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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n divine_a faith_n revelation_n 3,413 5 9.3938 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54944 A discourse concerning the trial of spirits wherein inquiry is made into mens pretences to inspiration for publishing doctrines, in the name of God beyond the rules of the sacred scriptures : in opposition to some principles and practices of papists and fanaticks, as they contradict the doctrines of the Church of England, defined in her Articles of Religion, established by her ecclesiastical canons, and confirmed by acts of Parliament / by Thomas Pittis ... Pittis, Thomas, 1636-1687. 1683 (1683) Wing P2313; ESTC R33964 135,179 370

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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 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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 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wonder_n who_o know_v not_o the_o utmost_a power_n of_o art_n or_o nature_n especial_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o skill_n and_o force_v of_o devil_n god_n have_v still_o in_o the_o last_o place_n give_v rule_n for_o our_o far_a direction_n in_o this_o weighty_a affair_n that_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n may_v not_o by_o any_o subtlety_n whatsoever_o be_v impose_v upon_o with_o the_o seem_a authority_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n god_n know_v that_o the_o devil_n will_v endeavour_v in_o this_o to_o imitate_v the_o divine_a power_n as_o well_o as_o appear_v like_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n when_o either_o may_v impose_v delusion_n upon_o the_o world_n that_o the_o art_n and_o industry_n of_o design_v man_n might_n by_o a_o previous_a acquaintance_n with_o natural_a cause_n so_o alter_v their_o simplicity_n by_o mixture_n and_o experiment_n or_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o strange_a disposition_n of_o nature_n lucky_a to_o they_o as_o by_o the_o application_n of_o these_o to_o the_o 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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
make_v fool_n of_o other_o that_o they_o that_o cheat_v they_o may_v be_v account_v wise_a and_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o impose_v upon_o disclaim_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o have_v eye_n of_o their_o own_o but_o see_v not_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o it_o must_v appear_v very_o strange_a that_o any_o man_n have_v a_o clear_a sight_n shall_v yet_o refuse_v to_o guide_v himself_o but_o choose_v to_o be_v lead_v about_o like_o a_o dog_n in_o a_o halter_n chap._n v._n there_o be_v yet_o one_o argument_n more_o why_o we_o shall_v try_v and_o examine_v doctrine_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o inspiration_n and_o that_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o caution_n and_o direction_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n now_o since_o these_o be_v many_o enough_o to_o boast_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o number_n to_o the_o stagger_a many_o weak_a 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doctrine_n that_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n be_v by_o any_o propound_v to_o our_o belief_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v so_o many_o false_a prophet_n flutter_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v reason_n that_o we_o shall_v examine_v and_o try_v they_o and_o not_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o bold_o affirm_v he_o come_v from_o god_n lest_o we_o entertain_v thief_n and_o robber_n in_o the_o room_n of_o hearty_a and_o honest_a friend_n and_o instead_o of_o receive_v a_o faithful_a guide_n we_o retain_v one_o that_o delude_v we_o out_o of_o our_o way_n till_o at_o last_o he_o lodge_v we_o in_o the_o chamber_n of_o hell_n instead_o of_o carry_v we_o up_o to_o heaven_n but_o since_o no_o man_n come_v with_o so_o great_a a_o pretence_n as_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o to_o deliver_v god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n but_o that_o he_o will_v offer_v something_o to_o recommend_v both_o himself_o and_o message_n since_o he_o know_v he_o speak_v to_o man_n have_v the_o same_o faculty_n with_o himself_o who_o have_v at_o least_o their_o own_o reason_n to_o guide_v their_o choice_n and_o can_v if_o they_o be_v at_o all_o considerate_a be_v rash_a in_o their_o entertainment_n of_o those_o doctrine_n wherein_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n be_v concern_v it_o must_v of_o necessity_n quicken_v our_o endeavour_n to_o try_v and_o sift_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n and_o the_o more_o because_o of_o the_o plausible_a argument_n that_o deceiver_n insinuate_v themselves_o by_o into_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o other_o who_o poison_n may_v appear_v wholesome_a to_o the_o eye_n that_o yet_o gripe_n and_o swell_v the_o bowel_n among_o many_o thing_n therefore_o that_o render_v false_a prophet_n difficult_a to_o be_v discern_v i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o that_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o they_o and_o discovery_n of_o their_o deceit_n we_o may_v use_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o our_o trial_n and_o be_v the_o better_o prepare_v to_o entertain_v those_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v