do_v if_o you_o require_v it_o hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o will_v render_v it_o mighty_a necessary_a and_o wise_a not_o to_o consider_v erroneous_a doctrine_n only_o in_o their_o fair_a appearance_n but_o to_o examine_v careful_o what_o the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n likewise_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n orthodox_n and_o divine_a that_o perhaps_o at_o first_o sight_n may_v appear_v very_o irrelative_a to_o practice_n or_o at_o least_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o life_n yea_o which_o to_o some_o man_n may_v appear_v unreasonable_a and_o pure_o speculative_a which_o yet_o when_o a_o man_n have_v examine_v close_o and_o consider_v well_o of_o may_v be_v find_v very_o important_a and_o great_o concern_v and_o very_o conducive_a to_o many_o real_a purpose_n of_o goodness_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o instance_n in_o any_o which_o i_o can_v show_v to_o be_v conducive_a to_o some_o great_a instance_n of_o holiness_n and_o who_o truth_n and_o divinity_n i_o dare_v not_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a by_o the_o same_o 3._o the_o three_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a in_o our_o consider_a doctrine_n before_o we_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o standard_n i_o mean_v that_o we_o bring_v with_o we_o no_o other_o design_n in_o the_o world_n but_o real_o to_o know_v what_o such_o doctrine_n be_v and_o tend_v unto_o for_o if_o any_o other_o thing_n be_v have_v in_o aim_n any_o other_o design_n or_o prejudice_n be_v permit_v to_o mingle_v with_o our_o search_n into_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o shall_v deflect_v and_o warp_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o judgement_n a_o very_a little_a skill_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o honesty_n will_v enable_v a_o man_n to_o expose_v any_o doctrine_n and_o those_o man_n that_o can_v so_o easy_o wrest_v the_o holy_a scripture_n doubtless_o can_v as_o easy_o pervert_v any_o doctrine_n though_o never_o so_o holy_a facile_fw-la est_fw-la invenire_fw-la baculum_fw-la say_v the_o old_a adage_n and_o it_o hold_v true_a both_o way_n he_o that_o come_v either_o with_o a_o prejudice_n against_o or_o a_o prepossession_n for_o any_o doctrine_n will_v easy_o find_v fault_n against_o the_o one_o though_o never_o so_o rational_o and_o something_o to_o justify_v his_o kindness_n to_o the_o other_o though_o never_o so_o weak_o assert_v and_o when_o man_n will_v permit_v interest_n or_o passion_n or_o humour_n or_o prejudice_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n to_o sit_v upon_o the_o tribunal_n and_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o judge_a doctrine_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o real_a merit_n and_o truth_n of_o they_o a_o gift_n say_v solomon_n blind_v the_o eye_n 7.7_o eccles_n 7.7_o or_o destroy_v the_o heart_n and_o a_o receiver_n of_o they_o be_v seldom_o upright_o and_o it_o be_v equal_o true_a of_o any_o other_o by-respect_n or_o sinister_a inclination_n nothing_o but_o a_o fix_a resolution_n and_o purpose_n to_o be_v honest_a and_o just_a and_o true_o to_o inform_v ourselves_o can_v enable_v we_o to_o be_v true_a to_o our_o discovery_n and_o pronounce_v aright_o concern_v doctrine_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v no_o very_a unreasonable_a project_n in_o the_o platonist_n of_o old_a to_o institute_v some_o previous_a purgation_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v submit_v unto_o by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o quest_n of_o truth_n well_o know_v that_o till_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v unprejudiced_a and_o free_a it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o divine_a irradiation_n nor_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o understand_v truth_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n aristotle_n prohibit_v young_a man_n the_o study_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n till_o they_o have_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n subdue_v the_o vigour_n and_o tame_v the_o hurry_n of_o their_o animal_n passion_n and_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o man_n will_v do_v something_o like_o this_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o manner_n of_o partial_a anticipation_n when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o consider_v and_o judge_v for_o their_o soul_n and_o let_v i_o add_v sir_n there_o be_v never_o any_o age_n wherein_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v more_o necessary_a never_o a_o time_n certain_o wherein_o the_o effect_n of_o partiality_n and_o prejudice_n more_o