fervency_n and_o devotion_n for_o they_o for_o if_o you_o be_v evil_a say_v our_o saviour_n know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_o 11.13_o and_o since_o god_n be_v so_o bountiful_a to_o we_o let_v we_o not_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o for_o when_o we_o shall_v with_o retirement_n consider_v how_o numerous_a and_o potent_a our_o sin_n be_v which_o must_v all_o in_o their_o habit_n be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v how_o many_o turbulent_a or_o entice_a temptation_n we_o have_v to_o oppose_v that_o be_v ready_a every_o day_n to_o conquer_v we_o and_o steal_v invisible_o to_o our_o most_o secret_a entertainment_n how_o many_o passion_n we_o have_v to_o calm_v and_o moderate_a which_o upon_o every_o suitable_a and_o tempt_v occasion_n endeavour_n to_o make_v a_o insurrection_n against_o our_o reason_n how_o many_o personal_a and_o relative_a duty_n we_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o a_o wise_a and_o pious_a order_v our_o conversation_n how_o the_o suggestion_n of_o our_o own_o flesh_n the_o injection_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o malice_n and_o defilement_n of_o the_o world_n will_v endeavour_v to_o oppose_v and_o obstruct_v our_o progress_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o black_a passage_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n and_o god_n know_v what_o dismal_a encounter_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o our_o way_n to_o they_o what_o fear_n will_v then_o sudden_o arise_v to_o baffle_v our_o hope_n and_o make_v our_o faith_n ready_a to_o expire_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o weakness_n and_o miserable_a infirmity_n in_o a_o word_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o work_n we_o have_v to_o do_v how_o little_a time_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o what_o great_a disproportion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o power_n it_o will_v not_o only_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n to_o rise_v and_o be_v do_v but_o to_o take_v the_o armour_n of_o god_n for_o our_o defence_n and_o to_o pray_v to_o heaven_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n since_o this_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o relation_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o certain_o what_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o our_o safe_a conduct_n to_o that_o haven_n where_o we_o will_v be_v and_o which_o god_n design_n for_o our_o eternal_a rest_n and_o shelter_n from_o all_o tempest_n and_o future_a storm_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v distrust_v the_o spirit_n influence_n and_o operation_n nor_o to_o make_v ourselves_o uncapable_a of_o the_o favour_n by_o testify_v our_o unwillingness_n to_o receive_v it_o by_o perpetual_o oppose_v and_o dispute_v against_o it_o for_o last_o this_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n be_v from_o the_o scripture_n infallible_o certain_a to_o those_o that_o at_o once_o both_o want_n and_o beg_v it_o and_o do_v prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o why_o otherwise_o shall_v our_o saviour_n give_v this_o assurance_n to_o his_o disciple_n that_o god_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o nay_o what_o become_v of_o those_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o engage_v god_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o assist_v good_a man_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o support_v they_o under_o all_o their_o misery_n and_o misfortune_n if_o we_o be_v altogether_o leave_v to_o ourselves_o to_o pursue_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o to_o stand_v only_o upon_o our_o own_o leg_n without_o any_o superior_a help_n or_o influence_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v help_v our_o infirmity_n rom._n 8.26_o but_o this_o will_v be_v false_a if_o we_o have_v either_o none_o that_o require_v his_o assistance_n or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o condescend_v to_o supply_v our_o want_n s._n john_n make_v this_o vinculum_fw-la unionis_fw-la this_o bond_n of_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o character_n by_o which_o we_o may_v distinguish_v ourselves_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o john_n 4.13_o and_o s._n paul_n full_o agree_v with_o s._n john_n for_o say_v he_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o rom._n 8.9_o i_o know_v with_o what_o great_a industry_n these_o and_o other_o text_n have_v be_v restrain_v to_o that_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n by_o which_o we_o know_v and_o discern_v our_o condition_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o gracious_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n co-opperating_a with_o our_o endeavour_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v separate_v in_o our_o judgement_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o cause_n but_o by_o this_o divine_a and_o glorious_a effect_n but_o yet_o where_o this_o be_v visible_a in_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o virtuous_a action_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o exclude_v the_o cause_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v principal_o include_v in_o the_o expression_n for_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v this_o spirit_n that_o christian_n have_v to_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a nay_o a_o branch_n also_o of_o that_o power_n which_o shall_v hereafter_o raise_v we_o too_o for_o it_o follow_v he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v our_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o because_o our_o body_n be_v here_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v eternal_o in_o their_o ruive_v but_o