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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n holy_a person_n trinity_n 8,176 5 10.0802 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54944 A discourse concerning the trial of spirits wherein inquiry is made into mens pretences to inspiration for publishing doctrines, in the name of God beyond the rules of the sacred scriptures : in opposition to some principles and practices of papists and fanaticks, as they contradict the doctrines of the Church of England, defined in her Articles of Religion, established by her ecclesiastical canons, and confirmed by acts of Parliament / by Thomas Pittis ... Pittis, Thomas, 1636-1687. 1683 (1683) Wing P2313; ESTC R33964 135,179 370

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a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n wherein_o inquiry_n be_v make_v into_o man_n pretence_n to_o inspiration_n for_o publish_v doctrine_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n beyond_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n in_o opposition_n to_o some_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n as_o they_o contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n define_v in_o her_o article_n of_o religion_n establish_v by_o her_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n and_o confirm_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n by_o thomas_n pittis_n d.d._n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a london_n print_v by_o b.w._n for_o e._n advise_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1683._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a sr._n edward_n worseley_n knight_n colonel_n of_o one_o of_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o country_n militia_n and_o deputy_n governor_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o wight_n honour_a sir_n have_v a_o unexaminable_a opportunity_n of_o publish_v such_o tract_n as_o this_o and_o have_v former_o by_o your_o father_n be_v present_v to_o the_o rectory_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o gatcomb_n in_o the_o bound_n of_o which_o your_o mansion_n house_n be_v seat_v and_o in_o which_o you_o live_v have_v the_o right_a of_o advowson_n undoubted_o in_o yourself_o i_o can_v but_o present_v these_o paper_n to_o you_o as_o be_v the_o inheritor_n of_o your_o father_n estate_n and_o virtue_n too_o and_o of_o his_o great_a kindness_n to_o i_o in_o particular_a which_o you_o yet_o on_o all_o occasion_n continue_v and_o increase_v by_o succeed_a heap_n of_o favour_n i_o need_v not_o relate_v the_o loyalty_n of_o your_o family_n it_o bear_v date_n with_o its_o antiquity_n and_o have_v be_v so_o manifest_v to_o the_o present_a world_n that_o a_o memorial_n of_o i_o will_v be_v its_o disparagement_n and_o upbraid_v the_o memory_n of_o mankind_n all_o know_v who_o brain_n be_v not_o sink_v into_o oblivion_n 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retirement_n in_o defiance_n of_o all_o your_o very_a large_a capacity_n but_o yet_o sir_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o pray_v from_o the_o true_a resentment_n of_o a_o grateful_a mind_n that_o the_o great_a god_n who_o be_v far_o exalt_v above_o all_o being_n will_v continue_v to_o preserve_v your_o most_o loyal_a and_o exceed_o devout_a self_n your_o most_o virtuous_a and_o extraordinary_o pious_a and_o modest_a lady_n and_o the_o two_o gentile_a and_o excellent_a branch_n happy_o spring_v and_o nourish_v too_o from_o you_o who_o be_v the_o root_n of_o both_o much_o long_o than_o i_o in_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o remain_v dear_a sir_n your_o most_o affectionate_a and_o most_o humble_a servant_n tho._n pittis_n london_n nou._n 1._o 1683._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n chap._n i._n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n one_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o be_v frequent_o abuse_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o man_n to_o such_o revelation_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o many_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o first_o inspire_v man_n to_o deliver_v and_o though_o this_o begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n when_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n by_o the_o gnostick_n defection_n begin_v to_o work_v yet_o it_o have_v continue_v and_o improve_v man_n in_o their_o villainy_n throughout_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n nay_o so_o far_o that_o treason_n and_o murder_n and_o open_a rebellion_n be_v consecrate_v by_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v and_o they_o blasphemous_o make_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n that_o breathe_v forth_o peace_n and_o quietness_n upon_o the_o world_n to_o become_v the_o patron_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o disturb_a impiety_n that_o ever_o infest_a the_o society_n of_o mankind_n this_o though_o we_o have_v be_v loath_a to_o believe_v it_o we_o be_v now_o convince_v of_o by_o a_o woeful_a experience_n a_o experience_n which_o have_v be_v purchase_v by_o our_o utter_a ruin_n unless_o god_n providence_n assist_v and_o favour_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o superior_n encourage_v by_o some_o loyal_a and_o unwearied_a resolution_n have_v happy_o prevent_v it_o we_o have_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n both_o pretend_v to_o a_o infallible_a inspiration_n though_o on_o different_a ground_n that_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n under_o a_o show_n to_o advance_v they_o and_o though_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o think_v that_o man_n who_o seem_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o each_o other_o shall_v ever_o reach_v to_o join_v hand_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o the_o same_o principle_n shall_v reconcile_v such_o different_a pretension_n yet_o as_o samson_n fox_n be_v join_v together_o by_o their_o tail_n though_o their_o head_n look_v away_o from_o one_o another_o so_o now_o we_o see_v those_o that_o breath_n inspiration_n from_o the_o pope_n and_o they_o that_o boast_v more_o immediate_a one_o from_o heaven_n confederate_v though_o before_o expect_v by_o the_o most_o observe_v and_o considerate_a man_n to_o house_n the_o corn_n and_o tare_n together_o that_o god_n harvest_n may_v become_v their_o own_o and_o they_o may_v reap_v where_o they_o never_o sow_v and_o certain_o when_o such_o attempt_n both_o by_o a_o separate_a and_o unite_a force_n be_v make_v against_o all_o order_n and_o religion_n intitle_v god_n to_o the_o patronage_n of_o a_o lie_n make_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o crucify_a christ_n under_o a_o pretence_n to_o exalt_v he_o when_o our_o own_o kingdom_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v destroy_v by_o cheat_v we_o out_o of_o our_o property_n and_o our_o life_n with_o a_o specious_a show_n of_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o lift_v up_o his_o sceptre_n our_o sovereign_n must_n first_o be_v break_v in_o piece_n when_o disorder_n tend_v to_o subversion_n and_o ruin_n be_v plain_o legible_a in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n coal_n be_v blow_v to_o set_v all_o our_o house_n on_o fire_n and_o we_o tread_v those_o path_n that_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o confusion_n and_o all_o this_o while_n man_n profess_v to_o be_v serve_v a_o god_n of_o order_n when_o multitude_n pretend_v to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n that_o speak_v contrary_a to_o his_o write_a word_n and_o have_v no_o other_o miracle_n to_o prove_v their_o principle_n but_o the_o strangeness_n of_o their_o villainy_n in_o root_a up_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o society_n when_o so_o much_o brass_n be_v currant_n among_o we_o instead_o of_o gold_n and_o our_o silver_n be_v every_o day_n exchange_v for_o dross_n and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v make_v the_o companion_n of_o owl_n or_o what_o be_v worse_o of_o thief_n and_o murderer_n it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o touchstone_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_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 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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 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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 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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 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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 th●_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
doctrine_n upon_o the_o world_n as_o rule_n for_o all_o to_o submit_v unto_o without_o any_o far_a examination_n and_o if_o they_o must_v be_v examine_v at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v by_o something_o of_o great_a credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n now_o that_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a be_v to_o be_v try_v whether_o true_a or_o false_a be_v plain_a to_o any_o that_o will_v give_v themselves_o leisure_n to_o consider_v not_o only_o that_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o false_a prophet_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o man_n true_a and_o false_a have_v the_o same_o evidence_n but_o that_o god_n himself_o give_v direction_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n how_o to_o know_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o deut._n 13.1_o and_o chap._n 18.22_o which_o rule_n have_v be_v vain_a and_o insignificant_a if_o by_o these_o man_n be_v not_o to_o try_v they_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o those_o that_o attribute_v great_a authority_n to_o christian_a general_n council_n do_v not_o think_v their_o canon_n obligatory_a unless_o the_o thing_n include_v in_o they_o bind_v antecedent_o by_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o a_o superior_a law_n till_o they_o be_v receive_v in_o those_o nation_n and_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v send_v 2._o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v so_o be_v also_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n god_n himself_o supply_v he_o with_o unction_n and_o ordination_n by_o give_v he_o authority_n from_o heaven_n and_o our_o saviour_n descend_v by_o a_o apparition_n from_o the_o cloud_n to_o invest_v he_o with_o dignity_n and_o power_n hence_o it_o be_v i_o say_v that_o this_o great_a apostle_n in_o his_o call_n dignify_v beyond_o his_o brethren_n commend_v the_o berean_o act_n 17.11_o because_o they_o search_v and_o examine_v his_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o those_o scripture_n they_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o by_o compare_v his_o doctrine_n with_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n with_o what_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o apostle_n preach_v and_o most_o probable_o with_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o what_o he_o deliver_v be_v consonant_a to_o that_o which_o be_v there_o exhibit_v concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v of_o more_o pliable_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o gentile_a temper_n than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n who_o be_v more_o regardless_o of_o these_o concern_v as_o s._n chrysostom_n comment_v upon_o this_o text._n 3._o the_o doctrine_n even_o of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o though_o never_o man_n speak_v like_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o examination_n by_o those_o that_o hear_v before_o they_o entertain_v they_o and_o certain_o if_o any_o may_v recommend_v proposition_n upon_o his_o own_o authority_n he_o may_v who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n in_o who_o all_o fullness_n dwell_v nay_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v as_o it_o be_v enclose_v in_o his_o own_o body_n yet_o he_o bid_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o consider_v how_o well_o his_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n agree_v with_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n in_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o according_o either_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v he_o for_o these_o say_v he_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a from_o the_o beginning_n that_o no_o doctrine_n under_o pretence_n of_o what_o inspiration_n soever_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o man_n without_o examination_n but_o as_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v his_o again_o to_o be_v measure_v not_o only_o by_o his_o own_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o by_o those_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o judge_v by_o so_o be_v there_o not_o reason_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o christianity_n under_o what_o authority_n soever_o they_o be_v publish_v shall_v still_o be_v examine_v by_o a_o superior_a rule_n even_o by_o what_o the_o primitive_a planter_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v leave_v for_o our_o perusal_n and_o direction_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n which_o privilege_n whatever_o romanist_n plead_v for_o themselves_o to_o hide_v from_o or_o deny_v to_o other_o be_v the_o great_a cruelty_n and_o irreligion_n enough_o it_o be_v to_o render_v any_o doctrine_n suspect_v that_o thus_o hide_v and_o run_v to_o corner_n and_o avoid_v all_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n and_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o mistrust_v those_o who_o take_v away_o man_n judgement_n of_o discretion_n value_v they_o only_o like_o beast_n that_o perish_v whilst_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v but_o whip_v to_o their_o work_n and_o many_o time_n cripple_v under_o their_o burden_n when_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o carry_v thus_o i_o have_v though_o more_o large_o than_o my_o first_o thought_n design_v not_o only_o state_v the_o use_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o synod_n and_o council_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n but_o show_v you_o withal_o that_o as_o their_o decree_n be_v not_o infallible_a so_o neither_o be_v they_o the_o high_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n have_v it_o be_v otherwise_o when_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o plant_v his_o gospel_n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n have_v just_o condemn_v he_o for_o a_o impostor_n and_o all_o the_o christian_a religion_n deliver_v and_o authorize_v by_o he_o have_v prove_v only_o a_o fable_n and_o a_o dream_n chap._n vii_o the_o most_o considerable_a adversary_n that_o oppose_v this_o way_n of_o state_v the_o church_n authority_n in_o determine_v point_n of_o faith_n seem_v to_o many_o to_o be_v the_o romanist_n and_o therefore_o this_o chapter_n will_v brief_o confute_v their_o high_a pretence_n to_o a_o strange_a infallibility_n by_o which_o they_o have_v introduce_v as_o strange_a doctrine_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v never_o a_o law_n yet_o so_o plain_o pen_v but_o that_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o render_v law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o secular_a interest_n will_v blunt_v its_o edge_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o property_n by_o alter_v or_o over-urging_a its_o design_n the_o same_o use_n have_v be_v make_v of_o text_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o two_o opponent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enlarge_a or_o diminish_v the_o infallibility_n promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o may_v the_o better_a countenance_n their_o own_o pretence_n some_o restrain_v the_o promise_n express_v the_o holy_a spirit_n miraculous_a assistance_n in_o the_o guide_n the_o sacred_a penman_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o other_o extend_v it_o to_o every_o man_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o their_o church_n i_o shall_v here_o therefore_o spend_v a_o few_o leaf_n to_o show_v that_o the_o papist_n can_v have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o build_v their_o infallible_a determination_n on_o nor_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o maintain_v their_o infallibility_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o other_o church_n must_v forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o romanist_n may_v proud_o arrogate_v they_o to_o themselves_o or_o any_o reason_n why_o the_o right_a of_o other_o must_v sneak_v or_o stoop_v to_o their_o bold_a usurpation_n as_o if_o their_o church_n can_v not_o well_o be_v head_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o we_o allow_v it_o to_o have_v all_o the_o brain_n too_o and_o dash_v they_o out_o of_o the_o scull_n of_o other_o to_o fill_v their_o head_n till_o their_o understanding_n become_v incomprehensible_o infallible_a that_o all_o the_o race_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n may_v receive_v rule_n only_o from_o they_o and_o give_v up_o the_o natural_a freedom_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o enlarge_v the_o pope_n empire_n and_o authority_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v like_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o these_o they_o may_v either_o keep_v to_o themselves_o or_o allow_v they_o to_o other_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n this_o make_v a_o reproof_n to_o they_o like_a rebellion_n against_o a_o prince_n a_o crime_n so_o great_a that_o nothing_o but_o death_n can_v sufficient_o expiate_v among_o they_o