true_a inspiration_n from_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o only_o pretend_v first_o they_o will_v inveigh_v against_o the_o principle_n you_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o those_o that_o be_v the_o guide_v of_o your_o soul_n as_o well_o know_v that_o a_o new_a build_n can_v be_v erect_v on_o that_o ground_n on_o which_o another_o stand_v without_o demolish_n the_o old_a remove_v the_o material_n and_o clear_v the_o foundation_n and_o this_o they_o always_o do_v in_o proportion_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o alteration_n which_o they_o design_v till_o at_o last_o perhaps_o they_o introduce_v among_o you_o golden_a calf_n instead_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o their_o enterprise_n be_v thus_o crown_v with_o a_o joyful_a success_n their_o language_n will_v be_v like_o that_o which_o we_o read_v 1_o king_n 12.18_o behold_v o_o israel_n the_o god_n that_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o than_o we_o must_v with_o prostration_n worship_v they_o false_a prophet_n will_v come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n the_o raven_a wolf_n shall_v not_o appear_v till_o he_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o devour_v you_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o will_v fill_v we_o with_o too_o much_o horror_n and_o amazement_n shall_v they_o appear_v all_o at_o once_o and_o that_o before_o prejudice_n be_v remove_v they_o endeavour_v therefore_o to_o gain_v by_o a_o gradual_a advancement_n upon_o we_o abate_v the_o strength_n of_o custom_n and_o education_n first_o startle_v and_o then_o seduce_v we_o use_v method_n to_o invalidate_v the_o old_a before_o they_o settle_v new_a principle_n nay_o if_o they_o can_v but_o make_v we_o indifferent_a betwixt_o both_o either_o by_o argument_n or_o debauchery_n their_o work_n then_o wait_v only_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n but_o if_o the_o resistance_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v whole_o captivate_v at_o once_o they_o will_v assault_v where_o we_o be_v weak_a baffle_v we_o by_o degree_n and_o introduce_v one_o point_n dependent_o on_o another_o till_o at_o last_o we_o become_v whole_o they_o before_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o change_n as_o they_o by_o succession_n have_v wrought_v among_o we_o it_o be_v a_o vast_a advantage_n they_o gain_v against_o we_o if_o they_o can_v but_o render_v we_o lazy_a in_o our_o inquiry_n or_o cause_v we_o to_o undervalue_v our_o guide_n which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v want_v in_o as_o long_o as_o a_o evil_a tongue_n can_v asperse_v or_o secret_a whisper_n can_v do_v man_n injury_n who_o be_v not_o present_a to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o nay_o as_o long_o as_o boldness_n can_v confront_v modesty_n or_o man_n that_o assume_v not_o equal_a advantage_n may_v be_v either_o swear_v or_o hector_v into_o silence_n let_v these_o design_v man_n but_o once_o bring_v your_o teacher_n into_o contempt_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o ere_o they_o drive_v they_o into_o corner_n the_o former_a have_v be_v long_o attempt_v and_o not_o without_o considerable_a success_n god_n defend_v we_o against_o the_o latter_a lest_o the_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n become_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n for_o we_o know_v what_o such_o devotion_n mean_v thus_o be_v it_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o jew_n brand_v he_o for_o a_o impostor_n and_o deceiver_n that_o so_o they_o may_v argue_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v false_a and_o rather_o than_o own_o that_o his_o miracle_n shall_v prove_v divine_a they_o blasphemous_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n matth._n 12.24_o and_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o above_o his_o lord_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o in_o this_o manner_n disparage_v the_o master_n of_o the_o household_n will_v not_o be_v more_o kind_a to_o the_o family_n but_o will_v make_v we_o if_o he_o can_v as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n lustrate_v sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v for_o the_o city_n and_o a_o strange_a spectacle_n both_o to_o angel_n and_o to_o man_n but_o second_o these_o project_v man_n that_o come_v to_o you_o with_o inspire_a doctrine_n till_o they_o kill_v and_o slay_v and_o take_v possession_n will_v gloze_v over_o their_o false_a principle_n with_o all_o possible_a art_n and_o cunning_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o treason_n against_o the_o person_n of_o a_o prince_n when_o it_o be_v their_o pleasure_n first_o to_o depose_v he_o and_o if_o he_o come_v to_o a_o untimely_a end_n they_o kill_v the_o man_n but_o not_o the_o king_n and_o all_o shall_v be_v not_o murder_n but_z the_o execution_n of_o justice_n when_o they_o sentence_v he_o by_o a_o church-authority_n superior_a to_o his_o own_o rebellion_n then_o be_v a_o just_a vindication_n of_o their_o own_o right_n and_o they_o only_o break_v
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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 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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
