unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o prevent_v our_o be_v deceive_v and_o lead_v into_o error_n hence_o be_v timothy_n office_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v by_o the_o ordination_n of_o s._n paul_n style_v a_o gift_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o and_o lest_o these_o appointment_n shall_v not_o be_v account_v the_o product_n and_o designation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o gift_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v in_o himself_o one_o uniform_a be_v though_o these_o be_v divers_a according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o they_o be_v all_o such_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v give_v to_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12._o now_o as_o god_n providence_n rule_v the_o world_n though_o we_o can_v neither_o discover_v his_o counsel_n nor_o be_v able_a to_o account_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n as_o he_o dispose_v of_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n 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like_o the_o jew_n in_o barbary_n refuse_v to_o eat_v of_o that_o meat_n which_o be_v dress_v by_o one_o of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n or_o to_o drink_v in_o the_o same_o cup_n with_o a_o moor_n when_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o wholesome_a constitution_n until_o it_o have_v undergo_v the_o ceremony_n of_o wash_v truth_n in_o this_o world_n will_v be_v blend_v with_o error_n and_o it_o be_v the_o prudence_n as_o well_o as_o piety_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o make_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n and_o not_o to_o slight_v and_o refuse_v the_o one_o because_o the_o other_o have_v be_v mix_v with_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o mr._n hales_n express_v it_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o apostle_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v make_v good_a unto_o they_o by_o private_a and_o secret_a inform_v their_o understanding_n with_o high_a and_o heavenly_a mystery_n which_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o conceit_n of_o man_n and_o to_o we_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a because_o what_o be_v write_v by_o revelation_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o our_o instruction_n they_o have_v write_v in_o their_o book_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o assistance_n the_o spirit_n give_v we_o for_o though_o he_o do_v not_o inspire_v we_o with_o any_o new_a doctrine_n you_o he_o open_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o old_a i_o be_o far_o from_o admit_v the_o conceit_n of_o a_o impulse_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o life_n because_o we_o know_v what_o mischief_n have_v overspread_v the_o world_n when_o proposition_n have_v be_v veil_v with_o such_o a_o pretence_n and_o it_o may_v be_v our_o own_o as_o well_o as_o s._n augustine_n observation_n tanto_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la seditionem_fw-la faciliores_fw-la quanto_fw-la sibi_fw-la videntur_fw-la spiritu_fw-la excellere_fw-la man_n be_v the_o more_o prone_a to_o sedition_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o seem_v to_o excel_v in_o their_o inspiration_n yet_o there_o can_v appear_v the_o same_o danger_n where_o the_o spirit_n only_o assist_v our_o understanding_n to_o apprehend_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v already_o deliver_v and_o incline_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o embrace_v they_o when_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o s._n john_n we_o be_v not_o so_o credulous_a as_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o now_o then_o only_o may_v we_o reasonable_o conclude_v our_o understanding_n to_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o spirit_n when_o our_o notion_n agree_v with_o the_o write_a word_n for_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n say_v the_o prophet_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o morning_n or_o light_n in_o they_o isa_n 8.20_o there_o be_v divers_a mean_n natural_a in_o themselves_o and_o rational_o appoint_v by_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o inform_a man_n in_o the_o truth_n that_o concern_v they_o read_v meditation_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v proper_a method_n to_o inform_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o guide_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n but_o prayer_n be_v therefore_o wont_a to_o be_v superad_v not_o only_o to_o compose_v our_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o divine_a contemplation_n by_o a_o sequestration_n of_o our_o thought_n from_o those_o external_a object_n that_o by_o intermix_v themselves_o with_o those_o that_o be_v more_o spiritual_a confound_v our_o idea_n and_o notice_n of_o thing_n and_o render_v our_o mind_n more_o loose_a and_o extravagant_a but_o because_o prayer_n supplicate_v those_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o facilitate_v our_o apprehension_n of_o truth_n by_o remove_v object_n that_o crumble_v and_o disorder_v they_o and_o it_o
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 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
