have_v be_v need_n of_o any_o stand_a rule_n so_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v commend_v these_o jew_n for_o compare_v the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o old_a nor_o for_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v true_a since_o he_o come_v to_o preach_v by_o virtue_n of_o inspiration_n four_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v guide_v and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n because_o there_o be_v several_a advantage_n that_o accrue_v to_o man_n by_o a_o diligent_a examination_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o avoid_v the_o insinuation_n of_o those_o who_o under_o this_o pretence_n captivate_v and_o enslave_v the_o affection_n of_o many_o lead_v they_o into_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o deceive_v they_o of_o the_o privilege_n and_o reward_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o their_o peace_n and_o 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thing_n make_v the_o sect_n among_o ourselves_o to_o be_v catch_v and_o halter_a by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o other_o till_o they_o be_v betray_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o use_v they_o as_o stalk_a horse_n to_o catch_v other_o till_o the_o jesuit_n cast_v their_o net_n over_o they_o and_o then_o the_o roman_n come_v and_o take_v away_o our_o kingdom_n to_o forbid_v this_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o render_v the_o faculty_n of_o a_o man_n useless_a to_o degrade_v he_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o beast_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o strange_a metempsychosis_n among_o we_o by_o transplant_n man_n soul_n into_o other_o creature_n whilst_o their_o body_n live_v and_o act_n in_o the_o world_n or_o to_o make_v they_o in_o religious_a affair_n which_o be_v the_o great_a concernment_n they_o have_v here_o to_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n to_o seek_v unto_o they_o that_o have_v familiar_a spirit_n or_o unto_o the_o wizzard_n that_o peep_n and_o mutter_v when_o a_o people_n shall_v seek_v unto_o their_o god_n and_o not_o for_o the_o live_n to_o the_o dead_a isa_n 8.19_o 2._o by_o a_o serious_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n we_o shall_v in_o all_o probability_n keep_v our_o faith_n sound_n and_o entire_a for_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n but_o one_o true_a faith_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n since_o there_o may_v be_v many_o article_n of_o belief_n exhibit_v to_o man_n different_a from_o the_o true_a it_o must_v needs_o become_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o keep_v our_o faith_n sound_n and_o blameless_a by_o examine_v thing_n before_o we_o receive_v they_o and_o try_v man_n that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n before_o we_o entertain_v their_o doctrine_n in_o our_o mind_n or_o make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n a_o ship_n that_o equal_o spread_v her_o sail_n to_o all_o the_o storm_n and_o contrary_a wind_n must_v not_o only_o lengthen_v her_o voyage_n and_o be_v toss_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o wave_n and_o tempest_n but_o frequent_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o a_o wreck_n if_o it_o be_v not_o lose_v and_o overwhelm_v there_o be_v no_o less_o hazard_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o we_o permit_v it_o without_o care_n to_o lay_v open_a to_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n we_o may_v then_o not_o only_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o but_o at_o once_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o devil_n be_v both_o a_o thief_n and_o a_o murderer_n so_o he_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o still_o walk_v about_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v and_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o enter_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o steal_v away_o their_o faith_n or_o hinder_v it_o from_o a_o vital_a influence_n upon_o their_o action_n if_o the_o door_n of_o their_o soul_n continual_o be_v open_a and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o lock_v or_o bar_v he_o may_v then_o come_v to_o we_o in_o his_o own_o shape_n without_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o both_o solicit_v and_o enslave_v our_o mind_n whilst_o we_o let_v he_o pass_v without_o examine_v and_o yet_o in_o port_n subject_a to_o invasion_n and_o garrison_n that_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o surprise_n we_o allow_v continual_a watch_n and_o ward_n and_o order_n to_o they_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o time_n of_o danger_n that_o none_o who_o be_v not_o public_o know_v to_o be_v a_o friend_n may_v enter_v without_o a_o strict_a examination_n lest_o he_o betray_v the_o place_n and_o let_v in_o the_o enemy_n no_o less_o advantage_n be_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n to_o preserve_v our_o faith_n spotless_a and_o unblemished_a to_o have_v a_o sentinel_n always_o at_o our_o sense_n through_o which_o our_o soul_n make_v their_o sally_n lest_o the_o adversary_n again_o enter_v with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o same_o way_n in_o which_o they_o hope_v to_o preserve_v themselves_o we_o must_v guard_v our_o mind_n and_o have_v a_o watchman_n always_o upon_o the_o tower_n that_o our_o understanding_n themselves_z which_o govern_v both_o our_o choice_n and_o affection_n be_v not_o ensnare_v into_o false_a principle_n which_o will_v defile_v our_o action_n and_o ruin_v our_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o harmless_a and_o undefiled_a the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n among_o who_o we_o live_v and_o hereafter_o to_o shine_v like_o star_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o firmament_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o saint_n paul_n exhort_v man_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o of_o his_o thank_n god_n that_o the_o roman_n then_o though_o since_o they_o have_v depart_v from_o it_o obey_v from_o the_o heart_n the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o they_o rom._n 6.17_o and_o of_o s._n jude_n exhort_v all_o christian_n to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o three_o verse_n of_o his_o epistle_n for_o whatever_o any_o man_n bold_o say_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o examine_v our_o belief_n as_o our_o action_n and_o to_o take_v as_o great_a care_n of_o the_o principle_n as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o not_o only_o our_o reason_n conclude_v this_o because_o the_o understanding_n be_v the_o principal_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o for_o that_o these_o direct_a our_o will_n and_o influence_n all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o those_o who_o exchange_n their_o creed_n for_o any_o public_a faith_n that_o betray_v those_o article_n man_n shall_v believe_v safety_n or_o ruin_n depend_v upon_o it_o because_o not_o only_a baptism_n and_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n of_o our_o saviour_n institution_n be_v require_v to_o the_o ordinary_a salvation_n of_o man_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_n 16.16_o hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n not_o mind_v these_o thing_n put_v away_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o shipwreck_a their_o belief_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o error_n and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o 20._o if_o the_o orthodoxy_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o great_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o old_a statute_n may_v be_v still_o embrace_v or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n remain_v the_o only_a direction_n unto_o man_n without_o any_o far_a revelation_n but_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o of_o error_n that_o be_v damnable_a which_o entitle_v man_n
value_n of_o thing_n before_o we_o receive_v they_o that_o counterfeit_a coin_n may_v not_o claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n with_o what_o be_v instamp_v with_o caesar_n image_n nor_o a_o entrance_n open_v for_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n ride_v in_o a_o kirk_n bear_v on_o the_o back_n of_o those_o that_o know_v not_o what_o they_o carry_v that_o they_o may_v bring_v popery_n in_o triumph_n to_o we_o like_o the_o grecian_n lodge_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o that_o wooden_a and_o insensible_a horse_n that_o enter_v troy_n and_o sack_v the_o city_n and_o so_o gain_v that_o by_o a_o easy_a strategem_fw-la which_o ten_o year_n siege_n can_v not_o effect_v for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n if_o man_n will_v now_o hearken_v to_o any_o i_o have_v choose_v this_o subject_a to_o discourse_n on_o that_o if_o possible_a we_o may_v separate_v the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o doctrine_n of_o apostle_n and_o those_o of_o devil_n and_o mark_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v from_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n that_o name_n may_v no_o long_o confound_v thing_n nor_o satan_n be_v receive_v by_o any_o of_o we_o though_o he_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n lest_o we_o mistake_v that_o for_o samuel_n in_o his_o mantle_n which_o only_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n raise_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v into_o the_o world_n and_o from_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v raise_v my_o discourse_n in_o this_o epistle_n s._n john_n endeavour_v to_o confirm_v christian_n in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o give_v they_o sufficient_a caution_n to_o beware_v 1_o of_o such_o heresy_n as_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n such_o as_o interfere_v with_o the_o great_a doctrine_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o messiah_n such_o as_o under_o some_o great_a pretence_n of_o purity_n and_o preciseness_n may_v introduce_v faction_n and_o schism_n and_o dissolve_v that_o strict_a love_n and_o union_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o thing_n some_o be_v prone_a unto_o in_o the_o first_o and_o early_a time_n of_o christianity_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o church_n have_v put_v forth_o leaf_n the_o caterpillar_n be_v ready_a to_o devour_v they_o 2._o because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o jewish_a superstition_n and_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o a_o sect_n be_v now_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n have_v provide_v principle_n which_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n may_v equal_o suit_v with_o both_o or_o either_o and_o so_o can_v shelter_v themselves_o from_o one_o storm_n and_o raise_v another_o if_o the_o wind_n blow_v from_o either_o quarter_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o bid_v man_n to_o beware_v of_o idolatry_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a renunciation_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o heresy_n will_v both_o maim_n and_o wound_v it_o little_a child_n say_v he_o keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n and_o what_o he_o close_v his_o epistle_n with_o be_v what_o we_o all_o close_a our_o prayer_n with_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v also_o deliver_v from_o the_o insinuation_n or_o society_n of_o both_o these_o sort_n let_v all_o the_o people_n say_v amen_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o design_n of_o our_o apostle_n we_o may_v plain_o see_v how_o suitable_a this_o whole_a epistle_n be_v to_o the_o present_a humour_n and_o distraction_n among_o we_o and_o how_o soon_o be_v the_o advice_n embrace_v it_o will_v cure_v we_o of_o those_o languish_a distemper_n under_o which_o we_o seem_v to_o faint_v and_o die_v the_o extremity_n of_o disease_n vex_v and_o torture_v we_o and_o no_o soon_o have_v we_o get_v off_o a_o cold_a fit_a which_o make_v we_o almost_o shake_v and_o shiver_v into_o ash_n but_o the_o hot_a one_o come_v on_o which_o fire_n and_o almost_o be_v ready_a to_o consume_v we_o nay_o a_o strange_a mixture_n of_o both_o encounter_n we_o rather_o than_o we_o shall_v recover_v and_o live_v and_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o constitution_n be_v able_a to_o baffle_v whilst_o separate_v and_o apart_o be_v conjoin_v create_v a_o new_a disease_n which_o trouble_v the_o physician_n and_o put_v he_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o skill_n though_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o baffle_v he_o or_o leave_v we_o to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o vermin_n or_o the_o great_a disease_n and_o pest_n of_o man_n let_v we_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o this_o apostle_n that_o what_o ever_o injury_n our_o body_n may_v suffer_v which_o in_o too_o many_o be_v martyr_n already_o by_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o mind_n our_o soul_n may_v be_v safe_a and_o secure_a and_o keep_v unblameable_a to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v we_o be_v unite_v in_o our_o common_a profession_n not_o stagger_v with_o the_o high_a pretence_n of_o other_o nor_o let_v we_o yet_o relax_v our_o diligence_n from_o the_o discourse_n of_o any_o that_o will_v at_o all_o adventure_n be_v secure_a among_o ourselves_o but_o whatever_o notion_n of_o infallibility_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o present_a and_o particular_a inspiration_n on_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v present_v to_o we_o to_o debauch_v we_o from_o our_o principle_n let_v we_o well_o examine_v before_o we_o believe_v receive_v nothing_o that_o may_v contradict_v