doctrine_n upon_o the_o world_n as_o rule_n for_o all_o to_o submit_v unto_o without_o any_o far_a examination_n and_o if_o they_o must_v be_v examine_v at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v by_o something_o of_o great_a credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n now_o that_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a be_v to_o be_v try_v whether_o true_a or_o false_a be_v plain_a to_o any_o that_o will_v give_v themselves_o leisure_n to_o consider_v not_o only_o that_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o false_a prophet_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o man_n true_a and_o false_a have_v the_o same_o evidence_n but_o that_o god_n himself_o give_v direction_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n how_o to_o know_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o deut._n 13.1_o and_o chap._n 18.22_o which_o rule_n have_v be_v vain_a and_o insignificant_a if_o by_o these_o man_n be_v not_o to_o try_v they_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o those_o that_o attribute_v great_a authority_n to_o christian_a general_n council_n do_v not_o think_v their_o canon_n obligatory_a unless_o the_o thing_n include_v in_o they_o bind_v antecedent_o by_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o a_o superior_a law_n till_o they_o be_v receive_v in_o those_o nation_n and_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v send_v 2._o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v so_o be_v also_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n god_n himself_o supply_v he_o with_o unction_n and_o ordination_n by_o give_v he_o authority_n from_o heaven_n and_o our_o saviour_n descend_v by_o a_o apparition_n from_o the_o cloud_n to_o invest_v he_o with_o dignity_n and_o power_n hence_o it_o be_v i_o say_v that_o this_o great_a apostle_n in_o his_o call_n dignify_v beyond_o his_o brethren_n commend_v the_o berean_o act_n 17.11_o because_o they_o search_v and_o examine_v his_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o those_o scripture_n they_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o by_o compare_v his_o doctrine_n with_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n with_o what_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o apostle_n preach_v and_o most_o probable_o with_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o what_o he_o deliver_v be_v consonant_a to_o that_o which_o be_v there_o exhibit_v concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v of_o more_o pliable_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o gentile_a temper_n than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n who_o be_v more_o regardless_o of_o these_o concern_v as_o s._n chrysostom_n comment_v upon_o this_o text._n 3._o the_o doctrine_n even_o of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o though_o never_o man_n speak_v like_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o examination_n by_o those_o that_o hear_v before_o they_o entertain_v they_o and_o certain_o if_o any_o may_v recommend_v proposition_n upon_o his_o own_o authority_n he_o may_v who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n in_o who_o all_o fullness_n dwell_v nay_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v as_o it_o be_v enclose_v in_o his_o own_o body_n yet_o he_o bid_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o consider_v how_o well_o his_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n agree_v with_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n in_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o according_o either_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v he_o for_o these_o say_v he_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a from_o the_o beginning_n that_o no_o doctrine_n under_o pretence_n of_o what_o inspiration_n soever_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o man_n without_o examination_n but_o as_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v his_o again_o to_o be_v measure_v not_o only_o by_o his_o own_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o by_o those_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o judge_v by_o so_o be_v there_o not_o reason_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o christianity_n under_o what_o authority_n soever_o they_o be_v publish_v shall_v still_o be_v examine_v by_o a_o superior_a rule_n even_o by_o what_o the_o primitive_a planter_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v leave_v for_o our_o perusal_n and_o direction_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n which_o privilege_n whatever_o romanist_n plead_v for_o themselves_o to_o hide_v from_o or_o deny_v to_o other_o be_v the_o great_a cruelty_n and_o irreligion_n enough_o it_o be_v to_o render_v any_o doctrine_n suspect_v that_o thus_o hide_v and_o run_v to_o corner_n and_o avoid_v all_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n and_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o mistrust_v those_o who_o take_v away_o man_n judgement_n of_o discretion_n value_v they_o only_o like_o beast_n that_o perish_v whilst_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v but_o whip_v to_o their_o work_n and_o many_o time_n cripple_v under_o their_o burden_n when_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o carry_v thus_o i_o have_v though_o more_o large_o than_o my_o first_o thought_n design_v not_o only_o state_v the_o use_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o synod_n and_o council_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n but_o show_v you_o withal_o that_o as_o their_o decree_n be_v not_o infallible_a so_o neither_o be_v they_o the_o high_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n