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
difference_v from_o the_o other_o that_o man_n may_v discern_v what_o doctrine_n immediate_o oblige_v they_o be_v stamp_v with_o divine_a authority_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o be_v either_o the_o product_n of_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n body_n or_o evil_a project_n and_o design_n of_o man_n or_o else_o such_o as_o enter_v into_o they_o by_o the_o subtlety_n power_n or_o injection_n of_o the_o devil_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o state_v i_o proceed_v plain_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v all_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o before_o they_o receive_v and_o entertain_v they_o as_o such_o 2._o give_v you_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o know_v when_o any_o prophet_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n come_v from_o god_n and_o 3_o make_v some_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o the_o expression_n and_o doctrine_n be_v very_o useful_a first_o then_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v our_o general_a duty_n to_o examine_v these_o pretend_a inspiration_n will_v appear_v 1._o not_o only_o from_o the_o apostle_n direction_n which_o to_o those_o that_o own_o s._n john_n authority_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n without_o any_o argument_n or_o reason_n for_o the_o thing_n but_o also_o it_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o give_v rule_n to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o what_o be_v straight_o or_o crooked_a this_o be_v the_o general_a design_n of_o law_n and_o those_o innate_a notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o rational_a man_n and_o confer_v upon_o they_o with_o their_o very_a being_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n manifest_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n that_o by_o it_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o direct_v their_o life_n and_o regulate_v their_o belief_n so_o as_o to_o preserve_v order_n and_o peace_n here_o and_o procure_v to_o they_o happiness_n hereafter_o now_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v these_o thing_n be_v be_v it_o not_o man_n duty_n to_o examine_v thing_n in_o religion_n by_o they_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v to_o any_o creature_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v obey_v it_o and_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n for_o that_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v to_o oblige_v second_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o examine_v doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o more_o inferior_a concernment_n it_o be_v not_o allow_v reasonable_a among_o mankind_n to_o receive_v or_o embrace_v they_o without_o trial_n and_o judgement_n upon_o they_o no_o man_n will_v deal_v in_o the_o commodity_n of_o his_o trade_n without_o either_o view_v they_o himself_o or_o take_v they_o on_o the_o skill_n and_o integrity_n of_o one_o who_o he_o can_v trust_v and_o confide_v in_o none_o receive_v a_o sum_n of_o money_n but_o that_o he_o will_v both_o number_n and_o examine_v the_o coin_n that_o so_o his_o good_n may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o price_n and_o the_o coin_n he_o receive_v may_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o counterfeit_v if_o we_o find_v a_o quotation_n out_o of_o a_o book_n on_o which_o be_v conclude_v matter_n of_o moment_n we_o will_v before_o we_o settle_v our_o notion_n and_o belief_n examine_v the_o author_n on_o who_o authority_n the_o case_n depend_v whether_o he_o be_v of_o sufficient_a credit_n to_o enforce_v that_o thing_n and_o whether_o he_o be_v right_o quote_v and_o represent_v mankind_n will_v otherwise_o continual_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o may_v receive_v poison_n instead_o of_o food_n and_o be_v place_v here_o in_o this_o world_n only_o to_o be_v cheat_v and_o deceive_v and_o enjoy_v their_o life_n at_o great_a hazard_n than_o the_o most_o inferior_a beast_n that_o perish_v thing_n that_o be_v obvious_a to_o our_o outward_a sense_n may_v by_o their_o likeness_n to_o one_o another_o or_o a_o artificial_a varnish_n many_o time_n deceive_v we_o so_o that_o what_o our_o eye_n behold_v they_o can_v see_v and_o may_v not_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o method_n that_o be_v conformable_a to_o our_o faculty_n be_v cheat_v by_o various_a and_o false_a representation_n these_o thing_n we_o have_v repeat_v experience_n of_o and_o they_o need_v not_o any_o far_a illustration_n if_o therefore_o in_o our_o temporal_a concern_v there_o be_v so_o great_a occasion_n of_o wariness_n and_o observation_n have_v we_o not_o need_v to_o be_v more_o cautious_a in_o relation_n to_o spiritual_a and_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o do_v we_o think_v our_o body_n superior_a to_o our_o soul_n or_o thing_n temporal_a to_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n than_o those_o that_o be_v eternal_a if_o not_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o must_v use_v trial_n in_o both_o and_o our_o diligence_n must_v be_v advance_v suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o value_n of_o our_o concern_n our_o saviour_n use_v such_o a_o example_n from_o any_o i_o can_v take_v a_o better_a when_o he_o rebuke_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n that_o be_v so_o precise_a and_o scrupulous_a about_o small_a matter_n who_o can_v strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n but_o yet_o swallow_v a_o camel_n that_o can_v exact_o observe_v the_o outward_a face_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o heaven_n but_o will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o reverse_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o man_n they_o can_v guess_v at_o the_o weather_n by_o rule_n and_o observation_n but_o will_v not_o discern_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n neither_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n nor_o the_o safety_n or_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n matth._n 16._o 2_o 3._o and_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a after_o so_o solemn_a a_o rebuke_n that_o man_n profess_v faith_n in_o the_o reprover_n shall_v yet_o run_v into_o the_o same_o error_n and_o not_o examine_v a_o business_n that_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n when_o yet_o they_o will_v be_v extreme_o diligent_a in_o what_o be_v of_o a_o far_o less_o value_n alas_o what_o be_v time_n in_o comparison_n of_o eternity_n or_o our_o abode_n here_o when_o set_v in_o opposition_n to_o what_o state_n we_o shall_v be_v in_o hereafter_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n at_o all_o betwixt_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o inquisitive_a about_o what_o we_o receive_v for_o doctrine_n either_o to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v since_o on_o they_o depend_v our_o eternal_a welfare_n than_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o this_o world_n which_o if_o they_o die_v not_o and_o perish_v with_o the_o use_n and_o make_v themselves_o wing_n that_o they_o may_v fly_v away_o yet_o a_o very_a small_a time_n shall_v determine_v their_o use_n as_o to_o we_o and_o then_o according_a to_o our_o espousal_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o eternal_a bliss_n or_o misery_n three_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n because_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n in_o god_n name_n vent_v to_o the_o world_n be_v approve_v and_o commend_v in_o sacred_a writ_n as_o the_o woman_n alabaster_n box_n of_o ointment_n be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o this_o person_n piety_n and_o kindness_n to_o our_o saviour_n may_v not_o escape_v the_o notice_n of_o posterity_n but_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o the_o world_n this_o action_n shall_v be_v tell_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o she_o matth._n 26.13_o so_o we_o