will_v hereafter_o re-edify_a and_o raise_v they_o because_o they_o be_v once_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o spirit_n hence_o be_v believer_n say_v to_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o their_o inheritance_n ephes_n 1.13_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v advise_v in_o the_o same_o epistle_n not_o to_o grieve_v this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o their_o redemption_n eph._n 4.30_o now_o though_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v seal_v up_o for_o heaven_n by_o a_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n upon_o earth_n that_o this_o prepare_v we_o for_o future_a glory_n and_o that_o if_o this_o disposition_n be_v not_o in_o we_o we_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v as_o harsh_a a_o speech_n as_o can_v be_v admit_v in_o any_o language_n to_o say_v that_o this_o holy_a temper_n of_o mind_n shall_v raise_v we_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n since_o the_o wicked_a be_v then_o raise_v too_o or_o to_o say_v that_o any_o man_n voluntary_o grieve_v this_o divine_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n when_o the_o man_n than_o grieve_v himself_o these_o expression_n therefore_o must_v certain_o intend_v more_o than_o this_o and_o they_o can_v scarce_o admit_v of_o a_o fair_a interpretation_n without_o expound_v they_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o now_o cooperate_a with_o our_o faculty_n produce_v in_o we_o divine_a temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o so_o prepare_v we_o for_o that_o inheritance_n which_o he_o shall_v raise_v we_o up_o from_o our_o grave_n to_o possess_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v first_o promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o christian_a disciple_n under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o comforter_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o how_o can_v he_o be_v both_o or_o either_o if_o he_o do_v not_o influence_n their_o mind_n with_o joy_n and_o knowledge_n the_o spirit_n itself_o say_v the_o apostle_n bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o it_o do_v not_o only_o testify_v unto_o other_o by_o those_o miracle_n that_o do_v confirm_v their_o religion_n and_o consequent_o prove_v those_o that_o do_v sincere_o embrace_v it_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o religion_n but_o it_o evidence_v these_o thing_n also_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o sacred_a benediction_n and_o a_o divine_a and_o more_o immediate_a concurrence_n with_o they_o when_o they_o compare_v their_o life_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o consequent_o prove_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o god_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o argument_n the_o apostle_n be_v there_o prosecute_a to_o give_v they_o comfort_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o tribulation_n and_o to_o animate_v their_o courage_n and_o resolution_n against_o the_o suffering_n of_o that_o present_a time_n the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n visible_a in_o a_o christian_n life_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n
value_n of_o thing_n before_o we_o receive_v they_o that_o counterfeit_a coin_n may_v not_o claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n with_o what_o be_v instamp_v with_o caesar_n image_n nor_o a_o entrance_n open_v for_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n ride_v in_o a_o kirk_n bear_v on_o the_o back_n of_o those_o that_o know_v not_o what_o they_o carry_v that_o they_o may_v bring_v popery_n in_o triumph_n to_o we_o like_o the_o grecian_n lodge_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o that_o wooden_a and_o insensible_a horse_n that_o enter_v troy_n and_o sack_v the_o city_n and_o so_o gain_v that_o by_o a_o easy_a strategem_fw-la which_o ten_o year_n siege_n can_v not_o effect_v for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n if_o man_n will_v now_o hearken_v to_o any_o i_o have_v choose_v this_o subject_a to_o discourse_n on_o that_o if_o possible_a we_o may_v separate_v the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o doctrine_n of_o apostle_n and_o those_o of_o devil_n and_o mark_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v from_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n that_o name_n may_v no_o long_o confound_v thing_n nor_o satan_n be_v receive_v by_o any_o of_o we_o though_o he_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n lest_o we_o mistake_v that_o for_o samuel_n in_o his_o mantle_n which_o only_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n raise_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v into_o the_o world_n and_o from_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v raise_v my_o discourse_n in_o this_o epistle_n s._n john_n endeavour_v to_o confirm_v christian_n in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o give_v they_o sufficient_a caution_n to_o beware_v 1_o of_o such_o heresy_n as_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n such_o as_o interfere_v with_o the_o great_a doctrine_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o messiah_n such_o as_o under_o some_o great_a pretence_n of_o purity_n and_o preciseness_n may_v introduce_v faction_n and_o schism_n and_o dissolve_v that_o strict_a love_n and_o union_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o thing_n some_o be_v prone_a unto_o in_o the_o first_o and_o early_a time_n of_o christianity_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o church_n have_v put_v forth_o leaf_n the_o caterpillar_n be_v ready_a to_o devour_v they_o 2._o because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o jewish_a superstition_n and_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o