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 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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
value_n of_o thing_n before_o we_o receive_v they_o that_o counterfeit_a coin_n may_v not_o claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n with_o what_o be_v instamp_v with_o caesar_n image_n nor_o a_o entrance_n open_v for_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n ride_v in_o a_o kirk_n bear_v on_o the_o back_n of_o those_o that_o know_v not_o what_o they_o carry_v that_o they_o may_v bring_v popery_n in_o triumph_n to_o we_o like_o the_o grecian_n lodge_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o that_o wooden_a and_o insensible_a horse_n that_o enter_v troy_n and_o sack_v the_o city_n and_o so_o gain_v that_o by_o a_o easy_a strategem_fw-la which_o ten_o year_n siege_n can_v not_o effect_v for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n if_o man_n will_v now_o hearken_v to_o any_o i_o have_v choose_v this_o subject_a to_o discourse_n on_o that_o if_o possible_a we_o may_v separate_v the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o doctrine_n of_o apostle_n and_o those_o of_o devil_n and_o mark_v out_o the_o spirit_n 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doctrine_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o messiah_n such_o as_o under_o some_o great_a pretence_n of_o purity_n and_o preciseness_n may_v introduce_v faction_n and_o schism_n and_o dissolve_v that_o strict_a love_n and_o union_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o thing_n some_o be_v prone_a unto_o in_o the_o first_o and_o early_a time_n of_o christianity_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o church_n have_v put_v forth_o leaf_n the_o caterpillar_n be_v ready_a to_o devour_v they_o 2._o because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o jewish_a superstition_n and_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o a_o sect_n be_v now_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n have_v provide_v principle_n which_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n may_v equal_o suit_v with_o both_o or_o either_o and_o so_o can_v shelter_v themselves_o from_o one_o storm_n and_o raise_v another_o if_o the_o wind_n blow_v from_o either_o 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 wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n can_v be_v false_a without_o suppose_v he_o a_o liar_n nay_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o in_o their_o commendation_n that_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n much_o more_o the_o people_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o the_o design_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v sufficient_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a rule_n of_o life_n that_o which_o if_o follow_v bring_v peace_n and_o welfare_n to_o we_o here_o and_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o that_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v for_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o look_v for_o a_o bless_a hope_n and_o immortality_n for_o which_o the_o 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
the_o subversion_n of_o his_o gospel_n when_o his_o infinite_a understanding_n can_v baffle_v their_o argument_n and_o his_o visible_a miracle_n rebuke_v their_o folly_n in_o set_v up_o any_o doctrine_n for_o divine_a that_o contradict_v what_o he_o deliver_v certain_o much_o more_o now_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v deliver_v and_o miracle_n for_o its_o confirmation_n be_v cease_v and_o man_n be_v not_o now_o to_o expect_v new_a but_o to_o believe_v the_o old_a nay_o when_o the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v often_o pervert_v to_o evil_a design_n and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o man_n offer_v to_o god_n they_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o devil_n the_o church_n be_v now_o and_o our_o religion_n in_o it_o like_o a_o ship_n at_o sea_n toss_v in_o a_o storm_n and_o through_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n we_o be_v put_v into_o a_o creek_n to_o careen_a and_o repair_v let_v we_o examine_v therefore_o all_o the_o leaky_a part_n of_o the_o vessel_n and_o supply_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o mast_n or_o rig_v before_o we_o put_v to_o sea_n again_o and_o mind_n what_o passenger_n we_o take_v in_o that_o they_o may_v neither_o blow_v we_o up_o nor_o sink_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n warn_v the_o ephesian_n so_o must_v i_o admonish_v you_o that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n ephes_n 5.6_o as_o if_o any_o wickedness_n by_o what_o authority_n soever_o colour_v can_v free_v those_o who_o teach_v or_o practice_v it_o from_o the_o revenge_n of_o heaven_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n come_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n on_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n here_o indeed_o in_o this_o world_n good_a man_n frequent_o suffer_v the_o same_o temporal_a evil_n with_o the_o bad_a because_o be_v in_o the_o same_o community_n and_o the_o offence_n be_v that_o of_o the_o whole_a society_n when_o the_o great_a part_n become_v vicious_a the_o wheat_n be_v singe_a by_o those_o flame_n that_o burn_v the_o chaff_n for_o the_o separation_n of_o these_o be_v not_o complete_v till_o a_o future_a state_n render_v justice_n exact_a and_o glorious_a and_o community_n must_v be_v punish_v here_o because_o in_o the_o other_o life_n these_o shall_v cease_v and_o every_o man_n bear_v his_o own_o burden_n it_o become_v we_o therefore_o since_o we_o must_v every_o one_o then_o answer_v for_o ourselves_o to_o examine_v