society_n much_o more_o in_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v pure_o christian_a that_o we_o may_v be_v regular_a and_o uniform_a in_o our_o practice_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o division_n among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o common_a act_n which_o we_o be_v to_o join_v in_o as_o a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o christian_a man_n may_v not_o be_v disturb_v by_o particular_a member_n withdraw_v from_o they_o or_o render_v indecent_a or_o invalid_a by_o noise_n or_o confusion_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o any_o man_n to_o resign_v either_o his_o sense_n or_o reason_n in_o any_o point_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o capable_a judge_n but_o only_o to_o captivate_v it_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n in_o such_o point_n as_o be_v apparent_o reveal_v by_o god_n though_o the_o point_n themselves_o may_v be_v above_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o authority_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o stand_a law_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n because_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o law_n both_o to_o our_o governor_n and_o ourselves_o antecedent_o to_o the_o law_n and_o canon_n of_o man_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o reject_v the_o pretence_n of_o aspire_a man_n to_o any_o absolute_a and_o complete_a infallibility_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o promise_n suppose_v to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o sacred_a apostle_n because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n make_v to_o any_o but_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o writer_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o write_n be_v to_o be_v our_o stand_a rule_n in_o all_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n nay_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o first_o divine_a and_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v only_o to_o introduce_v a_o new_a law_n superstruct_v upon_o the_o old_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o free_a religion_n from_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n and_o custom_n of_o man_n who_o abuse_v their_o authority_n have_v false_o impose_v thing_n on_o other_o to_o obliterate_v the_o old_a ceremonial_a injunction_n prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o draw_v the_o gentile_n from_o their_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o to_o erect_v the_o christian_a church_n among_o man_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v flock_v to_o it_o be_v shelter_v in_o one_o fold_n be_v redeem_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o destroyer_n and_o feed_v together_o under_o the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v before_o of_o mean_a capacity_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o understand_v his_o law_n so_o well_o as_o to_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o stand_a rule_n to_o all_o future_a generation_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v once_o complete_v by_o the_o information_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n whilst_o he_o be_v with_o they_o and_o by_o the_o continue_a inspiration_n and_o assistance_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n to_o explain_v some_o thing_n and_o bring_v other_o to_o their_o remembrance_n and_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o in_o write_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a law_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o all_o future_a age_n may_v have_v recourse_n for_o guidance_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o manner_n when_o this_o law_n be_v full_o and_o complete_o write_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a rule_n of_o man_n religion_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o stand_a infallibility_n to_o interpret_v what_o be_v so_o fair_o write_v that_o in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n none_o but_o idiot_n can_v possible_o be_v mistake_v and_o none_o but_o knave_n will_v endeavour_v to_o mislead_v they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o have_v humility_n enough_o to_o use_v the_o help_n of_o the_o learned_a in_o religion_n and_o grace_n enough_o to_o implore_v the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o god_n give_v to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o but_o if_o he_o endeavour_v with_o sincerity_n to_o live_v according_a to_o what_o he_o already_o know_v and_o faithful_o and_o honest_o apply_v his_o rational_a faculty_n to_o the_o diligent_a search_n of_o divine_a truth_n he_o shall_v certain_o attain_v such_o degree_n and_o advancement_n of_o knowledge_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n if_o he_o do_v not_o too_o much_o strive_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o chance_v to_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n through_o the_o naked_a infirmity_n of_o human_a nature_n it_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o foundation_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v so_o severe_o lay_v to_o his_o charge_n as_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o condemn_v he_o hereafter_o when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o help_v it_o the_o scripture_n certain_o be_v first_o design_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o a_o rule_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o all_o who_o be_v to_o take_v their_o measure_n by_o it_o may_v be_v able_a by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o compare_v their_o belief_n and_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o also_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a nay_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o rational_a power_n together_o with_o those_o assistance_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o and_o make_v use_n of_o these_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n yield_v this_o to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o will_v be_v perverse_a and_o obstinate_a in_o every_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o think_v upon_o the_o quality_n of_o those_o person_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n apply_v themselves_o in_o their_o usual_a discourse_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o speak_v not_o in_o their_o sermon_n nor_o write_v their_o epistle_n only_o to_o the_o rabbin_n among_o the_o jew_n nor_o only_o to_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o gentile_n nor_o be_v there_o at_o the_o first_o many_o rich_a or_o noble_a call_v but_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o the_o apostle_n declare_v their_o doctrine_n free_o to_o the_o multitude_n nay_o so_o do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v preach_v it_o in_o such_o language_n as_o all_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n and_o receive_v it_o if_o prejudice_n do_v not_o resist_v the_o impression_n for_o their_o design_n be_v to_o plant_n christianity_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o religion_n to_o 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heaven_n to_o it_o and_o a_o sufficient_a guide_n to_o future_a action_n and_o a_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o just_a many_o man_n when_o they_o have_v for_o some_o time_n brood_a upon_o a_o thing_n they_o be_v apt_a then_o to_o petition_v heaven_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o convenience_n or_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o and_o have_v end_v their_o devotion_n find_v their_o thought_n to_o run_v still_o in_o the_o same_o channel_n into_o which_o they_o have_v turn_v and_o confine_v they_o before_o they_o conclude_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o they_o to_o prosecute_v and_o accomplish_v their_o design_n and_o the_o eagerness_n of_o their_o intention_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o their_o predeterminate_v resolution_n they_o foolish_o take_v for_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o be_v willing_a against_o all_o reason_n to_o think_v thus_o guide_v they_o to_o conclude_v the_o 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those_o enthusiast_n that_o will_v be_v saint_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o profane_a action_n and_o dub_v themselves_o holy_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o own_o irreligion_n call_v conscience_n and_o what_o other_o of_o a_o more_o smooth_a and_o gentle_a disposition_n stile_n reason_n that_o they_o may_v advance_v the_o power_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o degrade_n if_o not_o expel_v the_o benign_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o discern_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n among_o quaker_n anabaptist_n independent_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o separatist_n speak_v in_o the_o general_a of_o all_o that_o follow_v the_o socinian_n principle_n and_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o popery_n itself_o when_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n mistake_v the_o result_n of_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
end_n of_o the_o mosaic_a constitution_n and_o such_o a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o divinity_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o thereby_o to_o prepare_v he_o for_o that_o eternal_a inheritance_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v now_o consider_v all_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o what_o i_o design_n and_o with_o all_o faithfulness_n according_a to_o my_o knowledge_n discharge_v myself_o the_o discourse_n on_o such_o a_o point_n have_v be_v long_o but_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o prove_v unuseful_a in_o such_o time_n as_o these_o in_o which_o truth_n be_v blend_v and_o beset_v with_o error_n strange_a doctrine_n have_v insinuate_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o be_v now_o sail_v betwixt_o sylla_n and_o charybdis_n and_o god_n know_v which_o may_v swallow_v we_o when_o truth_n like_o pure_a and_o clean_a wheat_n be_v put_v betwixt_o two_o millstone_n that_o seem_v to_o join_v to_o grind_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o religion_n like_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v almost_o crucify_a betwixt_o two_o thief_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n his_o providence_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o through_o his_o help_n we_o hope_v for_o deliverance_n from_o all_o our_o trouble_n for_o vain_a be_v the_o help_n of_o man_n without_o he_o chap._n x._o have_v hitherto_o for_o the_o most_o part_n treat_v concern_v false_a spirit_n and_o argue_v against_o the_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n among_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n and_o give_v some_o direction_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v what_o inspiration_n be_v true_a and_o what_o false_a that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v object_v against_o the_o body_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o i_o have_v leave_v neither_o soul_n nor_o spirit_n to_o animate_v it_o but_o have_v hint_v only_o some_o operation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o restrain_v that_o to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o future_a generation_n to_o guide_v man_n into_o all_o truth_n i_o shall_v spend_v some_o sheet_n to_o prove_v that_o as_o there_o be_v promise_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v conduct_v man_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n so_o that_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o apparent_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o show_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o sacred_a spirit_n inform_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o how_o he_o still_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o receive_v they_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v very_o thick_a of_o briar_n and_o thorn_n that_o scratch_n and_o tear_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o her_o passage_n through_o it_o and_o since_o the_o most_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n agree_v in_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o their_o journey_n yet_o because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v out_o by_o the_o way_n and_o differ_v about_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v thither_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o hinder_v man_n of_o good_a intention_n and_o different_a judgement_n from_o entertain_v a_o delusion_n by_o reason_n of_o any_o shortness_n in_o their_o sight_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o and_o so_o miscarry_v in_o their_o great_a concernment_n and_o fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v complain_v as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o this_o errable_a state_n of_o life_n leave_v without_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o our_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v some_o thing_n before_o hint_v more_o plain_o and_o open_o that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v without_o sufficient_a conduct_n from_o the_o holy_a and_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n at_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n express_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o action_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o discharge_n this_o that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o engage_v in_o i_o shall_v first_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v come_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 for_o 1._o he_o come_v upon_o our_o saviour_n himself_o 2._o he_o inspire_v and_o comfort_v his_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o 3._o he_o still_o influence_n the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v and_o do_v not_o resist_v he_o first_o that_o this_o holy_a spirit_n rest_v upon_o our_o saviour_n accompany_v he_o throughout_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n none_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o embracement_n of_o christianity_n can_v possible_o contradict_v for_o his_o miracle_n attest_v this_o divine_a residency_n and_o loud_o proclaim_v it_o to_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v this_o irrefragable_a testimony_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n the_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n sufficient_o attest_v and_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n inspire_v and_o do_v assist_v he_o as_o his_o conception_n be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o do_v it_o continual_o breath_n upon_o he_o through_o all_o the_o period_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n it_o give_v a_o visible_a attestation_n to_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o witness_v his_o commission_n to_o the_o world_n when_o at_o his_o baptism_n it_o descend_v in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o light_v upon_o he_o matth._n 3.16_o and_o this_o be_v second_v by_o a_o audible_a voice_n loud_o thunder_v from_o the_o very_a sky_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v in_o his_o life_n he_o have_v the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n john_n 3.34_o