want_v not_o such_o example_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o as_o may_v recommend_v the_o diligence_n and_o inquiry_n of_o man_n before_o they_o receive_v principle_n under_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n to_o all_o posterity_n to_o read_v and_o imitate_v thus_o the_o berean_o be_v account_v more_o noble_a by_o s._n paul_n than_o than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n because_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o at_o all_o adventure_n but_o examine_v whether_o the_o relation_n agree_v with_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n be_v coherent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o notion_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n but_o more_o especial_o with_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v which_o they_o search_v daily_o that_o they_o may_v by_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o know_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v be_v true_a act_n 17.11_o have_v god_n appoint_v any_o infallible_a judge_n upon_o earth_n or_o resolve_v always_o to_o fix_v his_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o any_o new_a authorize_v revelation_n or_o any_o particular_a and_o extraordinary_a discovery_n as_o there_o will_v not_o
their_o sovereign_n sceptre_n that_o christ_n alone_n may_v be_v exalt_v the_o murder_v those_o that_o have_v sacred_a character_n impress_v upon_o they_o be_v take_v he_o that_o hinder_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o all_o the_o usurp_a tyranny_n in_o tne_n world_n be_v exercise_v only_o to_o bring_v in_o such_o a_o bless_a confusion_n that_o ambitious_a man_n may_v from_o the_o spoil_n of_o other_o build_v their_o own_o nest_n on_o high_a and_o this_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o seat_v the_o lord_n jesus_n on_o his_o throne_n though_o his_o religion_n be_v make_v their_o own_o footstool_n but_o if_o they_o find_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n open_a or_o their_o stomach_n too_o nice_a to_o digest_v such_o hard_a thing_n as_o these_o and_o that_o they_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v devil_n when_o the_o flame_n appear_v through_o their_o thin_a garment_n and_o they_o be_v not_o cut_v long_o enough_o to_o hide_v their_o cleave_a foot_n they_o will_v effect_v by_o stratagem_n what_o they_o can_v by_o open_v force_n and_o a_o ambush_n shall_v destroy_v what_o a_o field-army_n can_v they_o will_v hide_v their_o leaven_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o meal_n till_o in_o the_o end_n all_o be_v leaven_v blend_v truth_n and_o error_n together_o and_o like_o the_o gnostic_n make_v a_o religious_a mixture_n that_o shall_v have_v something_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o something_o of_o the_o christian_a that_o may_v look_v like_o what_o other_o profess_v but_o still_o add_v something_o of_o their_o own_o that_o poison_n may_v be_v swallow_v in_o a_o sweeten_v potion_n where_o man_n may_v take_v and_o yet_o never_o taste_v it_o the_o saducee_n can_v deny_v the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o yet_o adhere_v to_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o pharisee_n can_v admit_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o void_a they_o by_o their_o own_o tradition_n the_o arrian_n can_v own_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o grant_v he_o only_o to_o be_v a_o creature_n and_o the_o socinian_o can_v acknowledge_v he_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o among_o all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o error_n be_v entertain_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o truth_n that_o cover_v it_o and_o not_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a man_n often_o receive_v they_o both_o together_o the_o papist_n profess_v the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o add_v as_o many_o article_n of_o their_o own_o and_o those_o that_o be_v averse_a to_o these_o will_v yet_o embrace_v many_o error_n and_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o lead_v towards_o they_o when_o they_o be_v disperse_v among_o a_o great_a many_o truth_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o one_o mouthful_n of_o pestilential_a air_n may_v infect_v and_o destroy_v the_o man_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a all_o shall_v be_v wary_a in_o choose_v out_o wholesome_a habitation_n and_o since_o a_o little_a poison_n may_v make_v we_o swell_v and_o burst_v asunder_o this_o may_v be_v more_o effectual_a to_o destroy_v than_o all_o the_o food_n we_o swallow_v with_o it_o can_v be_v to_o save_v and_o preserve_v we_o in_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o discern_v it_o the_o more_o careful_a we_o ought_v to_o be_v three_o false_a prophet_n will_v be_v more_o difficult_a to_o be_v discern_v and_o therefore_o more_o strict_o to_o be_v examine_v by_o we_o because_o they_o will_v make_v their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n to_o receive_v a_o seem_a countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n these_o be_v what_o we_o own_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n and_o by_o these_o we_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v false_a which_o many_o text_n be_v bring_v to_o prove_v thus_o the_o devil_n tempt_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 4.6_o when_o he_o will_v attempt_v the_o ruin_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o disappointment_n of_o our_o redeemer_n nay_o of_o the_o whole_a most_o bless_a and_o glorious_a trinity_n in_o contrive_v and_o carry_v on_o such_o wonderful_a providence_n by_o persuade_v he_o to_o cast_v himself_o down_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o make_v he_o sin_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o himself_o and_o anticipate_v that_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o become_v our_o sacrifice_n he_o may_v tempt_v providence_n and_o hazard_n himself_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v he_o cast_v thyself_o down_o for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o will_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o and_o with_o their_o hand_n they_o shall_v bear_v thou_o up_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o dash_v thy_o foot_n against_o a_o stone_n render_v the_o text_n plausible_a to_o his_o purpose_n by_o omit_v that_o part_n of_o keep_v he_o in_o all_o his_o way_n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o trial_n of_o skill_n as_o render_v the_o devil_n exceed_v foolish_a because_o he_o that_o know_v all_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o he_o have_v omit_v which_o be_v the_o key_n to_o open_v that_o promise_n yet_o from_o this_o attempt_n of_o the_o devil_n upon_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o deceiver_n of_o mankind_n throughout_o all_o age_n endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v false_a doctrine_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o by_o bring_v text_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v they_o the_o instance_n be_v many_o and_o well_o know_v to_o those_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o book_n and_o write_n or_o have_v give_v themselves_o the_o variety_n and_o temptation_n to_o hear_v man_n of_o different_a opinion_n from_o we_o but_o alas_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o one_o of_o no_o extraordinary_a skill_n to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n both_o to_o his_o own_o and_o other_o ruin_n nay_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a guilt_n of_o the_o unskilful_a and_o unlearned_a 2_o epist_n 3.16_o how_o much_o more_o than_o may_v design_v man_n that_o by_o guile_n endeavour_n to_o catch_v the_o ignorant_a this_o way_n impose_v upon_o their_o understanding_n by_o pretend_v scripture_n to_o prove_v and_o countenance_v their_o false_a opinion_n especial_o among_o such_o as_o admit_v text_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o number_n not_o their_o