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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n law_n life_n sin_n 22,698 5 5.7840 4 true
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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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it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o know_v or_o our_o frail_a capacity_n can_v receive_v so_o that_o we_o may_v accommodate_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n thou_o shall_v guide_v we_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v we_o to_o glory_n psal_n 73.24_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n still_o guide_v we_o into_o as_o far_o as_o our_o frailty_n be_v able_a to_o comport_v with_o his_o method_n and_o influence_n he_o do_v not_o now_o come_v among_o man_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o speak_v divers_a language_n or_o to_o work_v miracle_n among_o those_o who_o have_v the_o record_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o yet_o to_o reveal_v such_o secret_n as_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o proper_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o he_o do_v not_o help_v we_o to_o search_v into_o the_o closet_n and_o decree_n of_o heaven_n no_o more_o than_o he_o discover_v the_o counsel_n of_o prince_n nor_o do_v he_o elevate_v man_n understanding_n to_o distract_v themselves_o with_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o they_o but_o have_v give_v the_o law_n of_o life_n he_o guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n chap._n xiii_o have_v thus_o far_o accomplish_v my_o design_n in_o confute_v man_n false_a pretension_n to_o inspiration_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o due_a examination_n of_o other_o write_n and_o my_o own_o thought_n raise_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a either_o by_o my_o converse_v with_o or_o observation_n from_o other_o man_n for_o i_o dare_v not_o call_v any_o thing_n my_o own_o so_o as_o to_o be_v any_o first_o inventor_n have_v no_o common-place-book_n to_o direct_v i_o or_o else_o from_o some_o superior_a benediction_n upon_o human_a endeavour_n which_o i_o have_v attempt_v in_o some_o part_n to_o prove_v and_o vindicate_v and_o to_o show_v in_o this_o all_o that_o i_o believe_v or_o can_v at_o this_o time_n explain_v in_o any_o measure_n unto_o other_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o far_o use_v make_v of_o this_o writing_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o a_o few_o brief_a observation_n and_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a or_o some_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o first_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o in_o matter_n or_o religion_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o his_o belief_n or_o practice_n as_o far_o as_o he_o have_v ability_n and_o capacity_n to_o understand_v because_o s._n john_n exhort_v all_o man_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o this_o will_v neither_o seem_v to_o be_v absurd_a or_o impossible_a when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o be_v man_n endue_v with_o rational_a faculty_n that_o we_o have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v plain_a that_o be_v universal_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n that_o we_o have_v guide_n appoint_v to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o what_o be_v difficult_a and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n promise_v to_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o which_o god_n give_v to_o every_o one_o who_o in_o earnest_a prayer_n devout_o ask_v it_o and_o which_o be_v present_a with_o he_o in_o all_o emergence_n till_o by_o a_o vicious_a life_n he_o strange_o grieve_v he_o and_o by_o a_o obstinate_a continuance_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n he_o provoke_v it_o total_o to_o withdraw_v from_o he_o be_v there_o a_o human_a throne_n of_o infallibility_n erect_v to_o which_o all_o other_o may_v appeal_v and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o he_o that_o possess_v it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o a_o apostle_n direction_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o since_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o the_o scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o no_o such_o human_a infallibility_n but_o assure_v we_o that_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n as_o it_o produce_v the_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o man_n to_o settle_v his_o own_o notion_n in_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n propound_v to_o his_o belief_n or_o which_o be_v design_v to_o guide_v his_o practice_n before_o he_o believe_v and_o entertain_v they_o make_v god_n word_n his_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a and_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o those_o guide_n and_o teacher_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o set_v over_o he_o in_o those_o point_n that_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a and_o this_o if_o do_v with_o that_o humility_n devout_a prayer_n for_o god_n assistance_n and_o true_a industry_n which_o become_v a_o man_n in_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o that_o of_o religion_n will_v either_o find_v out_o all_o truth_n or_o if_o he_o remain_v in_o any_o error_n it_o will_v be_v such_o as_o god_n will_v never_o condemn_v he_o for_o since_o the_o most_o gracious_a god_n will_v never_o expect_v from_o mankind_n that_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n shall_v exceed_v the_o cacapacity_n of_o their_o reception_n and_o what_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o appointment_n can_v help_v they_o to_o nor_o that_o either_o their_o belief_n or_o action_n shall_v ever_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o their_o being_n and_o those_o that_o so_o studious_o and_o industrious_o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o man_n reason_n and_o examination_n about_o the_o doctrine_n they_o propound_v render_v their_o opinion_n thing_n to_o be_v very_o much_o suspect_v and_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a when_o they_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o as_o for_o that_o peace_n among_o christian_n that_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o where_o else_o boast_v a_o establishment_n and_o continuance_n of_o whilst_o protestant_n be_v crumble_v into_o sect_n and_o division_n we_o may_v easy_o reply_v that_o they_o have_v their_o controversy_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o party_n among_o they_o that_o oppose_v each_o other_o with_o a_o equal_a heat_n and_o eagerness_n in_o dispute_n with_o other_o mortal_n and_o be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o several_a denomination_n even_o as_o the_o jesuit_n difference_n themselves_o from_o all_o be_v such_o swear_a vassal_n to_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o support_v it_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n let_v the_o romanist_n and_o other_o therefore_o first_o pull_v the_o mote_n out_o of_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o they_o may_v the_o better_o see_v to_o pull_v the_o beam_n out_o of_o another_o but_o why_o may_v not_o such_o peace_n and_o order_n as_o be_v convenient_a and_o perhaps_o as_o much_o as_o can_v ever_o be_v obtain_v be_v preserve_v among_o man_n profess_v christianity_n by_o the_o public_a authority_n check_v the_o disorderly_a action_n of_o man_n without_o impose_v setter_n on_o their_o belief_n which_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o compel_v or_o punish_v either_o if_o man_n be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o keep_v it_o to_o themselves_o and_o not_o trouble_v other_o by_o discourse_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v do_v as_o well_o as_o authority_n keep_v man_n in_o a_o tolerable_a order_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o management_n