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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n addition_n age_n great_a 13 3 2.0729 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A43454 Piety the best rule of orthodoxy, or, An essay upon this proposition, that the conduciveness of doctrines to holiness or vice is the best rule for private Christians to judge the truth or falshood of them by in a letter to his honoured friend H.M. / by Hen. Hesketh. Hesketh, Henry, 1637?-1710. 1680 (1680) Wing H1613; ESTC R27424 45,058 144

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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 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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 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in_o some_o single_a instance_n but_o complex_o and_o full_o in_o all_o together_o i_o mean_v that_o we_o take_v not_o only_o some_o few_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o a_o sect_n or_o mode_n of_o religion_n and_o single_o consider_v they_o and_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o all_o only_a by_o they_o but_o that_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o its_o part_n and_o examine_v every_o instance_n of_o it_o thorough_o especial_o all_o those_o in_o which_o it_o differ_v from_o other_o for_o as_o there_o be_v very_o rare_o or_o never_o any_o error_n without_o some_o mixture_n of_o truth_n the_o more_o to_o set_v it_o off_o and_o give_v it_o credit_n no_o more_o be_v there_o any_o sect_n any_o way_n of_o religion_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o teach_v some_o excellent_a truth_n and_o own_o some_o very_a wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o it_o will_v therefore_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o will_v not_o be_v entrap_v by_o they_o not_o only_o to_o consider_v some_o few_o but_o the_o whole_a 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we_o see_v that_o this_o be_v too_o common_o the_o real_a case_n you_o shall_v rare_o or_o never_o see_v but_o there_o be_v some_o latent_fw-la imperfection_n where_o the_o paint_n and_o the_o outward_a dress_n be_v so_o extreme_o curious_a for_o man_n never_o use_v so_o much_o art_n as_o when_o they_o be_v purpose_v to_o deceive_v sincerity_n content_v itself_o with_o a_o very_a plain_a garb_n while_o no_o curiosity_n and_o care_n be_v think_v too_o much_o for_o the_o hypocrite_n 2._o second_o that_o we_o consider_v all_o these_o thing_n too_o for_o if_o we_o judge_v by_o some_o only_a we_o may_v err_v mighty_o here_o too_o there_o be_v few_o man_n so_o bad_a as_o not_o to_o be_v careful_a in_o some_o thing_n and_o to_o hope_v by_o those_o to_o expiate_v their_o disregard_n of_o other_o and_o none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v never_o converse_v with_o man_n can_v but_o know_v how_o usual_a it_o be_v to_o have_v man_n hope_v that_o one_o instance_n of_o virtue_n shall_v compensate_a for_o the_o want_n of_o another_o and_o that_o one_o good_a deed_n shall_v excuse_v another_o sin_n for_o so_o he_o that_o be_v a_o drunkard_n can_v plead_v that_o he_o be_v just_a and_o he_o that_o be_v unjust_a can_v allege_v his_o fear_v of_o a_o oath_n and_o while_n either_o of_o these_o can_v do_v the_o one_o they_o hope_v god_n will_v pardon_v they_o for_o be_v the_o other_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o halt_n in_o duty_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o partial_a and_o imperfect_a obedience_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o single_a man_n so_o it_o be_v common_o with_o aggregate_v sect_n there_o be_v few_o of_o these_o which_o be_v not_o mighty_a zealous_a for_o some_o good_a thing_n and_o by_o this_o hope_n either_o to_o conceal_v from_o man_n or_o obtain_v
piety_n the_o best_a rule_n of_o orthodoxy_n or_o a_o essay_n upon_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o conduciveness_n of_o doctrine_n to_o holiness_n or_o vice_n be_v the_o best_a rule_n for_o private_a christian_n to_o judge_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o they_o by_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o his_o honour_a friend_n h._n m._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n clem._n alexand._n by_o hen._n hesketh_n vicar_n of_o s._n helen_n and_o chaplain_n to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1680._o the_o content_n the_o introduction_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 man_n in_o order_n thereto_o the_o pitch_v upon_o a_o rule_n whereby_o every_o man_n may_v do_v this_o from_o that_o place_n of_o s._n john_n 1_o john_n 4.6_o chap._n ii_o the_o collection_n draw_v from_o the_o precede_a text_n that_o piety_n be_v 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 chap._n iii_o two_o way_n propose_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o assertion_n scripture_n and_o reason_n this_o text_n improve_v large_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o mat._n 7.16_o of_o which_o a_o full_a explication_n be_v endeavour_v chap._n iu._n the_o old_a testament_n cite_v also_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o and_o two_o great_a consideration_n add_v to_o give_v more_o evidence_n to_o it_o this_o the_o rule_n to_o try_v prophet_n by_o of_o old_a and_o the_o best_a criterion_n of_o a_o true_a divine_a miracle_n chap._n v._o a_o further_a discourse_n of_o miracle_n and_o their_o evidence_n and_o how_o to_o know_v which_o be_v divine_a and_o which_o be_v 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 consist_v chap._n vi_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o collection_n four_o propose_v and_o two_o insist_v on_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o first_o take_v from_o the_o end_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n the_o second_o from_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n chap._n vii_o the_o three_o and_o four_o argument_n propose_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o substitute_v any_o other_o rule_n but_o this_o and_o the_o manifest_a advantage_n of_o this_o above_o any_o that_o can_v be_v substitute_v chap._n viii_o six_o rule_n lay_v down_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o in_o our_o judge_n by_o this_o rule_n and_o three_o of_o they_o insist_v on_o 1._o that_o we_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n only_o and_o not_o the_o man_n that_o maintain_v they_o 2._o that_o we_o consider_v doctrine_n not_o only_o in_o themselves_o and_o appearance_n but_o also_o in_o their_o natural_a and_o direct_a consequence_n 3._o that_o we_o be_v sincere_a and_o unprejudiced_a in_o consider_v and_o