discover_v themselves_o to_o the_o warp_a of_o man_n judgement_n and_o clap_v false_a biass_n upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o impartial_o and_o true_o weigh_v thing_n or_o deal_v with_o any_o degree_n of_o candour_n by_o they_o wherein_o unjust_o to_o pervert_v and_o misrepresent_v book_n be_v to_o answer_v they_o and_o the_o fasten_n on_o they_o a_o design_n which_o the_o author_n never_o think_v of_o a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o they_o when_o man_n read_v book_n on_o purpose_n to_o misunderstand_v and_o traduce_v they_o and_o think_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o baffle_v and_o defeat_v they_o be_v to_o buffoon_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o ridicule_n let_v i_o give_v you_o a_o few_o speciman_n of_o this_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o you_o have_v already_o observe_v they_o yourself_o can_v you_o think_v we_o shall_v ever_o have_v hear_v of_o a_o rehearsal_n transprose_v or_o a_o ill_a play_n think_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o a_o serious_a book_n have_v not_o this_o perverse_a humour_n possess_v some_o man_n that_o be_v proud_a of_o their_o great_a wit_n and_o too_o fanciful_a to_o be_v able_a true_o to_o consider_v thing_n can_v any_o honest-hearted_a man_n that_o sincere_o read_v over_o a_o excellent_a book_n call_v the_o design_n of_o christianity_n ever_o have_v traduce_v it_o as_o a_o plain_a undermine_v the_o purpose_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v we_o ever_o hear_v of_o a_o antisozzo_n or_o a_o melius_fw-la inquirendum_fw-la if_o that_o author_n have_v have_v as_o much_o honesty_n as_o he_o think_v he_o have_v wit_n or_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n in_o those_o book_n he_o will_v expose_v with_o half_a as_o much_o integrity_n as_o he_o have_v take_v pain_n unworthy_o to_o misrepresent_v they_o can_v you_o imagine_v satan_n will_v ever_o have_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n complement_a sherlock_n if_o the_o devil_n have_v not_o mighty_o assist_v one_o danson_n to_o misunderstand_v and_o pervert_v the_o design_n of_o that_o book_n can_v that_o perfidious_a dote_a exile_v frenchman_n have_v ever_o espy_v and_o report_v such_o advance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o popery_n have_v not_o himself_o make_v great_a advance_n first_o towards_o frenzy_n or_o knavery_n or_o the_o late_a furious_a collector_n of_o the_o invidious_a parallel_n make_v such_o a_o clamour_n with_o they_o and_o seek_v so_o base_o to_o disturb_v the_o ash_n and_o deface_v the_o monument_n of_o those_o that_o rest_n in_o honour_n but_o that_o something_o make_v a_o noise_n in_o his_o own_o head_n and_o hinder_v he_o from_o hear_v or_o attend_v to_o the_o check_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o injustice_n i_o pray_v god_n sir_n deliver_v you_o and_o i_o and_o bless_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o man_n who_o read_v book_n on_o purpose_n to_o misunderstand_v they_o and_o consider_v doctrine_n only_o to_o expose_v they_o who_o react_v the_o cruelty_n and_o injustice_n of_o ancient_a persecutor_n that_o clothe_v the_o poor_a christian_n in_o skin_n of_o beast_n and_o then_o glut_v their_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o worry_v of_o they_o and_o deal_v with_o book_n as_o procrustes_n do_v with_o man_n rack_v they_o till_o they_o come_v up_o to_o their_o own_o humour_n or_o cut_v they_o in_o piece_n for_o not_o do_v so_o who_o first_o tincture_n their_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o apprehend_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o have_v their_o own_o palate_n vitiate_v reproach_n as_o unsavoury_a and_o bitter_a every_o thing_n that_o comport_v not_o with_o the_o ill_a affection_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v my_o hard_a fate_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o man_n and_o be_v treat_v by_o they_o as_o some_o of_o my_o brethren_n have_v be_v i_o will_v yet_o have_v this_o to_o comfort_n and_o support_v i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o truth_n or_o honesty_n but_o spleen_n and_o malice_n only_o that_o persecute_v i_o i_o shall_v be_v concern_v indeed_o shall_v i_o offend_v the_o first_o but_o if_o man_n act_v by_o the_o other_o speak_v evil_a of_o i_o i_o know_v who_o have_v bid_v i_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a chap._n ix_o the_o four_o five_o and_o six_o rule_n be_v mention_v and_o insist_v on_o 4._o the_o four_o rule_n be_v that_o doctrine_n and_o mode_n of_o religion_n form_v by_o they_o be_v not_o consider_v only_o