natural_a religion_n or_o what_o be_v superad_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o public_a and_o plain_o declare_v revelation_n to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o addition_n to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n spirit_n here_o be_v plain_o mean_v any_o one_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n or_o assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n publish_v any_o new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o include_v both_o papist_n and_o enthusiast_n the_o one_o tie_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o chair_n of_o the_o pope_n the_o other_o to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o fancy_n and_o this_o interpretation_n as_o it_o be_v general_o assent_v to_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a to_o every_o man_n that_o will_v either_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o epistle_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v come_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o any_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n teach_v lest_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o into_o snare_n that_o may_v captivate_v and_o destroy_v our_o soul_n now_o although_o this_o caution_n of_o saint_n john_n primary_o relate_v to_o the_o gnostick_n defection_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o direction_n to_o all_o age_n and_o may_v guard_v we_o from_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o man_n that_o under_o a_o specious_a authority_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n vent_v false_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n in_o any_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o both_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o argument_n to_o enforce_v it_o will_v be_v of_o a_o perpetual_a concernment_n as_o long_o as_o false_a prophet_n come_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n yet_o because_o the_o gnostic_n be_v most_o immediate_o reflect_v on_o as_o be_v the_o antichrist_n so_o early_o appear_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o defeat_v this_o religion_n under_o a_o denomination_n from_o it_o boast_v some_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n when_o they_o be_v man_n both_o ignorant_a and_o vile_a we_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n caution_n man_n to_o beware_v of_o these_o who_o fault_n be_v so_o scandalous_a that_o they_o seem_v manifest_a to_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o general_a the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o any_o error_n that_o may_v gratify_v themselves_o and_o become_v either_o their_o security_n or_o pleasure_n be_v the_o same_o why_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v neither_o be_v forgive_v in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v because_o the_o gnostic_n plain_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n although_o by_o a_o different_a argument_n from_o the_o former_a the_o former_a against_o who_o that_o severe_a though_o deserve_v sentence_n be_v pronounce_v invalidate_v all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n which_o prove_v
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 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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 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will_v yet_o remain_v in_o ourselves_o and_o our_o very_a travail_n become_v our_o punishment_n till_o at_o last_o we_o die_v and_o perish_v in_o a_o wilderness_n which_o become_v the_o entrance_n to_o great_a darkness_n alas_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o much_o debauch_v by_o the_o corrupt_a intermixture_n and_o disgrace_v by_o the_o vicious_a life_n of_o man_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v its_o record_n so_o hide_v or_o lose_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v nor_o be_v man_n yet_o so_o blockish_a and_o unlearned_a that_o they_o can_v read_v so_o as_o to_o understand_v they_o if_o man_n be_v so_o blind_a those_o that_o be_v as_o blind_a may_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o ditch_n but_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n beside_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v now_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n stand_v and_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n with_o their_o original_a record_n and_o therefore_o this_o religion_n become_v matter_n of_o fact_n not_o invention_n and_o all_o the_o question_n must_v now_o be_v what_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v the_o wise_a and_o grave_a reason_n of_o man_n must_v not_o control_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n nor_o make_v another_o thing_n of_o that_o which_o god_n send_v his_o son_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v convey_v to_o we_o with_o as_o great_a a_o certainty_n as_o any_o thing_n antecedent_n to_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o we_o be_v not_o now_o by_o discourse_n or_o inspiration_n to_o make_v to_o ourselves_o another_o gospel_n under_o the_o notion_n or_o pretence_n of_o the_o old_a this_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n subject_a to_o the_o maxim_n of_o every_o squirt_n and_o half-witted_a philosopher_n nor_o to_o be_v mould_v according_a to_o the_o intrigue_n and_o design_n of_o a_o subtle_a and_o project_v statesman_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o leviathan_n nor_o cunning_o to_o be_v fleer_v out_o of_o the_o work_n of_o plato_n nor_o blend_v with_o any_o doctrine_n of_o epicurus_n that_o may_v prepare_v man_n for_o a_o indulgence_n to_o their_o vice_n or_o persuade_v they_o to_o disbelieve_v some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o substantial_a point_n of_o christianity_n our_o religion_n be_v now_o too_o old_a to_o be_v make_v new_a nor_o must_v we_o model_n that_o which_o have_v run_v through_o so_o many_o age_n by_o any_o trick_n or_o device_n of_o our_o own_o nor_o must_v it_o be_v servant_n to_o any_o man_n ambition_n as_o if_o their_o secular_a interest_n or_o opinion_n be_v to_o be_v their_o guide_n or_o fancy_n put_v on_o the_o name_n and_o garb_n of_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o such_o as_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n say_v the_o prophet_n if_o any_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isa_n 8.20_o and_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n say_v s._n peter_n epist_n 2._o chap_n 1._o ver_fw-la 19_o whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n if_o we_o forsake_v therefore_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o pretence_n of_o man_n by_o the_o scripture_n which_o right_o understand_v be_v our_o only_a safe_a rule_n we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o distinguish_v a_o bold_a pretender_n from_o he_o who_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o if_o such_o person_n be_v now_o to_o be_v expect_v after_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n the_o rule_n for_o man_n life_n have_v be_v so_o long_o ago_o complete_v for_o by_o incline_v to_o believe_v any_o new_a revelation_n beyond_o the_o scripture_n we_o suppose_v that_o a_o insufficient_a rule_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o which_o true_a english_a church_n protestant_n have_v always_o defend_v with_o success_n and_o if_o the_o revelation_n be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o it_o make_v that_o spirit_n that_o dictate_v the_o first_o a_o liar_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v receive_v and_o suppose_a true_a but_o grant_v what_o man_n of_o such_o a_o easy_a belief_n and_o such_o speedy_a resolution_n that_o admit_v of_o as_o speedy_a change_n will_v without_o any_o proof_n have_v yield_v to_o they_o yet_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o man_n in_o their_o circumstance_n be_v able_a any_o way_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o concern_v the_o proposition_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v in_o and_o thereby_o authorize_v to_o deliver_v unto_o other_o i_o be_o afraid_a confidence_n will_v be_v their_o only_a argument_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o other_o and_o opinion_n interest_n and_o a_o strong_a presumption_n or_o what_o be_v worse_o atheism_n and_o knavery_n to_o themselves_o for_o 1._o suppose_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o it_o dictate_v unto_o man_n always_o uniform_a and_o consistent_a with_o itself_o how_o can_v there_o be_v different_a inspiration_n to_o prescribe_v various_a rule_n opposite_a to_o each_o other_o at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o man_n to_o guide_v their_o belief_n and_o conversation_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o lord_n with_o undoubted_a authority_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n to_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n one_o baptism_n that_o enter_v they_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o but_o one_o faith_n to_o be_v embrace_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n eph._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o how_o then_o can_v we_o reasonable_o admit_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o man_n inspiration_n that_o aver_v he_o speak_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v within_o he_o to_o publish_v any_o rule_n of_o religion_n different_a from_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v before_o and_o if_o such_o a_o pretender_n mean_v only_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o soul_n which_o act_v within_o the_o body_n we_o can_v understand_v no_o more_o than_o his_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n though_o phrase_n by_o such_o cant_a be_v render_v equivocal_a to_o startle_v the_o infirm_a but_o be_v foreign_a to_o our_o purpose_n when_o reflect_v on_o by_o consider_v man_n we_o well_o know_v that_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o unite_v the_o world_n under_o one_o profession_n and_o in_o religious_a affair_n to_o subject_v it_o to_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o life_n how_o then_o can_v any_o with_o religion_n or_o modesty_n pretend_v another_o inspiration_n for_o new_a direction_n when_o the_o former_a if_o they_o be_v ever_o true_a be_v sufficient_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n declare_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o obligatory_a till_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n when_o he_o shall_v pass_v sentence_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o deliver_v we_o into_o our_o everlasting_a state_n no_o less_o than_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n back_o unto_o the_o father_n these_o be_v such_o inconsistent_a thing_n that_o none_o but_o mad_a man_n can_v now_o expect_v any_o inspiration_n to_o deliver_v new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n 2._o i_o will_v fain_o learn_v of_o any_o bold_a man_n that_o publish_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n new_a doctrine_n different_a from_o the_o old_a how_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v inspire_v we_o find_v those_o that_o be_v former_o so_o beside_o some_o certain_a token_n to_o themselves_o which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o pretender_n can_v now_o give_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o though_o we_o may_v some_o probable_a conjecture_n can_v work_v miracle_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o belief_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o no_o such_o thing_n appear_v now_o though_o lie_v wonder_n be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n carry_v only_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o that_o invent_v the_o story_n or_o other_o that_o be_v hire_v to_o sacrifice_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o confidence_n of_o a_o impostor_n and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o shall_v at_o the_o utmost_a only_o deceive_v the_o simple_a whilst_o they_o that_o ensnare_v they_o have_v other_o design_n beyond_o their_o reach_n vent_v what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v accomplish_v their_o own_o carnal_a end_n by_o the_o religious_a easiness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o other_o for_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o those_o various_a sect_n visible_a either_o abroad_o or_o among_o ourselves_o that_o any_o way_n pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v to_o what_o they_o deliver_v to_o other_o we_o find_v they_o publish_v by_o this_o authority_n doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o rule_n of_o life_n quite_o different_a nay_o opposite_a to_o one_o another_o and_o pursue_v each_o other_o according_a to_o the_o advantage_n they_o receive_v with_o a_o great_a eagerness_n and_o hot_a