do_v not_o allow_v ourselves_o to_o pervert_v and_o wrest_v they_o chap._n ix_o the_o other_o three_o rule_n insist_v on_o 1._o 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 in_o some_o single_a instance_n but_o complex_o and_o full_o in_o all_o especial_o those_o in_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o other_o 2._o that_o man_n have_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o holiness_n 3._o that_o holiness_n be_v consider_v not_o only_o in_o its_o immediate_a exercise_n but_o also_o with_o all_o the_o help_n advantage_n and_o encouragement_n to_o it_o chap._n x._o some_o inference_n make_v from_o this_o collection_n particular_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o may_v just_o challenge_v any_o sect_n at_o this_o day_n to_o join_v issue_n with_o it_o upon_o this_o principle_n the_o conclusion_n the_o introduction_n dear_a sir_n among_o those_o very_a many_o sweet_a and_o gustful_a relish_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o friendship_n leave_v upon_o my_o spirit_n the_o fresh_a discovery_n that_o i_o every_o day_n make_v of_o your_o real_a worth_n and_o goodness_n be_v true_o the_o great_a and_o certain_o that_o man_n owe_v much_o to_o providence_n and_o his_o recognition_n to_o it_o can_v hardly_o equal_a the_o blessing_n that_o have_v the_o good_a hap_n to_o contract_v intimacy_n and_o friendship_n of_o which_o he_o find_v no_o reason_n afterward_o to_o repent_v and_o be_v ashamed_a and_o to_o which_o he_o need_v not_o study_v to_o put_v any_o interruption_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o worthy_a man_n and_o a_o good_a man_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o it_o be_v at_o present_a i_o sir_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o flatter_v you_o in_o this_o i_o know_v that_o will_v be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o make_v myself_o more_o unworthy_a of_o such_o a_o felicity_n than_o i_o be_o nor_o do_v i_o intend_v to_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o your_o worth_n from_o any_o thing_n but_o such_o as_o be_v certain_a and_o will_v assure_v such_o deduction_n i_o do_v not_o proclaim_v you_o worthy_a and_o good_a because_o you_o be_v rich_a and_o kind_a and_o affable_a and_o courteous_a and_o studious_a as_o become_v a_o philosopher_n but_o i_o do_v this_o because_o you_o be_v concern_v for_o religion_n and_o be_v tender_a of_o man_n eternal_a interest_n and_o have_v a_o dear_a respect_n to_o soul_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n partake_v of_o those_o felicity_n of_o which_o your_o great_a piety_n procure_v you_o many_o bless_a antepast_n now_o and_o perseverance_n in_o that_o piety_n will_v assure_v your_o full_a and_o perfect_a fruition_n afterward_o and_o true_o sir_n these_o be_v thing_n which_o in_o every_o age_n have_v reflect_v honour_n upon_o man_n but_o will_v much_o more_o do_v so_o in_o this_o for_o a_o gentleman_n to_o retain_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n now_o when_o unconcernedness_n for_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o mode_n and_o scoff_v at_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a so_o much_o the_o common_a entertainment_n and_o so_o huge_o gratify_v to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o age._n to_o be_v solicitous_a for_o humane_a soul_n when_o so_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o question_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o or_o no_o and_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o have_v yet_o so_o very_a few_o be_v please_v to_o have_v any_o regard_n for_o their_o welfare_n to_o be_v study_v and_o contrive_v help_n and_o advantage_n for_o they_o in_o their_o progress_n to_o heaven_n when_o the_o disbelief_n of_o any_o future_a state_n have_v so_o much_o obtain_v and_o when_o it_o be_v count_v wit_n and_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o part_n to_o buffoon_n and_o droll_n all_o thought_n of_o it_o out_o of_o the_o breast_n of_o man_n to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n with_o sincerity_n and_o zeal_n which_o perhaps_o will_v meet_v with_o no_o better_a entertainment_n than_o derision_n or_o scorn_n be_v certain_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o great_a and_o fix_a goodness_n and_o render_v you_o little_o less_o worthy_a of_o that_o praise_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v job_n for_o be_v perfect_a at_o luz_n and_o lot_n for_o retain_v his_o purity_n in_o sodom_n i_o shall_v not_o so_o far_o trespass_v upon_o your_o humility_n and_o modesty_n as_o to_o mention_v all_o the_o instance_n in_o which_o these_o thing_n discover_v themselves_o this_o that_o your_o present_a command_n for_o so_o i_o always_o interpret_v a_o friend_n desire_n require_v of_o i_o be_v alone_o enough_o it_o be_v to_o give_v you_o my_o thought_n what_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o best_a criterion_n of_o truth_n and_o by_o what_o mark_v a_o man_n may_v most_o certain_o discover_v it_o in_o this_o mist_n and_o great_a dust_n that_o the_o eager_a contention_n and_o tumultuous_a dispute_n of_o man_n have_v raise_v about_o it_o and_o obscure_v it_o in_o and_o by_o what_o method_n a_o private_a christian_n shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o amaze_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o from_o whence_o take_v his_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o safety_n this_o be_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o much_o a_o act_n of_o such_o kindness_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o you_o to_o show_v or_o man_n to_o receive_v a_o great_a and_o if_o i_o can_v do_v any_o service_n towards_o reallize_a the_o effect_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v many_o instance_n in_o which_o i_o may_v more_o safe_o rejoice_v and_o true_o as_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o do_v the_o more_o willing_o
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
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 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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
