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
have_v be_v need_n of_o any_o stand_a rule_n so_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v commend_v these_o jew_n for_o compare_v the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o old_a nor_o for_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v true_a since_o he_o come_v to_o preach_v by_o virtue_n of_o inspiration_n four_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v guide_v and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n because_o there_o be_v several_a advantage_n that_o accrue_v to_o man_n by_o a_o diligent_a examination_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o avoid_v the_o insinuation_n of_o those_o who_o under_o this_o pretence_n captivate_v and_o enslave_v the_o affection_n of_o many_o lead_v they_o into_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o deceive_v they_o of_o the_o privilege_n and_o reward_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o their_o peace_n and_o happiness_n be_v dissolve_v here_o and_o they_o purchase_v eternal_a misery_n hereafter_o the_o take_v away_o this_o liberty_n of_o inquire_v from_o man_n be_v what_o support_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n when_o have_v deprive_v man_n of_o their_o sight_n they_o lead_v they_o which_o way_n they_o please_v and_o spirit_n they_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v go_v to_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n this_o be_v what_o cause_v many_o to_o believe_v the_o priest_n gain_v to_o be_v their_o own_o godliness_n whilst_o ignorance_n beget_v a_o strange_a devotion_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o that_o of_o delusion_n and_o then_o egypt_n or_o a_o wilderness_n will_v be_v as_o pleasant_a as_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o night_n become_v as_o glorious_a as_o the_o day_n to_o such_o as_o have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o the_o want_n of_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o these_o thing_n make_v the_o sect_n among_o ourselves_o to_o be_v catch_v and_o halter_a by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o other_o till_o they_o be_v betray_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o use_v they_o as_o stalk_a horse_n to_o catch_v other_o till_o the_o jesuit_n cast_v their_o net_n over_o they_o and_o then_o the_o roman_n come_v and_o take_v away_o our_o kingdom_n to_o forbid_v this_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o render_v the_o faculty_n of_o a_o man_n useless_a to_o degrade_v he_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o beast_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o strange_a metempsychosis_n among_o we_o by_o transplant_n man_n soul_n into_o other_o creature_n whilst_o their_o body_n live_v and_o act_n in_o the_o world_n or_o to_o make_v they_o in_o religious_a affair_n which_o be_v the_o great_a concernment_n they_o have_v here_o to_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n to_o seek_v unto_o they_o that_o have_v familiar_a spirit_n or_o unto_o the_o wizzard_n that_o peep_n and_o mutter_v when_o a_o people_n shall_v seek_v unto_o their_o god_n and_o not_o for_o the_o live_n to_o the_o dead_a isa_n 8.19_o 2._o by_o a_o serious_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n we_o shall_v in_o all_o probability_n keep_v our_o faith_n sound_n and_o entire_a for_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n but_o one_o true_a faith_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n since_o there_o may_v be_v many_o article_n of_o belief_n exhibit_v to_o man_n different_a from_o the_o true_a it_o must_v needs_o become_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o keep_v our_o faith_n sound_n and_o blameless_a by_o examine_v thing_n before_o we_o receive_v they_o and_o try_v man_n that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n before_o we_o entertain_v their_o doctrine_n in_o our_o mind_n or_o make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n a_o ship_n that_o equal_o spread_v her_o sail_n to_o all_o the_o storm_n and_o contrary_a wind_n must_v not_o only_o lengthen_v her_o voyage_n and_o be_v toss_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o wave_n and_o tempest_n but_o frequent_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o a_o wreck_n if_o it_o be_v not_o lose_v and_o overwhelm_v there_o be_v no_o less_o hazard_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o we_o permit_v it_o without_o care_n to_o lay_v open_a to_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n we_o may_v then_o not_o only_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o but_o at_o once_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o devil_n be_v both_o a_o thief_n and_o a_o murderer_n so_o he_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o still_o walk_v about_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v and_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o enter_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o steal_v away_o their_o faith_n or_o hinder_v it_o from_o a_o vital_a influence_n upon_o their_o action_n if_o the_o