they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o be_v wear_v to_o remember_v they_o of_o the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o to_o difference_n the_o jew_n from_o other_o nation_n and_o to_o prevent_v idolatry_n as_o often_o as_o they_o look_v upon_o these_o fringe_n which_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n command_v they_o to_o wear_v numb_a 15.38_o scrupulous_a be_v these_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n but_o they_o regard_v not_o so_o much_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o nor_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v ordain_v to_o signify_v and_o represent_v we_o read_v of_o some_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n who_o yet_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2._o tim._n 3.4_o and_o this_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v so_o long_o as_o religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v veil_v with_o hypocrisy_n and_o one_o man_n can_v discern_v the_o inside_n of_o another_o it_o be_v but_o be_v strict_a in_o outward_a appearance_n and_o a_o 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it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o know_v or_o our_o frail_a capacity_n can_v receive_v so_o that_o we_o may_v accommodate_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n thou_o shall_v guide_v we_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v we_o to_o glory_n psal_n 73.24_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n still_o guide_v we_o into_o as_o far_o as_o our_o frailty_n be_v able_a to_o comport_v with_o his_o method_n and_o influence_n he_o do_v not_o now_o come_v among_o man_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o speak_v divers_a language_n or_o to_o work_v miracle_n among_o those_o who_o have_v the_o record_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o yet_o to_o reveal_v such_o secret_n as_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o proper_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o he_o do_v not_o help_v we_o to_o search_v into_o the_o closet_n and_o decree_n of_o heaven_n no_o more_o than_o he_o discover_v the_o counsel_n of_o prince_n nor_o do_v he_o elevate_v man_n 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that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o far_o use_v make_v of_o this_o writing_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o a_o few_o brief_a observation_n and_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a or_o some_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o first_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o in_o matter_n or_o religion_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o his_o belief_n or_o practice_n as_o far_o as_o he_o have_v ability_n and_o capacity_n to_o understand_v because_o s._n john_n exhort_v all_o man_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o this_o will_v neither_o seem_v to_o be_v absurd_a or_o impossible_a when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o be_v man_n endue_v with_o rational_a faculty_n that_o we_o have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v plain_a that_o be_v universal_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n that_o we_o have_v guide_n appoint_v to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o what_o be_v difficult_a and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n promise_v to_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o which_o god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o who_o in_o earnest_a prayer_n devout_o ask_v it_o and_o which_o be_v present_a with_o he_o in_o all_o emergence_n till_o by_o a_o vicious_a life_n he_o strange_o grieve_v he_o and_o by_o a_o obstinate_a continuance_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n he_o provoke_v it_o total_o to_o withdraw_v from_o he_o be_v there_o a_o human_a throne_n of_o infallibility_n erect_v to_o which_o all_o other_o may_v appeal_v and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o he_o that_o possess_v it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o a_o apostle_n direction_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o since_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o the_o scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o no_o such_o human_a infallibility_n but_o assure_v we_o that_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n as_o it_o produce_v the_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o man_n to_o settle_v his_o own_o notion_n in_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n propound_v to_o his_o belief_n or_o which_o be_v design_v to_o guide_v his_o practice_n before_o he_o believe_v and_o entertain_v they_o make_v god_n word_n his_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a and_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o those_o guide_n and_o teacher_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o set_v over_o he_o in_o those_o point_n that_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a and_o this_o if_o do_v with_o that_o humility_n devout_a prayer_n for_o god_n assistance_n and_o true_a industry_n which_o become_v a_o man_n in_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o that_o of_o religion_n will_v either_o find_v out_o all_o truth_n or_o if_o he_o remain_v in_o any_o error_n it_o will_v be_v such_o as_o god_n will_v never_o condemn_v he_o for_o since_o the_o most_o gracious_a god_n will_v never_o expect_v from_o mankind_n that_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n shall_v exceed_v the_o cacapacity_n of_o their_o reception_n and_o what_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o appointment_n can_v help_v they_o to_o nor_o that_o either_o their_o belief_n or_o action_n shall_v ever_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o their_o being_n and_o those_o that_o so_o studious_o and_o industrious_o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o man_n reason_n and_o examination_n about_o the_o doctrine_n they_o propound_v render_v their_o opinion_n thing_n to_o be_v very_o much_o suspect_v and_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a when_o they_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o as_o for_o that_o peace_n among_o christian_n that_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o where_o else_o boast_v a_o establishment_n and_o continuance_n of_o whilst_o protestant_n be_v crumble_v into_o sect_n and_o division_n we_o may_v easy_o reply_v that_o they_o 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be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o compel_v or_o punish_v either_o if_o man_n be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o keep_v it_o to_o themselves_o and_o not_o trouble_v other_o by_o discourse_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v do_v as_o well_o as_o authority_n keep_v man_n in_o a_o tolerable_a order_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o management_n of_o secular_a affair_n though_o he_o that_o administer_v it_o be_v not_o infallible_a nor_o do_v all_o that_o be_v subject_n still_o concur_v in_o opinion_n with_o he_o preserve_v therefore_o your_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o use_v it_o too_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v lead_v like_o blind_a man_n when_o you_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v and_o help_v to_o assist_v they_o when_o they_o wax_v dim_a and_o then_o have_v settle_v yourselves_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n second_o let_v i_o exhort_v you_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o not_o to_o be_v like_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n roll_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o tempest_n and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v please_v with_o every_o new_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n because_o variety_n in_o other_o thing_n different_a from_o religion_n be_v so_o grateful_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n for_o in_o such_o thing_n they_o may_v have_v their_o choice_n and_o not_o be_v limit_v by_o a_o superior_a power_n but_o our_o option_n in_o relation_n to_o principle_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v direct_v by_o a_o superior_a rule_n and_o guide_v and_o have_v once_o find_v out_o this_o we_o must_v not_o vary_v upon_o new_a pretension_n from_o what_o this_o prescribe_v to_o we_o lest_o have_v leave_v those_o path_n that_o shall_v direct_v we_o we_o wander_v about_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o satan_n get_v great_a advantage_n upon_o unsteady_a mind_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v a_o new_a impression_n
society_n much_o more_o in_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v pure_o christian_a that_o we_o may_v be_v regular_a and_o uniform_a in_o our_o practice_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o division_n among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o common_a act_n which_o we_o be_v to_o join_v in_o as_o a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o christian_a man_n may_v not_o be_v disturb_v by_o particular_a member_n withdraw_v from_o they_o or_o render_v indecent_a or_o invalid_a by_o noise_n or_o confusion_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o any_o man_n to_o resign_v either_o his_o sense_n or_o reason_n in_o any_o point_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o capable_a judge_n but_o only_o to_o captivate_v it_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n in_o such_o point_n as_o be_v apparent_o reveal_v by_o god_n though_o the_o point_n themselves_o may_v be_v above_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o authority_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o stand_a law_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n because_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o law_n both_o to_o our_o governor_n and_o ourselves_o antecedent_o to_o the_o law_n and_o canon_n of_o man_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o reject_v the_o pretence_n of_o aspire_a man_n to_o any_o absolute_a and_o complete_a infallibility_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o promise_n suppose_v to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o sacred_a apostle_n because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n make_v to_o any_o but_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o writer_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o write_n be_v to_o be_v our_o stand_a rule_n in_o all_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n nay_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o first_o divine_a and_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v only_o to_o introduce_v a_o new_a law_n superstruct_v upon_o the_o old_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o free_a religion_n from_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n and_o custom_n of_o man_n who_o abuse_v their_o authority_n have_v false_o impose_v thing_n on_o other_o to_o obliterate_v the_o old_a ceremonial_a injunction_n prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o draw_v the_o gentile_n from_o their_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o to_o erect_v the_o christian_a church_n among_o man_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v flock_v to_o it_o be_v shelter_v in_o one_o fold_n be_v redeem_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o destroyer_n and_o feed_v together_o under_o the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v before_o of_o mean_a capacity_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o understand_v his_o law_n so_o well_o as_o to_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o stand_a rule_n to_o all_o future_a generation_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v once_o complete_v by_o the_o information_n which_o our_o 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will_v endeavour_v to_o mislead_v they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o have_v humility_n enough_o to_o use_v the_o help_n of_o the_o learned_a in_o religion_n and_o grace_n enough_o to_o implore_v the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o god_n give_v to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o but_o if_o he_o endeavour_v with_o sincerity_n to_o live_v according_a to_o what_o he_o already_o know_v and_o faithful_o and_o honest_o apply_v his_o rational_a faculty_n to_o the_o diligent_a search_n of_o divine_a truth_n he_o shall_v certain_o attain_v such_o degree_n and_o advancement_n of_o knowledge_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n if_o he_o do_v not_o too_o much_o strive_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o chance_v to_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n through_o the_o naked_a infirmity_n of_o human_a nature_n it_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o foundation_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v so_o severe_o lay_v to_o his_o charge_n as_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o condemn_v he_o hereafter_o when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o help_v it_o the_o scripture_n certain_o be_v first_o design_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o a_o rule_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o all_o who_o be_v to_o take_v their_o measure_n by_o it_o may_v be_v able_a by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o compare_v their_o belief_n and_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o also_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a nay_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o rational_a power_n together_o with_o those_o assistance_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o and_o make_v use_n of_o these_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n yield_v this_o to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o will_v be_v perverse_a and_o obstinate_a in_o every_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o think_v upon_o the_o quality_n of_o those_o person_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n apply_v themselves_o in_o their_o usual_a discourse_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o speak_v not_o in_o their_o sermon_n nor_o write_v their_o epistle_n only_o to_o the_o rabbin_n among_o the_o jew_n nor_o only_o to_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o gentile_n nor_o be_v there_o at_o the_o first_o many_o rich_a or_o noble_a call_v but_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o the_o apostle_n declare_v their_o doctrine_n free_o to_o the_o multitude_n nay_o so_o do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v preach_v it_o in_o such_o language_n as_o all_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n and_o receive_v it_o if_o prejudice_n do_v not_o resist_v the_o impression_n for_o their_o design_n be_v to_o plant_n christianity_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o religion_n to_o bring_v the_o lapse_v race_n of_o man_n once_o more_o to_o god_n by_o dissuade_v they_o from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o by_o guide_v their_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n why_o shall_v any_o think_v that_o they_o deliver_v the_o matter_n of_o man_n future_a and_o everlasting_a concern_v and_o the_o present_a law_n to_o guide_v they_o by_o in_o so_o mysterious_a a_o manner_n or_o such_o muffle_a language_n that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o their_o discourse_n may_v be_v lose_v by_o their_o speak_v unintelligible_o to_o the_o people_n now_o since_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o too_o much_o hinder_v by_o a_o very_a bad_a constitution_n of_o their_o body_n have_v all_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o every_o individual_a have_v a_o proper_a judgement_n peculiarly_a his_o own_o and_o either_o we_o understand_v the_o language_n and_o scheme_n of_o speech_n in_o which_o the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v write_v or_o else_o we_o receive_v they_o faithful_o translate_v especial_o in_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o rule_n which_o the_o critic_n themselves_o can_v well_v torture_n because_o they_o be_v often_o than_o once_o deliver_v from_o several_a pious_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o more_o perfect_o and_o complete_o understand_v they_o why_o shall_v thing_n therefore_o that_o be_v at_o first_o plain_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a be_v so_o obscure_a to_o we_o that_o we_o must_v want_v a_o guide_n who_o be_v infallible_a to_o direct_v we_o almost_o in_o all_o our_o way_n and_o what_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o he_o split_v we_o at_o last_o against_o a_o stone_n if_o god_n have_v not_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o bridle_v mankind_n so_o as_o to_o curb_v they_o from_o become_a sinner_n but_o have_v in_o this_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o