well_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o not_o to_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n in_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o false_a principle_n of_o another_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n advise_v that_o every_o man_n examine_v himself_o before_o he_o partake_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o and_o in_o the_o second_o epist_n 13_o the_o chap._n 5_o the_o vers_n he_o exhort_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o prove_v their_o own_o self_n and_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v try_v his_o own_o work_n that_o he_o may_v have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o because_o every_o one_o shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n gal._n 6.4_o 5._o but_o yet_o because_o many_o thing_n in_o religion_n be_v place_v beyond_o the_o examination_n of_o every_o man_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o embrace_v they_o i_o must_v here_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n and_o rule_v to_o limit_v such_o as_o may_v be_v otherwise_o apt_a to_o be_v extravagant_a and_o extend_v this_o duty_n of_o try_v spirit_n beyond_o their_o own_o power_n and_o capacity_n and_o 1._o we_o that_o discourse_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v true_a must_v take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v express_v to_o the_o world_n in_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n in_o which_o it_o be_v contain_v now_o these_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v some_o set_v apart_o to_o be_v guide_n to_o other_o and_o therefore_o distinguish_v the_o church_n into_o pastor_n and_o people_n into_o those_o that_o be_v guide_n and_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v conduct_v by_o they_o into_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a but_o because_o all_o rule_n guide_v man_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v design_v to_o render_v these_o proper_a and_o effectual_a all_o collateral_a and_o subordinate_a help_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n we_o must_v take_v therefore_o the_o help_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o rely_v on_o their_o honesty_n and_o skill_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o inferior_a education_n without_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v not_o now_o reasonable_o to_o be_v expect_v can_v capacitate_v man_n to_o reach_v nor_o can_v they_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o the_o advantage_n of_o know_v thus_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_o translate_v must_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v by_o those_o that_o can_v understand_v the_o original_n and_o the_o book_n which_o we_o receive_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o direction_n for_o man_n life_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o those_o inspire_a man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v among_o those_o that_o have_v not_o leisure_n nor_o skill_n enough_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o by_o any_o argument_n or_o authority_n and_o when_o these_o principle_n be_v settle_v 2._o the_o scripture_n have_v some_o point_v more_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v we_o must_v far_o make_v use_n of_o our_o guide_n and_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v over_o we_o to_o interpret_v to_o we_o such_o point_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o unridle_v ourselves_o and_o not_o adventure_v above_o our_o strength_n in_o judge_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v not_o learned_a this_o become_v the_o natural_a modesty_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v more_o especial_o agreeable_a to_o that_o humility_n of_o mind_n and_o those_o docile_a disposition_n which_o become_v the_o gospel_n the_o contrary_a humour_n and_o action_n of_o man_n be_v what_o make_v so_o many_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lay_v they_o open_v to_o the_o error_n and_o imposture_n of_o those_o who_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o design_n easy_o prevail_v upon_o and_o lead_v the_o simple_a in_o plain_a thing_n such_o as_o most_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v every_o man_n of_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v well_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v for_o himself_o but_o if_o they_o will_v enter_v into_o controversy_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v puzzle_v the_o learned_a it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o mistake_n and_o their_o own_o obstinacy_n add_v to_o their_o ignorance_n make_v their_o error_n become_v a_o heresy_n or_o if_o man_n will_v proceed_v in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n by_o false_a measure_n and_o course_n which_o be_v irregular_a not_o rely_v at_o all_o on_o those_o help_n and_o aid_n which_o reason_n dictate_v and_o god_n have_v both_o appoint_v and_o allow_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o they_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o by_o false_a reason_n instead_o of_o true_a or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o other_o when_o design_v man_n impose_v upon_o they_o by_o any_o fallacious_a and_o allure_a pretension_n 3._o even_o in_o plain_a case_n when_o private_a man_n that_o be_v not_o distinguish_v by_o any_o public_a character_n judge_v for_o themselves_o they_o ought_v to_o confine_v their_o opinion_n to_o themselves_o and_o permit_v they_o only_o to_o have_v a_o influence_n on_o their_o own_o action_n they_o have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o impose_v they_o on_o other_o than_o other_o private_a man_n have_v to_o