he_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o the_o same_o proportion_n of_o power_n and_o assistance_n with_o s._n john_n who_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o by_o this_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o messiah_n nor_o with_o those_o prophet_n of_o old_a who_o be_v inspire_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n to_o who_o divine_a and_o unaccountable_a impulse_n be_v neither_o constant_a in_o their_o method_n or_o continuance_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n accompany_v our_o saviour_n throughout_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o his_o life_n so_o that_o he_o can_v upon_o any_o emergent_a occasion_n make_v discovery_n of_o it_o to_o other_o and_o always_o know_v it_o to_o be_v resident_a in_o himself_o he_o carry_v it_o with_o he_o to_o his_o cross_n and_o death_n to_o support_v he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o triumph_v over_o his_o temptation_n and_o enemy_n it_o hover_v as_o it_o be_v over_o his_o grave_n guard_v his_o body_n with_o a_o security_n beyond_o the_o soldier_n power_n and_o at_o last_o raise_v he_o with_o triumph_n from_o the_o dead_a rom._n 8.11_o and_o thus_o baffle_v the_o argument_n for_o infidelity_n second_o this_o spirit_n promise_v come_v also_o upon_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n at_o the_o beginning_n it_o descend_v with_o noise_n and_o a_o glorious_a splendour_n and_o come_v with_o such_o a_o train_n of_o solemnity_n and_o its_o appearance_n be_v so_o gay_a and_o pompous_a that_o it_o amuse_v nation_n and_o confound_v the_o multitude_n it_o shake_v the_o great_a place_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o sit_v glorious_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o cleave_a fiery_a tongue_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o each_o apostle_n give_v they_o at_o once_o a_o character_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o and_o ability_n to_o execute_v that_o commission_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v before_o give_v they_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n here_o be_v the_o prophecy_n of_o joel_n accomplish_v that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o descend_v with_o power_n in_o the_o lap_n of_o a_o cloud_n with_o a_o rush_a wind_n to_o blow_v open_a the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n that_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v come_v in_o it_o come_v with_o cleave_a fiery_a tongue_n to_o teach_v the_o apostle_n to_o sound_v forth_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n with_o a_o become_a zeal_n and_o warm_a affection_n the_o tongue_n be_v cleave_a that_o
they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o glorious_a like_o the_o stream_n of_o fire_n not_o only_o to_o represent_v the_o majesty_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o to_o signify_v the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o inflame_v the_o zeal_n and_o warm_v the_o devotion_n of_o these_o apostle_n nay_o they_o be_v both_o fiery_a and_o cleave_a that_o their_o zeal_n may_v not_o be_v divorce_v from_o knowledge_n but_o one_o may_v administer_v to_o the_o other_o and_o both_o to_o he_o who_o influence_v they_o with_o this_o spirit_n this_o make_v they_o at_o once_o the_o admiration_n and_o envy_n of_o the_o world_n this_o make_v their_o doctrine_n glorious_a and_o triumphant_a and_o confirm_v it_o with_o miracle_n beyond_o the_o force_n of_o malice_n and_o contradiction_n this_o cause_v the_o church_n to_o spring_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n make_v it_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o spite_n and_o flourish_v on_o the_o top_n of_o cross_n and_o gibbet_n to_o shine_v glorious_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o flame_n and_o triumph_v over_o death_n itself_o though_o its_o member_n be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o this_o give_v the_o apostle_n the_o prevision_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o our_o saviour_n life_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v at_o the_o same_o time_n give_v they_o a_o prospect_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o their_o comfort_n too_o this_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n what_o their_o master_n have_v before_o teach_v they_o and_o inspire_v they_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v build_v the_o christian_a church_n upon_o that_o cornerstone_n which_o though_o reject_v of_o man_n be_v in_o itself_o elect_v and_o precious_a three_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v also_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n the_o samaritan_n that_o believe_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n act_n 8.17_o and_o whilst_o s._n peter_n be_v preach_v occasion_v by_o the_o conversion_n of_o cornelius_n the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o act_n 10.44_o and_o though_o as_o to_o those_o glorious_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n which_o at_o first_o be_v frequent_a in_o work_v miracle_n and_o inspire_a man_n to_o speak_v divers_a language_n for_o the_o proof_n and_o early_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o now_o withdraw_v its_o force_n and_o operation_n yet_o it_o still_o continue_v that_o necessary_a influence_n which_o impress_n the_o mind_n of_o devout_a man_n and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o arm_n they_o with_o patience_n and_o resolution_n this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v too_o frequent_o contradict_v even_o by_o such_o as_o seem_v to_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o some_o strength_n superior_a to_o their_o own_o whilst_o to_o avoid_v one_o rock_n they_o run_v upon_o another_o to_o escape_v that_o enthusiasm_n which_o have_v too_o much_o disturb_v the_o world_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o darkness_n and_o error_n they_o reject_v the_o conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n when_o he_o will_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n man_n be_v so_o cautious_a lest_o they_o shall_v infringe_v the_o uncontrollable_a liberty_n of_o their_o own_o will_n that_o they_o entrench_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bind_v their_o god_n in_o chain_n that_o he_o may_v sit_v fast_o in_o heaven_n to_o very_o little_a purpose_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a influence_n and_o benediction_n from_o above_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v our_o prayer_n be_v why_o shall_v we_o petition_v for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v assure_v we_o shall_v never_o receive_v or_o how_o can_v any_o pray_v in_o faith_n for_o what_o they_o believe_v will_v never_o come_v we_o mock_v our_o maker_n to_o his_o very_a face_n when_o we_o say_v turn_v thou_o we_o o_o good_a lord_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v turn_v if_o god_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o it_o will_v be_v profane_a and_o ridiculous_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o be_v or_o increase_n of_o grace_n if_o god_n do_v not_o influence_n our_o mind_n nay_o he_o that_o reject_v this_o principle_n bold_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o epicurus_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o a_o heathen_a countermand_v the_o divinity_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o how_o can_v god_n rule_v the_o world_n &_o exercise_v his_o empire_n over_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n how_o can_v he_o control_v the_o purpose_n of_o man_n and_o rebuke_v their_o action_n when_o they_o contradict_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o he_o do_v not_o immediate_o influence_n their_o will_n as_o well_o as_o propose_v object_n to_o their_o sense_n i_o know_v we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o disbelieve_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o full_o understand_v and_o to_o expunge_v that_o out_o of_o our_o creed_n which_o be_v not_o plain_o evident_a to_o our_o reason_n but_o can_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a to_o reject_v a_o be_v because_o we_o understand_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o existence_n or_o to_o deny_v such_o effect_n as_o we_o see_v because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o view_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o be_v invisible_a if_o so_o then_o farewell_n the_o sublimest_n article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o no_o mortal_a eye_n ever_o see_v nor_o can_v a_o finite_a be_v frame_n a_o complete_a idea_n of_o he_o shall_v i_o deny_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n because_o i_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o maker_n operation_n when_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o fiat_n nor_o how_o so_o rare_a a_o systeme_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o pre-existent_a must_v i_o reject_v spirit_n because_o i_o can_v see_v they_o or_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o immaterial_a being_n upon_o the_o corporeal_a substance_n of_o this_o world_n because_o motion_n among_o body_n be_v make_v by_o contact_n and_o i_o can_v apprehend_v how_o a_o spirit_n can_v work_v upon_o a_o body_n when_o none_o but_o body_n can_v touch_v one_o another_o who_o can_v tell_v how_o our_o soul_n work_v upon_o our_o body_n and_o yet_o none_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o nay_o who_o can_v describe_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o soul_n union_n to_o our_o body_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n will_v refuse_v to_o own_o the_o thing_n or_o will_v any_o one_o deny_v the_o part_n of_o body_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o each_o other_o because_o the_o term_n of_o their_o union_n be_v never_o yet_o so_o full_o resolve_v as_o to_o baffle_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a why_o shall_v we_o then_o doubt_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n influence_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n because_o the_o manner_n of_o operation_n be_v intricate_a and_o inexplicable_a when_o we_o find_v it_o by_o the_o independence_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o those_o good_a suggestion_n crowd_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o some_o evil_a contrivance_n where_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v inject_v from_o above_o that_o we_o may_v full_o convince_v ourselves_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o god_n work_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o concur_v with_o the_o motion_n of_o rational_a being_n when_o they_o incline_v to_o comply_v with_o his_o operation_n the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v say_v our_o saviour_n and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3.8_o we_o all_o believe_v that_o the_o wind_n blow_v when_o it_o become_v obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o yet_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o different_a wind_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o swift_a motion_n of_o the_o air_n have_v puzzle_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o inquisitive_a philosopher_n god_n be_v therefore_o say_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o bring_v the_o wind_n out_o of_o his_o treasure_n jer._n 51.16_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n we_o find_v that_o they_o break_v out_o of_o the_o chamber_n and_o secret_a place_n so_o we_o discern_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o we_o can_v account_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o produce_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v possible_a 2._o necessary_a 3._o from_o the_o scripture_n infallibility_n certain_a first_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v possible_a our_o saviour_n to_o rebuke_v the_o
wonder_n of_o his_o disciple_n at_o a_o doctrine_n of_o his_o that_o seem_v harsh_a and_o difficult_a tell_v they_o that_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a matth._n 19.26_o the_o possibility_n therefore_o of_o a_o thing_n prepare_v we_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o proposition_n when_o either_o certainty_n or_o great_a probability_n do_v not_o plain_o determine_v the_o contrary_a now_o what_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n operation_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o contradiction_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v at_o least_o a_o possible_a supposition_n that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o nay_o further_o what_o have_v be_v be_v certain_o possible_a to_o be_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o sacred_a inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v abundant_o evince_v and_o to_o assert_v the_o contrary_a must_v shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o invalidate_v the_o whole_a canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o certain_o if_o it_o admit_v no_o contradiction_n to_o affirm_v spirit_n work_v upon_o body_n it_o must_v be_v less_o to_o suppose_v one_o spirit_n to_o operate_v upon_o another_o there_o be_v a_o near_a affinity_n betwixt_o their_o nature_n and_o a_o great_a capacity_n to_o apprehend_v the_o notice_n they_o receive_v from_o one_o another_o for_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o one_o man_n may_v apprehend_v what_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o another_o when_o they_o be_v express_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o some_o external_a sign_n and_o representation_n there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o probability_n that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o easy_a and_o quick_a method_n for_o one_o soul_n to_o converse_v with_o another_o be_v they_o free_v from_o their_o body_n than_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o external_a sense_n which_o may_v and_o often_o do_v convey_v false_a representation_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n be_v not_o only_o render_v possible_a but_o a_o very_a probable_a and_o easy_a supposition_n though_o whilst_o we_o remain_v in_o these_o body_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o thing_n whether_o we_o conjecture_v for_o it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o the_o influence_n to_o be_v make_v immediate_o upon_o the_o soul_n or_o by_o percussion_n on_o or_o disposition_n of_o the_o nerve_n and_o by_o determine_v the_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o make_v representation_n to_o the_o mind_n to_o cause_v in_o it_o desire_v or_o aversation_n and_o from_o hence_o just_a and_o proportionable_a action_n suitable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o second_o this_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o necessary_a too_o if_o we_o consider_v our_o own_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n or_o the_o circumstance_n we_o be_v frequent_o surround_v with_o in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o region_n of_o misery_n we_o have_v still_o a_o proneness_n and_o propensity_n to_o sin_n notwithstanding_o our_o be_v wash_v by_o a_o holy_a baptism_n and_o dip_v in_o the_o sacred_a laver_n of_o regeneration_n and_o though_o grace_n be_v then_o convey_v to_o we_o and_o power_n to_o perform_v our_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o at_o last_o give_v we_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_n yet_o this_o can_v well_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v tie_v about_o we_o with_o such_o indissoluble_a bond_n as_o not_o to_o forsake_v we_o upon_o the_o violation_n of_o our_o vow_n when_o by_o sinful_a course_n we_o rescind_v god_n obligagation_n to_o we_o or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o forfeiture_n to_o be_v make_v yet_o we_o can_v apprehend_v this_o grace_n and_o spirit_n give_v we_o at_o the_o first_o to_o be_v so_o constant_o and_o powerful_o reside_v in_o we_o as_o never_o to_o need_v any_o new_a supply_n or_o accession_n of_o degree_n or_o to_o be_v like_o our_o soul_n always_o tie_v continual_o to_o invigorate_v we_o without_o any_o new_a influence_n from_o above_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n by_o his_o providence_n and_o support_v this_o great_a system_a of_o being_n by_o the_o constant_a and_o continue_a influence_n of_o his_o power_n impress_v thing_n by_o his_o divine_a concurrence_n to_o accomplish_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o their_o being_n to_o continue_v their_o