unreasonableness_n of_o such_o man_n and_o their_o lamentable_a state_n who_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o sun_n create_v a_o perpetual_a night_n to_o themselves_o and_o love_n to_o wander_v in_o darkness_n and_o error_n by_o be_v of_o such_o unsteady_a temper_n such_o easy_a and_o unmanly_a resolution_n shift_v church_n and_o opinion_n at_o every_o turn_n conclude_v every_o apparition_n to_o be_v a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o the_o dream_n of_o man_n to_o be_v inspiration_n and_o though_o principle_n of_o various_a shape_n and_o face_n be_v present_v by_o man_n with_o the_o same_o confidence_n and_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n yet_o too_o many_o be_v so_o inconsiderate_a and_o easy_a as_o to_o admit_v all_o by_o a_o continue_a succession_n and_o live_v altogether_o in_o a_o circle_n as_o if_o they_o be_v fix_v like_o one_o of_o the_o philosopher_n intelligence_n in_o a_o orb_n turn_v it_o round_o and_o ride_v themselves_o about_o with_o it_o or_o rather_o chain_v by_o some_o magical_a charm_n that_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o run_v about_o the_o circle_n and_o yet_o be_v never_o able_a to_o stand_v still_o long_o enough_o to_o disentangle_v themselves_o and_o what_o a_o dismal_a state_n of_o life_n be_v this_o never_o to_o possess_v rest_n and_o quiet_a how_o pitiable_a be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v his_o mind_n always_o toss_v and_o ruffle_v who_o have_v get_v such_o a_o paralytical_a distemper_n as_o keep_v his_o head_n always_o jog_v who_o entertain_v no_o principle_n long_o and_o yet_o religion_n be_v his_o perpetual_a burden_n and_o well_o may_v it_o be_v so_o to_o he_o who_o load_v himself_o with_o such_o variety_n these_o man_n put_v a_o veil_n over_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o blindfold_z themselves_o that_o they_o may_v either_o be_v lead_v by_o other_o or_o stumble_v on_o they_o know_v not_o whither_o these_o discern_v not_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n nor_o make_v any_o difference_n betwixt_o opinion_n and_o demonstration_n who_o every_o day_n be_v entangle_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o snare_n and_o absurdity_n and_o wander_v about_o in_o a_o wild_a wilderness_n when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v travel_v through_o a_o inhabit_a country_n they_o be_v like_o fowl_n fly_v in_o the_o air_n who_o be_v hamper_v in_o net_n which_o other_o have_v place_v on_o pole_n to_o catch_v they_o when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v mount_v above_o hazard_n and_o danger_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a judgement_n when_o god_n that_o give_v man_n soul_n to_o discern_v shall_v for_o their_o own_o wilful_a blindness_n deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n especial_o when_o we_o shall_v reflect_v upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n that_o they_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n 2_o thess_n 2.11_o we_o find_v that_o this_o must_v natural_o become_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o wild_a principle_n and_o the_o experience_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o irregularity_n and_o crime_n of_o such_o person_n sufficient_o inform_v we_o that_o their_o way_n in_o this_o world_n lead_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o other_o to_o the_o vault_n of_o hell_n unless_o the_o great_a villainy_n may_v be_v consecrate_v by_o such_o hallow_a pretence_n and_o wickedness_n may_v change_v its_o nature_n by_o add_v the_o high_a degree_n to_o it_o when_o man_n make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o then_o indeed_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n will_v quick_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o of_o our_o sovereign_n the_o kirk_n may_v beat_v the_o throne_n in_o piece_n and_o man_n may_v snatch_v away_o the_o king_n crown_n to_o cover_v their_o own_o head_n withal_o and_o it_o may_v be_v after_o a_o while_n a_o entrenchment_n on_o the_o triple_a crown_n to_o be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o three_o kingdom_n the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o loose_a opinion_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n yet_o to_o forget_v or_o if_o they_o have_v escape_v our_o memory_n and_o be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v remain_v hide_v will_v cause_v they_o to_o revive_v by_o fresh_a instance_n that_o charity_n itself_o may_v no_o long_o cover_v they_o but_o their_o repeat_v crime_n may_v at_o once_o renew_v and_o preserve_v their_o principle_n god_n have_v permit_v the_o pretender_n to_o these_o new_a inspiration_n at_o once_o almost_o to_o make_v a_o plain_a discovery_n of_o themselves_o and_o yet_o he_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o authority_n to_o obviate_v the_o design_n of_o both_o and_o have_v cause_v the_o religion_n of_o his_o own_o church_n take_v its_o measure_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o shine_v when_o it_o be_v almost_o cover_v with_o a_o cloud_n lift_v up_o your_o eye_n then_o and_o behold_v its_o glory_n not_o to_o envy_v but_o to_o delight_v in_o it_o always_o to_o profess_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v primitive_a and_o apostolical_a that_o deliver_v no_o other_o principle_n to_o the_o world_n but_o what_o our_o saviour_n do_v before_o what_o his_o apostle_n comment_v on_o and_o a_o faith_n that_o their_o follower_n live_v by_o principle_n that_o entrench_v not_o upon_o the_o right_n of_o secular_a power_n that_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o the_o just_a and_o lawful_a maxim_n of_o state_n that_o give_v no_o countenance_n to_o ambitious_a usurpation_n nor_o any_o disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a but_o teach_v man_n humanity_n and_o obedience_n that_o countenance_n no_o cruelty_n or_o murder_n but_o rebuke_v the_o inordinate_a appetite_n of_o man_n give_v a_o check_n to_o vice_n and_o encourage_v virtue_n that_o man_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o their_o sojourn_v here_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n with_o their_o neighbour_n thwart_v neither_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o king_n nor_o privilege_n of_o the_o subject_a may_v die_v with_o true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o gain_v a_o complete_a rest_n from_o their_o labour_n when_o their_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o habit_n shall_v be_v reward_v with_o eternal_a glory_n let_v we_o then_o have_v thus_o fix_v our_o rule_n and_o doctrine_n attend_v with_o such_o ample_a reward_n continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o contend_v earnest_o for_o it_o since_o it_o be_v what_o be_v former_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n let_v not_o novelty_n that_o drag_v such_o vice_n and_o irreligion_n after_o they_o that_o begin_v with_o treason_n and_o end_n in_o blood_n be_v any_o more_o name_v among_o we_o with_o delight_n but_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o such_o iniquity_n as_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o and_o make_v its_o proselyte_n the_o real_a and_o continue_v troubler_n of_o israel_n as_o well_o as_o a_o sure_a plague_n to_o themselves_o who_o vex_v all_o that_o give_v ear_n to_o they_o with_o the_o perplex_v passion_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n about_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n so_o much_o that_o they_o lose_v all_o temporal_a peace_n themselves_o and_o scare_v and_o disturb_v other_o man_n whilst_o they_o keep_v they_o by_o their_o pretend_a inspiration_n in_o perpetual_a doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o mind_n for_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n it_o be_v very_o certain_a they_o can_v believe_v none_o and_o so_o they_o abandon_v god_n religion_n and_o their_o own_o peace_n and_o run_v a_o round_a of_o endless_a perplexity_n and_o contradiction_n 2._o from_o the_o apostle_n caution_n and_o my_o discourse_n from_o it_o we_o may_v easy_o judge_v of_o those_o person_n without_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a infallibility_n that_o run_v after_o every_o new_a doctrine_n like_o weathercock_n be_v turn_v with_o every_o wind_n and_o follow_v after_o every_o light_n though_o it_o be_v but_o will_v with_o a_o wisp_n or_o jack_n in_o a_o lantern_n that_o bring_v they_o upon_o precipice_n or_o lead_v they_o into_o boggs_n these_o man_n have_v vitiate_v their_o fight_n dispose_v their_o organ_n for_o all_o impression_n and_o enlarge_v their_o eye_n by_o frequent_a goggle_n beyond_o all_o proportion_n that_o no_o new_a object_n may_v escape_v they_o receive_v false_a representation_n of_o thing_n with_o the_o same_o greediness_n that_o they_o receive_v true_a and_o so_o mistake_v a_o paper-kite_n for_o a_o wander_a comet_n and_o a_o enkindle_a meteor_n for_o a_o true_a star_n hecuba_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o they_o as_o helen_n and_o they_o embrace_v a_o cloud_n instead_o of_o juno_n to_o endeavour_v to_o fix_v principle_n in_o they_o be_v but_o write_v on_o the_o face_n of_o water_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o digest_v the_o thought_n of_o these_o into_o stand_v proposition_n be_v
take_v the_o air_n receive_v fire_n into_o their_o bosom_n and_o yet_o never_o fear_v burn_v one_o may_v endeavour_v to_o beat_v a_o thousand_o and_o we_o may_v run_v on_o the_o point_n of_o naked_a sword_n without_o more_o danger_n of_o wound_n or_o death_n than_o if_o we_o be_v at_o quiet_a in_o our_o bed_n or_o guard_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o troop_n and_o army_n but_o whatever_o courage_n such_o strange_a principle_n may_v seem_v to_o inspire_v man_n withal_o yet_o to_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v not_o breathe_v from_o heaven_n nor_o inspire_v themselves_o these_o doctrine_n may_v probable_o make_v stout_a soldier_n but_o never_o will_v make_v a_o good_a christian_a suit_v indeed_o they_o be_v to_o such_o as_o think_v a_o sword_n the_o best_a mean_a to_o propagate_v religion_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o turk_n embrace_v they_o but_o they_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v such_o a_o gospel_n as_o bring_v peace_n to_o all_o who_o will_v embrace_v it_o and_o not_o propagate_v its_o belief_n by_o war_n or_o blood_n by_o open_a force_n or_o secret_a conspiracy_n alas_o man_n have_v need_v to_o be_v wary_a when_o eternal_a welfare_n be_v in_o hazard_n and_o endeavour_v to_o play_v their_o game_n well_o when_o their_o own_o salvation_n lie_v at_o stake_n we_o know_v by_o sad_a and_o woeful_a experience_n that_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v we_o still_o with_o a_o indifferent_a though_o equal_a affection_n pursue_v all_o we_o may_v then_o lodge_v a_o viper_n in_o our_o bosom_n drink_v poison_n instead_o of_o potion_n swallow_v a_o serpent_n instead_o of_o a_o fish_n and_o eat_v the_o very_a stone_n for_o bread_n we_o may_v thus_o safe_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o opinion_n and_o be_v both_o for_o god_n and_o baal_n christ_n and_o mammon_n may_v become_v equal_a and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o matter_n what_o we_o worship_v so_o as_o we_o worship_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a sign_n of_o a_o wanton_a palate_n that_o must_v be_v taste_v every_o dish_n and_o when_o the_o manna_n be_v set_v before_o we_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o loathe_v it_o if_o we_o desire_v quail_n if_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o devil_n into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n we_o have_v need_v to_o view_v man_n before_o we_o entertain_v they_o and_o examine_v doctrine_n before_o we_o receive_v they_o will_v any_o rational_a and_o wise_a man_n venture_v on_o a_o precipice_n without_o necessity_n or_o take_v pleasure_n in_o such_o hazard_n to_o have_v the_o vanity_n and_o glory_n of_o relate_v it_o when_o one_o slip_n prove_v irrecoverable_a and_o his_o fall_n bruise_n he_o all_o to_o piece_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o man_n who_o at_o all_o adventure_n attend_v the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o other_o or_o without_o trial_n receive_v their_o own_o they_o be_v like_o person_n travel_v in_o a_o wood_n who_o may_v soon_o meet_v with_o beast_n of_o prey_n than_o any_o man_n either_o to_o relieve_v or_o direct_v they_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o those_o that_o be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o travel_v on_o without_o knowledge_n or_o direction_n to_o be_v either_o lose_v like_o a_o man_n in_o a_o wilderness_n or_o run_v among_o the_o tent_n of_o their_o enemy_n or_o blunder_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o way_n to_o escape_v they_o may_v mistake_v rome_n in_o the_o dark_a to_o be_v their_o own_o city_n and_o think_v tiber_n to_o be_v the_o thames_n and_o may_v lodge_v there_o if_o they_o be_v thus_o delude_v when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v safe_a in_o their_o own_o bed_n the_o wolf_n be_v now_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n nay_o such_o as_o will_v neither_o be_v frighten_v with_o a_o drum_n nor_o yet_o be_v charm_v and_o tame_v by_o a_o fiddle_n or_o a_o pipe_n let_v not_o the_o sheep_n then_o approach_v they_o nor_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n feed_v nigh_o they_o lest_o the_o shepherd_n themselves_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v when_o they_o can_v no_o long_o govern_v or_o defend_v they_o those_o therefore_o that_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o christian_a profession_n that_o have_v vow_v obedience_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o consider_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o now_o to_o choose_v but_o that_o they_o have_v engage_v in_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o direction_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v any_o pretend_a inspiration_n contrary_a to_o these_o rule_n that_o they_o must_v abandon_v they_o as_o impious_a and_o abominable_a their_o everlasting_a welfare_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o eternity_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v play_v with_o nor_o salvation_n to_o be_v stake_v at_o hazard_n no_o zeal_n nor_o confidence_n of_o other_o must_v shake_v or_o alter_v our_o resolution_n nor_o must_v we_o change_v upon_o any_o extravagant_a motion_n of_o our_o own_o we_o must_v not_o like_o barnabas_n gal._n 2.13_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o dissimulation_n of_o the_o jew_n nor_o take_v with_o