a_o sect_n be_v now_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n have_v provide_v principle_n which_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n may_v equal_o suit_v with_o both_o or_o either_o and_o so_o can_v shelter_v themselves_o from_o one_o storm_n and_o raise_v another_o if_o the_o wind_n blow_v from_o either_o quarter_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o bid_v man_n to_o beware_v of_o idolatry_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a renunciation_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o heresy_n will_v both_o maim_n and_o wound_v it_o little_a child_n say_v he_o keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n and_o what_o he_o close_v his_o epistle_n with_o be_v what_o we_o all_o close_a our_o prayer_n with_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v also_o deliver_v from_o the_o insinuation_n or_o society_n of_o both_o these_o sort_n let_v all_o the_o people_n say_v amen_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o design_n of_o our_o apostle_n we_o may_v plain_o see_v how_o suitable_a this_o whole_a epistle_n be_v to_o the_o present_a humour_n and_o distraction_n among_o we_o and_o how_o soon_o be_v the_o advice_n embrace_v it_o will_v cure_v we_o of_o those_o languish_a distemper_n under_o which_o we_o seem_v to_o faint_v and_o die_v the_o extremity_n of_o disease_n vex_v and_o torture_v we_o and_o no_o soon_o have_v we_o get_v off_o a_o cold_a fit_a which_o make_v we_o almost_o shake_v and_o shiver_v into_o ash_n but_o the_o hot_a one_o come_v on_o which_o fire_n and_o almost_o be_v ready_a to_o consume_v we_o nay_o a_o strange_a mixture_n of_o both_o encounter_n we_o rather_o than_o we_o shall_v recover_v and_o live_v and_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o constitution_n be_v able_a to_o baffle_v whilst_o separate_v and_o apart_o be_v conjoin_v create_v a_o new_a disease_n which_o trouble_v the_o physician_n and_o put_v he_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o skill_n though_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o baffle_v he_o or_o leave_v we_o to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o vermin_n or_o the_o great_a disease_n and_o pest_n of_o man_n let_v we_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o this_o apostle_n that_o what_o ever_o injury_n our_o body_n may_v suffer_v which_o in_o too_o many_o be_v martyr_n already_o by_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o mind_n our_o soul_n may_v be_v safe_a and_o secure_a and_o keep_v unblameable_a to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v we_o be_v unite_v in_o our_o common_a profession_n not_o stagger_v with_o the_o high_a pretence_n of_o other_o nor_o let_v we_o yet_o relax_v our_o diligence_n from_o the_o discourse_n of_o any_o that_o will_v at_o all_o adventure_n be_v secure_a among_o ourselves_o but_o whatever_o notion_n of_o infallibility_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o present_a and_o particular_a inspiration_n on_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v present_v to_o we_o to_o debauch_v we_o from_o our_o principle_n let_v we_o well_o examine_v before_o we_o believe_v receive_v nothing_o that_o may_v contradict_v natural_a religion_n or_o what_o be_v superad_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o public_a and_o plain_o declare_v revelation_n to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o addition_n to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n spirit_n here_o be_v plain_o mean_v any_o one_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n or_o assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n publish_v any_o new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o include_v both_o papist_n and_o enthusiast_n the_o one_o tie_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o chair_n of_o the_o pope_n the_o other_o to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o fancy_n and_o this_o interpretation_n as_o it_o be_v general_o assent_v to_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a to_o every_o man_n that_o will_v either_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o epistle_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v come_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o any_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n teach_v lest_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o into_o snare_n that_o may_v captivate_v and_o destroy_v our_o soul_n now_o although_o this_o caution_n of_o saint_n john_n primary_o relate_v to_o the_o gnostick_n defection_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o direction_n to_o all_o age_n and_o may_v guard_v we_o from_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o man_n that_o under_o a_o specious_a authority_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n vent_v false_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n in_o any_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o both_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o argument_n to_o enforce_v it_o will_v be_v of_o a_o perpetual_a concernment_n as_o long_o as_o false_a prophet_n come_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n yet_o because_o the_o gnostic_n be_v most_o immediate_o reflect_v on_o as_o be_v the_o antichrist_n so_o early_o appear_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o defeat_v this_o religion_n under_o a_o denomination_n from_o it_o boast_v some_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n when_o they_o be_v man_n both_o ignorant_a and_o vile_a we_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n caution_n man_n to_o beware_v of_o these_o who_o fault_n be_v so_o scandalous_a that_o they_o seem_v manifest_a to_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o general_a the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o any_o error_n that_o may_v gratify_v themselves_o and_o become_v either_o their_o security_n or_o pleasure_n be_v the_o same_o why_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v neither_o be_v forgive_v in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v because_o the_o gnostic_n plain_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n although_o by_o a_o different_a argument_n from_o the_o former_a the_o former_a against_o who_o that_o severe_a though_o deserve_v sentence_n be_v pronounce_v invalidate_v all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n which_o prove_v