have_v it_o be_v otherwise_o when_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o plant_v his_o gospel_n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n have_v just_o condemn_v he_o for_o a_o impostor_n and_o all_o the_o christian_a religion_n deliver_v and_o authorize_v by_o he_o have_v prove_v only_o a_o fable_n and_o a_o dream_n chap._n vii_o the_o most_o considerable_a adversary_n that_o oppose_v this_o way_n of_o state_v the_o church_n authority_n in_o determine_v point_n of_o faith_n seem_v to_o many_o to_o be_v the_o romanist_n and_o therefore_o this_o chapter_n will_v brief_o confute_v their_o high_a pretence_n to_o a_o strange_a infallibility_n by_o which_o they_o have_v introduce_v as_o strange_a doctrine_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v never_o a_o law_n yet_o so_o plain_o pen_v but_o that_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o render_v law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o secular_a interest_n will_v blunt_v its_o edge_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o property_n by_o alter_v or_o over-urging_a its_o design_n the_o same_o use_n have_v be_v make_v of_o text_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o two_o opponent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enlarge_a or_o diminish_v the_o infallibility_n promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o may_v the_o better_a countenance_n their_o own_o pretence_n some_o restrain_v the_o promise_n express_v the_o holy_a spirit_n miraculous_a assistance_n in_o the_o guide_n the_o sacred_a penman_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o other_o extend_v it_o to_o every_o man_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o their_o church_n i_o shall_v here_o therefore_o spend_v a_o few_o leaf_n to_o show_v that_o the_o papist_n can_v have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o build_v their_o infallible_a determination_n on_o nor_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o maintain_v their_o infallibility_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o other_o church_n must_v forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o romanist_n may_v proud_o arrogate_v they_o to_o themselves_o or_o any_o reason_n why_o the_o right_a of_o other_o must_v sneak_v or_o stoop_v to_o their_o bold_a usurpation_n as_o if_o their_o church_n can_v not_o well_o be_v head_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o we_o allow_v it_o to_o have_v all_o the_o brain_n too_o and_o dash_v they_o out_o of_o the_o scull_n of_o other_o to_o fill_v their_o head_n till_o their_o understanding_n become_v incomprehensible_o infallible_a that_o all_o the_o race_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n may_v receive_v rule_n only_o from_o they_o and_o give_v up_o the_o natural_a freedom_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o enlarge_v the_o pope_n empire_n and_o authority_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v like_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o these_o they_o may_v either_o keep_v to_o themselves_o or_o allow_v they_o to_o other_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n this_o make_v a_o reproof_n to_o they_o like_a rebellion_n against_o a_o prince_n a_o crime_n so_o great_a that_o nothing_o but_o death_n can_v sufficient_o expiate_v among_o they_o
my_o understanding_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o sense_n concern_v their_o own_o proper_a object_n where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a medium_n and_o a_o just_a distance_n if_o this_o which_o thus_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v bread_n and_o wine_n may_v yet_o not_o be_v so_o but_o the_o substantial_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n then_o i_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v at_o the_o first_o wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o these_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o sense_n who_o be_v then_o eyewitness_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n may_v together_o be_v deceive_v about_o this_o sacrament_n the_o same_o possibility_n may_v make_v they_o so_o when_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o prove_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o the_o whole_a gospel_n may_v prove_v a_o fable_n and_o its_o great_a confirmation_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o imposture_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o world_n with_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n and_o to_o render_v it_o authentic_a by_o a_o infallible_a authority_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o sense_n be_v free_a and_o then_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v but_o that_o now_o since_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_o authorize_v this_o very_a doctrine_n thus_o confirm_v tie_v up_o our_o sense_n since_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o submit_v they_o to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v any_o where_o thus_o impose_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n it_o will_v 1._o be_v difficult_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o my_o eye_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o when_o i_o read_v the_o word_n 2._o suppose_v that_o i_o do_v read_v they_o true_a and_o that_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v that_o i_o understand_v what_o i_o read_v yet_o since_o no_o other_o