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truth_n age_n eminent_a great_a 108 3 2.0707 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54944 A discourse concerning the trial of spirits wherein inquiry is made into mens pretences to inspiration for publishing doctrines, in the name of God beyond the rules of the sacred scriptures : in opposition to some principles and practices of papists and fanaticks, as they contradict the doctrines of the Church of England, defined in her Articles of Religion, established by her ecclesiastical canons, and confirmed by acts of Parliament / by Thomas Pittis ... Pittis, Thomas, 1636-1687. 1683 (1683) Wing P2313; ESTC R33964 135,179 370

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therefore_o it_o must_v remain_v doubtful_a to_o those_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v it_o not_o more_o reasonable_a to_o receive_v this_o revelation_n so_o well_o attest_v and_o to_o renounce_v other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o than_o to_o leave_v thing_n of_o such_o a_o infinite_a concernment_n at_o so_o miserable_a a_o hazard_n nay_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o probable_a proof_n of_o future_a thing_n when_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o their_o own_o nature_n without_o the_o admission_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v there_o not_o great_a reason_n even_o when_o two_o thing_n seem_v uncertain_a to_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a and_o to_o that_o which_o give_v we_o some_o hope_n rather_o than_o to_o that_o which_o afford_v we_o none_o at_o all_o in_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n there_o may_v be_v great_a in_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a it_o make_v we_o yet_o live_v with_o more_o comfort_n and_o die_v with_o less_o trouble_n and_o reluctancy_n but_o perhaps_o all_o may_v now_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a yet_o such_o faith_n alone_a will_v not_o gain_v the_o prize_n though_o we_o finish_v our_o course_n in_o fight_v for_o it_o therefore_o let_v man_n belief_n of_o a_o future_a immortality_n and_o a_o joyful_a state_n evidence_n itself_o in_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v it_o for_o that_o faith_n be_v only_a fancy_n that_o think_v to_o be_v crown_v without_o obedience_n and_o to_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o not_o raise_v ourselves_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n will_v leave_v we_o still_o dead_a in_o our_o sin_n credere_fw-la se_fw-la in_o christum_fw-la quomodo_fw-la dicit_fw-la say_v s._n cyprian_n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la facit_fw-la quod_fw-la christus_fw-la facere_fw-la praecepit_fw-la how_o can_v 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reason_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v prove_v divine_a by_o the_o testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o sufficient_a mean_n be_v not_o afford_v they_o to_o know_v and_o distinguish_v divine_a revelation_n from_o imposture_n and_o pretence_n the_o thing_n deliver_v be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n then_o give_v check_v to_o their_o belief_n and_o custom_n and_o education_n have_v impress_v they_o with_o different_a nay_o contrary_a notion_n of_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v therefore_o antecedent_o to_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o as_o s._n paul_n be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o evidence_n that_o those_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o they_o be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n so_o there_o be_v some_o method_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o revelation_n and_o not_o receive_v it_o upon_o his_o bare_a testimony_n nay_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v it_o be_v for_o s._n john_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n if_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no_o five_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v too_o that_o there_o be_v false_a pretension_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n vent_v in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o true_a and_o true_a and_o false_a under_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o our_o saviour_n to_o prevent_v a_o rash_a belief_n and_o thereby_o a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o gospel_n or_o trust_v in_o another_o messiah_n acquaint_v the_o world_n that_o there_o will_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n mark_n 13.22_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v and_o entertain_v they_o although_o according_a to_o their_o different_a principle_n and_o design_n they_o shall_v cry_v out_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o there_o and_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v false_a prophet_n former_o among_o the_o people_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o the_o christian_n who_o shall_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o that_o many_o shall_v follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 2._o nay_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o of_o those_o who_o in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o never_o see_v be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n who_o yet_o depart_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n make_v the_o come_n to_o god_n by_o the_o mediatory_a application_n to_o a_o angel_n a_o demonstration_n of_o their_o humility_n and_o so_o reject_v the_o intercession_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n col._n 2.18_o but_o our_o own_o age_n be_v so_o fruitful_a in_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o the_o