full_a of_o what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o thus_o speak_v for_o as_o the_o text_n speak_v both_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o error_n so_o i_o shall_v understand_v the_o proposition_n both_o way_n with_o reference_n to_o both_o these_o 1._o direct_o and_o positive_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n incline_v to_o holiness_n and_o every_o doctrine_n that_o proceed_v from_o this_o spirit_n do_v some_o way_n or_o other_o conduce_v to_o that_o great_a end_n and_o when_o doctrine_n upon_o trial_n be_v find_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o regular_o holy_a than_o they_o bear_v the_o stamp_n and_o impress_n of_o truth_n upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o safe_a way_n by_o which_o to_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o conclude_v they_o orthodox_n 2._o opposite_o or_o negative_o whatever_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o contrary_a either_o teach_n or_o encourage_v sin_n and_o disobedience_n in_o all_o or_o in_o any_o one_o particular_a instance_n of_o it_o be_v certain_o false_a and_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o let_v man_n be_v never_o so_o zealous_a for_o it_o and_o confident_a in_o recommend_v and_o obtrude_a of_o it_o upon_o other_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o every_o private_a christian_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o condemn_v it_o as_o spurious_a and_o dangerous_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n incline_v man_n to_o disobedience_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n do_v so_o do_v proceed_v from_o it_o 3._o comparative_o thus_o where_o different_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n offer_v themselves_o to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a way_n to_o examine_v careful_o which_o of_o they_o conduce_v most_o to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o according_o to_o make_v our_o estimate_n of_o they_o accept_v that_o which_o be_v best_a attend_v with_o holiness_n and_o a_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o reject_v that_o which_o be_v any_o way_n fail_v herein_o and_o now_o by_o this_o you_o may_v see_v my_o sense_n of_o the_o proposition_n how_o i_o make_v obedience_n and_o holiness_n the_o shekel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n by_o which_o all_o other_o measure_n be_v to_o be_v try_v i_o make_v god_n law_n not_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v but_o i_o will_v have_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v bring_v unto_o it_o examine_v how_o it_o comport_v with_o it_o and_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o and_o according_a either_o to_o be_v accept_v or_o reject_v but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o show_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o assertion_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o safe_a rule_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o judge_v and_o examine_v truth_n and_o error_n by_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o as_o postulata_n or_o thing_n intimate_v to_o we_o from_o this_o text_n and_o of_o great_a advantage_n in_o order_n to_o the_o assure_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a proposition_n 1._o that_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o some_o rule_n to_o judge_v the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n by_o 2._o that_o this_o rule_n be_v obvious_a and_o plain_a and_o intend_v for_o the_o guidance_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o man_n 1._o that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o some_o sure_a rule_n to_o judge_v the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n by_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o no_o man_n that_o have_v any_o honourable_a and_o become_a sentiment_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v in_o any_o measure_n doubt_n of_o he_o who_o gracious_a providence_n watch_v over_o all_o thing_n certain_o be_v regardful_a also_o of_o man_n he_o that_o have_v implant_v and_o put_v such_o a_o instinct_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n as_o enable_v they_o to_o know_v what_o be_v beneficial_a and_o hurtful_a to_o their_o respective_a nature_n and_o according_a to_o pursue_v and_o embrace_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v and_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o other_o have_v certain_o not_o be_v want_v to_o man_n in_o this_o great_a instance_n but_o enable_v he_o to_o discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n as_o well_o as_o good_a from_o evil_n and_o to_o do_v both_o these_o in_o morality_n as_o well_o as_o nature_n i._n e._n to_o judge_n for_o his_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o his_o