reason_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v prove_v divine_a by_o the_o testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o sufficient_a mean_n be_v not_o afford_v they_o to_o know_v and_o distinguish_v divine_a revelation_n from_o imposture_n and_o pretence_n the_o thing_n deliver_v be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n then_o give_v check_v to_o their_o belief_n and_o custom_n and_o education_n have_v impress_v they_o with_o different_a nay_o contrary_a notion_n of_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v therefore_o antecedent_o to_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o as_o s._n paul_n be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o evidence_n that_o those_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o they_o be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n so_o there_o be_v some_o method_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o revelation_n and_o not_o receive_v it_o upon_o his_o bare_a testimony_n nay_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v it_o be_v for_o s._n john_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n if_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no_o five_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v too_o that_o there_o be_v false_a pretension_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n vent_v in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o true_a and_o true_a and_o false_a under_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o our_o saviour_n to_o prevent_v a_o rash_a belief_n and_o thereby_o a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o gospel_n or_o trust_v in_o another_o messiah_n acquaint_v the_o world_n that_o there_o will_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n mark_n 13.22_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v and_o entertain_v they_o although_o according_a to_o their_o different_a principle_n and_o design_n they_o shall_v cry_v out_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o there_o and_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v false_a prophet_n former_o among_o the_o people_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o the_o christian_n who_o shall_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o that_o many_o shall_v follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 2._o nay_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o of_o those_o who_o in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o never_o see_v be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n who_o yet_o depart_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n make_v the_o come_n to_o god_n by_o the_o mediatory_a application_n to_o a_o angel_n a_o demonstration_n of_o their_o humility_n and_o so_o reject_v the_o intercession_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n col._n 2.18_o but_o our_o own_o age_n be_v so_o fruitful_a in_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o the_o possibility_n of_o man_n false_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n and_o of_o their_o vent_v corrupt_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o than_o our_o own_o experience_n nor_o need_v we_o rake_v in_o the_o dust_n of_o false_a prophet_n in_o past_a age_n when_o we_o have_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n and_o trouble_n live_v monument_n on_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v read_v and_o see_v yet_o sixthly_a notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o must_v maintain_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a inspiration_n this_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o s._n john_n to_o who_o i_o must_v adhere_v for_o it_o will_v be_v ill_a logic_n to_o infer_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n advise_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o shall_v give_v credit_n unto_o none_o but_o rather_o that_o some_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v especial_o when_o we_o take_v in_o his_o direction_n with_o it_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n this_o argue_v that_o some_o doctrine_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o some_o man_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o although_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n shall_v the_o contrary_a be_v hold_v by_o any_o among_o we_o it_o will_v not_o only_o invalidate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n under_o the_o new_a it_o will_v conclude_v the_o intercourse_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n to_o be_v a_o impossible_a chimaera_n and_o turn_v all_o divinity_n into_o a_o fable_n and_o at_o once_o render_v our_o time_n mis-spend_v and_o lose_v whilst_o i_o be_o write_v and_o other_o read_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o and_o all_o dispute_v concern_v any_o positive_a and_o institute_v religion_n the_o foolish_a talk_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n that_o busy_a themselves_o to_o deceive_v other_o and_o give_v trouble_n to_o their_o own_o flesh_n when_o man_n reason_n may_v supply_v all_o but_o such_o a_o fancy_n i_o suppose_v to_o be_v too_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a to_o be_v admit_v in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o this_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o have_v frequent_v christian_a assembly_n and_o have_v hear_v discourse_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o new_a that_o have_v read_v the_o jew_n argument_n for_o their_o law_n or_o the_o christian_a father_n apologize_v for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n converse_v with_o man_n that_o reject_v not_o his_o omnipotence_n or_o else_o doubt_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v sure_o they_o must_v deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o affirm_v all_o his_o appearance_n to_o man_n to_o be_v a_o fable_n since_o from_o they_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o therefore_o to_o man_n that_o acknowledge_v this_o i_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o direct_v this_o discourse_n as_o well_o as_o s._n john_n do_v in_o the_o text_n so_o frequent_o recite_v who_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a inspiration_n before_o he_o advise_v man_n to_o separate_v the_o pretence_n of_o false_a prophet_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a otherwise_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o exercise_v their_o faculty_n assist_v by_o rule_n or_o to_o make_v any_o discrimination_n at_o all_o where_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o difference_n seven_o therefore_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n pretend_v inspiration_n have_v thus_o far_o be_v bring_v on_o towards_o a_o conclusion_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o assent_n and_o choice_n in_o matter_n of_o such_o huge_a and_o vast_a moment_n on_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o soul_n depend_v must_v be_v direct_v by_o what_o sufficient_o without_o fallacy_n evidence_n those_o doctrine_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o other_o or_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o from_o our_o own_o reason_n be_v certain_o such_o as_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o our_o own_o temperament_n or_o the_o subtlety_n of_o other_o the_o evidence_n therefore_o for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v great_a and_o strong_a than_o any_o argument_n frame_v to_o the_o contrary_a because_o in_o all_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n my_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o evidence_n and_o the_o great_a probability_n guide_v the_o rational_a choice_n of_o man_n and_o all_o that_o act_n suitable_o to_o themselves_o embrace_v the_o proposition_n that_o come_v near_a to_o truth_n and_o certainty_n but_o where_o two_o thing_n seem_v equal_a in_o their_o proof_n a_o rational_a man_n only_o hesitate_v and_o doubt_n and_o give_v up_o his_o assent_n to_o neither_o and_o therefore_o have_v the_o magician_n of_o egypt_n equal_v the_o miracle_n moses_n wrought_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v in_o turn_v rod_n into_o serpent_n and_o river_n into_o blood_n and_o cause_v frog_n to_o come_v up_o before_o he_o they_o need_v not_o at_o that_o time_n have_v acknowledge_v moses_n power_n disproportionable_a to_o their_o own_o nor_o distinguish_v their_o own_o miracle_n from_o he_o by_o say_v this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o pharaoh_n himself_o may_v have_v have_v a_o equal_a argument_n to_o detain_v the_o israelite_n as_o they_o have_v for_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o when_o the_o miracle_n on_o their_o side_n far_o exceed_v the_o wonder_n on_o the_o other_o his_o own_o resolution_n become_v his_o law_n and_o pharaoh_n
gal._n 5.22_o not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v sometime_o phrased_a by_o the_o word_n spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o legal_a observation_n which_o be_v carnal_a ordinance_n be_v call_v flesh_n but_o they_o be_v so_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o as_o he_o first_o dictate_v the_o rule_n so_o do_v he_o also_o concur_v to_o the_o action_n if_o the_o evil_a spirit_n can_v carry_v christ_n to_o be_v tempt_v in_o the_o wilderness_n shall_v we_o not_o think_v the_o good_a spirit_n can_v relieve_v he_o too_o if_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n can_v be_v a_o spirit_n work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n ephes_n 2.2_o shall_v we_o conclude_v the_o holy_a ghost_n less_o active_a or_o powerful_a to_o work_v in_o those_o who_o resign_v their_o will_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o law_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a and_o safe_a conduct_n the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v make_v to_o we_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o through_o the_o spirit_n we_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n rom._n 8.13_o and_o though_o many_o thing_n concur_v with_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o effect_v so_o great_a and_o victorious_a triumph_n yet_o all_o cause_n act_v with_o a_o dependence_n upon_o this_o glorious_a power_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v when_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o its_o reception_n by_o endeavour_v what_o in_o we_o lay_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a philip._n 2.12_o 13._o preach_v prayer_n meditation_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v ordinary_a mean_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o s._n paul_n though_o he_o sufficient_o magnify_v the_o preacher_n office_n say_v that_o we_o be_v only_a worker_n together_o with_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6.1_o and_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o all_o when_o god_n assist_v and_o bless_v our_o endeavour_n and_o god_n grant_v that_o those_o who_o attend_v such_o sacred_a institution_n be_v swift_a to_o hear_v may_v never_o be_v so_o swift_a also_o as_o to_o depart_v without_o a_o blessing_n have_v thus_o both_o assert_v and_o explain_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o influence_n man_n the_o certainty_n of_o its_o operation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o influence_n which_o make_v up_o this_o chapter_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o shall_v close_v it_o with_o a_o brief_a request_n to_o all_o who_o desire_v so_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n here_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o hereafter_o that_o they_o will_v use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v and_o keep_v the_o blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o this_o holy_a spirit_n which_o give_v they_o such_o great_a assistance_n in_o sanctify_v their_o mind_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o will_v well_o use_v the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o more_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o trial_n and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v frequent_o for_o new_a supply_n of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o that_o they_o will_v never_o by_o a_o vicious_a and_o unholy_a life_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o desert_n they_o lest_o through_o too_o much_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o they_o at_o last_o prove_v both_o coward_n and_o apostate_n chap._n xi_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n in_o some_o measure_n prove_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n descend_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 i_o shall_v now_o inquire_v into_o his_o work_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n among_o man_n who_o be_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a being_n who_o may_v as_o some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v have_v well_o enough_o propagate_v christian_a doctrine_n when_o they_o have_v hear_v it_o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n and_o have_v for_o some_o time_n daily_a conversation_n with_o he_o without_o any_o other_o new_a assistance_n beside_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o what_o employment_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o have_v among_o other_o man_n as_o they_o will_v not_o be_v religious_a enough_o to_o know_v so_o true_o they_o be_v yet_o very_o much_o to_o seek_v however_o i_o shall_v adventure_v without_o call_v any_o man_n name_n to_o show_v according_a to_o my_o steady_a and_o long_o continue_v though_o mean_a thought_n what_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o do_v to_o guide_v man_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o promise_n where_o christ_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o engage_v for_o the_o spirit_n corn_v into_o the_o world_n in_o a_o more_o plentiful_a manner_n than_o in_o forego_v period_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v describe_v as_o a_o person_n different_a from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o eminent_a promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o that_o our_o great_a and_o most_o bless_a redeermer_n of_o man_n speak_v of_o a_o person_n here_o and_o not_o of_o what_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la only_o as_o some_o have_v interpret_v this_o place_n to_o void_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v the_o distinguish_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o term_n of_o this_o text_n because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v prefix_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o this_o latter_a part_n which_o be_v a_o periphrasis_n do_v but_o acquaint_v we_o who_o the_o person_n be_v even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o now_o this_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n however_o inexplicable_a it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o all_o particular_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n who_o be_v loath_a to_o think_v that_o any_o being_n be_v above_o their_o great_a capacity_n and_o reason_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v always_o believe_v by_o the_o orthodox_n through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o point_n sufficient_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o baffle_v the_o heathen_a objection_n against_o our_o religion_n viz._n that_o it_o can_v be_v divine_a because_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o it_o but_o i_o design_v not_o to_o treat_v in_o this_o discourse_n with_o any_o that_o own_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a king_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o jesus_n himself_o seem_v to_o take_v great_a care_n to_o insinuate_v and_o fix_v this_o fundamental_a point_n in_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lest_o any_o person_n mighty_a in_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a in_o argument_n shall_v refuse_v to_o believe_v such_o a_o mystery_n as_o this_o when_o apparent_o reveal_v because_o their_o own_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conclude_v the_o thing_n or_o their_o language_n can_v full_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o fourteen_o of_o saint_n john_n gospel_n the_o sixteen_o verse_n our_o bless_a saviour_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n with_o this_o great_a promise_n i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_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 here_o be_v one_o pray_a another_o send_v and_o a_o three_o give_v so_o be_v it_o also_o at_o the_o twenty_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o here_o be_v the_o father_n send_v in_o the_o son_n name_n or_o upon_o his_o account_n the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o teach_v the_o apostle_n those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v more_o brief_o hint_v to_o they_o and_o such_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o apostle_n through_o prejudice_n can_v not_o then_o receive_v and_o to_o bring_v those_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o their_o remembrance_n which_o they_o through_o human_a frailty_n may_v forget_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v to_o be_v the_o publisher_n and_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a penman_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o
guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v have_v safe_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o order_n and_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o then_o see_v how_o god_n value_v soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n however_o man_n too_o much_o disregard_n it_o if_o either_o any_o creed_n or_o none_o at_o all_o can_v have_v carry_v man_n to_o their_o future_a bliss_n christ_n need_n never_o have_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o deliver_v a_o universal_a doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o send_v this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n this_o necessity_n therefore_o of_o be_v sound_n in_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n caution_v man_n against_o prophetical_a pretender_n and_o false_a teacher_n to_o take_v heed_n what_o they_o hear_v mark_n 4.24_o to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o they_o be_v not_o darkness_n luke_o 11.35_o and_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n heb._n 3.12_o hence_o be_v it_o because_o as_o s._n peter_n say_v there_o be_v damnable_a heresy_n that_o the_o unsound_a cretan_n be_v so_o severe_o to_o be_v reprove_v that_o they_o may_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n tit._n 1.13_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n command_v timothy_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o which_o probable_o refer_v to_o some_o brief_a creed_n or_o summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n deliver_v to_o he_o by_o the_o apostle_n though_o we_o find_v they_o now_o burlesque_v and_o flout_v at_o but_o alas_o with_o as_o little_a wit_n as_o reason_n from_o hence_o final_o be_v it_o that_o s._n judas_n exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n 3_o ver_fw-la of_o his_o epist_n we_o be_v not_o now_o to_o make_v our_o own_o faith_n nor_o be_v it_o indifferent_a what_o we_o believe_v let_v we_o receive_v therefore_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n through_o all_o the_o several_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v our_o life_n as_o pure_a as_o our_o faith_n last_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o speak_v truth_n and_o by_o no_o method_n to_o impose_v upon_o one_o another_o that_o we_o may_v evidence_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o the_o world_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v still_o a_o influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o viper_n among_o man_n who_o tooth_n be_v spear_n and_o arrow_n and_o their_o tongue_n a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o engross_v the_o whole_a trade_n of_o lie_v and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v man_n inspire_v these_o receive_v false_a news_n in_o gross_a and_o then_o retail_v it_o out_o to_o other_o their_o tongue_n indeed_o be_v very_o sharp_a and_o no_o wonder_n neither_o since_o they_o keep_v the_o whetstone_n whole_o to_o themselves_o these_o be_v your_o itinerant_a historian_n that_o to_o consume_v our_o corn_n carry_v always_o firebrand_n at_o their_o tail_n who_o lie_v so_o often_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o believe_v themselves_o when_o they_o speak_v truth_n and_o give_v to_o all_o that_o have_v have_v the_o curse_n of_o their_o conversation_n a_o plain_a testimony_n who_o their_o father_n be_v but_o let_v not_o any_o of_o our_o soul_n enter_v into_o their_o secret_n but_o resolve_v to_o resemble_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o abominate_v all_o lie_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o to_o qualify_v ourselves_o for_o our_o future_a ascent_n to_o god_n holy_a hill_n by_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o our_o heart_n psal_n 15._o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o we_o must_v follow_v so_o good_a a_o example_n unless_o we_o think_v lie_v the_o character_n of_o a_o saint_n and_o perjury_n to_o put_v on_o a_o martyr_n crown_n s._n paul_n do_v not_o think_v so_o when_o he_o forbid_v the_o colossian_n to_o lie_v to_o one_o another_o see_v they_o have_v put_v off_o the_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n colos_n 3.9_o let_v we_o therefore_o beware_v of_o arrogance_n and_o calumny_n of_o detract_n from_o other_o or_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o ourselves_o and_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o holy_a spirit_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o guide_v ourselves_o into_o all_o truth_n so_o shall_v we_o avoid_v both_o sin_n and_o shame_n and_o eternal_a confusion_n at_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v then_o give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n will_v we_o but_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v the_o sacred_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o influence_n our_o mind_n in_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n commerce_n and_o trade_n will_v be_v more_o innocent_a we_o shall_v