be_v well_o when_o they_o do_v and_o in_o many_o case_n mighty_a prudent_a to_o seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n consult_v he_o often_o in_o our_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n and_o not_o be_v too_o peremptory_a in_o our_o own_o conclusion_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v with_o reason_n believe_v that_o god_n ever_o intend_v these_o to_o be_v the_o only_a oracle_n to_o which_o every_o christian_a shall_v repair_v and_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o response_n of_o i_o think_v i_o can_v urge_v inconvenience_n against_o this_o which_o the_o whole_a conclave_n will_v be_v something_o puzzle_v to_o solve_v as_o god_n have_v endue_v every_o man_n with_o a_o soul_n and_o that_o soul_n with_o a_o understanding_n and_o that_o understanding_n with_o power_n of_o judge_v and_o discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v and_o command_v every_o man_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o this_o talon_n and_o diligent_a in_o improve_n and_o increase_n his_o stock_n of_o light_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o take_v the_o better_a heed_n he_o be_v not_o deceive_v so_o doubtless_o he_o have_v substitute_v a_o way_n by_o which_o every_o man_n may_v do_v this_o and_o have_v not_o intend_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o to_o be_v confine_v only_o to_o some_o few_o particular_a person_n it_o have_v be_v long_o since_o object_v and_o design_v to_o reproach_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o content_v themselves_o with_o familiar_a representation_n of_o thing_n accommodate_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o not_o fit_a to_o satisfy_v the_o inquiry_n and_o exercise_v the_o curiosity_n of_o deep_a speculator_n and_o subtle_a philosopher_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o objection_n have_v be_v willing_o grant_v as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o yet_o the_o honour_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o for_o that_o reason_n vindicate_v and_o god_n goodness_n thereupon_o magnify_v and_o exalt_v who_o foresee_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o follower_n will_v not_o be_v great_a clerk_n and_o deep_a scholar_n but_o illiterate_a and_o plain_a man_n have_v merciful_o consult_v their_o weakness_n and_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o provide_v for_o it_o and_o he_o that_o consider_v that_o god_n value_v the_o soul_n of_o one_o man_n equal_o with_o another_o and_o desire_v equal_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o will_v present_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o he_o have_v consult_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o man_n and_o not_o set_v up_o a_o rule_n to_o judge_v truth_n by_o which_o shall_v be_v mighty_a obscure_a and_o intricate_a and_o very_o few_o only_o some_o learned_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o reap_v benefit_n from_o thus_o much_o therefore_o we_o have_v gain_v from_o this_o text_n both_o that_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o way_n by_o which_o to_o know_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o that_o this_o be_v such_o a_o way_n as_o all_o man_n may_v improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o the_o same_o end_n chap._n iii_o two_o way_n propound_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o assertion_n scripture_n and_o reason_n this_o text_n improve_v large_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o matth._n 7.16_o of_o which_o a_o full_a explication_n be_v endeavour_v have_v thus_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o forename_a assertion_n in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n i_o shall_v now_o address_v direct_o to_o it_o in_o this_o and_o two_o way_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v strength_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o 1._o by_o scripture_n 2._o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n warrant_v by_o scripture_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o from_o holy_a scripture_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o chief_a way_n of_o prove_v this_o truth_n and_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n fit_a to_o determine_v this_o controversy_n for_o since_o we_o have_v reason_n with_o all_o due_a humility_n and_o gratitude_n to_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o full_a sufficient_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o man_n in_o which_o all_o necessary_a direction_n to_o happiness_n be_v contain_v and_o whatever_o else_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 3.17_o 2_o tim._n 3.17_o as_o s._n paul_n warrant_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o if_o god_n have_v provide_v such_o a_o way_n for_o man_n to_o judge_v truth_n and_o error_n by_o he_o have_v doubtless_o give_v some_o intimation_n of_o it_o in_o these_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o record_n now_o what_o these_o speak_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o acquaint_v you_o and_o first_o as_o from_o this_o place_n of_o s._n john_n i_o have_v take_v occasion_n to_o raise_v 4.6_o 1_o john_n 4.6_o so_o i_o shall_v now_o try_v what_o there_o be_v in_o it_o to_o confirm_v the_o assertion_n which_o that_o i_o may_v distinct_o and_o clear_o do_v i_o must_v desire_v you_o to_o read_v the_o precedent_a verse_n and_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n be_v design_v in_o they_o and_o that_o you_o will_v easy_o find_v to_o be_v this_o a_o endeavour_n to_o confirm_v those_o he_o write_v to_o in_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o by_o any_o pretence_n and_o particular_o by_o those_o great_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v then_o so_o common_a among_o all_o seducer_n especial_o the_o gnostic_n as_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v ordinary_a ever_o since_o almost_o among_o all_o heretic_n that_o have_v infest_a the_o church_n this_o caution_n of_o not_o believe_v all_o these_o pretence_n he_o express_o mention_n verse_n 1._o and_o by_o a_o excellent_a argument_n enforce_v because_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n now_o in_o order_n to_o this_o trial_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n issue_v from_o they_o he_o lay_v down_o these_o three_o chief_a rule_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o free_a confess_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o lawfulness_n and_o prudence_n of_o deny_v of_o who_o when_o trouble_n and_o danger_n threaten_v a_o man_n for_o so_o do_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gnostic_n this_o he_o treat_v of_o verse_n 2_o 3._o and_o then_o subjoin_v a_o commendation_n of_o these_o christian_n and_o congratulate_v with_o they_o that_o they_o have_v avoid_v the_o infection_n of_o these_o false_a teacher_n show_v withal_o what_o have_v assist_v they_o to_o do_v so_o and_o why_o they_o shall_v persist_v in_o their_o care_n against_o they_o verse_n 4_o 5._o the_o second_o rule_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o