any_o gaudy_a idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o contend_v with_o earnestness_n for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n we_o must_v adhere_v to_o that_o stand_a ministry_n institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o continue_v to_o we_o through_o age_n and_o generation_n not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v because_o if_o we_o thus_o sin_v wilful_o in_o renounce_v our_o profession_n when_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n heb._n 10.25_o for_o if_o those_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v they_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o common_a thing_n and_o by_o their_o wilful_a revolt_n do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o rest_n be_v only_o subordinate_a unto_o he_o from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n and_o therefore_o he_o exhort_v that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v ephes_n 4.14_o etc._n etc._n and_o shall_v we_o to_o who_o our_o faith_n be_v ancient_a be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v draw_v away_o than_o they_o who_o have_v but_o new_o receive_v it_o god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v so_o disgrace_v our_o profession_n when_o they_o that_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o false_a opinion_n can_v die_v resolute_o though_o not_o for_o this_o only_a yet_o without_o renounce_v it_o if_o they_o do_v much_o upon_o principle_n of_o honour_n shall_v not_o we_o do_v more_o upon_o those_o of_o religion_n shall_v we_o that_o have_v be_v breed_v into_o settle_a maxim_n be_v draw_v aside_o by_o a_o madman_n or_o a_o fool_n if_o he_o be_v but_o able_a to_o pronounce_v inspiration_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o entertain_v any_o doctrine_n of_o man_n though_o never_o so_o wild_a if_o they_o will_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o suffer_v for_o they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o pack_n of_o a_o common_a pedlar_n for_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o we_o find_v he_o to_o stoop_v and_o crouch_v under_o it_o thus_o we_o may_v be_v carry_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o take_v he_o for_o a_o angel_n that_o minister_n to_o we_o but_o we_o be_v sufficient_o caution_v against_o such_o mistake_n if_o we_o will_v but_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v caution_v we_o against_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n advise_v man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n heb._n 13.9_o and_o we_o have_v need_v all_o of_o we_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o be_v exceed_o cautious_a and_o wary_a in_o this_o to_o guess_v at_o wolf_n by_o their_o howl_n and_o devour_v let_v their_o clothing_n be_v
the_o subversion_n of_o his_o gospel_n when_o his_o infinite_a understanding_n can_v baffle_v their_o argument_n and_o his_o visible_a miracle_n rebuke_v their_o folly_n in_o set_v up_o any_o doctrine_n for_o divine_a that_o contradict_v what_o he_o deliver_v certain_o much_o more_o now_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v deliver_v and_o miracle_n for_o its_o confirmation_n be_v cease_v and_o man_n be_v not_o now_o to_o expect_v new_a but_o to_o believe_v the_o old_a nay_o when_o the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v often_o pervert_v to_o evil_a design_n and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o man_n offer_v to_o god_n they_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o devil_n the_o church_n be_v now_o and_o our_o religion_n in_o it_o like_o a_o ship_n at_o sea_n toss_v in_o a_o storm_n and_o through_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n we_o be_v put_v into_o a_o creek_n to_o careen_a and_o repair_v let_v we_o examine_v therefore_o all_o the_o leaky_a part_n of_o the_o vessel_n and_o supply_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o mast_n or_o rig_v before_o we_o put_v to_o sea_n again_o and_o mind_n what_o passenger_n we_o take_v in_o that_o they_o may_v neither_o blow_v we_o up_o nor_o sink_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n warn_v the_o ephesian_n so_o must_v i_o admonish_v you_o that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n ephes_n 5.6_o as_o if_o any_o wickedness_n by_o what_o authority_n soever_o colour_v can_v free_v those_o who_o teach_v or_o practice_v it_o from_o the_o revenge_n of_o heaven_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n come_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n on_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n here_o indeed_o in_o this_o world_n good_a man_n frequent_o suffer_v the_o same_o temporal_a evil_n with_o the_o bad_a because_o be_v in_o the_o same_o community_n and_o the_o offence_n be_v that_o of_o the_o whole_a society_n when_o the_o great_a part_n become_v vicious_a the_o wheat_n be_v singe_a by_o those_o flame_n that_o burn_v the_o chaff_n for_o the_o separation_n of_o these_o be_v not_o complete_v till_o a_o future_a state_n render_v justice_n exact_a and_o glorious_a and_o community_n must_v be_v punish_v here_o because_o in_o the_o other_o life_n these_o shall_v cease_v and_o every_o man_n bear_v his_o own_o burden_n it_o become_v we_o therefore_o since_o we_o must_v every_o one_o then_o answer_v for_o ourselves_o to_o examine_v well_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o not_o to_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n in_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o false_a principle_n of_o another_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n advise_v that_o every_o man_n examine_v himself_o before_o he_o partake_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o and_o in_o the_o second_o epist_n 13_o the_o chap._n 5_o the_o vers_n he_o exhort_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o prove_v their_o own_o self_n and_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v try_v his_o own_o work_n that_o he_o may_v have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o because_o every_o one_o shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n gal._n 6.4_o 5._o but_o yet_o because_o many_o thing_n in_o religion_n be_v place_v beyond_o the_o examination_n of_o every_o man_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o embrace_v they_o i_o must_v here_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n and_o rule_v to_o limit_v such_o as_o may_v be_v otherwise_o apt_a to_o be_v extravagant_a and_o extend_v this_o duty_n of_o try_v spirit_n beyond_o their_o own_o power_n and_o capacity_n and_o 1._o we_o that_o discourse_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v true_a must_v take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v express_v to_o the_o world_n in_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n in_o which_o it_o be_v contain_v now_o these_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v some_o set_v apart_o to_o be_v guide_n to_o other_o and_o therefore_o distinguish_v the_o church_n into_o pastor_n and_o people_n into_o those_o that_o be_v guide_n and_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v conduct_v by_o they_o into_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a but_o because_o all_o rule_n guide_v man_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v design_v to_o render_v these_o proper_a and_o effectual_a all_o collateral_a and_o subordinate_a help_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n we_o must_v take_v therefore_o the_o help_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o rely_v on_o their_o honesty_n and_o skill_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o inferior_a education_n without_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v not_o now_o reasonable_o to_o be_v expect_v can_v capacitate_v man_n to_o reach_v nor_o can_v they_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o the_o advantage_n of_o know_v thus_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_o translate_v must_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v by_o those_o that_o can_v understand_v the_o original_n and_o the_o book_n which_o we_o receive_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o direction_n for_o man_n life_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o those_o inspire_a man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v among_o those_o that_o have_v not_o leisure_n nor_o skill_n enough_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o by_o any_o argument_n or_o authority_n and_o when_o these_o principle_n be_v settle_v 2._o the_o scripture_n have_v some_o point_v more_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v we_o must_v far_o make_v use_n of_o our_o guide_n and_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v over_o we_o to_o interpret_v to_o we_o such_o point_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o unridle_v ourselves_o and_o not_o adventure_v above_o our_o strength_n in_o judge_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v not_o learned_a this_o become_v the_o natural_a modesty_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v more_o especial_o agreeable_a to_o that_o humility_n of_o mind_n and_o those_o docile_a disposition_n which_o become_v the_o gospel_n the_o contrary_a humour_n and_o action_n of_o man_n be_v what_o make_v so_o many_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lay_v they_o open_v to_o the_o error_n and_o imposture_n of_o those_o who_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o design_n easy_o prevail_v upon_o and_o lead_v the_o simple_a in_o plain_a thing_n such_o as_o most_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v every_o man_n of_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v well_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v for_o himself_o but_o if_o they_o will_v enter_v into_o controversy_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v puzzle_v the_o learned_a it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o mistake_n and_o their_o own_o obstinacy_n add_v to_o their_o ignorance_n make_v their_o error_n become_v a_o heresy_n or_o if_o man_n will_v proceed_v in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n by_o false_a measure_n and_o course_n which_o be_v irregular_a not_o rely_v at_o all_o on_o those_o help_n and_o aid_n which_o reason_n dictate_v and_o god_n have_v both_o appoint_v and_o allow_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o they_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o by_o false_a reason_n instead_o of_o true_a or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o other_o when_o design_v man_n impose_v upon_o they_o by_o any_o fallacious_a and_o allure_a pretension_n 3._o even_o in_o plain_a case_n when_o private_a man_n that_o be_v not_o distinguish_v by_o any_o public_a character_n judge_v for_o themselves_o they_o ought_v to_o confine_v their_o opinion_n to_o themselves_o and_o permit_v they_o only_o to_o have_v a_o influence_n on_o their_o own_o action_n they_o have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o impose_v they_o on_o other_o than_o other_o private_a man_n have_v to_o impose_v they_o on_o they_o for_o all_o private_a man_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n equal_a none_o have_v authority_n to_o trouble_v other_o but_o they_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o choice_n which_o be_v the_o same_o liberty_n that_o they_o claim_v themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o man_n 4_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v antecedent_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n that_o under_o the_o same_o claim_n and_o title_n some_o be_v true_a and_o some_o false_a for_o if_o all_o be_v true_a there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o try_v spirit_n but_o we_o must_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n caution_n believe_v all_o who_o confident_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o yet_o our_o own_o experience_n sufficient_o inform_v we_o that_o opposite_a doctrine_n at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o vent_v in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o same_o confidence_n with_o the_o same_o pretention_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o one_o be_v false_a must_v by_o search_n and_o trial_n be_v