neither_o betray_v our_o own_o self_n by_o any_o false_a or_o gloze_a language_n nor_o shall_v we_o suffer_v by_o plain_a deal_n oath_n will_v again_o become_v religious_a among_o english_a man_n nor_o will_v any_o be_v unjust_o execute_v by_o guilty_a or_o scandalous_o free_v by_o a_o ignoramus_n our_o gracious_a and_o true_o great_a monarch_n will_v be_v safe_a without_o the_o base_a attempt_n of_o any_o to_o secure_v he_o he_o will_v be_v our_o own_o and_o we_o at_o his_o wise_n and_o lawful_a disposal_n by_o his_o coronation_n oath_n and_o our_o swear_a allegiance_n to_o he_o every_o man_n be_v there_o truth_n among_o we_o may_v enjoy_v peace_n in_o his_o own_o capacity_n he_o may_v sit_v under_o his_o vine_n and_o his_o fig_n tree_n and_o liberty_n and_o property_n will_v never_o be_v bone_n of_o contention_n more_o but_o if_o we_o remain_v hypocrite_n in_o religion_n and_o false_a to_o each_o other_o we_o can_v neither_o expect_v that_o god_n or_o man_n shall_v be_v our_o friend_n because_o what_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o peck_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v the_o whole_a creation_n groan_n we_o shake_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n when_o we_o be_v such_o wretched_a creature_n that_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v we_o and_o we_o can_v but_o enrage_v the_o great_a god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o have_v send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n unto_o we_o to_o guide_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n whatever_o guilt_n therefore_o any_o person_n may_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n strike_v in_o with_o his_o own_o easy_a inclination_n have_v contract_v to_o himself_o in_o this_o point_n let_v he_o now_o repent_v while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o the_o night_n come_v in_o which_o terror_n and_o astonishment_n will_v surprise_v he_o who_o obscure_a shadow_n will_v by_o degree_n withdraw_v the_o please_a light_n from_o he_o till_o it_o lodge_v he_o in_o a_o state_n of_o blackness_n for_o ever_o the_o conclusion_n we_o be_v here_o place_v in_o a_o world_n so_o full_a of_o object_n that_o affect_v our_o external_a sense_n that_o we_o be_v natural_o lead_v more_o by_o these_o than_o we_o be_v by_o faith_n and_o when_o by_o degree_n we_o abstract_a our_o thought_n and_o fix_v our_o mind_n on_o thing_n above_o we_o either_o weary_a the_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o sink_v into_o a_o stupid_a inadvertency_n or_o else_o be_v so_o please_v with_o the_o sprightliness_n of_o our_o create_a fancy_n that_o we_o nimble_o make_v idea_n in_o our_o brain_n of_o such_o seem_a thing_n as_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v and_o so_o we_o lead_v ourselves_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o be_v not_o design_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o possession_n sometime_o these_o thing_n be_v project_v before_o hand_n by_o the_o cunning_a politic_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o by_o such_o mean_n intend_v to_o impose_v upon_o other_o to_o carry_v on_o secular_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
his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o himself_o the_o messiah_n send_v from_o god_n by_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o the_o gnostic_n do_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o thing_n by_o retain_v upon_o occasion_n the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v abolish_v if_o he_o be_v own_v as_o a_o person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o void_a the_o old_a law_n and_o establish_v a_o new_a so_o that_o those_o who_o embrace_v what_o he_o come_v to_o vacate_v in_o effect_n deny_v he_o to_o be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o consequent_o destroy_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o renounce_v the_o messiah_n who_o authority_n establish_v this_o new_a law_n as_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o world_n nay_o by_o this_o rejection_n of_o the_o son_n they_o disown_v the_o father_n who_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o give_v he_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n give_v a_o testimony_n to_o his_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o our_o apostle_n reflect_v upon_o these_o man_n say_v who_o be_v a_o liar_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o be_v antichrist_n that_o deny_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n whoso_o deny_v the_o son_n the_o same_o have_v not_o the_o father_n but_o he_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o son_n the_o same_o have_v the_o father_n also_o 1_o john_n 2_o chap._n 22.23_o and_o in_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n 3._o v._n every_o spirit_n or_o teacher_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n whereof_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o shall_v come_v and_o even_o now_o already_o be_v it_o in_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n of_o s._n john_n together_o with_o those_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n caution_n man_n to_o beware_v i_o shall_v far_o explain_v and_o illustrate_v the_o word_n to_o render_v they_o yet_o more_o useful_a to_o ourselves_o by_o consider_v in_o they_o 1._o a_o caution_n 2._o a_o exhortation_n 3._o the_o reason_n of_o both_o the_o caution_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n the_o exhortation_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o reason_n both_o of_o this_o caution_n and_o exhortation_n be_v because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o apostle_n caution_n beloved_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n if_o all_o that_o man_n utter_v pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v be_v without_o any_o severe_a consideration_n to_o be_v entertain_v and_o what_o they_o deliver_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v there_o will_v no_o more_o need_v the_o apostle_n caution_n than_o our_o own_o care_n but_o when_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n in_o which_o proposition_n and_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v that_o too_o plain_o contradict_v each_o other_o some_o of_o which_o be_v impious_a and_o abominable_a other_o at_o first_o audit_n foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o a_o three_o sort_n that_o tend_v to_o disturbance_n and_o ruin_n waste_v property_n make_v our_o kingdom_n large_a aceldama_n and_o our_o city_n the_o place_n of_o dead_a man_n scull_n and_o be_v apparent_a enemy_n to_o human_a society_n when_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o catholic_n religion_n doctrine_n of_o purity_n proposal_n to_o advance_v the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n principle_n shall_v be_v insinuate_v that_o if_o pursue_v with_o that_o furious_a zeal_n which_o they_o require_v will_v effectual_o destroy_v those_o thing_n indeed_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o maintain_v in_o word_n if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n may_v thus_o be_v fight_v under_o his_o own_o banner_n the_o cause_n of_o god_n cover_v abomination_n murder_n be_v act_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o maker_n blasphemy_n be_v speak_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o method_n to_o render_v prince_n glorious_a shall_v be_v by_o stab_v or_o behead_v if_o the_o most_o horrid_a wickedness_n shall_v be_v palliate_v under_o the_o cloak_n of_o religion_n a_o new_a commandment_n shall_v be_v pretend_v for_o breach_n of_o the_o old_a and_o the_o moral_a law_n shall_v daily_o be_v violate_v by_o inspiration_n if_o man_n under_o pretension_n to_o the_o guidance_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o first_o deliverer_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o succeed_a age_n and_o generation_n shall_v hang_v out_o new_a light_n to_o the_o world_n that_o take_v away_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o old_a and_o preach_v to_o we_o another_o gospel_n bear_v their_o christ_n only_o picture_v on_o their_o standard_n and_o banner_n and_o their_o gospel_n to_o we_o on_o the_o point_n of_o sword_n nay_o when_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n neither_o prescribe_v nor_o use_v such_o method_n but_o quite_o contrary_a those_o of_o faith_n and_o patience_n humility_n and_o self-denial_n which_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o the_o government_n of_o prince_n but_o make_v man_n active_o or_o passive_o to_o obey_v and_o when_o the_o same_o spirit_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n that_o man_n will_v so_o far_o depart_v from_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o nay_o when_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v acquaint_v the_o world_n that_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v with_o such_o earnest_a pretence_n and_o strong_a delusion_n that_o shall_v almost_o shake_v the_o very_a elect_n those_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o name_n and_o character_n upon_o with_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o there_o exalt_v several_a though_o false_a messiah_n it_o will_v become_v we_o to_o consider_v any_o new_a pretension_n beyond_o the_o rule_n we_o have_v already_o learned_a and_o not_o to_o receive_v opinion_n at_o adventure_n but_o to_o make_v a_o more_o strict_a and_o considerate_a enquiry_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o we_o have_v already_o entertain_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o final_a period_n and_o consummation_n of_o age_n and_o though_o this_o great_a and_o characteristical_a principle_n of_o protestant_n be_v contradict_v both_o by_o the_o papist_n and_o enthusiast_n whilst_o the_o former_a equal_a their_o tradition_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o latter_a their_o own_o fancy_n and_o dream_n both_o upon_o occasion_n bestow_v such_o ignominious_a title_n on_o the_o bible_n that_o they_o will_v think_v it_o uncivil_a if_o they_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o any_o of_o their_o own_o write_n yet_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o 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former_a way_n of_o live_v prepare_v we_o titus_n 2.11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n nay_o so_o perfect_a and_o complete_a be_v this_o rule_n and_o so_o design_v to_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o apostle_n denounce_v a_o curse_n against_o any_o that_o teach_v another_o gospel_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n different_a from_o or_o contradictory_n to_o this_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n and_o repeat_v it_o twice_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o stand_v as_o a_o memorial_n to_o all_o age_n gal._n 1.8_o 9_o and_o saint_n john_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o revelation_n sufficient_o reprove_v all_o new_a pretension_n by_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v addition_n to_o this_o which_o be_v complete_a before_o god_n shall_v add_v unto_o
he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v threaten_v in_o it_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v take_v away_o from_o it_o his_o part_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rev._n 22.18_o 19_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o point_n which_o protestant_n have_v always_o hold_v as_o that_o which_o as_o it_o be_v most_o true_a so_o it_o be_v their_o most_o sure_a defence_n against_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o ancient_a father_n try_v doctrine_n by_o of_o old_a and_o reprove_v heretic_n by_o what_o be_v write_v although_o according_a to_o the_o education_n or_o disposition_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v they_o they_o want_v not_o but_o make_v use_v of_o argument_n from_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o safe_a because_o it_o be_v a_o true_a rule_n and_o true_a because_o give_v to_o we_o by_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o give_v sufficient_a 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be_v humble_a and_o modest_a in_o their_o inquiry_n how_o then_o can_v we_o believe_v every_o spirit_n rash_o receive_v opinion_n at_o adventure_n since_o this_o stand_a rule_n may_v be_v contradict_v by_o they_o or_o oppose_v under_o a_o seem_a shelter_n of_o its_o own_o whilst_o man_n wrest_v it_o to_o other_o ruin_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n second_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n be_v to_o unman_v ourselves_o render_v we_o ridiculous_a and_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n of_o all_o consider_v man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o since_o not_o only_a s._n john_n but_o continual_a experience_n assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v false_a prophet_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o vent_v contrary_a doctrine_n to_o those_o that_o be_v true_a to_o attempt_v to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n be_v to_o attempt_v impossibility_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o foolish_a but_o unreasonable_a since_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o believe_v contradictory_n opinion_n to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n true_a but_o suppose_v they_o be_v receive_v successive_o to_o one_o another_o yet_o it_o argue_v great_a levity_n and_o inconstancy_n in_o man_n to_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n want_v of_o judgement_n to_o be_v so_o easy_o persuade_v and_o that_o they_o be_v careless_a in_o their_o first_o choice_n who_o be_v so_o ready_o prevail_v upon_o for_o a_o second_o that_o they_o never_o be_v settle_v upon_o the_o old_a foundation_n who_o on_o all_o occasion_n remove_v to_o a_o new_a and_o be_v not_o true_a to_o their_o first_o love_n who_o can_v be_v constant_a upon_o the_o sight_n of_o another_o but_o alter_v their_o affection_n upon_o every_o view_n of_o a_o new_a face_n and_o be_v please_v with_o all_o the_o part_n of_o variety_n now_o these_o be_v blemish_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n mutable_a temper_n without_o any_o considerable_a reason_n be_v blot_n and_o a_o disparagement_n to_o mankind_n who_o rational_a 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consider_v what_o they_o can_v upon_o fit_v circumstance_n part_n with_o and_o what_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o adhere_v to_o with_o all_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n alas_o the_o waver_a man_n have_v no_o peace_n though_o for_o his_o own_o reputation_n he_o may_v often_o pretend_v it_o but_o as_o s._n james_n say_v he_o be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o toss_v jam._n 1.6_o like_o a_o disease_a sick_a man_n upon_o his_o bed_n he_o tumble_v about_o from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o carry_v always_o a_o windmill_n in_o his_o head_n which_o grind_v he_o according_a as_o the_o wind_n veer_v and_o turn_n he_o neglect_v his_o call_v if_o he_o have_v any_o or_o if_o he_o have_v none_o better_a employment_n to_o drive_v with_o a_o strange_a phanatic_a fury_n about_o the_o world_n ready_a to_o overturn_v all_o he_o meet_v with_o to_o inquire_v concern_v news_n and_o project_n that_o he_o may_v embrace_v all_o and_o be_v true_a to_o neither_o and_o so_o the_o man_n render_v himself_o unfit_a to_o be_v either_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o christian_a and_o become_v a_o fool_n by_o those_o method_n by_o which_o he_o will_v yet_o be_v account_v wise_a but_o he_o that_o have_v well_o measure_v his_o principle_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o have_v distinguish_v betwixt_o what_o be_v fundamental_a and_o what_o be_v circumstantial_a who_o have_v bind_v his_o life_n to_o a_o stake_n die_v daily_o in_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o resolve_v well_o when_o it_o be_v religious_a to_o suffer_v decent_o how_o far_o he_o be_v able_a upon_o just_a occasion_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o command_n of_o man_n vest_v in_o lawful_a authority_n and_o where_o the_o point_n and_o limit_n be_v beyond_o which_o he_o must_v not_o step_v a_o foot_n but_o if_o he_o perish_v he_o will_v perish_v there_o that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o eternal_o perish_v this_o man_n stand_v unmoved_a at_o tempest_n and_o storm_n do_v his_o duty_n according_a to_o his_o station_n and_o the_o just_a command_n of_o his_o lawful_a superior_n and_o if_o the_o heaven_n fall_n justice_n shall_v always_o be_v do_v by_o he_o he_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o his_o place_n require_v unconcern_v at_o seem_a tempest_n that_o threaten_v or_o that_o thunder_n which_o begin_v the_o storm_n he_o know_v when_o his_o life_n or_o estate_n or_o liberty_n must_v be_v sacrifice_v when_o by_o lawful_a authority_n willing_o and_o when_o by_o unlawful_a it_o must_v be_v by_o force_n take_v and_o therefore_o go_v on_o cheerful_o and_o faithful_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v on_o the_o side_n of_o law_n and_o just_a authority_n put_v it_o in_o execution_n and_o stop_v when_o a_o high_a rule_n will_v permit_v he_o to_o go_v no_o further_o and_o certain_o as_o this_o prevent_v all_o anticipation_n of_o evil_n so_o be_v it_o such_o a_o steady_a and_o well_o consider_v resolution_n that_o be_v more_o manly_a and_o rational_a than_o to_o be_v drive_v like_o the_o cloud_n in_o the_o air_n and_o to_o be_v always_o like_o the_o sea_n in_o motion_n sometime_o forward_o and_o sometime_o backward_o without_o any_o fix_a rest_n or_o quiet_a or_o by_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n to_o entertain_v none_o kind_o as_o we_o ought_v three_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n because_o if_o we_o give_v ourselves_o too_o great_a a_o liberty_n it_o will_v be_v difficult_a indeed_o impossible_a to_o discern_v those_o that_o be_v true_a from_o the_o false_a if_o we_o once_o get_v into_o the_o wilderness_n we_o may_v travel_v forty_o year_n there_o and_o neither_o know_v when_o we_o be_v in_o or_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o wander_v about_o god_n know_v whither_o we_o may_v murmur_v and_o repine_v and_o blame_v each_o other_o whilst_o the_o fault_n