body_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o man_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n certain_o the_o most_o miserable_a and_o a_o religious_a man_n be_v the_o most_o miserable_a and_o pitiable_a above_o all_o other_o man_n and_o it_o will_v reflect_v great_a dishonour_n upon_o god_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o safety_n and_o conduct_n of_o man_n in_o all_o his_o little_a concern_v but_o to_o leave_v he_o whole_o unprovided_a for_o and_o expose_v to_o deception_n in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o sublime_a and_o momentous_a of_o all_o and_o such_o we_o know_v be_v his_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o way_n in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o serve_v his_o god_n and_o assure_v his_o blissful_a love_n and_o favour_n and_o thereby_o secure_a the_o everlasting_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o soul_n i_o shall_v only_o desire_v two_o thing_n further_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o case_n 1._o that_o god_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o ever_o will_v be_v error_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o no_o age_n shall_v want_v impostor_n and_o deceiver_n to_o broach_v they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o entrap_v people_n with_o they_o this_o he_o have_v resolve_v for_o wise_a end_n to_o permit_v still_o to_o be_v and_o can_v it_o then_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o furnish_v his_o servant_n with_o a_o antidote_n against_o they_o can_v any_o think_v so_o unworthy_o of_o god_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v expose_v the_o belove_a of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o object_n of_o his_o tender_a compassion_n and_o regard_n naked_a and_o whole_o defenceless_a without_o any_o thing_n to_o secure_v themselves_o against_o these_o plague_n this_o be_v indeed_o to_o overact_v the_o savage_a cruelty_n of_o the_o hyrcanian_a tiger_n and_o transcribe_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o silly_a ostrich_n 39.14_o job_n 39.14_o which_o leave_v her_o egg_n in_o the_o sand_n expose_v to_o the_o foot_n of_o every_o beast_n or_o traveller_n to_o be_v crush_v at_o pleasure_n nothing_o can_v well_o be_v think_v of_o that_o be_v real_o more_o injurious_a and_o reflective_a upon_o divine_a providence_n than_o this_o be_v 2._o god_n have_v not_o only_o tell_v we_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o caution_v we_o against_o they_o and_o strict_o command_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n that_o command_v this_o shall_v not_o provide_v some_o way_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v do_v i_o can_v never_o yet_o though_o educate_v when_o such_o doctrine_n be_v much_o in_o vogue_n bring_v my_o thought_n quiet_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v command_v utter_a impossibility_n which_o be_v far_o to_o exceed_v the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n which_o himself_o have_v condemn_v and_o so_o tragical_o declaim_v against_o and_o i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o if_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o he_o have_v also_o furnish_v we_o with_o power_n and_o provide_v a_o mean_n how_o we_o may_v do_v all_o these_o thing_n god_n certain_o never_o command_v thing_n in_o vain_a nor_o will_v he_o tantalise_v the_o endeavour_n of_o his_o people_n nor_o make_v himself_o sport_n to_o illude_v the_o hope_n and_o endeavour_n of_o poor_a mortal_n by_o put_v they_o upon_o acquist_n who_o glory_n though_o they_o may_v excite_v yet_o their_o impossibility_n do_v discourage_v and_o frustrate_v the_o most_o vigorous_a endeavour_n and_o that_o man_n will_v have_v a_o strange_a notion_n of_o god_n that_o will_v fancy_v his_o command_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o yet_o not_o direct_v we_o to_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v do_v so_o 2._o that_o this_o rule_n be_v obvious_a and_o plain_a and_o intend_v for_o the_o guidance_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o man_n hereby_o know_v we_o etc._n etc._n and_o certain_o he_o intend_v not_o hereby_o only_o himself_o or_o apostle_n like_o himself_o but_o all_o those_o who_o in_o verse_n 1._o he_o have_v exhort_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o not_o present_o to_o believe_v every_o pretence_n of_o it_o which_o be_v equal_o the_o interest_n and_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n it_o be_v true_a the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o it_o