of_o secular_a affair_n though_o he_o that_o administer_v it_o be_v not_o infallible_a nor_o do_v all_o that_o be_v subject_n still_o concur_v in_o opinion_n with_o he_o preserve_v therefore_o your_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o use_v it_o too_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v lead_v like_o blind_a man_n when_o you_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v and_o help_v to_o assist_v they_o when_o they_o wax_v dim_a and_o then_o have_v settle_v yourselves_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n second_o let_v i_o exhort_v you_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o not_o to_o be_v like_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n roll_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o tempest_n and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v please_v with_o every_o new_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n because_o variety_n in_o other_o thing_n different_a from_o religion_n be_v so_o grateful_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n for_o in_o such_o thing_n they_o may_v have_v their_o choice_n and_o not_o be_v limit_v by_o a_o superior_a power_n but_o our_o option_n in_o relation_n to_o principle_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v direct_v by_o a_o superior_a rule_n and_o guide_v and_o have_v once_o find_v out_o this_o we_o must_v not_o vary_v upon_o new_a pretension_n from_o what_o this_o prescribe_v to_o we_o lest_o have_v leave_v those_o path_n that_o shall_v direct_v we_o we_o wander_v about_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o satan_n get_v great_a advantage_n upon_o unsteady_a mind_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v a_o new_a impression_n
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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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
his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o himself_o the_o messiah_n send_v from_o god_n by_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o the_o gnostic_n do_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o thing_n by_o retain_v upon_o occasion_n the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v abolish_v if_o he_o be_v own_v as_o a_o person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o void_a the_o old_a law_n and_o establish_v a_o new_a so_o that_o those_o who_o embrace_v what_o he_o come_v to_o vacate_v in_o effect_n deny_v he_o to_o be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o consequent_o destroy_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o renounce_v the_o messiah_n who_o authority_n establish_v this_o new_a law_n as_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o world_n nay_o by_o this_o rejection_n of_o the_o son_n they_o disown_v the_o father_n who_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o give_v he_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n give_v a_o testimony_n to_o his_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o our_o apostle_n reflect_v upon_o these_o man_n say_v who_o be_v a_o liar_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o be_v antichrist_n that_o deny_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n whoso_o deny_v the_o son_n the_o same_o have_v not_o the_o father_n but_o he_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o son_n the_o same_o have_v the_o father_n also_o 1_o john_n 2_o chap._n 22.23_o and_o in_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n 3._o v._n every_o spirit_n or_o teacher_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n whereof_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o shall_v come_v and_o even_o now_o already_o be_v it_o in_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n of_o s._n john_n together_o with_o those_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n caution_n man_n to_o beware_v i_o shall_v far_o explain_v and_o illustrate_v the_o word_n to_o render_v they_o 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stab_v or_o behead_v if_o the_o most_o horrid_a wickedness_n shall_v be_v palliate_v under_o the_o cloak_n of_o religion_n a_o new_a commandment_n shall_v be_v pretend_v for_o breach_n of_o the_o old_a and_o the_o moral_a law_n shall_v daily_o be_v violate_v by_o inspiration_n if_o man_n under_o pretension_n to_o the_o guidance_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o first_o deliverer_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o succeed_a age_n and_o generation_n shall_v hang_v out_o new_a light_n to_o the_o world_n that_o take_v away_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o old_a and_o preach_v to_o we_o another_o gospel_n bear_v their_o christ_n only_o picture_v on_o their_o standard_n and_o banner_n and_o their_o gospel_n to_o we_o on_o the_o point_n of_o sword_n nay_o when_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n neither_o prescribe_v nor_o use_v such_o method_n but_o quite_o contrary_a those_o of_o faith_n and_o patience_n humility_n and_o self-denial_n which_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o the_o government_n of_o prince_n but_o make_v man_n active_o or_o passive_o to_o obey_v and_o when_o the_o same_o spirit_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n that_o man_n will_v so_o far_o depart_v from_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o nay_o when_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v acquaint_v the_o world_n that_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v with_o such_o earnest_a pretence_n and_o strong_a delusion_n that_o shall_v almost_o shake_v the_o very_a elect_n those_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o name_n and_o character_n upon_o with_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o there_o exalt_v several_a though_o false_a messiah_n it_o will_v become_v we_o to_o consider_v any_o new_a pretension_n beyond_o the_o rule_n we_o have_v already_o learned_a and_o not_o to_o receive_v opinion_n at_o adventure_n but_o to_o make_v a_o more_o strict_a and_o considerate_a enquiry_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o we_o have_v already_o entertain_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o final_a period_n and_o consummation_n of_o age_n and_o though_o this_o great_a and_o characteristical_a principle_n of_o protestant_n be_v contradict_v both_o by_o the_o papist_n and_o enthusiast_n whilst_o the_o former_a equal_a their_o tradition_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o latter_a their_o own_o fancy_n and_o dream_n both_o upon_o occasion_n bestow_v such_o ignominious_a title_n on_o the_o bible_n that_o they_o will_v think_v it_o uncivil_a if_o they_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o any_o of_o their_o own_o write_n yet_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n can_v be_v false_a without_o suppose_v he_o a_o liar_n nay_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o in_o their_o commendation_n that_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n much_o more_o the_o people_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o the_o design_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v sufficient_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a rule_n of_o life_n that_o which_o if_o follow_v bring_v peace_n and_o welfare_n to_o we_o here_o and_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o that_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v for_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o look_v for_o a_o bless_a hope_n and_o immortality_n for_o which_o the_o former_a way_n of_o live_v prepare_v we_o titus_n 2.11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n nay_o so_o perfect_a and_o complete_a be_v this_o rule_n and_o so_o design_v to_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o apostle_n denounce_v a_o curse_n against_o any_o that_o teach_v another_o gospel_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n different_a from_o or_o contradictory_n to_o this_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n and_o repeat_v it_o twice_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o stand_v as_o a_o memorial_n to_o all_o age_n gal._n 1.8_o 9_o and_o saint_n john_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o revelation_n sufficient_o reprove_v all_o new_a pretension_n by_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v addition_n to_o this_o which_o be_v complete_a before_o god_n shall_v add_v unto_o
