that_o they_o shall_v read_v natural_a philosophy_n to_o the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v the_o star_n by_o their_o name_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o instruction_n know_v their_o several_a motion_n distance_n or_o altitude_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v aphorism_n in_o physic_n or_o to_o give_v to_o they_o geometrical_a proportion_n nor_o to_o breed_v they_o curious_a and_o expert_a artificer_n though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v make_v themselves_o apostle_n nor_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o number_n of_o arithmetic_n or_o the_o astrological_a signature_n of_o thing_n or_o time_n and_o season_n for_o these_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v because_o the_o father_n have_v put_v they_o into_o his_o own_o power_n act_n 1.7_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v never_o so_o proud_a and_o bold_a so_o neither_o be_v they_o so_o unlucky_a as_o the_o pope_n who_o must_v needs_o condemn_v a_o point_n in_o geography_n and_o the_o tenet_n of_o antipode_n for_o a_o destroy_a heresy_n so_o little_o do_v he_o know_v the_o universal_a empire_n he_o pretend_v to_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o figure_n or_o bound_n or_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o earth_n over_o which_o he_o yet_o pretend_v a_o authority_n the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o those_o truth_n only_o in_o divinity_n which_o include_v the_o full_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o preach_v they_o to_o the_o present_a age_n and_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o succeed_a generation_n the_o spirit_n be_v not_o give_v to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o great_a historian_n or_o philosopher_n but_o christian_n and_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o be_v the_o planter_n and_o founder_n of_o church_n not_o the_o post_n and_o standard_n of_o dispute_n or_o to_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o sect_n and_o faction_n in_o philosophy_n they_o be_v to_o erect_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n settle_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n christ_n himself_o support_v the_o building_n and_o this_o neither_o for_o pasquin_n or_o poetry_n but_o for_o a_o rule_n and_o directory_n of_o stand_a religion_n and_o devotion_n chap._n xii_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whilst_o house_v in_o these_o body_n of_o clay_n be_v darken_v and_o obscure_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o window_n of_o sense_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o external_a object_n to_o a_o intercourse_n with_o the_o mind_n for_o suppose_v our_o sense_n can_v always_o make_v true_a and_o exact_a representation_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v be_v often_o deceive_v yet_o these_o can_v only_o convey_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n those_o of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o exalt_v nature_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o image_n must_v needs_o escape_v the_o perception_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n and_o if_o reason_n itself_o when_o most_o disentangle_v from_o those_o fetter_n which_o our_o sense_n too_o often_o impose_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v proposition_n and_o inference_n about_o the_o essence_n of_o those_o thing_n who_o spiritual_a nature_n evade_v our_o sense_n our_o notion_n can_v not_o be_v adequate_a to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o nor_o can_v we_o full_o comprehend_v what_o be_v infinite_a nor_o have_v a_o positive_a idea_n of_o spiritual_a being_n though_o reason_n may_v conclude_v their_o existence_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o all_o our_o definition_n and_o description_n of_o these_o be_v therefore_o imperfect_a because_o negative_a and_o though_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o they_o be_v not_o we_o never_o can_v by_o humane_a power_n yet_o resolve_v complete_o what_o they_o be_v which_o make_v divine_a revelation_n necessary_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v faith_n beyond_o our_o reason_n though_o we_o never_o believe_v without_o reason_n to_o assure_v we_o 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of_o those_o truth_n by_o open_v their_o understanding_n and_o quicken_a their_o memory_n that_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n faithful_o record_v they_o for_o the_o use_n of_o posterity_n and_o that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v stand_v rule_n for_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o come_v i_o can_v find_v any_o other_o method_n the_o spirit_n have_v use_v or_o do_v continue_v to_o guide_v the_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o by_o those_o scripture_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n to_o publish_v and_o deliver_v 2._o by_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o man_n to_o continue_v that_o ministry_n which_o must_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o 3._o by_o confirm_v those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o cooperate_a with_o the_o external_a ministration_n by_o a_o internal_a work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o those_o who_o be_v inclinable_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n first_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n by_o those_o scripture_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o posterity_n these_o be_v those_o lively_a character_n in_o which_o we_o may_v read_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n these_o be_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o certain_o guide_v those_o into_o it_o who_o sober_o and_o conscientious_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v they_o they_o convey_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n valuable_a above_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n and_o hereafter_o give_v we_o such_o possession_n as_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o power_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o exceed_v all_o humane_a expectation_n these_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o complete_a body_n of_o doctrine_n that_o they_o need_v not_o any_o addition_n to_o be_v make_v to_o they_o let_v their_o own_o sense_n be_v but_o sufficient_o explain_v and_o if_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o speak_v their_o own_o mind_n they_o will_v neither_o want_v apocrypha_fw-la nor_o tradition_n nor_o any_o new_a revelation_n neither_o to_o render_v they_o a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o divinity_n man_n own_o doctrine_n and_o not_o christ_n want_v tradition_n to_o confirm_v they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n of_o a_o sect_n of_o man_n that_o will_v make_v all_o christian_n groan_n with_o their_o burden_n and_o void_a god_n word_n with_o their_o own_o pretension_n however_o they_o be_v varnish_v with_o the_o plausible_a epithet_n of_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a that_o make_v such_o addition_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v at_o first_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v able_a of_o themselves_o
choice_n that_o if_o they_o will_v sin_v it_o may_v be_v their_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o have_v chain_v they_o so_o fast_o one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o can_v err_v or_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n unless_o they_o break_v that_o link_n which_o tie_v they_o all_o to_o a_o infallible_a chair_n but_o alas_o such_o be_v our_o condition_n here_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o expect_v to_o free_a mankind_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o restrain_v all_o man_n from_o error_n nay_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o necessity_n that_o the_o life_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v void_a of_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o other_o as_o much_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o there_o be_v for_o all_o to_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n since_o if_o we_o have_v faith_n we_o may_v have_v it_o to_o ourselves_o but_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o other_o why_o therefore_o shall_v there_o not_o be_v a_o irresistible_a power_n set_v up_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o vice_n as_o well_o as_o a_o stand_a infallibility_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o error_n since_o god_n then_o who_o will_v judge_v man_n hereafter_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proper_o their_o own_o have_v not_o think_v it_o fit_v to_o set_v up_o the_o one_o i_o can_v but_o suspect_v that_o he_o never_o design_v to_o fix_v the_o other_o but_o to_o leave_v man_n to_o their_o own_o faculty_n to_o which_o he_o have_v add_v sufficient_a assistance_n to_o judge_v and_o to_o choose_v fair_o for_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o methinks_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o since_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o both_o it_o will_v be_v more_o