Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n ghost_n holy_a inspire_v 2,844 5 10.2489 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A63913 A phisico-theological discourse upon the Divine Being, or first cause of all things, providence of God, general and particular, separate existence of the human soul, certainty of reveal'd religion, fallacy of modern inspiration, and danger of enthusiasm to which is added An appendix concerning the corruption of humane nature, the force of habits, and the necessity of supernatural aid to the acquest of eternal happiness : with epistolary conferences between the deceased Dr. Anthony Horneck and the author, relating to these subjects : in several letters from a gentleman to his doubting friend. Turner, John, b. 1649 or 50.; Horneck, Anthony, 1641-1697. 1698 (1698) Wing T3313; ESTC R5343 198,836 236

There are 7 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

prodigious_o cruel_a which_o plain_o demonstrate_v how_o unfit_a he_o be_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o prophetic_a privilege_n and_o dignity_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o alcoran_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v that_o it_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v proceed_v from_o god_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o steal_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o even_o those_o be_v so_o perverse_o relate_v and_o so_o wretched_o corrupt_v with_o fable_n that_o they_o lose_v the_o very_a similitude_n of_o truth_n through_o the_o villainous_a management_n of_o they_o person_n be_v so_o misname_v time_n be_v so_o mistake_v the_o whole_a so_o interlard_v with_o contradiction_n and_o disguise_v with_o absurdity_n that_o we_o must_v needs_o say_v the_o contriver_n have_v a_o bad_a memory_n and_o a_o worse_a understanding_n in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a alcoran_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cento_n of_o heathenism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n all_o miserable_o corrupt_v and_o as_o wild_o blend_v together_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n either_o impossible_a blasphemous_a or_o absurd_a the_o reward_v promise_v to_o the_o embracer_n of_o it_o be_v impure_a and_o foolish_a the_o whole_a be_v at_o first_o invent_v out_o of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n propagate_v by_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o be_v still_o maintain_v in_o the_o way_n it_o be_v establish_v profound_a ignorance_n sensual_a bait_n and_o force_v of_o arm_n give_v it_o its_o first_o promotion_n and_o do_v still_o maintain_v its_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o the_o mean_a reason_n if_o due_o exercise_v be_v able_a manifest_o to_o disprove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n this_o business_n of_o revelation_n have_v be_v of_o late_a so_o curious_o handle_v by_o the_o b_o of_o c_o that_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o recommend_v to_o you_o a_o perusal_n of_o those_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n at_o mr._n boyle_n lecture_n where_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o believe_v you_o will_v find_v but_o little_o want_v to_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o reveal_v religion_n of_o a_o possibility_n for_o the_o almighty_a to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o last_o not_o only_o the_o probability_n but_o the_o certainty_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o this_o revelation_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o two_o testament_n for_o the_o ●leing_n all_o which_o truth_n viz._n the_o possibility_n expedience_n usefulness_n necessity_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o have_v offer_v such_o evidence_n rational_a natural_a traditionary_a and_o supernatural_a as_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o unprejudiced_a infidel_n and_o will_v be_v find_v too_o strong_a to_o be_v make_v void_a or_o overthrow_v by_o the_o subtle_a of_o the_o hellish_a tribe_n our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n do_v indeed_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v must_v precede_v our_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n i_o grant_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v bring_v not_o only_o to_o such_o as_o own_o their_o truth_n but_o even_o to_o infidel_n as_o a_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o than_o it_o must_v not_o be_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o naked_a testimony_n but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v of_o such_o a_o frame_n nature_n and_o quality_n that_o they_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o author_n and_o thus_o may_v we_o arrive_v by_o the_o scripture_n at_o a_o assurance_n of_o god_n existence_n as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o cause_n by_o its_o effect_n but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n mere_a testification_n we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o presuppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n it_o bring_v only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n in_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o do_v without_o the_o least_o guilt_n of_o vain_a credulity_n because_o upon_o the_o high_a reason_n implicit_o believe_v it_o again_o those_o who_o owe_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o mere_a report_n to_o principle_n of_o education_n the_o felicity_n of_o their_o birth_n or_o the_o clime_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o no_o better_a motive_n than_o the_o turk_n do_v their_o alcoran_n if_o pretend_a inspiration_n may_v pass_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o every_o bold_a pretender_n will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o we_o must_v expose_v ourselves_o not_o only_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o every_o groundless_a imagination_n but_o of_o innumerable_a contradiction_n for_o not_o only_o the_o gross_a folly_n but_o doctrine_n palpable_o repugnant_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o one_o another_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o enthusiast_n and_o pretend_a inspirato_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o such_o person_n can_v have_v of_o its_o divinity_n but_o 1._o the_o holy_a ghost_n convince_v no_o man_n as_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o enlighten_v he_o in_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o its_o proceed_n from_o god_n be_v evidence_v and_o establish●_n there_o be_v no_o conviction_n beget_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n otherways_o than_o by_o rational_a evidence_n satisfy_v our_o understanding_n through_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n that_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o will_v convince_v we_o of_o 2._o no_o man_n particular_a assurance_n obtain_v thus_o in_o way_n of_o illumination_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o urge_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o another_o than_o by_o propose_v the_o reason_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v erect_v the_o way_n of_o such_o man_n evidence_n be_v communicable_a to_o none_o unless_o they_o can_v kindle_v the_o same_o ray_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o other_o which_o have_v irradiate_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v deal_v with_o other_o by_o produce_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o conviction_n not_o plead_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o that_o another_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v by_o they_o depend_v whole_o on_o the_o weight_n and_o momentousness_n of_o the_o reason_n themselves_o not_o on_o the_o manner_n that_o such_o a_o person_n come_v to_o discover_v they_o for_o shall_v he_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o discern_v they_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n they_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o significancy_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o adversary_n 3._o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o a_o principle_n demonstrable_a by_o reason_n