difference_v from_o the_o other_o that_o man_n may_v discern_v what_o doctrine_n immediate_o oblige_v they_o be_v stamp_v with_o divine_a authority_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o be_v either_o the_o product_n of_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n body_n or_o evil_a project_n and_o design_n of_o man_n or_o else_o such_o as_o enter_v into_o they_o by_o the_o subtlety_n power_n or_o injection_n of_o the_o devil_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o state_v i_o proceed_v plain_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v all_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o before_o they_o receive_v and_o entertain_v they_o as_o such_o 2._o give_v you_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o know_v when_o any_o prophet_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n come_v from_o god_n and_o 3_o make_v some_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o the_o expression_n and_o doctrine_n be_v very_o useful_a first_o then_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v our_o general_a duty_n to_o examine_v these_o pretend_a inspiration_n will_v appear_v 1._o not_o only_o from_o the_o apostle_n direction_n which_o to_o those_o that_o own_o s._n john_n authority_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n without_o any_o argument_n or_o reason_n for_o the_o thing_n but_o also_o it_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o give_v rule_n to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o what_o be_v straight_o or_o crooked_a this_o be_v the_o general_a design_n of_o law_n and_o those_o innate_a notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o rational_a man_n and_o confer_v upon_o they_o with_o their_o very_a being_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n manifest_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n that_o by_o it_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o direct_v their_o life_n and_o regulate_v their_o belief_n so_o as_o to_o preserve_v order_n and_o peace_n here_o and_o procure_v to_o they_o happiness_n hereafter_o now_o to_o what_o 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the_o coin_n that_o so_o his_o good_n may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o price_n and_o the_o coin_n he_o receive_v may_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o counterfeit_v if_o we_o find_v a_o quotation_n out_o of_o a_o book_n on_o which_o be_v conclude_v matter_n of_o moment_n we_o will_v before_o we_o settle_v our_o notion_n and_o belief_n examine_v the_o author_n on_o who_o authority_n the_o case_n depend_v whether_o he_o be_v of_o sufficient_a credit_n to_o enforce_v that_o thing_n and_o whether_o he_o be_v right_o quote_v and_o represent_v mankind_n will_v otherwise_o continual_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o may_v receive_v poison_n instead_o of_o food_n and_o be_v place_v here_o in_o this_o world_n only_o to_o be_v cheat_v and_o deceive_v and_o enjoy_v their_o life_n at_o great_a hazard_n than_o the_o most_o inferior_a beast_n that_o perish_v thing_n that_o be_v obvious_a to_o our_o outward_a sense_n may_v by_o their_o likeness_n to_o one_o another_o or_o a_o artificial_a varnish_n many_o time_n deceive_v we_o so_o that_o what_o our_o eye_n behold_v they_o can_v see_v and_o may_v not_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o method_n that_o be_v conformable_a to_o our_o faculty_n be_v cheat_v by_o various_a and_o false_a representation_n these_o thing_n we_o have_v repeat_v experience_n of_o and_o they_o need_v not_o any_o far_a illustration_n if_o therefore_o in_o our_o temporal_a concern_v there_o be_v so_o great_a occasion_n of_o wariness_n and_o observation_n have_v we_o not_o need_v to_o be_v more_o cautious_a in_o relation_n to_o spiritual_a and_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o do_v we_o think_v our_o body_n superior_a to_o our_o soul_n or_o thing_n temporal_a to_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n than_o those_o that_o be_v eternal_a if_o not_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o must_v use_v trial_n in_o both_o and_o our_o diligence_n must_v be_v advance_v suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o value_n of_o our_o concern_n our_o saviour_n use_v such_o a_o example_n from_o any_o i_o can_v take_v a_o better_a when_o he_o rebuke_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n that_o be_v so_o precise_a and_o scrupulous_a about_o small_a matter_n who_o can_v strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n but_o yet_o swallow_v a_o camel_n that_o can_v exact_o observe_v the_o outward_a face_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o heaven_n but_o will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o reverse_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o man_n they_o can_v guess_v at_o the_o weather_n by_o rule_n and_o observation_n but_o will_v not_o discern_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n neither_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n nor_o the_o safety_n or_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n matth._n 16._o 2_o 3._o and_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a after_o so_o solemn_a a_o rebuke_n that_o man_n profess_v faith_n in_o the_o reprover_n shall_v yet_o run_v into_o the_o same_o error_n and_o not_o examine_v a_o business_n that_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n when_o yet_o they_o will_v be_v extreme_o diligent_a in_o what_o be_v of_o a_o far_o less_o value_n alas_o what_o be_v time_n in_o comparison_n of_o eternity_n or_o our_o abode_n here_o when_o set_v in_o opposition_n to_o what_o state_n we_o shall_v be_v in_o hereafter_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n at_o all_o betwixt_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o inquisitive_a about_o what_o we_o receive_v for_o doctrine_n either_o to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v since_o on_o they_o depend_v our_o eternal_a welfare_n than_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o this_o world_n which_o if_o they_o die_v not_o and_o perish_v with_o the_o use_n and_o make_v themselves_o wing_n that_o they_o may_v fly_v away_o yet_o a_o very_a small_a time_n shall_v determine_v their_o use_n as_o to_o we_o and_o then_o according_a to_o our_o espousal_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o eternal_a bliss_n or_o misery_n three_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n because_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n in_o god_n name_n vent_v to_o the_o world_n be_v approve_v and_o commend_v in_o sacred_a writ_n as_o the_o woman_n alabaster_n box_n of_o ointment_n be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o this_o person_n piety_n and_o kindness_n to_o our_o saviour_n may_v not_o escape_v the_o notice_n of_o posterity_n but_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o the_o world_n this_o action_n shall_v be_v tell_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o she_o matth._n 26.13_o so_o we_o want_v not_o such_o example_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o as_o may_v recommend_v the_o diligence_n and_o inquiry_n of_o man_n before_o they_o receive_v principle_n under_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n to_o all_o posterity_n to_o read_v and_o imitate_v thus_o the_o berean_o be_v account_v more_o noble_a by_o s._n paul_n than_o than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n because_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o at_o all_o adventure_n but_o examine_v whether_o the_o relation_n agree_v with_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n be_v coherent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o notion_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n but_o more_o especial_o with_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v which_o they_o search_v daily_o that_o they_o may_v by_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o know_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v be_v true_a act_n 17.11_o have_v god_n appoint_v any_o infallible_a judge_n upon_o earth_n or_o resolve_v always_o to_o fix_v his_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o any_o new_a authorize_v revelation_n or_o any_o particular_a and_o extraordinary_a discovery_n as_o there_o will_v not_o
unto_o swift_a destruction_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o great_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o relation_n to_o man_n principle_n and_o belief_n faith_n will_v not_o have_v be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o qualification_n to_o justify_v a_o sinner_n 3._o by_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n we_o may_v preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o if_o conscience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o agreement_n of_o our_o notion_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o man_n then_o the_o trial_n of_o opinion_n under_o whatever_o pretence_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v convey_v by_o this_o rule_n and_o according_o either_o reject_v or_o receive_v they_o must_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o examine_v doctrine_n and_o opinion_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o man_n on_o earth_n than_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n settle_v upon_o a_o unalterable_a and_o firm_a foundation_n contentment_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o mean_a peasant_n as_o happy_a as_o his_o prince_n and_o create_v a_o level_a among_o mankind_n how_o much_o great_a delight_n than_o must_v that_o satisfaction_n advance_v man_n to_o which_o relate_v to_o thing_n of_o a_o everlasting_a concernment_n that_o cause_v the_o pang_n of_o death_n ro_o vanish_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o torment_n to_o depart_v that_o carry_v we_o with_o all_o steadiness_n and_o peace_n through_o all_o the_o billow_n and_o storm_n of_o the_o world_n into_o that_o bless_a haven_n of_o rest_n and_o tranquillity_n where_o we_o shall_v know_v no_o trouble_n any_o more_o this_o be_v enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a feast_n a_o pleasure_n beyond_o the_o great_a sensuality_n exceed_v what_o man_n can_v otherwise_o possess_v or_o as_o much_o as_o invent_v or_o think_v upon_o for_o what_o be_v then_o all_o the_o concernment_n or_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n when_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o be_o fix_v and_o settle_v if_o i_o live_v in_o misery_n it_o can_v be_v long_o nature_n will_v soon_o have_v spin_v her_o thread_n if_o no_o accident_n cut_v it_o off_o and_o if_o have_v my_o religion_n fix_v upon_o such_o principle_n which_o can_v deceive_v i_o i_o regulate_v my_o action_n by_o their_o direction_n death_n must_v then_o be_v welcome_a to_o i_o because_o it_o give_v i_o the_o fruit_n of_o my_o hope_n and_o enter_v i_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o my_o master_n who_o from_o earth_n have_v suffer_v a_o antecedent_n separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n enter_v visible_o into_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o have_v make_v a_o passage_n to_o the_o same_o for_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o in_o fullness_n of_o faith_n and_o indisputable_a assurance_n they_o have_v have_v a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n in_o 4._o this_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o other_o will_v make_v man_n endeavour_v to_o live_v without_o disturbance_n in_o that_o society_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n nothing_o disturb_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n so_o much_o as_o doubt_n and_o dispute_v about_o religion_n but_o this_o when_o find_v out_o by_o a_o regular_a enquiry_n and_o true_o establish_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n give_v the_o great_a and_o most_o effectual_a check_n to_o all_o the_o breach_n make_v upon_o enclosure_n and_o those_o irregularity_n and_o invasion_n that_o be_v commit_v upon_o the_o property_n of_o man_n this_o forbid_v the_o prince_n to_o be_v a_o tyrant_n and_o admonish_v the_o subject_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n to_o become_v subject_a for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o not_o to_o rebel_v against_o the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n lest_o they_o receive_v damnation_n in_o the_o next_o rom._n 13._o but_o when_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v the_o furious_a principle_n of_o other_o when_o convey_v to_o they_o under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o spirit_n and_o inspiration_n with_o what_o ease_n be_v they_o ensnare_v when_o they_o be_v either_o lazy_a or_o refuse_v to_o examine_v there_o be_v nothing_o then_o so_o ruinous_a to_o society_n nothing_o that_o put_v man_n more_o into_o confusion_n nothing_o that_o dissolve_v the_o band_n of_o community_n and_o break_v order_n into_o a_o chaos_n but_o they_o will_v attempt_v under_o the_o covert_n of_o religion_n and_o conclude_v they_o do_v service_n unto_o god_n when_o they_o be_v immediate_o offer_v to_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a tie_n upon_o mankind_n what_o will_v they_o not_o attempt_v or_o suffer_v when_o their_o action_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o full_a of_o villainy_n shall_v under_o pretence_n of_o the_o authority_n or_o inspiration_n of_o other_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o number_n of_o virtue_n and_o heroic_a act_n and_o their_o suffering_n be_v advance_v to_o martyrdom_n justice_n shall_v be_v violate_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o gain_v a_o crown_n from_o the_o head_n of_o he_o that_o right_o wear_v it_o and_o then_o they_o will_v make_v a_o way_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o design_n though_o they_o pave_v it_o throughout_o with_o the_o carcase_n of_o the_o slay_v but_o if_o such_o principle_n that_o ruin_n religion_n under_o its_o name_n be_v well_o examine_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n and_o new_a inspiration_n be_v measure_v by_o those_o that_o be_v old_a we_o shall_v easy_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v come_v from_o god_n that_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o the_o principle_n that_o tend_v to_o confusion_n among_o mankind_n ever_o proceed_v from_o a_o god_n of_o order_n but_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o first_o audit_n to_o be_v damn_v to_o the_o place_n from_o whence_o they_o take_v their_o original_n and_o must_v be_v conclude_v to_o come_v from_o hell_n which_o thus_o fire_n and_o consume_v the_o world_n and_o so_o you_o see_v that_o the_o several_a advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o man_n upon_o trial_n of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n may_v be_v so_o many_o encouragement_n to_o the_o thing_n and_o so_o many_o argument_n to_o recommend_v the_o duty_n to_o all_o those_o who_o by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o agent_n do_v not_o love_v to_o be_v lead_v captive_a final_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v faculty_n give_v to_o we_o that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o according_a to_o judgement_n to_o make_v our_o choice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o