modest_a to_o pretend_v to_o neither_o especial_o since_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n whatever_o power_n any_o have_v gain_v or_o usurp_v among_o we_o from_o reason_n or_o revelation_n to_o advance_v any_o among_o the_o race_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n in_o religion_n far_o than_o his_o sentence_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o this_o i_o can_v find_v that_o he_o have_v do_v any_o more_o beyond_o the_o faculty_n we_o have_v receive_v as_o we_o be_v man_n than_o to_o give_v we_o a_o rule_n sufficient_a to_o judge_v doctrine_n by_o and_o law_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o practice_n together_o with_o some_o superadded_a mean_n to_o help_v our_o judgement_n and_o direct_v our_o opinion_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n who_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n by_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o minister_n who_o be_v also_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o common_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o so_o the_o final_a success_n be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o choice_n either_o in_o a_o refusal_n or_o compliance_n with_o they_o because_o i_o can_v believe_v but_o that_o god_n act_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o human_a creature_n in_o all_o his_o general_a dispensation_n to_o man_n that_o so_o he_o may_v in_o our_o future_a state_n with_o equal_a justice_n inflict_v punishment_n or_o give_v we_o a_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n and_o indeed_o to_o write_v strict_o to_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n will_v not_o be_v praise_n worthy_a if_o it_o be_v so_o order_v that_o we_o can_v not_o err_v nor_o need_v s._n paul_n have_v so_o careful_o exhort_v to_o this_o if_o we_o may_v have_v be_v so_o easy_o preserve_v from_o all_o disease_n and_o deviation_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o infallibility_n of_o s._n peter_n and_o those_o who_o plead_v their_o title_n from_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o a_o apostle_n acquaint_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o they_o that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a 1_o cor._n 11.19_o by_o which_o he_o prove_v and_o foretells_a matter_n of_o fact_n though_o he_o do_v not_o signify_v god_n approbation_n but_o only_o his_o permission_n of_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o suffer_v error_n and_o division_n to_o be_v introduce_v among_o they_o by_o the_o perverseness_n or_o curiosity_n of_o any_o be_v that_o such_o as_o unite_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n may_v brighten_v and_o shine_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a glory_n and_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n may_v triumph_v over_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n therefore_o to_o erect_v the_o popish_a infallibility_n on_o nor_o for_o any_o church_n to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o tribunal_n among_o themselves_o have_v thus_o as_o i_o hope_v clear_v myself_o from_o any_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a miscarriage_n in_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v brief_o proceed_v in_o reflect_v upon_o some_o mistake_n of_o other_o that_o be_v false_a rule_n to_o judge_v doctrine_n and_o spirit_n by_o wherein_o private_a enthusiast_n be_v most_o notorious_o guilty_a these_o smell_n popery_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o can_v hardly_o promote_v any_o design_n without_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v sudden_o to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o most_o protestant_n and_o best_o establish_v church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o too_o public_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v popish_o affect_v who_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o spy_v error_n in_o the_o pope_n and_o yet_o so_o transfer_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o steal_v they_o away_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o monopoly_n of_o they_o and_o retale_v they_o to_o other_o under_o new_a name_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o another_o master_n these_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v infallible_a but_o be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o and_o thus_o they_o fetch_v candle_n from_o rome_n altar_n that_o they_o may_v set_v they_o up_o in_o their_o own_o breast_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o holy_a spirit_n guide_v man_n into_o truth_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o fire_n what_o either_o a_o disease_n and_o weakness_n in_o their_o body_n or_o their_o mind_n have_v make_v a_o representation_n of_o to_o their_o fancy_n so_o long_o till_o their_o brood_a thought_n have_v at_o last_o produce_v something_o which_o they_o may_v just_o call_v their_o own_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v or_o at_o least_o to_o say_v be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_o they_o will_v adventure_v to_o guide_v themselves_o and_o impose_v their_o own_o enjoy_v fancy_n upon_o other_o man_n but_o if_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o man_n wild_a discourse_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o become_v infallible_a guide_n of_o action_n so_o strange_a a_o confusion_n will_v be_v make_v among_o we_o and_o such_o a_o monstrous_a babel_n will_v be_v erect_v that_o trowel_n will_v be_v call_v for_o instead_o of_o mortar_n and_o man_n will_v cry_v out_o for_o brick_n before_o they_o have_v get_v straw_n to_o make_v they_o their_o tongue_n will_v be_v so_o various_a and_o unintelligible_a that_o a_o teutonick_n language_n can_v never_o reconcile_v they_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v they_o nor_o give_v mark_n to_o know_v the_o first_o builder_n by_o when_o they_o be_v disperse_v into_o divers_a country_n but_o every_o man_n head_n will_v still_o tilt_v against_o another_o and_o bring_v a_o kind_n of_o damnation_n upon_o the_o world_n the_o society_n of_o devil_n will_v be_v more_o regular_a than_o man_n who_o must_v live_v without_o god_n or_o beelzebub_n the_o birth_n of_o reason_n will_v be_v deem_v abortive_a and_o the_o fruit_n of_o madness_n will_v receive_v the_o character_n of_o sobriety_n and_o discretion_n the_o great_a lunatic_n will_v be_v most_o religious_a and_o we_o shall_v pay_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o a_o fool._n but_o since_o thing_n be_v not_o come_v to_o this_o pass_n yet_o i_o shall_v brief_o examine_v a_o very_a few_o false_a rule_n by_o which_o some_o among_o we_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n and_o guidance_n of_o themselves_o first_o there_o be_v some_o that_o build_v much_o on_o what_o they_o style_v the_o return_n of_o prayer_n when_o they_o have_v make_v a_o fast_a the_o prologue_n to_o contention_n and_o a_o long_a prayer_n have_v be_v the_o breakfast_n when_o they_o resolve_v to_o dine_v upon_o widow_n house_n yet_o they_o have_v too_o frequent_o think_v or_o at_o least_o endeavour_v to_o cause_v other_o to_o believe_v that_o what_o have_v happen_v after_o their_o prayer_n have_v be_v the_o return_n from_o
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 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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
unto_o the_o world_n their_o coherence_n with_o any_o thing_n already_o reveal_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n to_o persuade_v any_o reasonable_o to_o embrace_v they_o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o inspiration_n itself_o be_v a_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o he_o that_o deliver_v principle_n to_o the_o world_n and_o reason_n enough_o for_o any_o to_o embrace_v they_o yet_o however_o the_o inspiration_n must_v still_o be_v prove_v as_o it_o have_v always_o be_v by_o miracle_n and_o those_o not_o false_a but_o real_a because_o otherwise_o every_o one_o that_o have_v confidence_n and_o wickedness_n enough_o to_o pretend_v to_o a_o impulse_n and_o call_v from_o heaven_n may_v impose_v what_o he_o please_v on_o the_o world_n and_o they_o must_v without_o examination_n believe_v it_o this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o render_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n useless_a and_o degrade_v they_o into_o the_o silly_a nature_n of_o a_o beast_n that_o be_v bridle_v and_o saddle_v be_v turn_v which_o way_n soever_o the_o rider_n please_v nay_o it_o will_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a and_o new_a method_n as_o miraculous_a nay_o more_o than_o the_o pretender_n inspiration_n to_o make_v the_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n both_o true_a if_o all_o those_o who_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a to_o we_o than_o that_o various_a sect_n opposite_a to_o one_o another_o distant_a to_o a_o total_a separation_n pretend_v all_o to_o be_v thus_o inspire_v and_o if_o what_o upon_o this_o they_o presume_v to_o deliver_v be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o message_n be_v direct_v and_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v direct_v unto_o all_o how_o can_v we_o since_o their_o confidence_n be_v