take_v the_o air_n receive_v fire_n into_o their_o bosom_n and_o yet_o never_o fear_v burn_v one_o may_v endeavour_v to_o beat_v a_o thousand_o and_o we_o may_v run_v on_o the_o point_n of_o naked_a sword_n without_o more_o danger_n of_o wound_n or_o death_n than_o if_o we_o be_v at_o quiet_a in_o our_o bed_n or_o guard_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o troop_n and_o army_n but_o whatever_o courage_n such_o strange_a principle_n may_v seem_v to_o inspire_v man_n withal_o yet_o to_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v not_o breathe_v from_o heaven_n nor_o inspire_v themselves_o these_o doctrine_n may_v probable_o make_v stout_a soldier_n but_o never_o will_v make_v a_o good_a christian_a suit_v indeed_o they_o be_v to_o such_o as_o think_v a_o sword_n the_o best_a mean_a to_o propagate_v religion_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o turk_n embrace_v they_o but_o they_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v such_o a_o gospel_n as_o bring_v peace_n to_o all_o who_o will_v embrace_v it_o and_o not_o propagate_v its_o belief_n by_o war_n or_o blood_n by_o open_a force_n or_o secret_a conspiracy_n alas_o man_n have_v need_v to_o be_v wary_a when_o eternal_a welfare_n be_v in_o hazard_n and_o endeavour_v to_o play_v their_o game_n well_o when_o their_o own_o salvation_n lie_v at_o stake_n we_o know_v by_o sad_a and_o woeful_a experience_n that_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v we_o still_o with_o a_o indifferent_a though_o equal_a affection_n pursue_v all_o we_o may_v then_o lodge_v a_o viper_n in_o our_o bosom_n drink_v poison_n instead_o of_o potion_n swallow_v a_o serpent_n instead_o of_o a_o fish_n and_o eat_v the_o very_a stone_n for_o bread_n we_o may_v thus_o safe_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o opinion_n and_o be_v both_o for_o god_n and_o baal_n christ_n and_o mammon_n may_v become_v equal_a and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o matter_n what_o we_o worship_v so_o as_o we_o worship_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a sign_n of_o a_o wanton_a palate_n that_o must_v be_v taste_v every_o dish_n and_o when_o the_o manna_n be_v set_v before_o we_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o loathe_v it_o if_o we_o desire_v quail_n if_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o devil_n into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n we_o have_v need_v to_o view_v man_n before_o we_o entertain_v they_o and_o examine_v doctrine_n before_o we_o receive_v they_o will_v any_o rational_a and_o wise_a man_n venture_v on_o a_o precipice_n without_o necessity_n or_o take_v pleasure_n in_o such_o hazard_n to_o have_v the_o vanity_n and_o glory_n of_o relate_v it_o when_o one_o slip_n prove_v irrecoverable_a and_o his_o fall_n bruise_n he_o all_o to_o piece_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o man_n who_o at_o all_o adventure_n attend_v the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o other_o or_o without_o trial_n receive_v their_o own_o they_o be_v like_o person_n travel_v in_o a_o wood_n who_o may_v soon_o meet_v with_o beast_n of_o prey_n than_o any_o man_n either_o to_o relieve_v or_o direct_v they_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o those_o that_o be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o travel_v on_o without_o knowledge_n or_o direction_n to_o be_v either_o lose_v like_o a_o man_n in_o a_o wilderness_n or_o run_v among_o the_o tent_n of_o their_o enemy_n or_o blunder_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o way_n to_o escape_v they_o may_v mistake_v rome_n in_o the_o dark_a to_o be_v their_o own_o city_n and_o think_v tiber_n to_o be_v the_o thames_n and_o may_v lodge_v there_o if_o they_o be_v thus_o delude_v when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v safe_a in_o their_o own_o bed_n the_o wolf_n be_v now_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n nay_o such_o as_o will_v neither_o be_v frighten_v with_o a_o drum_n nor_o yet_o be_v charm_v and_o tame_v by_o a_o fiddle_n or_o a_o pipe_n let_v not_o the_o sheep_n then_o approach_v they_o nor_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n feed_v nigh_o they_o lest_o the_o shepherd_n themselves_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v when_o they_o can_v no_o long_o govern_v or_o defend_v they_o those_o therefore_o that_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o christian_a profession_n that_o have_v vow_v obedience_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o consider_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o now_o to_o choose_v but_o that_o they_o have_v engage_v in_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o direction_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v any_o pretend_a inspiration_n contrary_a to_o these_o rule_n that_o they_o must_v abandon_v they_o as_o impious_a and_o abominable_a their_o everlasting_a welfare_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o eternity_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v play_v with_o nor_o salvation_n to_o be_v stake_v at_o hazard_n no_o zeal_n nor_o confidence_n of_o other_o must_v shake_v or_o alter_v our_o resolution_n nor_o must_v we_o change_v upon_o any_o extravagant_a motion_n of_o our_o own_o we_o must_v not_o like_o barnabas_n gal._n 2.13_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o dissimulation_n of_o the_o jew_n nor_o take_v with_o any_o gaudy_a idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o contend_v with_o earnestness_n for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n we_o must_v adhere_v to_o that_o stand_a ministry_n institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o continue_v to_o we_o through_o age_n and_o generation_n not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v because_o if_o we_o thus_o sin_v wilful_o in_o renounce_v our_o profession_n when_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n heb._n 10.25_o for_o if_o those_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v they_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o common_a thing_n and_o by_o their_o wilful_a revolt_n do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o rest_n be_v only_o subordinate_a unto_o he_o from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n and_o therefore_o he_o exhort_v that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v ephes_n 4.14_o etc._n etc._n and_o shall_v we_o to_o who_o our_o faith_n be_v ancient_a be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v draw_v away_o than_o they_o who_o have_v but_o new_o receive_v it_o god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v so_o disgrace_v our_o profession_n when_o they_o that_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o false_a opinion_n can_v die_v resolute_o though_o not_o for_o this_o only_a yet_o without_o renounce_v it_o if_o they_o do_v much_o upon_o principle_n of_o honour_n shall_v not_o we_o do_v more_o upon_o those_o of_o religion_n shall_v we_o that_o have_v be_v breed_v into_o settle_a maxim_n be_v draw_v aside_o by_o a_o madman_n or_o a_o fool_n if_o he_o be_v but_o able_a to_o pronounce_v inspiration_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o entertain_v any_o doctrine_n of_o man_n though_o never_o so_o wild_a if_o they_o will_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o suffer_v for_o they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o pack_n of_o a_o common_a pedlar_n for_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o we_o find_v he_o to_o stoop_v and_o crouch_v under_o it_o thus_o we_o may_v be_v carry_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o take_v he_o for_o a_o angel_n that_o minister_n to_o we_o but_o we_o be_v sufficient_o caution_v against_o such_o mistake_n if_o we_o will_v but_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v caution_v we_o against_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n advise_v man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n heb._n 13.9_o and_o we_o have_v need_v all_o of_o we_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o be_v exceed_o cautious_a and_o wary_a in_o this_o to_o guess_v at_o wolf_n by_o their_o howl_n and_o devour_v let_v their_o clothing_n be_v
