing_o disturb_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n so_o much_o as_o doubt_n and_o dispute_v about_o religion_n but_o this_o when_o find_v out_o by_o a_o regular_a enquiry_n and_o true_o establish_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n give_v the_o great_a and_o most_o effectual_a check_n to_o all_o the_o breach_n make_v upon_o enclosure_n and_o those_o irregularity_n and_o invasion_n that_o be_v commit_v upon_o the_o property_n of_o man_n this_o forbid_v the_o prince_n to_o be_v a_o tyrant_n and_o admonish_v the_o subject_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n to_o become_v subject_a for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o not_o to_o rebel_v against_o the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n lest_o they_o receive_v damnation_n in_o the_o next_o rom._n 13._o but_o when_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v the_o furious_a principle_n of_o other_o when_o convey_v to_o they_o under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o spirit_n and_o inspiration_n with_o what_o ease_n be_v they_o ensnare_v when_o they_o be_v either_o lazy_a or_o refuse_v to_o examine_v there_o be_v nothing_o then_o so_o ruinous_a to_o society_n nothing_o that_o put_v man_n more_o into_o confusion_n nothing_o that_o dissolve_v the_o band_n of_o community_n and_o break_v order_n into_o a_o chaos_n but_o they_o will_v attempt_v under_o the_o covert_n of_o religion_n and_o conclude_v they_o do_v service_n unto_o god_n when_o they_o be_v immediate_o offer_v to_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a tie_n upon_o mankind_n what_o will_v they_o not_o attempt_v or_o suffer_v when_o their_o action_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o full_a of_o villainy_n shall_v under_o pretence_n of_o the_o authority_n or_o inspiration_n of_o other_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o number_n of_o virtue_n and_o heroic_a act_n and_o their_o suffering_n be_v advance_v to_o martyrdom_n justice_n shall_v be_v violate_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o gain_v a_o crown_n from_o the_o head_n of_o he_o that_o right_o wear_v it_o and_o then_o they_o will_v make_v a_o way_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o design_n though_o they_o pave_v it_o throughout_o with_o the_o carcase_n of_o the_o slay_v but_o if_o such_o principle_n that_o ruin_n religion_n under_o its_o name_n be_v well_o examine_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n and_o new_a inspiration_n be_v measure_v by_o those_o that_o be_v old_a we_o shall_v easy_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v come_v from_o god_n that_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o the_o principle_n that_o tend_v to_o confusion_n among_o mankind_n ever_o proceed_v from_o a_o god_n of_o order_n but_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o first_o audit_n to_o be_v damn_v to_o the_o place_n from_o whence_o they_o take_v their_o original_n and_o must_v be_v conclude_v to_o come_v from_o hell_n which_o thus_o fire_n and_o consume_v the_o world_n and_o so_o you_o see_v that_o the_o several_a advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o man_n upon_o trial_n of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n may_v be_v so_o many_o encouragement_n to_o the_o thing_n and_o so_o many_o argument_n to_o recommend_v the_o duty_n to_o all_o those_o who_o by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o agent_n do_v not_o love_v to_o be_v lead_v captive_a final_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v faculty_n give_v to_o we_o that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o according_a to_o judgement_n to_o make_v our_o choice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o by_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o one_o inspiration_n the_o natural_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v cease_v or_o else_o be_v render_v useless_a they_o be_v suspend_v by_o a_o pretention_n of_o authority_n that_o without_o examination_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v divine_a nay_o why_o shall_v the_o apostle_n impose_v such_o a_o task_n upon_o we_o which_o without_o the_o use_n of_o every_o man_n particular_a faculty_n become_v impossible_a no_o choice_n will_v then_o be_v leave_v in_o religion_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o it_o will_v become_v a_o necessary_a thing_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v like_o machine_n to_o move_v always_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o another_o nay_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v before_o if_o the_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n change_v his_o note_n and_o play_v to_o we_o on_o a_o contrary_a string_n will_v it_o not_o be_v strange_a for_o any_o man_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o exhort_v stone_n or_o argue_v to_o one_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o impression_n or_o can_v s._n john_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o impose_v