state_v motion_n and_o order_n and_o to_o repair_v their_o decay_n by_o a_o new_a and_o uninterrupted_a succession_n now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v more_o false_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o his_o nature_n to_o suppose_v he_o at_o first_o to_o have_v put_v thing_n into_o their_o orderly_a motion_n and_o to_o impregnate_n nature_n with_o all_o the_o power_n at_o once_o that_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v requisite_a for_o its_o support_n and_o conduct_v when_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o such_o various_a misadventure_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o but_o himself_o to_o foresee_v than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o give_v a_o child_n in_o his_o sacred_a baptism_n sufficient_a strength_n to_o influence_n his_o whole_a life_n and_o afterward_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o conflict_n and_o misfortune_n without_o any_o new_a assistance_n from_o above_o this_o will_v still_o make_v the_o great_a and_o infinite_a be_v of_o the_o world_n instead_o of_o a_o wise_a and_o active_a god_n nothing_o but_o a_o idle_a and_o lazy_a spectator_n we_o need_v not_o then_o pray_v for_o grace_n and_o continue_a accession_n of_o strength_n and_o power_n but_o only_o use_v those_o word_n of_o david_n cast_v we_o not_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o we_o psal_n 51.11_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v sensible_a of_o new_a accession_n or_o income_n from_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o difficulty_n increase_v which_o they_o encounter_v for_o as_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v in_o we_o say_v s._n paul_n so_o our_o consolation_n also_o abound_v by_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 1.5_o and_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o our_o assistance_n be_v necessary_a in_o proportion_n to_o our_o duty_n or_o our_o suffering_n all_o man_n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n but_o some_o have_v a_o easy_a passage_n to_o a_o eternal_a rest_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n than_o other_o who_o be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n to_o the_o world_n who_o have_v great_a difficulty_n to_o encounter_v a_o long_a race_n to_o run_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v surround_v with_o a_o large_a number_n of_o duty_n and_o perplexity_n certain_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n will_v reasonable_o give_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n suitable_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o man_n necessity_n and_o the_o employment_n or_o conflict_n that_o his_o most_o wise_a providence_n call_v they_o unto_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o preach_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o obviate_v those_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v the_o publication_n so_o neither_o can_v any_o of_o we_o in_o our_o ordinary_a course_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o world_n be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o snare_n and_o temptation_n keep_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n without_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n s._n paul_n justify_v himself_o to_o the_o corinthian_n by_o give_v they_o a_o prospect_n of_o his_o joy_n and_o innocence_n our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o say_v he_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o you_o ward_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o and_o when_o in_o the_o three_o chapter_n he_o reassumes_a the_o argument_n lest_o they_o shall_v think_v that_o all_o be_v effect_v by_o his_o own_o power_n he_o introduce_v also_o this_o acknowledgement_n not_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n ver_fw-la the_o 5_o the_o god_n be_v not_o a_o hard_a and_o austere_a master_n to_o reap_v where_o he_o do_v not_o sow_v nor_o to_o gather_v where_o he_o do_v not_o scatter_v he_o expect_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o talent_n which_o every_o one_o do_v or_o may_v receive_v in_o proportion_n to_o his_o want_n and_o necessity_n that_o he_o may_v grow_v up_o unto_o that_o measure_n of_o stature_n to_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v he_o in_o the_o world_n and_o doubless_a we_o may_v obtain_v divine_a help_n if_o man_n have_v but_o that_o love_n to_o themselves_o as_o to_o pray_v with_o
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
it_o may_v by_o their_o mean_n be_v in_o its_o purity_n free_a from_o mixture_n deliver_v to_o all_o the_o succeed_a generation_n of_o mankind_n and_o now_o by_o the_o way_n what_o a_o slender_a plea_n have_v any_o enthusiast_n of_o this_o age_n for_o any_o new_a revelation_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o what_o christ_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v never_o promise_v to_o the_o very_a apostle_n to_o any_o such_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v suppose_v but_o that_o christ_n whilst_o he_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o world_n deliver_v a_o complete_a body_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o have_v he_o not_o whatever_o become_v of_o a_o jus_o divinum_fw-la for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v certain_o be_v less_o careful_a than_o moses_n and_o yet_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v he_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o that_o make_v or_o appoint_v he_o as_o also_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n heb._n 3.2_o but_o not_o to_o endeavour_v to_o work_v miracle_n and_o restore_v sight_n to_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v still_o blind_a and_o to_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n because_o it_o will_v discover_v that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a when_o darkness_n do_v at_o once_o as_o well_o increase_v as_o inspire_v wilfulness_n or_o melancholy_n to_o leave_v also_o any_o far_a explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o i_o have_v hint_v to_o you_o as_o well_o to_o mind_v you_o of_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o necessary_a festival_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o cause_v man_n to_o adore_v what_o they_o can_v understand_v to_o admire_v that_o with_o which_o they_o can_v be_v familiar_a to_o praise_v what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v and_o to_o believe_v that_o mystery_n which_o be_v plain_o reveal_v though_o they_o can_v unriddle_v the_o thing_n itself_o to_o come_v more_o close_o therefore_o to_o the_o business_n i_o have_v in_o hand_n the_o holy_a ghost_n promise_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o this_o not_o only_o 1._o because_o he_o be_v spiritus_fw-la verax_fw-la as_o slichtingius_n will_v have_v it_o to_o comport_v with_o his_o endear_a notion_n of_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la nor_o only_o be_v he_o a_o true_a spirit_n either_o in_o original_n or_o operation_n in_o opposition_n to_o what_o be_v gross_a and_o sensual_a nor_o 2._o because_o he_o true_o and_o real_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o consequent_o have_v authority_n enough_o to_o produce_v a_o faith_n in_o we_o which_o must_v be_v divine_a nor_o 3._o because_o be_v in_o unity_n with_o that_o father_n and_o son_n from_o who_o he_o do_v proceed_v he_o must_v be_v truth_n itself_o as_o s._n john_n style_v he_o 1._o epist_n 5._o chap._n 6._o and_o consequent_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o falsehood_n unless_o we_o suppose_v that_o god_n may_v lie_v which_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o be_v impossible_a 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convert_v to_o this_o religion_n and_o accompany_v saint_n paul_n receive_v the_o notice_n of_o those_o early_a and_o first_o transaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o record_v the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o if_o we_o make_v the_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o those_o twelve_o apostle_n which_o our_o saviour_n send_v to_o preach_v his_o doctrine_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o by_o their_o education_n either_o too_o much_o prejudice_v or_o unprepared_a to_o invent_v or_o propagate_v such_o a_o religion_n the_o great_a part_n be_v a_o few_o rugged_a and_o inconsiderable_a fisherman_n that_o know_v only_o to_o catch_v fish_n and_o mend_v their_o net_n when_o they_o be_v break_v and_o either_o eat_v or_o sell_v their_o fish_n when_o they_o have_v catch_v it_o and_o how_o unfit_a these_o be_v to_o preach_v rule_n of_o life_n to_o the_o 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their_o own_o weakness_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o object_n which_o daily_o present_v themselves_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o variety_n of_o converse_n and_o numerous_a disturbance_n they_o meet_v with_o in_o a_o world_n full_a of_o noise_n and_o humour_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o slip_v many_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o register_v and_o when_o they_o be_v enter_v to_o lose_v the_o record_n hence_o be_v that_o admonition_n of_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v heb._n 2.1_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o who_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o ourselves_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a power_n assist_v their_o memory_n that_o those_o thing_n may_v again_o recur_v which_o they_o have_v hear_v from_o our_o saviour_n at_o that_o time_n when_o by_o his-absence_n he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o repeat_v and_o oral_o to_o deliver_v that_o doctrine_n which_o before_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o hear_v the_o spirit_n then_o by_o a_o immediate_a impression_n put_v their_o spirit_n into_o such_o a_o motion_n and_o propose_v such_o object_n to_o their_o consideration_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o range_v the_o particle_n of_o the_o brain_n that_o the_o same_o image_n present_v themselves_o and_o they_o have_v the_o same_o idea_n and_o apprehension_n which_o possess_v their_o mind_n when_o the_o trutn_n be_v first_o deliver_v to_o they_o or_o if_o i_o may_v be_v any_o way_n extravagant_a in_o endeavour_v to_o describe_v the_o manner_n of_o frame_v this_o miraculous_a effect_n yet_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o some_o way_n or_o other_o this_o be_v do_v or_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o full_o accomplish_v for_o say_v the_o text_n the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n 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 john_n 14.26_o three_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n incline_v the_o will_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n to_o publish_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v impress_v upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o their_o memory_n now_o perfect_o retain_v and_o to_o commit_v these_o truth_n to_o write_v that_o future_a age_n may_v be_v able_a to_o read_v what_o they_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o hear_v to_o exhibit_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o divine_a rule_n and_o to_o live_v also_o suitable_a to_o their_o doctrine_n to_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n now_o though_o this_o influence_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o such_o as_o have_v imbibe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n with_o their_o understanding_n because_o their_o will_n may_v seem_v immediate_o to_o follow_v what_o their_o understanding_n dictate_v to_o be_v true_a and_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o admirable_a excellency_n of_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v motive_n enough_o to_o persuade_v as_o well_o to_o its_o practice_n as_o belief_n yet_o we_o find_v by_o a_o woeful_a experience_n that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n do_v not_o always_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o understanding_n but_o that_o we_o violate_v law_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v true_a and_o good_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o few_o man_n will_v embrace_v vice_n and_o offer_v injury_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n which_o all_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o discretion_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o infallible_o seal_v and_o authorize_v by_o god_n who_o have_v by_o a_o miraculous_a hand_n attest_v they_o to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v make_v willing_a as_o well_o as_o able_a to_o accomplish_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o propagation_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o can_v conjecture_v that_o so_o sudden_a a_o alteration_n can_v be_v make_v as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o their_o trade_n and_o education_n be_v rough_a and_o stubborn_a this_o be_v general_o observe_v of_o mariner_n so_o as_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v such_o gentle_a precept_n so_o opposite_a to_o their_o custom_n and_o inclination_n without_o a_o superior_a influence_n mollify_a their_o temper_n and_o the_o powerful_a operation_n and_o persuasion_n of_o god_n to_o make_v they_o willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n when_o paul_n therefore_o be_v convert_v by_o a_o miracle_n and_o bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o that_o jesus_n who_o he_o have_v persecute_v that_o glorious_a light_n which_o shine_v upon_o his_o understanding_n rectify_v also_o the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o incline_v that_o to_o follow_v his_o conviction_n so_o that_o he_o become_v not_o disobedient_a to_o the_o heavenly_a vision_n but_o show_v both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n act_n 26.19_o 20._o four_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lead_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o work_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n these_o be_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o heaven_n that_o sufficient_o authorise_v whatever_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o give_v testimony_n unto_o for_o these_o be_v either_o visible_a effect_n beyond_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o some_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a alteration_n of_o nature_n by_o lay_v a_o restraint_n upon_o its_o usual_a operation_n or_o cause_v it_o to_o take_v a_o different_a course_n by_o a_o strange_a composition_n of_o second_o cause_n or_o a_o powerful_a concurrence_n of_o some_o agent_n not_o include_v in_o the_o immediate_a cause_n they_o