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
unto_o the_o world_n their_o coherence_n with_o any_o thing_n already_o reveal_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n to_o persuade_v any_o reasonable_o to_o embrace_v they_o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o inspiration_n itself_o be_v a_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o he_o that_o deliver_v principle_n to_o the_o world_n and_o reason_n enough_o for_o any_o to_o embrace_v they_o yet_o however_o the_o inspiration_n must_v still_o be_v prove_v as_o it_o have_v always_o be_v by_o miracle_n and_o those_o not_o false_a but_o real_a because_o otherwise_o every_o one_o that_o have_v confidence_n and_o wickedness_n enough_o to_o pretend_v to_o a_o impulse_n and_o call_v from_o heaven_n may_v impose_v what_o he_o please_v on_o the_o world_n and_o they_o must_v without_o examination_n believe_v it_o this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o render_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n useless_a and_o degrade_v they_o into_o the_o silly_a nature_n of_o a_o beast_n that_o be_v bridle_v and_o saddle_v be_v turn_v which_o way_n soever_o the_o rider_n please_v nay_o it_o will_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a and_o new_a method_n as_o miraculous_a nay_o more_o than_o the_o pretender_n inspiration_n to_o make_v the_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n both_o true_a if_o all_o those_o who_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a to_o we_o than_o that_o various_a sect_n opposite_a to_o one_o another_o distant_a to_o a_o total_a separation_n pretend_v all_o to_o be_v thus_o inspire_v and_o if_o what_o upon_o this_o they_o presume_v to_o deliver_v be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o message_n be_v direct_v and_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v direct_v unto_o all_o how_o can_v we_o since_o their_o confidence_n be_v equal_a know_v which_o to_o adhere_v to_o since_o all_o come_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o receive_v the_o opinion_n of_o all_o because_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v some_o man_n among_o we_o that_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o zodiac_n and_o their_o want_n of_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n not_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o pole_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o tremble_v and_o shake_v like_o a_o needle_n through_o all_o the_o point_n of_o the_o compass_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v by_o degree_n not_o at_o once_o but_o by_o succession_n but_o in_o the_o case_n we_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n many_o pretend_v to_o have_v thing_n reveal_v that_o yet_o thwart_a and_o encounter_v one_o another_o and_o all_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o embrace_v at_o once_o these_o several_a proposition_n be_v plain_o impossible_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v to_o make_v our_o choice_n we_o be_v either_o apparent_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a when_o all_o come_v with_o the_o same_o authority_n or_o else_o we_o open_o forsake_v the_o argument_n of_o inspiration_n and_o stand_v and_o examine_v these_o doctrine_n by_o a_o rule_n and_o instead_o of_o believe_v every_o spirit_n we_o try_v they_o but_o if_o man_n will_v notwithstanding_o these_o plain_a and_o palpable_a absurdity_n presume_v still_o to_o thrust_v such_o wild_a pretension_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v by_o confidence_n not_o argument_n i_o will_v willing_o have_v they_o to_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o what_o their_o pretend_a inspiration_n mean_n and_o what_o that_o impulse_n usual_o effect_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o make_v they_o so_o confident_a that_o they_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v or_o do_v they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o their_o own_o melancholy_n or_o thought_n brood_v to_o hatch_v a_o opinion_n do_v they_o find_v any_o more_o than_o their_o persuasion_n heighten_v and_o their_o assurance_n of_o what_o they_o be_v before_o willing_a to_o believe_v bold_a and_o strong_a and_o thus_o inflame_v they_o with_o a_o zeal_n to_o maintain_v what_o inordinate_a thought_n have_v produce_v strong_a resolution_n to_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o certain_o it_o be_v every_o man_n who_o be_v thus_o raise_v will_v have_v the_o same_o authority_n with_o another_o and_o opposite_a opinion_n which_o be_v yet_o impossible_a must_v at_o once_o be_v embrace_v by_o man_n because_o the_o authority_n upon_o which_o their_o certainty_n be_v ground_v be_v feel_v by_o all_o though_o understand_v by_o neither_o and_o to_o other_o there_o seem_v the_o same_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n in_o the_o teacher_n of_o these_o different_a opinion_n our_o own_o reason_n therefore_o without_o a_o inspiration_n will_v ready_o teach_v we_o that_o since_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o a_o inspiration_n from_o which_o all_o these_o several_a man_n pretend_v be_v but_o one_o and_o what_o it_o deliver_v always_o consistent_a