pretence_n of_o knowledge_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n they_o differ_v from_o that_o than_o there_o be_v no_o morning_n or_o light_n in_o they_o but_o they_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o infernal_a specus_fw-la and_o be_v suggest_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o prince_n of_o darkness_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o yet_o i_o shall_v add_v something_o more_o that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o appoint_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o judge_v in_o all_o ordinary_a difference_n about_o doctrine_n but_o in_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a also_o that_o can_v possible_o happen_v i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o pretension_n to_o prophecy_n and_o work_n of_o miracle_n these_o be_v indeed_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o judge_n of_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o every_o private_a man_n but_o only_o to_o the_o great_a sanhedrim_n as_o learned_a man_n have_v clear_o prove_v yet_o it_o will_v be_v very_o much_o to_o our_o purpose_n if_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o even_o this_o great_a consistory_n be_v to_o judge_v by_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o both_o of_o they_o and_o first_o for_o prophet_n i_o think_v the_o case_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a from_o that_o place_n of_o moses_n deut._n 13._o from_o verse_n 1_o to_o 6._o from_o which_o if_o you_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o well_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o collection_n that_o neither_o the_o predict_v of_o a_o future_a event_n no_o nor_o the_o come_n of_o that_o to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o prediction_n be_v safe_a and_o warrantable_a thing_n to_o judge_v a_o prophet_n by_o for_o if_o that_o prophet_n entice_v any_o way_n to_o idolatry_n or_o deliver_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v draw_v they_o away_o from_o their_o duty_n in_o walk_v after_o the_o lord_n and_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o obey_v his_o voice_n he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v yea_o to_o be_v stone_v as_o a_o impostor_n and_o a_o deceiver_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v only_o or_o at_o least_o chief_o by_o the_o consonancy_n thereof_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o i_o judge_v worth_a our_o take_a notice_n of_o at_o this_o time_n alas_o if_o the_o bold_a pretender_n to_o prophecy_n in_o this_o age_n can_v make_v this_o plea_n for_o themselves_o that_o thing_n fall_v out_o exact_o according_a to_o their_o prediction_n what_o a_o great_a noise_n will_v they_o soon_o make_v how_o mighty_o will_v they_o boast_v and_o plead_v and_o perhaps_o believe_v too_o themselves_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o yet_o god_n himself_o tell_v we_o this_o be_v no_o safe_a and_o sure_a rule_n to_o judge_v man_n true_a prophet_n by_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n may_v possible_o predict_v many_o thing_n and_o the_o event_n answer_v the_o prediction_n and_o many_o time_n we_o know_v it_o have_v be_v thus_o and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v how_o far_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v extend_v in_o this_o matter_n beside_o god_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o many_o time_n permit_v such_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o may_v thereby_o try_v the_o love_n and_o fidelity_n of_o man_n cause_v these_o to_o be_v a_o punishment_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v unreasonable_o fickle_a and_o unconstant_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o case_n of_o heresy_n those_o that_o be_v cordial_a and_o approve_a may_v be_v make_v know_v 11.19_o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o rule_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n and_o other_o after_o they_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n and_o a_o great_a stir_n make_v about_o they_o but_o he_o that_o will_v considerate_o read_v they_o over_o as_o he_o will_v find_v this_o always_o mention_v as_o one_o rule_n so_o he_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o safe_a and_o that_o to_o which_o all_o at_o last_o be_v force_v to_o flee_v the_o second_o case_n that_o i_o choose_v to_o instance_n in_o be_v the_o case_n of_o miracle_n for_o that_o there_o be_v true_a and_o lie_a wonder_n the_o scripture_n clear_o assure_v we_o but_o how_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o these_o be_v real_o a_o very_a great_a and_o perplex_v difficulty_n and_o some_o man_n have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o give_v direction_n herein_o and_o indeed_o must_v do_v so_o still_o until_o they_o come_v to_o fix_v and_o rest_v upon_o this_o