door_n of_o their_o soul_n continual_o be_v open_a and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o lock_v or_o bar_v he_o may_v then_o come_v to_o we_o in_o his_o own_o shape_n without_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o both_o solicit_v and_o enslave_v our_o mind_n whilst_o we_o let_v he_o pass_v without_o examine_v and_o yet_o in_o port_n subject_a to_o invasion_n and_o garrison_n that_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o surprise_n we_o allow_v continual_a watch_n and_o ward_n and_o order_n to_o they_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o time_n of_o danger_n that_o none_o who_o be_v not_o public_o know_v to_o be_v a_o friend_n may_v enter_v without_o a_o strict_a examination_n lest_o he_o betray_v the_o place_n and_o let_v in_o the_o enemy_n no_o less_o advantage_n be_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n to_o preserve_v our_o faith_n spotless_a and_o unblemished_a to_o have_v a_o sentinel_n always_o at_o our_o sense_n through_o which_o our_o soul_n make_v their_o sally_n lest_o the_o adversary_n again_o enter_v with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o same_o way_n in_o which_o they_o hope_v to_o preserve_v themselves_o we_o must_v guard_v our_o mind_n and_o have_v a_o watchman_n always_o upon_o the_o tower_n that_o our_o understanding_n themselves_z which_o govern_v both_o our_o choice_n and_o affection_n be_v not_o ensnare_v into_o false_a principle_n which_o will_v defile_v our_o action_n and_o ruin_v our_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o harmless_a and_o undefiled_a the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n among_o who_o we_o live_v and_o hereafter_o to_o shine_v like_o star_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o firmament_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o saint_n paul_n exhort_v man_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o of_o his_o thank_n god_n that_o the_o roman_n then_o though_o since_o they_o have_v depart_v from_o it_o obey_v from_o the_o heart_n the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o they_o rom._n 6.17_o and_o of_o s._n jude_n exhort_v all_o christian_n to_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 in_o the_o three_o verse_n of_o his_o epistle_n for_o whatever_o any_o man_n bold_o say_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o examine_v our_o belief_n as_o our_o action_n and_o to_o take_v as_o great_a care_n of_o the_o principle_n as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o not_o only_o our_o reason_n conclude_v this_o because_o the_o understanding_n be_v the_o principal_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o for_o that_o these_o direct_a our_o will_n and_o influence_n all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o those_o who_o exchange_n their_o creed_n for_o any_o public_a faith_n that_o betray_v those_o article_n man_n shall_v believe_v safety_n or_o ruin_n depend_v upon_o it_o because_o not_o only_a baptism_n and_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n of_o our_o saviour_n institution_n be_v require_v to_o the_o ordinary_a salvation_n of_o man_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_n 16.16_o hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n not_o mind_v these_o thing_n put_v away_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o shipwreck_a their_o belief_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o error_n and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o 20._o if_o the_o orthodoxy_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o great_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o old_a statute_n may_v be_v still_o embrace_v or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n remain_v the_o only_a direction_n unto_o man_n without_o any_o far_a revelation_n but_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o of_o error_n that_o be_v damnable_a which_o entitle_v man_n
heaven_n to_o it_o and_o a_o sufficient_a guide_n to_o future_a action_n and_o a_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o just_a many_o man_n when_o they_o have_v for_o some_o time_n brood_a upon_o a_o thing_n they_o be_v apt_a then_o to_o petition_v heaven_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o convenience_n or_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o and_o have_v end_v their_o devotion_n find_v their_o thought_n to_o run_v still_o in_o the_o same_o channel_n into_o which_o they_o have_v turn_v and_o confine_v they_o before_o they_o conclude_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o they_o to_o prosecute_v and_o accomplish_v their_o design_n and_o the_o eagerness_n of_o their_o intention_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o their_o predeterminate_v resolution_n they_o foolish_o take_v for_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o be_v willing_a against_o all_o reason_n to_o think_v thus_o guide_v they_o to_o conclude_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o desire_n and_o this_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a hint_n because_o in_o this_o method_n many_o wicked_a and_o unlawful_a action_n