see_v then_o it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n therefore_o his_o testimony_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v allow_v as_o a_o previous_a evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o can_v otherwise_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o argue_v circular_o and_o absurd_o so_o that_o in_o short_a when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o either_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o ratiocination_n from_o common_a principle_n receive_v among_o mankind_n and_o by_o topic_n that_o lie_v even_o and_o proportionate_a to_o intellectual_a nature_n our_o reason_n be_v here_o just_o to_o be_v magnify_v as_o high_o subservient_fw-fr to_o religion_n in_o that_o it_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o all_o particular_a article_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v ground_v this_o i_o say_v our_o reason_n can_v do_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o who_o be_v not_o wilful_o obstinate_a and_o for_o such_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n either_o sufficient_a or_o intend_v by_o the_o almighty_a to_o satisfy_v they_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o partly_o through_o the_o weakness_n and_o darkness_n which_o have_v arrest_v our_o understanding_n partly_o through_o the_o nature_n quality_n extent_n and_o arduousness_n of_o object_n and_o our_o inadaequate_a conception_n of_o they_o partly_o through_o prepossession_n prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o bias_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n
require_v to_o comprehend_v they_o whatever_o god_n have_v say_v be_v to_o be_v assent_v to_o though_o we_o can_v frame_v adequate_a notion_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o nor_o understand_v the_o manner_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o faith_n to_o think_v to_o fathom_v the_o perfection_n council_n and_o work_v of_o god_n see_v reason_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_a and_o itself_o finite_a 2._o if_o we_o will_v pretend_v to_o reason_n in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n have_v say_v to_o be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n that_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o can_v lie_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o consonant_a to_o the_o transcendency_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o that_o of_o god_n than_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v incomprehensible_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o agreeable_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n than_o that_o his_o design_n and_o contrivance_n shall_v be_v hold_v past_o find_v out_o it_o be_v as_o well_o irrational_a as_o unjust_a to_o think_v that_o man_n shall_v penetrate_v those_o depth_n and_o abysm_n which_o the_o angel_n desire_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o look_v into_o as_o veil_v and_o hide_a from_o sight_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n yet_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o therein_o which_o be_v contradictory_n thereunto_o to_o admit_v religion_n to_o contain_v any_o dogm_n repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v at_o once_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o look_v upon_o all_o revelation_n as_o a_o romance_n or_o rather_o as_o the_o invention_n of_o distract_a man_n and_o withal_o to_o open_v a_o door_n for_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o figment_n and_o lie_n under_o the_o palliation_n of_o divine_a mystery_n we_o can_v gratify_v the_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n more_o than_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o prime_a article_n of_o our_o belief_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o faculty_n in_o a_o word_n this_o hypothesis_n be_v it_o receive_v will_v make_v we_o renounce_v man_n and_o espouse_v brute_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o great_a concernment_n for_o without_o debase_v ourselves_o into_o a_o low_a species_n we_o can_v embrace_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v formal_o impossible_a and_o when_o man_n have_v fill_v religion_n with_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o natural_a light_n they_o be_v force_v to_o introduce_v a_o suitable_a faith_n namely_o such_o a_o one_o that_o commend_v itself_o from_o believe_v doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o the_o evidence_n and_o principle_n of_o both_o thus_o the_o first_o heretic_n that_o trouble_v the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o teach_v mystery_n overthrow_v common_a sense_n and_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o universal_a uniform_a and_o perpetual_a light_n of_o mankind_n some_o of_o they_o have_v teach_v that_o all_o creature_n be_v natural_o evil_a other_o of_o they_o have_v establish_v two_o several_a god_n one_o good_a another_o bad_a other_o have_v affirm_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o particle_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n not_o to_o mention_v a_o thousand_o falsity_n more_o all_o these_o they_o defend_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o orthodox_n by_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v mystery_n about_o which_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o thus_o do_v other_o to_o this_o day_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o obtrude_v their_o fancy_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o unable_a to_o prove_v or_o defend_v what_o they_o say_v pretend_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o their_o theorem_n nor_o can_v i_o assign_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o turk_n to_o philosophy_n than_o that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n of_o their_o religion_n this_o themselves_o confess_v by_o devote_v almansor_n to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o heaven_n because_o he_o have_v weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o musselman_n in_o the_o alcoran_n through_o introduce_v learning_n and_o philosophy_n among_o they_o in_o brief_a though_o we_o make_v not_o natural_a light_n the_o positive_a measure_n of_o thing_n divine_a yet_o we_o may_v safe_o allow_v it_o a_o negative_a voice_n we_o place_v it_o not_o in_o the_o chair_n in_o council_n but_o only_o permit_v it_o to_o keep_v the_o door_n to_o hinder_v the_o entry_n of_o contradiction_n and_o irrational_a fancy_n disguise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o to_o be_v remark_v that_o when_o we_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o repugnant_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n we_o do_v not_o by_o principle_n of_o reason_n understand_v all_o that_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n vote_v or_o receive_v for_o such_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n but_o mistake_v philosophy_n and_o false_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o this_o or_o that_o man_n admit_v for_o theorem_n of_o reason_n be_v of_o very_o small_a importance_n man_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o sense_n affection_n interest_n and_o imagination_n do_v many_o time_n mingle_v error_n and_o false_a conceit_n with_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o then_o appeal_v to_o they_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n when_o they_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vain_a image_n of_o our_o fancy_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v so_o that_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o the_o proper_a and_o original_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o neglect_v there_o have_v be_v those_o and_o yet_o be_v who_o will_v hardly_o allow_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n a_o proper_a sense_n but_o do_v every_o where_o obtrude_v a_o allegoric_a meaning_n as_o if_o that_o alone_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o such_o kind_n of_o expositor_n do_v in_o effect_n little_o less_o than_o undermine_v the_o whole_a scripture_n betray_v religion_n and_o turn_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n into_o burlesque_fw-la nor_o be_v there_o any_o notion_n so_o romantic_a