have_v be_v need_n of_o any_o stand_a rule_n so_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v commend_v these_o jew_n for_o compare_v the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o old_a nor_o for_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v true_a since_o he_o come_v to_o preach_v by_o virtue_n of_o inspiration_n four_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v guide_v and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n because_o there_o be_v several_a advantage_n that_o accrue_v to_o man_n by_o a_o diligent_a examination_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o avoid_v the_o insinuation_n of_o those_o who_o under_o this_o pretence_n captivate_v and_o enslave_v the_o affection_n of_o many_o lead_v they_o into_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o deceive_v they_o of_o the_o privilege_n and_o reward_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o their_o peace_n and_o happiness_n be_v dissolve_v here_o and_o they_o purchase_v eternal_a misery_n hereafter_o the_o take_v away_o this_o liberty_n of_o inquire_v from_o man_n be_v what_o support_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n when_o have_v deprive_v man_n of_o their_o sight_n they_o lead_v they_o which_o way_n they_o please_v and_o spirit_n they_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v go_v to_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n this_o be_v what_o cause_v many_o to_o believe_v the_o priest_n gain_v to_o be_v their_o own_o godliness_n whilst_o ignorance_n beget_v a_o strange_a devotion_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o that_o of_o delusion_n and_o then_o egypt_n or_o a_o wilderness_n will_v be_v as_o pleasant_a as_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o night_n become_v as_o glorious_a as_o the_o day_n to_o such_o as_o have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o the_o want_n of_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o these_o thing_n make_v the_o sect_n among_o ourselves_o to_o be_v catch_v and_o halter_a by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o other_o till_o they_o be_v betray_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o use_v they_o as_o stalk_a horse_n to_o catch_v other_o till_o the_o jesuit_n cast_v their_o net_n over_o they_o and_o then_o the_o roman_n come_v and_o take_v away_o our_o kingdom_n to_o forbid_v this_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o render_v the_o faculty_n of_o a_o man_n useless_a to_o degrade_v he_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o beast_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o strange_a metempsychosis_n among_o we_o by_o transplant_n man_n soul_n into_o other_o creature_n whilst_o their_o body_n live_v and_o act_n in_o the_o world_n or_o to_o make_v they_o in_o religious_a affair_n which_o be_v the_o great_a concernment_n they_o have_v here_o to_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n to_o seek_v unto_o they_o that_o have_v familiar_a spirit_n or_o unto_o the_o wizzard_n that_o peep_n and_o mutter_v when_o a_o people_n shall_v seek_v unto_o their_o god_n and_o not_o for_o the_o live_n to_o the_o dead_a isa_n 8.19_o 2._o by_o a_o serious_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n we_o shall_v in_o all_o probability_n keep_v our_o faith_n sound_n and_o entire_a for_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n but_o one_o true_a faith_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n since_o there_o may_v be_v many_o article_n of_o belief_n exhibit_v to_o man_n different_a from_o the_o true_a it_o must_v needs_o become_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o keep_v our_o faith_n sound_n and_o blameless_a by_o examine_v thing_n before_o we_o receive_v they_o and_o try_v man_n that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n before_o we_o entertain_v their_o doctrine_n in_o our_o mind_n or_o make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n a_o ship_n that_o equal_o spread_v her_o sail_n to_o all_o the_o storm_n and_o contrary_a wind_n must_v not_o only_o lengthen_v her_o voyage_n and_o be_v toss_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o wave_n and_o tempest_n but_o frequent_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o a_o wreck_n if_o it_o be_v not_o lose_v and_o overwhelm_v there_o be_v no_o less_o hazard_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o we_o permit_v it_o without_o care_n to_o lay_v open_a to_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n we_o may_v then_o not_o only_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o but_o at_o once_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o devil_n be_v both_o a_o thief_n and_o a_o murderer_n so_o he_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o still_o walk_v about_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v and_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o enter_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o steal_v away_o their_o faith_n or_o hinder_v it_o from_o a_o vital_a influence_n upon_o their_o action_n if_o the_o door_n of_o their_o soul_n continual_o be_v open_a and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o lock_v or_o bar_v he_o may_v then_o come_v to_o we_o in_o his_o own_o shape_n without_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o both_o solicit_v and_o enslave_v our_o mind_n whilst_o we_o let_v he_o pass_v without_o examine_v and_o yet_o in_o port_n subject_a to_o invasion_n and_o garrison_n that_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o surprise_n we_o allow_v continual_a watch_n and_o ward_n and_o order_n to_o they_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o time_n of_o danger_n that_o none_o who_o be_v not_o public_o know_v to_o be_v a_o friend_n may_v enter_v without_o a_o strict_a examination_n lest_o he_o betray_v the_o place_n and_o let_v in_o the_o enemy_n no_o less_o advantage_n be_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n to_o preserve_v our_o faith_n spotless_a and_o unblemished_a to_o have_v a_o sentinel_n always_o at_o our_o sense_n through_o which_o our_o soul_n make_v their_o sally_n lest_o the_o adversary_n again_o enter_v with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o same_o way_n in_o which_o they_o hope_v to_o preserve_v themselves_o we_o must_v guard_v our_o mind_n and_o have_v a_o watchman_n always_o upon_o the_o tower_n that_o our_o understanding_n themselves_z which_o govern_v both_o our_o choice_n and_o affection_n be_v not_o ensnare_v into_o false_a principle_n which_o will_v defile_v our_o action_n and_o ruin_v our_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o harmless_a and_o undefiled_a the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n among_o who_o we_o live_v and_o hereafter_o to_o shine_v like_o star_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o firmament_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o saint_n paul_n exhort_v man_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o of_o his_o thank_n god_n that_o the_o roman_n then_o though_o since_o they_o have_v depart_v from_o it_o obey_v from_o the_o heart_n the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o they_o rom._n 6.17_o and_o of_o s._n jude_n exhort_v all_o christian_n to_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 in_o the_o three_o verse_n of_o his_o epistle_n for_o whatever_o any_o man_n bold_o say_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o examine_v our_o