possibility_n of_o man_n false_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n and_o of_o their_o vent_v corrupt_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o than_o our_o own_o experience_n nor_o need_v we_o rake_v in_o the_o dust_n of_o false_a prophet_n in_o past_a age_n when_o we_o have_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n and_o trouble_n live_v monument_n on_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v read_v and_o see_v yet_o sixthly_a notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o must_v maintain_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a inspiration_n this_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o s._n john_n to_o who_o i_o must_v adhere_v for_o it_o will_v be_v ill_a logic_n to_o infer_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n advise_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o shall_v give_v credit_n unto_o none_o but_o rather_o that_o some_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v especial_o when_o we_o take_v in_o his_o direction_n with_o it_o try_v the_o 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flesh_n when_o man_n reason_n may_v supply_v all_o but_o such_o a_o fancy_n i_o suppose_v to_o be_v too_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a to_o be_v admit_v in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o this_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o have_v frequent_v christian_a assembly_n and_o have_v hear_v discourse_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o new_a that_o have_v read_v the_o jew_n argument_n for_o their_o law_n or_o the_o christian_a father_n apologize_v for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n converse_v with_o man_n that_o reject_v not_o his_o omnipotence_n or_o else_o doubt_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v sure_o they_o must_v deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o affirm_v all_o his_o appearance_n to_o man_n to_o be_v a_o fable_n since_o from_o they_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o therefore_o to_o man_n that_o acknowledge_v this_o i_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o direct_v this_o discourse_n as_o well_o as_o s._n john_n do_v in_o the_o text_n so_o frequent_o recite_v who_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a inspiration_n before_o he_o advise_v man_n to_o separate_v the_o pretence_n of_o false_a prophet_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a otherwise_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o exercise_v their_o faculty_n assist_v by_o rule_n or_o to_o make_v any_o discrimination_n at_o all_o where_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o difference_n seven_o therefore_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n pretend_v inspiration_n have_v thus_o far_o be_v bring_v on_o towards_o a_o conclusion_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o assent_n and_o choice_n in_o matter_n of_o such_o huge_a and_o vast_a moment_n on_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o soul_n depend_v must_v be_v direct_v by_o what_o sufficient_o without_o fallacy_n evidence_n those_o doctrine_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o other_o or_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o from_o our_o own_o reason_n be_v certain_o such_o as_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o our_o own_o temperament_n or_o the_o subtlety_n of_o other_o the_o evidence_n therefore_o for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v great_a and_o strong_a than_o any_o argument_n frame_v to_o the_o contrary_a because_o in_o all_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n my_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o evidence_n and_o the_o great_a probability_n guide_v the_o rational_a choice_n of_o man_n and_o all_o that_o act_n suitable_o to_o themselves_o embrace_v the_o proposition_n that_o come_v near_a to_o truth_n and_o certainty_n but_o where_o two_o thing_n seem_v equal_a in_o their_o proof_n a_o rational_a man_n only_o hesitate_v and_o doubt_n and_o give_v up_o his_o assent_n to_o neither_o and_o therefore_o have_v the_o magician_n of_o egypt_n equal_v the_o miracle_n moses_n wrought_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v in_o turn_v rod_n into_o serpent_n and_o river_n into_o blood_n and_o cause_v frog_n to_o come_v up_o before_o he_o they_o need_v not_o at_o that_o time_n have_v acknowledge_v moses_n power_n disproportionable_a to_o their_o own_o nor_o distinguish_v their_o own_o miracle_n from_o he_o by_o say_v this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o pharaoh_n himself_o may_v have_v have_v a_o equal_a argument_n to_o detain_v the_o israelite_n as_o they_o have_v for_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o when_o the_o miracle_n on_o their_o side_n far_o exceed_v the_o wonder_n on_o the_o other_o his_o own_o resolution_n become_v his_o law_n and_o pharaoh_n