will_v yet_o remain_v in_o ourselves_o and_o our_o very_a travail_n become_v our_o punishment_n till_o at_o last_o we_o die_v and_o perish_v in_o a_o wilderness_n which_o become_v the_o entrance_n to_o great_a darkness_n alas_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o much_o debauch_v by_o the_o corrupt_a intermixture_n and_o disgrace_v by_o the_o vicious_a life_n of_o man_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v its_o record_n so_o hide_v or_o lose_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v nor_o be_v man_n yet_o so_o blockish_a and_o unlearned_a that_o they_o can_v read_v so_o as_o to_o understand_v they_o if_o man_n be_v so_o blind_a those_o that_o be_v as_o blind_a may_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o ditch_n but_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n beside_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v now_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n stand_v and_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n with_o their_o original_a record_n and_o therefore_o this_o religion_n become_v matter_n of_o fact_n not_o invention_n and_o all_o the_o question_n must_v now_o be_v what_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v the_o wise_a and_o grave_a reason_n of_o man_n must_v not_o control_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n nor_o make_v another_o thing_n of_o that_o which_o god_n send_v his_o son_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v convey_v to_o we_o with_o as_o great_a a_o certainty_n as_o any_o thing_n antecedent_n to_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o we_o be_v not_o now_o by_o discourse_n or_o inspiration_n to_o make_v to_o ourselves_o another_o gospel_n under_o the_o notion_n or_o pretence_n of_o the_o old_a this_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n subject_a to_o the_o maxim_n of_o every_o squirt_n and_o half-witted_a philosopher_n nor_o to_o be_v mould_v according_a to_o the_o intrigue_n and_o design_n of_o a_o subtle_a and_o project_v statesman_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o 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isa_n 8.20_o and_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n say_v s._n peter_n epist_n 2._o chap_n 1._o ver_fw-la 19_o whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n if_o we_o forsake_v therefore_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o pretence_n of_o man_n by_o the_o scripture_n which_o right_o understand_v be_v our_o only_a safe_a rule_n we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o distinguish_v a_o bold_a pretender_n from_o he_o who_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o if_o such_o person_n be_v now_o to_o be_v expect_v after_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n the_o rule_n for_o man_n life_n have_v be_v so_o long_o ago_o complete_v for_o by_o incline_v to_o believe_v any_o new_a revelation_n beyond_o the_o scripture_n we_o suppose_v that_o a_o insufficient_a rule_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o which_o true_a english_a church_n protestant_n have_v always_o defend_v with_o success_n and_o if_o the_o revelation_n be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o it_o make_v that_o spirit_n that_o dictate_v the_o first_o a_o liar_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v receive_v and_o suppose_a true_a but_o grant_v what_o man_n of_o such_o a_o easy_a belief_n and_o such_o speedy_a resolution_n that_o admit_v of_o as_o speedy_a change_n will_v without_o any_o proof_n have_v yield_v to_o they_o yet_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o man_n in_o their_o circumstance_n be_v able_a any_o way_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o concern_v the_o proposition_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v in_o and_o thereby_o authorize_v to_o deliver_v unto_o other_o i_o be_o afraid_a confidence_n will_v be_v their_o only_a argument_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o other_o and_o opinion_n interest_n and_o a_o strong_a presumption_n or_o what_o be_v worse_o atheism_n and_o knavery_n to_o themselves_o for_o 1._o suppose_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o it_o dictate_v unto_o man_n always_o uniform_a and_o consistent_a with_o itself_o how_o can_v there_o be_v different_a inspiration_n to_o prescribe_v various_a rule_n opposite_a to_o each_o other_o at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o man_n to_o guide_v their_o belief_n and_o conversation_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o lord_n with_o undoubted_a authority_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n to_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n one_o baptism_n that_o enter_v they_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o but_o one_o faith_n to_o be_v embrace_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n eph._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o how_o then_o can_v we_o reasonable_o admit_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o man_n inspiration_n that_o aver_v he_o speak_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v within_o he_o to_o publish_v any_o rule_n of_o religion_n different_a from_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v before_o and_o if_o such_o a_o pretender_n mean_v only_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o soul_n which_o act_v within_o the_o body_n we_o can_v understand_v no_o more_o than_o his_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n though_o phrase_n by_o such_o cant_a be_v render_v equivocal_a to_o startle_v the_o infirm_a but_o be_v foreign_a to_o our_o purpose_n when_o reflect_v on_o by_o consider_v man_n we_o well_o know_v that_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o unite_v the_o world_n under_o one_o profession_n and_o in_o religious_a affair_n to_o subject_v it_o to_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o life_n how_o then_o can_v any_o with_o religion_n or_o modesty_n pretend_v another_o inspiration_n for_o new_a direction_n when_o the_o former_a if_o they_o be_v ever_o true_a be_v sufficient_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n declare_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o obligatory_a till_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n when_o he_o shall_v pass_v sentence_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o deliver_v we_o into_o our_o everlasting_a state_n no_o less_o than_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n back_o unto_o the_o father_n these_o be_v such_o inconsistent_a thing_n that_o none_o but_o mad_a man_n can_v now_o expect_v any_o inspiration_n to_o deliver_v new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n 2._o i_o will_v fain_o learn_v of_o any_o bold_a man_n that_o publish_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n new_a doctrine_n different_a from_o the_o old_a how_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v inspire_v we_o find_v those_o that_o be_v former_o so_o beside_o some_o certain_a token_n to_o themselves_o which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o pretender_n can_v now_o give_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o though_o we_o may_v some_o probable_a conjecture_n can_v work_v miracle_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o belief_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o no_o such_o thing_n appear_v now_o though_o lie_v wonder_n be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n carry_v only_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o that_o invent_v the_o story_n or_o other_o that_o be_v hire_v to_o sacrifice_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o confidence_n of_o a_o impostor_n and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o shall_v at_o the_o utmost_a only_o deceive_v the_o simple_a whilst_o they_o that_o ensnare_v they_o have_v other_o design_n beyond_o their_o reach_n vent_v what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v accomplish_v their_o own_o carnal_a end_n by_o the_o religious_a easiness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o other_o for_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o those_o various_a sect_n visible_a either_o abroad_o or_o among_o ourselves_o that_o any_o way_n pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v to_o what_o they_o deliver_v to_o other_o we_o find_v they_o publish_v by_o this_o authority_n doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o rule_n of_o life_n quite_o different_a nay_o opposite_a to_o one_o another_o and_o pursue_v each_o other_o according_a to_o the_o advantage_n they_o receive_v with_o a_o great_a eagerness_n and_o hot_a
what_o it_o will_v that_o no_o subtlety_n may_v circumvent_v we_o nor_o creep_v into_o house_n lead_v the_o silly_a woman_n captive_a nor_o cause_v we_o to_o stray_v after_o they_o we_o know_v the_o devil_n be_v both_o cunning_a and_o diligent_a and_o that_o he_o suit_v his_o temptation_n to_o the_o various_a interest_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n that_o he_o walk_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n but_o it_o be_v only_a to_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v 1_o pet._n 5.8_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v painstaking_a man_n for_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v a_o proselyte_n but_o when_o they_o have_v make_v he_o he_o become_v twice_o more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o matth._n 23.15_o let_v we_o not_o then_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o new_a discovery_n forsake_v that_o which_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o let_v the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n advice_n rom._n 16.17_o 18._o let_v we_o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o because_o they_o be_v such_o as_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a then_o as_o it_o follow_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v bruise_v satan_n under_o our_o foot_n short_o let_v we_o live_v in_o that_o unity_n which_o our_o holy_a religion_n prescribe_v to_o we_o not_o raise_v or_o abett_v disturbance_n in_o the_o world_n but_o endeavour_v to_o fulfil_v s._n paul_n joy_n and_o make_v our_o minister_n task_n easy_a in_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n and_o of_o one_o judgement_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n philip._n 2._o at_o the_o beginning_n for_o if_o we_o be_v draw_v by_o harken_v to_o the_o various_a pretence_n of_o man_n that_o yet_o account_v themselves_o inspire_v to_o be_v always_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o we_o shall_v be_v consume_v one_o of_o another_o and_o this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o in_o our_o own_o age_n teach_v by_o experience_n but_o the_o apostle_n have_v long_o ago_o admonish_v man_n of_o this_o gal._n 5.15_o let_v we_o live_v therefore_o like_o those_o that_o have_v profess_v rule_n of_o faith_n and_o conversation_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o then_o if_o we_o thus_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v entertain_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o chap._n iu._n have_v thus_o discourse_v the_o apostle_n caution_n and_o evidence_v to_o you_o that_o every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a i_o propound_v which_o contain_v a_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v disentangle_v ourselves_o from_o those_o perplexity_n and_o different_a opinion_n that_o various_a man_n under_o the_o same_o pretention_n puzzle_v we_o withal_o but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n now_o as_o this_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n take_v from_o those_o who_o bring_v metal_n to_o the_o touchstone_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o value_v they_o proportionable_o to_o their_o worth_n so_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n that_o such_o pretender_n deliver_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o discern_v betwixt_o true_a and_o false_a and_o according_o judge_n whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no._n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n to_o show_v the_o people_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o holy_a and_o profane_a and_o to_o cause_n man_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o clean_a and_o the_o unclean_a ezek._n 44.23_o and_o the_o duty_n be_v continue_v under_o the_o gospel_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o pretension_n of_o man_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o many_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v in_o his_o name_n with_o pretension_n to_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o we_o find_v they_o too_o sudden_o after_o this_o prediction_n to_o have_v go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o even_o yet_o continue_v their_o boldness_n and_o impiety_n divide_v the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o trouble_v particular_a man_n but_o whole_a society_n overturning_a throne_n dissolve_v government_n among_o mankind_n and_o raise_v confusion_n not_o only_o in_o secular_a but_o religious_a affair_n to_o prevent_v therefore_o such_o unsufferable_a disturbance_n that_o religion_n may_v not_o cover_v malice_n or_o ambition_n nor_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o the_o humour_n or_o impiety_n of_o man_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v this_o entire_a without_o any_o mixture_n of_o villainy_n or_o imposture_n and_o by_o some_o certain_a character_n know_v what_o proper_o belong_v to_o it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o fancy_n or_o design_n of_o those_o who_o cunning_o ruin_v our_o principle_n and_o profession_n and_o since_o new_a light_n be_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n which_o they_o too_o easy_o gaze_v at_o till_o their_o eye_n be_v dazzle_v we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o distinguish_v these_o blaze_a comet_n from_o the_o true_a and_o fix_a star_n in_o the_o firmament_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v on_o earth_n and_o direct_v in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n we_o must_v try_v both_o doctrine_n and_o those_o that_o publish_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n if_o you_o will_v take_v a_o old_a apostle_n advice_n against_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o new_a he_o advise_v you_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n but_o still_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thess_n 5.21_o we_o must_v try_v the_o doctrine_n opinion_n example_n nay_o even_o the_o action_n of_o all_o pretender_n to_o revelation_n for_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o what_o we_o call_v tender_a conscience_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v very_o raw_a be_v rub_v often_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o former_a commission_n when_o they_o be_v not_o guide_v by_o a_o well_o balance_v judgement_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o have_v secret_a combat_n within_o themselves_o and_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o least_o touch_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o this_o world_n have_v some_o inconvenience_n still_o attend_v they_o and_o that_o which_o in_o some_o case_n be_v good_a with_o other_o circumstance_n become_v evil_a and_o most_o man_n that_o have_v a_o itch_n upon_o their_o ear_n have_v have_v a_o scab_n first_o upon_o their_o mind_n the_o best_a gold_n be_v most_o ductile_a and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n if_o the_o judgement_n be_v not_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v easy_o enslave_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o suit_n with_o passion_n and_o make_v impression_n on_o the_o temperament_n and_o bodily_a disposition_n of_o man_n a_o seal_n we_o know_v make_v the_o fair_a and_o most_o last_a impression_n upon_o such_o wax_n as_o be_v first_o soften_v and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n where_o the_o head_n be_v as_o soft_a as_o the_o passion_n pliable_a easy_o receive_v the_o next_o image_n though_o to_o the_o blot_n out_o and_o deface_v the_o old_a we_o have_v need_v therefore_o when_o any_o man_n come_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o some_o new_a inspiration_n to_o examine_v well_o both_o the_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o receive_v to_o our_o own_o the_o skill_n of_o other_o especial_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o may_v otherwise_o forsake_v the_o true_a israel_n when_o ephraim_n and_o manasseh_n shall_v combine_v together_o or_o single_o encounter_v it_o and_o we_o have_v be_v late_o and_o be_v not_o yet_o out_o of_o danger_n so_o vex_v with_o party_n different_a from_o one_o another_o whilst_o one_o extreme_a ride_v the_o other_o that_o the_o caution_n against_o believe_v every_o spirit_n can_v too_o often_o be_v repeat_v nor_o our_o trial_n of_o all_o preacher_n and_o doctrine_n be_v too_o frequent_o urge_v and_o practise_v our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n a_o caution_n who_o yet_o have_v the_o view_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o we_o only_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v they_o mat._n 24.4_o that_o they_o may_v not_o entertain_v a_o secret_a enemy_n instead_o of_o a_o bosom_n friend_n and_o certain_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o beware_v now_o although_o there_o be_v false_a pretender_n then_o for_o if_o they_o dare_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o the_o world_n design_v
difference_v from_o the_o other_o that_o man_n may_v discern_v what_o doctrine_n immediate_o oblige_v they_o be_v stamp_v with_o divine_a authority_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o be_v either_o the_o product_n of_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n body_n or_o evil_a project_n and_o design_n of_o man_n or_o else_o such_o as_o enter_v into_o they_o by_o the_o subtlety_n power_n or_o injection_n of_o the_o devil_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o state_v i_o proceed_v plain_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v all_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o before_o they_o receive_v and_o entertain_v they_o as_o such_o 2._o give_v you_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o know_v when_o any_o prophet_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n come_v from_o god_n and_o 3_o make_v some_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o the_o expression_n and_o doctrine_n be_v very_o useful_a first_o then_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v our_o general_a duty_n to_o examine_v these_o pretend_a inspiration_n will_v appear_v 1._o not_o only_o from_o the_o apostle_n direction_n which_o to_o those_o that_o own_o s._n john_n authority_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n without_o any_o argument_n or_o reason_n for_o the_o thing_n but_o also_o it_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o give_v rule_n to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o what_o be_v straight_o or_o crooked_a this_o be_v the_o general_a design_n of_o law_n and_o those_o innate_a notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o rational_a man_n and_o confer_v upon_o they_o with_o their_o very_a being_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n manifest_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n that_o by_o it_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o direct_v their_o life_n and_o regulate_v their_o belief_n so_o as_o to_o preserve_v order_n and_o peace_n here_o and_o procure_v to_o they_o happiness_n hereafter_o now_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v these_o thing_n be_v be_v it_o not_o man_n duty_n to_o examine_v thing_n in_o religion_n by_o they_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v to_o any_o creature_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v obey_v it_o and_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n for_o that_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v to_o oblige_v second_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o examine_v doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o more_o inferior_a concernment_n it_o be_v not_o allow_v reasonable_a among_o mankind_n to_o receive_v or_o embrace_v they_o without_o trial_n and_o judgement_n upon_o they_o no_o man_n will_v deal_v in_o the_o commodity_n of_o his_o trade_n without_o either_o view_v they_o himself_o or_o take_v they_o on_o the_o skill_n and_o integrity_n of_o one_o who_o he_o can_v trust_v and_o confide_v in_o none_o receive_v a_o sum_n of_o money_n but_o that_o he_o will_v both_o number_n and_o examine_v the_o coin_n that_o so_o his_o good_n may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o price_n and_o the_o coin_n he_o receive_v may_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o counterfeit_v if_o we_o find_v a_o quotation_n out_o of_o a_o book_n on_o which_o be_v conclude_v matter_n of_o moment_n we_o will_v before_o we_o settle_v our_o notion_n and_o belief_n examine_v