belief_n as_o our_o action_n and_o to_o take_v as_o great_a care_n of_o the_o principle_n as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o not_o only_o our_o reason_n conclude_v this_o because_o the_o understanding_n be_v the_o principal_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o for_o that_o these_o direct_a our_o will_n and_o influence_n all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o those_o who_o exchange_n their_o creed_n for_o any_o public_a faith_n that_o betray_v those_o article_n man_n shall_v believe_v safety_n or_o ruin_n depend_v upon_o it_o because_o not_o only_a baptism_n and_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n of_o our_o saviour_n institution_n be_v require_v to_o the_o ordinary_a salvation_n of_o man_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_n 16.16_o hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n not_o mind_v these_o thing_n put_v away_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o shipwreck_a their_o belief_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o error_n and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o 20._o if_o the_o orthodoxy_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o great_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o old_a statute_n may_v be_v still_o embrace_v or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n remain_v the_o only_a direction_n unto_o man_n without_o any_o far_a revelation_n but_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o of_o error_n that_o be_v damnable_a which_o entitle_v man_n
unto_o swift_a destruction_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o great_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o relation_n to_o man_n principle_n and_o belief_n faith_n will_v not_o have_v be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o qualification_n to_o justify_v a_o sinner_n 3._o by_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n we_o may_v preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o if_o conscience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o agreement_n of_o our_o notion_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o man_n then_o the_o trial_n of_o opinion_n under_o whatever_o pretence_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v convey_v by_o this_o rule_n and_o according_o either_o reject_v or_o receive_v they_o must_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o examine_v doctrine_n and_o opinion_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o man_n on_o earth_n than_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n settle_v upon_o a_o unalterable_a and_o firm_a foundation_n contentment_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o mean_a peasant_n as_o happy_a as_o his_o prince_n and_o create_v a_o level_a among_o mankind_n how_o much_o great_a delight_n than_o must_v that_o satisfaction_n advance_v man_n to_o which_o relate_v to_o thing_n of_o a_o everlasting_a concernment_n that_o cause_v the_o pang_n of_o death_n ro_o vanish_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o torment_n to_o depart_v that_o carry_v we_o with_o all_o steadiness_n and_o peace_n through_o all_o the_o billow_n and_o storm_n of_o the_o world_n into_o that_o bless_a haven_n of_o rest_n and_o tranquillity_n where_o we_o shall_v know_v no_o trouble_n any_o more_o this_o be_v enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a feast_n a_o pleasure_n beyond_o the_o great_a sensuality_n exceed_v what_o man_n can_v otherwise_o possess_v or_o as_o much_o as_o invent_v or_o think_v upon_o for_o what_o be_v then_o all_o the_o concernment_n or_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n when_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o be_o fix_v and_o settle_v if_o i_o live_v in_o misery_n it_o can_v be_v long_o nature_n will_v soon_o have_v spin_v her_o thread_n if_o no_o accident_n cut_v it_o off_o and_o if_o have_v my_o religion_n fix_v upon_o such_o principle_n which_o can_v deceive_v i_o i_o regulate_v my_o action_n by_o their_o direction_n death_n must_v then_o be_v welcome_a to_o i_o because_o it_o give_v i_o the_o fruit_n of_o my_o hope_n and_o enter_v i_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o my_o master_n who_o from_o earth_n have_v suffer_v a_o antecedent_n separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n enter_v visible_o into_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o have_v make_v a_o passage_n to_o the_o same_o for_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o in_o fullness_n of_o faith_n and_o indisputable_a assurance_n they_o have_v have_v a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n in_o 4._o this_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o other_o will_v make_v man_n endeavour_v to_o live_v without_o disturbance_n in_o that_o society_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n nothing_o disturb_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n so_o much_o as_o doubt_n and_o dispute_v about_o religion_n but_o this_o when_o find_v out_o by_o a_o regular_a enquiry_n and_o true_o establish_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n give_v the_o great_a and_o most_o effectual_a check_n to_o all_o the_o breach_n make_v upon_o enclosure_n and_o those_o irregularity_n and_o invasion_n that_o be_v commit_v upon_o the_o property_n of_o man_n this_o forbid_v the_o prince_n to_o be_v a_o tyrant_n and_o admonish_v the_o subject_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n to_o become_v subject_a for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o not_o to_o rebel_v against_o the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n lest_o they_o receive_v damnation_n in_o the_o next_o rom._n 13._o but_o when_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v the_o furious_a principle_n of_o other_o when_o convey_v to_o they_o under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o spirit_n and_o inspiration_n with_o what_o ease_n be_v they_o ensnare_v when_o they_o be_v either_o lazy_a or_o refuse_v to_o examine_v there_o be_v nothing_o then_o so_o ruinous_a to_o society_n nothing_o that_o put_v man_n more_o into_o confusion_n nothing_o that_o dissolve_v the_o band_n of_o community_n and_o break_v order_n into_o a_o chaos_n but_o they_o will_v attempt_v under_o the_o covert_n of_o religion_n and_o conclude_v they_o do_v service_n unto_o god_n when_o they_o be_v immediate_o offer_v to_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a tie_n upon_o mankind_n what_o will_v they_o not_o attempt_v or_o suffer_v when_o their_o action_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o full_a of_o villainy_n shall_v under_o pretence_n of_o the_o authority_n or_o inspiration_n of_o other_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o number_n of_o virtue_n and_o heroic_a act_n and_o their_o suffering_n be_v advance_v to_o martyrdom_n justice_n shall_v be_v violate_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o gain_v a_o crown_n from_o the_o head_n of_o he_o that_o right_o wear_v it_o and_o then_o they_o will_v make_v a_o way_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o design_n though_o they_o pave_v it_o throughout_o with_o the_o carcase_n of_o the_o slay_v but_o if_o such_o principle_n that_o ruin_n religion_n under_o its_o name_n be_v well_o examine_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n and_o new_a inspiration_n be_v measure_v by_o those_o that_o be_v old_a we_o shall_v easy_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v come_v from_o god_n that_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o the_o principle_n that_o tend_v to_o confusion_n among_o mankind_n ever_o proceed_v from_o a_o god_n of_o order_n but_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o first_o audit_n to_o be_v damn_v to_o the_o place_n from_o whence_o they_o take_v their_o original_n and_o must_v be_v conclude_v to_o come_v from_o hell_n which_o thus_o fire_n and_o consume_v the_o world_n and_o so_o you_o see_v that_o the_o several_a advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o man_n upon_o trial_n