that_o they_o shall_v read_v natural_a philosophy_n to_o the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v the_o star_n by_o their_o name_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o instruction_n know_v their_o several_a motion_n distance_n or_o altitude_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v aphorism_n in_o physic_n or_o to_o give_v to_o they_o geometrical_a proportion_n nor_o to_o breed_v they_o curious_a and_o expert_a artificer_n though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v make_v themselves_o apostle_n nor_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o number_n of_o arithmetic_n or_o the_o astrological_a signature_n of_o thing_n or_o time_n and_o season_n for_o these_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v because_o the_o father_n have_v put_v they_o into_o his_o own_o power_n act_n 1.7_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v never_o so_o proud_a and_o bold_a so_o neither_o be_v they_o so_o unlucky_a as_o the_o pope_n who_o must_v needs_o condemn_v a_o point_n in_o geography_n and_o the_o tenet_n of_o antipode_n for_o a_o destroy_a heresy_n so_o little_o do_v he_o know_v the_o universal_a empire_n he_o pretend_v to_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o figure_n or_o bound_n or_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o earth_n over_o which_o he_o yet_o pretend_v a_o authority_n the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o those_o truth_n only_o in_o divinity_n which_o include_v the_o full_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o preach_v they_o to_o the_o present_a age_n and_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o succeed_a generation_n the_o spirit_n be_v not_o give_v to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o great_a historian_n or_o philosopher_n but_o christian_n and_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o be_v the_o planter_n and_o founder_n of_o church_n not_o the_o post_n and_o standard_n of_o dispute_n or_o to_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o sect_n and_o faction_n in_o philosophy_n they_o be_v to_o erect_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n settle_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n christ_n himself_o support_v the_o building_n and_o this_o neither_o for_o pasquin_n or_o poetry_n but_o for_o a_o rule_n and_o directory_n of_o stand_a religion_n and_o devotion_n chap._n xii_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whilst_o house_v in_o these_o body_n of_o clay_n be_v darken_v and_o obscure_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o window_n of_o sense_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o external_a object_n to_o a_o intercourse_n with_o the_o mind_n for_o suppose_v our_o sense_n can_v always_o make_v true_a and_o exact_a representation_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v be_v often_o deceive_v yet_o these_o can_v only_o convey_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n those_o of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o exalt_v nature_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o image_n must_v needs_o escape_v the_o perception_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n and_o if_o reason_n itself_o when_o most_o disentangle_v from_o those_o fetter_n which_o our_o sense_n too_o often_o impose_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v proposition_n and_o inference_n about_o the_o essence_n of_o those_o thing_n who_o spiritual_a nature_n evade_v our_o sense_n our_o notion_n can_v not_o be_v adequate_a to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o nor_o can_v we_o full_o comprehend_v what_o be_v infinite_a nor_o have_v a_o positive_a idea_n of_o spiritual_a being_n though_o reason_n may_v conclude_v their_o existence_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o all_o our_o definition_n and_o description_n of_o these_o be_v therefore_o imperfect_a because_o negative_a and_o though_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o they_o be_v not_o we_o never_o can_v by_o humane_a power_n yet_o resolve_v complete_o what_o they_o be_v which_o make_v divine_a revelation_n necessary_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v faith_n beyond_o our_o reason_n though_o we_o never_o believe_v without_o reason_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o authority_n we_o confide_v in_o this_o be_v therefore_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v as_o well_o praise_v god_n goodness_n as_o admire_v his_o power_n for_o send_v we_o that_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o conduct_v we_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o this_o promise_n i_o tell_v you_o i_o will_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 2._o as_o it_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v militant_a on_o the_o earth_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v already_o dispatch_v and_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o to_o view_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n guidance_n as_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n throughout_o the_o several_a age_n and_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o divine_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o its_o immediate_a operation_n be_v too_o difficult_a to_o be_v explain_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o energy_n and_o work_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o thing_n for_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n what_o therefore_o be_v now_o to_o be_v discourse_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o influence_n in_o general_n and_o that_o extraordinary_a assistance_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o apostle_n be_v how_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n possess_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o with_o truth_n who_o make_v themselves_o by_o holy_a disposition_n and_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a faculty_n capable_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o what_o truth_n those_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n guide_v man_n into_o as_o to_o the_o first_o suppose_v that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o to_o receive_v a_o full_a revelation_n of_o those_o truth_n by_o open_v their_o understanding_n and_o quicken_a their_o memory_n that_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n faithful_o record_v they_o for_o the_o use_n of_o posterity_n and_o that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v stand_v rule_n