equal_a know_v which_o to_o adhere_v to_o since_o all_o come_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o receive_v the_o opinion_n of_o all_o because_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v some_o man_n among_o we_o that_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o zodiac_n and_o their_o want_n of_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n not_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o pole_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o tremble_v and_o shake_v like_o a_o needle_n through_o all_o the_o point_n of_o the_o compass_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v by_o degree_n not_o at_o once_o but_o by_o succession_n but_o in_o the_o case_n we_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n many_o pretend_v to_o have_v thing_n reveal_v that_o yet_o thwart_a and_o encounter_v one_o another_o and_o all_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o embrace_v at_o once_o these_o several_a proposition_n be_v plain_o impossible_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v to_o make_v our_o choice_n we_o be_v either_o apparent_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a when_o all_o come_v with_o the_o same_o authority_n or_o else_o we_o open_o forsake_v the_o argument_n of_o inspiration_n and_o stand_v and_o examine_v these_o doctrine_n by_o a_o rule_n and_o instead_o of_o believe_v every_o spirit_n we_o try_v they_o but_o if_o man_n will_v notwithstanding_o these_o plain_a and_o palpable_a absurdity_n presume_v still_o to_o thrust_v such_o wild_a pretension_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v by_o confidence_n not_o argument_n i_o will_v willing_o have_v they_o to_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o what_o their_o pretend_a inspiration_n mean_n and_o what_o that_o impulse_n usual_o effect_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o make_v they_o so_o confident_a that_o they_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v or_o do_v they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o their_o own_o melancholy_n or_o thought_n brood_v to_o hatch_v a_o opinion_n do_v they_o find_v any_o more_o than_o their_o persuasion_n heighten_v and_o their_o assurance_n of_o what_o they_o be_v before_o willing_a to_o believe_v bold_a and_o strong_a and_o thus_o inflame_v they_o with_o a_o zeal_n to_o maintain_v what_o inordinate_a thought_n have_v produce_v strong_a resolution_n to_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o certain_o it_o be_v every_o man_n who_o be_v thus_o raise_v will_v have_v the_o same_o authority_n with_o another_o and_o opposite_a opinion_n which_o be_v yet_o impossible_a must_v at_o once_o be_v embrace_v by_o man_n because_o the_o authority_n upon_o which_o their_o certainty_n be_v ground_v be_v feel_v by_o all_o though_o understand_v by_o neither_o and_o to_o other_o there_o seem_v the_o same_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n in_o the_o teacher_n of_o these_o different_a opinion_n our_o own_o reason_n therefore_o without_o a_o inspiration_n will_v ready_o teach_v we_o that_o since_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o a_o inspiration_n from_o which_o all_o these_o several_a man_n pretend_v be_v but_o one_o and_o what_o it_o deliver_v always_o consistent_a these_o man_n can_v be_v inspire_v but_o they_o take_v their_o dream_n for_o a_o converse_n with_o spirit_n their_o melancholy_a fancy_n for_o inspiration_n the_o disease_n of_o their_o body_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o their_o own_o thought_n to_o be_v revelation_n and_o in_o short_a only_o think_v themselves_o awake_v when_o they_o be_v indeed_o asleep_a nay_o we_o may_v far_o raise_v our_o distrust_n and_o boldness_n towards_o these_o man_n because_o we_o know_v that_o confidence_n assurance_n and_o real_a belief_n of_o what_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n receive_v degree_n of_o accession_n and_o strength_n as_o well_o by_o thought_n conversation_n and_o argument_n as_o by_o any_o impulse_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v nay_o many_o time_n subtlety_n pride_n impudence_n and_o wilfulness_n will_v maintain_v a_o thing_n with_o as_o great_a eagerness_n and_o zeal_n as_o if_o man_n have_v be_v real_o inspire_v the_o devil_n can_v do_v much_o to_o heighten_v man_n persuasion_n and_o they_o may_v do_v much_o to_o heighten_v their_o own_o and_o argument_n that_o man_n conjecture_v to_o arrive_v at_o a_o complete_a demonstration_n of_o a_o point_n will_v make_v they_o as_o tenacious_a of_o a_o opinion_n especial_o where_o they_o may_v appear_v singular_a as_o any_o impulse_n or_o inspiration_n now_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o perplex_v cause_n that_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n it_o will_v be_v difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a for_o man_n that_o adhere_v not_o to_o a_o rule_n of_o trial_n to_o come_v to_o a_o particular_a and_o exact_a determination_n and_o to_o satisfy_v either_o other_o or_o themselves_o to_o what_o cause_n they_o may_v attribute_v the_o effect_n if_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a cause_n where_o the_o effect_n yet_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o or_o to_o know_v the_o cause_n by_o the_o different_a impression_n variety_n of_o impulse_n make_v upon_o their_o spirit_n by_o which_o a_o object_n be_v convey_v to_o their_o understanding_n and_o by_o a_o distinct_a method_n by_o which_o the_o image_n of_o thing_n become_v figure_v in_o the_o brain_n this_o can_v be_v no_o conviction_n to_o other_o until_o it_o be_v explain_v nor_o any_o to_o themselves_o unless_o they_o certain_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o which_o if_o they_o do_v they_o be_v as_o well_o able_a to_o express_v this_o as_o they_o be_v the_o proposition_n which_o as_o they_o pretend_v be_v reveal_v to_o they_o but_o i_o fear_v this_o attempt_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a because_o i_o can_v find_v upon_o strict_a consideration_n and_o retirement_n but_o that_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v always_o alike_o and_o the_o same_o percussion_n upon_o and_o convulsion_n in_o the_o nerve_n to_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o understand_v and_o believe_v whether_o it_o be_v truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o be_v represent_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o the_o object_n seem_v to_o be_v true_a it_o make_v a_o like_a impression_n as_o if_o it_o be_v so_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o enthusiast_n to_o distinguish_v a_o inspiration_n from_o god_n from_o a_o suggestion_n by_o the_o devil_n if_o he_o forsake_v thâ—_n rule_n and_o the_o public_a sentiment_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n therefore_o we_o see_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v either_o to_o be_v startle_v with_o the_o vain_a pretence_n of_o man_n or_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o every_o spirit_n since_o upon_o such_o ground_n the_o devil_n may_v be_v entertain_v for_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o the_o discovery_n we_o make_v may_v as_o well_o be_v by_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n as_o by_o beam_n dart_v from_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n chap._n iii_o now_o from_o the_o precedent_n discourse_n upon_o the_o caution_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o infer_v 1_o the_o
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
whilst_o their_o soul_n dream_v when_o their_o body_n sleep_n or_o be_v indispose_v whilst_o they_o be_v awake_v we_o easy_o know_v how_o far_o the_o deprave_a disposition_n of_o our_o body_n work_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o man_n proportionable_a to_o their_o melancholy_n or_o joy_n to_o frame_v different_a opinion_n of_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o way_n render_v many_o sign_n of_o grace_n that_o some_o man_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n altogether_o vain_a and_o deceitful_a but_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o find_v by_o too_o woeful_a a_o experience_n how_o man_n either_o not_o fix_v or_o fearful_a be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o such_o pretension_n so_o that_o it_o prove_v a_o difficult_a task_n to_o hinder_v their_o error_n or_o to_o reduce_v they_o from_o it_o for_o all_o former_a rule_n to_o those_o that_o entertain_v so_o wild_a a_o principle_n be_v set_v aside_o and_o reason_n must_v not_o be_v hear_v against_o revelation_n yet_o since_o god_n be_v but_o one_o and_o all_o proposition_n be_v true_a or_o false_a since_o we_o find_v different_a nay_o contrary_a opinion_n vent_v to_o the_o world_n under_o the_o same_o pretence_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v prove_v and_o try_v they_o and_o the_o rather_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a true_a inspiration_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o what_o come_v from_o god_n to_o be_v discern_v from_o what_o proceed_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o body_n the_o variety_n of_o object_n present_v to_o our_o sense_n or_o what_o the_o devil_n inject_n into_o our_o mind_n and_o thereby_o employ_v and_o captivate_v our_o