of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n may_v be_v so_o many_o encouragement_n to_o the_o thing_n and_o so_o many_o argument_n to_o recommend_v the_o duty_n to_o all_o those_o who_o by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o agent_n do_v not_o love_v to_o be_v lead_v captive_a final_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v faculty_n give_v to_o we_o that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o according_a to_o judgement_n to_o make_v our_o choice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o by_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o one_o inspiration_n the_o natural_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v cease_v or_o else_o be_v render_v useless_a they_o be_v suspend_v by_o a_o pretention_n of_o authority_n that_o without_o examination_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v divine_a nay_o why_o shall_v the_o apostle_n impose_v such_o a_o task_n upon_o we_o which_o without_o the_o use_n of_o every_o man_n particular_a faculty_n become_v impossible_a no_o choice_n will_v then_o be_v leave_v in_o religion_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o it_o will_v become_v a_o necessary_a thing_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v like_o machine_n to_o move_v always_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o another_o nay_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v before_o if_o the_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n change_v his_o note_n and_o play_v to_o we_o on_o a_o contrary_a string_n will_v it_o not_o be_v strange_a for_o any_o man_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o exhort_v stone_n or_o argue_v to_o one_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o impression_n or_o can_v s._n john_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o impose_v the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n on_o man_n that_o either_o have_v no_o faculty_n to_o examine_v or_o have_v their_o sense_n tie_v up_o by_o a_o superior_a power_n must_v all_o false_a prophet_n be_v reject_v and_o be_v there_o a_o necessity_n of_o man_n believe_v what_o doctrine_n have_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o must_v they_o not_o yet_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o use_v their_o own_o faculty_n to_o examine_v they_o to_o deny_v this_o may_v indeed_o be_v suitable_a to_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o it_o can_v but_o be_v plain_a to_o a_o protestant_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a man_n that_o have_v not_o his_o faculty_n give_v he_o in_o vain_a that_o such_o argue_v and_o such_o belief_n serve_v only_o to_o justify_v imposture_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o blind_a man_n eye_n that_o they_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o ditch_n this_o be_v to_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 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apostle_n be_v write_v or_o else_o we_o receive_v they_o faithful_o translate_v especial_o in_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o rule_n which_o the_o critic_n themselves_o can_v well_v torture_n because_o they_o be_v often_o than_o once_o deliver_v from_o several_a pious_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o more_o perfect_o and_o complete_o understand_v they_o why_o shall_v thing_n therefore_o that_o be_v at_o first_o plain_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a be_v so_o obscure_a to_o we_o that_o we_o must_v want_v a_o guide_n who_o be_v infallible_a to_o direct_v we_o almost_o in_o all_o our_o way_n and_o what_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o he_o split_v we_o at_o last_o against_o a_o stone_n if_o god_n have_v not_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o bridle_v mankind_n so_o as_o to_o curb_v they_o from_o become_a sinner_n but_o have_v in_o this_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o
choice_n that_o if_o they_o will_v sin_v it_o may_v be_v their_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o have_v chain_v they_o so_o fast_o one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o can_v err_v or_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n unless_o they_o break_v that_o link_n which_o tie_v they_o all_o to_o a_o infallible_a chair_n but_o alas_o such_o be_v our_o condition_n here_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o expect_v to_o free_a mankind_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o restrain_v all_o man_n from_o error_n nay_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o necessity_n that_o the_o life_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v void_a of_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o other_o as_o much_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o there_o be_v for_o all_o to_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n since_o if_o we_o have_v faith_n we_o may_v have_v it_o to_o ourselves_o but_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o other_o why_o therefore_o shall_v there_o not_o be_v a_o irresistible_a power_n set_v up_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o vice_n as_o well_o as_o a_o stand_a infallibility_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o error_n since_o god_n then_o who_o will_v judge_v man_n hereafter_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proper_o their_o own_o have_v not_o think_v it_o fit_v to_o set_v up_o the_o one_o i_o can_v but_o suspect_v that_o he_o never_o design_v to_o fix_v the_o other_o but_o to_o leave_v man_n to_o their_o own_o faculty_n to_o which_o he_o have_v add_v sufficient_a assistance_n to_o judge_v and_o to_o choose_v fair_o for_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o methinks_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o since_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o both_o it_o will_v be_v more_o modest_a to_o pretend_v to_o neither_o especial_o since_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n whatever_o power_n any_o have_v gain_v or_o usurp_v among_o we_o from_o reason_n or_o revelation_n to_o advance_v any_o among_o the_o race_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n in_o religion_n far_o than_o his_o sentence_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o this_o i_o can_v find_v that_o he_o have_v do_v any_o more_o beyond_o the_o faculty_n we_o have_v receive_v as_o we_o be_v man_n than_o to_o give_v we_o a_o rule_n sufficient_a to_o judge_v doctrine_n by_o and_o law_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o practice_n together_o with_o some_o superadded_a mean_n to_o help_v our_o judgement_n and_o direct_v our_o opinion_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n who_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n by_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o minister_n who_o be_v also_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o common_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o so_o the_o final_a success_n be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o choice_n either_o in_o a_o refusal_n or_o compliance_n with_o they_o because_o i_o can_v believe_v but_o that_o god_n act_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o human_a creature_n in_o all_o his_o general_a dispensation_n to_o man_n that_o so_o he_o may_v in_o our_o future_a state_n with_o equal_a justice_n inflict_v punishment_n or_o give_v we_o a_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n and_o indeed_o to_o write_v strict_o to_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n will_v not_o be_v praise_n worthy_a if_o it_o be_v so_o order_v that_o we_o can_v not_o err_v nor_o need_v s._n paul_n have_v so_o careful_o exhort_v to_o this_o if_o we_o may_v have_v be_v so_o easy_o preserve_v from_o all_o disease_n and_o deviation_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o infallibility_n of_o s._n peter_n and_o those_o who_o plead_v their_o title_n from_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o a_o apostle_n