impose_v they_o on_o they_o for_o all_o private_a man_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n equal_a none_o have_v authority_n to_o trouble_v other_o but_o they_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o choice_n which_o be_v the_o same_o liberty_n that_o they_o claim_v themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o man_n 4_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v antecedent_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n that_o under_o the_o same_o claim_n and_o title_n some_o be_v true_a and_o some_o false_a for_o if_o all_o be_v true_a there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o try_v spirit_n but_o we_o must_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n caution_n believe_v all_o who_o confident_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o yet_o our_o own_o experience_n sufficient_o inform_v we_o that_o opposite_a doctrine_n at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o vent_v in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o same_o confidence_n with_o the_o same_o pretention_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o one_o be_v false_a must_v by_o search_n and_o trial_n be_v
my_o understanding_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o sense_n concern_v their_o own_o proper_a object_n where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a medium_n and_o a_o just_a distance_n if_o this_o which_o thus_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v bread_n and_o wine_n may_v yet_o not_o be_v so_o but_o the_o substantial_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n then_o i_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v at_o the_o first_o wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o these_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o sense_n who_o be_v then_o eyewitness_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n may_v together_o be_v deceive_v about_o this_o sacrament_n the_o same_o possibility_n may_v make_v they_o so_o when_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o prove_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o the_o whole_a gospel_n may_v prove_v a_o fable_n and_o its_o great_a confirmation_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o imposture_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o world_n with_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n and_o to_o render_v it_o authentic_a by_o a_o infallible_a authority_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o sense_n be_v free_a and_o then_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v but_o that_o now_o since_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_o authorize_v this_o very_a doctrine_n thus_o confirm_v tie_v up_o our_o sense_n since_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o submit_v they_o to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v any_o where_o thus_o impose_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n it_o will_v 1._o be_v difficult_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o my_o eye_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o when_o i_o read_v the_o word_n 2._o suppose_v that_o i_o do_v read_v they_o true_a and_o that_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v that_o i_o understand_v what_o i_o read_v yet_o since_o no_o other_o text_n can_v be_v plead_v for_o transubstantiation_n beside_o this_o be_v my_o body_n why_o must_v i_o of_o necessity_n understand_v that_o by_o these_o word_n i_o be_o command_v to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o my_o sense_n when_o by_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a construction_n agreeable_a to_o the_o usual_a sacramental_a phrase_n particular_o those_o which_o be_v use_v about_o the_o passeover_n my_o sense_n be_v still_o leave_v unto_o their_o liberty_n and_o no_o more_o than_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n that_o be_v this_o bread_n represent_v or_o signify_v my_o body_n will_v express_v the_o sense_n and_o baffle_v the_o objection_n it_o be_v so_o common_a to_o parallel_v this_o expression_n with_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n the_o way_n the_o door_n and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o verb_n be_v construe_v by_o represent_v signify_v and_o the_o like_a that_o i_o be_o ashamed_a we_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o continue_a repetition_n by_o the_o daily_a appearance_n of_o a_o baffle_a adversary_n thus_o we_o see_v by_o these_o three_o instance_n of_o erroneous_a determination_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o if_o ever_o they_o have_v infallibility_n they_o have_v lose_v it_o unless_o truth_n and_o error_n be_v reconcile_v and_o infallible_a falsehood_n be_v a_o proper_a expression_n seven_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o premise_n the_o romanist_n will_v yet_o hold_v the_o conclusion_n and_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v infallible_a we_o must_v call_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o miracle_n for_o this_o can_v no_o way_n become_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n to_o those_o that_o pretend_v it_o and_o whoever_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n aught_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o miracle_n when_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o the_o apostle_n prove_v their_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n we_o must_v demand_v therefore_o the_o same_o from_o those_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n since_o the_o promise_n they_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o be_v complete_v in_o the_o apostle_n nay_o it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o tell_v