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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n word_n world_n writing_n 173 3 8.6777 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54944 A discourse concerning the trial of spirits wherein inquiry is made into mens pretences to inspiration for publishing doctrines, in the name of God beyond the rules of the sacred scriptures : in opposition to some principles and practices of papists and fanaticks, as they contradict the doctrines of the Church of England, defined in her Articles of Religion, established by her ecclesiastical canons, and confirmed by acts of Parliament / by Thomas Pittis ... Pittis, Thomas, 1636-1687. 1683 (1683) Wing P2313; ESTC R33964 135,179 370

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value_n of_o thing_n before_o we_o receive_v they_o that_o counterfeit_a coin_n may_v not_o claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n with_o what_o be_v instamp_v with_o caesar_n image_n nor_o a_o entrance_n open_v for_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n ride_v in_o a_o kirk_n bear_v on_o the_o back_n of_o those_o that_o know_v not_o what_o they_o carry_v that_o they_o may_v bring_v popery_n in_o triumph_n to_o we_o like_o the_o grecian_n lodge_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o that_o wooden_a and_o insensible_a horse_n that_o enter_v troy_n and_o sack_v the_o city_n and_o so_o gain_v that_o by_o a_o easy_a strategem_fw-la which_o ten_o year_n siege_n can_v not_o effect_v for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n if_o man_n will_v now_o hearken_v to_o any_o i_o have_v choose_v this_o subject_a to_o discourse_n on_o that_o if_o possible_a we_o may_v separate_v the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o doctrine_n of_o apostle_n and_o those_o of_o devil_n and_o mark_v out_o the_o spirit_n 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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
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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first_o audit_n foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o a_o three_o sort_n that_o tend_v to_o disturbance_n and_o ruin_n waste_v property_n make_v our_o kingdom_n large_a aceldama_n and_o our_o city_n the_o place_n of_o dead_a man_n scull_n and_o be_v apparent_a enemy_n to_o human_a society_n when_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o catholic_n religion_n doctrine_n of_o purity_n proposal_n to_o advance_v the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n principle_n shall_v be_v insinuate_v that_o if_o pursue_v with_o that_o furious_a zeal_n which_o they_o require_v will_v effectual_o destroy_v those_o thing_n indeed_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o maintain_v in_o word_n if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n may_v thus_o be_v fight_v under_o his_o own_o banner_n the_o cause_n of_o god_n cover_v abomination_n murder_n be_v act_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o maker_n blasphemy_n be_v speak_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o method_n to_o render_v prince_n glorious_a shall_v be_v by_o 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 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public_a and_o open_a among_o ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o language_n that_o all_o may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o continuance_n of_o man_n distinct_a from_o the_o multitude_n who_o by_o a_o different_a manner_n of_o live_v and_o education_n be_v enable_v and_o bind_v by_o a_o special_a duty_n to_o read_v and_o interpret_v these_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n render_v a_o new_a inspiration_n useless_a to_o deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n which_o art_n and_o human_a industry_n can_v do_v god_n may_v indeed_o if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v have_v continue_v his_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n by_o write_v they_o daily_o in_o every_o man_n breast_n and_o inspire_v every_o individual_a among_o we_o but_o if_o he_o have_v do_v so_o at_o first_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n nor_o our_o saviour_n own_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n but_o only_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o and_o if_o it_o be_v afterward_o continue_v it_o will_v render_v preach_v and_o read_v a_o write_a word_n useless_a ease_v we_o of_o much_o pain_n and_o toil_n and_o all_o our_o inspire_a and_o blow_v up_o man_n of_o give_v themselves_o or_o other_o the_o trouble_n to_o come_v to_o preach_v or_o to_o hear_v they_o at_o a_o conventicle_n and_o so_o inspire_a man_n compendious_o preach_v away_o their_o own_o office_n yet_o our_o saviour_n constitute_v a_o stand_a ministry_n who_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 28.18_o 19_o and_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o our_o bless_a lord_n ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o constitute_v in_o his_o stead_n to_o continue_v his_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o preside_v over_o his_o church_n some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n several_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n suitable_a to_o age_n and_o various_a employment_n to_o preserve_v the_o institution_n doctrine_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o remain_v so_o long_o till_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o successive_a age_n and_o generation_n of_o man_n may_v come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4_o the_o from_o the_o 8_o the_o to_o the_o 13_o the_o verse_n now_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o a_o stand_a ministry_n throughout_o the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v to_o endure_v until_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n sufficient_o baffle_v all_o expectation_n of_o any_o particular_a and_o continue_a inspiration_n to_o effect_v