eye_n stand_v out_o with_o fatness_n and_o they_o have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v psal_n 73._o and_o solomon_n observe_v that_o as_o to_o the_o change_n of_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n eccles_n 9.2_o this_o indeed_o may_v prove_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a account_n but_o neither_o can_v the_o goodness_n or_o wickness_n of_o a_o party_n be_v evidence_v by_o such_o external_a character_n much_o less_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o opinion_n confirm_v from_o the_o smile_n or_o frown_n of_o providence_n but_o i_o need_v not_o at_o present_a argue_v this_o point_n far_o since_o those_o that_o when_o prosperous_a invent_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o confirm_v their_o party_n and_o a_o bait_n to_o draw_v proselyte_n and_o abettor_n to_o they_o be_v now_o confute_v by_o their_o shameful_a overthrow_n and_o it_o will_v sink_v they_o more_o shall_v it_o be_v use_v with_o any_o severe_a enlargement_n since_o their_o honour_n lay_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v never_o rise_v again_o i_o shall_v leave_v this_o therefore_o as_o a_o term_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o fallible_a rule_n only_o take_v up_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n and_o proceed_v to_o those_o method_n and_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a inspiration_n chap._n ix_o and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o those_o that_o vent_v they_o with_o great_a confidence_n and_o zeal_n as_o if_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o those_o to_o who_o these_o doctrine_n be_v propound_v be_v reasonable_a creature_n and_o this_o will_v be_v yield_v without_o any_o reason_n about_o it_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o degrade_v ourselves_o as_o well_o in_o speculation_n as_o many_o do_v in_o practice_n to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v nay_o any_o objection_n formal_o frame_v against_o this_o supposal_n will_v prove_v what_o the_o objector_n endeavour_v to_o deny_v that_o man_n have_v discursive_a faculty_n and_o his_o own_o confutation_n will_v be_v include_v in_o his_o objection_n whilst_o that_o will_v prove_v he_o able_a to_o syllogize_v and_o reason_n second_o man_n be_v rational_a and_o intelligent_a being_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o proposition_n sufficient_o propound_v to_o their_o consideration_n in_o term_n that_o exceed_v not_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o one_o man_n to_o another_o and_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o elevate_v above_o humane_a capacity_n our_o discourse_n otherwise_o to_o one_o another_o will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o chirp_n of_o bird_n the_o speech_n of_o parrot_n or_o the_o jabber_n of_o monkey_n to_o each_o other_o and_o will_v be_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o uncertain_a distinct_a sound_n without_o any_o signification_n three_o we_o must_v consider_v too_o that_o it_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o delude_v and_o cheat_v they_o with_o any_o equivocal_a and_o false_a proposition_n especial_o when_o he_o design_v they_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o man_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o concern_v and_o action_n in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o the_o way_n to_o their_o everlasting_a peace_n because_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o he_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o he_o have_v evidence_v to_o the_o world_n render_v he_o a_o be_v of_o all_o possible_a perfection_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v suppose_v god_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n now_o if_o he_o be_v supreme_o perfect_a he_o must_v according_a to_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o those_o faculty_n that_o be_v implant_v in_o we_o be_v one_o of_o infinite_a truth_n and_o goodness_n if_o he_o be_v the_o first_o he_o will_v not_o deliver_v proposition_n unto_o man_n that_o be_v plain_o or_o more_o obscure_o false_a and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o good_a be_v he_o will_v not_o give_v rule_n that_o may_v deceive_v we_o if_o we_o use_v those_o faculty_n he_o have_v bestow_v on_o we_o to_o find_v out_o their_o meaning_n and_o intention_n the_o contrary_a to_o this_o will_v cheat_v the_o world_n and_o then_o he_o will_v make_v creature_n or_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o that_o he_o may_v with_o great_a circumstance_n and_o solemnity_n subtle_o lead_v they_o into_o eternal_a ruin_n which_o to_o suppose_v be_v as_o great_a blasphemy_n against_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o can_v be_v invent_v by_o the_o worst_a of_o creature_n that_o have_v make_v themselves_o malicious_a and_o as_o foul_a a_o infamy_n as_o can_v be_v cast_v upon_o god_n be_v by_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n since_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n themselves_o but_o rather_o that_o they_o shall_v return_v from_o their_o wickedness_n and_o live_v this_o be_v confirm_v by_o those_o threat_n he_o denounce_v against_o they_o to_o frighten_v they_o from_o eternal_a ruin_n by_o