which_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o luxuriant_a fancy_n may_v not_o at_o this_o rate_n be_v wrest_v and_o debauch_v to_o give_v countenance_n to_o yea_o a_o very_a small_a measure_n of_o wit_n will_v serve_v to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a scripture_n testimony_n to_o quite_o another_o sense_n than_o ever_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o those_o who_o by_o turn_v the_o whole_a scripture_n into_o allusion_n have_v wrest_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o justify_v their_o own_o wild_a phantasm_n and_o frame_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o own_o private_a notion_n and_o thereby_o evacuate_v the_o sublimest_n doctrine_n and_o most_o glorious_a action_n into_o empty_a metaphor_n and_o vain_a similitude_n thus_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v allegorise_v into_o themselves_o and_o the_o birth_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v construe_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o aesop_n or_o phylostratus_n fable_n into_o useful_a moral_n as_o if_o these_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o we_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n but_o leave_v these_o and_o suppose_v only_o for_o the_o present_a that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o supernatural_a or_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o almighty_n will_n to_o mankind_n which_o every_o moral_a man_n will_v find_v his_o interest_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v if_o it_o be_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o the_o extraordinary_a advantage_n it_o afford_v we_o towards_o the_o secure_n both_o a_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a felicity_n by_o those_o excellent_a precept_n it_o contain_v above_o what_o be_v discoverable_a in_o natural_a religion_n suppose_v this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o think_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o this_o admirable_a system_n essential_a to_o a_o save_v faith_n or_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o our_o future_a welfare_n but_o what_o be_v as_o intelligible_a as_o legible_a to_o every_o reasonable_a creature_n reason_n most_o certain_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o intricate_a or_o perplex_v theory_n but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o lord_n have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n say_v the_o prophet_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v he_o require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n again_o say_v another_o of_o they_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v
2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o far_a revelation_n and_o l●stly_o that_o the_o say_a book_n shut_v up_o all_o revelation_n with_o itself_o so_o that_o none_o other_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v beyond_o it_o 1696._o i_o grant_v say_v he_o that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a in_o itself_o for_o god_n to_o reveal_v himself_o at_o some_o time_n hereafter_o as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o have_v reveal_v himself_o heretofore_o but_o he_o that_o will_v assert_v the_o futurity_n of_o this_o must_v have_v more_o to_o prove_v it_o than_o a_o possibility_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o revelation_n from_o he_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o like_a certainty_n for_o a_o revelation_n after_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o after_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o there_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o although_o i_o be_o not_o positive_a but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o particular_a revelation_n or_o inspiration_n with_o respect_n to_o some_o especial_a case_n yet_o it_o may_v arise_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v from_o bare_a imagination_n and_o if_o not_o attend_v with_o the_o great_a caution_n and_o circumspection_n may_v end_v in_o the_o whim_n and_o frenzy_n of_o a_o bridget_n a_o catharina_n or_o a_o mother_n juliana_n and_o what_o not_o nay_o it_o may_v proceed_v to_o the_o disannul_v the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o to_o the_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a inspiration_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o above_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o evidence_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v there_o needs_o on_o other_o evidence_n to_o be_v give_v to_o that_o revelation_n for_o want_n of_o evidence_n in_o this_o our_o saviour_n life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o miracle_n as_o well_o as_o innocence_n and_o wherever_o he_o w●●●_n the_o divine_a power_n go_v along_o with_o he_o which_o he_o extend_v wherever_o he_o come_v and_o as_o occasion_v serve_v to_o the_o confusion_n if_o not_o the_o conviction_n or_o conversion_n of_o his_o adversary_n and_o all_o which_o at_o last_o conclude_v in_o his_o own_o resurrection_n his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o begin_v on_o pentecost_n but_o like_o a_o torrent_n run_v through_o the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o bear_v down_o all_o manner_n of_o competition_n and_o what_o then_o can_v any_o revelation_n pretend_v to_o beyond_o it_o or_o where_o can_v there_o be_v any_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o produce_v the_o like_a evidence_n for_o its_o veracity_n but_o again_o the_o scripture_n conclude_v all_o with_o this_o revelation_n and_o because_o we_o have_v none_o other_o beside_o that_o write_a revelation_n we_o can_v suppose_v any_o revelation_n beyond_o it_o and_o much_o less_o derogatory_n to_o it_o or_o that_o shall_v direct_v we_o to_o any_o other_o way_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v save_v then_o that_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o be_v therein_o record_v as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o personal_n and_o occasional_a revelation_n which_o may_v be_v conceive_v only_o to_o serve_v to_o a_o more_o spiritual_a manifestation_n of_o the_o revelation_n already_o make_v i_o will_v not_o altogether_o deny_v this_o because_o i_o know_v not_o how_o far_o some_o person_n may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v enlighten_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n nor_o what_o particular_a direction_n they_o may_v receive_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n in_o some_o special_a case_n with_o respect_n to_o themselves_o to_o other_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v like_o a_o special_a providence_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n but_o now_o as_o a_o man_n must_v govern_v himself_o by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o not_o by_o particular_a and_o because_o he_o have_v sometime_o meet_v with_o deliverance_n supply_n and_o direction_n beyond_o all_o his_o own_o foresight_n and_o reason_n must_v not_o forsake_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o care_n and_o whole_o rely_v upon_o the_o extraordinary_a so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v here_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o a_o person_n may_v have_v some_o occasional_a revelation_n some_o divine_a inspiration_n at_o a_o especial_a season_n or_o in_o some_o special_a case_n but_o if_o he_o forsake_v the_o ordinary_a to_o depend_v upon_o the_o extraordinary_a &_o expect_v a_o revelation_n in_o every_o case_n because_o he_o have_v have_v it_o in_o some_o particular_n he_o will_v as_o much_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o err_v no_o less_o dangerous_o than_o if_o he_o whole_o rely_v upon_o divine_a providence_n and_o forsake_v all_o other_o mean_n whatever_o and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o way_n much_o liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v to_o mislead_v person_n and_o be_v very_o suspicious_a as_o also_o dangerous_a it_o be_v a_o case_n liable_a to_o imposture_n and_o abuse_v forasmuch_o as_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o such_o a_o conception_n be_v not_o always_o if_o at_o all_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o certain_a