story_n instead_o of_o miracle_n nor_o to_o produce_v something_o do_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o cause_n be_v behind_o the_o curtain_n no_o natural_a account_n can_v be_v give_v but_o they_o must_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v sufficient_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o when_o this_o be_v accomplish_v which_o be_v impossible_a the_o infallibility_n pretend_v must_v be_v prove_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n and_o conduct_n of_o man_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o because_o they_o confirm_v a_o unnecessary_a thing_n and_o what_o suppose_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v add_v more_o head_n of_o argument_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o baffle_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o proud_a capitol_n chap._n viii_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n spend_v a_o very_a large_a parenthesis_n upon_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n for_o fear_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o some_o who_o unthinking_a honesty_n may_v make_v they_o jealous_a of_o their_o power_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o i_o allow_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o synod_n and_o council_n and_o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o private_a minister_n i_o assume_v too_o much_o judgement_n to_o myself_o in_o make_v use_n of_o my_o faculty_n without_o leave_n i_o answer_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_a leave_n from_o the_o article_n and_o canon_n establish_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o england_n for_o what_o i_o have_v already_o write_v concern_v this_o matter_n yet_o i_o shall_v far_o explain_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o attribute_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o best_a establish_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o as_o any_o man_n can_v possible_o do_v who_o do_v not_o pluck_v out_o his_o eye_n to_o do_v they_o service_n therefore_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n i_o ready_o yield_v that_o father_n and_o council_n and_o all_o congregation_n of_o holy_a and_o judicious_a christian_n much_o more_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n solemn_o assemble_v to_o treat_v concern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o any_o point_n introduce_v into_o religion_n be_v reverent_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o reason_n urge_v a_o regard_n to_o those_o who_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o study_n or_o the_o prospect_n they_o have_v obtain_v from_o a_o high_a ground_n and_o according_a to_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o live_v be_v probable_o capacitate_v to_o assist_v our_o judgement_n and_o to_o determine_v a_o controversy_n better_o than_o ourselves_o when_o person_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o authority_n also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o difficult_a and_o dispute_v proposition_n humble_o beg_v the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o blessing_n on_o their_o endeavour_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o their_o determination_n when_o neither_o secular_a interest_n or_o a_o blind_a passion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o other_o gain_v their_o vote_n and_o procure_v their_o assent_n nay_o when_o these_o be_v our_o own_o lawful_a governor_n though_o nothing_o can_v force_v our_o belief_n we_o may_v in_o a_o improper_a sense_n call_v their_o determination_n infallible_a quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la because_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o avoid_v schism_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o ecclesiastical_a union_n among_o we_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o they_o bind_v we_o not_o to_o contradict_v they_o public_o by_o any_o external_a solemn_a act_n since_o we_o ourselves_o have_v our_o assent_n virtual_o imply_v in_o canon_n or_o law_n make_v by_o those_o who_o public_o represent_v we_o although_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v every_o proposition_n thus_o determine_v to_o be_v exact_o true_a unless_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o convince_v our_o judgement_n if_o we_o have_v ability_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o proof_n themselves_o to_o restrain_v the_o external_a act_n and_o discourse_n of_o man_n when_o they_o oppose_v the_o public_a sanction_n and_o constitution_n of_o those_o who_o be_v fix_v in_o such_o place_n of_o authority_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o keep_v peace_n and_o order_n in_o any_o
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 from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n if_o they_o be_v rational_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o must_v come_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o authority_n as_o may_v surmount_v all_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v now_o pretend_v miracle_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o any_o opinion_n that_o contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o command_v our_o assent_n and_o to_o determine_v our_o belief_n unless_o they_o be_v great_a than_o any_o which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n which_o these_o new_a opinion_n do_v oppose_v and_o contradict_v eight_o in_o this_o trial_n of_o man_n pretend_v inspiration_n for_o the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o evidence_n they_o give_v for_o such_o inspiration_n be_v peculiar_o divine_a and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v give_v to_o