all_o those_o promise_n he_o have_v annex_v to_o repentance_n by_o all_o his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o amend_v their_o life_n by_o all_o the_o instrument_n and_o help_n to_o religion_n which_o he_o have_v gracious_o afford_v they_o by_o all_o that_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n he_o express_v whilst_o man_n remain_v in_o that_o state_n of_o sin_n which_o entitle_v they_o to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o by_o send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o offer_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o they_o that_o divine_a wrath_n and_o justice_n be_v appease_v they_o may_v be_v capable_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n he_o propose_v and_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o those_o snare_n in_o which_o they_o be_v entangle_v and_o to_o guide_v themselves_o into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n four_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o way_n afford_v we_o by_o which_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_a creature_n judge_v of_o true_a direction_n and_o false_a so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a and_o infinite_a concernment_n god_n promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a bliss_n will_v be_v to_o as_o total_o insignificant_a if_o it_o be_v make_v either_o upon_o such_o condition_n as_o we_o know_v not_o or_o have_v not_o sufficient_a ability_n with_o his_o influence_n to_o perform_v they_o and_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v it_o be_v to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o in_o keep_v god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n if_o we_o know_v not_o what_o the_o commandment_n be_v we_o can_v not_o make_v sense_n of_o that_o thanksgiving_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 11.25_o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a the_o rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n to_o person_n of_o a_o more_o inferior_a rank_n and_o capacity_n if_o those_o who_o he_o here_o call_v babe_n have_v not_o mean_n to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o to_o arrive_v at_o complete_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v and_o in_o vain_a will_v it_o have_v be_v for_o s._n paul_n to_o have_v speak_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n hide_v under_o jewish_a type_n and_o shadow_n and_o obscure_o treat_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n in_o comparison_n to_o the_o light_n which_o then_o appear_v or_o to_o have_v treat_v of_o such_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o discover_v thing_n which_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o do_v they_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n when_o god_n reveal_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2._o and_o not_o by_o any_o logical_a demonstration_n which_o blind_v the_o governor_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o confound_v the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o greek_n who_o according_a to_o their_o accustom_a way_n of_o proof_n expect_v another_o method_n of_o probation_n than_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n it_o have_v be_v notwithstanding_o a_o impossible_a attempt_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v any_o of_o these_o or_o other_o man_n that_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o
gal._n 5.22_o not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v sometime_o phrased_a by_o the_o word_n spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o legal_a observation_n which_o be_v carnal_a ordinance_n be_v call_v flesh_n but_o they_o be_v so_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o as_o he_o first_o dictate_v the_o rule_n so_o do_v he_o also_o concur_v to_o the_o action_n if_o the_o evil_a spirit_n can_v carry_v christ_n to_o be_v tempt_v in_o the_o wilderness_n shall_v we_o not_o think_v the_o good_a spirit_n can_v relieve_v he_o too_o if_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n can_v be_v a_o spirit_n work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n ephes_n 2.2_o shall_v we_o conclude_v the_o holy_a ghost_n less_o active_a or_o powerful_a to_o work_v in_o those_o who_o resign_v their_o will_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o law_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a and_o safe_a conduct_n the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v make_v to_o we_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o through_o the_o spirit_n we_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n rom._n 8.13_o and_o though_o many_o thing_n concur_v with_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o effect_v so_o great_a and_o victorious_a triumph_n yet_o all_o cause_n act_v with_o a_o dependence_n upon_o this_o glorious_a power_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v when_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o its_o reception_n by_o endeavour_v what_o in_o we_o lay_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a philip._n 2.12_o 13._o preach_v prayer_n meditation_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v ordinary_a mean_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o s._n paul_n though_o