thought_n and_o this_o way_n frame_v a_o opinion_n five_o false_a prophet_n will_v give_v accent_n to_o what_o they_o deliver_v with_o such_o art_n and_o elocution_n as_o may_v make_v great_a impression_n on_o a_o multitude_n and_o suit_v their_o voice_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o those_o who_o they_o design_v to_o delude_v with_o such_o elevation_n and_o cadency_n as_o may_v agree_v with_o the_o joyful_a and_o the_o melancholy_a as_o if_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v skilled_a in_o song_n before_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o become_v a_o preacher_n or_o a_o fiddler_n be_v in_o the_o next_o capacity_n to_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n to_o delude_v the_o world_n but_o beside_o these_o suitable_a percussion_n upon_o the_o nerve_n of_o man_n to_o make_v a_o grateful_a reception_n in_o the_o understanding_n they_o add_v to_o it_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n which_o many_o mistake_n for_o a_o true_a zeal_n they_o can_v be_v loud_a when_o they_o be_v not_o rational_a and_o what_o be_v want_v in_o sense_n they_o can_v supply_v by_o noise_n and_o great_a action_n shall_v pass_v for_o a_o argument_n and_o a_o goggle_n of_o the_o eye_n for_o clear_a demonstration_n they_o will_v put_v their_o blood_n and_o spirit_n into_o such_o nimble_a motion_n that_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o if_o they_o be_v ravish_v from_o themselves_o and_o the_o part_n of_o their_o body_n be_v just_a run_v away_o from_o one_o another_o this_o strange_a fury_n be_v call_v zeal_n and_o many_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o receive_v every_o thing_n for_o true_a which_o be_v thus_o recommend_v by_o a_o religious_a fury_n not_o think_v that_o zeal_n be_v determine_v by_o its_o object_n and_o according_a to_o what_o it_o be_v conversant_a about_o become_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a with_o what_o zealous_a acclamation_n and_o repeat_v outcry_n do_v the_o jew_n call_v for_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n whilst_o they_o try_v say_v crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o luke_o 23.21_o and_o the_o more_o pilate_n endeavour_v to_o release_v the_o more_o zealous_a be_v they_o to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o more_o instant_a in_o require_v his_o blood_n in_o this_o man_n of_o false_a and_o corrupt_a principle_n exceed_v those_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o true_a truth_n be_v usual_o convey_v with_o simplicity_n because_o reason_n and_o understanding_n receive_v and_o fortify_v it_o but_o error_n must_v be_v manage_v by_o art_n and_o cunning_a because_o its_o nature_n can_v recommend_v it_o we_o read_v of_o man_n in_o the_o 7_o the_o of_o hosea_n that_o though_o they_o devour_v their_o king_n and_o judge_n stray_v away_o into_o the_o grove_n and_o wood_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o that_o of_o a_o idol_n so_o that_o none_o say_v god_n call_v upon_o i_o yet_o they_o be_v as_o hot_a as_o a_o oven_n and_o those_o false_a prophet_n mention_v by_o jeremiah_n that_o speak_v peace_n to_o those_o that_o despise_v their_o maker_n and_o to_o such_o as_o walk_v after_o the_o stubbornness_n and_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n say_v no_o evil_a shall_v come_v upon_o you_o be_v eager_a to_o deliver_v what_o they_o have_v no_o commission_n to_o do_v and_o exceed_v zealous_a to_o publish_v the_o message_n of_o which_o god_n refuse_v to_o be_v the_o author_n i_o have_v not_o send_v these_o prophet_n say_v god_n yet_o they_o run_v i_o have_v not_o speak_v to_o they_o yet_o they_o prophesy_v jer._n 23.21_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v easy_o deceive_v if_o we_o be_v draw_v into_o our_o belief_n by_o the_o heat_n and_o eagerness_n of_o those_o that_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o difference_n a_o fire_n that_o warm_v and_o relieve_v from_o that_o which_o will_v both_o scorch_v and_o burn_v we_o six_o false_a prophet_n that_o go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n will_v frequent_o boast_v the_o number_n of_o themselves_o and_o startle_v man_n with_o the_o glory_n and_o multitude_n of_o their_o proselyte_n but_o egypt_n have_v many_o magician_n and_o sorcerer_n in_o pharaoh_n time_n that_o can_v confront_v the_o rod_n of_o aaron_n and_o bold_o vie_v miracle_n with_o moses_n baal_n priest_n be_v four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o and_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o grove_n four_o hundred_o and_o what_o proportion_n can_v elijah_n bear_v to_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o these_o the_o arrian_n among_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o numerous_a that_o athanasius_n seem_v to_o engage_v against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o papist_n boast_v a_o universality_n as_o well_o as_o antiquity_n of_o their_o church_n nay_o the_o fanatic_n also_o tell_v we_o of_o their_o number_n and_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o show_v themselves_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o formidable_a body_n not_o only_o to_o put_v fright_n upon_o authority_n but_o to_o gain_v beholder_n and_o proselyte_n too_o herod_n and_o pilate_n for_o such_o end_n as_o these_o shall_v become_v friend_n and_o ephraim_n and_o manasseh_n shall_v join_v together_o to_o make_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o increase_n of_o number_n though_o manasseh_n be_v against_o ephraim_n and_o ephraim_n against_o manasseh_n and_o abundance_n of_o man_n especial_o such_o as_o neglect_v to_o examine_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v lead_v on_o by_o company_n and_o example_n they_o follow_v the_o herd_n though_o to_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o will_v run_v on_o with_o the_o flock_n or_o covey_n till_o the_o fowler_n spread_v his_o net_n over_o they_o though_o argue_v to_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o number_n that_o profess_v it_o will_v for_o some_o time_n have_v conclude_v our_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v false_a and_o give_v the_o cause_n both_o to_o jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o turk_n may_v yet_o boast_v the_o number_n of_o his_o proselyte_n and_o the_o devil_n brag_v that_o his_o name_n be_v legion_n seven_o false_a prophet_n will_v often_o plead_v the_o strictness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o will_v come_v with_o holiness_n write_v upon_o their_o forehead_n how_o little_a soever_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o will_v often_o be_v very_o precise_a and_o scrupulous_a and_o though_o they_o can_v swallow_v camel_n yet_o they_o will_v strain_v at_o gnat_n they_o will_v be_v very_o tender_a in_o small_a matter_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v such_o as_o great_a sin_n never_o seize_v on_o like_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n anise_v and_o cummin_n although_o they_o omit_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n none_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v more_o outward_o grave_a and_o formal_a than_o these_o they_o make_v broad_a the_o phylactery_n those_o scroll_n of_o parchment_n on_o which_o the_o law_n be_v inscribe_v that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o more_o text_n of_o scripture_n than_o other_o man_n to_o show_v their_o great_a opinion_n of_o the_o law_n they_o enlarge_v also_o the_o fringe_n of_o their_o garment_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o other_o man_n that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v badge_n of_o their_o distinction_n and_o separation_n but_o evidence_n they_o to_o be_v exceed_o religious_a because_o
of_o the_o law_n so_o the_o church_n among_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o gospel_n commit_v to_o her_o custody_n and_o have_v a_o power_n to_o determine_v in_o indifferent_a matter_n to_o order_v all_o the_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n for_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n and_o authority_n to_o restrain_v such_o controversy_n as_o tend_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o dissolve_v that_o unity_n which_o christian_n be_v frequent_o exhort_v to_o keep_v so_o that_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o witness_n and_o keeper_n of_o holy_a writ_n yet_o as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o decree_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o same_o so_o beside_o the_o same_o ought_v it_o not_o to_o enforce_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v for_o necessity_n of_o salvation_n as_o our_o church_n declare_v in_o her_o twenty_o article_n i_o shall_v not_o deny_v nor_o can_v i_o without_o singular_a pride_n and_o arrogance_n but_o 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 bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n treat_v about_o a_o point_n in_o religion_n attempt_v to_o be_v introduce_v a_o new_a or_o be_v old_a be_v controvert_v in_o the_o world_n be_v with_o great_a deference_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o for_o every_o man_n reason_n will_v urge_v this_o obligation_n to_o himself_o that_o his_o own_o judgement_n be_v render_v suspect_v when_o it_o oppose_v