man_n by_o any_o thing_n inferior_a to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o grave_a deportment_n of_o the_o inspire_v nor_o the_o colour_n or_o shape_n of_o their_o face_n nor_o the_o seem_a innocence_n of_o their_o own_o life_n extraordinary_a austerity_n or_o a_o less_o decent_a and_o morose_n live_a that_o retire_v they_o from_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o a_o peculiar_a habit_n nor_o any_o uncouth_a or_o sluttish_a garment_n it_o be_v neither_o feed_n upon_o locust_n and_o wild_a honey_n nor_o yet_o eat_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n that_o prove_v a_o prophet_n to_o be_v divine_a nor_o be_v it_o a_o full_a and_o copious_a expression_n attend_v with_o abundance_n of_o zeal_n and_o passion_n nor_o yet_o a_o slow_a and_o pump_v delivery_n as_o if_o their_o notion_n be_v too_o big_a for_o their_o word_n and_o their_o word_n too_o large_a for_o their_o mouth_n that_o will_v evidence_n they_o to_o come_v from_o god_n it_o be_v neither_o their_o natural_a part_n or_o acquire_v ornament_n the_o antiquity_n of_o error_n nor_o the_o glory_n or_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v proselyte_v to_o it_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o render_v error_n plausible_a by_o distinction_n nor_o gloss_v it_o over_o with_o misrepresent_v testimony_n of_o other_o or_o pretend_v some_o latent_fw-la authority_n from_o the_o most_o obscure_a place_n pf_o the_o scripture_n or_o render_v those_o obscure_a to_o countenance_v their_o dotrine_n that_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a to_o the_o contrary_a that_o must_v lead_v we_o from_o divine_a truth_n into_o diabolical_a error_n and_o make_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o patronize_v a_o lie_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o a_o argument_n from_o the_o success_n a_o opinion_n have_v in_o the_o world_n though_o providence_n thereby_o seem_v with_o some_o to_o be_v entitle_v to_o it_o nor_o any_o countenance_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o iterate_a affirmation_n of_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v thus_o inspire_v that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v his_o doctrine_n true_a because_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v frequent_o be_v public_a attestation_n to_o those_o that_o be_v false_a but_o there_o must_v be_v such_o evidence_n to_o those_o proposition_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o come_v immediate_o from_o god_n as_o that_o by_o which_o he_o have_v always_o confirm_v his_o law_n to_o the_o world_n something_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v parallel_v by_o man_n or_o devil_n the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v annex_v that_o neither_o nature_n nor_o art_n be_v able_a to_o counterfeit_v and_o this_o nine_o must_v be_v real_a miracle_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v include_v there_o have_v be_v many_o wonder_n effect_v in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o story_n of_o these_o than_o be_v true_a which_o the_o romanist_n glory_n as_o much_o in_o as_o if_o they_o be_v 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 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none_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o embracement_n of_o christianity_n can_v possible_o contradict_v for_o his_o miracle_n attest_v this_o divine_a residency_n and_o loud_o proclaim_v it_o to_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v this_o irrefragable_a testimony_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n the_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n sufficient_o attest_v and_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n inspire_v and_o do_v assist_v he_o as_o his_o conception_n be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o do_v it_o continual_o breath_n upon_o he_o through_o all_o the_o period_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n it_o give_v a_o visible_a attestation_n to_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o witness_v his_o commission_n to_o the_o world_n when_o at_o his_o baptism_n it_o descend_v in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o light_v upon_o he_o matth._n 3.16_o and_o this_o be_v second_v by_o a_o audible_a voice_n loud_o thunder_v from_o the_o very_a sky_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v in_o his_o life_n he_o have_v the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n john_n 3.34_o he_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o the_o same_o proportion_n of_o power_n and_o assistance_n with_o s._n john_n who_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o by_o this_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o messiah_n nor_o with_o those_o prophet_n of_o old_a who_o be_v inspire_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n to_o who_o divine_a and_o unaccountable_a impulse_n be_v neither_o constant_a in_o their_o method_n or_o continuance_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n accompany_v our_o saviour_n throughout_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o his_o life_n so_o that_o he_o can_v upon_o any_o emergent_a occasion_n make_v discovery_n of_o it_o to_o other_o and_o always_o know_v it_o to_o be_v resident_a in_o himself_o he_o carry_v it_o with_o he_o to_o his_o cross_n and_o death_n to_o support_v he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o triumph_v over_o his_o temptation_n and_o enemy_n it_o hover_v as_o it_o be_v over_o his_o grave_n guard_v his_o body_n with_o a_o security_n beyond_o the_o soldier_n power_n and_o at_o last_o raise_v he_o with_o triumph_n from_o the_o dead_a rom._n 8.11_o and_o thus_o baffle_v the_o argument_n for_o infidelity_n second_o