he_o sufficient_o magnify_v the_o preacher_n office_n say_v that_o we_o be_v only_a worker_n together_o with_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6.1_o and_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o all_o when_o god_n assist_v and_o bless_v our_o endeavour_n and_o god_n grant_v that_o those_o who_o attend_v such_o sacred_a institution_n be_v swift_a to_o hear_v may_v never_o be_v so_o swift_a also_o as_o to_o depart_v without_o a_o blessing_n have_v thus_o both_o assert_v and_o explain_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o influence_n man_n the_o certainty_n of_o its_o operation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o influence_n which_o make_v up_o this_o chapter_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o shall_v close_v it_o with_o a_o brief_a request_n to_o all_o who_o desire_v so_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n here_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o hereafter_o that_o they_o will_v use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v and_o keep_v the_o blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o this_o holy_a spirit_n which_o give_v they_o such_o great_a assistance_n in_o sanctify_v their_o mind_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o will_v well_o use_v the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o more_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o trial_n and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v frequent_o for_o new_a supply_n of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o that_o they_o will_v never_o by_o a_o vicious_a and_o unholy_a life_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o desert_n they_o lest_o through_o too_o much_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o they_o at_o last_o prove_v both_o coward_n and_o apostate_n chap._n xi_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n in_o some_o measure_n prove_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n descend_v according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v now_o inquire_v into_o his_o work_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n among_o man_n who_o be_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a being_n who_o may_v as_o some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v have_v well_o enough_o propagate_v christian_a doctrine_n when_o they_o have_v hear_v it_o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n and_o have_v for_o some_o time_n daily_a conversation_n with_o he_o without_o any_o other_o new_a assistance_n beside_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o what_o employment_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o have_v among_o other_o man_n as_o they_o will_v not_o be_v religious_a enough_o to_o know_v so_o true_o they_o be_v yet_o very_o much_o to_o seek_v however_o i_o shall_v adventure_v without_o call_v any_o man_n name_n to_o show_v according_a to_o my_o steady_a and_o long_o continue_v though_o mean_a thought_n what_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o do_v to_o guide_v man_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o promise_n where_o christ_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o engage_v for_o the_o spirit_n corn_v into_o the_o world_n in_o a_o more_o plentiful_a manner_n than_o in_o forego_v period_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v describe_v as_o a_o person_n different_a from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o eminent_a promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o that_o our_o great_a and_o most_o bless_a redeermer_n of_o man_n speak_v of_o a_o person_n here_o and_o not_o of_o what_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la only_o as_o some_o have_v interpret_v this_o place_n to_o void_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v the_o distinguish_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o term_n of_o this_o text_n because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v prefix_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o this_o latter_a part_n which_o be_v a_o periphrasis_n do_v but_o acquaint_v we_o who_o the_o person_n be_v even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o now_o this_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n however_o inexplicable_a it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o all_o particular_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n who_o be_v loath_a to_o think_v that_o any_o being_n be_v above_o their_o great_a capacity_n and_o reason_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v always_o believe_v by_o the_o orthodox_n through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o point_n sufficient_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o baffle_v the_o heathen_a objection_n against_o our_o religion_n viz._n that_o it_o can_v be_v divine_a because_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o it_o but_o i_o design_v not_o to_o treat_v in_o this_o discourse_n with_o any_o that_o own_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a king_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o jesus_n himself_o seem_v to_o take_v great_a care_n to_o insinuate_v and_o fix_v this_o fundamental_a point_n in_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lest_o