the_o common_a and_o unite_a determination_n of_o person_n that_o can_v just_o be_v reproach_v with_o want_n either_o of_o skill_n or_o honesty_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o man_n to_o mistrust_v the_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o eye_n when_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o have_v the_o same_o advantage_n can_v behold_v what_o a_o single_a person_n pretend_v to_o see_v and_o in_o religious_a affair_n and_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n when_o person_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n assemble_v with_o solemnity_n and_o have_v a_o real_a intention_n to_o employ_v with_o all_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n those_o part_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v and_o increase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o peculiar_a education_n and_o study_n invoke_v a_o divine_a influence_n upon_o their_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o meaning_n of_o any_o difficult_a and_o controvert_v proposition_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o these_o shall_v deliver_v for_o truth_n unless_o the_o contrary_a be_v so_o apparent_a to_o we_o upon_o sufficient_a enquiry_n that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o hesitation_n at_o all_o this_o be_v the_o moderate_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o church_n we_o be_v oppose_v in_o it_o both_o by_o the_o papist_n and_o fanatic_a the_o former_a assert_n that_o major_a est_fw-la autoritas_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la quam_fw-la scripturae_fw-la that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o traditiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la pari_fw-la pietatis_fw-la affectu_fw-la cum_fw-la scripture_n recipiendae_fw-la their_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o affection_n and_o devotion_n as_o the_o scripture_n and_o true_o the_o latter_a come_v not_o far_o short_a of_o these_o but_o as_o much_o confine_n when_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n the_o belief_n as_o well_o as_o practise_v of_o their_o member_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o little_o differ_v from_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n in_o the_o end_n and_o design_n for_o if_o any_o church_n among_o ourselves_o do_v yet_o affirm_v as_o they_o have_v former_o declare_v that_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v to_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o their_o reformation_n then_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o expect_v the_o same_o submission_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n to_o their_o assembly_n determination_n as_o a_o popish_a council_n do_v to_o their_o canon_n or_o the_o pope_n himself_o to_o his_o decree_n for_o to_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1638_o they_o swear_v that_o for_o judgement_n and_o practice_n they_o will_v adhere_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o though_o perhaps_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o will_v determine_v but_o to_o leave_v the_o person_n of_o those_o that_o stretch_v the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n beyond_o the_o authority_n god_n have_v give_v she_o there_o be_v three_o reason_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o any_o church_n or_o council_n of_o man_n can_v lay_v down_o any_o proposition_n which_o derive_v their_o utmost_a authority_n from_o themselves_o that_o may_v be_v the_o ultimate_a rule_n by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o other_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v 1._o because_o god_n to_o who_o our_o religion_n relate_v have_v appoint_v a_o rule_n that_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n must_v bind_v their_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o determine_v their_o faith_n with_o those_o general_a action_n that_o be_v deem_v religious_a to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o scripture_n give_v to_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o man_n nay_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o reason_n claim_v the_o supreme_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o impose_v what_o law_n he_o will_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o goodness_n to_o reveal_v they_o that_o man_n may_v not_o err_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n nor_o their_o thought_n contradict_v the_o will_n of_o their_o maker_n now_o this_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v sufficient_o authorize_v by_o his_o own_o sanction_n in_o that_o miracle_n attend_v their_o first_o publication_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n that_o prove_v they_o god_n own_o act_n and_o deed_n when_o they_o no_o way_n contradict_v the_o natural_a notion_n and_o the_o prime_a foundation_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n therefore_o be_v thus_o give_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o must_v either_o be_v our_o supreme_a direction_n and_o a_o infallible_a guide_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o else_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o no_o purpose_n or_o to_o cheat_v and_o delude_v mankind_n the_o former_a consist_v not_o with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o latter_a will_v contradict_v both_o his_o goodness_n and_o his_o truth_n all_o the_o difficulty_n than_o will_v be_v whether_o this_o rule_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o any_o new_a inspiration_n or_o any_o rule_n to_o be_v superad_v beyond_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n itself_o to_o conduct_v man_n in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o whether_o we_o may_v by_o they_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n or_o what_o be_v the_o same_o in_o another_o dress_n the_o unerring_a spirit_n of_o the_o enthusiast_n but_o admit_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n they_o themselves_o be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n whilst_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o proceed_v from_o divine_a inspiration_n to_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 may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 2._o no_o canon_n or_o decree_n of_o whatever_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o church_n or_o council_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o try_v doctrine_n in_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o be_v ultimate_a and_o supreme_a because_o all_o the_o conclusion_n and_o proposition_n of_o these_o be_v themselves_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n either_o with_o or_o without_o the_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n and_o all_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v try_v themselves_o for_o this_o must_v be_v include_v as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o s._n john_n direction_n try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o high_a tribunal_n can_v be_v itself_o the_o high_a nor_o what_o be_v appoint_v sole_o to_o aid_v we_o in_o our_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o opinion_n nor_o the_o utmost_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o must_v examine_v they_o last_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o old_a nay_o of_o christ_n himself_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o examination_n of_o man_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o mankind_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n before_o they_o believe_v they_o then_o certain_o no_o assembly_n of_o man_n can_v now_o in_o reason_n pretend_v such_o authority_n to_o impose_v their_o own_o
reason_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v prove_v divine_a by_o the_o testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o sufficient_a mean_n be_v not_o afford_v they_o to_o know_v and_o distinguish_v divine_a revelation_n from_o imposture_n and_o pretence_n the_o thing_n deliver_v be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n then_o give_v check_v to_o their_o belief_n and_o custom_n and_o education_n have_v impress_v they_o with_o different_a nay_o contrary_a notion_n of_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v therefore_o antecedent_o to_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o as_o s._n paul_n be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o evidence_n that_o those_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o they_o be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n so_o there_o be_v some_o method_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o revelation_n and_o not_o receive_v it_o upon_o his_o bare_a testimony_n nay_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v it_o be_v for_o s._n john_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n if_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no_o five_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v too_o that_o there_o be_v false_a pretension_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n vent_v in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o true_a and_o true_a and_o false_a under_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o our_o