these_o man_n can_v be_v inspire_v but_o they_o take_v their_o dream_n for_o a_o converse_n with_o spirit_n their_o melancholy_a fancy_n for_o inspiration_n the_o disease_n of_o their_o body_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o their_o own_o thought_n to_o be_v revelation_n and_o in_o short_a only_o think_v themselves_o awake_v when_o they_o be_v indeed_o asleep_a nay_o we_o may_v far_o raise_v our_o distrust_n and_o boldness_n towards_o these_o man_n because_o we_o know_v that_o confidence_n assurance_n and_o real_a belief_n of_o what_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n receive_v degree_n of_o accession_n and_o strength_n as_o well_o by_o thought_n conversation_n and_o argument_n as_o by_o any_o impulse_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v nay_o many_o time_n subtlety_n pride_n impudence_n and_o wilfulness_n will_v maintain_v a_o thing_n with_o as_o great_a eagerness_n and_o zeal_n as_o if_o man_n have_v be_v real_o inspire_v the_o devil_n can_v do_v much_o to_o heighten_v man_n persuasion_n and_o they_o may_v do_v much_o to_o heighten_v their_o own_o and_o argument_n that_o man_n conjecture_v to_o arrive_v at_o a_o complete_a demonstration_n of_o a_o point_n will_v make_v they_o as_o tenacious_a of_o a_o opinion_n especial_o where_o they_o may_v appear_v singular_a as_o any_o impulse_n or_o inspiration_n now_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o perplex_v cause_n that_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n it_o will_v be_v difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a for_o man_n that_o adhere_v not_o to_o a_o rule_n of_o trial_n to_o come_v to_o a_o particular_a and_o exact_a determination_n and_o to_o satisfy_v either_o other_o or_o themselves_o to_o what_o cause_n they_o may_v attribute_v the_o effect_n if_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a cause_n where_o the_o effect_n yet_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o or_o to_o know_v the_o cause_n by_o the_o different_a impression_n variety_n of_o impulse_n make_v upon_o their_o spirit_n by_o which_o a_o object_n be_v convey_v to_o their_o understanding_n and_o by_o a_o distinct_a method_n by_o which_o the_o image_n of_o thing_n become_v figure_v in_o the_o brain_n this_o can_v be_v no_o conviction_n to_o other_o until_o it_o be_v explain_v nor_o any_o to_o themselves_o unless_o they_o certain_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o which_o if_o they_o do_v they_o be_v as_o well_o able_a to_o express_v this_o as_o they_o be_v the_o proposition_n which_o as_o they_o pretend_v be_v reveal_v to_o they_o but_o i_o fear_v this_o attempt_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a because_o i_o can_v find_v upon_o strict_a consideration_n and_o retirement_n but_o that_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v always_o alike_o and_o the_o same_o percussion_n upon_o and_o convulsion_n in_o the_o nerve_n to_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o understand_v and_o believe_v whether_o it_o be_v truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o be_v represent_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o the_o object_n seem_v to_o be_v true_a it_o make_v a_o like_a impression_n as_o if_o it_o be_v so_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o enthusiast_n to_o distinguish_v a_o inspiration_n from_o god_n from_o a_o suggestion_n by_o the_o devil_n if_o he_o forsake_v thâ—_n rule_n and_o the_o public_a sentiment_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n therefore_o we_o see_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v either_o to_o be_v startle_v with_o the_o vain_a pretence_n of_o man_n or_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o every_o spirit_n since_o upon_o such_o ground_n the_o devil_n may_v be_v entertain_v for_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o the_o discovery_n we_o make_v may_v as_o well_o be_v by_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n as_o by_o beam_n dart_v from_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n chap._n iii_o now_o from_o the_o precedent_n discourse_n upon_o the_o caution_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o infer_v 1_o the_o
it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o know_v or_o our_o frail_a capacity_n can_v receive_v so_o that_o we_o may_v accommodate_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n thou_o shall_v guide_v we_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v we_o to_o glory_n psal_n 73.24_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n still_o guide_v we_o into_o as_o far_o as_o our_o frailty_n be_v able_a to_o comport_v with_o his_o method_n and_o influence_n he_o do_v not_o now_o come_v among_o man_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o speak_v divers_a language_n or_o to_o work_v miracle_n among_o those_o who_o have_v the_o record_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o yet_o to_o reveal_v such_o secret_n as_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o proper_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o he_o do_v not_o help_v we_o to_o search_v into_o the_o closet_n and_o decree_n of_o heaven_n no_o more_o than_o he_o discover_v the_o counsel_n of_o prince_n nor_o do_v he_o elevate_v man_n understanding_n to_o distract_v themselves_o with_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o they_o but_o have_v give_v the_o law_n of_o life_n he_o guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n chap._n xiii_o have_v thus_o far_o accomplish_v my_o design_n in_o confute_v man_n false_a pretension_n to_o inspiration_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o due_a examination_n of_o other_o write_n and_o my_o own_o thought_n raise_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a either_o by_o my_o converse_v with_o or_o