any_o person_n mighty_a in_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a in_o argument_n shall_v refuse_v to_o believe_v such_o a_o mystery_n as_o this_o when_o apparent_o reveal_v because_o their_o own_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conclude_v the_o thing_n or_o their_o language_n can_v full_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o fourteen_o of_o saint_n john_n gospel_n the_o sixteen_o verse_n our_o bless_a saviour_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n with_o this_o great_a promise_n i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n here_o be_v one_o pray_a another_o send_v and_o a_o three_o give_v so_o be_v it_o also_o at_o the_o twenty_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o here_o be_v the_o father_n send_v in_o the_o son_n name_n or_o upon_o his_o account_n the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o teach_v the_o apostle_n those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v more_o brief_o hint_v to_o they_o and_o such_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o apostle_n through_o prejudice_n can_v not_o then_o receive_v and_o to_o bring_v those_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o their_o remembrance_n which_o they_o through_o human_a frailty_n may_v forget_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v to_o be_v the_o publisher_n and_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a penman_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o
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
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
persecution_n than_o we_o at_o any_o time_n oppose_v they_o all_o and_o if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v but_o one_o as_o yet_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v without_o much_o assume_v or_o confidence_n affirm_v he_o be_v if_o it_o be_v always_o consistent_a with_o itself_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o inspiration_n at_o one_o time_n true_a and_o the_o rest_n that_o pretend_v different_o from_o this_o make_v at_o once_o themselves_z and_o god_n a_o liar_n whilst_o they_o suppose_v he_o to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o they_o become_v the_o publisher_n of_o such_o contradiction_n beside_o if_o the_o spirit_n these_o wild_a man_n pretend_v to_o do_v inform_v their_o mind_n of_o the_o principle_n they_o deliver_v by_o a_o immediate_a illumination_n or_o impulse_n upon_o their_o spirit_n either_o they_o feel_v the_o stroke_n make_v upon_o they_o by_o this_o invisible_a power_n so_o that_o they_o can_v tell_v the_o time_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o they_o or_o else_o they_o be_v raise_v by_o degree_n into_o a_o presumption_n that_o they_o have_v this_o spirit_n which_o thus_o force_v they_o to_o declare_v new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n if_o they_o pretend_v to_o know_v when_o the_o stroke_n and_o impulse_n be_v make_v why_o do_v not_o one_o immediate_o of_o a_o fisherman_n become_v a_o apostle_n without_o any_o study_n or_o former_a gradual_a practice_n without_o be_v breed_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o jesuit_n or_o by_o long_o hear_v the_o cant_n at_o home_n by_o which_o he_o be_v educate_v and_o train_v to_o it_o why_o do_v he_o not_o on_o a_o sudden_a rise_v up_o and_o publish_v such_o consistent_a doctrine_n as_o may_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o who_o he_o will_v persuade_v to_o embrace_v they_o or_o at_o least_o not_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n but_o since_o we_o find_v this_o impossible_a among_o they_o or_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o skill_n to_o be_v by_o some_o mechanic_n operation_n or_o perhaps_o by_o a_o unaccountable_a influence_n from_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n why_o shall_v any_o be_v startle_v at_o or_o give_v credit_n to_o new_a apostle_n when_o our_o rule_n be_v complete_v by_o those_o that_o be_v commission_v of_o old_a if_o we_o search_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o either_o voluntary_a cheat_n when_o those_o that_o own_v they_o make_v they_o subservient_fw-fr to_o bad_a design_n or_o such_o as_o man_n be_v deceive_v themselves_o by_o a_o bad_a constitution_n a_o corrupt_a education_n or_o a_o suggestion_n from_o the_o devil_n under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n endeavour_n either_o through_o ignorance_n or_o subtlety_n to_o impose_v upon_o easy_a believer_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o promise_n for_o such_o immediate_a inspiration_n to_o dictate_v new_a rule_n of_o life_n make_v to_o any_o but_o to_o apostolical_a man_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v to_o deliver_v what_o be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a law_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o in_o the_o present_a age_n wherein_o we_o live_v because_o inspiration_n be_v a_o immediate_a influence_n from_o god_n himself_o his_o will_n enlarge_n or_o restrain_v this_o power_n to_o we_o and_o whenever_o man_n expect_v with_o reason_n any_o thing_n from_o he_o it_o must_v be_v ground_v upon_o a_o promise_n on_o which_o we_o may_v hope_v and_o rely_v because_o all_o god_n promise_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o