text_n the_o intendment_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v present_o acquaint_v you_o more_o full_o with_o but_o because_o this_o be_v general_a he_o instance_v three_o in_o a_o particular_a of_o christian_a purity_n and_o obedience_n viz._n true_a charity_n to_o our_o brethren_n which_o he_o insist_o on_o in_o the_o 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proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n now_o if_o you_o think_v that_o i_o be_o injurious_a in_o refer_v thus_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n only_o to_o this_o one_o rule_n while_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o s._n john_n lay_v down_o two_o more_o in_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o shall_v ready_o confess_v the_o charge_n but_o without_o any_o imputation_n of_o injustice_n yea_o shall_v take_v advantage_n from_o hence_o the_o more_o to_o strengthen_v this_o assertion_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a rule_n forasmuch_o as_o both_o the_o other_o do_v relate_v to_o it_o and_o be_v instance_n of_o it_o for_o a_o free_a undaunted_a confess_v of_o christ_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o love_v cordial_o our_o brethren_n be_v both_o of_o they_o chief_a branch_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o indeed_o as_o they_o be_v almost_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n command_v by_o our_o saviour_n 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this_o hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v rest_v satisfy_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o fruit_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o proper_a product_n of_o such_o doctrine_n and_o this_o he_o clear_v and_o assure_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o by_o a_o excellent_a and_o well_o know_v comparison_n and_o indeed_o it_o hold_v true_a both_o way_n man_n do_v not_o gather_v grape_n from_o thorn_n nor_o fig_n from_o thistle_n nor_o do_v vine_n yield_v the_o berry_n of_o thorn_n nor_o do_v the_o down_o of_o thistle_n grow_v upon_o figtree_n for_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o god_n know_v too_o common_a too_o for_o a_o man_n to_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n 1.18_o rom._n 1.18_o yet_o the_o unrighteousness_n issue_v from_o the_o man_n not_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o though_o a_o heretic_n may_v possible_o be_v eminent_a in_o some_o good_a thing_n yet_o his_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o it_o not_o his_o head_n i._n e._n his_o goodness_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o error_n nor_o upon_o any_o account_n at_o all_o ascribable_a to_o it_o so_o than_o if_o we_o keep_v we_o to_o our_o saviour_n sense_n the_o rule_n be_v true_a and_o will_v never_o deceive_v we_o those_o doctrine_n that_o design_v nothing_o but_o to_o make_v man_n pure_a and_o holy_a and_o conscientious_a and_o strict_o regardful_a of_o our_o christian_a duty_n can_v but_o issue_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o satan_n can_v never_o be_v contributive_a to_o a_o doctrine_n that_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o his_o design_n and_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n but_o whatever_o doctrine_n or_o broacher_n of_o they_o do_v any_o way_n infuse_v into_o man_n or_o encourage_v and_o prompt_v they_o to_o any_o impiety_n any_o sin_n let_v their_o show_n be_v never_o so_o specious_a their_o pretence_n never_o so_o fair_a yet_o those_o prophet_n be_v false_a prophet_n and_o those_o doctrine_n 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thing_n nor_o unknown_a to_o the_o jew_n in_o time_n of_o old_a but_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o also_o as_o the_o great_a rule_n to_o judge_v by_o in_o this_o case_n of_o which_o i_o take_v that_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o be_v clear_a evidence_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n 8.20_o isaiah_n 8.20_o and_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o in_o the_o precede_a verse_n the_o prophet_n be_v inveigh_v against_o and_o condemn_v the_o attend_v to_o any_o extraordinary_a pretender_n to_o knowledge_n or_o revelation_n such_o as_o wizard_n and_o necromancer_n and_o those_o that_o consult_v familiar_a spirit_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o lay_v down_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o try_v all_o revelation_n and_o
towards_o the_o jewish_a convert_v you_o will_v soon_o perceive_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o censure_v any_o error_n present_o for_o heresy_n if_o they_o maintain_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n for_o you_o will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o instance_n in_o a_o doctrine_n more_o true_o contrary_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o whole_a purport_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o of_o those_o jewish_a convert_v be_v which_o think_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o observe_v the_o ancient_a rite_n and_o as_o s._n james_n inform_v s._n paul_n 21.20_o act_n 21.20_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v these_o be_v always_o tolerate_v no_o ill_a character_n fix_v upon_o they_o fellowship_n always_o allow_v they_o indulge_v and_o permit_v to_o their_o error_n which_o last_v among_o they_o for_o the_o time_n of_o fifteen_o christian_a bishop_n who_o be_v all_o circumcise_a yea_o till_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o all_o under_z adrian_z the_o emperor_n and_o long_o afterward_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n we_o know_v of_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n in_o that_o first_o great_a council_n which_o be_v all_o contrive_v in_o favour_n to_o they_o and_o count_v necessary_a only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n to_o they_o as_o be_v also_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n for_o some_o century_n of_o year_n only_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v safe_o collect_v thus_o much_o that_o in_o those_o best_a and_o most_o charitable_a of_o time_n no_o man_n be_v count_v a_o heretic_n that_o do_v err_v bonâ_fw-la ment_fw-la and_o retain_v a_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o great_a ground_n upon_o which_o that_o necessity_n be_v found_v and_o now_o sir_n this_o addition_n will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n for_o all_o heretical_a doctrine_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o contrary_n unto_o holiness_n and_o their_o be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v