acquaint_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o they_o that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a 1_o cor._n 11.19_o by_o which_o he_o prove_v and_o foretells_a matter_n of_o fact_n though_o he_o do_v not_o signify_v god_n approbation_n but_o only_o his_o permission_n of_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o suffer_v error_n and_o division_n to_o be_v introduce_v among_o they_o by_o the_o perverseness_n or_o curiosity_n of_o any_o be_v that_o such_o as_o unite_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n may_v brighten_v and_o shine_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a glory_n and_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n may_v triumph_v over_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n therefore_o to_o erect_v the_o popish_a infallibility_n on_o nor_o for_o any_o church_n to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o tribunal_n among_o themselves_o have_v thus_o as_o i_o hope_v clear_v myself_o from_o any_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a miscarriage_n in_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v brief_o proceed_v in_o reflect_v upon_o some_o mistake_n of_o other_o that_o be_v false_a rule_n to_o judge_v doctrine_n and_o spirit_n by_o wherein_o private_a enthusiast_n be_v most_o notorious_o guilty_a these_o smell_n popery_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o can_v hardly_o promote_v any_o design_n without_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v sudden_o to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o most_o protestant_n and_o best_o establish_v church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o too_o public_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v popish_o affect_v who_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o spy_v error_n in_o the_o pope_n and_o yet_o so_o transfer_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o steal_v they_o away_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o monopoly_n of_o they_o and_o retale_v they_o to_o other_o under_o new_a name_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o another_o master_n these_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v infallible_a but_o be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o and_o thus_o they_o fetch_v candle_n from_o rome_n altar_n that_o they_o may_v set_v they_o up_o in_o their_o own_o breast_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o holy_a spirit_n guide_v man_n into_o truth_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o fire_n what_o either_o a_o disease_n and_o weakness_n in_o their_o body_n or_o their_o mind_n have_v make_v a_o representation_n of_o to_o their_o fancy_n so_o long_o till_o their_o brood_a thought_n have_v at_o last_o produce_v something_o which_o they_o may_v just_o call_v their_o own_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v or_o at_o least_o to_o say_v be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_o they_o will_v adventure_v to_o guide_v themselves_o and_o impose_v their_o own_o enjoy_v fancy_n upon_o other_o man_n but_o if_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o man_n wild_a discourse_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o become_v infallible_a guide_n of_o action_n so_o strange_a a_o confusion_n will_v be_v make_v among_o we_o and_o such_o a_o monstrous_a babel_n will_v be_v erect_v that_o trowel_n will_v be_v call_v for_o instead_o of_o mortar_n and_o man_n will_v cry_v out_o for_o brick_n before_o they_o have_v get_v straw_n to_o make_v they_o their_o tongue_n will_v be_v so_o various_a and_o unintelligible_a that_o a_o teutonick_n language_n can_v never_o reconcile_v they_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v they_o nor_o give_v mark_n to_o know_v the_o first_o builder_n by_o when_o they_o be_v disperse_v into_o divers_a country_n but_o every_o man_n head_n will_v still_o tilt_v against_o another_o and_o bring_v a_o kind_n of_o damnation_n upon_o the_o world_n the_o society_n of_o devil_n will_v be_v more_o regular_a than_o man_n who_o must_v live_v without_o god_n or_o beelzebub_n the_o birth_n of_o reason_n will_v be_v deem_v abortive_a and_o the_o fruit_n of_o madness_n will_v receive_v the_o character_n of_o sobriety_n and_o discretion_n the_o great_a lunatic_n will_v be_v most_o religious_a and_o we_o shall_v pay_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o a_o fool._n but_o since_o thing_n be_v not_o come_v to_o this_o pass_n yet_o i_o shall_v brief_o examine_v a_o very_a few_o false_a rule_n by_o which_o some_o among_o we_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n and_o guidance_n of_o themselves_o first_o there_o be_v some_o that_o build_v much_o on_o what_o they_o style_v the_o return_n of_o prayer_n when_o they_o have_v make_v a_o fast_a the_o prologue_n to_o contention_n and_o a_o long_a prayer_n have_v be_v the_o breakfast_n when_o they_o resolve_v to_o dine_v upon_o widow_n house_n yet_o they_o have_v too_o frequent_o think_v or_o at_o least_o endeavour_v to_o cause_v other_o to_o believe_v that_o what_o have_v happen_v after_o their_o prayer_n have_v be_v the_o return_n from_o
obstinacy_n still_o increase_v till_o it_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o himself_o and_o follower_n who_o all_o perish_a in_o the_o red_a sea_n ahab_n forsake_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o worship_v baalim_fw-la and_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o idolatry_n join_v the_o service_n of_o baal_n with_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o thus_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o opinion_n till_o the_o trial_n betwixt_o their_o sacrifice_n be_v determine_v on_o elijah_n side_n who_o be_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n whilst_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v the_o sacrifice_n upon_o god_n own_o altar_n which_o baal_n can_v not_o effect_v on_o he_o but_o then_o the_o people_n determine_v their_o choice_n and_o give_v their_o assent_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n and_o present_o slay_v the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n for_o who_o before_o they_o have_v great_a esteem_n 1_o king_n 18_o the_o chap._n hence_o be_v it_o also_o that_o our_o saviour_n say_v concern_v the_o jew_n who_o by_o miracle_n evidence_v moses_n commission_n have_v just_o receive_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o supersede_v their_o religious_a custom_n which_o till_o his_o come_n be_v just_o establish_v by_o show_v his_o authority_n and_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a by_o great_a miracle_n than_o those_o that_o introduce_v and_o establish_v the_o law_n they_o have_v do_v well_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o imposture_n because_o a_o new_a doctrine_n pretend_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o evacuate_v that_o which_o have_v proof_n from_o heaven_n be_v establish_v before_o must_v be_v confirm_v with_o great_a miracle_n than_o that_o which_o it_o pretend_v to_o abolish_v therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n john_n 15.24_o which_o way_n of_o trial_n will_v by_o the_o way_n hold_v good_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n if_o they_o be_v rational_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o must_v come_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o authority_n as_o may_v surmount_v all_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v now_o pretend_v miracle_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o any_o opinion_n that_o contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o command_v our_o assent_n and_o to_o determine_v our_o belief_n unless_o they_o be_v great_a than_o any_o which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n which_o these_o new_a opinion_n do_v oppose_v and_o contradict_v eight_o in_o this_o trial_n of_o man_n pretend_v inspiration_n for_o the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o evidence_n they_o give_v for_o such_o inspiration_n be_v peculiar_o