his_o truth_n and_o that_o equal_o certain_a with_o his_o be_v there_o be_v therefore_o no_o promise_n of_o this_o make_v beyond_o the_o age_n and_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o no_o man_n can_v now_o rational_o expect_v any_o inspiration_n to_o confirm_v their_o pretension_n so_o neither_o can_v other_o with_o sobriety_n believe_v they_o 2._o inspiration_n to_o prescribe_v new_a rule_n to_o the_o world_n be_v so_o needless_a after_o a_o complete_a law_n be_v already_o give_v that_o be_v to_o be_v so_o last_a and_o perpetual_a as_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v they_o now_o to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o it_o they_o will_v abolish_v and_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o the_o pretender_n be_v inspire_v only_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n reveal_v there_o this_o second_o inspiration_n will_v appear_v needless_a and_o so_o tax_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o do_v so_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a a_o thing_n to_o no_o purpose_n because_o there_o be_v the_o same_o rule_v already_o reveal_v write_v down_o in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o almighty_a god_n notwithstanding_o the_o diligent_a and_o furious_a attempt_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o interrupt_v the_o conveyance_n hand_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o yet_o remain_v public_a and_o open_a among_o ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o language_n that_o all_o may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o continuance_n of_o man_n distinct_a from_o the_o multitude_n who_o by_o a_o different_a manner_n of_o live_v and_o education_n be_v enable_v and_o bind_v by_o a_o special_a duty_n to_o read_v and_o interpret_v these_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n render_v a_o new_a inspiration_n useless_a to_o deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n which_o art_n and_o human_a industry_n can_v do_v god_n may_v indeed_o if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v have_v continue_v his_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n by_o write_v they_o daily_o in_o every_o man_n breast_n and_o inspire_v every_o individual_a among_o we_o but_o if_o he_o have_v do_v so_o at_o first_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n nor_o our_o saviour_n own_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n but_o only_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o and_o if_o it_o be_v afterward_o continue_v it_o will_v render_v preach_v and_o read_v a_o write_a word_n useless_a ease_v we_o of_o much_o pain_n and_o toil_n and_o all_o our_o inspire_a and_o blow_v up_o man_n of_o give_v themselves_o or_o other_o the_o trouble_n to_o come_v to_o preach_v or_o to_o hear_v they_o at_o a_o conventicle_n and_o so_o inspire_a man_n compendious_o preach_v away_o their_o own_o office_n yet_o our_o saviour_n constitute_v a_o stand_a ministry_n who_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 28.18_o 19_o and_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o our_o bless_a lord_n ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o constitute_v in_o his_o stead_n to_o continue_v his_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o preside_v over_o his_o church_n some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n several_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n suitable_a to_o age_n and_o various_a employment_n to_o preserve_v the_o institution_n doctrine_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o remain_v so_o long_o till_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o successive_a age_n and_o generation_n of_o man_n may_v come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4_o the_o from_o the_o 8_o the_o to_o the_o 13_o the_o verse_n now_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o a_o stand_a ministry_n throughout_o the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v to_o endure_v until_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n sufficient_o baffle_v all_o expectation_n of_o any_o particular_a and_o continue_a inspiration_n to_o effect_v the_o same_o which_o the_o ministry_n assist_v by_o the_o receive_a rule_n and_o ordinary_a conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n can_v well_o accomplish_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o one_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o other_o that_o none_o but_o madman_n can_v believe_v both_o and_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v disease_v and_o lunatic_n can_v expect_v inspiration_n to_o such_o purpose_n that_o ever_o consider_v the_o constitution_n of_o christianity_n it_o evacuate_v all_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o suppose_v there_o be_v such_o a_o impulse_n or_o inspiration_n to_o be_v expect_v yet_o how_o shall_v those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o what_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o deliver_v know_v that_o they_o be_v real_o inspire_v who_o so_o confident_o conduct_v and_o lead_v the_o people_n since_o they_o do_v no_o real_a miracle_n nor_o use_v such_o convince_a argument_n either_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o principle_n they_o propound_v