the_o other_o and_o while_o they_o be_v not_o one_o we_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o call_v they_o the_o other_o unless_o we_o will_v imitate_v the_o passion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o can_v endure_v none_o no_o not_o the_o least_o dissent_v in_o opinion_n from_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n under_o any_o kind_a character_n than_o heresy_n so_o that_o he_o that_o maintain_v the_o be_v of_o antipode_n be_v like_a to_o be_v brand_v once_o with_o that_o name_n and_o galileo_n hardly_o escape_v the_o same_o character_n for_o maintain_v the_o copernican_n hypothesis_n but_o sir_n if_o you_o desire_v to_o see_v this_o matter_n of_o heresy_n more_o full_o discourse_v i_o refer_v you_o to_o a_o place_n in_o dr._n tailor_n be_v work_n where_o it_o be_v insist_v on_o at_o large_a with_o that_o plainness_n and_o candour_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v so_o common_a and_o usual_a to_o that_o most_o excellent_a man_n it_o be_v his_o liberty_n of_o prophesy_v a_o good_a book_n under_o a_o ill_a name_n but_o true_o i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o endeavour_v by_o much_o truth_n to_o assuage_v and_o mitigate_v the_o rash_a zeal_n and_o unjust_a severity_n of_o the_o late_a time_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o that_o adhere_v unto_o she_o from_o whence_o whoever_o take_v liberty_n to_o traduce_v that_o great_a man_n as_o a_o allower_n of_o all_o opinion_n and_o any_o medley_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v very_o unjust_a and_o proclaim_v himself_o either_o ignorant_a or_o unobservant_a of_o his_o design_n which_o though_o it_o be_v to_o gain_v favour_n to_o some_o speculative_a opinion_n yet_o no_o man_n reflect_v more_o severe_o upon_o all_o that_o contradict_v holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o be_v vent_v to_o the_o disorder_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o government_n either_o of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o church_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o well_o see_v what_o disservice_n it_o can_v do_v that_o church_n which_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o imperious_o impose_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o rigorous_a tie_v they_o up_o to_o exact_a compliance_n with_o it_o in_o all_o doctrine_n but_o allow_v as_o all_o church_n must_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o a_o liberty_n to_o man_n thought_n provide_v they_o reserve_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o vent_v they_o not_o in_o order_n to_o schism_n and_o faction_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v thus_o or_o not_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o determine_v much_o less_o become_v i_o to_o undertake_v to_o reach_v those_o above_o i_o what_o to_o say_v or_o think_v but_o this_o i_o free_o say_v i_o have_v so_o great_a a_o honour_n for_o the_o name_n of_o dr._n taylor_n that_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o have_v any_o ill_a thing_n to_o blot_v his_o memory_n and_o will_v do_v more_o than_o this_o be_v it_o in_o my_o power_n to_o cause_v it_o may_v not_o chap._n vi_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o collection_n four_o of_o these_o propound_v and_o two_o insist_v on_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o first_o take_v from_o the_o end_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n the_o second_o from_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o now_o i_o be_o at_o liberty_n to_o advance_v to_o the_o second_o way_n i_o propose_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n and_o that_o be_v from_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o there_o be_v four_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v choose_v to_o insist_v on_o not_o that_o i_o think_v they_o the_o only_a one_o we_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o so_o sufficient_a that_o they_o may_v supersede_n all_o need_n of_o other_o 1._o the_o first_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o different_a end_n and_o design_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o second_o from_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n 3._o the_o three_o from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o substitute_v any_o other_o rule_n beside_o this_o in_o this_o case_n 4._o from_o the_o manifest_a advantage_n of_o this_o above_o any_o other_o that_o can_v be_v so_o substitute_v these_o four_o thing_n will_v give_v assurance_n enough_o to_o this_o truth_n and_o make_v it_o very_o evident_a 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o design_n that_o these_o two_o spirit_n have_v in_o the_o world_n the_o strength_n of_o which_o argument_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n will_v discover_v itself_o in_o these_o two_o or_o three_o consequential_a notice_n 1._o first_o as_o these_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o so_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o intend_v and_o drive_v on_o different_a aim_n and_o design_n in_o the_o world_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o when_o light_n and_o darkness_n be_v reconcile_v each_o to_o other_o when_o christ_n and_o belial_n become_v friend_n then_o may_v we_o suppose_v these_o two_o spirit_n to_o consent_n and_o agree_v together_o in_o the_o fame_n design_n but_o not_o before_o there_o be_v no_o communion_n say_v the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 6.14_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o nothing_o that_o be_v in_o common_a nothing_o that_o be_v mutual_o share_v betwixt_o light_n and_o darkness_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o one_o appear_v the_o other_o present_o fly_v away_o as_o when_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o morning_n discover_v themselves_o the_o dark_a shade_n run_v away_o and_o hide_v themselves_o on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o this_o globe_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o two_o spirit_n they_o be_v inconsistent_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a each_o to_o other_o and_o can_v never_o be_v any_o more_o reconcile_v in_o their_o design_n than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n but_o those_o will_v still_o be_v as_o different_a as_o these_o be_v as_o we_o see_v it_o still_o to_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n who_o nature_n be_v contrary_a each_o to_o other_o 2._o second_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o issue_n from_o or_o be_v suggest_v to_o man_n by_o these_o two_o spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o these_o different_a end_n and_o design_v on_o purpose_n to_o promote_v the_o same_o to_o suppose_v otherwise_o be_v to_o imagine_v they_o false_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o neglectful_a of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o dull_a and_o shortsighted_a and_o unable_a to_o choose_v or_o pitch_v upon_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o same_o when_o no_o man_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o imagine_v either_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v both_o