weight_n and_o more_o regard_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n than_o the_o sense_n which_o be_v couch_v under_o they_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_n and_o then_o to_o plead_v it_o according_a to_o our_o own_o purpose_n and_o design_n nor_o be_v it_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o quote_v divers_a text_n that_o to_o ignorant_a man_n may_v by_o their_o sound_n seem_v to_o countenance_v their_o opinion_n that_o in_o their_o true_a meaning_n be_v nothing_o for_o they_o or_o else_o confirm_v a_o contrary_a proposition_n this_o the_o papist_n and_o dissenter_n know_v and_o this_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o ourselves_o when_o we_o view_v book_n who_o margin_n adorn_v they_o with_o multitude_n of_o text_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o and_o yet_o upon_o a_o more_o strict_a examination_n do_v not_o at_o all_o make_v for_o their_o purpose_n and_o common_o when_o man_n multiply_v these_o beyond_o necessity_n to_o prove_v what_o be_v certain_o confirm_v by_o few_o that_o be_v plain_a and_o pertinent_a their_o doctrine_n be_v either_o doubtful_a or_o false_a or_o else_o they_o do_v it_o to_o take_v up_o time_n and_o fill_v their_o discourse_n which_o their_o own_o barrenness_n can_v supply_v because_o all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n if_o in_o any_o place_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o pertinent_a to_o the_o point_n which_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v one_o text_n be_v as_o good_a as_o a_o thousand_o and_o to_o quote_v many_o if_o some_o be_v impertinent_a the_o whole_a possible_o may_v be_v suspect_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o wisdom_n to_o do_v it_o but_o in_o point_n much_o controvert_v among_o christian_n and_o in_o those_o especial_o for_o which_o the_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o divine_a institution_n four_o if_o false_a prophet_n can_v find_v as_o they_o never_o can_v and_o therefore_o deal_v in_o obscure_a place_n where_o the_o text_n be_v as_o dark_a as_o the_o place_n retire_v into_o which_o they_o creep_v to_o lead_v silly_a woman_n captive_a i_o say_v if_o they_o can_v find_v plain_a scripture_n to_o countenance_v their_o opinion_n they_o will_v yet_o pretend_v vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n disallow_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o beside_o confidence_n and_o a_o bold_a presumption_n yet_o some_o be_v apt_a frequent_o to_o cry_v a_o vision_n from_o the_o lord_n when_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n
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
they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o glorious_a like_o the_o stream_n of_o fire_n not_o only_o to_o represent_v the_o majesty_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o to_o signify_v the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o inflame_v the_o zeal_n and_o warm_v the_o devotion_n of_o these_o apostle_n nay_o they_o be_v both_o fiery_a and_o cleave_a that_o their_o zeal_n may_v not_o be_v divorce_v from_o knowledge_n but_o one_o may_v administer_v to_o the_o other_o and_o both_o to_o he_o who_o influence_v they_o with_o this_o spirit_n this_o make_v they_o at_o once_o the_o admiration_n and_o envy_n of_o the_o world_n this_o make_v their_o doctrine_n glorious_a and_o triumphant_a and_o confirm_v it_o with_o miracle_n beyond_o the_o force_n of_o malice_n and_o contradiction_n this_o cause_v the_o church_n to_o spring_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n make_v it_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o spite_n and_o flourish_v on_o the_o top_n of_o cross_n and_o gibbet_n to_o shine_v glorious_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o flame_n and_o triumph_v over_o death_n itself_o though_o its_o member_n be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o this_o give_v the_o apostle_n the_o prevision_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o our_o saviour_n life_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v at_o the_o same_o time_n give_v they_o a_o prospect_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o their_o comfort_n too_o this_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n what_o their_o master_n have_v before_o teach_v they_o and_o inspire_v they_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v build_v the_o christian_a church_n upon_o that_o cornerstone_n which_o though_o reject_v of_o man_n be_v in_o itself_o elect_v and_o precious_a three_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v also_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n the_o samaritan_n that_o believe_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n act_n 8.17_o and_o whilst_o s._n peter_n be_v preach_v occasion_v by_o the_o conversion_n of_o cornelius_n the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o act_n 10.44_o and_o though_o as_o to_o those_o glorious_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n which_o at_o first_o be_v frequent_a in_o work_v miracle_n and_o inspire_a man_n to_o speak_v divers_a language_n for_o the_o proof_n and_o early_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o now_o withdraw_v its_o force_n and_o operation_n yet_o it_o still_o continue_v that_o necessary_a influence_n which_o impress_n the_o mind_n of_o devout_a man_n and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o arm_n they_o with_o patience_n and_o resolution_n this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v too_o frequent_o contradict_v even_o by_o such_o as_o seem_v to_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o some_o strength_n superior_a to_o their_o own_o whilst_o to_o avoid_v one_o rock_n they_o run_v upon_o another_o to_o escape_v that_o enthusiasm_n which_o have_v too_o much_o disturb_v the_o world_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o darkness_n and_o error_n they_o reject_v the_o conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n when_o he_o will_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n man_n be_v so_o cautious_a lest_o they_o shall_v infringe_v the_o uncontrollable_a liberty_n of_o their_o own_o will_n that_o they_o entrench_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bind_v their_o god_n in_o chain_n that_o he_o may_v sit_v fast_o in_o heaven_n to_o very_o little_a purpose_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a influence_n and_o benediction_n from_o above_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v our_o prayer_n be_v why_o shall_v we_o petition_v for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v assure_v we_o shall_v never_o receive_v or_o how_o can_v any_o pray_v in_o faith_n for_o what_o they_o believe_v will_v never_o come_v we_o mock_v our_o maker_n to_o his_o very_a face_n when_o we_o say_v turn_v thou_o we_o o_o good_a lord_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v turn_v if_o god_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o it_o will_v be_v profane_a and_o ridiculous_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o be_v or_o increase_n of_o grace_n if_o god_n do_v not_o influence_n our_o mind_n nay_o he_o that_o reject_v this_o principle_n bold_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o epicurus_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o a_o heathen_a countermand_v the_o divinity_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o how_o can_v god_n rule_v the_o world_n &_o exercise_v his_o empire_n over_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n how_o can_v he_o control_v the_o purpose_n of_o man_n and_o rebuke_v their_o action_n when_o they_o contradict_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o he_o do_v not_o immediate_o influence_n their_o will_n as_o well_o as_o propose_v object_n to_o their_o sense_n i_o know_v we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o disbelieve_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o full_o understand_v and_o to_o expunge_v that_o out_o of_o our_o creed_n which_o be_v not_o plain_o evident_a to_o our_o