the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n on_o man_n that_o either_o have_v no_o faculty_n to_o examine_v or_o have_v their_o sense_n tie_v up_o by_o a_o superior_a power_n must_v all_o false_a prophet_n be_v reject_v and_o be_v there_o a_o necessity_n of_o man_n believe_v what_o doctrine_n have_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o must_v they_o not_o yet_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o use_v their_o own_o faculty_n to_o examine_v they_o to_o deny_v this_o may_v indeed_o be_v suitable_a to_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o it_o can_v but_o be_v plain_a to_o a_o protestant_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a man_n that_o have_v not_o his_o faculty_n give_v he_o in_o vain_a that_o such_o argue_v and_o such_o belief_n serve_v only_o to_o justify_v imposture_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o blind_a man_n eye_n that_o they_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o ditch_n this_o be_v to_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
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 truth_n which_o those_o man_n deliver_v who_o have_v sufficient_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o work_v they_o miracle_n be_v thing_n rational_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v sufficient_a sign_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n of_o those_o who_o be_v permit_v to_o work_v they_o when_o they_o carry_v especial_o such_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o their_o nature_n or_o in_o their_o frequency_n and_o continuation_n as_o no_o devil_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v grant_v to_o he_o nor_o any_o man_n can_v possible_o effect_v to_o do_v mischief_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o when_o moses_n deliver_v the_o law_n his_o speech_n be_v follow_v with_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n and_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n and_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o mountain_n deut._n 20.18_o which_o sufficient_o confirm_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o prepare_v the_o people_n for_o a_o obedient_a reception_n of_o the_o judicial_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o also_o at_o 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 if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v miracle_n far_o beyond_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n who_o yet_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o what_o these_o do_v they_o believe_v they_o may_v reasonable_o have_v plead_v their_o law_n against_o i_o which_o then_o have_v be_v bless_v with_o as_o noble_a a_o establishment_n as_o what_o i_o now_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v but_o now_o that_o i_o do_v such_o work_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o do_v before_o i_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n at_o all_o for_o their_o sin_n nor_o any_o excuse_n for_o their_o unbelief_n john_n 15.24_o now_o as_o miracle_n argue_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n so_o they_o lead_v his_o disciple_n into_o the_o same_o truth_n for_o from_o those_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v he_o do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n they_o may_v reasonable_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o deliver_v to_o they_o and_o when_o the_o power_n be_v yet_o continue_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v well_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v still_o guide_v into_o the_o truth_n since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o seal_v it_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o they_o have_v so_o powerful_a and_o divine_a a_o testimony_n to_o what_o they_o apprehend_v and_o deliver_v thus_o when_o they_o have_v receive_v that_o commission_n from_o our_o saviour_n to_o go_v into_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v mark_n 16.20_o the_o same_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o god_n bear_v the_o apostle_n witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o will_n heb._n 2.4_o this_o be_v the_o testimony_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o those_o who_o publish_v and_o own_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n evidence_v its_o divinity_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o act_n 5.32_o last_o the_o holy_a spirit_n guide_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n into_o all_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a support_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o great_a and_o rage_a persecution_n both_o scripture_n and_o ecclesiastical_a history_n inform_v we_o what_o trial_n and_o conflict_n these_o have_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o a_o firm_a adhesion_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n their_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continue_a tragedy_n which_o do_v not_o end_n but_o in_o blood_n and_o