saviour_n to_o prevent_v a_o rash_a belief_n and_o thereby_o a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o gospel_n or_o trust_v in_o another_o messiah_n acquaint_v the_o world_n that_o there_o will_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n mark_n 13.22_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v and_o entertain_v they_o although_o according_a to_o their_o different_a principle_n and_o design_n they_o shall_v cry_v out_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o there_o and_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v false_a prophet_n former_o among_o the_o people_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o the_o christian_n who_o shall_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o that_o many_o shall_v follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 2._o nay_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o of_o those_o who_o in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o never_o see_v be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n who_o yet_o depart_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n make_v the_o come_n to_o god_n by_o the_o mediatory_a application_n to_o a_o angel_n a_o demonstration_n of_o their_o humility_n and_o so_o reject_v the_o intercession_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n col._n 2.18_o but_o our_o own_o age_n be_v so_o fruitful_a in_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o the_o possibility_n of_o man_n false_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n and_o of_o their_o vent_v corrupt_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o than_o our_o own_o experience_n nor_o need_v we_o rake_v in_o the_o dust_n of_o false_a prophet_n in_o past_a age_n when_o we_o have_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n and_o trouble_n live_v monument_n on_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v read_v and_o see_v yet_o sixthly_a notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o must_v maintain_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a inspiration_n this_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o s._n john_n to_o who_o i_o must_v adhere_v for_o it_o will_v be_v ill_a logic_n to_o infer_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n advise_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o shall_v give_v credit_n unto_o none_o but_o rather_o that_o some_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v especial_o when_o we_o take_v in_o his_o direction_n with_o it_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n this_o argue_v that_o some_o doctrine_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o some_o man_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o although_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n shall_v the_o contrary_a be_v hold_v by_o any_o among_o we_o it_o will_v not_o only_o invalidate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n under_o the_o new_a it_o will_v conclude_v the_o intercourse_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n to_o be_v a_o impossible_a chimaera_n and_o turn_v all_o divinity_n into_o a_o fable_n and_o at_o once_o render_v our_o time_n mis-spend_v and_o lose_v whilst_o i_o be_o write_v and_o other_o read_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o and_o all_o dispute_v concern_v any_o positive_a and_o institute_v religion_n the_o foolish_a talk_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n that_o busy_a themselves_o to_o deceive_v other_o and_o give_v trouble_n to_o their_o own_o flesh_n when_o man_n reason_n may_v supply_v all_o but_o such_o a_o fancy_n i_o suppose_v to_o be_v too_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a to_o be_v admit_v in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o this_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o have_v frequent_v christian_a assembly_n and_o have_v hear_v discourse_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o new_a that_o have_v read_v the_o jew_n argument_n for_o their_o law_n or_o the_o christian_a father_n apologize_v for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n converse_v with_o man_n that_o reject_v not_o his_o omnipotence_n or_o else_o doubt_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v sure_o they_o must_v deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o affirm_v all_o his_o appearance_n to_o man_n to_o be_v a_o fable_n since_o from_o they_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o therefore_o to_o man_n that_o acknowledge_v this_o i_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o direct_v this_o discourse_n as_o well_o as_o s._n john_n do_v in_o the_o text_n so_o frequent_o recite_v who_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a inspiration_n before_o he_o advise_v man_n to_o separate_v the_o pretence_n of_o false_a prophet_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a otherwise_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o exercise_v their_o faculty_n assist_v by_o rule_n or_o to_o make_v any_o discrimination_n at_o all_o where_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o difference_n seven_o therefore_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n pretend_v inspiration_n have_v thus_o far_o be_v bring_v on_o towards_o a_o conclusion_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o assent_n and_o choice_n in_o matter_n of_o such_o huge_a and_o vast_a moment_n on_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o 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present_a conjunction_n of_o their_o own_o intention_n they_o may_v take_v advantage_n to_o insinuate_v their_o subtle_a and_o false_a doctrine_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o vulgar_a or_o credulous_a and_o many_o time_n into_o those_o that_o be_v more_o rational_a and_o learned_a or_o else_o by_o a_o fortunate_a prediction_n of_o something_o that_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o prophet_n and_o then_o impose_v upon_o and_o delude_v the_o world_n for_o the_o prevention_n therefore_o of_o such_o great_a and_o otherwise_o unavoidable_a mischief_n the_o most_o gracious_a god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a love_n to_o mankind_n have_v give_v they_o three_o other_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o may_v and_o may_v measure_v prophet_n and_o their_o doctrine_n 1._o if_o any_o pretend_v their_o authority_n by_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v if_o they_o fail_v in_o any_o of_o their_o prediction_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o god_n never_o send_v they_o to_o deliver_v that_o which_o the_o prediction_n be_v a_o argument_n to_o confirm_v and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o great_a god_n never_o confirm_v his_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n by_o falsehood_n or_o deceit_n but_o because_o he_o have_v caution_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v they_o in_o the_o 18_o the_o of_o deut._n v._n 22._o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o 2._o suppose_v that_o one_o who_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o shall_v work_v wonder_n as_o antichrist_n and_o other_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o authority_n yet_o if_o his_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o the_o evacuate_a principle_n implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o destroy_v the_o reasonable_a proposition_n of_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o apparent_a sign_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n for_o say_v the_o text_n if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n deut._n 13._o at_o the_o beginning_n 3._o in_o relation_n to_o both_o natural_a and_o institute_v worship_n god_n have_v now_o give_v we_o a_o rule_n no_o pretention_n of_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n must_v ever_o draw_v we_o into_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n that_o thwart_v or_o contradict_v the_o divine_a establishment_n already_o confirm_v by_o the_o same_o argument_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a partly_o from_o that_o forequote_v text_n deut._n 13._o where_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v that_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v 1._o because_o god_n by_o permit_v that_o false_a prophet_n prove_v man_n steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o because_o whatever_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v do_v to_o confirm_v a_o doctrine_n man_n be_v so_o far_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a god_n as_o to_o walk_v after_o he_o and_o to_o fear_v he_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n to_o obey_v his_o voice_n to_o serve_v and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o him_z but_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o full_o prove_v from_o isa_n 8.20_o when_o any_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v the_o people_n unto_o wizard_n and_o to_o such_o as_o have_v familiar_a spirit_n the_o prophet_n advise_v they_o to_o try_v all_o by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n because_o if_o any_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o and_o if_o these_o direction_n be_v good_a under_o the_o law_n much_o more_o will_v they_o satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n under_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o last_o public_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v to_o mankind_n till_o the_o final_a period_n and_o general_a dissolution_n for_o though_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o and_o he_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o at_o the_o final_a period_n god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 2.16_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a law_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o need_v there_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o