the_o same_o which_o the_o ministry_n assist_v by_o the_o receive_a rule_n and_o ordinary_a conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n can_v well_o accomplish_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o one_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o other_o that_o none_o but_o madman_n can_v believe_v both_o and_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v disease_v and_o lunatic_n can_v expect_v inspiration_n to_o such_o purpose_n that_o ever_o consider_v the_o constitution_n of_o christianity_n it_o evacuate_v all_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o suppose_v there_o be_v such_o a_o impulse_n or_o inspiration_n to_o be_v expect_v yet_o how_o shall_v those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o what_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o deliver_v know_v that_o they_o be_v real_o inspire_v who_o so_o confident_o conduct_v and_o lead_v the_o people_n since_o they_o do_v no_o real_a miracle_n nor_o use_v such_o convince_a argument_n either_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o principle_n they_o propound_v
consider_v together_o bring_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o infallibility_n to_o the_o apostle_n under_o determinate_a restraint_n and_o limitation_n but_o 2._o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o compare_v the_o promise_n of_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n with_o that_o other_o relate_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n joh._n 14.26_o where_o the_o apostle_n be_v tell_v that_o he_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n more_o plain_o those_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v deliver_v and_o bring_v those_o thing_n to_o their_o memory_n which_o they_o may_v forget_v though_o before_o declare_v he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n say_v he_o 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 so_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n though_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o they_o be_v 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infallibility_n now_o that_o all_o man_n have_v not_o infallibility_n be_v as_o ready_o yield_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o pope_n have_v none_o three_o if_o there_o be_v now_o this_o infallibility_n among_o man_n there_o must_v be_v a_o perpetual_a revelation_n for_o if_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n can_v here_o render_v any_o man_n infallible_a we_o may_v well_o conjecture_v that_o many_o may_v have_v be_v in_o every_o age_n that_o may_v have_v be_v director_n to_o the_o rest_n or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v found_v in_o humane_a nature_n why_o shall_v not_o a_o equal_a perfection_n render_v all_o mankind_n infallible_a either_o of_o they_o be_v grant_v will_v invalidate_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o turn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n into_o a_o story_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n if_o render_v it_o useless_a and_o a_o fable_n will_v do_v it_o for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v any_o man_n be_v inspire_v when_o they_o be_v before_z infallible_a in_o themselves_o the_o infallibility_n therefore_o which_o we_o discourse_n of_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o strong_a and_o certain_a inspiration_z and_o whatever_o be_v deliver_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o then_o none_o can_v be_v safe_a in_o his_o life_n or_o fortune_n when_o ever_o any_o inspire_a man_n make_v it_o his_o pleasure_n to_o take_v they_o away_o nay_o if_o we_o be_v conscientious_a we_o must_v yield_v they_o up_o upon_o demand_n lest_o haply_o we_o may_v be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o this_o appear_v in_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o teach_v by_o they_o the_o more_o conscientious_a any_o of_o they_o be_v the_o more_o ready_o do_v they_o yield_v to_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o they_o have_v reason_n for_o it_o if_o they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v absolute_o infallible_a for_o no_o private_a evidence_n of_o a_o thing_n must_v subvert_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n determination_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o triumphant_a be_v their_o faith_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o it_o captivate_v their_o understanding_n as_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o meritorious_a by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o it_o have_v of_o evidence_n so_o the_o great_a the_o objection_n be_v that_o meet_a and_o encounter_v the_o church_n determination_n their_o faith_n be_v render_v the_o more_o glorious_a and_o full_a of_o victory_n let_v the_o doctrine_n then_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a in_o itself_o or_o consequence_n the_o conscientious_a believer_n of_o the_o point_n of_o roman_a infallibility_n must_v neither_o see_v the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o renounce_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o if_o occasion_n be_v as_o there_o be_v sometime_o of_o his_o sense_n too_o for_o what_o evidence_n can_v reasonable_o be_v attend_v to_o that_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a this_o than_o must_v be_v a_o ready_a method_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o eternal_a law_n instamp_v upon_o our_o mind_n if_o the_o mutation_n proceed_v from_o the_o roman_a chair_n nay_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n need_v not_o be_v change_v if_o the_o pope_n please_v to_o change_v their_o name_n man_n may_v borrow_v then_o and_o never_o pay_v if_o he_o please_v to_o cancel_v the_o debt_n ruine_v family_n and_o overturning_a kingdom_n will_v become_v noble_a and_o a_o glorious_a exploit_n nay_o religious_a act_n when_o he_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o adopt_v they_o into_o the_o number_n burn_v