claim_v god_n patronage_n to_o justify_v and_o defend_v they_o and_o what_o impious_a and_o most_o bloody_a design_n have_v be_v attempt_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o impression_n upon_o man_n mind_n after_o they_o have_v pretend_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o thus_o gain_v what_o they_o have_v call_v a_o return_n to_o their_o prayer_n i_o need_v not_o now_o particular_o relate_v history_n have_v report_v and_o will_v yet_o more_o discover_v they_o to_o the_o world_n this_o one_o thing_n have_v raise_v rebellion_n murder_v prince_n in_o design_n and_o act_n violate_v all_o sacred_a obligation_n and_o lay_v religion_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o every_o fresh_a and_o fanciful_a pretender_n at_o this_o rate_n we_o shall_v cheat_v our_o neighbour_n by_o a_o secret_a impulse_n and_o murder_v god_n anoint_v by_o a_o special_a command_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v safe_a in_o his_o life_n and_o fortune_n if_o a_o pray_a hector_n or_o a_o dream_a enthusiast_n have_v a_o mind_n and_o power_n to_o take_v they_o away_o nor_o will_v he_o long_o be_v without_o a_o warrant_n when_o by_o wink_v hard_a and_o direct_v his_o thought_n he_o may_v impress_v his_o own_o mind_n as_o he_o please_v and_o with_o a_o melancholy_n or_o sturdy_a confidence_n proclaim_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o god_n be_v then_o only_o in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n say_v to_o hear_v or_o make_v return_n to_o our_o prayer_n when_o he_o bestow_v on_o we_o those_o good_a and_o lawful_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v with_o humility_n and_o devotion_n beg_v and_o if_o any_o man_n ponder_v on_o a_o wicked_a design_n of_o his_o own_o contrivance_n in_o this_o case_n pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o direction_n and_o after_o his_o prayer_n find_v the_o sinful_a impression_n still_o remain_v this_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o vicious_a and_o diabolical_a inclination_n but_o not_o from_o the_o impulse_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o it_o can_v by_o no_o reasonable_a person_n be_v account_v god_n answer_v to_o his_o prayer_n unless_o he_o will_v suppose_v the_o great_a maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o offer_v the_o great_a violence_n to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o nurse_n and_o cherish_v what_o he_o will_v hate_v in_o himself_o in_o those_o who_o be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n no_o great_a reproach_n can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n than_o this_o by_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v his_o be_v for_o they_o make_v he_o the_o patron_n to_o man_n sin_n as_o if_o his_o essential_a purity_n and_o goodness_n can_v permit_v he_o to_o instigate_v any_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o his_o justice_n notwithstanding_o must_v and_o can_v choose_v but_o punish_v such_o apprehension_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n will_v oftentimes_o make_v the_o author_n of_o peace_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o worst_a war_n and_o the_o shed_v the_o best_a blood_n in_o a_o kingdom_n the_o god_n of_o order_n will_v become_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a confusion_n among_o mankind_n and_o in_o plain_a term_n give_v himself_o the_o lye_n it_o can_v be_v safe_a therefore_o to_o make_v what_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o call_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n a_o rule_n of_o action_n unless_o they_o agree_v with_o god_n write_v word_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o new_a warrant_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v the_o best_a so_o it_o must_v be_v to_o we_o the_o only_a general_a direction_n in_o our_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o follow_v strong_a impression_n make_v upon_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v safe_a to_o guide_v we_o after_o we_o have_v seek_v to_o god_n for_o particular_a direction_n it_o must_v as_o i_o conceive_v be_v only_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a before_o that_o he_o may_v influence_n our_o prudential_a choice_n in_o matter_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o option_n and_o even_o in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o full_o resolve_v beforehand_o lest_o we_o be_v find_v to_o be_v dissembler_n with_o god_n and_o have_v no_o real_a hesitation_n in_o our_o own_o judgement_n but_o if_o in_o such_o thing_n we_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v any_o application_n to_o he_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o leave_v room_n for_o his_o direction_n and_o that_o we_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o determine_v ourselves_o by_o any_o of_o the_o law_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o lawfulness_n of_o either_o part_n must_v be_v evident_a and_o we_o must_v desire_v a_o influence_n on_o the_o government_n of_o our_o choice_n only_o in_o the_o prudential_a determination_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o