judgement_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v all_o transact_v within_o and_o the_o imagination_n may_v be_v so_o much_o influence_v by_o the_o body_n and_o by_o a_o agitation_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n from_o a_o enthusiastical_a and_o even_o devout_a temper_n by_o prepossession_n and_o fore-conceived_n principle_n and_o by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o life_n that_o it_o may_v be_v whole_o natural_a as_o natural_a as_o dream_n or_o the_o delirium_n of_o a_o fever_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o ebullition_n of_o the_o humour_n and_o such_o like_a ordinary_a cause_n it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o abundance_n of_o person_n have_v be_v impose_v on_o and_o take_v the_o effect_n of_o imagination_n for_o inspiration_n and_o divine_a illumination_n i_o be_o far_o from_o condemn_v all_o the_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o a_o design_n to_o deceive_v like_o maria_n vesitationis_fw-la in_o portugal_n i_o will_v rather_o think_v more_o charitable_o that_o very_o often_o they_o have_v think_v themselves_o thus_o move_v and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n and_o the_o opinion_n other_o have_v have_v of_o they_o it_o have_v be_v afterward_o evident_a that_o all_o have_v be_v far_o short_a of_o divine_a infusion_n or_o illumination_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o teresa_n who_o life_n be_v full_a of_o her_o vision_n and_o revelation_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o do_v but_o alter_v the_o place_n and_o for_o the_o nunnery_n conceive_v she_o to_o be_v in_o a_o hospital_n we_o may_v take_v it_o to_o be_v what_o the_o author_n in_o a_o transport_v sometime_o call_v it_o a_o frenzy_n what_o a_o legend_n of_o dream_n will_v the_o world_n be_v furnish_v with_o if_o the_o vision_n and_o revelation_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o people_n be_v bundle_v up_o together_o as_o the_o miracle_n of_o repute_a saint_n have_v sometime_o be_v but_o they_o be_v true_o much_o to_o be_v suspect_v also_o of_o imposture_n and_o that_o because_o we_o read_v so_o little_a of_o this_o way_n in_o scripture_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o nothing_o to_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o afterward_o we_o read_v nothing_o there_o of_o the_o 16._o union_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o divine_a essence_n of_o its_o be_v absorb_v and_o drown_v over_o head_n and_o ear_n and_o ingulph_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o divinity_n so_o that_o it_o become_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o god_n by_o a_o true_a deification_n we_o read_v there_o spare_o of_o some_o ecstasy_n as_o one_o of_o st._n peter_n one_o or_o two_o of_o st._n paul_n but_o with_o how_o much_o reserve_n do_v the_o holy_a apostle_n speak_v and_o with_o how_o much_o modesty_n when_o he_o come_v to_o vision_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o hear_v unspeakable_a word_n which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o utter_v 2_o cor._n 12.1_o etc._n etc._n now_o what_o can_v be_v great_a if_o these_o of_o teresa_n be_v true_a and_o where_o may_v we_o expect_v to_o be_v more_o entertain_v with_o the_o relation_n of_o such_o rap●s_n than_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o when_o they_o be_v there_o so_o unusual_a and_o here_o so_o frequent_a that_o even_o society_n be_v embody_v from_o they_o and_o form_v it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v suspect_v and_o the_o rather_o see_v that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a mean_n of_o judge_v and_o of_o distinguish_a imagination_n from_o revelation_n be_v lay_v aside_o which_o be_v reason_n and_o when_o all_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o person_n single_a testimony_n we_o be_v require_v in_o all_o case_n to_o search_v and_o try_v which_o do_v suppose_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o where_o this_o
flesh_n can_v hinder_v man_n from_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o god_n in_o subserviency_n to_o his_o communicate_v of_o grace_n at_o least_o in_o his_o ordinary_a dispense_n of_o it_o do_v require_v so_o the_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n prescribe_v and_o enjoin_v do_v not_o only_o take_v we_o from_o and_o prevent_v those_o sin_n which_o will_v render_v our_o conversion_n difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a but_o they_o be_v further_a useful_a as_o mean_v appoint_v and_o bless_v of_o god_n unto_o such_o a_o end_n though_o our_o obedience_n have_v neither_o any_o physical_a efficiency_n upon_o our_o regeneration_n nor_o be_v grace_n bestow_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o previous_a merit_n that_o be_v in_o our_o performance_n yet_o it_o be_v neither_o superfluous_a nor_o vain_a much_o less_o do_v it_o lie_v in_o any_o repugnancy_n to_o our_o conversion_n be_v only_o perfect_v by_o a_o effectual_a subjective_n work_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o only_o oppose_v by_o pelagius_n and_o socinus_n but_o of_o late_a by_o mr._n hobbs_n who_o we_o may_v very_o well_o allow_v to_o combat_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v beforehand_o list_v himself_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o divine_a be_v now_o have_v lose_v the_o divine_a image_n and_o our_o integrity_n by_o the_o fall_n we_o not_o only_o contend_v that_o there_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o external_n agent_n necessary_a for_o the_o recover_v it_o and_o that_o he_o who_o imprint_v the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o man_n must_v again_o restore_v it_o in_o his_o regeneration_n but_o we_o affirm_v withal_o that_o till_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n effectual_o infallible_o and_o by_o a_o unresisted_a operation_n transform_v we_o into_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o communicate_v to_o we_o a_o vital_a seed_n we_o remain_v pollute_v unholy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o all_o that_o duness_n of_o circumstance_n as_o may_v commend_v we_o or_o our_o performance_n to_o god_n acceptance_n not_o but_o that_o antecedent_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n renew_v we_o by_o a_o communication_n of_o grace_n to_o we_o we_o may_v both_o dogmatical_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v find_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o material_a part_n not_o only_o of_o natural_a duty_n but_o of_o the_o act_n of_o institute_v religion_n but_o to_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v thereupon_o to_o be_v denominate_v holy_a be_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o thousand_o place_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o very_a tenor_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n while_o we_o remain_v thus_o unholy_a we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v actual_o unite_v unto_o christ_n or_o capable_a subject_n of_o justification_n or_o forgiveness_n that_o till_o we_o be_v actual_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o wash_v of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o union_n with_o he_o or_o a_o right_n to_o pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o ensue_v or_o depend_v thereupon_o by_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o have_v at_o least_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o true_a denomination_n of_o holiness_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o and_o principle_n of_o grace_n by_o infusion_n communicate_v to_o we_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n matter_n and_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o and_o under_o whatever_o gloss_n or_o varnish_n we_o or_o our_o work_n appear_v to_o the_o world_n yet_o without_o such_o a_o relation_n to_o christ_n we_o be_v none_o of_o he_o nor_o be_v our_o duty_n as_o to_o the_o principle_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o obedience_n in_o what_o state_n soever_o we_o suppose_v they_o the_o consistency_n of_o god_n right_a to_o command_v they_o with_o our_o contract_a inability_n to_o the_o yield_n of_o due_a obedience_n the_o capacity_n that_o all_o man_n remain_v in_o notwithstanding_o any_o