city_n and_o murder_a prince_n shall_v be_v account_v mean_n of_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n if_o he_o please_v once_o to_o determine_v that_o we_o may_v do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o and_o blow_v up_o the_o estate_n of_o kingdom_n be_v present_o holy_a if_o he_o will_v but_o sanctify_v the_o 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ruin_n the_o substance_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o ceremony_n internal_a devotion_n be_v interrupt_v by_o a_o pompous_a scene_n of_o pageantry_n and_o show_n and_o yet_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o sense_n must_v be_v reject_v in_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o so_o much_o applaud_v in_o practice_n and_o yet_o four_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o roman_a pretence_n to_o infallibility_n if_o there_o be_v any_o promise_n make_v of_o it_o they_o do_v as_o well_o concern_v other_o church_n as_o themselves_o for_o if_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n in_o general_n as_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o delivery_n if_o they_o be_v not_o terminate_v in_o they_o but_o reach_v also_o the_o whole_a succession_n of_o those_o by_o virtue_n of_o who_o christ_n promise_n be_v make_v good_a of_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n then_o either_o
heaven_n to_o it_o and_o a_o sufficient_a guide_n to_o future_a action_n and_o a_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o just_a many_o man_n when_o they_o have_v for_o some_o time_n brood_a upon_o a_o thing_n they_o be_v apt_a then_o to_o petition_v heaven_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o convenience_n or_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o and_o have_v end_v their_o devotion_n find_v their_o thought_n to_o run_v still_o in_o the_o same_o channel_n into_o which_o they_o have_v turn_v and_o confine_v they_o before_o they_o conclude_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o they_o to_o prosecute_v and_o accomplish_v their_o design_n and_o the_o eagerness_n of_o their_o intention_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o their_o predeterminate_v resolution_n they_o foolish_o take_v for_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o be_v willing_a against_o all_o reason_n to_o think_v thus_o guide_v they_o to_o conclude_v the_o 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and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v safe_a in_o his_o life_n and_o fortune_n if_o a_o pray_a hector_n or_o a_o dream_a enthusiast_n have_v a_o mind_n and_o power_n to_o take_v they_o away_o nor_o will_v he_o long_o be_v without_o a_o warrant_n when_o by_o wink_v hard_a and_o direct_v his_o thought_n he_o may_v impress_v his_o own_o mind_n as_o he_o please_v and_o with_o a_o melancholy_n or_o sturdy_a confidence_n proclaim_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o god_n be_v then_o only_o in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n say_v to_o hear_v or_o make_v return_n to_o our_o prayer_n when_o he_o bestow_v on_o we_o those_o good_a and_o lawful_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v with_o humility_n and_o devotion_n beg_v and_o if_o any_o man_n ponder_v on_o a_o wicked_a design_n of_o his_o own_o contrivance_n in_o this_o case_n pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o direction_n and_o after_o his_o prayer_n find_v the_o sinful_a impression_n still_o remain_v this_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o vicious_a and_o diabolical_a inclination_n but_o not_o from_o the_o impulse_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o it_o can_v by_o no_o reasonable_a person_n be_v account_v god_n answer_v to_o his_o prayer_n unless_o he_o will_v suppose_v the_o great_a maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o offer_v the_o great_a violence_n to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o nurse_n and_o cherish_v what_o he_o will_v hate_v in_o himself_o in_o those_o who_o be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n no_o great_a reproach_n can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n than_o this_o by_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v his_o be_v for_o they_o make_v he_o the_o patron_n to_o man_n sin_n as_o if_o his_o essential_a purity_n and_o goodness_n can_v permit_v he_o to_o instigate_v any_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o his_o justice_n notwithstanding_o must_v and_o can_v choose_v but_o punish_v such_o apprehension_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n will_v oftentimes_o make_v the_o author_n of_o peace_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o worst_a war_n and_o the_o shed_v the_o best_a blood_n in_o a_o kingdom_n the_o god_n of_o order_n will_v become_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a confusion_n among_o mankind_n and_o in_o plain_a term_n give_v himself_o the_o lye_n it_o can_v be_v safe_a therefore_o to_o make_v what_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o call_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n a_o rule_n of_o action_n unless_o they_o agree_v with_o god_n write_v word_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o new_a warrant_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v the_o best_a so_o it_o must_v be_v to_o we_o the_o only_a general_a direction_n in_o our_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o follow_v strong_a impression_n make_v upon_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v safe_a to_o guide_v we_o after_o we_o have_v seek_v to_o god_n for_o particular_a direction_n it_o must_v as_o i_o conceive_v be_v only_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a before_o that_o he_o may_v influence_n our_o prudential_a choice_n in_o matter_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o option_n and_o even_o in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o full_o resolve_v beforehand_o lest_o we_o be_v find_v to_o be_v