observation_n from_o other_o man_n for_o i_o dare_v not_o call_v any_o thing_n my_o own_o so_o as_o to_o be_v any_o first_o inventor_n have_v no_o common-place-book_n to_o direct_v i_o or_o else_o from_o some_o superior_a benediction_n upon_o human_a endeavour_n which_o i_o have_v attempt_v in_o some_o part_n to_o prove_v and_o vindicate_v and_o to_o show_v in_o this_o all_o that_o i_o believe_v or_o can_v at_o this_o time_n explain_v in_o any_o measure_n unto_o other_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o far_o use_v make_v of_o this_o writing_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o a_o few_o brief_a observation_n and_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a or_o some_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o first_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o in_o matter_n or_o religion_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o his_o belief_n or_o practice_n as_o far_o as_o he_o have_v ability_n and_o capacity_n to_o understand_v because_o s._n john_n exhort_v all_o man_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o this_o will_v neither_o seem_v to_o be_v absurd_a or_o impossible_a when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o be_v man_n endue_v with_o rational_a faculty_n that_o we_o have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v plain_a that_o be_v universal_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n that_o we_o have_v guide_n appoint_v to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o what_o be_v difficult_a and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n promise_v to_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o which_o god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o who_o in_o earnest_a prayer_n devout_o ask_v it_o and_o which_o be_v present_a with_o he_o in_o all_o emergence_n till_o by_o a_o vicious_a life_n he_o strange_o grieve_v he_o and_o by_o a_o obstinate_a continuance_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n he_o provoke_v it_o total_o to_o withdraw_v from_o he_o be_v there_o a_o human_a throne_n of_o infallibility_n erect_v to_o which_o all_o other_o may_v appeal_v and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o he_o that_o possess_v it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o a_o apostle_n direction_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o since_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o the_o scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o no_o such_o human_a infallibility_n but_o assure_v we_o that_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n as_o it_o produce_v the_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o man_n to_o settle_v his_o own_o notion_n in_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n propound_v to_o his_o belief_n or_o which_o be_v design_v to_o guide_v his_o practice_n before_o he_o believe_v and_o entertain_v they_o make_v god_n word_n his_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a and_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o those_o guide_n and_o teacher_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o set_v over_o he_o in_o those_o point_n that_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a and_o this_o if_o do_v with_o that_o humility_n devout_a prayer_n for_o god_n assistance_n and_o true_a industry_n which_o become_v a_o man_n in_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o that_o of_o religion_n will_v either_o find_v out_o all_o truth_n or_o if_o he_o remain_v in_o any_o error_n it_o will_v be_v such_o as_o god_n will_v never_o condemn_v he_o for_o since_o the_o most_o gracious_a god_n will_v never_o expect_v from_o mankind_n that_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n shall_v exceed_v the_o cacapacity_n of_o their_o reception_n and_o what_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o appointment_n can_v help_v they_o to_o nor_o that_o either_o their_o belief_n or_o action_n shall_v ever_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o their_o being_n and_o those_o that_o so_o studious_o and_o industrious_o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o man_n reason_n and_o examination_n about_o the_o doctrine_n they_o propound_v render_v their_o opinion_n thing_n to_o be_v very_o much_o suspect_v and_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a when_o they_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o as_o for_o that_o peace_n among_o christian_n that_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o where_o else_o boast_v a_o establishment_n and_o continuance_n of_o whilst_o protestant_n be_v crumble_v into_o sect_n and_o division_n we_o may_v easy_o reply_v that_o they_o have_v their_o controversy_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o party_n among_o they_o that_o oppose_v each_o other_o with_o a_o equal_a heat_n and_o eagerness_n in_o dispute_n with_o other_o mortal_n and_o be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o several_a denomination_n even_o as_o the_o jesuit_n difference_n themselves_o from_o all_o be_v such_o swear_a vassal_n to_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o support_v it_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n let_v the_o romanist_n and_o other_o therefore_o first_o pull_v the_o mote_n out_o of_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o they_o may_v the_o better_o see_v to_o pull_v the_o beam_n out_o of_o another_o but_o why_o may_v not_o such_o peace_n and_o order_n as_o be_v convenient_a and_o perhaps_o as_o much_o as_o can_v ever_o be_v obtain_v be_v preserve_v among_o man_n profess_v christianity_n by_o the_o public_a authority_n check_v the_o disorderly_a action_n of_o man_n without_o impose_v setter_n on_o their_o belief_n which_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o compel_v or_o punish_v