death_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o in_o those_o day_n that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o nothing_o but_o cruelty_n from_o their_o severe_a adversary_n attend_v the_o profession_n and_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o that_o argument_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o prove_v the_o hope_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o resurrection_n if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a 1_o cor._n 15.19_o hence_o the_o apostle_n argue_v the_o hebrew_n to_o patience_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o suffering_n from_o the_o reflection_n upon_o what_o they_o have_v already_o overcome_v that_o they_o may_v not_o by_o a_o future_a cowardice_n lose_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o former_a adventure_n call_v to_o mind_n say_v he_o the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o you_o be_v illuminate_v you_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n by_o have_v their_o estate_n make_v a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n by_o be_v make_v a_o gaze_a stock_n to_o the_o world_n by_o bear_v reproach_n and_o torture_n themselves_o and_o be_v companion_n to_o those_o who_o be_v so_o use_v heb._n 10.32_o they_o get_v their_o bread_n with_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v lament_n 5.9_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o no_o more_o account_v of_o than_o as_o innocent_a sheep_n appoint_v to_o the_o slaughter_n as_o s._n paul_n apply_v that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n rom._n 8.36_o and_o if_o we_o view_v the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n we_o shall_v find_v nature_n always_o anticipate_v and_o they_o snatch_v away_o by_o a_o violent_a fate_n still_o swim_v to_o heaven_n in_o their_o blood_n one_o be_v crucify_v another_o behead_v a_o three_o be_v stone_v a_o four_o have_v his_o brain_n beat_v out_o with_o a_o club_n another_o
be_v hang_v by_o the_o neck_n against_o a_o pillar_n after_o whip_n and_o scourge_n have_v make_v a_o prologue_n to_o the_o tragedy_n one_o be_v flay_v alive_a another_o thrust_n through_o with_o a_o spear_n and_o a_o three_o drag_v about_o the_o craggy_a part_n of_o a_o street_n till_o his_o flesh_n be_v tear_v off_o and_o horrid_a pain_n compel_v he_o to_o expire_v it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o account_v for_o the_o dismal_a torture_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n endure_v their_o whole_a age_n be_v full_a of_o cloud_n and_o storm_n and_o the_o release_n from_o one_o torment_n be_v but_o the_o entrance_n upon_o another_o they_o daily_o go_v in_o danger_n of_o their_o life_n which_o be_v indeed_o but_o continue_a death_n and_o repeat_v tragedy_n now_o what_o a_o wonderful_a confirmation_n must_v this_o add_v to_o their_o own_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o seal_v its_o truth_n to_o posterity_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v such_o multiply_a torture_n as_o anxious_a and_o cruel_a as_o the_o malice_n of_o enrage_a adversary_n can_v invent_v and_o execute_v and_o yet_o will_v not_o accept_v deliverance_n if_o they_o must_v purchase_v it_o with_o the_o denial_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v animate_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o truth_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o which_o they_o be_v so_o encourage_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o suffer_v torment_n beyond_o their_o own_o strength_n to_o endure_v nor_o do_v the_o rage_n and_o persecution_n of_o their_o adversary_n overcome_v they_o especial_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v too_o that_o they_o can_v smile_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o flame_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o own_o blood_n with_o joy_n when_o they_o can_v account_v martyrdom_n a_o crown_n and_o such_o death_n as_o be_v most_o painful_a and_o cruel_a they_o can_v travel_v through_o as_o the_o near_a passage_n to_o their_o eternal_a reward_n which_o whilst_o they_o view_v in_o a_o steady_a and_o well_o fix_a contemplation_n they_o be_v able_a to_o conclude_v their_o affliction_n to_o be_v light_n and_o to_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o that_o the_o future_a reward_n overballance_v they_o both_o in_o weight_n and_o duration_n they_o can_v glory_v in_o what_o the_o justice_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n account_v shame_n and_o rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v deem_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o it_o act_n 5.41_o they_o be_v always_o die_v and_o yet_o live_v be_v able_a to_o account_v torture_n chastisement_n and_o can_v still_o rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o sorrow_n 2_o cor._n 6._o they_o can_v approve_v themselves_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n in_o distress_n in_o stripe_n in_o imprisonment_n and_o that_o black_a catalogue_n which_o s._n paul_n have_v record_v