good_a consequence_n or_o success_n i_o can_v apprehend_v that_o any_o evil_n can_v attend_v this_o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o inability_n to_o guide_v ourselves_o without_o his_o assistance_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o which_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o our_o adoration_n and_o prayer_n but_o yet_o the_o good_a that_o may_v in_o particular_a attend_v the_o pursuance_n of_o this_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n secret_a conduct_n and_o to_o the_o intrigue_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o providence_n which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discover_v unless_o he_o can_v pry_v into_o the_o consult_v of_o heaven_n and_o disclose_v the_o secret_n of_o a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v when_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v already_o reveal_v there_o be_v not_o a_o keyhole_n to_o peep_v through_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o love_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v or_o to_o be_v bold_a in_o prescribe_v rule_n in_o those_o case_n in_o which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o none_o but_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o scripture_n as_o my_o certain_a rule_n thus_o guide_v myself_o in_o this_o world_n that_o i_o may_v at_o last_o through_o god_n mercy_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o my_o redeemer_n arrive_v at_o my_o proportion_a glory_n in_o the_o next_o but_o second_o another_o false_a rule_n of_o try_v opinion_n doctrine_n and_o resolution_n in_o religion_n set_v up_o by_o some_o be_v every_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o determination_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o take_v not_o its_o measure_n from_o god_n word_n nor_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o from_o a_o peculiar_a private_a spirit_n get_v into_o a_o single_a man_n thought_n and_o apprehension_n now_o to_o this_o head_n may_v be_v reduce_v what_o madman_n call_v light_n and_o revelation_n what_o those_o enthusiast_n that_o will_v be_v saint_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o profane_a action_n and_o dub_v themselves_o holy_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o own_o irreligion_n call_v conscience_n and_o what_o other_o of_o a_o more_o smooth_a and_o gentle_a disposition_n stile_n reason_n that_o they_o may_v advance_v the_o power_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o degrade_n if_o not_o expel_v the_o benign_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o discern_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n among_o quaker_n anabaptist_n independent_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o separatist_n speak_v in_o the_o general_a of_o all_o that_o follow_v the_o socinian_n principle_n and_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o popery_n itself_o when_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n mistake_v the_o result_n of_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
fervency_n and_o devotion_n for_o they_o for_o if_o you_o be_v evil_a say_v our_o saviour_n know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_o 11.13_o and_o since_o god_n be_v so_o bountiful_a to_o we_o let_v we_o not_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o for_o when_o we_o shall_v with_o retirement_n consider_v how_o numerous_a and_o potent_a our_o sin_n be_v which_o must_v all_o in_o their_o habit_n be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v how_o many_o turbulent_a or_o entice_a temptation_n we_o have_v to_o oppose_v that_o be_v ready_a every_o day_n to_o conquer_v we_o and_o steal_v invisible_o to_o our_o most_o secret_a entertainment_n how_o many_o passion_n we_o have_v to_o calm_v and_o moderate_a which_o upon_o every_o suitable_a and_o tempt_v occasion_n endeavour_n to_o make_v a_o insurrection_n against_o our_o reason_n how_o many_o personal_a and_o relative_a duty_n we_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o a_o wise_a and_o pious_a order_v our_o conversation_n how_o the_o suggestion_n of_o our_o own_o flesh_n the_o injection_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o malice_n and_o defilement_n of_o the_o world_n will_v endeavour_v to_o oppose_v and_o obstruct_v our_o progress_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o black_a passage_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n and_o god_n know_v what_o dismal_a encounter_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o our_o way_n to_o they_o what_o fear_n will_v then_o sudden_o arise_v to_o baffle_v our_o hope_n and_o make_v our_o faith_n ready_a to_o expire_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o weakness_n and_o miserable_a infirmity_n in_o a_o word_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o work_n we_o have_v to_o do_v how_o little_a time_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o what_o great_a disproportion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o power_n it_o will_v not_o only_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n