the_o author_n on_o who_o authority_n the_o case_n depend_v whether_o he_o be_v of_o sufficient_a credit_n to_o enforce_v that_o thing_n and_o whether_o he_o be_v right_o quote_v and_o represent_v mankind_n will_v otherwise_o continual_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o may_v receive_v poison_n instead_o of_o food_n and_o be_v place_v here_o in_o this_o world_n only_o to_o be_v cheat_v and_o deceive_v and_o enjoy_v their_o life_n at_o great_a hazard_n than_o the_o most_o inferior_a beast_n that_o perish_v thing_n that_o be_v obvious_a to_o our_o outward_a sense_n may_v by_o their_o likeness_n to_o one_o another_o or_o a_o artificial_a varnish_n many_o time_n deceive_v we_o so_o that_o what_o our_o eye_n behold_v they_o can_v see_v and_o may_v not_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o method_n that_o be_v conformable_a to_o our_o faculty_n be_v cheat_v by_o various_a and_o false_a representation_n these_o thing_n we_o have_v repeat_v experience_n of_o and_o they_o need_v not_o any_o far_a illustration_n if_o therefore_o in_o our_o temporal_a concern_v there_o be_v so_o great_a occasion_n of_o wariness_n and_o observation_n have_v we_o not_o need_v to_o be_v more_o cautious_a in_o relation_n to_o spiritual_a and_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o do_v we_o think_v our_o body_n superior_a to_o our_o soul_n or_o thing_n temporal_a to_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n than_o those_o that_o be_v eternal_a if_o not_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o must_v use_v trial_n in_o both_o and_o our_o diligence_n must_v be_v advance_v suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o value_n of_o our_o concern_n our_o saviour_n use_v such_o a_o example_n from_o any_o i_o can_v take_v a_o better_a when_o he_o rebuke_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n that_o be_v so_o precise_a and_o scrupulous_a about_o small_a matter_n who_o can_v strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n but_o yet_o swallow_v a_o camel_n that_o can_v exact_o observe_v the_o outward_a face_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o heaven_n but_o will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o reverse_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o man_n they_o can_v guess_v at_o the_o weather_n by_o rule_n and_o observation_n but_o will_v not_o discern_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n neither_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n nor_o the_o safety_n or_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n matth._n 16._o 2_o 3._o and_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a after_o so_o solemn_a a_o rebuke_n that_o man_n profess_v faith_n in_o the_o reprover_n shall_v yet_o run_v into_o the_o same_o error_n and_o not_o examine_v a_o business_n that_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n when_o yet_o they_o will_v be_v extreme_o diligent_a in_o what_o be_v of_o a_o far_o less_o value_n alas_o what_o be_v time_n in_o comparison_n of_o eternity_n or_o our_o abode_n here_o when_o set_v in_o opposition_n to_o what_o state_n we_o shall_v be_v in_o hereafter_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n at_o all_o betwixt_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o inquisitive_a about_o what_o we_o receive_v for_o doctrine_n either_o to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v since_o on_o they_o depend_v our_o eternal_a welfare_n than_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o this_o world_n which_o if_o they_o die_v not_o and_o perish_v with_o the_o use_n and_o make_v themselves_o wing_n that_o they_o may_v fly_v away_o yet_o a_o very_a small_a time_n shall_v determine_v their_o use_n as_o to_o we_o and_o then_o according_a to_o our_o espousal_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o eternal_a bliss_n or_o misery_n three_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n because_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n in_o god_n name_n vent_v to_o the_o world_n be_v approve_v and_o commend_v in_o sacred_a writ_n as_o the_o woman_n alabaster_n box_n of_o ointment_n be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o this_o person_n piety_n and_o kindness_n to_o our_o saviour_n may_v not_o escape_v the_o notice_n of_o posterity_n but_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o the_o world_n this_o action_n shall_v be_v tell_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o she_o matth._n 26.13_o so_o we_o want_v not_o such_o example_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o as_o may_v recommend_v the_o diligence_n and_o inquiry_n of_o man_n before_o they_o receive_v principle_n under_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n to_o all_o posterity_n to_o read_v and_o imitate_v thus_o the_o berean_o be_v account_v more_o noble_a by_o s._n paul_n than_o than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n because_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o at_o all_o adventure_n but_o examine_v whether_o the_o relation_n agree_v with_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n be_v coherent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o notion_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n but_o more_o especial_o with_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v which_o they_o search_v daily_o that_o they_o may_v by_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o know_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v be_v true_a act_n 17.11_o have_v god_n appoint_v any_o infallible_a judge_n upon_o earth_n or_o resolve_v always_o to_o fix_v his_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o any_o new_a authorize_v revelation_n or_o any_o particular_a and_o extraordinary_a discovery_n as_o there_o will_v not_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
make_v fool_n of_o other_o that_o they_o that_o cheat_v they_o may_v be_v account_v wise_a and_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o impose_v upon_o disclaim_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o have_v eye_n of_o their_o own_o but_o see_v not_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o it_o must_v appear_v very_o strange_a that_o any_o man_n have_v a_o clear_a sight_n shall_v yet_o refuse_v to_o guide_v himself_o but_o choose_v to_o be_v lead_v about_o like_o a_o dog_n in_o a_o halter_n chap._n v._n there_o be_v yet_o one_o argument_n more_o why_o we_o shall_v try_v and_o examine_v doctrine_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o inspiration_n and_o that_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o caution_n and_o direction_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n now_o since_o these_o be_v many_o enough_o to_o boast_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o number_n to_o the_o stagger_a many_o weak_a man_n and_o frighten_v that_o authority_n which_o shall_v suppress_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o remain_v false_a prophet_n under_o what_o specious_a pretence_n soever_o they_o appear_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v prove_v and_o try_v they_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o extreme_o hazard_v if_o not_o ruin_v our_o soul_n for_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n especial_o where_o divers_a opinion_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v expose_v to_o we_o our_o first_o business_n must_v always_o be_v according_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o power_n to_o settle_v our_o mind_n by_o a_o fix_a choice_n of_o such_o principle_n and_o fundamental_o of_o which_o we_o have_v such_o good_a assurance_n as_o may_v full_o convince_v we_o that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o not_o false_a and_o according_a to_o these_o to_o direct_v our_o life_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v without_o enquiry_n and_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n be_v by_o any_o propound_v to_o our_o belief_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v so_o many_o false_a prophet_n flutter_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v reason_n that_o we_o shall_v examine_v and_o try_v they_o and_o not_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o bold_o affirm_v he_o come_v from_o god_n lest_o we_o entertain_v thief_n and_o robber_n in_o the_o room_n of_o hearty_a and_o honest_a friend_n and_o instead_o of_o receive_v a_o faithful_a guide_n we_o retain_v one_o that_o delude_v we_o out_o of_o our_o way_n till_o at_o last_o he_o lodge_v we_o in_o the_o chamber_n of_o hell_n instead_o of_o carry_v we_o up_o to_o heaven_n but_o since_o no_o man_n come_v with_o so_o great_a a_o pretence_n as_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o to_o deliver_v god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n but_o that_o he_o will_v offer_v something_o to_o recommend_v both_o himself_o and_o message_n since_o he_o know_v he_o speak_v to_o man_n have_v the_o same_o faculty_n with_o himself_o who_o have_v at_o least_o their_o own_o reason_n to_o guide_v their_o choice_n and_o can_v if_o they_o be_v at_o all_o considerate_a be_v rash_a in_o their_o entertainment_n of_o those_o doctrine_n wherein_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n be_v concern_v it_o must_v of_o necessity_n quicken_v our_o endeavour_n to_o try_v and_o sift_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n and_o the_o more_o because_o of_o the_o plausible_a argument_n that_o deceiver_n insinuate_v themselves_o by_o into_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o other_o who_o poison_n may_v appear_v wholesome_a to_o the_o eye_n that_o yet_o gripe_n and_o swell_v the_o bowel_n among_o many_o thing_n therefore_o that_o render_v false_a prophet_n difficult_a to_o be_v discern_v i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o that_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o they_o and_o discovery_n of_o their_o deceit_n we_o may_v use_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o our_o trial_n and_o be_v the_o better_o prepare_v to_o entertain_v those_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v true_a inspiration_n from_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o only_o pretend_v first_o they_o will_v inveigh_v against_o the_o principle_n you_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o those_o that_o be_v the_o guide_v of_o your_o soul_n as_o well_o know_v that_o a_o new_a build_n can_v be_v erect_v on_o that_o ground_n on_o which_o another_o stand_v without_o demolish_n the_o old_a remove_v the_o material_n and_o clear_v the_o foundation_n and_o this_o they_o always_o do_v in_o proportion_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o alteration_n which_o they_o design_v till_o at_o last_o perhaps_o they_o introduce_v among_o you_o golden_a calf_n instead_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o their_o enterprise_n be_v thus_o crown_v with_o a_o joyful_a success_n their_o language_n will_v be_v like_o that_o which_o we_o read_v 1_o king_n 12.18_o behold_v o_o israel_n the_o god_n that_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o than_o we_o must_v with_o prostration_n worship_v they_o false_a prophet_n will_v come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n the_o raven_a wolf_n shall_v not_o appear_v till_o he_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o devour_v you_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o will_v fill_v we_o with_o too_o much_o horror_n and_o amazement_n shall_v they_o appear_v all_o at_o once_o and_o that_o before_o prejudice_n be_v remove_v they_o endeavour_v therefore_o to_o gain_v by_o a_o gradual_a advancement_n upon_o we_o abate_v the_o strength_n of_o custom_n and_o education_n first_o startle_v and_o then_o seduce_v we_o use_v method_n to_o invalidate_v the_o old_a before_o they_o settle_v new_a principle_n nay_o if_o they_o can_v but_o make_v we_o indifferent_a betwixt_o both_o either_o by_o argument_n or_o debauchery_n their_o work_n then_o wait_v only_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n but_o if_o the_o resistance_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v whole_o captivate_v at_o once_o they_o will_v assault_v where_o we_o be_v weak_a baffle_v we_o by_o degree_n and_o introduce_v one_o point_n dependent_o on_o another_o till_o at_o last_o we_o become_v whole_o they_o before_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o change_n as_o they_o by_o succession_n have_v wrought_v among_o we_o it_o be_v a_o vast_a advantage_n they_o gain_v against_o we_o if_o they_o can_v but_o render_v we_o lazy_a in_o our_o inquiry_n or_o cause_v we_o to_o undervalue_v our_o guide_n which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v want_v in_o as_o long_o as_o a_o evil_a tongue_n can_v asperse_v or_o secret_a whisper_n can_v do_v man_n injury_n who_o be_v not_o present_a to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o nay_o as_o long_o as_o boldness_n can_v confront_v modesty_n or_o man_n that_o assume_v not_o equal_a advantage_n may_v be_v either_o swear_v or_o hector_v into_o silence_n let_v these_o design_v man_n but_o once_o bring_v your_o teacher_n into_o contempt_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o ere_o they_o drive_v they_o into_o corner_n the_o former_a have_v be_v long_o attempt_v and_o not_o without_o considerable_a success_n god_n defend_v we_o against_o the_o latter_a lest_o the_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n become_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n for_o we_o know_v what_o such_o devotion_n mean_v thus_o be_v it_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o jew_n brand_v he_o for_o a_o impostor_n and_o deceiver_n that_o so_o they_o may_v argue_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v false_a and_o rather_o than_o own_o that_o his_o miracle_n shall_v prove_v divine_a they_o blasphemous_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n matth._n 12.24_o and_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o above_o his_o lord_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o in_o this_o manner_n disparage_v the_o master_n of_o the_o household_n will_v not_o be_v more_o kind_a to_o the_o family_n but_o will_v make_v we_o if_o he_o can_v as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n lustrate_v sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v for_o the_o city_n and_o a_o strange_a spectacle_n both_o to_o angel_n and_o to_o man_n but_o second_o these_o project_v man_n that_o come_v to_o you_o with_o inspire_a doctrine_n till_o they_o kill_v and_o slay_v and_o take_v possession_n will_v gloze_v over_o their_o false_a principle_n with_o all_o possible_a art_n and_o cunning_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o treason_n against_o the_o person_n of_o a_o prince_n when_o it_o be_v their_o pleasure_n first_o to_o depose_v he_o and_o if_o he_o come_v to_o a_o untimely_a end_n they_o kill_v the_o man_n but_o not_o the_o king_n and_o all_o shall_v be_v not_o murder_n but_z the_o execution_n of_o justice_n when_o they_o sentence_v he_o by_o a_o church-authority_n superior_a to_o his_o own_o rebellion_n then_o be_v a_o just_a vindication_n of_o their_o own_o right_n and_o they_o only_o break_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
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
eye_n stand_v out_o with_o fatness_n and_o they_o have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v psal_n 73._o and_o solomon_n observe_v that_o as_o to_o the_o change_n of_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n eccles_n 9.2_o this_o indeed_o may_v prove_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a account_n but_o neither_o can_v the_o goodness_n or_o wickness_n of_o a_o party_n be_v evidence_v by_o such_o external_a character_n much_o less_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o opinion_n confirm_v from_o the_o smile_n or_o frown_n of_o providence_n but_o i_o need_v not_o at_o present_a argue_v this_o point_n far_o since_o those_o that_o when_o prosperous_a invent_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o confirm_v their_o party_n and_o a_o bait_n to_o draw_v proselyte_n and_o abettor_n to_o they_o be_v now_o confute_v by_o their_o shameful_a overthrow_n and_o it_o will_v sink_v they_o more_o shall_v it_o be_v use_v with_o any_o severe_a enlargement_n since_o their_o honour_n lay_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v never_o rise_v again_o i_o shall_v leave_v this_o therefore_o as_o a_o term_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o fallible_a rule_n only_o take_v up_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n and_o proceed_v to_o those_o method_n and_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a inspiration_n chap._n ix_o and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o those_o that_o vent_v they_o with_o great_a confidence_n and_o zeal_n as_o if_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o those_o to_o who_o these_o doctrine_n be_v propound_v be_v reasonable_a creature_n and_o this_o will_v be_v yield_v without_o any_o reason_n about_o it_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o degrade_v ourselves_o as_o well_o in_o speculation_n as_o many_o do_v in_o practice_n to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v nay_o any_o objection_n formal_o frame_v against_o this_o supposal_n will_v prove_v what_o the_o objector_n endeavour_v to_o deny_v that_o man_n have_v discursive_a faculty_n and_o his_o own_o confutation_n will_v be_v include_v in_o his_o objection_n whilst_o that_o will_v prove_v he_o able_a to_o syllogize_v and_o reason_n second_o man_n be_v rational_a and_o intelligent_a being_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o proposition_n sufficient_o propound_v to_o their_o consideration_n in_o term_n that_o exceed_v not_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o one_o man_n to_o another_o and_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o elevate_v above_o humane_a capacity_n our_o discourse_n otherwise_o to_o one_o another_o will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o chirp_n of_o bird_n the_o speech_n of_o parrot_n or_o the_o jabber_n of_o monkey_n to_o each_o other_o and_o will_v be_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o uncertain_a distinct_a sound_n without_o any_o signification_n three_o we_o must_v consider_v too_o that_o it_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o delude_v and_o cheat_v they_o with_o any_o equivocal_a and_o false_a proposition_n especial_o when_o he_o design_v they_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o man_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o concern_v and_o action_n in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o the_o way_n to_o their_o everlasting_a peace_n because_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o he_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o he_o have_v evidence_v to_o the_o world_n render_v he_o a_o be_v of_o all_o possible_a perfection_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v suppose_v god_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n now_o if_o he_o be_v supreme_o perfect_a he_o must_v according_a to_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o those_o faculty_n that_o be_v implant_v in_o we_o be_v one_o of_o infinite_a truth_n and_o goodness_n if_o he_o be_v the_o first_o he_o will_v not_o deliver_v proposition_n unto_o man_n that_o be_v plain_o or_o more_o obscure_o false_a and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o good_a be_v he_o will_v not_o give_v rule_n that_o may_v deceive_v we_o if_o we_o use_v those_o faculty_n he_o have_v bestow_v on_o we_o to_o find_v out_o their_o meaning_n and_o intention_n the_o contrary_a to_o this_o will_v cheat_v the_o world_n and_o then_o he_o will_v make_v creature_n