omniscient_a and_o active_a and_o can_v never_o fail_v either_o to_o know_v what_o doctrine_n will_v best_o comport_v with_o its_o great_a design_n among_o man_n or_o to_o pursue_v and_o reveal_v those_o doctrine_n to_o man_n when_o it_o have_v pitch_v on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o will_v consider_v how_o very_a subtle_a a_o spirit_n the_o devil_n be_v and_o how_o unwearied_o restless_a in_o manage_v his_o own_o design_n in_o the_o world_n can_v neither_o think_v he_o ignorant_a and_o unable_a to_o pitch_v upon_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v conducive_a to_o that_o design_n nor_o slow_a and_o backward_o to_o obtrude_v the_o belief_n of_o they_o upon_o man_n he_o that_o think_v otherwise_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n think_v very_o unbecome_o of_o god_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v preclude_v the_o way_n to_o his_o own_o welfare_n and_o safety_n and_o deprive_v himself_o of_o that_o comfort_n which_o will_v issue_v from_o the_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o omniscience_n and_o providence_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n for_o his_o good_a and_o he_o that_o think_v otherwise_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o look_n upon_o the_o devil_n either_o as_o a_o dull_a and_o unactive_a or_o a_o silly_a and_o ignorant_a spirit_n be_v imprudent_a and_o injurious_a to_o himself_o in_o undervalue_v that_o enemy_n against_o who_o subtlety_n and_o strength_n his_o utmost_a endeavour_n will_v be_v little_a enough_o he_o be_v call_v a_o lion_n for_o his_o strength_n and_o a_o old_a serpent_n for_o his_o subtlety_n and_o his_o restlessness_n to_o execute_v the_o effect_n of_o both_o render_v he_o just_o formidable_a 3._o three_o the_o great_a end_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n be_v only_o these_o to_o make_v man_n real_o and_o true_o holy_a and_o to_o make_v they_o real_o impure_a and_o vicious_a the_o first_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n this_o latter_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n intend_v as_o the_o only_a way_n to_o make_v man_n happy_a the_o second_o the_o devil_n main_o intend_v as_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o render_v they_o eternal_o miserable_a there_o need_v not_o much_o be_v say_v on_o this_o branch_n of_o our_o argument_n the_o scripture_n be_v copious_a in_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o on_o both_o hand_n the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o o.t._n be_v to_o strive_v with_o man_n as_o be_v intimate_v by_o moses_n gen._n 6.3_o i_o e._n to_o withdraw_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o induce_v he_o to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o same_o be_v the_o end_n he_o be_v send_v for_o in_o the_o new_a to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n of_o the_o gain_n of_o righteousness_n and_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o both_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o judgement_n 16.18_o john_n 16.18_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n often_o not_o only_o because_o he_o be_v essential_o and_o eminent_o so_o himself_o but_o likewise_o because_o his_o main_a business_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o to_o assist_v they_o in_o be_v faithful_a to_o those_o encouragement_n and_o teach_n and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o first_o sin_n of_o man_n owe_v itself_o to_o the_o temptation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n so_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o all_o his_o endeavour_n ever_o since_o have_v be_v to_o heighten_v that_o sin_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o wickedness_n among_o man_n for_o this_o reason_n he_o be_v frequent_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wicked_a one_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o own_o wickedness_n but_o for_o his_o strive_v perpetual_o to_o propagate_v that_o wickedness_n by_o draw_v man_n into_o all_o the_o sad_a instance_n of_o it_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o be_v call_v the_o enemy_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o enmity_n chief_o discover_v themselves_o in_o this_o the_o endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n wicked_a like_o himself_o and_o so_o to_o bring_v on_o they_o a_o portion_n of_o those_o torment_n that_o be_v reserve_v for_o himself_o and_o for_o all_o those_o mad_a son_n of_o man_n that_o be_v wicked_a as_o he_o be_v and_o whosoever_o observe_v his_o act_n as_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o will_v but_o consult_v the_o story_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o heathen_a world_n examine_v but_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o the_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o religion_n that_o he_o institute_v among_o they_o will_v clear_o see_v how_o all_o those_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o sin_n and_o how_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n be_v indeed_o what_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o a_o mystery_n of_o wickedness_n now_o from_o these_o thing_n the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n will_v discover_v itself_o for_o since_o all_o the_o design_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o it_o may_v thereby_o lead_v they_o to_o all_o goodness_n and_o since_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n design_n direct_o the_o contrary_a and_o since_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o issue_n from_o these_o be_v direct_v only_o to_o these_o great_a end_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o whatever_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o holiness_n must_v needs_o issue_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o whatever_o tend_v to_o the_o contrary_a must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o judge_v whence_o they_o proceed_v by_o for_o