reason_n but_o can_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a to_o reject_v a_o be_v because_o we_o understand_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o existence_n or_o to_o deny_v such_o effect_n as_o we_o see_v because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o view_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o be_v invisible_a if_o so_o then_o farewell_n the_o sublimest_n article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o no_o mortal_a eye_n ever_o see_v nor_o can_v a_o finite_a be_v frame_n a_o complete_a idea_n of_o he_o shall_v i_o deny_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n because_o i_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o maker_n operation_n when_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o fiat_n nor_o how_o so_o rare_a a_o systeme_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o pre-existent_a must_v i_o reject_v spirit_n because_o i_o can_v see_v they_o or_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o immaterial_a being_n upon_o the_o corporeal_a substance_n of_o this_o world_n because_o motion_n among_o body_n be_v make_v by_o contact_n and_o i_o can_v apprehend_v how_o a_o spirit_n can_v work_v upon_o a_o body_n when_o none_o but_o body_n can_v touch_v one_o another_o who_o can_v tell_v how_o our_o soul_n work_v upon_o our_o body_n and_o yet_o none_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o nay_o who_o can_v describe_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o soul_n union_n to_o our_o body_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n will_v refuse_v to_o own_o the_o thing_n or_o will_v any_o one_o deny_v the_o part_n of_o body_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o each_o other_o because_o the_o term_n of_o their_o union_n be_v never_o yet_o so_o full_o resolve_v as_o to_o baffle_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a why_o shall_v we_o then_o doubt_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n influence_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n because_o the_o manner_n of_o operation_n be_v intricate_a and_o inexplicable_a when_o we_o find_v it_o by_o the_o independence_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o those_o good_a suggestion_n crowd_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o some_o evil_a contrivance_n where_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v inject_v from_o above_o that_o we_o may_v full_o convince_v ourselves_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o god_n work_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o concur_v with_o the_o motion_n of_o rational_a being_n when_o they_o incline_v to_o comply_v with_o his_o operation_n the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v say_v our_o saviour_n and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3.8_o we_o all_o believe_v that_o the_o wind_n blow_v when_o it_o become_v obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o yet_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o different_a wind_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o swift_a motion_n of_o the_o air_n have_v puzzle_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o inquisitive_a philosopher_n god_n be_v therefore_o say_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o bring_v the_o wind_n out_o of_o his_o treasure_n jer._n 51.16_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n we_o find_v that_o they_o break_v out_o of_o the_o chamber_n and_o secret_a place_n so_o we_o discern_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o we_o can_v account_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o produce_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v possible_a 2._o necessary_a 3._o from_o the_o scripture_n infallibility_n certain_a first_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v possible_a our_o saviour_n to_o rebuke_v the_o
that_o they_o shall_v read_v natural_a philosophy_n to_o the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v the_o star_n by_o their_o name_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o instruction_n know_v their_o several_a motion_n distance_n or_o altitude_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v aphorism_n in_o physic_n or_o to_o give_v to_o they_o geometrical_a proportion_n nor_o to_o breed_v they_o curious_a and_o expert_a artificer_n though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v make_v themselves_o apostle_n nor_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o number_n of_o arithmetic_n or_o the_o astrological_a signature_n of_o thing_n or_o time_n and_o season_n for_o these_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v because_o the_o father_n have_v put_v they_o into_o his_o own_o power_n act_n 1.7_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v never_o so_o proud_a and_o bold_a so_o neither_o be_v they_o so_o unlucky_a as_o the_o pope_n who_o must_v needs_o condemn_v a_o point_n in_o geography_n and_o the_o tenet_n of_o antipode_n for_o a_o destroy_a heresy_n so_o little_o do_v he_o know_v the_o universal_a empire_n he_o pretend_v to_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o figure_n or_o bound_n or_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o earth_n over_o which_o he_o yet_o pretend_v a_o authority_n the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o those_o truth_n only_o in_o divinity_n which_o include_v the_o full_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o preach_v they_o to_o the_o present_a age_n and_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o succeed_a generation_n the_o spirit_n be_v not_o give_v to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o great_a historian_n or_o philosopher_n but_o christian_n and_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o be_v the_o planter_n and_o founder_n of_o church_n not_o the_o post_n and_o standard_n of_o dispute_n or_o to_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o sect_n and_o faction_n in_o philosophy_n they_o be_v to_o erect_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n settle_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n christ_n himself_o support_v the_o building_n and_o this_o neither_o for_o pasquin_n or_o poetry_n but_o for_o a_o rule_n and_o directory_n of_o stand_a religion_n and_o devotion_n chap._n xii_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whilst_o house_v in_o these_o body_n of_o clay_n be_v darken_v and_o obscure_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o window_n of_o sense_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o external_a object_n to_o a_o intercourse_n with_o the_o mind_n for_o suppose_v our_o sense_n can_v always_o make_v true_a and_o exact_a representation_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v be_v often_o deceive_v yet_o these_o can_v only_o convey_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n those_o of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o exalt_v nature_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o image_n must_v needs_o escape_v the_o perception_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n and_o if_o reason_n itself_o when_o most_o disentangle_v from_o those_o fetter_n which_o our_o sense_n too_o often_o impose_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v proposition_n and_o inference_n about_o the_o essence_n of_o those_o thing_n who_o spiritual_a nature_n evade_v our_o sense_n our_o notion_n can_v not_o be_v adequate_a to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o nor_o can_v we_o full_o comprehend_v what_o be_v infinite_a nor_o have_v a_o positive_a idea_n of_o spiritual_a being_n though_o reason_n may_v conclude_v their_o existence_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o all_o our_o definition_n and_o description_n of_o these_o be_v therefore_o imperfect_a because_o negative_a and_o though_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o they_o be_v not_o we_o never_o can_v by_o humane_a power_n yet_o resolve_v complete_o what_o they_o be_v which_o make_v divine_a revelation_n