they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o glorious_a like_o the_o stream_n of_o fire_n not_o only_o to_o represent_v the_o majesty_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o to_o signify_v the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o inflame_v the_o zeal_n and_o warm_v the_o devotion_n of_o these_o apostle_n nay_o they_o be_v both_o fiery_a and_o cleave_a that_o their_o zeal_n may_v not_o be_v divorce_v from_o knowledge_n but_o one_o may_v administer_v to_o the_o other_o and_o both_o to_o he_o who_o influence_v they_o with_o this_o spirit_n this_o make_v they_o at_o once_o the_o admiration_n and_o envy_n of_o the_o world_n this_o make_v their_o doctrine_n glorious_a and_o triumphant_a and_o confirm_v it_o with_o miracle_n beyond_o the_o force_n of_o malice_n and_o contradiction_n this_o cause_v the_o church_n to_o spring_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n make_v it_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o spite_n and_o flourish_v on_o the_o top_n of_o cross_n and_o gibbet_n to_o shine_v glorious_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o flame_n and_o triumph_v over_o death_n itself_o though_o its_o member_n be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o this_o give_v the_o apostle_n the_o prevision_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o our_o saviour_n life_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v at_o the_o same_o time_n give_v they_o a_o prospect_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o their_o comfort_n too_o this_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n what_o their_o master_n have_v before_o teach_v they_o and_o inspire_v they_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v build_v the_o christian_a church_n upon_o that_o cornerstone_n which_o though_o reject_v of_o man_n be_v in_o itself_o elect_v and_o precious_a three_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v also_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n the_o samaritan_n that_o believe_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n act_n 8.17_o and_o whilst_o s._n peter_n be_v preach_v occasion_v by_o the_o conversion_n of_o cornelius_n the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o act_n 10.44_o and_o though_o as_o to_o those_o glorious_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n which_o at_o first_o be_v frequent_a in_o work_v miracle_n and_o inspire_a man_n to_o speak_v divers_a language_n for_o the_o proof_n and_o early_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o now_o withdraw_v its_o force_n and_o operation_n yet_o it_o still_o continue_v that_o necessary_a influence_n which_o impress_n the_o mind_n of_o devout_a man_n and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o arm_n they_o with_o patience_n and_o resolution_n this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v too_o frequent_o contradict_v even_o by_o such_o as_o seem_v to_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o some_o strength_n superior_a to_o their_o own_o whilst_o to_o avoid_v one_o rock_n they_o run_v upon_o another_o to_o escape_v that_o enthusiasm_n which_o have_v too_o much_o disturb_v the_o world_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o darkness_n and_o error_n they_o reject_v the_o conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n when_o he_o will_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n man_n be_v so_o cautious_a lest_o they_o shall_v infringe_v the_o uncontrollable_a liberty_n of_o their_o own_o will_n that_o they_o entrench_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bind_v their_o god_n in_o chain_n that_o he_o may_v sit_v fast_o in_o heaven_n to_o very_o little_a purpose_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a influence_n and_o benediction_n from_o above_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v our_o prayer_n be_v why_o shall_v we_o petition_v for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v assure_v we_o shall_v never_o receive_v or_o how_o can_v any_o pray_v in_o faith_n for_o what_o they_o believe_v will_v never_o come_v we_o mock_v our_o maker_n to_o his_o very_a face_n when_o we_o say_v turn_v thou_o we_o o_o good_a lord_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v turn_v if_o god_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o it_o will_v be_v profane_a and_o ridiculous_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o be_v or_o increase_n of_o grace_n if_o god_n do_v not_o influence_n our_o mind_n nay_o he_o that_o reject_v this_o principle_n bold_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o epicurus_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o a_o heathen_a countermand_v the_o divinity_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o how_o can_v god_n rule_v the_o world_n &_o exercise_v his_o empire_n over_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n how_o can_v he_o control_v the_o purpose_n of_o man_n and_o rebuke_v their_o action_n when_o they_o contradict_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o he_o do_v not_o immediate_o influence_n their_o will_n as_o well_o as_o propose_v object_n to_o their_o sense_n i_o know_v we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o disbelieve_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o full_o understand_v and_o to_o expunge_v that_o out_o of_o our_o creed_n which_o be_v not_o plain_o evident_a to_o our_o reason_n but_o can_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a to_o reject_v a_o be_v because_o we_o understand_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o existence_n or_o to_o deny_v such_o effect_n as_o we_o see_v because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o view_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o be_v invisible_a if_o so_o then_o farewell_n the_o sublimest_n article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o no_o mortal_a eye_n ever_o see_v nor_o can_v a_o finite_a be_v frame_n a_o complete_a idea_n of_o he_o shall_v i_o deny_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n because_o i_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o maker_n operation_n when_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o fiat_n nor_o how_o so_o rare_a a_o systeme_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o pre-existent_a must_v i_o reject_v spirit_n because_o i_o can_v see_v they_o or_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o immaterial_a being_n upon_o the_o corporeal_a substance_n of_o this_o world_n because_o motion_n among_o body_n be_v make_v by_o contact_n and_o i_o can_v apprehend_v how_o a_o spirit_n can_v work_v upon_o a_o body_n when_o none_o but_o body_n can_v touch_v one_o another_o who_o can_v tell_v how_o our_o soul_n work_v upon_o our_o body_n and_o yet_o none_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o nay_o who_o can_v describe_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o soul_n union_n to_o our_o body_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n will_v refuse_v to_o own_o the_o thing_n or_o will_v any_o one_o deny_v the_o part_n of_o body_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o each_o other_o because_o the_o term_n of_o their_o union_n be_v never_o yet_o so_o full_o resolve_v as_o to_o baffle_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a why_o shall_v we_o then_o doubt_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n influence_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n because_o the_o manner_n of_o operation_n be_v intricate_a and_o inexplicable_a when_o we_o find_v it_o by_o the_o independence_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o those_o good_a suggestion_n crowd_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o some_o evil_a contrivance_n where_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v inject_v from_o above_o that_o we_o may_v full_o convince_v ourselves_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o god_n work_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o concur_v with_o the_o motion_n of_o rational_a being_n when_o they_o incline_v to_o comply_v with_o his_o operation_n the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v say_v our_o saviour_n and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3.8_o we_o all_o believe_v that_o the_o wind_n blow_v when_o it_o become_v obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o yet_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o different_a wind_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o swift_a motion_n of_o the_o air_n have_v puzzle_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o inquisitive_a philosopher_n god_n be_v therefore_o say_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o bring_v the_o wind_n out_o of_o his_o treasure_n jer._n 51.16_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n we_o find_v that_o they_o break_v out_o of_o the_o chamber_n and_o secret_a place_n so_o we_o discern_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o we_o can_v account_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o produce_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v possible_a 2._o necessary_a 3._o from_o the_o scripture_n infallibility_n certain_a first_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v possible_a our_o saviour_n to_o rebuke_v the_o