these_o two_o spirit_n will_v ever_o be_v true_a to_o their_o own_o purpose_n and_o interest_n and_o will_v always_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o promote_a of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o they_o propose_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n 2._o another_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o author_n thereof_o prudent_a and_o wise_a every_o doctrine_n therein_o will_v be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o comport_v with_o and_o promote_v the_o great_a aim_n of_o the_o whole_a otherwise_o he_o will_v in_o effect_n pull_v down_o with_o one_o hand_n what_o he_o endeavour_v to_o build_v with_o the_o other_o now_o he_o that_o will_v consider_v and_o examine_v this_o religion_n with_o that_o seriousness_n and_o impartiality_n that_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v just_o expect_v and_o challenge_v from_o all_o man_n will_v soon_o find_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o what_o s._n paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3.16_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o a_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n be_v indeed_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n for_o his_o spotless_a innocency_n as_o well_o as_o other_o reason_n a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n a_o divine_a person_n who_o life_n be_v never_o sully_v with_o the_o least_o of_o those_o crime_n which_o so_o horrible_o stain_v the_o life_n of_o the_o heathen_a deity_n who_o innocency_n approve_v itself_o so_o clear_o to_o his_o very_a judge_n as_o to_o extort_v from_o he_o this_o confession_n that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a person_n 27.24_o mat._n 27.24_o yea_o that_o most_o envious_a and_o critical_a observer_n as_o well_o as_o virulent_a accuser_n of_o good_a man_n can_v find_v nothing_o whereof_o to_o accuse_v the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n come_v and_o find_v nothing_o in_o i_o and_o if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o religion_n that_o he_o institute_v in_o the_o world_n you_o will_v soon_o find_v how_o exact_o it_o resemble_v and_o bear_v the_o lineament_n of_o its_o holy_a author_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o all_o its_o precept_n and_o command_n be_v so_o many_o injunction_n of_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o holiness_n or_o prohibition_n of_o the_o contrary_a instance_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n all_o its_o promise_n be_v great_a encouragement_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o purpose_n of_o those_o command_n and_o its_o threaten_n be_v add_v only_o to_o deter_v and_o affright_v they_o from_o all_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v we_o survey_v the_o article_n of_o its_o faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o it_o propose_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v soon_o find_v how_o mighty_a wise_o they_o be_v all_o contrive_v to_o promote_v the_o same_o great_a end_n even_o those_o that_o seem_v most_o speculative_a and_o irrelative_a to_o duty_n yet_o upon_o a_o close_a view_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v excellent_o conducive_a to_o it_o for_o
this_o be_v one_o honour_n just_o due_a to_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v any_o useless_a theorem_n nor_o any_o dry_a and_o unprofitable_a speculation_n to_o its_o votary_n but_o only_o require_v of_o they_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a useful_a and_o great_o conducive_a to_o the_o real_a advantage_n of_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o this_o sir_n may_v perhaps_o be_v make_v appear_v hereafter_o in_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o all_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o particular_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v most_o except_v against_o in_o this_o matter_n at_o present_a i_o content_v myself_o only_o in_o general_n and_o to_o add_v that_o this_o truth_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n and_o so_o full_o illustrate_v and_o substantial_o prove_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n not_o only_o those_o ancient_a hero_n and_o worthy_a apologist_n for_o christianity_n but_o even_o some_o late_a writer_n and_o good_a man_n of_o our_o own_o communion_n that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o insist_v further_o upon_o it_o but_o only_o to_o intimate_v that_o you_o may_v bold_o defy_v any_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o challenge_v the_o whole_a world_n either_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o particular_a of_o it_o that_o tolerate_v or_o encourage_v any_o manner_n of_o vice_n or_o to_o produce_v any_o other_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o strict_o and_o universal_o enjoin_v and_o promote_v holiness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o we_o may_v very_o safe_o from_o hence_o also_o draw_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o present_a assertion_n for_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v design_v only_o to_o this_o great_a end_n than_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v true_o and_o genuine_o christian_n do_v certain_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o promote_v the_o same_o and_o whatever_o doctrine_n fail_v to_o do_v this_o and_o be_v in_o any_o degree_n or_o instance_n repugnant_a hereunto_o be_v certain_o antichristian_a and_o we_o have_v warrant_n enough_o to_o reject_v it_o as_o dictate_v by_o that_o spirit_n of_o error_n which_o be_v certain_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o truth_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o suppose_v the_o bless_a author_n of_o this_o religion_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o prudent_a as_o god_n and_o to_o have_v intend_v hereby_o only_o to_o make_v man_n holy_a it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v therein_o shall_v not_o be_v conducive_a to_o that_o great_a design_n for_o otherwise_o he_o will_v frustrate_v that_o by_o some_o doctrine_n which_o he_o do_v endeavour_v to_o promote_v by_o other_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o very_o unbecoming_a a_o wise_a man_n that_o it_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v it_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n chap._n vii_o the_o three_o and_o four_o argument_n propose_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o substitute_v any_o other_o rule_n but_o this_o and_o the_o manifest_a advantage_n of_o this_o above_o any_o other_o