either_o if_o man_n be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o keep_v it_o to_o themselves_o and_o not_o trouble_v other_o by_o discourse_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v do_v as_o well_o as_o authority_n keep_v man_n in_o a_o tolerable_a order_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o management_n of_o secular_a affair_n though_o he_o that_o administer_v it_o be_v not_o infallible_a nor_o do_v all_o that_o be_v subject_n still_o concur_v in_o opinion_n with_o he_o preserve_v therefore_o your_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o use_v it_o too_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v lead_v like_o blind_a man_n when_o you_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v and_o help_v to_o assist_v they_o when_o they_o wax_v dim_a and_o then_o have_v settle_v yourselves_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n second_o let_v i_o exhort_v you_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o not_o to_o be_v like_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n roll_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o tempest_n and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v please_v with_o every_o new_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n because_o variety_n in_o other_o thing_n different_a from_o religion_n be_v so_o grateful_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n for_o in_o such_o thing_n they_o may_v have_v their_o choice_n and_o not_o be_v limit_v by_o a_o superior_a power_n but_o our_o option_n in_o relation_n to_o principle_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v direct_v by_o a_o superior_a rule_n and_o guide_v and_o have_v once_o find_v out_o this_o we_o must_v not_o vary_v upon_o new_a pretension_n from_o what_o this_o prescribe_v to_o we_o lest_o have_v leave_v those_o path_n that_o shall_v direct_v we_o we_o wander_v about_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o satan_n get_v great_a advantage_n upon_o unsteady_a mind_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v a_o new_a impression_n
frenzy_n and_o than_o their_o pretension_n grow_v so_o big_a that_o they_o become_v proportionable_o tall_a too_o till_o they_o aspire_v to_o the_o storm_a the_o wall_n of_o heaven_n attempt_v to_o blow_v open_a the_o everlasting_a gate_n that_o they_o may_v pry_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o the_o inquiry_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o be_v puff_v and_o swell_v up_o it_o prove_v only_o to_o be_v tympany_n and_o disease_n when_o we_o think_v we_o have_v true_a conception_n and_o when_o our_o own_o thought_n have_v raise_v our_o fancy_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n overshadow_v we_o and_o our_o obscure_a opinion_n or_o strange_a proposition_n raise_v by_o the_o sudden_a transport_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v too_o often_o with_o confidence_n enough_o bold_o aver_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n want_v of_o true_a and_o ingenuous_a education_n and_o thereby_o the_o more_o exact_a assistance_n of_o reason_n cause_v many_o of_o those_o who_o will_v be_v account_v more_o spiritual_a than_o other_o man_n to_o think_v themselves_o inspire_v from_o above_o when_o a_o unusual_a fear_n a_o sudden_a joy_n or_o a_o powerful_a disease_n have_v bring_v convulsion_n into_o their_o nerve_n and_o seize_v their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n with_o a_o palsy_n so_o that_o all_o their_o notion_n be_v joge_v into_o a_o confusion_n and_o their_o faculty_n can_v neither_o embrace_v or_o pursue_v their_o proper_a object_n but_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o the_o thought_n or_o expectation_n of_o such_o man_n be_v lift_v to_o a_o height_n wait_v for_o a_o impulse_n sigh_v and_o groan_v for_o a_o unusual_a influence_n vain_a be_v those_o hope_n where_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n and_o uncertain_a that_o rule_n of_o determination_n of_o thing_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v fallible_a and_o deceitful_a and_o yet_o thus_o be_v all_o the_o expectation_n of_o those_o who_o think_v the_o spirit_n guide_v they_o into_o truth_n by_o other_o mean_n than_o what_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o or_o to_o any_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o religious_a action_n than_o what_o be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o thence_o draw_v by_o a_o fair_a and_o true_o logical_a deduction_n if_o you_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o trouble_n to_o examine_v a_o little_a all_o the_o pretend_a impulse_n of_o man_n their_o great_a variety_n will_v evince_v their_o folly_n and_o their_o opposition_n to_o each_o other_o their_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n be_v there_o any_o sect_n pretend_v to_o enthusiasm_n that_o do_v not_o peremptory_o and_o with_o the_o great_a confidence_n assert_v the_o spirit_n internal_a seal_n to_o their_o principle_n although_o just_a opposite_a to_o each_o other_o and_o all_o perhaps_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v the_o great_a fountain_n which_o yet_o divide_v into_o so_o many_o stream_n who_o water_n all_o have_v different_a taste_n according_a to_o the_o channel_n in_o which_o they_o run_v and_o the_o variety_n of_o soil_n through_o which_o they_o pass_v this_o be_v make_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v still_o but_o one_o this_o make_v man_n divide_v from_o one_o another_o and_o all_o from_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v belong_v prove_v each_o other_o doctrine_n erroneous_a and_o all_o still_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n as_o if_o the_o god_n of_o order_n delight_v in_o division_n and_o different_a religion_n like_o variety_n of_o creature_n proclaim_v