argue_v some_o superior_a operation_n and_o we_o must_v attribute_v they_o to_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n according_o have_v man_n use_v to_o difference_n they_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o a_o good_a or_o a_o bad_a design_n hence_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n two_o character_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o consequent_o as_o many_o of_o a_o true_a as_o i_o have_v hint_v immediate_o before_o 1_o if_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v that_o he_o give_v for_o confirmation_n of_o what_o he_o pretend_v in_o its_o design_n destroy_v natural_a religion_n i._n e._n what_o proceed_v from_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o man_n for_o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v come_v to_o pass_v which_o he_o give_v thou_o if_o this_o be_v wrought_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a one_o god_n to_o pay_v divine_a homage_n to_o a_o false_a one_o or_o to_o many_o the_o sign_n be_v permit_v only_o to_o prove_v they_o and_o such_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v account_v false_a but_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o villainy_n and_o imposture_n deut._n 13._o at_o the_o begin_n 2._o when_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o true_a and_o the_o thing_n foretell_v follow_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a and_o what_o he_o that_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n never_o commission_v the_o prophet_n to_o deliver_v deut._n 18.22_o when_o sign_n therefore_o and_o wonder_n be_v real_o effect_v that_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n establish_v what_o be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n and_o destroy_v all_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o fix_v nothing_o contradictory_n to_o what_o have_v be_v confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o do_v prefigure_v this_o new_a method_n and_o at_o such_o a_o particular_a period_n of_o the_o world_n be_v predict_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v they_o must_v needs_o confirm_v the_o 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be_v hang_v by_o the_o neck_n against_o a_o pillar_n after_o whip_n and_o scourge_n have_v make_v a_o prologue_n to_o the_o tragedy_n one_o be_v flay_v alive_a another_o thrust_n through_o with_o a_o spear_n and_o a_o three_o drag_v about_o the_o craggy_a part_n of_o a_o street_n till_o his_o flesh_n be_v tear_v off_o and_o horrid_a pain_n compel_v he_o to_o expire_v it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o account_v for_o the_o dismal_a torture_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n endure_v their_o whole_a age_n be_v full_a of_o cloud_n and_o storm_n and_o the_o release_n from_o one_o torment_n be_v but_o the_o entrance_n upon_o another_o they_o daily_o go_v in_o danger_n of_o their_o life_n which_o be_v indeed_o but_o continue_a death_n and_o repeat_v tragedy_n now_o what_o a_o wonderful_a confirmation_n must_v this_o add_v to_o their_o own_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o seal_v its_o truth_n to_o posterity_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v such_o multiply_a torture_n as_o anxious_a 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not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v they_o in_o make_v their_o defence_n loosen_v their_o tongue_n and_o inform_v their_o understanding_n this_o be_v what_o be_v promise_v they_o before_o and_o now_o as_o certain_o and_o full_o accomplish_v for_o when_o our_o saviour_n send_v forth_o his_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o tell_v they_o how_o they_o shall_v acouter_fw-fr themselves_z what_o be_v the_o content_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o how_o they_o shall_v demean_v themselves_o he_o acquaint_v they_o also_o what_o danger_n they_o be_v likely_a to_o encounter_v with_o they_o be_v send_v forth_o as_o sheep_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n every_o one_o will_v endeavour_v to_o devour_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v scourge_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n upon_o their_o master_n account_n but_o say_v he_o when_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o let_v it_o not_o trouble_v you_o that_o you_o be_v not_o well_o skilled_a in_o the_o law_n where_o subtlety_n may_v cause_v a_o criminal_a to_o escape_v when_o ignorance_n may_v draw_v the_o innocent_a into_o punishment_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o matth._n 10.19_o now_o man_n that_o have_v such_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n of_o their_o apostleship_n and_o find_v these_o assistance_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v needs_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v imprint_v on_o their_o understanding_n and_o will_v attest_v their_o divine_a authority_n unto_o other_o to_o who_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o declare_v and_o publish_v they_o when_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o full_o persuade_v as_o not_o only_o to_o suffer_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o this_o life_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o politician_n of_o the_o world_n but_o all_o the_o torture_n and_o cruel_a death_n which_o malice_n be_v able_a to_o inflict_v and_o thus_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v thus_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n of_o all_o kind_n for_o this_o be_v to_o extend_v a_o promise_n beyond_o what_o be_v ever_o design_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n truth_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o large_a interpretation_n it_o run_v through_o all_o art_n and_o science_n and_o be_v as_o comprehensive_a as_o all_o the_o object_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n for_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o conformity_n betwixt_o the_o object_n and_o a_o right_o prepare_v intellect_n there_o be_v truth_n nay_o there_o be_v too_o often_o truth_n in_o that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o spirit_n therefore_o do_v not_o design_n in_o his_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a conduct_n to_o extend_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o sacred_a apostle_n to_o a_o infinite_a comprehension_n so_o as_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o know_v omne_fw-la scibile_fw-la every_o thing_n that_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v know_v for_o that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v a_o new_a creation_n but_o to_o put_v they_o beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o creature_n nay_o though_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a to_o go_v beyond_o his_o own_o power_n in_o make_v being_n as_o infinite_a as_o himself_o nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n in_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n intend_v their_o information_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o art_n and_o science_n extant_a in_o the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o design_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o art_n of_o syllogism_n nor_o
that_o they_o shall_v read_v natural_a philosophy_n to_o the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v the_o star_n by_o their_o name_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o instruction_n know_v their_o several_a motion_n distance_n or_o altitude_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v aphorism_n in_o physic_n or_o to_o give_v to_o they_o geometrical_a proportion_n nor_o to_o breed_v they_o curious_a and_o expert_a artificer_n though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v make_v themselves_o apostle_n nor_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o number_n of_o arithmetic_n or_o the_o astrological_a signature_n of_o thing_n or_o time_n and_o season_n for_o these_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v because_o the_o father_n have_v put_v they_o into_o his_o own_o power_n act_n 1.7_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v never_o so_o proud_a and_o bold_a so_o neither_o be_v they_o so_o unlucky_a as_o the_o pope_n who_o must_v needs_o condemn_v a_o point_n in_o geography_n and_o the_o tenet_n of_o antipode_n for_o a_o destroy_a heresy_n so_o little_o do_v he_o know_v the_o universal_a empire_n he_o pretend_v to_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o figure_n or_o bound_n or_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o earth_n over_o which_o he_o yet_o pretend_v a_o authority_n the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o those_o truth_n only_o in_o divinity_n which_o include_v the_o full_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o preach_v they_o to_o the_o present_a age_n and_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o succeed_a generation_n the_o spirit_n be_v not_o give_v to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o great_a historian_n or_o philosopher_n but_o christian_n and_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o be_v the_o planter_n and_o founder_n of_o church_n not_o the_o post_n and_o standard_n of_o dispute_n or_o to_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o sect_n and_o faction_n in_o philosophy_n they_o be_v to_o erect_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n settle_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n christ_n himself_o support_v the_o building_n and_o this_o neither_o for_o pasquin_n or_o poetry_n but_o for_o a_o rule_n and_o directory_n of_o stand_a religion_n and_o devotion_n chap._n xii_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whilst_o house_v in_o these_o body_n of_o clay_n be_v darken_v and_o obscure_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o window_n of_o sense_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o external_a object_n to_o a_o intercourse_n with_o the_o mind_n for_o suppose_v our_o sense_n can_v always_o make_v true_a and_o exact_a representation_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v be_v often_o deceive_v yet_o these_o can_v only_o convey_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n those_o of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o exalt_v nature_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o image_n must_v needs_o escape_v the_o perception_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n and_o if_o reason_n itself_o when_o most_o disentangle_v from_o those_o fetter_n which_o our_o sense_n too_o often_o impose_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v proposition_n and_o inference_n about_o the_o essence_n of_o those_o thing_n who_o spiritual_a nature_n evade_v our_o sense_n our_o notion_n can_v not_o be_v adequate_a to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o nor_o can_v we_o full_o comprehend_v what_o be_v infinite_a nor_o have_v a_o positive_a idea_n of_o spiritual_a being_n though_o reason_n may_v conclude_v their_o existence_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o all_o our_o definition_n and_o description_n of_o these_o be_v therefore_o imperfect_a because_o negative_a and_o though_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o they_o be_v not_o we_o never_o can_v by_o humane_a power_n yet_o resolve_v complete_o what_o they_o be_v which_o make_v divine_a revelation_n necessary_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v faith_n beyond_o our_o reason_n though_o we_o never_o believe_v without_o reason_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o authority_n we_o confide_v in_o this_o be_v therefore_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v as_o well_o praise_v god_n goodness_n as_o admire_v his_o power_n for_o send_v we_o that_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o conduct_v we_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o this_o promise_n i_o tell_v you_o i_o will_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 2._o as_o it_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v militant_a on_o the_o earth_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v already_o dispatch_v and_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o to_o view_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n guidance_n as_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n throughout_o the_o several_a age_n and_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o divine_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o its_o immediate_a operation_n be_v too_o difficult_a to_o be_v explain_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o energy_n and_o work_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o thing_n for_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n what_o therefore_o be_v now_o to_o be_v discourse_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o influence_n in_o general_n and_o that_o extraordinary_a assistance_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o apostle_n be_v how_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n possess_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o with_o truth_n who_o make_v themselves_o by_o holy_a disposition_n and_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a faculty_n capable_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o what_o truth_n those_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n guide_v man_n into_o as_o to_o the_o first_o suppose_v that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o to_o receive_v a_o full_a revelation_n of_o those_o truth_n by_o open_v their_o understanding_n and_o quicken_a their_o memory_n that_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n faithful_o record_v they_o for_o the_o use_n of_o posterity_n and_o that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v stand_v rule_n for_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o come_v i_o can_v find_v any_o other_o method_n the_o spirit_n have_v use_v or_o do_v continue_v to_o guide_v the_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o by_o those_o scripture_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n to_o publish_v and_o deliver_v 2._o by_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o man_n to_o continue_v that_o ministry_n which_o must_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o 3._o by_o confirm_v those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o cooperate_a with_o the_o external_a ministration_n by_o a_o internal_a work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o those_o who_o be_v inclinable_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n first_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n by_o those_o scripture_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o posterity_n these_o be_v those_o lively_a character_n in_o which_o we_o may_v read_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n these_o be_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o certain_o guide_v those_o into_o it_o who_o sober_o and_o conscientious_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v they_o they_o convey_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n valuable_a above_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n and_o hereafter_o give_v we_o such_o possession_n as_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o power_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o exceed_v all_o humane_a expectation_n these_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o complete_a body_n of_o doctrine_n that_o they_o need_v not_o any_o addition_n to_o be_v make_v to_o they_o let_v their_o own_o sense_n be_v but_o sufficient_o explain_v and_o if_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o speak_v their_o own_o mind_n they_o will_v neither_o want_v apocrypha_fw-la nor_o tradition_n nor_o any_o new_a revelation_n neither_o to_o render_v they_o a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o divinity_n man_n own_o doctrine_n and_o not_o christ_n want_v tradition_n to_o confirm_v they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n of_o a_o sect_n of_o man_n that_o will_v make_v all_o christian_n groan_n with_o their_o burden_n and_o void_a god_n word_n with_o their_o own_o pretension_n however_o they_o be_v varnish_v with_o the_o plausible_a epithet_n of_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a that_o make_v such_o addition_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v at_o first_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v able_a of_o themselves_o