to_o posterity_n it_o must_v certain_o convince_v both_o themselves_o and_o other_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n do_v yet_o support_v they_o and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a which_o they_o deliver_v for_o which_o they_o be_v miraculous_o prepare_v and_o now_o strengthen_v in_o their_o suffering_n for_o it_o by_o the_o comfort_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a man_n or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o polish_v either_o by_o art_n or_o education_n for_o converse_v with_o the_o learned_a rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o subtle_a philosopher_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o yet_o they_o baffle_v and_o can_v silence_v both_o have_v not_o their_o force_n reach_v far_a than_o their_o argument_n and_o therefore_o say_v s._n paul_n where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o scribe_n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 1.20_o s._n stephen_n who_o be_v but_o a_o deacon_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o so_o full_a of_o faith_n and_o so_o endow_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o amaze_v the_o people_n with_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o when_o many_o disputant_n be_v range_v against_o he_o he_o do_v not_o only_o smart_o encounter_v but_o overcome_v they_o too_o for_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v act_n 6.10_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o leave_v their_o reason_n and_o consult_v their_o subtlety_n and_o have_v no_o way_n to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n but_o by_o a_o shower_n of_o stone_n that_o take_v away_o his_o breath_n what_o can_v such_o man_n as_o these_o have_v do_v when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o tribunal_n of_o the_o roman_n where_o all_o the_o subtle_a quirk_n of_o law_n and_o all_o the_o invention_n that_o malice_n can_v contrive_v shall_v be_v use_v to_o entangle_v their_o innocence_n by_o craft_n have_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v they_o in_o make_v their_o defence_n loosen_v their_o tongue_n and_o inform_v their_o understanding_n this_o be_v what_o be_v promise_v they_o before_o and_o now_o as_o certain_o and_o full_o accomplish_v for_o when_o our_o saviour_n send_v forth_o his_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o tell_v they_o how_o they_o shall_v acouter_fw-fr themselves_z what_o be_v the_o content_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o how_o they_o shall_v demean_v themselves_o he_o acquaint_v they_o also_o what_o danger_n they_o be_v likely_a to_o encounter_v with_o they_o be_v send_v forth_o as_o sheep_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n every_o one_o will_v endeavour_v to_o devour_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v scourge_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n upon_o their_o master_n account_n but_o say_v he_o when_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o let_v it_o not_o trouble_v you_o that_o you_o be_v not_o well_o skilled_a in_o the_o law_n where_o subtlety_n may_v cause_v a_o criminal_a to_o escape_v when_o ignorance_n may_v draw_v the_o innocent_a into_o punishment_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o matth._n 10.19_o now_o man_n that_o have_v such_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n of_o their_o apostleship_n and_o find_v these_o assistance_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v needs_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v imprint_v on_o their_o understanding_n and_o will_v attest_v their_o divine_a authority_n unto_o other_o to_o who_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o declare_v and_o publish_v they_o when_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o full_o persuade_v as_o not_o only_o to_o suffer_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o this_o life_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o politician_n of_o the_o world_n but_o all_o the_o torture_n and_o cruel_a death_n which_o malice_n be_v able_a to_o inflict_v and_o thus_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v thus_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n of_o all_o kind_n for_o this_o be_v to_o extend_v a_o promise_n beyond_o what_o be_v ever_o design_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n truth_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o large_a interpretation_n it_o run_v through_o all_o art_n and_o science_n and_o be_v as_o comprehensive_a as_o all_o the_o object_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n for_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o conformity_n betwixt_o the_o object_n and_o a_o right_o prepare_v intellect_n there_o be_v truth_n nay_o there_o be_v too_o often_o truth_n in_o that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o spirit_n therefore_o do_v not_o design_n in_o his_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a conduct_n to_o extend_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o