this_o spirit_n promise_v come_v also_o upon_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n at_o the_o beginning_n it_o descend_v with_o noise_n and_o a_o glorious_a splendour_n and_o come_v with_o such_o a_o train_n of_o solemnity_n and_o its_o appearance_n be_v so_o gay_a and_o pompous_a that_o it_o amuse_v nation_n and_o confound_v the_o multitude_n it_o shake_v the_o great_a place_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o sit_v glorious_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o cleave_a fiery_a tongue_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o each_o apostle_n give_v they_o at_o once_o a_o character_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o and_o ability_n to_o execute_v that_o commission_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v before_o give_v they_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n here_o be_v the_o prophecy_n of_o joel_n accomplish_v that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o descend_v with_o power_n in_o the_o lap_n of_o a_o cloud_n with_o a_o rush_a wind_n to_o blow_v open_a the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n that_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v come_v in_o it_o come_v with_o cleave_a fiery_a tongue_n to_o teach_v the_o apostle_n to_o sound_v forth_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n with_o a_o become_a zeal_n and_o warm_a affection_n the_o tongue_n be_v cleave_a that_o
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 world_n to_o make_v know_v riddle_n and_o explain_v mystery_n to_o maintain_v their_o faith_n against_o the_o learned_a dispute_n of_o rabbi_n and_o philosopher_n or_o to_o commit_v a_o system_fw-la of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o write_v for_o future_a age_n to_o live_v by_o and_o that_o it_o may_v become_v the_o rule_n for_o man_n action_n let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n judge_v it_o must_v needs_o therefore_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o large_a inspiration_n that_o these_o man_n be_v so_o slender_o prepare_v by_o nature_n or_o education_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o mean_a these_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o powerful_a be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n to_o ascertain_v their_o inspiration_n from_o above_o since_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n two_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o since_o no_o man_n 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
argue_v some_o superior_a operation_n and_o we_o must_v attribute_v they_o to_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n according_o have_v man_n use_v to_o difference_n they_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o a_o good_a or_o a_o bad_a design_n hence_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n two_o character_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o consequent_o as_o many_o of_o a_o true_a as_o i_o have_v hint_v immediate_o before_o 1_o if_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v that_o he_o give_v for_o confirmation_n of_o what_o he_o pretend_v in_o its_o design_n destroy_v natural_a religion_n i._n e._n what_o proceed_v from_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o man_n for_o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v come_v to_o pass_v which_o he_o give_v thou_o if_o this_o be_v wrought_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a one_o god_n to_o pay_v divine_a homage_n to_o a_o false_a one_o or_o to_o many_o the_o sign_n be_v permit_v only_o to_o prove_v they_o and_o such_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v account_v false_a but_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o villainy_n and_o imposture_n deut._n 13._o at_o the_o begin_n 2._o when_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o true_a and_o the_o thing_n foretell_v follow_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a and_o what_o he_o that_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n never_o commission_v the_o prophet_n to_o deliver_v deut._n 18.22_o when_o sign_n therefore_o and_o wonder_n be_v real_o effect_v that_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n establish_v what_o be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n and_o destroy_v all_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o fix_v nothing_o contradictory_n to_o what_o have_v be_v confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o do_v prefigure_v this_o new_a method_n and_o at_o such_o a_o particular_a period_n of_o the_o world_n be_v predict_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v they_o must_v needs_o confirm_v the_o truth_n which_o those_o man_n deliver_v who_o have_v sufficient_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o work_v they_o miracle_n be_v thing_n rational_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v sufficient_a sign_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n of_o those_o who_o be_v permit_v to_o work_v they_o when_o they_o carry_v especial_o such_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o their_o nature_n or_o in_o their_o frequency_n and_o continuation_n as_o no_o devil_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v grant_v to_o he_o nor_o any_o man_n can_v possible_o effect_v to_o do_v mischief_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o when_o moses_n deliver_v the_o law_n his_o speech_n be_v follow_v with_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n and_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n and_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o mountain_n deut._n 20.18_o which_o sufficient_o confirm_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o prepare_v the_o