congenite_fw-la impotency_n for_o the_o perform_v many_o external_n duty_n good_a in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o with_o the_o subservience_n of_o these_o performance_n to_o conversion_n as_o they_o be_v mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n in_o order_n thereunto_o all_o these_o i_o in_o some_o measure_n understand_v and_o can_v reconcile_v with_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o our_o life_n can_v be_v holy_a till_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o through_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o that_o our_o work_n can_v be_v adequate_o good_a antecedent_o to_o our_o reception_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n i_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n understand_v nor_o can_v i_o conceive_v the_o same_o can_v be_v make_v intelligible_a without_o impose_v paelagianism_n upon_o we_o but_o far_o the_o gospel_n acknowledge_v no_o act_n of_o true_a holiness_n perform_v by_o any_o where_o there_o be_v not_o antecedent_o at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n a_o principle_n of_o true_a holiness_n in_o the_o person_n perform_v they_o no_o act_n operation_n or_o duty_n of_o we_o be_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o gospel_n holy_a but_o what_o proceed_v from_o and_o be_v do_v in_o the_o virtue_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n previous_o derive_v from_o and_o communicate_v to_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v prae-required_n to_o all_o act_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n a_o new_a real_a spiritual_a principle_n by_o which_o our_o nature_n be_v renew_v and_o our_o soul_n render_v habitual_o and_o subjective_o holy_a grace_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n and_o product_v of_o any_o previous_a good_a action_n of_o we_o whatever_o subserviency_n through_o the_o appointment_n and_o dispose_n of_o god_n they_o may_v lie_v in_o as_o to_o his_o bestow_n of_o it_o but_o all_o act_n and_o operation_n true_o good_a be_v the_o fruit_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o talk_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n preclude_v our_o antecedaneous_a adeption_n of_o a_o new_a principle_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o a_o divine_a vital_a seed_n to_o we_o be_v to_o impose_v paelagianism_n upon_o we_o and_o that_o in_o a_o more_o fulsome_a way_n and_o in_o rude_a term_n than_o many_o of_o his_o follower_n use_v to_o declare_v themselves_o i_o deny_v not_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v both_o good_a in_o themselves_o and_o suit_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o also_o enforce_v by_o the_o most_o attractive_a motive_n which_o we_o can_v either_o desire_v or_o imagine_v but_o that_o man_n in_o the_o alone_a strength_n of_o their_o natural_a faculty_n may_v perform_v many_o external_n duty_n and_o in_o that_o manner_n also_o that_o we_o who_o judge_v only_o according_a to_o appearance_n be_v thereupon_o to_o account_v they_o holy_a yea_o that_o nothing_o but_o supineness_n lustful_a prejudice_n consuetude_n in_o sin_n and_o a_o be_v immerse_v into_o the_o animal_n life_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o so_o do_v but_o i_o deny_v that_o any_o act_n or_o duty_n have_v the_o proper_a form_n or_o nature_n of_o holiness_n or_o be_v so_o denominate_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o both_o what_o proceed_v from_o a_o antecedent_n habit_n or_o principle_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o be_v perform_v and_o a_o immediate_a influence_n from_o christ_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o as_o our_o quicken_a head_n vital_a root_n and_o live_a spring_n in_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o they_o so_o that_o though_o no_o physical_a efficiency_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o gospel_n yet_o beside_o a_o moral_a efficacy_n which_o through_o its_o own_o frame_n and_o complexion_n it_o have_v to_o reform_v mankind_n beyond_o what_o any_o declaration_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o that_o ever_o the_o world_n be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o have_v there_o be_v a_o physical_a efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n accompany_v it_o on_o the_o score_n of_o god_n almighty_n have_v in_o infinite_a wisdom_n ordain_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n for_o the_o communicate_v of_o grace_n but_o still_o it_o be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v both_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o whosoever_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o ingraff_v and_o incorporate_v word_n and_o be_v mould_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d into_o the_o form_n of_o its_o doctrine_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o terminus_fw-la of_o the_o relation_n of_o union_n which_o intervene_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o
all_o mankind_n have_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o beside_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o be_v imbue_v with_o the_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v they_o be_v convince_v also_o that_o all_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n at_o present_a towards_o god_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o sinner_n in_o all_o the_o address_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o god_n they_o constant_o apply_v to_o he_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o defilement_n and_o gild_n in_o all_o their_o transaction_n from_o time_n to_o time_n with_o the_o deity_n they_o have_v be_v study_v how_o to_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v themselves_o to_o atone_v and_o appease_v he_o now_o sinner_n can_v perform_v nothing_o due_o in_o religion_n towards_o god_n without_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o subordination_n we_o be_v create_v in_o at_o first_o to_o he_o his_o right_a and_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v law_n to_o we_o the_o capacity_n we_o be_v in_o both_o of_o know_v and_o keep_v they_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o sin_n enter_v that_o god_n will_v not_o desert_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n to_o that_o ruin_n which_o it_o have_v incur_v by_o its_o own_o folly_n but_o that_o he_o be_v yet_o appeasable_a towards_o we_o and_o will_v accept_v a_o worship_n and_o service_n at_o our_o hand_n with_o the_o way_n mean_n and_o term_n that_o he_o will_v receive_v we_o again_o into_o favour_n and_o rescue_v we_o from_o the_o defilement_n we_o labour_v under_o without_o some_o information_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a foundation_n for_o sinner_n to_o apply_v in_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o god_n at_o all_o and_o shall_v they_o attempt_v it_o they_o will_v do_v nothing_o but_o prevaricate_v see_v then_o the_o experience_n of_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n have_v evidence_v the_o ineffectualness_n of_o natural_a light_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n in_o any_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o infer_v the_o necessity_n that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o supernatural_a revelation_n the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_a whether_o poet_n or_o philosopher_n be_v certain_o void_a of_o all_o pretence_n of_o admission_n for_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a record_n and_o our_o reason_n be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o the_o like_a demonstrative_a evidence_n that_o this_o claim_n be_v also_o most_o undue_o ascribe_v to_o the_o alcoran_n it_o be_v true_a that_o mahomet_n pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o by_o inspiration_n most_o think_v that_o he_o counterfeit_v in_o his_o pretence_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o to_o receive_v it_o by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n he_o do_v so_o but_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o immediate_a interposure_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o case_n so_o that_o he_o be_v deceive_v himself_o ere_o he_o go_v about_o to_o deceive_v