by_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o one_o inspiration_n the_o natural_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v cease_v or_o else_o be_v render_v useless_a they_o be_v suspend_v by_o a_o pretention_n of_o authority_n that_o without_o examination_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v divine_a nay_o why_o shall_v the_o apostle_n impose_v such_o a_o task_n upon_o we_o which_o without_o the_o use_n of_o every_o man_n particular_a faculty_n become_v impossible_a no_o choice_n will_v then_o be_v leave_v in_o religion_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o it_o will_v become_v a_o necessary_a thing_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v like_o machine_n to_o move_v always_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o another_o nay_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v before_o if_o the_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n change_v his_o note_n and_o play_v to_o we_o on_o a_o contrary_a string_n will_v it_o not_o be_v strange_a for_o any_o man_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o exhort_v stone_n or_o argue_v to_o one_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o impression_n or_o can_v s._n john_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o impose_v the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n on_o man_n that_o either_o have_v no_o faculty_n to_o examine_v or_o have_v their_o sense_n tie_v up_o by_o a_o superior_a power_n must_v all_o false_a prophet_n be_v reject_v and_o be_v there_o a_o necessity_n of_o man_n believe_v what_o doctrine_n have_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o must_v they_o not_o yet_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o use_v their_o own_o faculty_n to_o examine_v they_o to_o deny_v this_o may_v indeed_o be_v suitable_a to_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o it_o can_v but_o be_v plain_a to_o a_o protestant_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a man_n that_o have_v not_o his_o faculty_n give_v he_o in_o vain_a that_o such_o argue_v and_o such_o belief_n serve_v only_o to_o justify_v imposture_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o blind_a man_n eye_n that_o they_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o ditch_n this_o be_v to_o
they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o be_v wear_v to_o remember_v they_o of_o the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o to_o difference_n the_o jew_n from_o other_o nation_n and_o to_o prevent_v idolatry_n as_o often_o as_o they_o look_v upon_o these_o fringe_n which_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n command_v they_o to_o wear_v numb_a 15.38_o scrupulous_a be_v these_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n but_o they_o regard_v not_o so_o much_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o nor_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v ordain_v to_o signify_v and_o represent_v we_o read_v of_o some_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n who_o yet_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2._o tim._n 3.4_o and_o this_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v so_o long_o as_o religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v veil_v with_o hypocrisy_n and_o one_o man_n can_v discern_v the_o inside_n of_o another_o it_o be_v but_o be_v strict_a in_o outward_a appearance_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v account_v a_o saint_n and_o if_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v avoid_v mens_fw-la inside_n may_v be_v full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n and_o they_o be_v canonize_v still_o thus_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v take_v for_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n if_o he_o can_v but_o hide_v his_o malice_n and_o his_o flame_n and_o man_n may_v cheat_v their_o neighbour_n commit_v adultery_n or_o secret_a murder_n if_o their_o action_n escape_v the_o notice_n of_o other_o and_o they_o make_v not_o themselves_o a_o spectacle_n to_o the_o world_n this_o the_o minister_n of_o satan_n do_v like_v he_o act_v deed_n of_o darkness_n within_o whilst_o yet_o a_o candle_n be_v hang_v out_o at_o their_o door_n that_o be_v earnest_a for_o reformation_n in_o other_o man_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o reform_v themselves_o only_o they_o endeavour_v to_o cover_v those_o fault_n which_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o strive_v to_o amend_v if_o they_o bless_v god_n with_o their_o mouth_n they_o care_v not_o if_o they_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o their_o heart_n because_o their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o god_n but_o unto_o those_o man_n who_o they_o designing_o delude_v god_n himself_o complain_v of_o such_o atheistical_a hypocrite_n that_o turn_v thing_n upside_o down_o that_o seek_v to_o hide_v their_o counsel_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a they_o draw_v near_o i_o say_v god_n with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o isai_n 29.13_o and_o there_o be_v yet_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o lament_v the_o sad_a state_n of_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v still_o beguile_v with_o good_a word_n into_o ill_a practice_n and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n be_v draw_v to_o renounce_v it_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o various_a principle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n with_o noise_n and_o confidence_n with_o great_a zeal_n though_o little_a reason_n which_o therefore_o as_o a_o enemy_n some_o disgrace_n and_o vilify_v they_o distract_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v unsettle_a disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o all_o society_n both_o civil_a and_o religious_a draw_v man_n into_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o make_v they_o think_v those_o prophet_n inspire_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n that_o swell_v only_o with_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o disgorge_v themselves_o in_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n among_o mankind_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o cause_v these_o disorder_n they_o manage_v with_o such_o art_n and_o such_o suitable_a application_n and_o have_v so_o many_o plausible_a plea_n to_o the_o world_n by_o which_o they_o spread_v they_o with_o too_o much_o success_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o it_o must_v full_o convince_v we_o of_o a_o necessity_n to_o use_v diligence_n in_o our_o inquiry_n and_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o preach_v religion_n among_o we_o let_v their_o pretension_n of_o authority_n be_v what_o they_o will_v though_o they_o arise_v as_o high_a as_o inspiration_n and_o aver_v their_o commission_n to_o be_v from_o heaven_n chap._n vi_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o my_o second_o particular_a propose_v about_o this_o duty_n of_o try_v spirit_n and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v you_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o know_v when_o doctrine_n propound_v as_o come_v from_o god_n be_v indeed_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o deliverer_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o inspire_v from_o above_o and_o according_o to_o be_v entertain_v in_o the_o world_n now_o because_o man_n be_v apt_a sometime_o to_o rely_v on_o false_a character_n of_o trial_n and_o there_o be_v several_a mark_n set_v up_o by_o man_n of_o various_a humour_n and_o interest_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o which_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v able_a to_o direct_v themselves_o and_o other_o and_o try_v doctrine_n and_o opinion_n i_o shall_v make_v some_o brief_a reflection_n on_o they_o that_o no_o prejudice_n may_v remain_v to_o hinder_v we_o from_o embrace_v the_o true_a method_n of_o try_v man_n proposition_n in_o religion_n especial_o those_o who_o come_v with_o so_o great_a a_o authority_n as_o inspiration_n and_o 1._o we_o meet_v with_o many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o suppose_v what_o they_o call_v the_o church_n which_o they_o make_v as_o narrow_a and_o little_a as_o they_o can_v to_o be_v either_o that_o into_o which_o they_o ultimate_o resolve_v their_o faith_n or_o at_o least_o to_o have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o determine_v all_o point_n in_o religion_n and_o what_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v accept_v as_o divine_a and_o therefore_o by_o her_o judgement_n all_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o determine_v but_o this_o guide_n will_v many_o time_n be_v uncertain_a nay_o false_a too_o if_o a_o society_n of_o man_n call_v the_o church_n agree_v upon_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v erroneous_a which_o we_o find_v a_o thing_n not_o impossible_a when_o our_o present_a experience_n may_v inform_v we_o that_o rome_n which_o will_v be_v the_o only_a church_n and_o many_o separate_a congregation_n in_o the_o world_n who_o yet_o assume_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o church_n err_v in_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o many_o way_n of_o discipline_n and_o manner_n and_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o error_n and_o that_o all_o council_n be_v manage_v by_o vote_n and_o these_o many_o time_n be_v give_v wrong_a not_o only_o through_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertency_n but_o humour_n and_o interest_n so_o far_o prevail_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o that_o we_o can_v yield_v their_o determination_n to_o be_v infallible_a especial_o since_o we_o often_o find_v great_a assembly_n manage_v by_o the_o trick_n and_o device_n of_o a_o few_o who_o design_n be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o multitude_n draw_v they_o by_o degree_n into_o the_o consent_n to_o what_o have_v they_o foresee_v they_o will_v never_o have_v yield_v be_v the_o promise_n indeed_o of_o a_o infallible_a direction_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o tie_v to_o the_o assembly_n which_o christian_n call_v council_n we_o can_v not_o reasonable_o dispute_v their_o determination_n but_o must_v obey_v they_o but_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v to_o publish_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o the_o world_n and_o neither_o make_v nor_o useful_a to_o future_a generation_n but_o only_o to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o every_o christian_a be_v to_o submit_v both_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o thing_n now_o ordain_v by_o any_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n whatever_o authority_n they_o may_v claim_v above_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n have_v neither_o strength_n nor_o authority_n unless_o it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o they_o may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o have_v err_v in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n as_o our_o church_n declare_v in_o the_o twenty_o first_o article_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o they_o they_o be_v custodes_fw-la legis_fw-la the_o keeper_n
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 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 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their_o governors_n opinion_n enact_v into_o law_n for_o the_o true_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o pope_n or_o preside_v at_o their_o council_n and_o infallible_o assist_v in_o their_o determination_n but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n take_v as_o they_o be_v propound_v can_v possible_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n much_o less_o the_o high_a conduct_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o though_o they_o may_v be_v help_n to_o judge_v upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o rule_n yet_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n may_v frequent_o be_v mistake_v for_o reason_n illumination_n conscience_n nay_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n itself_o and_o according_a to_o the_o common_a inference_n about_o these_o matter_n be_v so_o conclude_v and_o believe_v by_o man_n that_o consult_v their_o own_o faculty_n but_o this_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o in_o any_o age_n since_o he_o inspire_v those_o that_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n either_o illuminate_v or_o direct_a mankind_n in_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n in_o any_o other_o manner_n than_o 1._o by_o those_o scripture_n allow_v the_o faculty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o general_a proposition_n of_o religion_n among_o mankind_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o sacred_a penman_n to_o record_v 2._o by_o incline_v as_o well_o as_o authorise_v some_o man_n be_v prepare_v by_o education_n and_o study_n to_o continue_v a_o succession_n of_o that_o ministry_n which_o our_o saviour_n appoint_v to_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n unto_o other_o and_o 3._o confirm_v by_o a_o secret_a and_o inexplicable_a operation_n which_o be_v easy_o believe_v by_o all_o that_o affirm_v god_n grace_n or_o providence_n and_o in_o consequence_n his_o be_v the_o proposition_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o incline_v their_o faculty_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o which_o influence_n be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n to_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o docil_n disposition_n as_o well_o as_o give_v in_o our_o sacred_a baptism_n till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o either_o