necessary_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v faith_n beyond_o our_o reason_n though_o we_o never_o believe_v without_o reason_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o authority_n we_o confide_v in_o this_o be_v therefore_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v as_o well_o praise_v god_n goodness_n as_o admire_v his_o power_n for_o send_v we_o that_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o conduct_v we_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o this_o promise_n i_o tell_v you_o i_o will_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 2._o as_o it_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v militant_a on_o the_o earth_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v already_o dispatch_v and_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o to_o view_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n guidance_n as_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n throughout_o the_o several_a age_n and_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o divine_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o its_o immediate_a operation_n be_v too_o difficult_a to_o be_v explain_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o energy_n and_o work_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o thing_n for_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n what_o therefore_o be_v now_o to_o be_v discourse_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o influence_n in_o general_n and_o that_o extraordinary_a assistance_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o apostle_n be_v how_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n possess_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o with_o truth_n who_o make_v themselves_o by_o holy_a disposition_n and_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a faculty_n capable_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o what_o truth_n those_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n guide_v man_n into_o as_o to_o the_o first_o suppose_v that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o to_o receive_v a_o full_a revelation_n of_o those_o truth_n by_o open_v their_o understanding_n and_o quicken_a their_o memory_n that_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n faithful_o record_v they_o for_o the_o use_n of_o posterity_n and_o that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v stand_v rule_n for_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o come_v i_o can_v find_v any_o other_o method_n the_o spirit_n have_v use_v or_o do_v continue_v to_o guide_v the_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o by_o those_o scripture_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n to_o publish_v and_o deliver_v 2._o by_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o man_n to_o continue_v that_o ministry_n which_o must_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o 3._o by_o confirm_v those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o cooperate_a with_o the_o external_a ministration_n by_o a_o internal_a work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o those_o who_o be_v inclinable_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n first_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n by_o those_o scripture_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o posterity_n these_o be_v those_o lively_a character_n in_o which_o we_o may_v read_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n these_o be_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o certain_o guide_v those_o into_o it_o who_o sober_o and_o conscientious_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v they_o they_o convey_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n valuable_a above_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n and_o hereafter_o give_v we_o such_o possession_n as_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o power_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o exceed_v all_o humane_a expectation_n these_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o complete_a body_n of_o doctrine_n that_o they_o need_v not_o any_o addition_n to_o be_v make_v to_o they_o let_v their_o own_o sense_n be_v but_o sufficient_o explain_v and_o if_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o speak_v their_o own_o mind_n they_o will_v neither_o want_v apocrypha_fw-la nor_o tradition_n nor_o any_o new_a revelation_n neither_o to_o render_v they_o a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o divinity_n man_n own_o doctrine_n and_o not_o christ_n want_v tradition_n to_o confirm_v they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n of_o a_o sect_n of_o man_n that_o will_v make_v all_o christian_n groan_n with_o their_o burden_n and_o void_a god_n word_n with_o their_o own_o pretension_n however_o they_o be_v varnish_v with_o the_o plausible_a epithet_n of_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a that_o make_v such_o addition_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v at_o first_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v able_a of_o themselves_o
render_v our_o notion_n more_o clear_a and_o durable_a we_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o be_v within_o our_o power_n and_o set_v our_o reason_n and_o faculty_n on_o work_n and_o then_o the_o spirit_n by_o a_o secret_a operation_n enlarge_v our_o mind_n and_o bless_v our_o endeavour_n thus_o paul_n must_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n although_o it_o be_v god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n 1_o cor._n 3.6_o and_o thus_o the_o lord_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n whilst_o she_o attend_v to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v speak_v by_o s._n paul_n act_n 16.14_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o diffident_a concern_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n though_o they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n by_o they_o in_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_o predict_v yet_o christ_n himself_o open_v their_o understanding_n before_o they_o can_v apprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o scripture_n luke_o 24.45_o as_o we_o may_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v we_o phil._n 4.13_o so_o separate_v from_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o john_n 15.5_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v put_v much_o of_o our_o duty_n into_o our_o own_o power_n yet_o have_v still_o reserve_v something_o to_o himself_o that_o we_o may_v be_v keep_v humble_a depend_v upon_o he_o and_o beg_v his_o aid_n for_o the_o animal_n man_n that_o be_v not_o possess_v with_o the_o divine_a benediction_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o admit_v not_o of_o proposition_n prove_v only_o by_o miracle_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o they_o appear_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o whilst_o he_o remain_v in_o that_o condition_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n not_o logic_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n judas_n describe_v sensual_a man_n to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n ver_fw-la 19_o of_o his_o epistle_n now_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o all_o this_o as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n by_o our_o unbelief_n to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o what_o be_v promise_v and_o to_o shut_v out_o those_o assistance_n from_o our_o soul_n which_o bless_v and_o facilitate_v our_o endeavour_n so_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o say_v that_o our_o safety_n be_v beyond_o our_o power_n and_o that_o heaven_n be_v too_o high_a for_o our_o reach_n since_o if_o we_o solemn_o prepare_v our_o heart_n and_o devout_o petition_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v obtain_v it_o and_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o first_o want_v to_o ourselves_o this_o be_v what_o s._n austin_n say_v