text_n can_v be_v plead_v for_o transubstantiation_n beside_o this_o be_v my_o body_n why_o must_v i_o of_o necessity_n understand_v that_o by_o these_o word_n i_o be_o command_v to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o my_o sense_n when_o by_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a construction_n agreeable_a to_o the_o usual_a sacramental_a phrase_n particular_o those_o which_o be_v use_v about_o the_o passeover_n my_o sense_n be_v still_o leave_v unto_o their_o liberty_n and_o no_o more_o than_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n that_o be_v this_o bread_n represent_v or_o signify_v my_o body_n will_v express_v the_o sense_n and_o baffle_v the_o objection_n it_o be_v so_o common_a to_o parallel_v this_o expression_n with_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n the_o way_n the_o door_n and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o verb_n be_v construe_v by_o represent_v signify_v and_o the_o like_a that_o i_o be_o ashamed_a we_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o continue_a repetition_n by_o the_o daily_a appearance_n of_o a_o baffle_a adversary_n thus_o we_o see_v by_o these_o three_o instance_n of_o erroneous_a determination_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o if_o ever_o they_o have_v infallibility_n they_o have_v lose_v it_o unless_o truth_n and_o error_n be_v reconcile_v and_o infallible_a falsehood_n be_v a_o proper_a expression_n seven_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o premise_n the_o romanist_n will_v yet_o hold_v the_o conclusion_n and_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v infallible_a we_o must_v call_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o miracle_n for_o this_o can_v no_o way_n become_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n to_o those_o that_o pretend_v it_o and_o whoever_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n aught_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o miracle_n when_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o the_o apostle_n prove_v their_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n we_o must_v demand_v therefore_o the_o same_o from_o those_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n since_o the_o promise_n they_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o be_v complete_v in_o the_o apostle_n nay_o it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o tell_v story_n instead_o of_o miracle_n nor_o to_o produce_v something_o do_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o cause_n be_v behind_o the_o curtain_n no_o natural_a account_n can_v be_v give_v but_o they_o must_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v sufficient_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o when_o this_o be_v accomplish_v which_o be_v impossible_a the_o infallibility_n pretend_v must_v be_v prove_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n and_o conduct_n of_o man_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o because_o they_o confirm_v a_o unnecessary_a thing_n and_o what_o suppose_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v add_v more_o head_n of_o argument_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o baffle_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o proud_a capitol_n chap._n viii_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n spend_v a_o very_a large_a parenthesis_n upon_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n for_o fear_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o some_o who_o unthinking_a honesty_n may_v make_v they_o jealous_a of_o their_o power_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o i_o allow_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o synod_n and_o council_n and_o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o private_a minister_n i_o assume_v too_o much_o judgement_n to_o myself_o in_o make_v use_n of_o my_o faculty_n without_o leave_n i_o answer_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_a leave_n from_o the_o article_n and_o canon_n establish_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o england_n for_o what_o i_o have_v already_o write_v concern_v this_o matter_n yet_o i_o shall_v far_o explain_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o attribute_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o best_a establish_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o as_o any_o man_n can_v possible_o do_v who_o do_v not_o pluck_v out_o his_o eye_n to_o do_v they_o service_n therefore_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n i_o ready_o yield_v that_o father_n and_o council_n and_o all_o congregation_n of_o holy_a and_o judicious_a christian_n much_o more_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n solemn_o assemble_v to_o treat_v concern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o any_o point_n introduce_v into_o religion_n be_v reverent_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o reason_n urge_v a_o regard_n to_o those_o who_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o study_n or_o the_o prospect_n they_o have_v obtain_v from_o a_o high_a ground_n and_o according_a to_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o live_v be_v probable_o capacitate_v to_o assist_v our_o judgement_n and_o to_o determine_v a_o controversy_n better_o than_o ourselves_o when_o person_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o authority_n also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o difficult_a and_o dispute_v