people_n for_o a_o obedient_a reception_n of_o the_o judicial_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o also_o at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o s._n john_n the_o baptist_n send_v two_o of_o his_o disciple_n unto_o christ_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n that_o be_v to_o give_v law_n unto_o the_o world_n our_o saviour_n return_v this_o answer_n tell_v john_n what_o thing_n you_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v how_o that_o the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v luke_o 7.22_o these_o miracle_n so_o full_a of_o goodness_n and_o divine_a influence_n be_v a_o sufficient_a attestation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n hence_o he_o make_v the_o same_o reply_n also_o to_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o propose_v the_o same_o question_n the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v in_o my_o father_n name_n they_o bear_v witness_n of_o i_o john_n 10.25_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o of_o the_o same_o person_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v miracle_n far_o beyond_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n who_o yet_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o what_o these_o do_v they_o believe_v they_o may_v reasonable_o have_v plead_v their_o law_n against_o i_o which_o then_o have_v be_v bless_v with_o as_o noble_a a_o establishment_n as_o what_o i_o now_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v but_o now_o that_o i_o do_v such_o work_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o do_v before_o i_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n at_o all_o for_o their_o sin_n nor_o any_o excuse_n for_o their_o unbelief_n john_n 15.24_o now_o as_o miracle_n argue_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n so_o they_o lead_v his_o disciple_n into_o the_o same_o truth_n for_o from_o those_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v he_o do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n they_o may_v reasonable_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o deliver_v to_o they_o and_o when_o the_o power_n be_v yet_o continue_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v well_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v still_o guide_v into_o the_o truth_n since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o seal_v it_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o they_o have_v so_o powerful_a and_o divine_a a_o testimony_n to_o what_o they_o apprehend_v and_o deliver_v thus_o when_o they_o have_v receive_v that_o commission_n from_o our_o saviour_n to_o go_v into_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v mark_n 16.20_o the_o same_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o god_n bear_v the_o apostle_n witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o will_n heb._n 2.4_o this_o be_v the_o testimony_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o those_o who_o publish_v and_o own_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n evidence_v its_o divinity_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o act_n 5.32_o last_o the_o holy_a spirit_n guide_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n into_o all_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a support_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o great_a and_o rage_a persecution_n both_o scripture_n and_o ecclesiastical_a history_n inform_v we_o what_o trial_n and_o conflict_n these_o have_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o a_o firm_a adhesion_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n their_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continue_a tragedy_n which_o do_v not_o end_n but_o in_o blood_n and_o death_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o in_o those_o day_n that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o nothing_o but_o cruelty_n from_o their_o severe_a adversary_n attend_v the_o profession_n and_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o that_o argument_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o prove_v the_o hope_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o resurrection_n if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a 1_o cor._n 15.19_o hence_o the_o apostle_n argue_v the_o hebrew_n to_o patience_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o suffering_n from_o the_o reflection_n upon_o what_o they_o have_v already_o overcome_v that_o they_o may_v not_o by_o a_o future_a cowardice_n lose_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o former_a adventure_n call_v to_o mind_n say_v he_o the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o you_o be_v illuminate_v you_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n by_o have_v their_o estate_n make_v a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n by_o be_v make_v a_o gaze_a stock_n to_o the_o world_n by_o bear_v reproach_n and_o torture_n themselves_o and_o be_v companion_n to_o those_o who_o be_v so_o use_v heb._n 10.32_o they_o get_v their_o bread_n with_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v lament_n 5.9_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o no_o more_o account_v of_o than_o as_o innocent_a sheep_n appoint_v to_o the_o slaughter_n as_o s._n paul_n apply_v that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n rom._n 8.36_o and_o if_o we_o view_v the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n we_o shall_v find_v nature_n always_o anticipate_v and_o they_o snatch_v away_o by_o a_o violent_a fate_n still_o swim_v to_o heaven_n in_o their_o blood_n one_o be_v crucify_v another_o behead_v a_o three_o be_v stone_v a_o four_o have_v his_o brain_n beat_v out_o with_o a_o club_n another_o