when_o right_o understand_v to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o furnish_v the_o minister_n certain_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v the_o people_n nay_o to_o make_v they_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n two_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o hence_o be_v it_o that_o these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v take_v from_o the_o adult_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v expose_v to_o child_n learning_n or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v timothy_n commendation_n that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v know_v the_o scripture_n and_o if_o such_o eulogium_n be_v make_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n much_o more_o praise_n must_v be_v give_v to_o the_o new_a which_o show_v we_o a_o way_n to_o be_v justify_v from_o those_o thing_n from_o which_o we_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n act_n 13.39_o and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v 2_o tim._n 1.10_o the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n preach_v by_o christ_n and_o enlarge_v upon_o by_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o powerful_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v sufficient_a accompany_v with_o those_o mean_n appoint_v for_o their_o delivery_n and_o the_o ordinary_a assistance_n give_v to_o those_o that_o attend_v they_o with_o humility_n to_o guide_v man_n into_o all_o those_o truth_n requisite_a to_o be_v know_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o therefore_o bless_a be_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o luke_o 11.28_o from_o hence_o draw_v we_o the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o these_o be_v the_o fresh_a spring_n of_o salvation_n at_o which_o mankind_n may_v satisfy_v themselves_o here_o have_v we_o direction_n to_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o various_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v endure_v both_o the_o sunshine_n and_o the_o storm_n that_o prosperity_n may_v neither_o swell_v nor_o adversity_n consume_v we_o s._n paul_n advice_n therefore_o to_o timothy_n must_v be_v attend_v by_o we_o also_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o know_v of_o who_o we_o have_v learn_v they_o and_o that_o because_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n shall_v wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v two_o tim._n 3.13_o 14._o let_v the_o infallible_a man_n of_o mystical_a and_o unintelligible_a demonstration_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v what_o they_o can_v defend_v but_o by_o their_o old_a argument_n of_o force_n and_o fire_n let_v they_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n whilst_o yet_o they_o pretend_v to_o its_o inspiration_n themselves_o let_v those_o argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n when_o right_o understand_v that_o can_v defend_v their_o doctrine_n only_o by_o a_o counterfeit_a tradition_n have_v no_o great_a argument_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o it_o consume_v their_o hay_n and_o stubble_n and_o that_o they_o can_v there_o neither_o fetch_v wood_n to_o burn_v we_o nor_o stone_n to_o destroy_v we_o but_o let_v we_o who_o be_v of_o the_o day_n be_v sober_a and_o be_v wise_a to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o then_o as_o god_n former_o subject_v satan_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n for_o that_o by_o the_o serpent_n he_o deceive_v their_o simplicity_n and_o stain_v their_o innocence_n so_o though_o now_o he_o endeavour_v by_o subtle_a impostor_n to_o beguile_v soft_a and_o ignorant_a mind_n he_o shall_v not_o always_o triumph_v in_o his_o villainy_n but_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v bruise_v he_o under_o our_o foot_n short_o rom._n 16.20_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o fathom_v it_o and_o though_o he_o may_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n or_o to_o make_v our_o adversary_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n permit_v some_o to_o erect_v their_o plume_n and_o lead_v captive_a unwary_a soul_n in_o triumph_n yet_o though_o he_o that_o stand_v must_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v let_v we_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n advice_n hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o contend_v earnest_o for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o and_o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v two_o thess_n 3.6_o and_o if_o we_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n shall_v be_v upon_o we_o and_o mercy_n gal._n 6.16_o we_o need_v not_o then_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o wind_n and_o storm_n nor_o yet_o of_o he_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n if_o we_o true_o fear_v he_o that_o can_v destroy_v the_o soul_n which_o none_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v do_v for_o say_v our_o saviour_n whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o be_v like_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o though_o the_o rain_n descend_v the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n it_o fall_v not_o matth._n 7.24_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v now_o give_v we_o a_o stand_a rule_n by_o the_o glorious_a inspiration_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o general_a measure_n of_o our_o action_n and_o as_o no_o sign_n will_v be_v give_v of_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o resurrection_n beside_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n ionas_n so_o no_o rule_n can_v be_v expect_v by_o we_o beside_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o universal_a period_n and_o general_a conflagration_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n put_v all_o under_o the_o severe_a curse_n that_o pervert_v this_o or_o preach_v another_o gospel_n and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o anathematise_v man_n but_o pass_v the_o same_o sentence_n upon_o angel_n if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v prove_v so_o bold_a and_o impious_a nay_o he_o double_v the_o curse_n to_o testify_v his_o faith_n and_o proclaim_v the_o irrepealable_a duration_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o what_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v certain_o true_a and_o we_o may_v confide_v in_o it_o what_o be_v add_v by_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o infallible_a any_o far_a than_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n dispute_v against_o the_o heretic_n by_o and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o measure_n and_o rule_v of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v so_o full_a and_o plain_a that_o no_o new_a article_n must_v be_v add_v to_o our_o creed_n nor_o any_o other_o rule_v of_o duty_n contradictory_n to_o these_o all_o necessary_a thing_n be_v so_o easy_a that_o any_o person_n of_o any_o ordinary_a capacity_n use_v the_o method_n of_o god_n own_o institution_n may_v soon_o arrive_v at_o knowledge_n enough_o to_o save_v he_o if_o his_o will_n do_v not_o rebel_n against_o his_o understanding_n and_o he_o faithful_o practice_n what_o he_o know_v nor_o can_v the_o end_n of_o god_n law_n ever_o be_v obtain_v or_o man_n be_v leave_v inexcusable_a if_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o it_o can_v not_o unriddle_v itself_o for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o law_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bind_v by_o they_o how_o can_v man_n obey_v that_o which_o they_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n understand_v and_o if_o it_o can_v by_o the_o ordinary_a help_n of_o the_o learned_a in_o it_o interpret_v itself_o there_o must_v then_o be_v a_o new_a inspiration_n to_o interpret_v what_o be_v inspire_v before_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v two_o inspiration_n where_o one_o will_v have_v serve_v because_o he_o that_o can_v interpret_v a_o law_n plain_o to_o the_o world_n may_v have_v make_v it_o plain_a at_o its_o first_o delivery_n unless_o perchance_o we_o may_v think_v it_o wise_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o toil_n and_o pain_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o many_o man_n by_o ignorance_n or_o wilfulness_n when_o they_o forsake_v the_o guide_n of_o god_n appointment_n heap_v teacher_n to_o themselves_o have_v itch_a ear_n may_v be_v and_o be_v lead_v into_o divers_a error_n under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o truth_n and_o thus_o those_o among_o the_o galatian_n who_o in_o those_o early_a day_n
trouble_v the_o church_n pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n gal._n 1.7_o but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n or_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o they_o be_v usual_o more_o obscure_a text_n that_o be_v to_o exercise_v the_o more_o learned_a and_o critical_a part_n of_o man_n upon_o which_o heresy_n be_v found_v and_o this_o too_o frequent_o be_v occasion_v by_o man_n that_o wrack_n and_o torture_v their_o understanstanding_n to_o conceive_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o here_o perfect_o to_o be_v know_v or_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v fathom_v by_o other_o man_n yet_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o those_o who_o thus_o ignorant_o and_o erroneous_o apprehend_v they_o thus_o s._n peter_n speak_v of_o s._n paul_n epistle_n say_v that_o in_o they_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o but_o another_o sort_n there_o be_v too_o that_o have_v too_o much_o subtlety_n to_o be_v account_v ignorant_a who_o be_v some_o of_o he_o perverse_a disputer_n of_o the_o world_n that_o first_o suit_n their_o tenet_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o then_o violent_o press_v the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v what_o they_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o we_o shall_v never_o else_o have_v hear_v this_o be_v my_o body_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o absurd_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n nor_o feed_v my_o sheep_n to_o prove_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n nor_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o prove_v his_o infallibility_n nor_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n to_o prove_v a_o purgatory_n when_o all_o these_o text_n be_v capable_a of_o fair_a and_o more_o plain_a interpretation_n to_o another_o and_o more_o coherent_a sense_n but_o that_o the_o ambition_n of_o some_o man_n will_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o then_o frame_v other_o belief_n to_o render_v they_o tame_v for_o such_o a_o tyranny_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o whatsoever_o they_o will_v impose_v when_o all_o this_o while_n they_o suit_v the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o wealth_n the_o better_a to_o support_v their_o pride_n and_o usurpation_n nay_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o have_v those_o among_o ourselves_o who_o call_v the_o pope_n name_n and_o yet_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n and_o tie_v that_o infallibility_n which_o they_o rob_v the_o roman_a chair_n of_o to_o their_o own_o single_a and_o enthusiastic_a determination_n who_o by_o misunderstand_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n direct_v themselves_o by_o a_o private_a impulse_n and_o then_o muster_v these_o to_o defend_v it_o but_o the_o flower_n be_v not_o the_o less_o fragrant_a for_o that_o the_o spider_n thence_o will_v suck_v for_o poison_n nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o those_o who_o sober_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v it_o notwithstanding_o some_o may_v wrest_v and_o misapply_v it_o nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n at_o any_o time_n contradict_v itself_o he_o have_v therefore_o inspire_v some_o man_n to_o commit_v a_o rule_n to_o write_v for_o future_a generation_n to_o read_v and_o understand_v and_o put_v forth_o a_o law_n that_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a and_o man_n have_v reason_n and_o understanding_n enough_o assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n ordinary_a direction_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o law_n into_o all_o truth_n he_o expect_v now_o that_o they_o shall_v order_v themselves_o as_o they_o do_v by_o all_o human_a law_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o live_v proportionable_o to_o so_o great_a a_o favour_n and_o labour_n to_o understand_v what_o he_o have_v put_v into_o their_o power_n to_o know_v remember_v that_o of_o wise_a agur_n add_v thou_o not_o unto_o god_n word_n lest_o he_o reprove_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n prov._n 30.6_o the_o authority_n god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n empower_n they_o to_o command_v or_o alter_v circumstantial_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o these_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o heb._n 13.17_o but_o no_o man_n be_v authorize_v to_o usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o create_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o impose_v other_o primary_n rule_v of_o duty_n than_o what_o they_o find_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v only_o to_o confirm_v and_o explain_v they_o for_o as_o we_o must_v not_o think_v of_o man_n so_o neither_o of_o doctrine_n above_o what_o be_v write_v our_o language_n and_o design_n must_v be_v the_o same_o with_o s._n paul_n to_o deliver_v that_o which_o we_o also_o receive_v 1_o cor._n 15.3_o so_o may_v we_o be_v worker_n together_o with_o god_n and_o when_o the_o world_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o demonstrate_v his_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o may_v please_v he_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v i._n e._n what_o some_o man_n account_v folly_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1.21_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o next_o particular_a in_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n guide_v we_o that_o be_v remote_a from_o the_o apostle_n age_n into_o all_o truth_n which_o they_o deliver_v by_o incline_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n to_o continue_v that_o ministry_n that_o must_v have_v its_o succession_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n conduct_v that_o in_o all_o religious_a constitution_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n there_o have_v be_v a_o separate_a and_o appoint_v ministry_n be_v more_o notorious_a than_o to_o spend_v word_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v too_o deep_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o it_o bear_v a_o equal_a date_n with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n fix_v in_o we_o without_o this_o public_a worship_n can_v have_v its_o constant_a and_o orderly_o be_v and_o have_v not_o this_o be_v establish_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o christianity_n it_o will_v not_o only_o have_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o any_o religion_n which_o have_v possess_v the_o world_n but_o than_o any_o trade_n or_o occupation_n among_o we_o to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o which_o man_n must_v be_v learner_n before_o they_o become_v able_a workman_n or_o be_v permit_v to_o exercise_v their_o particular_a calling_n among_o any_o well_o order_v and_o embody_v society_n the_o separation_n therefore_o of_o some_o man_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v first_o make_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o when_o he_o call_v the_o apostle_n and_o send_v forth_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o human_a creature_n and_o when_o the_o time_n of_o his_o departure_n from_o the_o world_n be_v come_v when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o father_n kingdom_n in_o such_o a_o triumph_n as_o become_v a_o conqueror_n and_o one_o to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o deliver_v his_o full_a commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n substitute_v they_o in_o his_o own_o stead_n to_o rule_v his_o church_n and_o to_o ordain_v their_o successor_n that_o like_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n they_o may_v be_v legitimate_a and_o by_o a_o continue_a and_o distinguishable_a descent_n they_o may_v be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o say_v christ_n so_o send_v i_o you_o john_n 20.21_o or_o as_o s._n matthew_n describe_v it_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o wit_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n by_o yourselves_o and_o successor_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o gift_n our_o saviour_n give_v unto_o man_n when_o he_o ascend_v upon_o high_a ephes_n 4.8_o for_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_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 this_o be_v to_o endure_v till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o