other_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a the_o epileptical_a distemper_n to_o which_o he_o be_v subject_a have_v in_o other_o be_v attend_v with_o diabolical_a insinuation_n the_o age_n in_o which_o he_o live_v be_v enthusiastical_o incline_v and_o the_o grossness_n of_o the_o arabian_a wit_n together_o with_o the_o subserviency_n of_o ethnic_a idolatry_n which_o remain_v up_o and_o down_o among_o they_o may_v encourage_v satan_n to_o make_v a_o attempt_n that_o way_n among_o that_o people_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o or_o whether_o the_o whole_a be_v single_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o himself_o and_o one_o or_o two_o impostor_n more_o that_o assist_v he_o be_v not_o material_a nor_o make_v to_o the_o business_n itself_o mahometism_n begin_v not_o till_o the_o six_o century_n about_o which_o time_n and_o for_o a_o considerable_a season_n before_o the_o whole_a east_n be_v sore_o infect_v by_o heresy_n and_o rend_v by_o schism_n which_o together_o with_o the_o impure_a life_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o there_o and_o in_o the_o west_n may_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o permit_v this_o deceiver_n to_o accost_v the_o world_n but_o obtrude_a a_o new_a religion_n and_o such_o a_o one_o too_o as_o neither_o reason_n nor_o any_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n befriend_v it_o concern_v he_o to_o have_v justify_v his_o mission_n by_o some_o miracle_n or_o other_o as_o to_o what_o he_o go_v about_o and_o these_o himself_n plain_o disclaim_v for_o though_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n ascribe_v such_o to_o he_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o little_o bring_v in_o proof_n of_o they_o and_o withal_o they_o be_v so_o silly_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o themselves_o that_o they_o serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o disparage_v both_o the_o person_n and_o the_o cause_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v bring_v i_o know_v that_o all_o person_n who_o have_v speak_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v not_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n nor_o be_v it_o always_o needful_a especial_o when_o they_o only_o call_v man_n to_o obedience_n to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o so_o attest_v before_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o be_v spare_v of_o miracle_n and_o indeed_o be_v thereby_o better_o provide_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o doctrine_n as_o be_v either_o real_o or_o only_o in_o appearance_n new_a and_o also_o more_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v wrought_v wonder_n in_o attestation_n of_o every_o ordinary_a messenger_n or_o familiar_a truth_n and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n why_o none_o of_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v report_v to_o have_v wrought_v miracle_n save_v moses_n the_o giver_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n the_o promulger_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o every_o herald_n of_o heaven_n have_v not_o the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n yet_o no_o one_o come_v inspire_v by_o god_n who_o have_v not_o some_o testimony_n or_o other_o bear_v to_o he_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o a_o impostor_n either_o the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v be_v of_o that_o sublimeness_n that_o no_o finite_a understanding_n can_v have_v invent_v they_o and_o yet_o when_o discover_v be_v so_o correspondent_a to_o our_o rational_a desire_n and_o so_o perfective_a of_o our_o natural_a light_n that_o be_v due_o weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o say_v this_o be_v what_o i_o look_v for_o but_o can_v not_o find_v or_o else_o they_o make_v know_v some_o present_a matter_n which_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n such_o as_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o declare_v some_o fact_n do_v either_o at_o a_o distance_n or_o with_o that_o secrecy_n that_o no_o man_n can_v know_v it_o or_o else_o they_o foretell_v some_o future_a contingent_a soon_o after_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o according_o fell_a out_o in_o every_o circumstance_n nor_o be_v it_o unlikely_a but_o that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n prophet_n have_v their_o mission_n confirm_v by_o the_o prediction_n of_o something_o future_a which_o humane_a prudence_n can_v not_o foresee_v or_o else_o they_o be_v bear_v witness_n to_o by_o the_o prevalency_n and_o immediate_a success_n of_o their_o prayer_n or_o the_o prevent_v some_o impendent_a judgement_n or_o in_o the_o procure_n some_o needful_a mercy_n for_o thereby_o be_v declare_v either_o their_o foresight_n of_o what_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o the_o interest_n favour_n and_o power_n they_o have_v with_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o without_o probability_n that_o most_o of_o the_o prophet_n under_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n justify_v their_o mission_n by_o some_o such_o thing_n but_o as_o for_o mahomet_n though_o he_o not_o only_o pretend_v to_o speak_v immediate_o from_o god_n but_o withal_o introduce_v a_o doctrine_n real_o new_a yet_o he_o come_v authorise_v by_o no_o miracle_n sign_n or_o badge_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o a_o impostor_n yea_o whereas_o he_o own_v that_o both_o moses_n and_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n it_o be_v a_o infallible_a argument_n that_o he_o be_v not_o their_o doctrine_n and_o his_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a beside_o it_o have_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v not_o only_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n but_o by_o heathen_n and_o that_o agreeable_o to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o prophetic_a illapse_n never_o befall_v impure_a and_o unclean_a soul_n and_o that_o god_n never_o make_v a_o unhallowed_a person_n his_o oracle_n at_o least_o that_o never_o any_o such_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o divine_a amannenses_n now_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o alcoran_n by_o this_o prophetic_a text_n we_o find_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v a_o person_n lustful_a and_o tyrannical_a make_v up_o of_o nothing_o but_o blood_n and_o dirt_n gross_o sensual_a and_o
divine_a light_n we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o credit_v they_o as_o in_o their_o pretend_a revelation_n the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v neither_o be_v the_o author_n of_o absurdity_n or_o incoherency_n in_o discourse_n neither_o yet_o of_o repugnancy_n in_o opinion_n difference_n between_o each_o other_o and_o palpable_a confusion_n among_o they_o all_o those_o who_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n will_v see_v a_o necessity_n not_o only_o to_o be_v act_v by_o but_o to_o think_v more_o reverent_o of_o the_o true_a revelation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n of_o his_o incarnation_n and_o outward_a suffering_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o second_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a now_o whatever_o these_o people_n may_v insinuate_v to_o the_o world_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o their_o belief_n there_o be_v notwithstanding_o several_a dangerous_a heresy_n get_v in_o among_o they_o they_o do_v most_o of_o they_o at_o the_o bottom_n set_v up_o their_o own_o light_n and_o private_a inspiration_n to_o the_o write_a word_n which_o their_o calling_n a_o dead_a letter_n food_n for_o child_n of_o little_a use_n to_o the_o regenerate_v or_o such_o as_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n do_v plain_o intimate_v there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o speak_v slight_o of_o the_o mosaic_a history_n ridicule_fw-la the_o notion_n of_o original_a sin_n and_o disparage_v or_o discredit_v the_o manner_n of_o its_o translation_n they_o have_v none_o of_o they_o any_o other_o infallible_a criterion_n or_o stand_v rule_n of_o faith_n than_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n which_o they_o nickname_n the_o divine_a light_n this_o be_v plain_o evident_a by_o their_o