sacred_a apostle_n to_o a_o infinite_a comprehension_n so_o as_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o know_v omne_fw-la scibile_fw-la every_o thing_n that_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v know_v for_o that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v a_o new_a creation_n but_o to_o put_v they_o beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o creature_n nay_o though_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a to_o go_v beyond_o his_o own_o power_n in_o make_v being_n as_o infinite_a as_o himself_o nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n in_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n intend_v their_o information_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o art_n and_o science_n extant_a in_o the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o design_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o art_n of_o syllogism_n nor_o
therefore_o it_o must_v remain_v doubtful_a to_o those_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v it_o not_o more_o reasonable_a to_o receive_v this_o revelation_n so_o well_o attest_v and_o to_o renounce_v other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o than_o to_o leave_v thing_n of_o such_o a_o infinite_a concernment_n at_o so_o miserable_a a_o hazard_n nay_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o probable_a proof_n of_o future_a thing_n when_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o their_o own_o nature_n without_o the_o admission_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v there_o not_o great_a reason_n even_o when_o two_o thing_n seem_v uncertain_a to_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a and_o to_o that_o which_o give_v we_o some_o hope_n rather_o than_o to_o that_o which_o afford_v we_o none_o at_o all_o in_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n there_o may_v be_v great_a in_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a it_o make_v we_o yet_o live_v with_o more_o comfort_n and_o die_v with_o less_o trouble_n and_o reluctancy_n but_o perhaps_o all_o may_v now_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a yet_o such_o faith_n alone_a will_v not_o gain_v the_o prize_n though_o we_o finish_v our_o course_n in_o fight_v for_o it_o therefore_o let_v man_n belief_n of_o a_o future_a immortality_n and_o a_o joyful_a state_n evidence_n itself_o in_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v it_o for_o that_o faith_n be_v only_a fancy_n that_o think_v to_o be_v crown_v without_o obedience_n and_o to_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o not_o raise_v ourselves_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n will_v leave_v we_o still_o dead_a in_o our_o sin_n credere_fw-la se_fw-la in_o christum_fw-la quomodo_fw-la dicit_fw-la say_v s._n cyprian_n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la facit_fw-la quod_fw-la christus_fw-la facere_fw-la praecepit_fw-la how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o do_v what_o he_o command_v he_o and_o a_o little_a before_o in_o the_o same_o tract_n immortalitate_fw-la potiri_fw-la quomodo_fw-la possumus_fw-la nisi_fw-la ea_fw-la quibus_fw-la mors_fw-la expugnatur_fw-la &_o vincitur_fw-la christi_fw-la mandata_fw-la servemus_fw-la how_o can_v we_o enjoy_v eternal_a life_n unless_o we_o keep_v those_o command_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o death_n be_v assault_v and_o overcome_v s._n john_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a and_o though_o man_n pretend_v other_o sign_n which_o be_v as_o easy_o confute_v as_o they_o be_v make_v yet_o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n say_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 19.17_o and_o s._n cyprian_n will_v vouch_v the_o application_n if_o i_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v the_o condition_n to_o obtain_v it_o for_o though_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v a_o law_n of_o liberty_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o law_n still_o that_o command_v we_o to_o act_v like_o religious_a man_n and_o not_o think_v to_o be_v draw_v to_o heaven_n upon_o the_o wheel_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n and_o crane_v up_o to_o paradise_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n we_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n by_o gradual_a advancement_n of_o virtue_n and_o devotion_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v that_o all_o mankind_n be_v perpetual_o to_o be_v save_v like_o the_o thief_n upon_o a_o cross_n we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o mount_v above_o the_o cloud_n through_o the_o vapour_n of_o repeat_v debauchery_n to_o rend_v the_o sky_n and_o make_v heaven_n open_a by_o loud_a oath_n and_o thunder_a execration_n or_o to_o jump_v out_o of_o dalilah_n lap_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n no_o sure_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n everlasting_a but_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a into_o everlasting_a punishment_n