facienti_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o se_fw-la est_fw-la deus_fw-la non_fw-la deneg_fw-mi at_o gratiam_fw-la that_o god_n do_v not_o deny_v his_o grace_n to_o he_o who_o do_v what_o be_v in_o his_o power_n and_o that_o promise_v of_o our_o saviour_n may_v relieve_v and_o encourage_v we_o that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_o 11.13_o let_v we_o act_v then_o with_o the_o dependence_n of_o creature_n and_o yet_o not_o relinquish_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n let_v we_o not_o think_v to_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o understanding_n and_o belief_n of_o those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o miracle_n and_o upon_o the_o wheel_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n to_o be_v snatch_v out_o of_o the_o pit_n of_o ignorance_n by_o a_o irresistible_a force_n and_o inform_v by_o a_o apostolical_a illumination_n but_o let_v we_o use_v those_o mean_n that_o be_v now_o put_v into_o our_o own_o power_n for_o the_o full_a apprehension_n of_o all_o divine_a and_o necessary_a truth_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o our_o obedience_n according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v may_v attest_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o then_o if_o any_o thing_n yet_o remain_v which_o be_v necessary_a far_o for_o we_o to_o know_v god_n will_v use_v some_o method_n or_o other_o to_o inform_v we_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n dispose_v our_o understanding_n to_o receive_v it_o for_o god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o we_o and_o we_o have_v s._n paul_n word_n for_o it_o phil._n 3.15_o 16._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v now_o at_o length_n consider_v this_o promise_n of_o lead_v man_n into_o truth_n both_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o apostle_n and_o as_o it_o also_o relate_v unto_o ourselves_o i_o have_v show_v how_o it_o guide_v they_o and_o how_o it_o do_v still_o lead_v we_o into_o truth_n there_o be_v now_o but_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o will_v want_v only_o a_o brief_a reflection_n before_o i_o arrive_v at_o some_o practical_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o that_o be_v the_o latitude_n of_o this_o promise_n in_o relation_n to_o its_o object_n which_o as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v on_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o apostle_n so_o must_v it_o be_v explain_v in_o relation_n to_o ourselves_o for_o this_o universal_a all_o truth_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o utmost_a extent_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o must_v be_v limit_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o the_o spirit_n guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o may_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o order_n our_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n suitable_a to_o the_o religion_n we_o be_v baptize_v into_o there_o be_v direction_n publish_v in_o sacred_a writ_n for_o our_o christian_a deportment_n in_o all_o our_o various_a state_n and_o condition_n from_o whence_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o general_n exhort_v that_o our_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n phil._n 1.27_o which_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a and_o insufficient_a direction_n be_v there_o not_o in_o it_o a_o complete_a rule_n for_o our_o life_n the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v either_o concern_v god_n other_o or_o ourselves_o as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o be_v command_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o devotion_n we_o pay_v he_o must_v be_v suitable_a to_o his_o be_v and_o the_o general_n rule_v give_v in_o the_o gospel_n john_n 4.24_o and_o we_o must_v love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n matth._n 22.37_o as_o to_o the_o second_o we_o have_v this_o direction_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o do_v unto_o we_o mat._n 7.12_o and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o matt._n 22.39_o and_o as_o to_o ourselves_o we_o must_v walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_v rom._n 13.13_o nay_o our_o whole_a duty_n be_v comprehend_v in_o one_o text_n of_o s._n paul_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n tit._n 2.12_o pious_o towards_o god_n righteous_o towards_o our_o neighbour_n and_o sober_o in_o relation_n to_o ourselves_o nor_o have_v we_o only_o these_o general_a direction_n but_o those_o also_o that_o be_v so_o particular_a that_o we_o may_v hence_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o such_o prudent_a advice_n be_v give_v in_o all_o the_o condition_n that_o may_v happen_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v neither_o leave_v without_o proper_a counsel_n nor_o yet_o without_o comfort_n and_o relief_n second_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v we_o into_o all_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o of_o these_o he_o have_v give_v we_o so_o exact_a a_o account_n that_o no_o new_a article_n be_v to_o be_v add_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n the_o apostle_n creed_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o complete_a our_o belief_n be_v in_o every_o article_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o man_n that_o go_v too_o far_o beyond_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v wise_a over_o much_o and_o to_o think_v and_o conclude_v beyond_o sobriety_n and_o therefore_o three_o the_o spirit_n thus_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o concern_v our_o future_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n it_o have_v inform_v we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n by_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o have_v lay_v out_o and_o smooth_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o it_o have_v give_v some_o description_n of_o the_o state_n itself_o as_o far_o as_o
therefore_o it_o must_v remain_v doubtful_a to_o those_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v it_o not_o more_o reasonable_a to_o receive_v this_o revelation_n so_o well_o attest_v and_o to_o renounce_v other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o than_o to_o leave_v thing_n of_o such_o a_o infinite_a concernment_n at_o so_o miserable_a a_o hazard_n nay_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o probable_a proof_n of_o future_a thing_n when_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o their_o own_o nature_n without_o the_o admission_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v there_o not_o great_a reason_n even_o when_o two_o thing_n seem_v uncertain_a to_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a and_o to_o that_o which_o give_v we_o some_o hope_n rather_o than_o to_o that_o which_o afford_v we_o none_o at_o all_o in_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n there_o may_v be_v great_a in_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a it_o make_v we_o yet_o live_v with_o more_o comfort_n and_o die_v with_o less_o trouble_n and_o reluctancy_n but_o perhaps_o all_o may_v now_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a yet_o such_o faith_n alone_a will_v not_o gain_v the_o prize_n though_o we_o finish_v our_o course_n in_o fight_v for_o it_o therefore_o let_v man_n belief_n of_o a_o future_a immortality_n and_o a_o joyful_a state_n evidence_n itself_o in_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v it_o for_o that_o faith_n be_v only_a fancy_n that_o think_v to_o be_v crown_v without_o obedience_n and_o to_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o not_o raise_v ourselves_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n will_v leave_v we_o still_o dead_a in_o our_o sin_n credere_fw-la se_fw-la in_o christum_fw-la quomodo_fw-la dicit_fw-la say_v s._n cyprian_n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la facit_fw-la quod_fw-la christus_fw-la facere_fw-la praecepit_fw-la