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 determine_v our_o day_n and_o dispose_v our_o habitation_n though_o these_o thing_n be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o order_n and_o train_n of_o second_o cause_n several_o design_v and_o concur_v to_o the_o end_n so_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n dispose_v the_o way_n of_o the_o education_n of_o some_o and_o incline_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o office_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n people_n may_v not_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o always_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o to_o convey_v christ_n doctrine_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n that_o his_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o a_o holy_a faith_n as_o on_o a_o firm_a and_o well_o fix_a rock_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n may_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o it_o matth._n 16.16_o and_o 18._o now_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o such_o man_n distinguish_v by_o their_o education_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v from_o those_o that_o be_v more_o encompass_v with_o the_o noise_n and_o disturb_v affair_n of_o this_o life_n be_v prepare_v by_o a_o previous_a train_n of_o circumstance_n and_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o understanding_n and_o be_v by_o such_o mean_v able_a to_o see_v into_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o that_o have_v go_v before_o they_o have_v be_v use_v more_o to_o read_v consideration_n and_o retirement_n than_o other_o man_n and_o to_o weigh_v the_o just_a consequence_n of_o thing_n they_o must_v needs_o attain_v a_o competent_a ability_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o most_o apply_v themselves_o and_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a through_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o spirit_n who_o call_v and_o give_v they_o authority_n in_o their_o office_n to_o become_v instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o guide_v man_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o art_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o world_n we_o deem_v it_o a_o natural_a way_n to_o learn_v by_o obtain_v one_o that_o be_v skilful_a himself_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o principle_n and_o ground_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o we_o more_o certain_o and_o easy_o obtain_v our_o design_n when_o we_o have_v such_o a_o one_o to_o instruct_v we_o so_o be_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a way_n to_o inform_v ourselves_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n when_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o a_o inspire_a rule_n but_o man_n educate_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o understanding_n the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v afterward_o appoint_v by_o due_a ceremony_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n especial_o if_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n confirm_v those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o cooperate_a with_o the_o external_a appoint_a ministration_n by_o a_o internal_a work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a illumination_n yet_o continue_v among_o christian_n as_o our_o church_n own_v it_o by_o her_o prayer_n so_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o contradict_v it_o not_o that_o it_o do_v render_v any_o man_n infallible_a as_o the_o romanist_n affirm_v nor_o inspire_v man_n with_o any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n beside_o what_o it_o have_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o some_o enthusiast_n adventure_v to_o determine_v yet_o we_o must_v not_o to_o avoid_v the_o extreme_n forsake_v so_o useful_a a_o article_n of_o belief_n that_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n and_o keep_v we_o dependent_a upon_o he_o and_o be_v so_o great_a a_o foundation_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v by_o the_o jew_n because_o the_o samaritan_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n nor_o shall_v i_o 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
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
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 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therefore_o it_o must_v remain_v doubtful_a to_o those_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v it_o not_o more_o reasonable_a to_o receive_v this_o revelation_n so_o well_o attest_v and_o to_o renounce_v other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o than_o to_o leave_v thing_n of_o such_o a_o infinite_a concernment_n at_o so_o miserable_a a_o hazard_n nay_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o probable_a proof_n of_o future_a thing_n when_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o their_o own_o nature_n without_o the_o admission_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v there_o not_o great_a reason_n even_o when_o two_o thing_n seem_v uncertain_a to_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a and_o to_o that_o which_o give_v we_o some_o hope_n rather_o than_o to_o that_o which_o afford_v we_o none_o at_o all_o in_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n there_o may_v be_v great_a in_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a it_o make_v we_o yet_o live_v with_o more_o comfort_n and_o die_v with_o less_o trouble_n and_o reluctancy_n but_o perhaps_o all_o may_v now_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a yet_o such_o faith_n alone_a will_v not_o gain_v the_o prize_n though_o we_o finish_v our_o course_n in_o fight_v for_o it_o therefore_o let_v man_n belief_n of_o a_o future_a immortality_n and_o a_o joyful_a state_n evidence_n itself_o in_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v it_o for_o that_o faith_n be_v only_a fancy_n that_o think_v to_o be_v crown_v without_o obedience_n and_o to_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o not_o raise_v ourselves_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n will_v leave_v we_o still_o dead_a in_o our_o sin_n credere_fw-la se_fw-la in_o christum_fw-la quomodo_fw-la dicit_fw-la say_v s._n cyprian_n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la facit_fw-la quod_fw-la christus_fw-la facere_fw-la praecepit_fw-la how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o do_v what_o he_o command_v he_o and_o a_o little_a before_o in_o the_o same_o tract_n immortalitate_fw-la potiri_fw-la quomodo_fw-la possumus_fw-la nisi_fw-la ea_fw-la quibus_fw-la mors_fw-la expugnatur_fw-la &_o vincitur_fw-la christi_fw-la mandata_fw-la servemus_fw-la how_o can_v we_o enjoy_v eternal_a life_n unless_o we_o keep_v those_o command_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o death_n be_v assault_v and_o overcome_v s._n john_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a and_o though_o man_n pretend_v other_o sign_n which_o be_v as_o easy_o confute_v as_o they_o be_v make_v yet_o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n say_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 19.17_o and_o s._n cyprian_n will_v vouch_v the_o application_n if_o i_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v the_o condition_n to_o obtain_v it_o for_o though_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v a_o law_n of_o liberty_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o law_n still_o that_o command_v we_o to_o act_v like_o religious_a man_n and_o not_o think_v to_o be_v draw_v to_o heaven_n upon_o the_o wheel_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n and_o crane_v up_o to_o paradise_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n we_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n by_o gradual_a advancement_n of_o virtue_n and_o devotion_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v that_o all_o mankind_n be_v perpetual_o to_o be_v save_v like_o the_o thief_n upon_o a_o cross_n we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o mount_v above_o the_o cloud_n through_o the_o vapour_n of_o repeat_v debauchery_n to_o rend_v the_o sky_n and_o make_v heaven_n open_a by_o loud_a oath_n and_o thunder_a execration_n or_o to_o jump_v out_o of_o dalilah_n lap_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n no_o sure_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n everlasting_a but_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a into_o everlasting_a punishment_n three_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o discourse_n to_o praise_n god_n for_o give_v we_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o admire_v and_o extol_v the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o who_o in_o such_o a_o eminent_a manner_n assist_v the_o apostle_n to_o commit_v so_o excellent_a a_o system_a of_o religion_n to_o writing_n that_o we_o of_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n may_v read_v what_o we_o can_v not_o hear_v and_o by_o the_o ordinary_a conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v guide_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v to_o deliver_v not_o to_o commemorate_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n must_v be_v the_o high_a ingratitude_n imaginable_a let_v we_o be_v as_o thankful_a then_o as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o as_o we_o increase_v daily_o in_o the_o one_o let_v the_o other_o run_v parallel_n in_o the_o enlargement_n god_n be_v please_v to_o own_v himself_o glorify_v by_o our_o praise_n this_o we_o do_v when_o we_o praise_v he_o with_o our_o tongue_n but_o than_o do_v it_o become_v most_o glorious_a when_o it_o be_v follow_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n the_o former_a may_v proceed_v from_o hypocrisy_n but_o attend_v with_o the_o latter_a it_o make_v the_o whole_a trinity_n to_o rejoice_v and_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o those_o grace_n we_o already_o have_v and_o engage_v god_n to_o give_v we_o more_o as_o our_o future_a condition_n shall_v want_v supply_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v say_v our_o saviour_n nay_o this_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n rejoice_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o sanctify_v and_o a_o vicious_a life_n be_v say_v to_o grieve_v he_o and_o how_o acceptable_a a_o sacrifice_n the_o whole_a be_v appear_v in_o what_o he_o say_v by_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 50.23_o whoso_o offer_v praise_n glorifi_v i_o and_o to_o he_o that_o order_v his_o conversation_n aright_o will_v i_o show_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v the_o natural_a result_v of_o a_o sense_n of_o mercy_n and_o favour_n impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o conclude_v those_o to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o benefit_n that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o their_o benefactor_n and_o the_o proportion_n of_o thanks_o must_v take_v their_o measure_n from_o the_o benefit_n receive_v how_o much_o therefore_o the_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o convey_v light_n unto_o the_o world_n to_o conduct_v mankind_n to_o glory_n and_o immortality_n exceed_v all_o the_o temporal_a favour_n we_o do_v enjoy_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o must_v our_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o and_o our_o life_n express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o to_o he_o who_o by_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n procure_v he_o four_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o do_v he_o still_o influence_n our_o mind_n and_o promote_v our_o endeavour_n in_o make_v enquiry_n after_o the_o thing_n that_o conduce_v to_o our_o peace_n then_o let_v we_o pray_v frequent_o to_o almighty_a god_n for_o this_o influence_n and_o benediction_n of_o the_o spirit_n prayer_n be_v that_o which_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o send_v he_o in_o so_o eminent_a a_o manner_n and_o for_o such_o glorious_a design_n into_o the_o world_n and_o prayer_n will_v still_o continue_v he_o here_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n say_v christ_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n joh._n 14.16_o prayer_n have_v not_o only_o a_o influence_n upon_o ourselves_o as_o it_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o make_v our_o holy_a resolution_n steady_a but_o mighty_o prevail_v with_o god_n himself_o who_o will_v crown_v what_o he_o have_v command_v with_o success_n in_o this_o therefore_o lie_v our_o great_a strength_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o duty_n sober_o and_o with_o a_o suitable_a devotion_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n nay_o it_o convey_v to_o we_o those_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v useful_a to_o we_o for_o the_o sanctify_a our_o nature_n and_o carry_v we_o through_o the_o hazard_n and_o various_a circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n for_o if_o you_o be_v evil_a say_v our_o saviour_n know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_o 11.13_o let_v we_o not_o then_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n since_o so_o great_a a_o advantage_n attend_v its_o devout_a and_o hearty_a performance_n and_o to_o public_a prayer_n whereby_o god_n be_v most_o glorify_a the_o pain_n be_v only_a presence_n and_o devotion_n five_o if_o god_n send_v his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o
guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v have_v safe_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o order_n and_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o then_o see_v how_o god_n value_v soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n however_o man_n too_o much_o disregard_n it_o if_o either_o any_o creed_n or_o none_o at_o all_o can_v have_v carry_v man_n to_o their_o future_a bliss_n christ_n need_n never_o have_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o deliver_v a_o universal_a doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o send_v this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n this_o necessity_n therefore_o of_o be_v sound_n in_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n caution_v man_n against_o prophetical_a pretender_n and_o false_a teacher_n to_o take_v heed_n what_o they_o hear_v mark_n 4.24_o to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o they_o be_v not_o darkness_n luke_o 11.35_o and_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n heb._n 3.12_o hence_o be_v it_o because_o as_o s._n peter_n say_v there_o be_v damnable_a heresy_n that_o the_o unsound_a cretan_n be_v so_o severe_o to_o be_v reprove_v that_o they_o may_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n tit._n 1.13_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n command_v timothy_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o which_o probable_o refer_v to_o some_o brief_a creed_n or_o summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n deliver_v to_o he_o by_o the_o apostle_n though_o we_o find_v they_o now_o burlesque_v and_o flout_v at_o but_o alas_o with_o as_o little_a wit_n as_o reason_n from_o hence_o final_o be_v it_o that_o s._n judas_n exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n 3_o ver_fw-la of_o his_o epist_n we_o be_v not_o now_o to_o make_v our_o own_o faith_n nor_o be_v it_o indifferent_a what_o we_o believe_v let_v we_o receive_v therefore_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n through_o all_o the_o several_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v our_o life_n as_o pure_a as_o our_o faith_n last_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o speak_v truth_n and_o by_o no_o method_n to_o impose_v upon_o one_o another_o that_o we_o may_v evidence_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o the_o world_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v still_o a_o influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o viper_n among_o man_n who_o tooth_n be_v spear_n and_o arrow_n and_o their_o tongue_n a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o engross_v the_o whole_a trade_n of_o lie_v and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v man_n inspire_v these_o receive_v false_a news_n in_o gross_a and_o then_o retail_v it_o out_o to_o other_o their_o tongue_n indeed_o be_v very_o sharp_a and_o no_o wonder_n neither_o since_o they_o keep_v the_o whetstone_n whole_o to_o themselves_o these_o be_v your_o itinerant_a historian_n that_o to_o consume_v our_o corn_n carry_v always_o firebrand_n at_o their_o tail_n who_o lie_v so_o often_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o believe_v themselves_o when_o they_o speak_v truth_n and_o give_v to_o all_o that_o have_v have_v the_o curse_n of_o their_o conversation_n a_o plain_a testimony_n who_o their_o father_n be_v but_o let_v not_o any_o of_o our_o soul_n enter_v into_o their_o secret_n but_o resolve_v to_o resemble_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o abominate_v all_o lie_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o to_o qualify_v ourselves_o for_o our_o future_a ascent_n to_o god_n holy_a hill_n by_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o our_o heart_n psal_n 15._o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o we_o must_v follow_v so_o good_a a_o example_n unless_o we_o think_v lie_v the_o character_n of_o a_o saint_n and_o perjury_n to_o put_v on_o a_o martyr_n crown_n s._n paul_n do_v not_o think_v so_o when_o he_o forbid_v the_o colossian_n to_o lie_v to_o one_o another_o see_v they_o have_v put_v off_o the_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n colos_n 3.9_o let_v we_o therefore_o beware_v of_o arrogance_n and_o calumny_n of_o detract_n from_o other_o or_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o ourselves_o and_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o holy_a spirit_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o guide_v ourselves_o into_o all_o truth_n so_o shall_v we_o avoid_v both_o sin_n and_o shame_n and_o eternal_a confusion_n at_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v then_o give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n will_v we_o but_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v the_o sacred_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o influence_n our_o mind_n in_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n commerce_n and_o trade_n will_v be_v more_o innocent_a we_o shall_v neither_o betray_v our_o own_o self_n by_o any_o false_a or_o 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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 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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