three_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o discourse_n to_o praise_n god_n for_o give_v we_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o admire_v and_o extol_v the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o who_o in_o such_o a_o eminent_a manner_n assist_v the_o apostle_n to_o commit_v so_o excellent_a a_o system_a of_o religion_n to_o writing_n that_o we_o of_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n may_v read_v what_o we_o can_v not_o hear_v and_o by_o the_o ordinary_a conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v guide_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v to_o deliver_v not_o to_o commemorate_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n must_v be_v the_o high_a ingratitude_n imaginable_a let_v we_o be_v as_o thankful_a then_o as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o as_o we_o increase_v daily_o in_o the_o one_o let_v the_o other_o run_v parallel_n in_o the_o enlargement_n god_n be_v please_v to_o own_v himself_o glorify_v by_o our_o praise_n this_o we_o do_v when_o we_o praise_v he_o with_o our_o tongue_n but_o than_o do_v it_o become_v most_o glorious_a when_o it_o be_v follow_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n the_o former_a may_v proceed_v from_o hypocrisy_n but_o attend_v with_o the_o latter_a it_o make_v the_o whole_a trinity_n to_o rejoice_v and_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o those_o grace_n we_o already_o have_v and_o engage_v god_n to_o give_v we_o more_o as_o our_o future_a condition_n shall_v want_v supply_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v say_v our_o saviour_n nay_o this_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n rejoice_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o sanctify_v and_o a_o vicious_a life_n be_v say_v to_o grieve_v he_o and_o how_o acceptable_a a_o sacrifice_n the_o whole_a be_v appear_v in_o what_o he_o say_v by_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 50.23_o whoso_o offer_v praise_n glorifi_v i_o and_o to_o he_o that_o order_v his_o conversation_n aright_o will_v i_o show_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v the_o natural_a result_v of_o a_o sense_n of_o mercy_n and_o favour_n impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o conclude_v those_o to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o benefit_n that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o their_o benefactor_n and_o the_o proportion_n of_o thanks_o must_v take_v their_o measure_n from_o the_o benefit_n receive_v how_o much_o therefore_o the_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o convey_v light_n unto_o the_o world_n to_o conduct_v mankind_n to_o glory_n and_o immortality_n exceed_v all_o the_o temporal_a favour_n we_o do_v enjoy_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o must_v our_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o and_o our_o life_n express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o to_o he_o who_o by_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n procure_v he_o four_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o do_v he_o still_o influence_n our_o mind_n and_o promote_v our_o endeavour_n in_o make_v enquiry_n after_o the_o thing_n that_o conduce_v to_o our_o peace_n then_o let_v we_o pray_v frequent_o to_o almighty_a god_n for_o this_o influence_n and_o benediction_n of_o the_o spirit_n prayer_n be_v that_o which_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o send_v he_o in_o so_o eminent_a a_o manner_n and_o for_o such_o glorious_a design_n into_o the_o world_n and_o prayer_n will_v still_o continue_v he_o here_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n say_v christ_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n joh._n 14.16_o prayer_n have_v not_o only_o a_o influence_n upon_o ourselves_o as_o it_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o make_v our_o holy_a resolution_n steady_a but_o mighty_o prevail_v with_o god_n himself_o who_o will_v crown_v what_o he_o have_v command_v with_o success_n in_o this_o therefore_o lie_v our_o great_a strength_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o duty_n sober_o and_o with_o a_o suitable_a devotion_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n nay_o it_o convey_v to_o we_o those_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v useful_a to_o we_o for_o the_o sanctify_a our_o nature_n and_o carry_v we_o through_o the_o hazard_n and_o various_a circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n for_o if_o you_o be_v evil_a say_v our_o saviour_n know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_o 11.13_o let_v we_o not_o then_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n since_o so_o great_a a_o advantage_n attend_v its_o devout_a and_o hearty_a performance_n and_o to_o public_a prayer_n whereby_o god_n be_v most_o glorify_a the_o pain_n be_v only_a presence_n and_o devotion_n five_o if_o god_n send_v his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o
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