to_o rise_v and_o be_v do_v but_o to_o take_v the_o armour_n of_o god_n for_o our_o defence_n and_o to_o pray_v to_o heaven_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n since_o this_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o relation_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o certain_o what_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o our_o safe_a conduct_n to_o that_o haven_n where_o we_o will_v be_v and_o which_o god_n design_n for_o our_o eternal_a rest_n and_o shelter_n from_o all_o tempest_n and_o future_a storm_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v distrust_v the_o spirit_n influence_n and_o operation_n nor_o to_o make_v ourselves_o uncapable_a of_o the_o favour_n by_o testify_v our_o unwillingness_n to_o receive_v it_o by_o perpetual_o oppose_v and_o dispute_v against_o it_o for_o last_o this_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n be_v from_o the_o scripture_n infallible_o certain_a to_o those_o that_o at_o once_o both_o want_n and_o beg_v it_o and_o do_v prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o why_o otherwise_o shall_v our_o saviour_n give_v this_o assurance_n to_o his_o disciple_n that_o god_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o nay_o what_o become_v of_o those_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o engage_v god_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o assist_v good_a man_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o support_v they_o under_o all_o their_o misery_n and_o misfortune_n if_o we_o be_v altogether_o leave_v to_o ourselves_o to_o pursue_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o to_o stand_v only_o upon_o our_o own_o leg_n without_o any_o superior_a help_n or_o influence_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v help_v our_o infirmity_n rom._n 8.26_o but_o this_o will_v be_v false_a if_o we_o have_v either_o none_o that_o require_v his_o assistance_n or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o condescend_v to_o supply_v our_o want_n s._n john_n make_v this_o vinculum_fw-la unionis_fw-la this_o bond_n of_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o character_n by_o which_o we_o may_v distinguish_v ourselves_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o john_n 4.13_o and_o s._n paul_n full_o agree_v with_o s._n john_n for_o say_v he_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o rom._n 8.9_o i_o know_v with_o what_o great_a industry_n these_o and_o other_o text_n have_v be_v restrain_v to_o that_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n by_o which_o we_o know_v and_o discern_v our_o condition_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o gracious_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n co-opperating_a with_o our_o endeavour_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v separate_v in_o our_o judgement_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o cause_n but_o by_o this_o divine_a and_o glorious_a effect_n but_o yet_o where_o this_o be_v visible_a in_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o virtuous_a action_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o exclude_v the_o cause_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v principal_o include_v in_o the_o expression_n for_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v this_o spirit_n that_o christian_n have_v to_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a nay_o a_o branch_n also_o of_o that_o power_n which_o shall_v hereafter_o raise_v we_o too_o for_o it_o follow_v he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v our_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o because_o our_o body_n be_v here_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v eternal_o in_o their_o ruive_v but_o will_v hereafter_o re-edify_a and_o raise_v they_o because_o they_o be_v once_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o spirit_n hence_o be_v believer_n say_v to_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o their_o inheritance_n ephes_n 1.13_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v advise_v in_o the_o same_o epistle_n not_o to_o grieve_v this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o their_o redemption_n eph._n 4.30_o now_o though_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v seal_v up_o for_o heaven_n by_o a_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n upon_o earth_n that_o this_o prepare_v we_o for_o future_a glory_n and_o that_o if_o this_o disposition_n be_v not_o in_o we_o we_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v as_o harsh_a a_o speech_n as_o can_v be_v admit_v in_o any_o language_n to_o say_v that_o this_o holy_a temper_n of_o mind_n shall_v raise_v we_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n since_o the_o wicked_a be_v then_o raise_v too_o or_o to_o say_v that_o any_o man_n voluntary_o grieve_v this_o divine_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n when_o the_o man_n than_o grieve_v himself_o these_o expression_n therefore_o must_v certain_o intend_v more_o than_o this_o and_o they_o can_v scarce_o admit_v of_o a_o fair_a