proposition_n humble_o beg_v the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o blessing_n on_o their_o endeavour_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o their_o determination_n when_o neither_o secular_a interest_n or_o a_o blind_a passion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o other_o gain_v their_o vote_n and_o procure_v their_o assent_n nay_o when_o these_o be_v our_o own_o lawful_a governor_n though_o nothing_o can_v force_v our_o belief_n we_o may_v in_o a_o improper_a sense_n call_v their_o determination_n infallible_a quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la because_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o avoid_v schism_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o ecclesiastical_a union_n among_o we_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o they_o bind_v we_o not_o to_o contradict_v they_o public_o by_o any_o external_a solemn_a act_n since_o we_o ourselves_o have_v our_o assent_n virtual_o imply_v in_o canon_n or_o law_n make_v by_o those_o who_o public_o represent_v we_o although_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v every_o proposition_n thus_o determine_v to_o be_v exact_o true_a unless_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o convince_v our_o judgement_n if_o we_o have_v ability_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o proof_n themselves_o to_o restrain_v the_o external_a act_n and_o discourse_n of_o man_n when_o they_o oppose_v the_o public_a sanction_n and_o constitution_n of_o those_o who_o be_v fix_v in_o such_o place_n of_o authority_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o keep_v peace_n and_o order_n in_o any_o
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 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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
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
therefore_o it_o must_v remain_v doubtful_a to_o those_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v it_o not_o more_o reasonable_a to_o receive_v this_o revelation_n so_o well_o attest_v and_o to_o renounce_v other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o than_o to_o leave_v thing_n of_o such_o a_o infinite_a concernment_n at_o so_o miserable_a a_o hazard_n nay_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o probable_a proof_n of_o future_a thing_n when_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o their_o own_o nature_n without_o the_o admission_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v there_o not_o great_a reason_n even_o when_o two_o thing_n seem_v uncertain_a to_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a and_o to_o that_o which_o give_v we_o some_o hope_n rather_o than_o to_o that_o which_o afford_v we_o none_o at_o all_o in_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n there_o may_v be_v great_a in_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a it_o make_v we_o yet_o live_v with_o more_o comfort_n and_o die_v with_o less_o trouble_n and_o reluctancy_n but_o perhaps_o all_o may_v now_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a yet_o such_o faith_n alone_a will_v not_o gain_v the_o prize_n though_o we_o finish_v our_o course_n in_o fight_v for_o it_o therefore_o let_v man_n belief_n of_o a_o future_a immortality_n and_o a_o joyful_a state_n evidence_n itself_o in_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v it_o for_o that_o faith_n be_v only_a fancy_n that_o think_v to_o be_v crown_v without_o obedience_n and_o to_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o not_o raise_v ourselves_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n will_v leave_v we_o still_o dead_a in_o our_o sin_n credere_fw-la se_fw-la in_o christum_fw-la quomodo_fw-la dicit_fw-la say_v s._n cyprian_n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la facit_fw-la quod_fw-la christus_fw-la facere_fw-la praecepit_fw-la how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o do_v what_o he_o command_v he_o and_o a_o little_a before_o in_o the_o same_o tract_n immortalitate_fw-la potiri_fw-la quomodo_fw-la possumus_fw-la nisi_fw-la ea_fw-la quibus_fw-la mors_fw-la expugnatur_fw-la &_o vincitur_fw-la christi_fw-la mandata_fw-la servemus_fw-la how_o can_v we_o enjoy_v eternal_a life_n unless_o we_o keep_v those_o command_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o death_n be_v assault_v and_o overcome_v s._n john_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a and_o though_o man_n pretend_v other_o sign_n which_o be_v as_o easy_o confute_v as_o they_o be_v make_v yet_o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n say_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 19.17_o and_o s._n cyprian_n will_v vouch_v the_o application_n if_o i_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v the_o condition_n to_o obtain_v it_o for_o though_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v a_o law_n of_o liberty_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o law_n still_o that_o command_v we_o to_o act_v like_o religious_a man_n and_o not_o think_v to_o be_v draw_v to_o heaven_n upon_o the_o wheel_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n and_o crane_v up_o to_o paradise_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n we_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n by_o gradual_a advancement_n of_o virtue_n and_o devotion_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v that_o all_o mankind_n be_v perpetual_o to_o be_v save_v like_o the_o thief_n upon_o