dissembler_n with_o god_n and_o have_v no_o real_a hesitation_n in_o our_o own_o judgement_n but_o if_o in_o such_o thing_n we_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v any_o application_n to_o he_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o leave_v room_n for_o his_o direction_n and_o that_o we_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o determine_v ourselves_o by_o any_o of_o the_o law_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o lawfulness_n of_o either_o part_n must_v be_v evident_a and_o we_o must_v desire_v a_o influence_n on_o the_o government_n of_o our_o choice_n only_o in_o the_o prudential_a determination_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o good_a consequence_n or_o success_n i_o can_v apprehend_v that_o any_o evil_n can_v attend_v this_o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o inability_n to_o guide_v ourselves_o without_o his_o assistance_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o which_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o our_o adoration_n and_o prayer_n but_o yet_o the_o good_a that_o may_v in_o particular_a attend_v the_o pursuance_n of_o this_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n secret_a conduct_n and_o to_o the_o intrigue_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o providence_n which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discover_v unless_o he_o can_v pry_v into_o the_o consult_v of_o heaven_n and_o disclose_v the_o secret_n of_o a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v when_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v already_o reveal_v there_o be_v not_o a_o keyhole_n to_o peep_v through_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o love_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v or_o to_o be_v bold_a in_o prescribe_v rule_n in_o those_o case_n in_o which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o none_o but_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o scripture_n as_o my_o certain_a rule_n thus_o guide_v myself_o in_o this_o world_n that_o i_o may_v at_o last_o through_o god_n mercy_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o my_o redeemer_n arrive_v at_o my_o proportion_a glory_n in_o the_o next_o but_o second_o another_o false_a rule_n of_o try_v opinion_n doctrine_n and_o resolution_n in_o religion_n set_v up_o by_o some_o be_v every_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o determination_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o take_v not_o its_o measure_n from_o god_n word_n nor_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o from_o a_o peculiar_a private_a spirit_n get_v into_o a_o single_a man_n thought_n and_o apprehension_n now_o to_o this_o head_n may_v be_v reduce_v what_o madman_n call_v light_n and_o revelation_n what_o those_o enthusiast_n that_o will_v be_v saint_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o profane_a action_n and_o dub_v themselves_o holy_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o own_o irreligion_n call_v conscience_n and_o what_o other_o of_o a_o more_o smooth_a and_o gentle_a disposition_n stile_n reason_n that_o they_o may_v advance_v the_o power_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o degrade_n if_o not_o expel_v the_o benign_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o discern_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n among_o quaker_n anabaptist_n independent_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o separatist_n speak_v in_o the_o general_a of_o all_o that_o follow_v the_o socinian_n principle_n and_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o popery_n itself_o when_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n mistake_v the_o result_n of_o
gal._n 5.22_o not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v sometime_o phrased_a by_o the_o word_n spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o legal_a observation_n which_o be_v carnal_a ordinance_n be_v call_v flesh_n but_o they_o be_v so_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o as_o he_o first_o dictate_v the_o rule_n so_o do_v he_o also_o concur_v to_o the_o action_n if_o the_o evil_a spirit_n can_v carry_v christ_n to_o be_v tempt_v in_o the_o wilderness_n shall_v we_o not_o think_v the_o good_a spirit_n can_v relieve_v he_o too_o if_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n can_v be_v a_o spirit_n work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n ephes_n 2.2_o shall_v we_o conclude_v the_o holy_a ghost_n less_o active_a or_o powerful_a to_o work_v in_o those_o who_o resign_v their_o will_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o law_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a and_o safe_a conduct_n the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v make_v to_o we_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o through_o the_o spirit_n we_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n rom._n 8.13_o and_o though_o many_o thing_n concur_v with_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o effect_v so_o great_a and_o victorious_a triumph_n yet_o all_o cause_n act_v with_o a_o dependence_n upon_o this_o glorious_a power_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v when_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o its_o reception_n by_o endeavour_v what_o in_o we_o lay_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a philip._n 2.12_o 13._o preach_v prayer_n meditation_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v ordinary_a mean_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o s._n paul_n though_o he_o sufficient_o magnify_v the_o preacher_n office_n say_v that_o we_o be_v only_a worker_n together_o with_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6.1_o and_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o all_o when_o god_n assist_v and_o bless_v our_o endeavour_n and_o god_n grant_v that_o those_o who_o attend_v such_o sacred_a institution_n be_v swift_a to_o hear_v may_v never_o be_v so_o swift_a