for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o certain_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o safe_a too_o namely_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o effect_n and_o design_n of_o they_o be_v if_o they_o have_v divine_a effect_n upon_o man_n especial_o if_o they_o only_o design_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o good_a or_o to_o attest_v a_o doctrine_n that_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o be_v so_o then_o they_o carry_v the_o clear_a stamp_n of_o divinity_n upon_o they_o that_o can_v be_v but_o if_o they_o tend_v in_o any_o measure_n to_o the_o contrary_a either_o to_o encourage_v man_n in_o sin_n or_o attest_v any_o doctrine_n that_o teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a law_n and_o precept_n of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v suspect_v and_o reject_v as_o immediate_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n chap._n v._o a_o further_a discourse_n of_o miracle_n and_o of_o their_o evidence_n and_o how_o to_o know_v which_o be_v divine_a and_o which_o not_o a_o addition_n to_o all_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o heresy_n and_o wherein_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o do_v chief_o consist_v but_o this_o sir_n may_v perhaps_o by_o you_o be_v think_v too_o little_a to_o be_v say_v on_o this_o great_a subject_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v divine_a testimony_n sufficient_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o able_a to_o assure_v the_o verity_n gain_v assent_n to_o and_o entertainment_n of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o attest_v the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v speak_v great_a thing_n of_o they_o and_o glory_v in_o they_o and_o argue_v with_o great_a assurance_n the_o divinity_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o they_o and_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v a_o great_a disservice_n to_o christianity_n that_o shall_v go_v about_o in_o any_o measure_n to_o weaken_v the_o testimony_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o sir_n that_o i_o may_v not_o suffer_v under_o any_o of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la i_o shall_v a_o little_a further_o enlarge_v this_o discourse_n of_o they_o and_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v distinct_a and_o plain_a shall_v be_v contain_v in_o these_o subsequent_a proposition_n 1._o i_o do_v most_o ready_o grant_v and_o cordial_o believe_v that_o divine_a miracle_n be_v certain_a evidence_n of_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v no_o way_n reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v annex_v his_o seal_n to_o attest_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v untrue_a whatever_o god_n assert_n must_v needs_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n be_v true_a be_v there_o none_o else_o and_o all_o the_o world_n be_v agree_v in_o their_o belief_n of_o this_o so_o that_o i_o take_v it_o miracle_n be_v not_o add_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v but_o rather_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o he_o do_v declare_v such_o thing_n or_o to_o attest_v the_o divine_a commission_n of_o those_o that_o be_v his_o instrument_n therein_o 2._o but_o than_o second_o i_o do_v as_o assure_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a evidence_n of_o truth_n a_o divine_a doctrine_n may_v carry_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v as_o clear_a signature_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o convince_a character_n of_o truth_n as_o immediate_a miracle_n be_v this_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v collect_v from_o that_o parabolical_a discourse_n of_o abraham_n to_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n 16.31_o luke_n 16.31_o if_o they_o believe_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a intimate_v that_o those_o doctrine_n in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophetic_a writing_n have_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o clear_a conviction_n thereof_o in_o they_o as_o the_o miraculous_a appearance_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a can_v give_v to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a place_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o assure_v this_o upon_o for_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o one_o place_n viz._n john_n 15.22_o as_o much_o aggravate_v the_o guilt_n of_o the_o jew_n infidelity_n in_o not_o believe_v his_o heavenly_a pure_a doctrine_n