wild_a enthusiams_n the_o gross_a immorality_n among_o some_o of_o they_o and_o the_o intestine_a jangle_n among_o they_o all_o they_o do_v consult_v the_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostolical_a write_n but_o alas_o their_o high_a pretence_n and_o conceit_n be_v foil_v and_o quash_v so_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o compare_v they_o and_o notwithstanding_o their_o strenuous_a plea_n with_o their_o seem_a assurance_n that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o be_v equal_o inspire_v with_o the_o divine_a penman_n i_o defy_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o qu_n sm_n to_o produce_v i_o one_o single_a instance_n of_o any_o one_o of_o their_o prophet_n that_o can_v ever_o give_v the_o proof_n and_o attestation_n of_o their_o inspiration_n with_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n when_o they_o come_v to_o this_o they_o most_o wretched_o prevaricate_v and_o cry_v out_o with_o mahomet_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o sign_n and_o wonder_n believe_v i_o sir_n add_v he_o this_o late_a pretence_n to_o inspiration_n be_v both_o the_o most_o egregious_a cheat_n that_o be_v ever_o put_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a fallacy_n that_o ever_o the_o grand_a deceiver_n can_v have_v invent_v or_o contrive_v weigh_v all_o thing_n fair_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v all_o impartial_o and_o give_v the_o great_a scope_n you_o can_v to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o argument_n you_o will_v find_v all_o as_o pure_a deception_n and_o as_o certain_o false_a as_o the_o divine_a illumination_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v most_o conspicuous_a and_o demonstrative_o true_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o tendency_n of_o this_o notion_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o shall_v the_o world_n but_o once_o comply_v with_o or_o countenance_v the_o same_o the_o fundamental_o of_o government_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a will_v present_o be_v unhinged_a we_o shall_v have_v one_o revelation_n in_o opposition_n to_o another_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o divine_a system_n of_o true_a religion_n will_v be_v trample_v under_o soot_n we_o shall_v be_v expose_v in_o our_o fortune_n to_o the_o state_n of_o leveller_n in_o our_o mind_n to_o diabolical_a illusion_n or_o phansiful_a suggestion_n our_o religion_n will_v soon_o grow_v volatile_a and_o fly_v away_o into_o air_n and_o spirit_n a_o profound_a sign_n o●_n lamentable_a expiration_n will_v be_v all_o we_o shall_v have_v to_o do_v whilst_o clothe_v with_o the_o flesh_n and_o all_o our_o religious_a duty_n for_o want_v of_o the_o support_n of_o a_o establish_a form_n will_v quick_o leave_v we_o our_o help_n to_o devotion_n such_o as_o watch_n fast_n and_o servant_n prayer_n will_v be_v quick_o lay_v aside_o and_o in_o a_o little_a tim●_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o destructive_a ignorance_n and_o barbarous_a confusion_n i_o can_v the_o more_o ready_o presage_v this_o have_v be_v much_o pester_v with_o these_o people_n in_o some_o of_o the_o town_n of_o new-eng_n though_o not_o altogether_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o germany_n have_v be_v with_o the_o frantic_a anabaptist_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n to_o you_o in_o one_o word_n more_o that_o when_o ever_o you_o may_v happen_v to_o discourse_v these_o people_n upon_o almost_o any_o single_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n you_o will_v find_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o two_o of_o they_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o explanatory_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o great_a that_o for_o want_v of_o a_o settle_a creed_n or_o general_o establish_v system_n they_o will_v unavoidable_o clash_v and_o jar_n with_o one_o another_o indeed_o so_o far_o as_o i_o perceive_v they_o be_v capable_a of_o argue_v nothing_o solid_o but_o the_o principle_n of_o deism_n and_o even_o their_o grand_a notion_n of_o the_o light_n be_v as_o yet_o unprincipled_a and_o as_o mr._n norris_n say_v unphilosophic_a notwithstanding_o the_o two_o learnede_a prop_n of_o their_o cause_n have_v set_v it_o out_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n their_o learning_n can_v ●nable_v they_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a who_o will_v talk_v to_o the_o purpose_n for_o some_o little_a time_n but_o there_o be_v no_o keep_v they_o close_o to_o their_o argument_n the_o want_n of_o catechistical_a exercise_n to_o instil_v their_o principle_n into_o those_o under_o their_o care_n have_v render_v their_o religion_n rude_a and_o ill-shapen_a and_o to_o i_o this_o seem_v none_o of_o the_o least_o cause_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v so_o very_o unknowing_a in_o divinity_n that_o they_o can_v say_v nothing_o for_o themselves_o but_o this_o that_o they_o have_v a_o feel_a sense_n of_o a_o inward_a light_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v they_o thus_o end_v my_o friend_n discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v leave_v with_o this_o short_a remark_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n his_o idea_n seem_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o rational_a his_o judgement_n sound_n and_o set_v aside_o a_o little_a heat_n his_o discourse_n in_o the_o main_a to_o consist_v with_o truth_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o common_a observation_n whoever_o consult_v antiquity_n or_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o time_n may_v find_v many_o history_n of_o this_o wild_a enthusiasm_n and_o the_o extravagancy_n that_o have_v attend_v this_o whimsical_a pretence_n to_o inspiration_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o henry_n the_o six_o 184._o one_o la_n pucel_v a_o french_a maid_n be_v burn_v at_o rouen_n she_o declare_v that_o she_o be_v send_v from_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o her_o country_n to_o expel_v the_o english_a in_o the_o year_n 1591._o and_o the_o 34_o the_o of_o queen_n elizabeth_n be_v reign_v be_v memorable_a the_o prodigious_a carriage_n of_o one_o hackett_n bear_v at_o oundle_n in_o northamptonshire_n a_o mean_a fellow_n of_o no_o learning_n who_o first_o prank_n be_v this_o that_o when_o in_o show_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o one_o with_o who_o he_o have_v veen_fw-mi at_o variance_n he_o embrace_v he_o he_o bite_v off_o his_o nose_n 181._o and_o the_o man_n desire_v to_o have_v it_o again_o that_o it_o may_v be_v sew_v on_o whilst_o the_o wound_n be_v fresh_a he_o most_o villainous_o eat_v it_o up_o and_o swallow_v it_o before_o his_o face_n after_o this_o on_o a_o sudden_a he_o take_v upon_o he_o a_o show_n of_o wonderful_a holiness_n do_v nothing_o almost_o but_o hear_v sermon_n get_v scripture_n by_o heart_n counterfeit_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a call_v thus_o he_o grow_v to_o be_v magnify_v by_o certain_a zealous_a minister_n especial_o of_o one_o edward_n coppinger_n a_o gentleman_n of_o a_o good_a house_n and_o one_o arthington_n a_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o geneva_n discipline_n insomuch_o that_o they_o account_v he_o as_o send_v from_o heaven_n and_o a_o great_a prophet_n than_o moses_n and_o john_n baptist_n and_o final_o that_o he_o be_v christ_n himself_o come_v with_o a_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n this_o they_o proclaim_v in_o cheapside_n give_v out_o that_o hackett_n participate_v of_o christ_n glorify_a body_n by_o his_o especial_a