for_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o come_v i_o can_v find_v any_o other_o method_n the_o spirit_n have_v use_v or_o do_v continue_v to_o guide_v the_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o by_o those_o scripture_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n to_o publish_v and_o deliver_v 2._o by_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o man_n to_o continue_v that_o ministry_n which_o must_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o 3._o by_o confirm_v those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o cooperate_a with_o the_o external_a ministration_n by_o a_o internal_a work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o those_o who_o be_v inclinable_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n first_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n by_o those_o scripture_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o posterity_n these_o be_v those_o lively_a character_n in_o which_o we_o may_v read_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n these_o be_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o certain_o guide_v those_o into_o it_o who_o sober_o and_o conscientious_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v they_o they_o convey_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n valuable_a above_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n and_o hereafter_o give_v we_o such_o possession_n as_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o power_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o exceed_v all_o humane_a expectation_n these_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o complete_a body_n of_o doctrine_n that_o they_o need_v not_o any_o addition_n to_o be_v make_v to_o they_o let_v their_o own_o sense_n be_v but_o sufficient_o explain_v and_o if_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o speak_v their_o own_o mind_n they_o will_v neither_o want_v apocrypha_fw-la nor_o tradition_n nor_o any_o new_a revelation_n neither_o to_o render_v they_o a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o divinity_n man_n own_o doctrine_n and_o not_o christ_n want_v tradition_n to_o confirm_v they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n of_o a_o sect_n of_o man_n that_o will_v make_v all_o christian_n groan_n with_o their_o burden_n and_o void_a god_n word_n with_o their_o own_o pretension_n however_o they_o be_v varnish_v with_o the_o plausible_a epithet_n of_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a that_o make_v such_o addition_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v at_o first_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v able_a of_o themselves_o
trouble_v the_o church_n pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n gal._n 1.7_o but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n or_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o they_o be_v usual_o more_o obscure_a text_n that_o be_v to_o exercise_v the_o more_o learned_a and_o critical_a part_n of_o man_n upon_o which_o heresy_n be_v found_v and_o this_o too_o frequent_o be_v occasion_v by_o man_n that_o wrack_n and_o torture_v their_o understanstanding_n to_o conceive_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o here_o perfect_o to_o be_v know_v or_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v fathom_v by_o other_o man_n yet_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o those_o who_o thus_o ignorant_o and_o erroneous_o apprehend_v they_o thus_o s._n peter_n speak_v of_o s._n paul_n epistle_n say_v that_o in_o they_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o but_o another_o sort_n there_o be_v too_o that_o have_v too_o much_o subtlety_n to_o be_v account_v ignorant_a who_o be_v some_o of_o he_o perverse_a disputer_n of_o the_o world_n that_o first_o suit_n their_o tenet_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o then_o violent_o press_v the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v what_o they_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o we_o shall_v never_o else_o have_v hear_v this_o be_v my_o body_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o absurd_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n nor_o feed_v my_o sheep_n to_o prove_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n nor_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o prove_v his_o infallibility_n nor_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n to_o prove_v a_o purgatory_n when_o all_o these_o text_n be_v capable_a of_o fair_a and_o more_o plain_a interpretation_n to_o another_o and_o more_o coherent_a sense_n but_o that_o the_o ambition_n of_o some_o man_n will_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o then_o frame_v other_o belief_n to_o render_v they_o tame_v for_o such_o a_o tyranny_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o whatsoever_o they_o will_v impose_v when_o all_o this_o while_n they_o suit_v the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o wealth_n the_o better_a to_o support_v their_o pride_n and_o usurpation_n nay_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o have_v those_o among_o ourselves_o who_o call_v the_o pope_n name_n and_o yet_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n and_o tie_v that_o infallibility_n which_o they_o rob_v the_o roman_a chair_n of_o to_o their_o own_o single_a and_o enthusiastic_a determination_n who_o by_o misunderstand_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n direct_v themselves_o by_o a_o private_a impulse_n and_o then_o muster_v these_o to_o defend_v it_o but_o the_o flower_n be_v not_o the_o less_o fragrant_a for_o that_o the_o spider_n thence_o will_v suck_v for_o poison_n nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o those_o who_o sober_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v