or_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o that_o he_o may_v with_o great_a circumstance_n and_o solemnity_n subtle_o lead_v they_o into_o eternal_a ruin_n which_o to_o suppose_v be_v as_o great_a blasphemy_n against_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o can_v be_v invent_v by_o the_o worst_a of_o creature_n that_o have_v make_v themselves_o malicious_a and_o as_o foul_a a_o infamy_n as_o can_v be_v cast_v upon_o god_n be_v by_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n since_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n themselves_o but_o rather_o that_o they_o shall_v return_v from_o their_o wickedness_n and_o live_v this_o be_v confirm_v by_o those_o threat_n he_o denounce_v against_o they_o to_o frighten_v they_o from_o eternal_a ruin_n by_o all_o those_o promise_n he_o have_v annex_v to_o repentance_n by_o all_o his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o amend_v their_o life_n by_o all_o the_o instrument_n and_o help_n to_o religion_n which_o he_o have_v gracious_o afford_v they_o by_o all_o that_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n he_o express_v whilst_o man_n remain_v in_o that_o state_n of_o sin_n which_o entitle_v they_o to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o by_o send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o offer_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o they_o that_o divine_a wrath_n and_o justice_n be_v appease_v they_o may_v be_v capable_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n he_o propose_v and_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o those_o snare_n in_o which_o they_o be_v entangle_v and_o to_o guide_v themselves_o into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n four_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o way_n afford_v we_o by_o which_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_a creature_n judge_v of_o true_a direction_n and_o false_a so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a and_o infinite_a concernment_n god_n promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a bliss_n will_v be_v to_o as_o total_o insignificant_a if_o it_o be_v make_v either_o upon_o such_o condition_n as_o we_o know_v not_o or_o have_v not_o sufficient_a ability_n with_o his_o influence_n to_o perform_v they_o and_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v it_o be_v to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o in_o keep_v god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n if_o we_o know_v not_o what_o the_o commandment_n be_v we_o can_v not_o make_v sense_n of_o that_o thanksgiving_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 11.25_o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a the_o rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n to_o person_n of_o a_o more_o inferior_a rank_n and_o capacity_n if_o those_o who_o he_o here_o call_v babe_n have_v not_o mean_n to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o to_o arrive_v at_o complete_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v and_o in_o vain_a will_v it_o have_v be_v for_o s._n paul_n to_o have_v speak_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n hide_v under_o jewish_a type_n and_o shadow_n and_o obscure_o treat_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n in_o comparison_n to_o the_o light_n which_o then_o appear_v or_o to_o have_v treat_v of_o such_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o discover_v thing_n which_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o do_v they_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n when_o god_n reveal_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2._o and_o not_o by_o any_o logical_a demonstration_n which_o blind_v the_o governor_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o confound_v the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o greek_n who_o according_a to_o their_o accustom_a way_n of_o proof_n expect_v another_o method_n of_o probation_n than_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n it_o have_v be_v notwithstanding_o a_o impossible_a attempt_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v any_o of_o these_o or_o other_o man_n that_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o
obstinacy_n still_o increase_v till_o it_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o himself_o and_o follower_n who_o all_o perish_a in_o the_o red_a sea_n ahab_n forsake_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o worship_v baalim_fw-la and_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o idolatry_n join_v the_o service_n of_o baal_n with_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o thus_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o opinion_n till_o the_o trial_n betwixt_o their_o sacrifice_n be_v determine_v on_o elijah_n side_n who_o be_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n whilst_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v the_o sacrifice_n upon_o god_n own_o altar_n which_o baal_n can_v not_o effect_v on_o he_o but_o then_o the_o people_n determine_v their_o choice_n and_o give_v their_o assent_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n and_o present_o slay_v the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n for_o who_o before_o they_o have_v great_a esteem_n 1_o king_n 18_o the_o chap._n hence_o be_v it_o also_o that_o our_o saviour_n say_v concern_v the_o jew_n who_o by_o miracle_n evidence_v moses_n commission_n have_v just_o receive_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o supersede_v their_o religious_a custom_n which_o till_o his_o come_n be_v just_o establish_v by_o show_v his_o authority_n and_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a by_o great_a miracle_n than_o those_o that_o introduce_v and_o establish_v the_o law_n they_o have_v do_v well_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o imposture_n because_o a_o new_a doctrine_n pretend_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o evacuate_v that_o which_o have_v proof_n from_o heaven_n be_v establish_v before_o must_v be_v confirm_v with_o great_a miracle_n than_o that_o which_o it_o pretend_v to_o abolish_v therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_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 not_o have_v sin_n john_n 15.24_o which_o way_n of_o trial_n will_v by_o the_o way_n hold_v good_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 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miracle_n if_o their_o art_n can_v hide_v their_o craft_n &_o subtlety_n from_o those_o that_o be_v more_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a the_o pagan_a priest_n lead_v the_o van_n assist_v by_o the_o power_n of_o subtle_a daemon_n to_o gain_v the_o people_n worship_n to_o themselves_o or_o to_o those_o image_n which_o they_o animate_v and_o move_v and_o how_o far_o the_o romanist_n have_v follow_v they_o in_o this_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n have_v be_v sometime_o too_o apparent_o discover_v and_o will_v be_v more_o will_v they_o but_o be_v as_o ingenuous_a in_o their_o confession_n as_o they_o be_v witty_a in_o their_o subtle_a though_o impious_a invention_n the_o philosophical_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a cause_n together_o with_o a_o industrious_a application_n will_v make_v some_o extraordinary_a and_o unusual_a effect_n look_v like_a miracle_n for_o the_o most_o of_o man_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o a_o inferior_a education_n ignorant_a of_o many_o effect_n of_o art_n and_o nature_n which_o man_n of_o more_o refine_a understanding_n easy_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o be_v apt_a to_o attribute_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n which_o be_v result_v from_o those_o that_o be_v second_o art_n will_v do_v much_o and_o nature_n more_o and_o the_o devil_n many_o time_n make_v more_o strange_a and_o unusual_a appearance_n be_v assist_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o and_o how_o many_o time_n do_v man_n admire_v the_o slight_a of_o a_o juggler_n till_o perhaps_o they_o make_v discovery_n of_o his_o craft_n and_o attribute_v that_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o he_o ingenious_o do_v by_o slight_a of_o hand_n nay_o the_o sport_n that_o devil_n make_v in_o the_o air_n we_o often_o take_v as_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n thunder_n and_o tremble_v and_o be_v afraid_a at_o the_o storm_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n betwixt_o true_a miracle_n and_o very_o real_a wonder_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n or_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o first_o make_v and_o continue_v it_o who_o can_v either_o suspend_v its_o power_n or_o alter_v its_o effect_n or_o as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o nature_n and_o art_n which_o though_o the_o latter_a imitate_v it_o can_v never_o equal_v no_o more_o than_o the_o former_a vie_n with_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n miracle_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o any_o thing_n inferior_a unto_o god_n have_v always_o be_v receive_v by_o man_n as_o sufficient_a attestation_n of_o divine_a truth_n these_o be_v those_o divine_a testimony_n by_o which_o the_o bless_a jesus_n evidence_v his_o commission_n to_o the_o world_n and_o add_v god_n authority_n to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n when_o s._n john_n the_o baptist_n send_v his_o disciple_n to_o he_o to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n of_o which_o he_o
know_v himself_o to_o be_v forerunner_n our_o saviour_n return_v no_o answer_n but_o this_o go_v your_o way_n say_v he_o and_o 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 to_o the_o poor_a the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v luke_o 7.22_o by_o this_o intimate_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n to_o who_o such_o power_n be_v give_v from_o above_o thus_o he_o endeavour_v also_o to_o convince_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o argument_n of_o his_o miracle_n the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o john_n 5.36_o now_o as_o by_o this_o argument_n our_o saviour_n prove_v his_o own_o commission_n so_o when_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o his_o religion_n into_o the_o world_n he_o give_v to_o they_o the_o same_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n heal_n the_o sick_a say_v he_o cleanse_v the_o leper_n raise_v the_o dead_a cast_v out_o devil_n matth._n 10.8_o and_o according_o they_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o confirm_v their_o commission_n to_o the_o world_n preach_v as_o s._n paul_n do_v 1_o cor._n 2.4_o not_o so_o much_o by_o logical_a argument_n or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n way_n of_o reason_v but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n when_o they_o argue_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o new_a and_o do_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v all_o this_o have_v be_v god_n method_n in_o the_o world_n of_o evidence_v his_o mission_n of_o prophet_n unto_o man_n to_o declare_v his_o message_n to_o they_o by_o which_o he_o attest_v his_o own_o inspiration_n which_o the_o most_o confident_a affirmation_n of_o the_o person_n inspire_v without_o such_o plain_a and_o public_a 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wonder_n who_o know_v not_o the_o utmost_a power_n of_o art_n or_o nature_n especial_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o skill_n and_o force_v of_o devil_n god_n have_v still_o in_o the_o last_o place_n give_v rule_n for_o our_o far_a direction_n in_o this_o weighty_a affair_n that_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n may_v not_o by_o any_o subtlety_n whatsoever_o be_v impose_v upon_o with_o the_o seem_a authority_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n god_n know_v that_o the_o devil_n will_v endeavour_v in_o this_o to_o imitate_v the_o divine_a power_n as_o well_o as_o appear_v like_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n when_o either_o may_v impose_v delusion_n upon_o the_o world_n that_o the_o art_n and_o industry_n of_o design_v man_n might_n by_o a_o previous_a acquaintance_n with_o natural_a cause_n so_o alter_v their_o simplicity_n by_o mixture_n and_o experiment_n or_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o strange_a disposition_n of_o nature_n lucky_a to_o they_o as_o by_o the_o application_n of_o these_o to_o the_o present_a conjunction_n of_o their_o own_o intention_n they_o may_v take_v advantage_n to_o insinuate_v their_o subtle_a and_o false_a doctrine_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o vulgar_a or_o credulous_a and_o many_o time_n into_o those_o that_o be_v more_o rational_a and_o learned_a or_o else_o by_o a_o fortunate_a prediction_n of_o something_o that_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o prophet_n and_o then_o impose_v upon_o and_o delude_v the_o world_n for_o the_o prevention_n therefore_o of_o such_o great_a and_o otherwise_o unavoidable_a mischief_n the_o most_o gracious_a god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a love_n to_o mankind_n have_v give_v they_o three_o other_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o may_v and_o may_v measure_v prophet_n and_o their_o doctrine_n 1._o if_o any_o pretend_v their_o authority_n by_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v if_o they_o fail_v in_o any_o of_o their_o prediction_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o god_n never_o send_v they_o to_o deliver_v that_o which_o the_o prediction_n be_v a_o argument_n to_o confirm_v and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o great_a god_n never_o confirm_v his_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n by_o falsehood_n or_o deceit_n but_o because_o he_o have_v caution_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v they_o in_o the_o 18_o the_o of_o deut._n v._n 22._o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o 2._o suppose_v that_o one_o who_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o shall_v work_v wonder_n as_o antichrist_n and_o other_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o authority_n yet_o if_o his_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o the_o evacuate_a principle_n implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o destroy_v the_o reasonable_a proposition_n of_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o apparent_a sign_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n for_o say_v the_o text_n 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 give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n deut._n 13._o at_o the_o beginning_n 3._o in_o relation_n to_o both_o natural_a and_o institute_v worship_n god_n have_v now_o give_v we_o a_o rule_n no_o pretention_n of_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n must_v ever_o draw_v we_o into_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n that_o thwart_v or_o contradict_v the_o divine_a establishment_n already_o confirm_v by_o the_o same_o argument_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a partly_o from_o that_o forequote_v text_n deut._n 13._o where_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v that_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v 1._o because_o god_n by_o permit_v that_o false_a prophet_n prove_v man_n steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o because_o whatever_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v do_v to_o confirm_v a_o doctrine_n man_n be_v so_o far_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a god_n as_o to_o walk_v after_o he_o and_o to_o fear_v he_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n to_o obey_v his_o voice_n to_o serve_v and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o him_z but_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o full_o prove_v from_o isa_n 8.20_o when_o any_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v the_o people_n unto_o wizard_n and_o to_o such_o as_o have_v familiar_a spirit_n the_o prophet_n advise_v they_o to_o try_v all_o by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n because_o if_o any_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o and_o if_o these_o direction_n be_v good_a under_o the_o law_n much_o more_o will_v they_o satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n under_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o last_o public_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v to_o mankind_n till_o the_o final_a period_n and_o general_a dissolution_n for_o though_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o and_o he_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o at_o the_o final_a period_n god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 2.16_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a law_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o need_v there_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o
wonder_n of_o his_o disciple_n at_o a_o doctrine_n of_o his_o that_o seem_v harsh_a and_o difficult_a tell_v they_o that_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a matth._n 19.26_o the_o possibility_n therefore_o of_o a_o thing_n prepare_v we_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o proposition_n when_o either_o certainty_n or_o great_a probability_n do_v not_o plain_o determine_v the_o contrary_a now_o what_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n operation_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o contradiction_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v at_o least_o a_o possible_a supposition_n that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o nay_o further_o what_o have_v be_v be_v certain_o possible_a to_o be_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o sacred_a inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v abundant_o evince_v and_o to_o assert_v the_o contrary_a 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such_o various_a misadventure_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o but_o himself_o to_o foresee_v than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o give_v a_o child_n in_o his_o sacred_a baptism_n sufficient_a strength_n to_o influence_n his_o whole_a life_n and_o afterward_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o conflict_n and_o misfortune_n without_o any_o new_a assistance_n from_o above_o this_o will_v still_o make_v the_o great_a and_o infinite_a be_v of_o the_o world_n instead_o of_o a_o wise_a and_o active_a god_n nothing_o but_o a_o idle_a and_o lazy_a spectator_n we_o need_v not_o then_o pray_v for_o grace_n and_o continue_a accession_n of_o strength_n and_o power_n but_o only_o use_v those_o word_n of_o david_n cast_v we_o not_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o we_o psal_n 51.11_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v sensible_a of_o new_a accession_n or_o income_n from_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o difficulty_n increase_v which_o they_o encounter_v for_o as_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v in_o we_o say_v s._n paul_n so_o our_o consolation_n also_o abound_v by_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 1.5_o and_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o our_o assistance_n be_v necessary_a in_o proportion_n to_o our_o duty_n or_o our_o suffering_n all_o man_n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n but_o some_o have_v a_o easy_a passage_n to_o a_o eternal_a rest_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n than_o other_o who_o be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n to_o the_o world_n who_o have_v great_a difficulty_n to_o encounter_v a_o long_a race_n to_o run_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v surround_v with_o a_o large_a number_n of_o duty_n and_o perplexity_n certain_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n will_v reasonable_o give_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n suitable_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o man_n necessity_n and_o the_o employment_n or_o conflict_n that_o his_o most_o wise_a providence_n call_v they_o unto_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o preach_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o obviate_v those_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v the_o publication_n so_o neither_o can_v any_o of_o we_o in_o our_o ordinary_a course_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o world_n be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o snare_n and_o temptation_n keep_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n without_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n s._n paul_n justify_v himself_o to_o the_o corinthian_n by_o give_v they_o a_o prospect_n of_o his_o joy_n and_o innocence_n our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o say_v he_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o you_o ward_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o and_o when_o in_o the_o three_o chapter_n he_o reassumes_a the_o argument_n lest_o they_o shall_v think_v that_o all_o be_v effect_v by_o his_o own_o power_n he_o introduce_v also_o this_o acknowledgement_n not_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n ver_fw-la the_o 5_o the_o god_n be_v not_o a_o hard_a and_o austere_a master_n to_o reap_v where_o he_o do_v not_o sow_v nor_o to_o gather_v where_o he_o do_v not_o scatter_v he_o expect_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o talent_n which_o every_o one_o do_v or_o may_v receive_v in_o proportion_n to_o his_o want_n and_o necessity_n that_o he_o may_v grow_v up_o unto_o that_o measure_n of_o stature_n to_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v he_o in_o the_o world_n and_o doubless_a we_o may_v obtain_v divine_a help_n if_o man_n have_v but_o that_o love_n to_o themselves_o as_o to_o pray_v with_o