so_o for_o another_o i_o can_v the_o more_o easy_o comply_v with_o your_o command_n and_o minister_v something_o towards_o this_o great_a purpose_n because_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o i_o shall_v but_o recollect_v my_o thought_n and_o transcribe_v with_o very_o little_a variation_n what_o i_o have_v deliver_v not_o long_o ago_o in_o my_o own_o congregation_n on_o this_o subject_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v beg_v you_o to_o accept_v some_o sermon-note_n instead_o of_o a_o formal_a letter_n and_o to_o pardon_v i_o that_o i_o address_v to_o you_o as_o one_o of_o my_o own_o people_n only_o sir_n my_o respect_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o thrust_v you_o into_o the_o common_a crowd_n something_o will_v be_v add_v which_o be_v not_o then_o deliver_v and_o you_o will_v perceive_v it_o by_o be_v address_v only_o to_o yourself_o piety_n the_o best_a rule_n of_o orthodoxy_n chap._n i._n the_o great_a need_n of_o every_o christian_n take_v heed_n of_o error_n the_o difficulty_n in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n of_o do_v so_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o charity_n that_o endeavour_v to_o assist_v in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o pitch_v upon_o a_o rule_n whereby_o every_o man_n may_v do_v from_o that_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n s_o john_n 1_o john_n 4.6_o he_o that_o serious_o consider_v what_o the_o condition_n of_o religion_n be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o call_v itself_o christian_n how_o almost_o all_o the_o congregation_n therein_o be_v divide_v among_o themselves_o and_o have_v considerable_a difference_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o they_o separate_v each_o from_o other_o form_v themselves_o into_o distinct_a society_n according_a to_o their_o different_a sentiment_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o withal_o consider_v how_o confident_a all_o party_n be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o own_o way_n with_o how_o much_o clamour_n and_o noise_n they_o plead_v for_o it_o and_o with_o how_o much_o confidence_n they_o declaim_v against_o all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o it_o while_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o yea_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o be_v certain_o mistake_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o so_o many_o and_o so_o very_o contrary_a way_n shall_v all_o be_v true_a he_o i_o say_v that_o serious_o consider_v all_o this_o may_v very_o well_o subscribe_v to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o excellent_a advice_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n when_o predict_v these_o thing_n take_v heed_n and_o beware_v that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o 24.4_o mat._n 24.4_o and_o may_v very_o well_o look_v upon_o the_o ingemination_n not_o only_o as_o design_v to_o enhance_v his_o care_n that_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v but_o as_o a_o intimation_n also_o how_o difficult_a it_o will_v be_v to_o avoid_v his_o be_v so_o and_o true_o he_o that_o have_v any_o due_a regard_n to_o his_o own_o soul_n or_o any_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n must_v needs_o subscribe_v to_o the_o justness_n of_o the_o ingemination_n upon_o both_o account_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o all_o its_o act_n do_v mighty_o depend_v upon_o the_o principle_n that_o it_o choose_v to_o act_v by_o and_o these_o be_v only_o then_o safe_a when_o they_o be_v the_o result_v of_o a_o sound_n and_o right_a judgement_n which_o that_o judgement_n can_v never_o be_v that_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o deceit_n and_o cheat_v by_o error_n so_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v unto_o the_o caution_n upon_o that_o sole_a account_n be_v very_o great_a and_o yet_o that_o necessity_n be_v heighten_v much_o by_o the_o other_o for_o where_o there_o be_v various_a way_n that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o we_o and_o none_o of_o these_o want_n their_o specious_a pretence_n but_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o with_o all_o possible_a art_n and_o confidence_n there_o the_o choose_n and_o hit_v upon_o the_o right_n must_v needs_o be_v difficult_a and_o the_o avoid_v deception_n not_o very_o easy_a the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n have_v cause_v i_o oftentimes_o with_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a concern_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o private_a ordinary_a christian_n at_o this_o time_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pity_n to_o compare_v his_o state_n to_o that_o of_o a_o traveller_n in_o a_o unknown_a road_n full_a of_o many_o various_a and_o different_a turn_n which_o must_v not_o only_o needs_o distract_v