it_o notwithstanding_o some_o may_v wrest_v and_o misapply_v it_o nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n at_o any_o time_n contradict_v itself_o he_o have_v therefore_o inspire_v some_o man_n to_o commit_v a_o rule_n to_o write_v for_o future_a generation_n to_o read_v and_o understand_v and_o put_v forth_o a_o law_n that_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a and_o man_n have_v reason_n and_o understanding_n enough_o assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n ordinary_a direction_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o law_n into_o all_o truth_n he_o expect_v now_o that_o they_o shall_v order_v themselves_o as_o they_o do_v by_o all_o human_a law_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o live_v proportionable_o to_o so_o great_a a_o favour_n and_o labour_n to_o understand_v what_o he_o have_v put_v into_o their_o power_n to_o know_v remember_v that_o of_o wise_a agur_n add_v thou_o not_o unto_o god_n word_n lest_o he_o reprove_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n prov._n 30.6_o the_o authority_n god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n empower_n they_o to_o command_v or_o alter_v circumstantial_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o these_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o heb._n 13.17_o but_o no_o man_n be_v authorize_v to_o usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o create_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o impose_v other_o primary_n rule_v of_o duty_n than_o what_o they_o find_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v only_o to_o confirm_v and_o explain_v they_o for_o as_o we_o must_v not_o think_v of_o man_n so_o neither_o of_o doctrine_n above_o what_o be_v write_v our_o language_n and_o design_n must_v be_v the_o same_o with_o s._n paul_n to_o deliver_v that_o which_o we_o also_o receive_v 1_o cor._n 15.3_o so_o may_v we_o be_v worker_n together_o with_o god_n and_o when_o the_o world_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o demonstrate_v his_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o may_v please_v he_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v i._n e._n what_o some_o man_n account_v folly_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1.21_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o next_o particular_a in_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n guide_v we_o that_o be_v remote_a from_o the_o apostle_n age_n into_o all_o truth_n which_o they_o deliver_v by_o incline_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n to_o continue_v that_o ministry_n that_o must_v have_v its_o succession_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n conduct_v that_o in_o all_o religious_a constitution_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n there_o have_v be_v a_o separate_a and_o appoint_v ministry_n be_v more_o notorious_a than_o to_o spend_v word_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v too_o deep_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o it_o bear_v a_o equal_a date_n with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n fix_v in_o we_o without_o this_o public_a worship_n can_v have_v its_o constant_a and_o orderly_o be_v and_o have_v not_o this_o be_v establish_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o christianity_n it_o will_v not_o only_o have_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o any_o religion_n which_o have_v possess_v the_o world_n but_o than_o any_o trade_n or_o occupation_n among_o we_o to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o which_o man_n must_v be_v learner_n before_o they_o become_v able_a workman_n or_o be_v permit_v to_o exercise_v their_o particular_a calling_n among_o any_o well_o order_v and_o embody_v society_n the_o separation_n therefore_o of_o some_o man_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v first_o make_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o when_o he_o call_v the_o apostle_n and_o send_v forth_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o human_a creature_n and_o when_o the_o time_n of_o his_o departure_n from_o the_o world_n be_v come_v when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o father_n kingdom_n in_o such_o a_o triumph_n as_o become_v a_o conqueror_n and_o one_o to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o deliver_v his_o full_a commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n substitute_v they_o in_o his_o own_o stead_n to_o rule_v his_o church_n and_o to_o ordain_v their_o successor_n that_o like_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n they_o may_v be_v legitimate_a and_o by_o a_o continue_a and_o distinguishable_a descent_n they_o may_v be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o say_v christ_n so_o send_v i_o you_o john_n 20.21_o or_o as_o s._n matthew_n describe_v it_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o wit_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n by_o yourselves_o and_o successor_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o gift_n our_o saviour_n give_v unto_o man_n when_o he_o ascend_v upon_o high_a ephes_n 4.8_o for_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v to_o endure_v till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o
guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v have_v safe_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o order_n and_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o then_o see_v how_o god_n value_v soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n however_o man_n too_o much_o disregard_n it_o if_o either_o any_o creed_n or_o none_o at_o all_o can_v have_v carry_v man_n to_o their_o future_a bliss_n christ_n need_n never_o have_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o deliver_v a_o universal_a doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o send_v this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n this_o necessity_n therefore_o of_o be_v sound_n in_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n caution_v man_n against_o prophetical_a pretender_n and_o false_a teacher_n to_o take_v heed_n what_o they_o hear_v mark_n 4.24_o to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o they_o be_v not_o darkness_n luke_o 11.35_o and_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n heb._n 3.12_o hence_o be_v it_o because_o as_o s._n peter_n say_v there_o be_v damnable_a heresy_n that_o the_o unsound_a cretan_n be_v so_o severe_o to_o be_v reprove_v that_o they_o may_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n tit._n 1.13_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n command_v timothy_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o which_o probable_o refer_v to_o some_o brief_a creed_n or_o summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n deliver_v to_o he_o by_o the_o apostle_n though_o we_o find_v they_o now_o burlesque_v and_o flout_v at_o but_o alas_o with_o as_o little_a wit_n as_o reason_n from_o hence_o final_o be_v it_o that_o s._n judas_n exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n 3_o ver_fw-la of_o his_o epist_n we_o be_v not_o now_o to_o make_v our_o own_o faith_n nor_o be_v it_o indifferent_a what_o we_o believe_v let_v we_o receive_v therefore_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n through_o all_o the_o several_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v our_o life_n as_o pure_a as_o our_o faith_n last_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o speak_v truth_n and_o by_o no_o method_n to_o impose_v upon_o one_o another_o that_o we_o may_v evidence_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o the_o world_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v still_o a_o influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o viper_n among_o man_n who_o tooth_n be_v spear_n and_o arrow_n and_o their_o tongue_n a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o engross_v the_o whole_a trade_n of_o lie_v and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v man_n inspire_v these_o receive_v false_a news_n in_o gross_a and_o then_o retail_v it_o out_o to_o other_o their_o tongue_n indeed_o be_v very_o sharp_a and_o no_o wonder_n neither_o since_o they_o keep_v the_o whetstone_n whole_o to_o themselves_o these_o be_v your_o itinerant_a historian_n that_o to_o consume_v our_o corn_n carry_v always_o firebrand_n at_o their_o tail_n who_o lie_v so_o often_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o believe_v themselves_o when_o they_o speak_v truth_n and_o give_v to_o all_o that_o have_v have_v the_o curse_n of_o their_o conversation_n a_o plain_a testimony_n who_o their_o father_n be_v but_o let_v not_o any_o of_o our_o soul_n enter_v into_o their_o secret_n but_o resolve_v to_o resemble_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o abominate_v all_o lie_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o to_o qualify_v ourselves_o for_o our_o future_a ascent_n to_o god_n holy_a hill_n by_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o our_o heart_n psal_n 15._o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o we_o must_v follow_v so_o good_a a_o example_n unless_o we_o think_v lie_v the_o character_n of_o a_o saint_n and_o perjury_n to_o put_v on_o a_o martyr_n crown_n s._n paul_n do_v not_o think_v so_o when_o he_o forbid_v the_o colossian_n to_o lie_v to_o one_o another_o see_v they_o have_v put_v off_o the_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n colos_n 3.9_o let_v we_o therefore_o beware_v of_o arrogance_n and_o calumny_n of_o detract_n from_o other_o or_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o ourselves_o and_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o holy_a spirit_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o guide_v ourselves_o into_o all_o truth_n so_o shall_v we_o avoid_v both_o sin_n and_o shame_n and_o eternal_a confusion_n at_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v then_o give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n will_v we_o but_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v the_o sacred_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o influence_n our_o mind_n in_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n commerce_n and_o trade_n will_v be_v more_o innocent_a we_o shall_v neither_o betray_v our_o own_o self_n by_o any_o false_a or_o gloze_a language_n nor_o shall_v we_o suffer_v by_o plain_a deal_n oath_n will_v again_o become_v religious_a among_o english_a man_n nor_o will_v any_o be_v unjust_o execute_v by_o guilty_a or_o scandalous_o free_v by_o a_o ignoramus_n our_o gracious_a and_o true_o great_a monarch_n will_v be_v safe_a without_o the_o base_a attempt_n of_o any_o to_o secure_v he_o he_o will_v be_v our_o own_o and_o we_o at_o his_o wise_n and_o lawful_a disposal_n by_o his_o coronation_n oath_n and_o our_o swear_a allegiance_n to_o he_o every_o man_n be_v there_o truth_n among_o we_o may_v enjoy_v peace_n in_o his_o own_o capacity_n he_o may_v sit_v under_o his_o vine_n and_o his_o fig_n tree_n and_o liberty_n and_o property_n will_v never_o be_v bone_n of_o contention_n more_o but_o if_o we_o remain_v hypocrite_n in_o religion_n and_o false_a to_o each_o other_o we_o can_v neither_o expect_v that_o god_n or_o man_n shall_v be_v our_o friend_n because_o what_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o peck_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v the_o whole_a creation_n groan_n we_o shake_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n when_o we_o be_v such_o wretched_a creature_n