also_o as_o to_o depart_v without_o a_o blessing_n have_v thus_o both_o assert_v and_o explain_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o influence_n man_n the_o certainty_n of_o its_o operation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o influence_n which_o make_v up_o this_o chapter_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o shall_v close_v it_o with_o a_o brief_a request_n to_o all_o who_o desire_v so_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n here_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o hereafter_o that_o they_o will_v use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v and_o keep_v the_o blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o this_o holy_a spirit_n which_o give_v they_o such_o great_a assistance_n in_o sanctify_v their_o mind_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o will_v well_o use_v the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o more_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o trial_n and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v frequent_o for_o new_a supply_n of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o that_o they_o will_v never_o by_o a_o vicious_a and_o unholy_a life_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o desert_n they_o lest_o through_o too_o much_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o they_o at_o last_o prove_v both_o coward_n and_o apostate_n chap._n xi_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n in_o some_o measure_n prove_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n descend_v according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v now_o inquire_v into_o his_o work_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n among_o man_n who_o be_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a being_n who_o may_v as_o some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v have_v well_o enough_o propagate_v christian_a doctrine_n when_o they_o have_v hear_v it_o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n and_o have_v for_o some_o time_n daily_a conversation_n with_o he_o without_o any_o other_o new_a assistance_n beside_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o what_o employment_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o have_v among_o other_o man_n as_o they_o will_v not_o be_v religious_a enough_o to_o know_v so_o true_o they_o be_v yet_o very_o much_o to_o seek_v however_o i_o shall_v adventure_v without_o call_v any_o man_n name_n to_o show_v according_a to_o my_o steady_a and_o long_o continue_v though_o mean_a thought_n what_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o do_v to_o guide_v man_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o promise_n where_o christ_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o engage_v for_o the_o spirit_n corn_v into_o the_o world_n in_o a_o more_o plentiful_a manner_n than_o in_o forego_v period_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v describe_v as_o a_o person_n different_a from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o eminent_a promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o that_o our_o great_a and_o most_o bless_a redeermer_n of_o man_n speak_v of_o a_o person_n here_o and_o not_o of_o what_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la only_o as_o some_o have_v interpret_v this_o place_n to_o void_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v the_o distinguish_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o term_n of_o this_o text_n because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v prefix_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o this_o latter_a part_n which_o be_v a_o periphrasis_n do_v but_o acquaint_v we_o who_o the_o person_n be_v even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o now_o this_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n however_o inexplicable_a it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o all_o particular_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n who_o be_v loath_a to_o think_v that_o any_o being_n be_v above_o their_o great_a capacity_n and_o reason_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v always_o believe_v by_o the_o orthodox_n through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o point_n sufficient_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o baffle_v the_o heathen_a objection_n against_o our_o religion_n viz._n that_o it_o can_v be_v divine_a because_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o it_o but_o i_o design_v not_o to_o treat_v in_o this_o discourse_n with_o any_o that_o own_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a king_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o jesus_n himself_o seem_v to_o take_v great_a care_n to_o insinuate_v and_o fix_v this_o fundamental_a point_n in_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lest_o any_o person_n mighty_a in_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a in_o argument_n shall_v refuse_v to_o believe_v such_o a_o mystery_n as_o this_o when_o apparent_o reveal_v because_o their_o own_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conclude_v the_o thing_n or_o their_o language_n can_v full_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o fourteen_o of_o saint_n john_n gospel_n the_o sixteen_o verse_n our_o bless_a saviour_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n with_o this_o great_a promise_n i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n here_o be_v one_o pray_a another_o send_v and_o a_o three_o give_v so_o be_v it_o also_o at_o the_o twenty_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o here_o be_v the_o father_n send_v in_o the_o son_n name_n or_o upon_o his_o account_n the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o teach_v the_o apostle_n those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v more_o brief_o hint_v to_o they_o and_o such_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o apostle_n through_o prejudice_n can_v not_o then_o receive_v and_o to_o bring_v those_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o their_o remembrance_n which_o they_o through_o human_a frailty_n may_v forget_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v to_o be_v the_o publisher_n and_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a penman_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o