resist_v or_o renounce_v it_o all_o which_o shall_v be_v more_o evident_a before_o i_o make_v a_o end_n now_o none_o of_o these_o though_o great_a privilege_n can_v entitle_v any_o to_o that_o illumination_n or_o immediate_a guidance_n which_o wild_a man_n make_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o conductor_n of_o their_o action_n but_o they_o may_v mistake_v and_o be_v confident_a in_o it_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o high_a opinion_n proceed_v either_o from_o thoughtfulness_n or_o disposition_n for_o immediate_a motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o 2_o as_o for_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n if_o they_o mistake_v they_o not_o for_o fancy_n opinion_n or_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o agreement_n of_o our_o judgement_n with_o god_n word_n for_o thus_o much_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v which_o be_v knowledge_n with_o another_o and_o include_v the_o relation_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o a_o rule_n these_o be_v so_o far_o therefore_o from_o be_v a_o rule_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o another_o and_o can_v be_v proper_a conscience_n without_o it_o be_v therefore_o guide_v by_o a_o superior_a rule_n they_o can_v be_v safe_a conductor_n themselves_o and_o if_o conscience_n as_o take_v by_o those_o that_o plead_v hard_a for_o it_o be_v once_o allow_v its_o full_a latitude_n fancy_n interest_n and_o the_o humour_n and_o impious_a mistake_n of_o man_n will_v pass_v for_o conscience_n and_o a_o safe_a guide_n and_o introduce_v such_o a_o medley_n and_o mixture_n in_o religion_n that_o every_o one_o under_o the_o covert_n of_o this_o will_v do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n even_o as_o when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o babel_n and_o our_o house_n of_o prayer_n into_o den_n of_o thief_n be_v fill_v with_o nothing_o but_o sacrilege_n and_o confusion_n three_o some_o make_v such_o providence_n as_o crown_v their_o opinion_n with_o success_n to_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o their_o opinion_n be_v true_a but_o to_o evince_v the_o invalidity_n of_o this_o need_v no_o other_o than_o this_o observation_n that_o when_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o cloud_n their_o author_n punish_v or_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o tenet_n become_v improsperous_a the_o same_o man_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o argument_n nor_o permit_v other_o to_o defend_v their_o opinion_n by_o the_o same_o medium_n with_o which_o they_o prove_v their_o own_o when_o the_o sun_n for_o a_o season_n shine_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o heaven_n smile_n then_o behold_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o but_o when_o a_o prosperous_a ray_n refresh_v other_o and_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o countenance_n they_o have_v before_o but_o have_v the_o frown_n and_o discouragement_n of_o superior_n behold_v now_o wickedness_n be_v seat_v in_o high_a place_n the_o holy_a seed_n be_v lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o persecution_n attend_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o canaanites_n possess_v the_o holy_a land_n but_o if_o success_n be_v a_o argument_n for_o inspiration_n and_o smile_a providence_n a_o rule_n to_o judge_v doctrine_n by_o numa_n pompilius_n may_v have_v have_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o inspiration_n from_o his_o nymph_n aegeria_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n he_o establish_v among_o the_o roman_n the_o jew_n may_v have_v be_v lose_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v justify_v the_o make_v their_o god_n to_o go_v before_o they_o they_o have_v cease_v to_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o church_n and_o will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n or_o babylon_n nay_o by_o this_o they_o may_v have_v justify_v their_o condemn_v the_o great_a messiah_n and_o pilate_n and_o the_o roman_a guard_n may_v have_v have_v a_o argument_n for_o execute_v he_o the_o primitive_a christian_n must_v be_v condemn_v and_o the_o apostle_n inspiration_n be_v prove_v a_o imposture_n if_o a_o dark_a providence_n be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v mahomet_n must_v have_v be_v deem_v a_o true_a prophet_n when_o he_o gather_v so_o many_o proselyte_n in_o the_o east_n and_o the_o great_a turk_n be_v yet_o as_o holy_a as_o he_o have_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n prosperous_a in_o the_o world_n nay_o popery_n itself_o must_v then_o be_v embrace_v if_o the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n of_o opinion_n must_v prove_v they_o true_a and_o success_n become_v the_o measure_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o way_n to_o justify_v all_o lucky_a usurpation_n to_o determine_v right_a and_o wrong_n by_o combat_n and_o the_o long_a sword_n may_v just_o measure_v out_o the_o large_a possession_n and_o the_o property_n of_o mankind_n must_v submit_v to_o power_n a_o rebel_n then_o may_v lawful_o possess_v his_o sovereings_n throne_n if_o he_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o force_v the_o bright_a majesty_n to_o a_o exchange_n and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v full_o pursue_v the_o man_n that_o own_o it_o may_v bow_v the_o knee_n and_o say_v to_o a_o usurper_n god_n save_o the_o king_n this_o will_v make_v many_o time_n the_o great_a villainy_n to_o have_v more_o authority_n than_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n and_o force_v true_a religion_n to_o be_v vanquish_v by_o a_o false_a nay_o he_o that_o by_o this_o rule_n be_v take_v for_o a_o prophet_n to_o day_n may_v be_v a_o impostor_n to_o morrow_n though_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n because_o a_o man_n may_v receive_v hosanna_n from_o the_o multitude_n and_o their_o cry_n shall_v short_o be_v crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o common_a observation_n it_o be_v holy_a david_n long_a ago_o and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n whatever_o jew_n or_o millenaries_n may_v dream_v that_o the_o wicked_a will_n sometime_o be_v in_o great_a power_n when_o the_o righteous_a hang_v down_o their_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n when_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o observe_v for_o some_o time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n but_o their_o strength_n be_v firm_a and_o sound_a they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n like_o other_o man_n but_o plague_v less_o than_o those_o that_o be_v better_o therefore_o pride_n compass_v they_o as_o a_o chain_n and_o violence_n cover_v they_o as_o a_o garment_n their_o
reason_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v prove_v divine_a by_o the_o testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o sufficient_a mean_n be_v not_o afford_v they_o to_o know_v and_o distinguish_v divine_a revelation_n from_o imposture_n and_o pretence_n the_o thing_n deliver_v be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n then_o give_v check_v to_o their_o belief_n and_o custom_n and_o education_n have_v impress_v they_o with_o different_a nay_o contrary_a notion_n of_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v therefore_o antecedent_o to_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o as_o s._n paul_n be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o evidence_n that_o those_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o they_o be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n so_o there_o be_v some_o method_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o revelation_n and_o not_o receive_v it_o upon_o his_o bare_a testimony_n nay_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v it_o be_v for_o s._n john_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n if_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no_o five_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v too_o that_o there_o be_v false_a pretension_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n vent_v in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o true_a and_o true_a and_o false_a under_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o our_o saviour_n to_o prevent_v a_o rash_a belief_n and_o thereby_o a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o gospel_n or_o trust_v in_o another_o messiah_n acquaint_v the_o world_n that_o there_o will_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n mark_n 13.22_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v and_o entertain_v they_o although_o according_a to_o their_o different_a principle_n and_o design_n they_o shall_v cry_v out_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o there_o and_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v false_a prophet_n former_o among_o the_o people_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o the_o christian_n who_o shall_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o that_o many_o shall_v follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 2._o nay_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o of_o those_o who_o in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o never_o see_v be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n who_o yet_o depart_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n make_v the_o come_n to_o god_n by_o the_o mediatory_a application_n to_o a_o angel_n a_o demonstration_n of_o their_o humility_n and_o so_o reject_v the_o intercession_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n col._n 2.18_o but_o our_o own_o age_n be_v so_o fruitful_a in_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o the_o possibility_n of_o man_n false_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n and_o of_o their_o vent_v corrupt_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o than_o our_o own_o experience_n nor_o need_v we_o rake_v in_o the_o dust_n of_o false_a prophet_n in_o past_a age_n when_o we_o have_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n and_o trouble_n live_v monument_n on_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v read_v and_o see_v yet_o sixthly_a notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o must_v maintain_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a inspiration_n this_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o s._n john_n to_o who_o i_o must_v adhere_v for_o it_o will_v be_v ill_a logic_n to_o infer_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n advise_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o shall_v give_v credit_n unto_o none_o but_o rather_o that_o some_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v especial_o when_o we_o take_v in_o his_o direction_n with_o it_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n this_o argue_v that_o some_o doctrine_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o some_o man_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o although_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n shall_v the_o contrary_a be_v hold_v by_o any_o among_o we_o it_o will_v not_o only_o invalidate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n under_o the_o new_a it_o will_v conclude_v the_o intercourse_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n to_o be_v a_o impossible_a chimaera_n and_o turn_v all_o divinity_n into_o a_o fable_n and_o at_o once_o render_v our_o time_n mis-spend_v and_o lose_v whilst_o i_o be_o write_v and_o other_o read_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o and_o all_o dispute_v concern_v any_o positive_a and_o institute_v religion_n the_o foolish_a talk_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n that_o busy_a themselves_o to_o deceive_v other_o and_o give_v trouble_n to_o their_o own_o flesh_n when_o man_n reason_n may_v supply_v all_o but_o such_o a_o fancy_n i_o suppose_v to_o be_v too_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a to_o be_v admit_v in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o this_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o have_v frequent_v christian_a assembly_n and_o have_v hear_v discourse_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o new_a that_o have_v read_v the_o jew_n argument_n for_o their_o law_n or_o the_o christian_a father_n apologize_v for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n converse_v with_o man_n that_o reject_v not_o his_o omnipotence_n or_o else_o doubt_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v sure_o they_o must_v deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o affirm_v all_o his_o appearance_n to_o man_n to_o be_v a_o fable_n since_o from_o they_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o therefore_o to_o man_n that_o acknowledge_v this_o i_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o direct_v this_o discourse_n as_o well_o as_o s._n john_n do_v in_o the_o text_n so_o frequent_o recite_v who_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a inspiration_n before_o he_o advise_v man_n to_o separate_v the_o pretence_n of_o false_a prophet_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a otherwise_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o exercise_v their_o faculty_n assist_v by_o rule_n or_o to_o make_v any_o discrimination_n at_o all_o where_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o difference_n seven_o therefore_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n pretend_v inspiration_n have_v thus_o far_o be_v bring_v on_o towards_o a_o conclusion_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o assent_n and_o choice_n in_o matter_n of_o such_o huge_a and_o vast_a moment_n on_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o soul_n depend_v must_v be_v direct_v by_o what_o sufficient_o without_o fallacy_n evidence_n those_o doctrine_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o other_o or_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o from_o our_o own_o reason_n be_v certain_o such_o as_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o our_o own_o temperament_n or_o the_o subtlety_n of_o other_o the_o evidence_n therefore_o for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v great_a and_o strong_a than_o any_o argument_n frame_v to_o the_o contrary_a because_o in_o all_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n my_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o evidence_n and_o the_o great_a probability_n guide_v the_o rational_a choice_n of_o man_n and_o all_o that_o act_n suitable_o to_o themselves_o embrace_v the_o proposition_n that_o come_v near_a to_o truth_n and_o certainty_n but_o where_o two_o thing_n seem_v equal_a in_o their_o proof_n a_o rational_a man_n only_o hesitate_v and_o doubt_n and_o give_v up_o his_o assent_n to_o neither_o and_o therefore_o have_v the_o magician_n of_o egypt_n equal_v the_o miracle_n moses_n wrought_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v in_o turn_v rod_n into_o serpent_n and_o river_n into_o blood_n and_o cause_v frog_n to_o come_v up_o before_o he_o they_o need_v not_o at_o that_o time_n have_v acknowledge_v moses_n power_n disproportionable_a to_o their_o own_o nor_o distinguish_v their_o own_o miracle_n from_o he_o by_o say_v this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o pharaoh_n himself_o may_v have_v have_v a_o equal_a argument_n to_o detain_v the_o israelite_n as_o they_o have_v for_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o when_o the_o miracle_n on_o their_o side_n far_o exceed_v the_o wonder_n on_o the_o other_o his_o own_o resolution_n become_v his_o law_n and_o pharaoh_n