that_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v we_o and_o we_o can_v but_o enrage_v the_o great_a god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o have_v send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n unto_o we_o to_o guide_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n whatever_o guilt_n therefore_o any_o person_n may_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n strike_v in_o with_o his_o own_o easy_a inclination_n have_v contract_v to_o himself_o in_o this_o point_n let_v he_o now_o repent_v while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o the_o night_n come_v in_o which_o terror_n and_o astonishment_n will_v surprise_v he_o who_o obscure_a shadow_n will_v by_o degree_n withdraw_v the_o please_a light_n from_o he_o till_o it_o lodge_v he_o in_o a_o state_n of_o blackness_n for_o ever_o the_o conclusion_n we_o be_v here_o place_v in_o a_o world_n so_o full_a of_o object_n that_o affect_v our_o external_a sense_n that_o we_o be_v natural_o lead_v more_o by_o these_o than_o we_o be_v by_o faith_n and_o when_o by_o degree_n we_o abstract_a our_o thought_n and_o fix_v our_o mind_n on_o thing_n above_o we_o either_o weary_a the_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o sink_v into_o a_o stupid_a inadvertency_n or_o else_o be_v so_o please_v with_o the_o sprightliness_n of_o our_o create_a fancy_n that_o we_o nimble_o make_v idea_n in_o our_o brain_n of_o such_o seem_a thing_n as_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v and_o so_o we_o lead_v ourselves_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o be_v not_o design_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o possession_n sometime_o these_o thing_n be_v project_v before_o hand_n by_o the_o cunning_a politic_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o by_o such_o mean_n intend_v to_o impose_v upon_o other_o to_o carry_v on_o secular_a 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doctrine_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o messiah_n such_o as_o under_o some_o great_a pretence_n of_o purity_n and_o preciseness_n may_v introduce_v faction_n and_o schism_n and_o dissolve_v that_o strict_a love_n and_o union_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o thing_n some_o be_v prone_a unto_o in_o the_o first_o and_o early_a time_n of_o christianity_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o church_n have_v put_v forth_o leaf_n the_o caterpillar_n be_v ready_a to_o devour_v they_o 2._o because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o jewish_a superstition_n and_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o a_o sect_n be_v now_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n have_v provide_v principle_n which_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n may_v equal_o suit_v with_o both_o or_o either_o and_o so_o can_v shelter_v themselves_o from_o one_o storm_n and_o raise_v another_o if_o the_o wind_n blow_v from_o either_o 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fit_a which_o make_v we_o almost_o shake_v and_o shiver_v into_o ash_n but_o the_o hot_a one_o come_v on_o which_o fire_n and_o almost_o be_v ready_a to_o consume_v we_o nay_o a_o strange_a mixture_n of_o both_o encounter_n we_o rather_o than_o we_o shall_v recover_v and_o live_v and_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o constitution_n be_v able_a to_o baffle_v whilst_o separate_v and_o apart_o be_v conjoin_v create_v a_o new_a disease_n which_o trouble_v the_o physician_n and_o put_v he_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o skill_n though_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o baffle_v he_o or_o leave_v we_o to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o vermin_n or_o the_o great_a disease_n and_o pest_n of_o man_n let_v we_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o this_o apostle_n that_o what_o ever_o injury_n our_o body_n may_v suffer_v which_o in_o too_o many_o be_v martyr_n already_o by_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o mind_n our_o soul_n may_v be_v safe_a and_o secure_a and_o keep_v unblameable_a to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v we_o be_v unite_v in_o our_o common_a profession_n not_o stagger_v with_o the_o high_a pretence_n of_o other_o nor_o let_v we_o yet_o relax_v our_o diligence_n from_o the_o discourse_n of_o any_o that_o will_v at_o all_o adventure_n be_v secure_a among_o ourselves_o but_o whatever_o notion_n of_o infallibility_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o present_a and_o particular_a inspiration_n on_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v present_v to_o we_o to_o debauch_v we_o from_o our_o principle_n let_v we_o well_o examine_v before_o we_o believe_v receive_v nothing_o that_o may_v contradict_v natural_a religion_n or_o what_o be_v superad_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o public_a and_o plain_o declare_v revelation_n to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o addition_n to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n spirit_n here_o be_v plain_o mean_v any_o one_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n or_o assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n publish_v any_o new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o include_v both_o papist_n and_o enthusiast_n the_o one_o tie_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o chair_n of_o the_o pope_n the_o other_o to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o fancy_n and_o this_o interpretation_n as_o it_o be_v general_o assent_v to_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a to_o every_o man_n that_o will_v either_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o epistle_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v