divine_a and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v give_v to_o man_n by_o any_o thing_n inferior_a to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o grave_a deportment_n of_o the_o inspire_v nor_o the_o colour_n or_o shape_n of_o their_o face_n nor_o the_o seem_a innocence_n of_o their_o own_o life_n extraordinary_a austerity_n or_o a_o less_o decent_a and_o morose_n live_a that_o retire_v they_o from_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o a_o peculiar_a habit_n nor_o any_o uncouth_a or_o sluttish_a garment_n it_o be_v neither_o feed_n upon_o locust_n and_o wild_a honey_n nor_o yet_o eat_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n that_o prove_v a_o prophet_n to_o be_v divine_a nor_o be_v it_o a_o full_a and_o copious_a expression_n attend_v with_o abundance_n of_o zeal_n and_o passion_n nor_o yet_o a_o slow_a and_o pump_v delivery_n as_o if_o their_o notion_n be_v too_o big_a for_o their_o word_n and_o their_o word_n too_o large_a for_o their_o mouth_n that_o will_v evidence_n they_o to_o come_v from_o god_n it_o be_v neither_o their_o natural_a part_n or_o acquire_v ornament_n the_o antiquity_n of_o error_n nor_o the_o glory_n or_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v proselyte_v to_o it_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o render_v error_n plausible_a by_o distinction_n nor_o gloss_v it_o over_o with_o misrepresent_v testimony_n of_o other_o or_o pretend_v some_o latent_fw-la authority_n from_o the_o most_o obscure_a place_n pf_o the_o scripture_n or_o render_v those_o obscure_a to_o countenance_v their_o dotrine_n that_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a to_o the_o contrary_a that_o must_v lead_v we_o from_o divine_a truth_n into_o diabolical_a error_n and_o make_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o patronize_v a_o lie_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o a_o argument_n from_o the_o success_n a_o opinion_n have_v in_o the_o world_n though_o providence_n thereby_o seem_v with_o some_o to_o be_v entitle_v to_o it_o nor_o any_o countenance_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o 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which_o man_n of_o more_o refine_a understanding_n easy_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o be_v apt_a to_o attribute_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n which_o be_v result_v from_o those_o that_o be_v second_o art_n will_v do_v much_o and_o nature_n more_o and_o the_o devil_n many_o time_n make_v more_o strange_a and_o unusual_a appearance_n be_v assist_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o and_o how_o many_o time_n do_v man_n admire_v the_o slight_a of_o a_o juggler_n till_o perhaps_o they_o make_v discovery_n of_o his_o craft_n and_o attribute_v that_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o he_o ingenious_o do_v by_o slight_a of_o hand_n nay_o the_o sport_n that_o devil_n make_v in_o the_o air_n we_o often_o take_v as_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n thunder_n and_o tremble_v and_o be_v afraid_a at_o the_o storm_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n betwixt_o true_a miracle_n and_o very_o real_a wonder_n as_o there_o be_v 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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 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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 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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
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 world_n to_o make_v know_v riddle_n and_o explain_v mystery_n to_o maintain_v their_o faith_n against_o the_o learned_a dispute_n of_o rabbi_n and_o philosopher_n or_o to_o commit_v a_o system_fw-la of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o write_v for_o future_a age_n to_o live_v by_o and_o that_o it_o may_v become_v the_o rule_n for_o man_n action_n let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n judge_v it_o must_v needs_o therefore_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o large_a inspiration_n that_o these_o man_n be_v so_o slender_o prepare_v by_o nature_n or_o education_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o mean_a these_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o powerful_a be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n to_o ascertain_v their_o inspiration_n from_o above_o since_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n two_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o since_o no_o man_n 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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
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 and_o cruel_a as_o the_o malice_n of_o enrage_a adversary_n can_v invent_v and_o execute_v and_o yet_o will_v not_o accept_v deliverance_n if_o they_o must_v purchase_v it_o with_o the_o denial_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v animate_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o truth_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o which_o they_o be_v so_o encourage_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o suffer_v torment_n beyond_o their_o own_o strength_n to_o endure_v nor_o do_v the_o rage_n and_o persecution_n of_o their_o adversary_n overcome_v they_o especial_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v too_o that_o they_o can_v smile_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o flame_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o own_o blood_n with_o joy_n when_o they_o can_v account_v martyrdom_n a_o crown_n and_o such_o death_n as_o be_v most_o painful_a and_o cruel_a they_o can_v travel_v through_o as_o the_o near_a passage_n to_o their_o eternal_a reward_n which_o whilst_o they_o 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yet_o support_v they_o and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a which_o they_o deliver_v for_o which_o they_o be_v miraculous_o prepare_v and_o now_o strengthen_v in_o their_o suffering_n for_o it_o by_o the_o comfort_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a man_n or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o polish_v either_o by_o art_n or_o education_n for_o converse_v with_o the_o learned_a rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o subtle_a philosopher_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o yet_o they_o baffle_v and_o can_v silence_v both_o have_v not_o their_o force_n reach_v far_a than_o their_o argument_n and_o therefore_o say_v s._n paul_n where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o scribe_n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 1.20_o s._n stephen_n who_o be_v but_o a_o deacon_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o so_o full_a of_o faith_n and_o so_o endow_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o amaze_v the_o people_n with_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o when_o many_o disputant_n be_v range_v against_o he_o he_o do_v not_o only_o smart_o encounter_v but_o overcome_v they_o too_o for_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v act_n 6.10_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o leave_v their_o reason_n and_o consult_v their_o subtlety_n and_o have_v no_o way_n to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n but_o by_o a_o shower_n of_o stone_n that_o take_v away_o his_o breath_n what_o can_v such_o man_n as_o these_o have_v do_v when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o tribunal_n of_o the_o roman_n where_o all_o the_o subtle_a quirk_n of_o law_n and_o all_o the_o invention_n that_o malice_n can_v contrive_v shall_v be_v use_v to_o entangle_v their_o innocence_n by_o craft_n have_v 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
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
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 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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 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