a_o cross_n we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o mount_v above_o the_o cloud_n through_o the_o vapour_n of_o repeat_v debauchery_n to_o rend_v the_o sky_n and_o make_v heaven_n open_a by_o loud_a oath_n and_o thunder_a execration_n or_o to_o jump_v out_o of_o dalilah_n lap_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n no_o sure_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n everlasting_a but_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a into_o everlasting_a punishment_n three_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o discourse_n to_o praise_n god_n for_o give_v we_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o admire_v and_o extol_v the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o who_o in_o such_o a_o eminent_a manner_n assist_v the_o apostle_n to_o commit_v so_o excellent_a a_o system_a of_o religion_n to_o writing_n that_o we_o of_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n may_v read_v what_o we_o can_v not_o hear_v and_o by_o the_o ordinary_a conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v guide_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v to_o deliver_v not_o to_o commemorate_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n must_v be_v the_o high_a ingratitude_n imaginable_a let_v we_o be_v as_o thankful_a then_o as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o as_o we_o increase_v daily_o in_o the_o one_o let_v the_o other_o run_v parallel_n in_o the_o enlargement_n god_n be_v please_v to_o own_v himself_o glorify_v by_o our_o praise_n this_o we_o do_v when_o we_o praise_v he_o with_o our_o tongue_n but_o than_o do_v it_o become_v most_o glorious_a when_o it_o be_v follow_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n the_o former_a may_v proceed_v from_o hypocrisy_n but_o attend_v with_o the_o latter_a it_o make_v the_o whole_a trinity_n to_o rejoice_v and_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o those_o grace_n we_o already_o have_v and_o engage_v god_n to_o give_v we_o more_o as_o our_o future_a condition_n shall_v want_v supply_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v say_v our_o saviour_n nay_o this_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n rejoice_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o sanctify_v and_o a_o vicious_a life_n be_v say_v to_o grieve_v he_o and_o how_o acceptable_a a_o sacrifice_n the_o whole_a be_v appear_v in_o what_o he_o say_v by_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 50.23_o whoso_o offer_v praise_n glorifi_v i_o and_o to_o he_o that_o order_v his_o conversation_n aright_o will_v i_o show_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v the_o natural_a result_v of_o a_o sense_n of_o mercy_n and_o favour_n impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o conclude_v those_o to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o benefit_n that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o their_o benefactor_n and_o the_o proportion_n of_o thanks_o must_v take_v their_o measure_n from_o the_o benefit_n receive_v how_o much_o therefore_o the_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o convey_v light_n unto_o the_o world_n to_o conduct_v mankind_n to_o glory_n and_o immortality_n exceed_v all_o the_o temporal_a favour_n we_o do_v enjoy_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o must_v our_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o and_o our_o life_n express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o to_o he_o who_o by_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n procure_v he_o four_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o do_v he_o still_o influence_n our_o mind_n and_o promote_v our_o endeavour_n in_o make_v enquiry_n after_o the_o thing_n that_o conduce_v to_o our_o peace_n then_o let_v we_o pray_v frequent_o to_o almighty_a god_n for_o this_o influence_n and_o benediction_n of_o the_o spirit_n prayer_n be_v that_o which_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o send_v he_o in_o so_o eminent_a a_o manner_n and_o for_o such_o glorious_a design_n into_o the_o world_n and_o prayer_n will_v still_o continue_v he_o here_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n say_v christ_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n joh._n 14.16_o prayer_n have_v not_o only_o a_o influence_n upon_o ourselves_o as_o it_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o make_v our_o holy_a resolution_n steady_a but_o mighty_o prevail_v with_o god_n himself_o who_o will_v crown_v what_o he_o have_v command_v with_o success_n in_o this_o therefore_o lie_v our_o great_a strength_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o duty_n sober_o and_o with_o a_o suitable_a devotion_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n nay_o it_o convey_v to_o we_o those_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v useful_a to_o we_o for_o the_o sanctify_a our_o nature_n and_o carry_v we_o through_o the_o hazard_n and_o various_a circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n for_o if_o you_o be_v evil_a say_v our_o saviour_n know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_o 11.13_o let_v we_o not_o then_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n since_o so_o great_a a_o advantage_n attend_v its_o devout_a and_o hearty_a performance_n and_o to_o public_a prayer_n whereby_o god_n be_v most_o glorify_a the_o pain_n be_v only_a presence_n and_o devotion_n five_o if_o god_n send_v his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o