gal._n 5.22_o not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v sometime_o phrased_a by_o the_o word_n spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o legal_a observation_n which_o be_v carnal_a ordinance_n be_v call_v flesh_n but_o they_o be_v so_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o as_o he_o first_o dictate_v the_o rule_n so_o do_v he_o also_o concur_v to_o the_o action_n if_o the_o evil_a spirit_n can_v carry_v christ_n to_o be_v tempt_v in_o the_o wilderness_n shall_v we_o not_o think_v the_o good_a spirit_n can_v relieve_v he_o too_o if_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n can_v be_v a_o spirit_n work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n ephes_n 2.2_o shall_v we_o conclude_v the_o holy_a ghost_n less_o active_a or_o powerful_a to_o work_v in_o those_o who_o resign_v their_o will_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o law_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a and_o safe_a conduct_n the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v make_v to_o we_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o through_o the_o spirit_n we_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n rom._n 8.13_o and_o though_o many_o thing_n concur_v with_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o effect_v so_o great_a and_o victorious_a triumph_n yet_o all_o cause_n act_v with_o a_o dependence_n upon_o this_o glorious_a power_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v when_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o its_o reception_n by_o endeavour_v what_o in_o we_o lay_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a philip._n 2.12_o 13._o preach_v prayer_n meditation_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v ordinary_a mean_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o s._n paul_n though_o he_o sufficient_o magnify_v the_o preacher_n office_n say_v that_o we_o be_v only_a worker_n together_o with_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6.1_o and_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o all_o when_o god_n assist_v and_o bless_v our_o endeavour_n and_o god_n grant_v that_o those_o who_o attend_v such_o sacred_a institution_n be_v swift_a to_o hear_v may_v never_o be_v so_o swift_a also_o as_o to_o depart_v without_o a_o blessing_n have_v thus_o both_o assert_v and_o explain_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o influence_n man_n the_o certainty_n of_o its_o operation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o influence_n which_o make_v up_o this_o chapter_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o shall_v close_v it_o with_o a_o brief_a request_n to_o all_o who_o desire_v so_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n here_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o hereafter_o that_o they_o will_v use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v and_o keep_v the_o blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o this_o holy_a spirit_n which_o give_v they_o such_o great_a assistance_n in_o sanctify_v their_o mind_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o will_v well_o use_v the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o more_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o trial_n and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v frequent_o for_o new_a supply_n of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o that_o they_o will_v never_o by_o a_o vicious_a and_o unholy_a life_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o desert_n they_o lest_o through_o too_o much_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o they_o at_o last_o prove_v both_o coward_n and_o apostate_n chap._n xi_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n in_o some_o measure_n prove_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n descend_v according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v now_o inquire_v into_o his_o work_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n among_o man_n who_o be_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a being_n who_o may_v as_o some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v have_v well_o enough_o propagate_v christian_a doctrine_n when_o they_o have_v hear_v it_o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n and_o have_v for_o some_o time_n daily_a conversation_n with_o he_o without_o any_o other_o new_a assistance_n beside_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o what_o employment_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o have_v among_o other_o man_n as_o they_o will_v not_o be_v religious_a enough_o to_o know_v so_o true_o they_o be_v yet_o very_o much_o to_o seek_v however_o i_o shall_v adventure_v without_o call_v any_o man_n name_n to_o show_v according_a to_o my_o steady_a and_o long_o continue_v though_o mean_a thought_n what_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o do_v to_o guide_v man_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o promise_n where_o christ_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o engage_v for_o the_o spirit_n corn_v into_o the_o world_n in_o a_o more_o plentiful_a manner_n than_o in_o forego_v period_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v describe_v as_o a_o person_n different_a from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o eminent_a promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o that_o our_o great_a and_o most_o bless_a redeermer_n of_o man_n speak_v of_o a_o person_n here_o and_o not_o of_o what_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la only_o as_o some_o have_v interpret_v this_o place_n to_o void_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v the_o distinguish_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o term_n of_o this_o text_n because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v prefix_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o this_o latter_a part_n which_o be_v a_o periphrasis_n do_v but_o acquaint_v we_o who_o the_o person_n be_v even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o now_o this_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n however_o inexplicable_a it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o all_o particular_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n who_o be_v loath_a to_o think_v that_o any_o being_n be_v above_o their_o great_a capacity_n and_o reason_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v always_o believe_v by_o the_o orthodox_n through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o point_n sufficient_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o baffle_v the_o heathen_a objection_n against_o our_o religion_n viz._n that_o it_o can_v be_v divine_a because_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o it_o but_o i_o design_v not_o to_o treat_v in_o this_o discourse_n with_o any_o that_o own_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a king_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o jesus_n himself_o seem_v to_o take_v great_a care_n to_o insinuate_v and_o fix_v this_o fundamental_a point_n in_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lest_o any_o person_n mighty_a in_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a in_o argument_n shall_v refuse_v to_o believe_v such_o a_o mystery_n as_o this_o when_o apparent_o reveal_v because_o their_o own_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conclude_v the_o thing_n or_o their_o language_n can_v full_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o fourteen_o of_o saint_n john_n gospel_n the_o sixteen_o verse_n our_o bless_a saviour_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n with_o this_o great_a promise_n i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n here_o be_v one_o pray_a another_o send_v and_o a_o three_o give_v so_o be_v it_o also_o at_o the_o twenty_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o here_o be_v the_o father_n send_v in_o the_o son_n name_n or_o upon_o his_o account_n the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o teach_v the_o apostle_n those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v more_o brief_o hint_v to_o they_o and_o such_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o apostle_n through_o prejudice_n can_v not_o then_o receive_v and_o to_o bring_v those_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o their_o remembrance_n which_o they_o through_o human_a frailty_n may_v forget_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v to_o be_v the_o publisher_n and_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a penman_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o
argue_v some_o superior_a operation_n and_o we_o must_v attribute_v they_o to_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n according_o have_v man_n use_v to_o difference_n they_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o a_o good_a or_o a_o bad_a design_n hence_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n two_o character_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o consequent_o as_o many_o of_o a_o true_a as_o i_o have_v hint_v immediate_o before_o 1_o if_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v that_o he_o give_v for_o confirmation_n of_o what_o he_o pretend_v in_o its_o design_n destroy_v natural_a religion_n i._n e._n what_o proceed_v from_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o man_n for_o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v come_v to_o pass_v which_o he_o give_v thou_o if_o this_o be_v wrought_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a one_o god_n to_o pay_v divine_a homage_n to_o a_o false_a one_o or_o to_o many_o the_o sign_n be_v permit_v only_o to_o prove_v they_o and_o such_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v account_v false_a but_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o villainy_n and_o imposture_n deut._n 13._o at_o the_o begin_n 2._o when_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o true_a and_o the_o thing_n foretell_v follow_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a and_o what_o he_o that_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n never_o commission_v the_o prophet_n to_o deliver_v deut._n 18.22_o when_o sign_n therefore_o and_o wonder_n be_v real_o effect_v that_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n establish_v what_o be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n and_o destroy_v all_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o fix_v nothing_o contradictory_n to_o what_o have_v be_v confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o do_v prefigure_v this_o new_a method_n and_o at_o such_o a_o particular_a period_n of_o the_o world_n be_v predict_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v they_o must_v needs_o confirm_v the_o truth_n which_o those_o man_n deliver_v who_o have_v sufficient_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o work_v they_o miracle_n be_v thing_n rational_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v sufficient_a sign_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n of_o those_o who_o be_v permit_v to_o work_v they_o when_o they_o carry_v especial_o such_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o their_o nature_n or_o in_o their_o frequency_n and_o continuation_n as_o no_o devil_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v grant_v to_o he_o nor_o any_o man_n can_v possible_o effect_v to_o do_v mischief_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o when_o moses_n deliver_v the_o law_n his_o speech_n be_v follow_v with_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n and_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n and_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o mountain_n deut._n 20.18_o which_o sufficient_o confirm_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o prepare_v the_o people_n for_o a_o obedient_a reception_n of_o the_o judicial_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o also_o at_o 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