substance_n that_o the_o ray_n which_o cause_n the_o visible_a species_n be_v either_o certain_a particle_n or_o effluvia_n dart_v from_o a_o lucid_a body_n repercuss_v in_o their_o go_v forth_o and_o reflect_v various_o here_o and_o there_o according_a to_o gassendus_fw-la or_o that_o these_o particle_n beam_a forth_o from_o the_o same_o lucid_a body_n move_v other_o particle_n of_o a_o nitro-sulphureous_a quality_n implant_v in_o the_o air_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o enkindle_n they_o render_v they_o luminous_a and_o these_o at_o length_n other_o and_o that_o so_o a_o diffusion_n on_o every_o side_n of_o light_n or_o image_n be_v propagate_v by_o a_o certain_a undulation_n which_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a opinion_n if_o we_o may_v credit_v dr._n willis_n far_o admit_v in_o the_o case_n of_o hear_v that_o the_o audible_a species_n or_o sonorisick_n particle_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o saline_n little_a body_n after_o the_o manner_n describe_v or_o some_o other_o way_n stir_v up_o into_o act_n for_o the_o production_n of_o sound_n in_o a_o word_n admit_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o touch_n the_o smell_n and_o taste_n and_o all_o other_o phaenomena_n relate_v to_o the_o humane_a body_n may_v after_o some_o such_o manmer_n be_v explore_v by_o the_o corpuscular_a philosophy_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o substance_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n the_o speculation_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v indeed_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o be_v which_o exert_v such_o admirable_a power_n and_o judge_n so_o exquisite_o of_o each_o of_o these_o sensation_n must_v itself_o be_v independent_a both_o of_o matter_n and_o mechanism_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n without_o a_o wilful_a blindness_n or_o debauch_n of_o his_o understanding_n when_o he_o have_v make_v this_o enquiry_n and_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o the_o wonderful_a and_o divine_a contrivance_n of_o structure_n in_o the_o several_a organ_n destinate_a for_o so_o many_o function_n how_o be_v it_o i_o say_v that_o this_o shall_v incline_v a_o man_n to_o atheism_n unless_o contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n he_o be_v resolve_v that_o way_n or_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o strange_o degenerate_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o imagine_v where_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o conspicuous_a than_o the_o workmanship_n of_o a_o most_o powerful_a and_o most_o intelligent_a be_v that_o the_o same_o at_o first_o proceed_v either_o from_o no_o cause_n at_o all_o or_o one_o no_o better_a viz._n chance_n or_o fortune_n so_o that_o to_o deal_v free_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o believe_v with_o a_o modern_a philosopher_n that_o whoever_o do_v profess_v philosophy_n and_o think_v not_o right_o of_o god_n may_v be_v judge_v not_o only_o to_o have_v shake_v hand_n with_o religion_n but_o with_o his_o reason_n also_o and_o that_o he_o have_v at_o once_o put_v off_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v here_o that_o no_o man_n can_v indeed_o scarce_o reason_n at_o all_o or_o to_o be_v sure_a can_v reason_v right_o and_o be_v irreligious_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o be_v true_o and_o indeed_o religious_a be_v to_o be_v true_o reasonable_a so_o that_o to_o put_v the_o cause_n upon_o this_o issue_n let_v we_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v that_o right_a reason_n teach_v we_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_a let_v we_o consider_v whether_o it_o point_v out_o unto_o we_o a_o direct_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o future_a happiness_n or_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n for_o if_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v reason_n that_o imprint_n upon_o our_o mind_n any_o notion_n of_o irreligion_n or_o that_o in_o any_o manner_n incline_v we_o to_o vice_n we_o ought_v undoubted_o to_o reject_v it_o without_o the_o least_o hesitation_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o appear_v that_o true_a reason_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n both_o of_o true_a piety_n and_o real_a virtue_n and_o that_o any_o pretence_n either_o to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o the_o other_o not_o build_v on_o rational_a principle_n may_v in_o truth_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o effect_n of_o superstition_n or_o hypocrisy_n th●n_o certain_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o use_v our_o reason_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v this_o which_o must_v direct_v we_o in_o our_o search_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v this_o must_v guide_v we_o in_o our_o enquiry_n after_o the_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o when_o by_o our_o reason_n we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o that_o the_o penman_n thereof_o be_v supernatural_o inspire_v which_o as_o be_v intimate_v before_o we_o have_v abundant_a reason_n to_o believe_v we_o must_v then_o let_v our_o faith_n take_v place_n and_o not_o only_o assent_v unto_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v account_v for_o but_o even_o of_o those_o also_o which_o though_o not_o contrary_a to_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n and_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o surmount_v our_o apprehension_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n lie_v in_o the_o perception_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o that_o general_a light_n or_o capacity_n of_o discern_v which_o be_v impart_v to_o all_o mankind_n all_o the_o certainty_n say_v the_o pious_a father_n malebranch_n which_o we_o can_v have_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n depend_v upon_o that_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v one_o inestimable_a advantage_n derive_v to_o we_o by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o powerful_a argument_n in_o favour_n of_o this_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n only_o we_o be_v make_v capable_a to_o lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v if_o you_o expect_v any_o definition_n or_o explication_n of_o this_o word_n reason_n i_o may_v answer_v with_o a_o very_a ingenious_a reason_n man_n that_o by_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o steady_a uniform_a light_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n that_o divine_a touchstone_n or_o test_n by_o which_o all_o man_n be_v enable_v so_o far_o i_o mean_v as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o congruity_n and_o incongruity_n of_o proposition_n and_o thereupon_o to_o pronounce_v they_o true_a or_o false_a there_o be_v indeed_o different_a degree_n of_o clearness_n in_o the_o intellectual_a perception_n of_o different_a man_n occasion_v by_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o attention_n in_o themselves_o and_o the_o different_a representation_n of_o thing_n from_o without_o but_o the_o light_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v discern_v be_v universal_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o uniformity_n of_o this_o light_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o intellectual_a communication_n between_o man_n and_o man_n for_o if_o different_a man_n see_v always_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o different_a light_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o one_o man_n by_o any_o representation_n whatsoever_o to_o raise_v the_o same_o conception_n in_o another_o man_n mind_n that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o whatever_o extraordinary_a illumination_n some_o man_n may_v enjoy_v it_o can_v only_o be_v of_o authority_n and_o useful_a to_o themselves_o or_o at_o most_o it_o can_v be_v only_o so_o far_o useful_a and_o of_o authority_n to_o other_o as_o those_o that_o enjoy_v it_o be_v able_a to_o give_v extraordinary_a proof_n of_o it_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n even_o as_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v to_o be_v handle_v by_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o one_o another_o in_o method_n conformable_a to_o the_o universal_a and_o uniform_a light_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o religion_n i_o understand_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_v of_o those_o duty_n that_o result_v from_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o and_o to_o our_o fellow_n creature_n the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o necessity_n of_o admit_v some_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o cause_n be_v i_o call_v it_o god_n and_o the_o idea_n that_o we_o have_v of_o this_o powerful_a ●●cing_n arise_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o innumerable_a perfection_n that_o