how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o do_v what_o he_o command_v he_o and_o a_o little_a before_o in_o the_o same_o tract_n immortalitate_fw-la potiri_fw-la quomodo_fw-la possumus_fw-la nisi_fw-la ea_fw-la quibus_fw-la mors_fw-la expugnatur_fw-la &_o vincitur_fw-la christi_fw-la mandata_fw-la servemus_fw-la how_o can_v we_o enjoy_v eternal_a life_n unless_o we_o keep_v those_o command_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o death_n be_v assault_v and_o overcome_v s._n john_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a and_o though_o man_n pretend_v other_o sign_n which_o be_v as_o easy_o confute_v as_o they_o be_v make_v yet_o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n say_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 19.17_o and_o s._n cyprian_n will_v vouch_v the_o application_n if_o i_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v the_o condition_n to_o obtain_v it_o for_o though_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v a_o law_n of_o liberty_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o law_n still_o that_o command_v we_o to_o act_v like_o religious_a man_n and_o not_o think_v to_o be_v draw_v to_o heaven_n upon_o the_o wheel_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n and_o crane_v up_o to_o paradise_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n we_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n by_o gradual_a advancement_n of_o virtue_n and_o devotion_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v that_o all_o mankind_n be_v perpetual_o to_o be_v save_v like_o the_o thief_n upon_o a_o cross_n we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o mount_v above_o the_o cloud_n through_o the_o vapour_n of_o repeat_v debauchery_n to_o rend_v the_o sky_n and_o make_v heaven_n open_a by_o loud_a oath_n and_o thunder_a execration_n or_o to_o jump_v out_o of_o dalilah_n lap_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n no_o sure_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n everlasting_a but_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a into_o everlasting_a punishment_n three_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o discourse_n to_o praise_n god_n for_o give_v we_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o admire_v and_o extol_v the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o who_o in_o such_o a_o eminent_a manner_n assist_v the_o apostle_n to_o commit_v so_o excellent_a a_o system_a of_o religion_n to_o writing_n that_o we_o of_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n may_v read_v what_o we_o can_v not_o hear_v and_o by_o the_o ordinary_a conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v guide_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v to_o deliver_v not_o to_o commemorate_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n must_v be_v the_o high_a ingratitude_n imaginable_a let_v we_o be_v as_o thankful_a then_o as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o as_o we_o increase_v daily_o in_o the_o one_o let_v the_o other_o run_v parallel_n in_o the_o enlargement_n god_n be_v please_v to_o own_v himself_o glorify_v by_o our_o praise_n this_o we_o do_v when_o we_o praise_v he_o with_o our_o tongue_n but_o than_o do_v it_o become_v most_o glorious_a when_o it_o be_v follow_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n the_o former_a may_v proceed_v from_o hypocrisy_n but_o attend_v with_o the_o latter_a it_o make_v the_o whole_a trinity_n to_o rejoice_v and_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o those_o grace_n we_o already_o have_v and_o engage_v god_n to_o give_v we_o more_o as_o our_o future_a condition_n shall_v want_v supply_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v say_v our_o saviour_n nay_o this_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n rejoice_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o sanctify_v and_o a_o vicious_a life_n be_v say_v to_o grieve_v he_o and_o how_o acceptable_a a_o sacrifice_n the_o whole_a be_v appear_v in_o what_o he_o say_v by_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 50.23_o whoso_o offer_v praise_n glorifi_v i_o and_o to_o he_o that_o order_v his_o conversation_n aright_o will_v i_o show_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v the_o natural_a result_v of_o a_o sense_n of_o mercy_n and_o favour_n impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o conclude_v those_o to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o benefit_n that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o their_o benefactor_n and_o the_o proportion_n of_o thanks_o must_v take_v their_o measure_n from_o the_o benefit_n receive_v how_o much_o therefore_o the_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o convey_v light_n unto_o the_o world_n to_o conduct_v mankind_n to_o glory_n and_o immortality_n exceed_v all_o the_o temporal_a favour_n we_o do_v enjoy_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o must_v our_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o and_o our_o life_n express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o to_o he_o who_o by_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n procure_v he_o four_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o do_v he_o still_o influence_n our_o mind_n and_o promote_v our_o endeavour_n in_o make_v enquiry_n after_o the_o thing_n that_o conduce_v to_o our_o peace_n then_o let_v we_o pray_v frequent_o to_o almighty_a god_n for_o this_o influence_n and_o benediction_n of_o the_o spirit_n prayer_n be_v that_o which_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o send_v he_o in_o so_o eminent_a a_o manner_n and_o for_o such_o glorious_a design_n into_o the_o world_n and_o prayer_n will_v still_o continue_v he_o here_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n say_v christ_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n joh._n 14.16_o prayer_n have_v not_o only_o a_o influence_n upon_o ourselves_o as_o it_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o make_v our_o holy_a resolution_n steady_a but_o mighty_o prevail_v with_o god_n himself_o who_o will_v crown_v what_o he_o have_v command_v with_o success_n in_o this_o therefore_o lie_v our_o great_a strength_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o duty_n sober_o and_o with_o a_o suitable_a devotion_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n nay_o it_o convey_v to_o we_o those_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v useful_a to_o we_o for_o the_o sanctify_a our_o nature_n and_o carry_v we_o through_o the_o hazard_n and_o various_a circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n for_o if_o you_o be_v evil_a say_v our_o saviour_n know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_o 11.13_o let_v we_o not_o then_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n since_o so_o great_a a_o advantage_n attend_v its_o devout_a and_o hearty_a performance_n and_o to_o public_a prayer_n whereby_o god_n be_v most_o glorify_a the_o pain_n be_v only_a presence_n and_o devotion_n five_o if_o god_n send_v his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o
guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v have_v safe_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o order_n and_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o then_o see_v how_o god_n value_v soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n however_o man_n too_o much_o disregard_n it_o if_o either_o any_o creed_n or_o none_o at_o all_o can_v have_v carry_v man_n to_o their_o future_a bliss_n christ_n need_n never_o have_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o deliver_v a_o universal_a doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o send_v this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n this_o necessity_n therefore_o of_o be_v sound_n in_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n caution_v man_n against_o prophetical_a pretender_n and_o false_a teacher_n to_o take_v heed_n what_o they_o hear_v mark_n 4.24_o to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o they_o be_v not_o darkness_n luke_o 11.35_o and_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n heb._n 3.12_o hence_o be_v it_o because_o as_o s._n peter_n say_v there_o be_v damnable_a heresy_n that_o the_o unsound_a cretan_n be_v so_o severe_o to_o be_v reprove_v that_o they_o may_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n tit._n 1.13_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n command_v timothy_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o which_o probable_o refer_v to_o some_o brief_a creed_n or_o summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n deliver_v to_o he_o by_o the_o apostle_n though_o we_o find_v they_o now_o burlesque_v and_o flout_v at_o but_o alas_o with_o as_o little_a wit_n as_o reason_n from_o hence_o final_o be_v it_o that_o s._n judas_n exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n 3_o ver_fw-la of_o his_o epist_n we_o be_v not_o now_o to_o make_v our_o own_o faith_n nor_o be_v it_o indifferent_a what_o we_o believe_v let_v we_o receive_v therefore_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n through_o all_o the_o several_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v our_o life_n as_o pure_a as_o our_o faith_n last_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o speak_v truth_n and_o by_o no_o method_n to_o impose_v upon_o one_o another_o that_o we_o may_v evidence_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o the_o world_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v still_o a_o influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o viper_n among_o man_n who_o tooth_n be_v spear_n and_o arrow_n and_o their_o tongue_n a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o engross_v the_o whole_a trade_n of_o lie_v and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v man_n inspire_v these_o receive_v false_a news_n in_o gross_a and_o then_o retail_v it_o out_o to_o other_o their_o tongue_n indeed_o be_v very_o sharp_a and_o no_o wonder_n neither_o since_o they_o keep_v the_o whetstone_n whole_o to_o themselves_o these_o be_v your_o itinerant_a historian_n that_o to_o consume_v our_o corn_n carry_v always_o firebrand_n at_o their_o tail_n who_o lie_v so_o often_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o believe_v themselves_o when_o they_o speak_v truth_n and_o give_v to_o all_o that_o have_v have_v the_o curse_n of_o their_o conversation_n a_o plain_a testimony_n who_o their_o father_n be_v but_o let_v not_o any_o of_o our_o soul_n enter_v into_o their_o secret_n but_o resolve_v to_o resemble_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o abominate_v all_o lie_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o to_o qualify_v ourselves_o for_o our_o future_a ascent_n to_o god_n holy_a hill_n by_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o our_o heart_n psal_n 15._o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o we_o must_v follow_v so_o good_a a_o example_n unless_o we_o think_v lie_v the_o character_n of_o a_o saint_n and_o perjury_n to_o put_v on_o a_o martyr_n crown_n s._n paul_n do_v not_o think_v so_o when_o he_o forbid_v the_o colossian_n to_o lie_v to_o one_o another_o see_v they_o have_v put_v off_o the_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n colos_n 3.9_o let_v we_o therefore_o beware_v of_o arrogance_n and_o calumny_n of_o detract_n from_o other_o or_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o ourselves_o and_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o holy_a spirit_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o guide_v ourselves_o into_o all_o truth_n so_o shall_v we_o avoid_v both_o sin_n and_o shame_n and_o eternal_a confusion_n at_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v then_o give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n will_v we_o but_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v the_o sacred_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o influence_n our_o mind_n in_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n commerce_n and_o trade_n will_v be_v more_o innocent_a we_o shall_v neither_o betray_v our_o own_o self_n by_o any_o false_a or_o gloze_a language_n nor_o shall_v we_o suffer_v by_o plain_a deal_n oath_n will_v again_o become_v religious_a among_o english_a man_n nor_o will_v any_o be_v unjust_o execute_v by_o guilty_a or_o scandalous_o free_v by_o a_o ignoramus_n our_o gracious_a and_o true_o great_a monarch_n will_v be_v safe_a without_o the_o base_a attempt_n of_o any_o to_o secure_v he_o he_o will_v be_v our_o own_o and_o we_o at_o his_o wise_n and_o lawful_a disposal_n by_o his_o coronation_n oath_n and_o our_o swear_a allegiance_n to_o he_o every_o man_n be_v there_o truth_n among_o we_o may_v enjoy_v peace_n in_o his_o own_o capacity_n he_o may_v sit_v under_o his_o vine_n and_o his_o fig_n tree_n and_o liberty_n and_o property_n will_v never_o be_v bone_n of_o contention_n more_o but_o if_o we_o remain_v hypocrite_n in_o religion_n and_o false_a to_o each_o other_o we_o can_v neither_o expect_v that_o god_n or_o man_n shall_v be_v our_o friend_n because_o what_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o peck_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v the_o whole_a creation_n groan_n we_o shake_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n when_o we_o be_v such_o wretched_a creature_n that_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v we_o and_o we_o can_v but_o enrage_v the_o great_a god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o have_v send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n unto_o we_o to_o guide_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n whatever_o guilt_n therefore_o any_o person_n may_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n strike_v in_o with_o his_o own_o easy_a inclination_n have_v contract_v to_o himself_o in_o this_o point_n let_v he_o now_o repent_v while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o the_o night_n come_v in_o which_o terror_n and_o astonishment_n will_v surprise_v he_o who_o obscure_a shadow_n will_v by_o degree_n withdraw_v the_o please_a light_n from_o he_o till_o it_o lodge_v he_o in_o a_o state_n of_o blackness_n for_o ever_o the_o conclusion_n we_o be_v here_o place_v in_o a_o world_n so_o full_a of_o object_n that_o affect_v our_o external_a sense_n that_o we_o be_v natural_o lead_v more_o by_o these_o than_o we_o be_v by_o faith_n and_o when_o by_o degree_n we_o abstract_a our_o thought_n and_o fix_v our_o mind_n on_o thing_n above_o we_o either_o weary_a the_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o sink_v into_o a_o stupid_a inadvertency_n or_o else_o be_v so_o please_v with_o the_o sprightliness_n of_o our_o create_a fancy_n that_o we_o nimble_o make_v idea_n in_o our_o brain_n of_o such_o seem_a thing_n as_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v and_o so_o we_o lead_v ourselves_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o be_v not_o design_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o possession_n sometime_o these_o thing_n be_v project_v before_o hand_n by_o the_o cunning_a politic_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o by_o such_o mean_n intend_v to_o impose_v upon_o other_o to_o carry_v on_o secular_a interest_n that_o may_v in_o the_o end_n be_v gainful_a to_o themselves_o and_o sometime_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o weak_a and_o unable_a constitution_n act_v contemplation_n beyond_o their_o own_o capacity_n to_o manage_v it_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o till_o they_o real_o believe_v their_o own_o thought_n of_o object_n that_o yet_o have_v no_o real_a existence_n nor_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o have_v a_o be_v in_o the_o universe_n some_o think_v too_o much_o and_o other_o too_o little_a too_o much_o learning_n make_v one_o sort_n mad_a and_o other_o be_v mad_a because_o they_o have_v so_o little_a some_o man_n by_o sink_v themselves_o into_o a_o deep_a melancholy_n and_o other_o by_o a_o nimble_a and_o exorbitant_a agitation_n of_o their_o blood_n and_o spirit_n command_v themselves_o into_o ecstasy_n or_o