gal._n 5.22_o not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v sometime_o phrased_a by_o the_o word_n spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o legal_a observation_n which_o be_v carnal_a ordinance_n be_v call_v flesh_n but_o they_o be_v so_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o as_o he_o first_o dictate_v the_o rule_n so_o do_v he_o also_o concur_v to_o the_o action_n if_o the_o evil_a spirit_n can_v carry_v christ_n to_o be_v tempt_v in_o the_o wilderness_n shall_v we_o not_o think_v the_o good_a spirit_n can_v relieve_v he_o too_o if_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n can_v be_v a_o spirit_n work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n ephes_n 2.2_o shall_v we_o conclude_v the_o holy_a ghost_n less_o active_a or_o powerful_a to_o work_v in_o those_o who_o resign_v their_o will_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o law_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a and_o safe_a conduct_n the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v make_v to_o we_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o through_o the_o spirit_n we_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n rom._n 8.13_o and_o though_o many_o thing_n concur_v with_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o effect_v so_o great_a and_o victorious_a triumph_n yet_o all_o cause_n act_v with_o a_o dependence_n upon_o this_o glorious_a power_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v when_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o its_o reception_n by_o endeavour_v what_o in_o we_o lay_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a philip._n 2.12_o 13._o preach_v prayer_n meditation_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v ordinary_a mean_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o s._n paul_n though_o he_o sufficient_o magnify_v the_o preacher_n office_n say_v that_o we_o be_v only_a worker_n together_o with_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6.1_o and_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o all_o when_o god_n assist_v and_o bless_v our_o endeavour_n and_o god_n grant_v that_o those_o who_o attend_v such_o sacred_a institution_n be_v swift_a to_o hear_v may_v never_o be_v so_o swift_a also_o as_o to_o depart_v without_o a_o blessing_n have_v thus_o both_o assert_v and_o explain_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o influence_n man_n the_o certainty_n of_o its_o operation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o influence_n which_o make_v up_o this_o chapter_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o shall_v close_v it_o with_o a_o brief_a request_n to_o all_o who_o desire_v so_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n here_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o hereafter_o that_o they_o will_v use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v and_o keep_v the_o blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o this_o holy_a spirit_n which_o give_v they_o such_o great_a assistance_n in_o sanctify_v their_o mind_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o will_v well_o use_v the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o more_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o trial_n and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v frequent_o for_o new_a supply_n of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o that_o they_o will_v never_o by_o a_o vicious_a and_o unholy_a life_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o desert_n they_o lest_o through_o too_o much_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o they_o at_o last_o prove_v both_o coward_n and_o apostate_n chap._n xi_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n in_o some_o measure_n prove_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n descend_v according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v now_o inquire_v into_o his_o work_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n among_o man_n who_o be_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a being_n who_o may_v as_o some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v have_v well_o enough_o propagate_v christian_a doctrine_n when_o they_o have_v hear_v it_o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n and_o have_v for_o some_o time_n daily_a conversation_n with_o he_o without_o any_o other_o new_a assistance_n beside_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o what_o employment_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o have_v among_o other_o man_n as_o they_o will_v not_o be_v religious_a enough_o to_o know_v so_o true_o they_o be_v yet_o very_o much_o to_o seek_v however_o i_o shall_v adventure_v without_o call_v any_o man_n name_n to_o show_v according_a to_o my_o steady_a and_o long_o continue_v though_o mean_a thought_n what_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o do_v to_o guide_v man_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o promise_n where_o christ_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o engage_v for_o the_o spirit_n corn_v into_o the_o world_n in_o a_o more_o plentiful_a manner_n than_o in_o forego_v period_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v describe_v as_o a_o person_n different_a from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o eminent_a promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o that_o our_o great_a and_o most_o bless_a redeermer_n of_o man_n speak_v of_o a_o person_n here_o and_o not_o of_o what_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la only_o as_o some_o have_v interpret_v this_o place_n to_o void_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v the_o distinguish_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o term_n of_o this_o text_n because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v prefix_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o this_o latter_a part_n which_o be_v a_o periphrasis_n do_v but_o acquaint_v we_o who_o the_o person_n be_v even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o now_o this_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n however_o inexplicable_a it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o all_o particular_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n who_o be_v loath_a to_o think_v that_o any_o being_n be_v above_o their_o great_a capacity_n and_o reason_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v always_o believe_v by_o the_o orthodox_n through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o point_n sufficient_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o baffle_v the_o heathen_a objection_n against_o our_o religion_n viz._n that_o it_o can_v be_v divine_a because_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o it_o but_o i_o design_v not_o to_o treat_v in_o this_o discourse_n with_o any_o that_o own_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a king_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o jesus_n himself_o seem_v to_o take_v great_a care_n to_o insinuate_v and_o fix_v this_o fundamental_a point_n in_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lest_o any_o person_n mighty_a in_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a in_o argument_n shall_v refuse_v to_o believe_v such_o a_o mystery_n as_o this_o when_o apparent_o reveal_v because_o their_o own_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conclude_v the_o thing_n or_o their_o language_n can_v full_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o fourteen_o of_o saint_n john_n gospel_n the_o sixteen_o verse_n our_o bless_a saviour_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n with_o this_o great_a promise_n i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n here_o be_v one_o pray_a another_o send_v and_o a_o three_o give_v so_o be_v it_o also_o at_o the_o twenty_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o here_o be_v the_o father_n send_v in_o the_o son_n name_n or_o upon_o his_o account_n the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o teach_v the_o apostle_n those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v more_o brief_o hint_v to_o they_o and_o such_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o apostle_n through_o prejudice_n can_v not_o then_o receive_v and_o to_o bring_v those_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o their_o remembrance_n which_o they_o through_o human_a frailty_n may_v forget_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v to_o be_v the_o publisher_n and_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a penman_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o