that_o they_o shall_v read_v natural_a philosophy_n to_o the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v the_o star_n by_o their_o name_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o instruction_n know_v their_o several_a motion_n distance_n or_o altitude_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v aphorism_n in_o physic_n or_o to_o give_v to_o they_o geometrical_a proportion_n nor_o to_o breed_v they_o curious_a and_o expert_a artificer_n though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v make_v themselves_o apostle_n nor_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o number_n of_o arithmetic_n or_o the_o astrological_a signature_n of_o thing_n or_o time_n and_o season_n for_o these_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v because_o the_o father_n have_v put_v they_o into_o his_o own_o power_n act_n 1.7_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v never_o so_o proud_a and_o bold_a so_o neither_o be_v they_o so_o unlucky_a as_o the_o pope_n who_o must_v needs_o condemn_v a_o point_n in_o geography_n and_o the_o tenet_n of_o antipode_n for_o a_o destroy_a heresy_n so_o little_o do_v he_o know_v the_o universal_a empire_n he_o pretend_v to_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o figure_n or_o bound_n or_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o earth_n over_o which_o he_o yet_o pretend_v a_o authority_n the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o those_o truth_n only_o in_o divinity_n which_o include_v the_o full_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o preach_v they_o to_o the_o present_a age_n and_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o succeed_a generation_n the_o spirit_n be_v not_o give_v to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o great_a historian_n or_o philosopher_n but_o christian_n and_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o be_v the_o planter_n and_o founder_n of_o church_n not_o the_o post_n and_o standard_n of_o dispute_n or_o to_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o sect_n and_o faction_n in_o philosophy_n they_o be_v to_o erect_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n settle_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n christ_n himself_o support_v the_o building_n and_o this_o neither_o for_o pasquin_n or_o poetry_n but_o for_o a_o rule_n and_o directory_n of_o stand_a religion_n and_o devotion_n chap._n xii_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whilst_o house_v in_o these_o body_n of_o clay_n be_v darken_v and_o obscure_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o window_n of_o sense_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o external_a object_n to_o a_o intercourse_n with_o the_o mind_n for_o suppose_v our_o sense_n can_v always_o make_v true_a and_o exact_a representation_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v be_v often_o deceive_v yet_o these_o can_v only_o convey_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n those_o of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o exalt_v nature_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o image_n must_v needs_o escape_v the_o perception_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n and_o if_o reason_n itself_o when_o most_o disentangle_v from_o those_o fetter_n which_o our_o sense_n too_o often_o impose_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v proposition_n and_o inference_n about_o the_o essence_n of_o those_o thing_n who_o spiritual_a nature_n evade_v our_o sense_n our_o notion_n can_v not_o be_v adequate_a to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o nor_o can_v we_o full_o comprehend_v what_o be_v infinite_a nor_o have_v a_o positive_a idea_n of_o spiritual_a being_n though_o reason_n may_v conclude_v their_o existence_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o all_o our_o definition_n and_o description_n of_o these_o be_v therefore_o imperfect_a because_o negative_a and_o though_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o they_o be_v not_o we_o never_o can_v by_o humane_a power_n yet_o resolve_v complete_o what_o they_o be_v which_o make_v divine_a revelation_n necessary_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v faith_n beyond_o our_o reason_n though_o we_o never_o believe_v without_o reason_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o authority_n we_o confide_v in_o this_o be_v therefore_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v as_o well_o praise_v god_n goodness_n as_o admire_v his_o power_n for_o send_v we_o that_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o conduct_v we_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o this_o promise_n i_o tell_v you_o i_o will_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 2._o as_o it_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v militant_a on_o the_o earth_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v already_o dispatch_v and_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o to_o view_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n guidance_n as_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n throughout_o the_o several_a age_n and_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o divine_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o its_o immediate_a operation_n be_v too_o difficult_a to_o be_v explain_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o energy_n and_o work_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o thing_n for_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n what_o therefore_o be_v now_o to_o be_v discourse_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o