interpretation_n without_o expound_v they_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o now_o cooperate_a with_o our_o faculty_n produce_v in_o we_o divine_a temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o so_o prepare_v we_o for_o that_o inheritance_n which_o he_o shall_v raise_v we_o up_o from_o our_o grave_n to_o possess_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v first_o promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o christian_a disciple_n under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o comforter_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o how_o can_v he_o be_v both_o or_o either_o if_o he_o do_v not_o influence_n their_o mind_n with_o joy_n and_o knowledge_n the_o spirit_n itself_o say_v the_o apostle_n bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o it_o do_v not_o only_o testify_v unto_o other_o by_o those_o miracle_n that_o do_v confirm_v their_o religion_n and_o consequent_o prove_v those_o that_o do_v sincere_o embrace_v it_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o religion_n but_o it_o evidence_v these_o thing_n also_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o sacred_a benediction_n and_o a_o divine_a and_o more_o immediate_a concurrence_n with_o they_o when_o they_o compare_v their_o life_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o consequent_o prove_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o god_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o argument_n the_o apostle_n be_v there_o prosecute_a to_o give_v they_o comfort_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o tribulation_n and_o to_o animate_v their_o courage_n and_o resolution_n against_o the_o suffering_n of_o that_o present_a time_n the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n visible_a in_o a_o christian_n life_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n
trouble_v the_o church_n pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n gal._n 1.7_o but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n or_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o they_o be_v usual_o more_o obscure_a text_n that_o be_v to_o exercise_v the_o more_o learned_a and_o critical_a part_n of_o man_n upon_o which_o heresy_n be_v found_v and_o this_o too_o frequent_o be_v occasion_v by_o man_n that_o wrack_n and_o torture_v their_o understanstanding_n to_o conceive_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o here_o perfect_o to_o be_v know_v or_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v fathom_v by_o other_o man_n yet_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o those_o who_o thus_o ignorant_o and_o erroneous_o apprehend_v they_o thus_o s._n peter_n speak_v of_o s._n paul_n epistle_n say_v that_o in_o they_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o but_o another_o sort_n there_o be_v too_o that_o have_v too_o much_o subtlety_n to_o be_v account_v ignorant_a who_o be_v some_o of_o he_o perverse_a disputer_n of_o the_o world_n that_o first_o suit_n their_o tenet_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o then_o violent_o press_v the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v what_o they_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o we_o shall_v never_o else_o have_v hear_v this_o be_v my_o body_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o absurd_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n nor_o feed_v my_o sheep_n to_o prove_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n nor_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o prove_v his_o infallibility_n nor_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n to_o prove_v a_o purgatory_n when_o all_o these_o text_n be_v capable_a of_o fair_a and_o more_o plain_a interpretation_n to_o another_o and_o more_o coherent_a sense_n but_o that_o the_o ambition_n of_o some_o man_n will_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o then_o frame_v other_o belief_n to_o render_v they_o tame_v for_o such_o a_o tyranny_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o whatsoever_o they_o will_v impose_v when_o all_o this_o while_n they_o suit_v the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o wealth_n the_o better_a to_o support_v their_o pride_n and_o usurpation_n nay_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o have_v those_o among_o ourselves_o who_o call_v the_o pope_n name_n and_o yet_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n and_o tie_v that_o infallibility_n which_o they_o rob_v the_o roman_a chair_n of_o to_o their_o own_o single_a and_o enthusiastic_a determination_n who_o by_o misunderstand_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n direct_v themselves_o by_o a_o private_a impulse_n and_o then_o muster_v these_o to_o defend_v it_o but_o the_o flower_n be_v not_o the_o less_o fragrant_a for_o that_o the_o spider_n thence_o will_v suck_v for_o poison_n nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o those_o who_o sober_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v it_o notwithstanding_o some_o may_v wrest_v and_o misapply_v it_o nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n at_o any_o time_n