it_o may_v by_o their_o mean_n be_v in_o its_o purity_n free_a from_o mixture_n deliver_v to_o all_o the_o succeed_a generation_n of_o mankind_n and_o now_o by_o the_o way_n what_o a_o slender_a plea_n have_v any_o enthusiast_n of_o this_o age_n for_o any_o new_a revelation_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o what_o christ_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v never_o promise_v to_o the_o very_a apostle_n to_o any_o such_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v suppose_v but_o that_o christ_n whilst_o he_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o world_n deliver_v a_o complete_a body_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o have_v he_o not_o whatever_o become_v of_o a_o jus_o divinum_fw-la for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v certain_o be_v less_o careful_a than_o moses_n and_o yet_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v he_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o that_o make_v or_o appoint_v he_o as_o also_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n heb._n 3.2_o but_o not_o to_o endeavour_v to_o work_v miracle_n and_o restore_v sight_n to_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v still_o blind_a and_o to_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n because_o it_o will_v discover_v that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a when_o darkness_n do_v at_o once_o as_o well_o increase_v as_o inspire_v wilfulness_n or_o melancholy_n to_o leave_v also_o any_o far_a explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o i_o have_v hint_v to_o you_o as_o well_o to_o mind_v you_o of_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o necessary_a festival_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o cause_v man_n to_o adore_v what_o they_o can_v understand_v to_o admire_v that_o with_o which_o they_o can_v be_v familiar_a to_o praise_v what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v and_o to_o believe_v that_o mystery_n which_o be_v plain_o reveal_v though_o they_o can_v unriddle_v the_o thing_n itself_o to_o come_v more_o close_o therefore_o to_o the_o business_n i_o have_v in_o hand_n the_o holy_a ghost_n promise_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o this_o not_o only_o 1._o because_o he_o be_v spiritus_fw-la verax_fw-la as_o slichtingius_n will_v have_v it_o to_o comport_v with_o his_o endear_a notion_n of_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la nor_o only_o be_v he_o a_o true_a spirit_n either_o in_o original_n or_o operation_n in_o opposition_n to_o what_o be_v gross_a and_o sensual_a nor_o 2._o because_o he_o true_o and_o real_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o consequent_o have_v authority_n enough_o to_o produce_v a_o faith_n in_o we_o which_o must_v be_v divine_a nor_o 3._o because_o be_v in_o unity_n with_o that_o father_n and_o son_n from_o who_o he_o do_v proceed_v he_o must_v be_v truth_n itself_o as_o s._n john_n style_v he_o 1._o epist_n 5._o chap._n 6._o and_o consequent_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o falsehood_n unless_o we_o suppose_v that_o god_n may_v lie_v which_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o be_v impossible_a heb._n 6.18_o and_o reason_n also_o conclude_v such_o a_o be_v to_o be_v void_a of_o this_o to_o who_o we_o ascribe_v all_o possible_a perfection_n but_o last_o he_o be_v call_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o office_n and_o employment_n because_o he_o guide_v other_o into_o truth_n though_o from_o the_o precedent_a acceptation_n and_o account_v give_v of_o his_o appellation_n we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v his_o capacity_n to_o instruct_v and_o guide_v other_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v so_o miraculous_o guide_v deliver_v nothing_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o man_n life_n but_o what_o be_v true_a and_o come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o deliver_v be_v to_o be_v both_o believe_v and_o obey_v and_o thus_o i_o be_o come_v to_o the_o last_o and_o principal_a particular_a that_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o promise_n viz._n he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o this_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 2._o as_o it_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v militant_a in_o this_o world_n first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n as_o influence_v and_o direct_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v principal_o make_v and_o as_o it_o do_v concern_v all_o so_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o all_o to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o those_o truth_n that_o complete_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o stand_a direction_n for_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v embrace_v this_o religion_n he_o do_v not_o call_v s._n peter_n out_o and_o make_v this_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o he_o exclude_v all_o the_o rest_n from_o this_o advantage_n nor_o do_v he_o here_o accost_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o he_o do_v in_o that_o other_o text_n on_o which_o the_o pope_n superstruct_v his_o supremacy_n we_o find_v indeed_o s._n thomas_n s._n philip_n and_o s._n judas_n interrupt_v his_o discourse_n by_o propose_v question_n for_o he_o to_o explain_v but_o the_o last_o time_n he_o speak_v to_o peter_n we_o find_v he_o at_o once_o rebuke_v his_o confidence_n and_o foretell_v his_o sin_n nay_o a_o crime_n so_o great_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o john_n 13.38_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o intervenient_a discourse_n can_v concern_v he_o no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v his_o brethren_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o at_o present_a it_o do_v as_o much_o which_o if_o other_o will_v be_v content_v with_o we_o may_v easy_o grant_v it_o and_o must_v do_v so_o if_o we_o will_v not_o prove_v his_o epistle_n to_o want_v a_o inspiration_n from_o above_o this_o promise_n then_o concern_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a planter_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v useful_a to_o their_o extraordinary_a conduct_n we_o must_v examine_v and_o inquire_v what_o assistance_n the_o spirit_n give_v they_o to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o five_o particular_n first_o by_o a_o improvement_n of_o their_o understanding_n order_v and_o direct_v the_o idea_n of_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o frame_v adequate_a conception_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n and_o as_o he_o that_o create_v the_o eye_n can_v see_v and_o he_o that_o form_v the_o ear_n can_v hear_v so_o he_o that_o make_v the_o soul_n itself_o and_o endue_v it_o with_o all_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n must_v needs_o be_v able_a to_o impress_v the_o understanding_n with_o any_o notion_n he_o be_v 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convert_v to_o this_o religion_n and_o accompany_v saint_n paul_n receive_v the_o notice_n of_o those_o early_a and_o first_o transaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o record_v the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o if_o we_o make_v the_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o those_o twelve_o apostle_n which_o our_o saviour_n send_v to_o preach_v his_o doctrine_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o by_o their_o education_n either_o too_o much_o prejudice_v or_o unprepared_a to_o invent_v or_o propagate_v such_o a_o religion_n the_o great_a part_n be_v a_o few_o rugged_a and_o inconsiderable_a fisherman_n that_o know_v only_o to_o catch_v fish_n and_o mend_v their_o net_n when_o they_o be_v break_v and_o either_o eat_v or_o sell_v their_o fish_n when_o they_o have_v catch_v it_o and_o how_o unfit_a these_o be_v to_o preach_v rule_n of_o life_n to_o the_o 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can_v possible_o know_v those_o law_n by_o which_o god_n will_v govern_v the_o world_n till_o he_o please_v himself_o to_o make_v they_o know_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o he_o must_v impregnate_n the_o mind_n and_o inform_v the_o understanding_n of_o those_o who_o he_o design_n to_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o his_o law_n and_o this_o he_o do_v as_o to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n under_o the_o old_a so_o to_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o be_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n by_o inform_v their_o understanding_n john_n 14.26_o and_o by_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16.13_o second_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o publisher_n of_o his_o sacred_a doctrine_n by_o quicken_a their_o memory_n that_o what_o their_o master_n have_v before_o teach_v they_o the_o disciple_n now_o may_v remember_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o object_n which_o daily_o present_v themselves_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o variety_n of_o converse_n and_o numerous_a disturbance_n they_o meet_v with_o in_o a_o world_n full_a of_o noise_n and_o humour_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o slip_v many_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o register_v and_o when_o they_o be_v enter_v to_o lose_v the_o record_n hence_o be_v that_o admonition_n of_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v heb._n 2.1_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o who_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o ourselves_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a power_n assist_v their_o memory_n that_o those_o thing_n may_v again_o recur_v which_o they_o have_v hear_v from_o our_o saviour_n at_o that_o time_n when_o by_o his-absence_n he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o repeat_v and_o oral_o to_o deliver_v that_o doctrine_n which_o before_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o hear_v the_o spirit_n then_o by_o a_o immediate_a impression_n put_v their_o spirit_n into_o such_o a_o motion_n and_o propose_v such_o object_n to_o their_o consideration_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o range_v the_o particle_n of_o the_o brain_n that_o the_o same_o image_n present_v themselves_o and_o they_o have_v the_o same_o idea_n and_o apprehension_n which_o possess_v their_o mind_n when_o the_o trutn_n be_v first_o deliver_v to_o they_o or_o if_o i_o may_v be_v any_o way_n extravagant_a in_o endeavour_v to_o describe_v the_o manner_n of_o frame_v this_o miraculous_a effect_n yet_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o some_o way_n or_o other_o this_o be_v do_v or_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o full_o accomplish_v for_o say_v the_o text_n the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o john_n 14.26_o three_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n incline_v the_o will_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n to_o publish_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v impress_v upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o their_o memory_n now_o perfect_o retain_v and_o to_o commit_v these_o truth_n to_o write_v that_o future_a age_n may_v be_v able_a to_o read_v what_o they_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o hear_v to_o exhibit_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o divine_a rule_n and_o to_o live_v also_o suitable_a to_o their_o doctrine_n to_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n now_o though_o this_o influence_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o such_o as_o have_v imbibe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n with_o their_o understanding_n because_o their_o will_n may_v seem_v immediate_o to_o follow_v what_o their_o understanding_n dictate_v to_o be_v true_a and_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o admirable_a excellency_n of_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v motive_n enough_o to_o persuade_v as_o well_o to_o its_o practice_n as_o belief_n yet_o we_o find_v by_o a_o woeful_a experience_n that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n do_v not_o always_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o understanding_n but_o that_o we_o violate_v law_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v true_a and_o good_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o few_o man_n will_v embrace_v vice_n and_o offer_v injury_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n which_o all_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o discretion_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o infallible_o seal_v and_o authorize_v by_o god_n who_o have_v by_o a_o miraculous_a hand_n attest_v they_o to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v make_v willing_a as_o well_o as_o able_a to_o accomplish_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o propagation_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o can_v conjecture_v that_o so_o sudden_a a_o alteration_n can_v be_v make_v as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o their_o trade_n and_o education_n be_v rough_a and_o stubborn_a this_o be_v general_o observe_v of_o mariner_n so_o as_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v such_o gentle_a precept_n so_o opposite_a to_o their_o custom_n and_o inclination_n without_o a_o superior_a influence_n mollify_a their_o temper_n and_o the_o powerful_a operation_n and_o persuasion_n of_o god_n to_o make_v they_o willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n when_o paul_n therefore_o be_v convert_v by_o a_o miracle_n and_o bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o that_o jesus_n who_o he_o have_v persecute_v that_o glorious_a light_n which_o shine_v upon_o his_o understanding_n rectify_v also_o the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o incline_v that_o to_o follow_v his_o conviction_n so_o that_o he_o become_v not_o disobedient_a to_o the_o heavenly_a vision_n but_o show_v both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n act_n 26.19_o 20._o four_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lead_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o work_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n these_o be_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o heaven_n that_o sufficient_o authorise_v whatever_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o give_v testimony_n unto_o for_o these_o be_v either_o visible_a effect_n beyond_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o some_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a alteration_n of_o nature_n by_o lay_v a_o restraint_n upon_o its_o usual_a operation_n or_o cause_v it_o to_o take_v a_o different_a course_n by_o a_o strange_a composition_n of_o second_o cause_n or_o a_o powerful_a concurrence_n of_o some_o agent_n not_o include_v in_o the_o immediate_a cause_n they_o