god_n wisdom_n and_o his_o power_n when_o he_o have_v now_o enjoin_v one_o faith_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o set_v up_o his_o banner_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o flock_n to_o it_o divers_a language_n indeed_o be_v once_o a_o character_n of_o inspiration_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o different_a creed_n be_v never_o yet_o the_o fruit_n of_o he_o that_o be_v but_o one_o that_o truth_n which_o the_o spirit_n guide_v man_n into_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o plain_a uniform_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o whoever_o pretend_v to_o any_o inspiration_n to_o deliver_v a_o doctrine_n different_a from_o this_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n whilst_o he_o pretend_v his_o inward_a seal_n public_o to_o attest_v a_o open_a falsehood_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o spirit_n impulse_n in_o these_o age_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v have_v some_o certain_a character_n by_o which_o we_o may_v know_v it_o as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v and_o if_o we_o make_v it_o a_o argument_n to_o convince_v other_o we_o must_v work_v miracle_n to_o attest_v its_o original_n the_o latter_a none_o of_o the_o enthusiast_n pretend_v to_o or_o when_o ever_o their_o madness_n have_v attempt_v this_o testimony_n no_o soon_o do_v they_o dubb_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o prophet_n but_o they_o be_v discover_v to_o be_v plain_a cheat_n if_o they_o pretend_v a_o way_n to_o evidence_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o divine_a breath_n to_o give_v they_o a_o warrant_v for_o doctrine_n or_o action_n not_o consonant_a to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o do_v not_o only_o render_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a but_o make_v god_n to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o wound_v that_o eternal_a truth_n of_o the_o deity_n into_o which_o we_o ultimate_o resolve_v our_o belief_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o impulse_n itself_o and_o we_o shall_v perceive_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o what_o uncertainty_n such_o man_n must_v be_v miserable_o toss_v who_o suppose_v what_o they_o deem_v such_o to_o be_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o what_o they_o then_o think_v on_o and_o propose_v to_o themselves_o what_o strange_a and_o impious_a action_n have_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o supposal_n i_o need_v not_o now_o relate_v because_o they_o have_v make_v such_o noise_n and_o ruin_n among_o ourselves_o that_o they_o be_v still_o fresh_a among_o we_o but_o to_o proceed_v with_o this_o suppose_a impulse_n or_o impression_n upon_o man_n mind_n by_o which_o desert_v the_o scripture_n some_o enthusiastical_a man_n will_v take_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o action_n i_o know_v not_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v the_o heighten_v our_o persuasion_n make_v our_o belief_n of_o a_o thing_n bold_a and_o strong_a and_o our_o resolution_n to_o act_n and_o maintain_v it_o fix_v and_o zealous_a and_o if_o this_o be_v what_o they_o make_v a_o rule_n or_o a_o character_n of_o the_o spirit_n guidance_n since_o we_o find_v but_o little_a difference_n when_o we_o view_v this_o suppose_a operation_n in_o person_n of_o various_a nay_o opposite_a principle_n we_o must_v either_o conclude_v what_o all_o deliver_v under_o this_o pretence_n to_o be_v true_a or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o conduct_v any_o the_o former_a be_v too_o wild_a a_o position_n for_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o sobriety_n to_o espouse_v and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a must_v be_v true_a beside_o every_o man_n reason_n may_v sufficient_o inform_v he_o that_o our_o persuasion_n and_o determination_n of_o thing_n become_v as_o well_o settle_v and_o fix_v and_o have_v their_o various_a elevation_n or_o depression_n as_o well_o by_o the_o strength_n or_o weakness_n of_o argument_n due_o weigh_v and_o attend_v to_o as_o by_o any_o impulse_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v how_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o know_v what_o our_o reason_n dictate_v and_o what_o we_o be_v confirm_v in_o by_o strength_n of_o argument_n from_o what_o the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o seal_v by_o a_o impulse_n or_o impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n how_o shall_v we_o distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o strong_a fancy_n a_o settle_a opinion_n and_o this_o pretend_v inspire_v doctrine_n nay_o how_o can_v we_o difference_n without_o recur_v to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o will_v render_v this_o new_a impulse_n useless_a the_o impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o a_o secret_a temptation_n and_o a_o subtle_a suggestion_n from_o he_o who_o be_v our_o great_a adversary_n if_o we_o dare_v adventure_v to_o be_v so_o critical_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o new_a discovery_n and_o such_o a_o rare_a ability_n to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o motion_n which_o these_o several_a impulse_n make_v since_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o action_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n if_o the_o perception_n be_v not_o above_o reason_n miraculous_a the_o same_o convulsion_n and_o percussion_n on_o the_o nerve_n to_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o understand_v and_o believe_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o be_v represent_v a_o truth_n from_o god_n or_o a_o diabolical_a delusion_n how_o can_v the_o rare_a and_o most_o artificial_a enthusiast_n distinguish_v betwixt_o