contradict_v itself_o he_o have_v therefore_o inspire_v some_o man_n to_o commit_v a_o rule_n to_o write_v for_o future_a generation_n to_o read_v and_o understand_v and_o put_v forth_o a_o law_n that_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a and_o man_n have_v reason_n and_o understanding_n enough_o assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n ordinary_a direction_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o law_n into_o all_o truth_n he_o expect_v now_o that_o they_o shall_v order_v themselves_o as_o they_o do_v by_o all_o human_a law_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o live_v proportionable_o to_o so_o great_a a_o favour_n and_o labour_n to_o understand_v what_o he_o have_v put_v into_o their_o power_n to_o know_v remember_v that_o of_o wise_a agur_n add_v thou_o not_o unto_o god_n word_n lest_o he_o reprove_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n prov._n 30.6_o the_o authority_n god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n empower_n they_o to_o command_v or_o alter_v circumstantial_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o these_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o heb._n 13.17_o but_o no_o man_n be_v authorize_v to_o usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o create_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o impose_v other_o primary_n rule_v of_o duty_n than_o what_o they_o find_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v only_o to_o confirm_v and_o explain_v they_o for_o as_o we_o must_v not_o think_v of_o man_n so_o neither_o of_o doctrine_n above_o what_o be_v write_v our_o language_n and_o design_n must_v be_v the_o same_o with_o s._n paul_n to_o deliver_v that_o which_o we_o also_o receive_v 1_o cor._n 15.3_o so_o may_v we_o be_v worker_n together_o with_o god_n and_o when_o the_o world_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o demonstrate_v his_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o may_v please_v he_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v i._n e._n what_o some_o man_n account_v folly_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1.21_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o next_o particular_a in_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n guide_v we_o that_o be_v remote_a from_o the_o apostle_n age_n into_o all_o truth_n which_o they_o deliver_v by_o incline_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n to_o continue_v that_o ministry_n that_o must_v have_v its_o succession_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n conduct_v that_o in_o all_o religious_a constitution_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n there_o have_v be_v a_o separate_a and_o appoint_v ministry_n be_v more_o notorious_a than_o to_o spend_v word_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v too_o deep_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o it_o bear_v a_o equal_a date_n with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n fix_v in_o we_o without_o this_o public_a worship_n can_v have_v its_o constant_a and_o orderly_o be_v and_o have_v not_o this_o be_v establish_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o christianity_n it_o will_v not_o only_o have_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o any_o religion_n which_o have_v possess_v the_o world_n but_o than_o any_o trade_n or_o occupation_n among_o we_o to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o which_o man_n must_v be_v learner_n before_o they_o become_v able_a workman_n or_o be_v permit_v to_o exercise_v their_o particular_a calling_n among_o any_o well_o order_v and_o embody_v society_n the_o separation_n therefore_o of_o some_o man_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v first_o make_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o when_o he_o call_v the_o apostle_n and_o send_v forth_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o human_a creature_n and_o when_o the_o time_n of_o his_o departure_n from_o the_o world_n be_v come_v when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o father_n kingdom_n in_o such_o a_o triumph_n as_o become_v a_o conqueror_n and_o one_o to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o deliver_v his_o full_a commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n substitute_v they_o in_o his_o own_o stead_n to_o rule_v his_o church_n and_o to_o ordain_v their_o successor_n that_o like_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n they_o may_v be_v legitimate_a and_o by_o a_o continue_a and_o distinguishable_a descent_n they_o may_v be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o say_v christ_n so_o send_v i_o you_o john_n 20.21_o or_o as_o s._n matthew_n describe_v it_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o wit_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n by_o yourselves_o and_o successor_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o gift_n our_o saviour_n give_v unto_o man_n when_o he_o ascend_v upon_o high_a ephes_n 4.8_o for_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v to_o endure_v till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o