that_o they_o shall_v read_v natural_a philosophy_n to_o the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v the_o star_n by_o their_o name_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o instruction_n know_v their_o several_a motion_n distance_n or_o altitude_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v aphorism_n in_o physic_n or_o to_o give_v to_o they_o geometrical_a proportion_n nor_o to_o breed_v they_o curious_a and_o expert_a artificer_n though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v make_v themselves_o apostle_n nor_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o number_n of_o arithmetic_n or_o the_o astrological_a signature_n of_o thing_n or_o time_n and_o season_n for_o these_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v because_o the_o father_n have_v put_v they_o into_o his_o own_o power_n act_n 1.7_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v never_o so_o proud_a and_o bold_a so_o neither_o be_v they_o so_o unlucky_a as_o the_o pope_n who_o must_v needs_o condemn_v a_o point_n in_o geography_n and_o the_o tenet_n of_o antipode_n for_o a_o destroy_a heresy_n so_o little_o do_v he_o know_v the_o universal_a empire_n he_o pretend_v to_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o figure_n or_o bound_n or_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o earth_n over_o which_o he_o yet_o pretend_v a_o authority_n the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o those_o truth_n only_o in_o divinity_n which_o include_v the_o full_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o preach_v they_o to_o the_o present_a age_n and_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o succeed_a generation_n the_o spirit_n be_v not_o give_v to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o great_a historian_n or_o philosopher_n but_o christian_n and_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o be_v the_o planter_n and_o founder_n of_o church_n not_o the_o post_n and_o standard_n of_o dispute_n or_o to_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o sect_n and_o faction_n in_o philosophy_n they_o be_v to_o erect_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n settle_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n christ_n himself_o support_v the_o building_n and_o this_o neither_o for_o pasquin_n or_o poetry_n but_o for_o a_o rule_n and_o directory_n of_o stand_a religion_n and_o devotion_n chap._n xii_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whilst_o house_v in_o these_o body_n of_o clay_n be_v darken_v and_o obscure_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o window_n of_o sense_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o external_a object_n to_o a_o intercourse_n with_o the_o mind_n for_o suppose_v our_o sense_n can_v always_o make_v true_a and_o exact_a representation_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v be_v often_o deceive_v yet_o these_o can_v only_o convey_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n those_o of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o exalt_v nature_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o image_n must_v needs_o escape_v the_o perception_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n 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of_o the_o authority_n we_o confide_v in_o this_o be_v therefore_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v as_o well_o praise_v god_n goodness_n as_o admire_v his_o power_n for_o send_v we_o that_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o conduct_v we_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o this_o promise_n i_o tell_v you_o i_o will_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 2._o as_o it_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v militant_a on_o the_o earth_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v already_o dispatch_v and_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o to_o view_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n guidance_n as_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n throughout_o the_o several_a age_n and_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o divine_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o its_o immediate_a operation_n be_v too_o difficult_a to_o be_v explain_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o energy_n and_o work_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o thing_n for_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n what_o therefore_o be_v now_o to_o be_v discourse_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o influence_n in_o general_n and_o that_o extraordinary_a assistance_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o apostle_n be_v how_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n possess_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o with_o truth_n who_o make_v themselves_o by_o holy_a disposition_n and_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a faculty_n capable_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o what_o truth_n those_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n guide_v man_n into_o as_o to_o the_o first_o suppose_v that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o to_o receive_v a_o full_a revelation_n of_o those_o truth_n by_o open_v their_o understanding_n and_o quicken_a their_o memory_n that_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n faithful_o record_v they_o for_o the_o use_n of_o posterity_n and_o that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v stand_v rule_n for_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o come_v i_o can_v find_v any_o other_o method_n the_o spirit_n have_v use_v or_o do_v continue_v to_o guide_v the_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o by_o those_o scripture_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n to_o publish_v and_o deliver_v 2._o by_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o man_n to_o continue_v that_o ministry_n which_o must_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o 3._o by_o confirm_v those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o cooperate_a with_o the_o external_a ministration_n by_o a_o internal_a work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o those_o who_o be_v inclinable_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n first_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n by_o those_o scripture_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o posterity_n these_o be_v those_o lively_a character_n in_o which_o we_o may_v read_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n these_o be_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o certain_o guide_v those_o into_o it_o who_o sober_o and_o conscientious_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v they_o they_o convey_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n valuable_a above_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n and_o hereafter_o give_v we_o such_o possession_n as_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o power_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o exceed_v all_o humane_a expectation_n these_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o complete_a body_n of_o doctrine_n that_o they_o need_v not_o any_o addition_n to_o be_v make_v to_o they_o let_v their_o own_o sense_n be_v but_o sufficient_o explain_v and_o if_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o speak_v their_o own_o mind_n they_o will_v neither_o want_v apocrypha_fw-la nor_o tradition_n nor_o any_o new_a revelation_n neither_o to_o render_v they_o a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o divinity_n man_n own_o doctrine_n and_o not_o christ_n want_v tradition_n to_o confirm_v they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n of_o a_o sect_n of_o man_n that_o will_v make_v all_o christian_n groan_n with_o their_o burden_n and_o void_a god_n word_n with_o their_o own_o pretension_n however_o they_o be_v varnish_v with_o the_o plausible_a epithet_n of_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a that_o make_v such_o addition_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v at_o first_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v able_a of_o themselves_o
when_o right_o understand_v to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o furnish_v the_o minister_n certain_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v the_o people_n nay_o to_o make_v they_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n two_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o hence_o be_v it_o that_o these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v take_v from_o the_o adult_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v expose_v to_o child_n learning_n or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v timothy_n commendation_n that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v know_v the_o scripture_n and_o if_o such_o eulogium_n be_v make_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n much_o more_o praise_n must_v be_v give_v to_o the_o new_a which_o show_v we_o a_o way_n to_o be_v justify_v from_o those_o thing_n from_o which_o we_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n act_n 13.39_o and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v 2_o tim._n 1.10_o the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n preach_v by_o christ_n and_o enlarge_v upon_o by_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o powerful_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v sufficient_a accompany_v with_o those_o mean_n appoint_v for_o their_o delivery_n and_o the_o ordinary_a assistance_n give_v to_o those_o that_o attend_v they_o with_o humility_n to_o guide_v man_n into_o all_o those_o truth_n requisite_a to_o be_v know_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o therefore_o bless_a be_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o luke_o 11.28_o from_o hence_o draw_v we_o the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o these_o be_v the_o fresh_a spring_n of_o salvation_n at_o which_o mankind_n may_v satisfy_v themselves_o here_o have_v we_o direction_n to_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o various_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v endure_v 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of_o our_o sin_n the_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n or_o to_o make_v our_o adversary_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n permit_v some_o to_o erect_v their_o plume_n and_o lead_v captive_a unwary_a soul_n in_o triumph_n yet_o though_o he_o that_o stand_v must_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v let_v we_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n advice_n hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o contend_v earnest_o for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o and_o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v two_o thess_n 3.6_o and_o if_o we_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n shall_v be_v upon_o we_o and_o mercy_n gal._n 6.16_o we_o need_v not_o then_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o wind_n and_o storm_n nor_o yet_o of_o he_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n if_o we_o true_o fear_v he_o that_o can_v destroy_v the_o soul_n which_o none_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v do_v for_o say_v our_o saviour_n whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o be_v like_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o though_o the_o rain_n descend_v the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n it_o fall_v not_o matth._n 7.24_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v now_o give_v we_o a_o stand_a rule_n by_o the_o glorious_a inspiration_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o general_a measure_n of_o our_o action_n and_o as_o no_o sign_n will_v be_v give_v of_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o resurrection_n beside_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n ionas_n so_o no_o rule_n can_v be_v expect_v by_o we_o beside_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o universal_a period_n and_o general_a conflagration_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n put_v all_o under_o the_o severe_a curse_n that_o pervert_v this_o or_o preach_v another_o gospel_n and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o anathematise_v man_n but_o pass_v the_o same_o sentence_n upon_o angel_n if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v prove_v so_o bold_a and_o impious_a nay_o he_o double_v the_o curse_n to_o testify_v his_o faith_n and_o proclaim_v the_o irrepealable_a duration_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o what_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v certain_o true_a and_o we_o may_v confide_v in_o it_o what_o be_v add_v by_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o infallible_a any_o far_a than_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n dispute_v against_o the_o heretic_n by_o and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o measure_n and_o rule_v of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v so_o full_a and_o plain_a that_o no_o new_a article_n must_v be_v add_v to_o our_o creed_n nor_o any_o other_o rule_v of_o duty_n contradictory_n to_o these_o all_o necessary_a thing_n be_v so_o easy_a that_o any_o person_n of_o any_o ordinary_a capacity_n use_v the_o method_n of_o god_n own_o institution_n may_v soon_o arrive_v at_o knowledge_n enough_o to_o save_v he_o if_o his_o will_n do_v not_o rebel_n against_o his_o understanding_n and_o he_o faithful_o practice_n what_o he_o know_v nor_o can_v the_o end_n of_o god_n law_n ever_o be_v obtain_v or_o man_n be_v leave_v inexcusable_a if_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o it_o can_v not_o unriddle_v itself_o for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o law_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bind_v by_o they_o how_o can_v man_n obey_v that_o which_o they_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n understand_v and_o if_o it_o can_v by_o the_o ordinary_a help_n of_o the_o learned_a in_o it_o interpret_v itself_o there_o must_v then_o be_v a_o new_a inspiration_n to_o interpret_v what_o be_v inspire_v before_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v two_o inspiration_n where_o one_o will_v have_v serve_v because_o he_o that_o can_v interpret_v a_o law_n plain_o to_o the_o world_n may_v have_v make_v it_o plain_a at_o its_o first_o delivery_n unless_o perchance_o we_o may_v think_v it_o wise_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o toil_n and_o pain_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o many_o man_n by_o ignorance_n or_o wilfulness_n when_o they_o forsake_v the_o guide_n of_o god_n appointment_n heap_v teacher_n to_o themselves_o have_v itch_a ear_n may_v be_v and_o be_v lead_v into_o divers_a error_n under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o truth_n and_o thus_o those_o among_o the_o galatian_n who_o in_o those_o early_a day_n
unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o prevent_v our_o be_v deceive_v and_o lead_v into_o error_n hence_o be_v timothy_n office_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v by_o the_o ordination_n of_o s._n paul_n style_v a_o gift_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o and_o lest_o these_o appointment_n shall_v not_o be_v account_v the_o product_n and_o designation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o gift_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v in_o himself_o one_o uniform_a be_v though_o these_o be_v divers_a according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o they_o be_v all_o such_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v give_v to_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12._o now_o as_o god_n providence_n rule_v the_o world_n though_o we_o can_v neither_o discover_v his_o counsel_n nor_o be_v able_a to_o account_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n as_o he_o dispose_v of_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n determine_v our_o day_n and_o dispose_v our_o habitation_n though_o these_o thing_n be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o order_n and_o train_n of_o second_o cause_n several_o design_v and_o concur_v to_o the_o end_n so_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n dispose_v the_o way_n of_o the_o education_n of_o some_o and_o incline_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o office_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n people_n may_v not_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o always_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o to_o convey_v christ_n doctrine_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n that_o his_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o a_o holy_a faith_n as_o on_o a_o firm_a and_o well_o fix_a rock_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n may_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o it_o matth._n 16.16_o and_o 18._o now_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o such_o man_n distinguish_v by_o their_o education_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v from_o those_o that_o be_v more_o encompass_v with_o the_o noise_n and_o disturb_v affair_n of_o this_o life_n be_v prepare_v by_o a_o previous_a train_n of_o circumstance_n and_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o understanding_n and_o be_v by_o such_o mean_v able_a to_o see_v into_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o that_o have_v go_v before_o they_o have_v be_v use_v more_o to_o read_v consideration_n and_o retirement_n than_o other_o man_n and_o to_o weigh_v the_o just_a consequence_n of_o thing_n they_o must_v needs_o attain_v a_o competent_a ability_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o most_o apply_v themselves_o and_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a through_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o spirit_n who_o call_v and_o give_v they_o authority_n in_o their_o office_n to_o become_v instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o guide_v man_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o art_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o world_n we_o deem_v it_o a_o natural_a way_n to_o learn_v by_o obtain_v one_o that_o be_v skilful_a himself_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o principle_n and_o ground_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o we_o more_o certain_o and_o easy_o obtain_v our_o design_n when_o we_o have_v such_o a_o one_o to_o instruct_v we_o so_o be_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a way_n to_o inform_v ourselves_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n when_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o a_o inspire_a rule_n but_o man_n educate_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o understanding_n the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v afterward_o appoint_v by_o due_a ceremony_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n especial_o if_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n confirm_v those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o cooperate_a with_o the_o external_a appoint_a ministration_n by_o a_o internal_a work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a illumination_n yet_o continue_v among_o christian_n as_o our_o church_n own_v it_o by_o her_o prayer_n so_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o contradict_v it_o not_o that_o it_o do_v render_v any_o man_n infallible_a as_o the_o romanist_n affirm_v nor_o inspire_v man_n with_o any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n beside_o what_o it_o have_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o some_o enthusiast_n adventure_v to_o determine_v yet_o we_o must_v not_o to_o avoid_v the_o extreme_n forsake_v so_o useful_a a_o article_n of_o belief_n that_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n and_o keep_v we_o dependent_a upon_o he_o and_o be_v so_o great_a a_o foundation_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v by_o the_o jew_n because_o the_o samaritan_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n nor_o shall_v i_o like_o the_o jew_n in_o barbary_n refuse_v to_o eat_v of_o that_o meat_n which_o be_v dress_v by_o one_o of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n or_o to_o drink_v in_o the_o same_o cup_n with_o a_o moor_n when_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o wholesome_a constitution_n until_o it_o have_v undergo_v the_o ceremony_n of_o wash_v truth_n in_o this_o world_n will_v be_v blend_v with_o error_n and_o it_o be_v the_o prudence_n as_o well_o as_o piety_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o make_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n and_o not_o to_o slight_v and_o refuse_v the_o one_o because_o the_o other_o have_v be_v mix_v with_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o mr._n hales_n express_v it_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o apostle_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v make_v good_a unto_o they_o by_o private_a and_o secret_a inform_v their_o understanding_n with_o high_a and_o heavenly_a mystery_n which_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o conceit_n of_o man_n and_o to_o we_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a because_o what_o be_v write_v by_o revelation_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o our_o instruction_n they_o have_v write_v in_o their_o book_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o assistance_n the_o spirit_n give_v we_o for_o though_o he_o do_v not_o inspire_v we_o with_o any_o new_a doctrine_n you_o he_o open_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o old_a i_o be_o far_o from_o admit_v the_o conceit_n of_o a_o impulse_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o life_n because_o we_o know_v what_o mischief_n have_v overspread_v the_o world_n when_o proposition_n have_v be_v veil_v with_o such_o a_o pretence_n and_o it_o may_v be_v our_o own_o as_o well_o as_o s._n augustine_n observation_n tanto_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la seditionem_fw-la faciliores_fw-la quanto_fw-la sibi_fw-la videntur_fw-la spiritu_fw-la excellere_fw-la man_n be_v the_o more_o prone_a to_o sedition_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o 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