action_n where_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o for_o as_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o the_o object_n propose_v to_o the_o will_n embracement_n be_v either_o real_a or_o apparent_a good_a the_o same_o passion_n be_v use_v in_o the_o reception_n so_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o understanding_n also_o if_o the_o object_n seem_v to_o be_v true_a it_o make_v the_o same_o impression_n with_o truth_n itself_o if_o we_o pretend_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o image_n represent_v in_o the_o brain_n which_o the_o soul_n contemplate_v do_v according_a to_o their_o beauty_n or_o deformity_n own_o or_o reject_v the_o object_n represent_v by_o they_o since_o we_o find_v still_o that_o a_o error_n present_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o truth_n as_o long_o as_o we_o receive_v it_o be_v as_o pleasant_a to_o we_o as_o truth_n itself_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o idea_n suppose_v of_o such_o different_a aspect_n that_o in_o they_o we_o can_v read_v good_a and_o evil_n without_o some_o more_o superior_a direction_n for_o if_o there_o be_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v deceive_v that_o give_v himself_o time_n to_o contemplate_v these_o image_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v as_o we_o must_v indeed_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o spirit_n impulse_n from_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o impell_v we_o to_o with_o the_o truth_n reveal_v in_o god_n word_n then_o the_o impulse_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a direction_n that_o must_v have_v another_o more_o convince_a to_o determine_v it_o nay_o not_o the_o sure_a confirmation_n of_o thing_n that_o admit_v a_o proof_n beyond_o itself_o whilst_o the_o scripture_n become_v its_o judge_n either_o to_o condemn_v or_o acquit_v it_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o why_o shall_v our_o saviour_n give_v the_o world_n such_o admonition_n and_o caution_n man_n against_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n that_o shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o matth._n 24._o but_o that_o he_o foresee_v the_o false_a pretension_n that_o will_v be_v make_v to_o inspiration_n s._n john_n need_v not_o otherwise_o have_v caution_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n nor_o exhort_v we_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o know_v that_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n but_o last_o let_v we_o consider_v too_o that_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o make_v bare_a his_o arm_n and_o put_v his_o power_n to_o a_o immediate_a work_n when_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v accomplish_v as_o well_o by_o other_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o that_o very_a end_n for_o though_o this_o may_v demonstrate_v his_o power_n yet_o it_o lessen_v his_o wisdom_n to_o exert_v more_o strength_n and_o use_v more_o application_n to_o produce_v a_o effect_n which_o few_o might_n as_o well_o accomplish_v nay_o it_o will_v subvert_v that_o scheme_n of_o cause_n which_o his_o contrivance_n have_v already_o order_v it_o will_v both_o render_v god_n rule_n and_o man_n endeavour_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n useless_a and_o ridiculous_a at_o least_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v already_o reveal_v will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a which_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n affirmation_n two_o tim._n 3.17_o but_o s._n paul_n argument_n must_v be_v invert_v and_o he_o may_v just_o he_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o will_v not_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n whereas_o he_o plain_o and_o confident_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v so_o rom._n 1.16_o why_o shall_v any_o therefore_o now_o the_o rule_n be_v give_v vain_o expect_v revelation_n and_o impulse_n and_o extend_v their_o belief_n to_o a_o bold_a presumption_n delude_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n since_o these_o now_o be_v neither_o promise_v nor_o in_o that_o manner_n enthusia_v wait_v for_o they_o ever_o intend_v let_v we_o rest_v satisfy_v therefore_o with_o those_o truth_n already_o receive_v since_o no_o more_o divine_a rule_n of_o life_n can_v rational_o be_v expect_v till_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n and_o with_o god_n benediction_n and_o the_o ordinary_a concurrence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o gospel_n let_v we_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o its_o precept_n and_o command_n that_o walk_v according_a to_o these_o rule_n we_o may_v at_o last_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n these_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v seal_v to_o we_o not_o only_o by_o inspire_v the_o sacred_a penman_n to_o a_o exact_a delivery_n but_o he_o have_v confirm_v they_o also_o by_o such_o miracle_n as_o at_o once_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o surmount_v the_o objection_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n upon_o this_o we_o build_v a_o rational_a belief_n though_o some_o mystery_n in_o our_o religion_n exceed_v our_o full_a and_o perfect_a comprehension_n other_o pretension_n however_o back_v with_o great_a name_n be_v confident_o aver_v with_o boldness_n and_o zeal_n be_v no_o other_o than_o wild_a notion_n and_o exorbitant_a fancy_n thing_n that_o if_o satan_n who_o pant_v and_o breathe_v for_o our_o eternal_a ruin_n can_v once_o persuade_v we_o to_o a_o embracement_n of_o he_o than_o present_v a_o deform_a monster_n for_o the_o most_o beautiful_a truth_n he_o have_v then_o cast_v a_o veil_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o lead_v we_o blindfold_a into_o what_o error_n he_o please_v he_o spread_v his_o net_n and_o entanglement_n for_o we_o and_o certain_a he_o be_v to_o catch_v and_o ensnare_v we_o for_o who_o can_v lead_v the_o blind_a into_o a_o ditch_n or_o bring_v he_o upon_o a_o precipice_n when_o he_o think_v himself_o safe_a and_o secure_a how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o the_o fall_v spirit_n that_o envy_v man_n the_o very_a hope_n of_o bliss_n since_o he_o himself_o be_v in_o eternal_a despair_n to_o dart_v into_o person_n who_o forsake_v the_o write_a word_n to_o attend_v new_a impulse_n and_o revelation_n those_o poison_a arrow_n that_o shall_v drink_v up_o their_o spirit_n and_o persuade_v such_o to_o embrace_v any_o thing_n who_o have_v no_o better_a rule_n than_o their_o own_o persuasion_n listen_v not_o then_o to_o the_o fond_a fancy_n of_o any_o bold_a and_o passionate_a man_n who_o make_v use_n of_o their_o hot_a constitution_n convert_v their_o own_o natural_a rashness_n into_o a_o seem_a zeal_n pour_v forth_o thick_a word_n and_o thin_a sense_n whilst_o they_o impudent_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n impulse_n for_o all_o their_o rude_a and_o unreasonable_a notion_n and_o give_v the_o stamp_n of_o canon_n to_o their_o doctrine_n nor_o must_v we_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n so_o far_o make_v our_o reason_n judge_n as_o to_o destroy_v our_o faith_n but_o take_v the_o gospel_n for_o our_o sufficient_a rule_n let_v we_o use_v our_o faculty_n to_o explain_v and_o apprehend_v it_o but_o by_o no_o mean_n let_v we_o curtail_v or_o extend_v it_o beyond_o what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o imposer_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v when_o religion_n be_v almost_o lose_v by_o make_v too_o strict_a a_o enquiry_n after_o it_o and_o too_o much_o curiosity_n in_o our_o speculation_n have_v render_v we_o almost_o regardless_o of_o our_o practice_n we_o discourse_v the_o grave_a and_o most_o serious_a point_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n with_o so_o much_o levity_n and_o disrespect_n the_o indecency_n of_o the_o place_n in_o which_o we_o hold_v such_o conference_n add_v to_o our_o vanity_n that_o we_o first_o make_v our_o religion_n common_a and_o then_o slight_a it_o as_o mean_v and_o inconsiderable_a but_o whatever_o the_o son_n of_o darkness_n do_v let_v we_o who_o be_v of_o the_o day_n be_v sober_a and_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o a_o godly_a fear_n receive_v those_o impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v make_v in_o sacred_a writ_n so_o shall_v we_o avoid_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o those_o who_o so_o confident_o assert_v diabolical_a suggestion_n and_o the_o black_a fancy_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o corrupt_a constitution_n for_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o no_o zeal_n or_o mode_n of_o delivery_n can_v possible_o persuade_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o due_o exercise_v his_o own_o faculty_n that_o profound_a nonsense_n or_o unaccountable_a proposition_n be_v deep_a divinity_n nor_o that_o man_n who_o nature_n be_v envious_a and_o diabolical_a can_v possible_o receive_v instruction_n from_o god_n to_o promote_v division_n raise_v disturbance_n or_o to_o continue_v any_o which_o have_v already_o have_v their_o auspicious_a beginning_n and_o as_o i_o hope_v their_o full_a progress_n among_o we_o for_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o wrangle_v and_o
without_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_v in_o peace_n for_o they_o that_o make_v peace_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o free_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o the_o bold_a claim_n of_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n when_o they_o plead_v its_o conduct_n and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o themselves_o in_o those_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n what_o now_o remain_v to_o finish_v this_o discourse_n but_o only_o to_o beg_v that_o we_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o avoid_v these_o obstruction_n to_o the_o compleatment_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o practice_v the_o contrary_a that_o may_v perfect_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o will_v give_v unto_o god_n a_o undivided_a heart_n that_o we_o will_v not_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o opinion_n and_o mix_v christianity_n with_o other_o principle_n different_a from_o it_o that_o we_o will_v not_o think_v the_o cross_n so_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v when_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o crown_n be_v propose_v with_o it_o that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o our_o natural_a disposition_n but_o submit_v our_o inclination_n to_o god_n command_n that_o we_o will_v more_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o make_v our_o faith_n conquer_v our_o sense_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o their_o proper_a object_n that_o the_o spirituality_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v may_v be_v more_o strict_o practise_v and_o intend_v by_o we_o that_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o alleviate_v the_o burden_n of_o those_o duty_n that_o christianity_n prescribe_v by_o the_o rational_a consideration_n of_o their_o excellency_n and_o reward_n that_o we_o will_v allow_v ourselves_o more_o leisure_n for_o consideration_n and_o thoughtfulness_n by_o a_o retirement_n from_o the_o hurry_v and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o will_v banish_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n from_o our_o heart_n especial_o when_o detract_n from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o will_v distinguish_v well_o betwixt_o zeal_n and_o passion_n and_o let_v good_a thing_n determine_v our_o affection_n that_o we_o will_v not_o wilful_o misunderstand_v the_o gospel_n to_o support_v either_o a_o principle_n or_o a_o faction_n that_o we_o will_v watch_v against_o the_o insinuation_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v to_o devour_v we_o that_o we_o will_v beware_v of_o pride_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n which_o hate_v conviction_n and_o strengthen_v error_n that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v partial_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n since_o the_o same_o authority_n enjoin_v all_o and_o true_a obedience_n must_v be_v universal_a that_o we_o will_v banish_v coolness_n and_o not_o be_v indifferent_a in_o our_o choice_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v strict_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o our_o principle_n that_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o thing_n we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a final_o that_o we_o will_v not_o imbibe_n such_o opinion_n as_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o consequence_n be_v destructive_a of_o christianity_n that_o we_o may_v not_o ruin_v by_o particular_a conclusion_n what_o we_o seem_v to_o hold_v to_o and_o profess_v in_o the_o general_a and_o last_o that_o we_o will_v admit_v such_o evidence_n of_o what_o christianity_n enjoin_v we_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o since_o the_o expectation_n of_o more_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o a_o far_a demand_n be_v altogether_o against_o the_o law_n of_o discourse_n and_o we_o require_v what_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v this_o advice_n if_o we_o cordial_o embrace_v will_v prepare_v we_o for_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o hinder_v we_o from_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o toss_v always_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o uncertainty_n our_o judgement_n then_o will_v be_v fix_v and_o settle_v and_o if_o we_o add_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n we_o receive_v and_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n we_o shall_v gain_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o and_o hereafter_o a_o eternal_a crown_n of_o glory_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v to_o we_o all_o for_o christ_n jesus_n sake_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v by_o all_o rational_a creature_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o perform_v it_o all_o glory_n and_o adoration_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o edward_n advise_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bishop_n head_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n a_o discourse_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o this_o great_a duty_n be_v state_v so_o as_o to_o oppose_v some_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o public_a form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n establish_v by_o her_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n and_o confirm_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n by_o thomas_n pittis_n d.d._n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a advice_n to_o the_o reader_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n and_o to_o the_o people_n attend_v the_o same_o with_o a_o preface_n concern_v divine_a worship_n humble_o offer_v to_o consideration_n for_o promote_a the_o great_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n in_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n administer_v according_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o law_n among_o we_o by_o a_o well-meaning_a though_o unlearned_a laic_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n t._n s._n the_o life_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o reverend_a dr._n peter_n heylin_n chaplain_n to_o charles_n i._o and_o charles_n ii_o monarch_n of_o great_a britain_n write_a by_o george_n vernon_n rector_n of_o bourton_n on_o the_o water_n in_o gloucestershire_n the_o crafty_a lady_n or_o the_o rival_n of_o himself_o a_o gallant_a intriegue_n translate_v out_o of_o french_a into_o english_a by_o f._n c._n ph._n gent._n finis_fw-la