that_o can_v be_v so_o substitute_v the_o last_o chapter_n have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o two_o argument_n upon_o the_o strength_n of_o which_o i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v one_o sure_a and_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v doctrine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_a by_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o two_o other_o argument_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o make_v this_o rule_n appear_v the_o best_a and_o safe_a to_o judge_v by_o 3._o and_o the_o form_n of_o they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o manifest_a inconvenience_n of_o substitute_v any_o other_o rule_n to_o judge_v by_o in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v name_v those_o that_o be_v most_o plausible_o contend_v for_o and_o show_v you_o the_o inconvenience_n that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v subject_a unto_o 1._o i_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o likely_a of_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v by_o any_o thing_n i_o shall_v say_v in_o this_o discourse_n to_o derogate_v in_o the_o least_o either_o from_o the_o authority_n or_o perfection_n of_o they_o and_o i_o ready_o and_o thankful_o grant_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o will_v sufficient_o secure_v i_o from_o such_o a_o imputation_n first_o if_o man_n be_v honest_a and_o sincere_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v this_o rule_n will_v sufficient_o supersede_n all_o need_n of_o any_o other_o because_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o needful_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v full_o contain_v and_o intelligible_o deliver_v and_o express_v and_o nothing_o but_o perverseness_n and_o design_n can_v perplex_v they_o second_o if_o man_n desire_v to_o know_v what_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v and_o to_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o their_o duty_n then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v full_o satisfy_v they_o and_o if_o 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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 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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
pardon_n from_o god_n for_o their_o remissness_n in_o other_o so_o that_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n only_o by_o some_o few_o thing_n but_o to_o consider_v whether_o this_o pompous_a zeal_n and_o care_n extend_v itself_o equal_o to_o all_o both_o sin_n and_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o do_v not_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v that_o zeal_n that_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n for_o that_o be_v a_o regular_a thing_n and_o have_v a_o equal_a regard_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o a_o equal_a abhorrence_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a advantage_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o and_o by_o it_o we_o may_v go_v near_o to_o discover_v almost_o all_o difference_n of_o man_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n well_o worth_a the_o notice_n of_o man_n to_o consider_v how_o the_o catalogue_n of_o sin_n be_v lessen_v and_o strike_v up_o into_o a_o very_a little_a room_n by_o most_o of_o the_o sect_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n who_o though_o they_o be_v great_a declaimer_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n yet_o they_o mean_v common_o no_o more_o but_o swear_v and_o drunkenness_n and_o whoredom_n and_o murder_n by_o those_o sin_n while_o covetousness_n and_o pride_n faction_n and_o schism_n uncharitableness_n and_o censoriousness_n and_o false_a accuse_v their_o brethren_n disobedience_n to_o superior_n and_o blaspheme_a dignity_n and_o such_o like_a be_v connive_v at_o not_o censure_v as_o sin_n or_o perhaps_o commend_v as_o innocent_a thing_n i_o do_v most_o hearty_o acknowledge_v the_o former_a be_v very_o heinous_a vice_n and_o can_v never_o too_o much_o be_v declaim_v against_o in_o a_o age_n so_o incident_a to_o they_o but_o i_o know_v as_o well_o that_o the_o other_o too_o be_v sin_n as_o damn_v as_o they_o and_o it_o argue_v but_o a_o ill_a spirit_n and_o smell_v very_o rank_o of_o hypocrisy_n to_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o against_o the_o one_o and_o yet_o hug_v and_o cherish_v and_o indulge_v the_o other_o and_o it_o fare_v no_o better_a with_o the_o catalogue_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v lessen_v by_o some_o man_n proportionable_o to_o the_o other_o and_o the_o commandment_n reduce_v too_o at_o pleasure_n that_o do_v prescribe_v they_o it_o have_v be_v object_v to_o the_o shame_n of_o papist_n that_o they_o have_v quite_o expunge_v the_o second_o precept_n of_o the_o first_o table_n out_o of_o the_o decalogue_n and_o divide_v the_o ten_o to_o make_v up_o the_o number_n and_o i_o think_v all_o honest_a man_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o condemn_v they_o for_o it_o but_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v condemnable_a be_v those_o too_o that_o expunge_v all_o the_o six_o of_o the_o second_o table_n as_o some_o do_v and_o the_o five_o nine_o and_o ten_o as_o almost_o all_o do_v especial_o of_o those_o that_o infest_v we_o it_o have_v be_v long_o since_o observe_v how_o the_o classis_fw-la and_o the_o conclave_n have_v exact_o agree_v in_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o five_o commandment_n and_o in_o their_o doctrine_n about_o government_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o i_o think_v it_o no_o great_a adventure_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o not_o only_o these_o man_n but_o every_o other_o faction_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o among_o we_o do_v the_o same_o too_o and_o if_o the_o old_a say_n be_v true_a that_o ex_fw-la ungue_fw-la leonem_fw-la than_o we_o may_v perhaps_o conjecture_v who_o have_v have_v a_o hand_n in_o all_o these_o doctrine_n and_o who_o do_v indeed_o most_o symbolize_v with_o papist_n they_o or_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o they_o so_o much_o cry_v out_o against_o in_o this_o matter_n 6._o the_o six_o and_o last_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o consider_v holiness_n not_o only_o in_o its_o immediate_a act_n and_o exercise_n but_o take_v in_o also_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n and_o encouragement_n to_o it_o for_o there_o be_v many_o difference_n about_o doctrine_n that_o particular_o 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