influence_n in_o general_n and_o that_o extraordinary_a assistance_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o apostle_n be_v how_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n possess_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o with_o truth_n who_o make_v themselves_o by_o holy_a disposition_n and_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a faculty_n capable_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o what_o truth_n those_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n guide_v man_n into_o as_o to_o the_o first_o suppose_v that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o to_o receive_v a_o full_a revelation_n of_o those_o truth_n by_o open_v their_o understanding_n and_o quicken_a their_o memory_n that_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n faithful_o record_v they_o for_o the_o use_n of_o posterity_n and_o that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v stand_v rule_n for_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o come_v i_o can_v find_v any_o other_o method_n the_o spirit_n have_v use_v or_o do_v continue_v to_o guide_v the_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o by_o those_o scripture_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n to_o publish_v and_o deliver_v 2._o by_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o man_n to_o continue_v that_o ministry_n which_o must_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o 3._o by_o confirm_v those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o cooperate_a with_o the_o external_a ministration_n by_o a_o internal_a work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o those_o who_o be_v inclinable_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n first_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n by_o those_o scripture_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o posterity_n these_o be_v those_o lively_a character_n in_o which_o we_o may_v read_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n these_o be_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o certain_o guide_v those_o into_o it_o who_o sober_o and_o conscientious_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v they_o they_o convey_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n valuable_a above_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n and_o hereafter_o give_v we_o such_o possession_n as_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o power_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o exceed_v all_o humane_a expectation_n these_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o complete_a body_n of_o doctrine_n that_o they_o need_v not_o any_o addition_n to_o be_v make_v to_o they_o let_v their_o own_o sense_n be_v but_o sufficient_o explain_v and_o if_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o speak_v their_o own_o mind_n they_o will_v neither_o want_v apocrypha_fw-la nor_o tradition_n nor_o any_o new_a revelation_n neither_o to_o render_v they_o a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o divinity_n man_n own_o doctrine_n and_o not_o christ_n want_v tradition_n to_o confirm_v they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n of_o a_o sect_n of_o man_n that_o will_v make_v all_o christian_n groan_n with_o their_o burden_n and_o void_a god_n word_n with_o their_o own_o pretension_n however_o they_o be_v varnish_v with_o the_o plausible_a epithet_n of_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a that_o make_v such_o addition_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v at_o first_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v able_a of_o themselves_o
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 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and_o man_n endeavour_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n useless_a and_o ridiculous_a at_o least_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v already_o reveal_v will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a which_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n affirmation_n two_o tim._n 3.17_o but_o s._n paul_n argument_n must_v be_v invert_v and_o he_o may_v just_o he_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o will_v not_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n whereas_o he_o plain_o and_o confident_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v so_o rom._n 1.16_o why_o shall_v any_o therefore_o now_o the_o rule_n be_v give_v vain_o expect_v revelation_n and_o impulse_n and_o extend_v their_o belief_n to_o a_o bold_a presumption_n delude_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n since_o these_o now_o be_v neither_o promise_v nor_o in_o that_o manner_n enthusia_v wait_v for_o they_o ever_o intend_v let_v we_o rest_v satisfy_v therefore_o with_o those_o 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what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o imposer_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v when_o religion_n be_v almost_o lose_v by_o make_v too_o strict_a a_o enquiry_n after_o it_o and_o too_o much_o curiosity_n in_o our_o speculation_n have_v render_v we_o almost_o regardless_o of_o our_o practice_n we_o discourse_v the_o grave_a and_o most_o serious_a point_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n with_o so_o much_o levity_n and_o disrespect_n the_o indecency_n of_o the_o place_n in_o which_o we_o hold_v such_o conference_n add_v to_o our_o vanity_n that_o we_o first_o make_v our_o religion_n common_a and_o then_o slight_a it_o as_o mean_v and_o inconsiderable_a but_o whatever_o the_o son_n of_o darkness_n do_v let_v we_o who_o be_v of_o the_o day_n be_v sober_a and_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o a_o godly_a fear_n receive_v those_o impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v make_v in_o sacred_a writ_n so_o shall_v we_o avoid_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o those_o who_o so_o 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