and_o puzzle_v his_o thought_n which_o of_o they_o to_o choose_v but_o create_v in_o he_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o fear_n lest_o he_o choose_v amiss_o and_o as_o compassion_n natural_o engage_v to_o charity_n and_o pity_v a_o man_n misery_n prompt_v we_o to_o thought_n how_o to_o redress_v it_o so_o i_o have_v many_o time_n think_v with_o myself_o that_o man_n will_v do_v a_o good_a office_n and_o a_o thing_n huge_o conducive_a to_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n that_o can_v pitch_v upon_o and_o prescribe_v a_o way_n how_o to_o remedy_v this_o great_a inconvenience_n with_o ease_n and_o safety_n for_o as_o the_o erect_v the_o statuae_fw-la mercuriale_n by_o the_o ancient_a roman_n in_o all_o common_a road_n upon_o which_o be_v not_o only_a step_n by_o which_o traveller_n may_v mount_v their_o beast_n and_o go_v on_o but_o inscription_n also_o to_o direct_v they_o which_o be_v the_o right_a path_n be_v then_o account_v and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n remember_v as_o a_o very_a high_a instance_n of_o the_o kindness_n and_o candour_n of_o that_o great_a people_n so_o certain_o the_o do_v the_o like_a in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o poor_a christian_a traveller_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o charity_n by_o how_o much_o his_o way_n be_v more_o perplex_v and_o intricate_a and_o the_o danger_n of_o his_o err_v the_o great_a and_o more_o momentous_a he_o that_o shall_v undertake_v to_o do_v this_o for_o he_o may_v well_o expect_v his_o prayer_n for_o his_o success_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v err_v in_o do_v his_o utmost_a in_o it_o may_v as_o well_o hope_v for_o his_o compassion_n and_o pardon_n if_o it_o can_v be_v do_v it_o be_v real_o a_o great_a benefit_n and_o the_o design_n of_o it_o a_o great_a charity_n and_o if_o a_o man_n chance_n to_o err_v in_o it_o yet_o a_o error_n that_o result_v from_o charity_n may_v well_o expect_v a_o gentle_a and_o candid_a censure_n how_o to_o do_v this_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n that_o have_v long_o lie_v upon_o my_o thought_n and_o a_o case_n that_o i_o have_v much_o consult_v about_o i_o have_v be_v think_v what_o expedient_a to_o pitch_n upon_o what_o to_o substitute_n that_o may_v bear_v the_o stress_n of_o such_o a_o enquiry_n what_o oracle_n to_o erect_v to_o which_o man_n may_v safe_o commit_v the_o resolution_n of_o all_o difficulty_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o with_o confidence_n repair_v unto_o for_o a_o full_a and_o safe_a satisfaction_n in_o they_o what_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o these_o consultation_n and_o thought_n have_v be_v i_o have_v determine_v this_o lent_n to_o acquaint_v you_o withal_o and_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o rise_n of_o what_o i_o purpose_v to_o deliver_v to_o you_o of_o this_o nature_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a s._n john_n 4.6_o 1_o john_n 4.6_o who_o live_v to_o see_v the_o actual_a accomplishment_n of_o his_o lord_n be_v great_a prediction_n that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v the_o great_a prescriber_n of_o antidote_n against_o the_o infection_n of_o those_o deceiver_n and_o in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o he_o purposely_o undertake_v this_o do_v prescribe_v what_o i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o insist_v upon_o as_o a_o sure_a remedy_n a_o certain_a criterion_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v hereby_o know_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n chap._n ii_o the_o collection_n draw_v from_o the_o precede_a text._n piety_n the_o best_a rule_n of_o orthodoxy_n the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o proposition_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v two_o postulata_n in_o order_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o god_n have_v provide_v such_o a_o rule_n for_o man_n to_o judge_v by_o and_o the_o reason_n urge_v a_o belief_n that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o this_o rule_n must_v be_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o guidance_n of_o all_o man_n for_o these_o word_n of_o s._n john_n i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o draw_v this_o collection_n piety_n be_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o orthodoxy_n or_o plain_a thus_o the_o conduciveness_n of_o doctrine_n unto_o godliness_n be_v the_o best_a and_o safe_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o before_o i_o enter_v immediate_o upon_o the_o large_a handle_n of_o this_o proposition_n i_o shall_v stay_v you_o a_o little_a while_n that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o the_o