come_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o any_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n teach_v lest_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o into_o snare_n that_o may_v captivate_v and_o destroy_v our_o soul_n now_o although_o this_o caution_n of_o saint_n john_n primary_o relate_v to_o the_o gnostick_n defection_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o direction_n to_o all_o age_n and_o may_v guard_v we_o from_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o man_n that_o under_o a_o specious_a authority_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n vent_v false_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n in_o any_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o both_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o argument_n to_o enforce_v it_o will_v be_v of_o a_o perpetual_a concernment_n as_o long_o as_o false_a prophet_n come_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n yet_o because_o the_o gnostic_n be_v most_o immediate_o reflect_v on_o as_o be_v the_o antichrist_n so_o early_o appear_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o defeat_v this_o religion_n under_o a_o denomination_n from_o it_o boast_v some_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n when_o they_o be_v man_n both_o ignorant_a and_o vile_a we_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n caution_n man_n to_o beware_v of_o these_o who_o fault_n be_v so_o scandalous_a that_o they_o seem_v manifest_a to_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o general_a the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o any_o error_n that_o may_v gratify_v themselves_o and_o become_v either_o their_o security_n or_o pleasure_n be_v the_o same_o why_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v neither_o be_v forgive_v in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v because_o the_o gnostic_n plain_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n although_o by_o a_o different_a argument_n from_o the_o former_a the_o former_a against_o who_o that_o severe_a though_o deserve_v sentence_n be_v pronounce_v invalidate_v all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n which_o prove_v
persecution_n than_o we_o at_o any_o time_n oppose_v they_o all_o and_o if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v but_o one_o as_o yet_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v without_o much_o assume_v or_o confidence_n affirm_v he_o be_v if_o it_o be_v always_o consistent_a with_o itself_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o inspiration_n at_o one_o time_n true_a and_o the_o rest_n that_o pretend_v different_o from_o this_o make_v at_o once_o themselves_z and_o god_n a_o liar_n whilst_o they_o suppose_v he_o to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o they_o become_v the_o publisher_n of_o such_o contradiction_n beside_o if_o the_o spirit_n these_o wild_a man_n pretend_v to_o do_v inform_v their_o mind_n of_o the_o principle_n they_o deliver_v by_o a_o immediate_a illumination_n or_o impulse_n upon_o their_o spirit_n either_o they_o feel_v the_o stroke_n make_v upon_o they_o by_o this_o invisible_a power_n so_o that_o they_o can_v tell_v the_o time_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o they_o or_o else_o they_o be_v raise_v by_o degree_n into_o a_o presumption_n that_o they_o have_v this_o spirit_n which_o thus_o force_v they_o to_o declare_v new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n if_o they_o pretend_v to_o know_v when_o the_o stroke_n and_o impulse_n be_v make_v why_o do_v not_o one_o immediate_o of_o a_o fisherman_n become_v a_o apostle_n without_o any_o study_n or_o former_a gradual_a practice_n without_o be_v breed_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o jesuit_n or_o by_o long_o hear_v the_o cant_n at_o home_n by_o which_o he_o be_v educate_v and_o train_v to_o it_o why_o do_v he_o not_o on_o a_o sudden_a rise_v up_o and_o publish_v such_o consistent_a doctrine_n as_o may_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o who_o he_o will_v persuade_v to_o embrace_v they_o or_o at_o least_o not_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n but_o since_o we_o find_v this_o impossible_a among_o they_o or_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o skill_n to_o be_v by_o some_o mechanic_n operation_n or_o perhaps_o by_o a_o unaccountable_a influence_n from_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n why_o shall_v any_o be_v startle_v at_o or_o give_v credit_n to_o new_a apostle_n when_o our_o rule_n be_v complete_v by_o those_o that_o be_v commission_v of_o old_a if_o we_o search_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o either_o voluntary_a cheat_n when_o those_o that_o own_v they_o make_v they_o subservient_fw-fr to_o bad_a design_n or_o such_o as_o man_n be_v deceive_v themselves_o by_o a_o bad_a constitution_n a_o corrupt_a education_n or_o a_o suggestion_n from_o the_o devil_n under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n endeavour_n either_o through_o ignorance_n or_o subtlety_n to_o impose_v upon_o easy_a believer_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o promise_n for_o such_o immediate_a inspiration_n to_o dictate_v new_a rule_n of_o life_n make_v to_o any_o but_o to_o apostolical_a man_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v to_o deliver_v what_o be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a law_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o in_o the_o present_a age_n wherein_o we_o live_v because_o inspiration_n be_v a_o immediate_a influence_n from_o god_n himself_o his_o will_n enlarge_n or_o restrain_v this_o power_n to_o we_o and_o whenever_o man_n expect_v with_o reason_n any_o thing_n from_o he_o it_o must_v be_v ground_v upon_o a_o promise_n on_o which_o we_o may_v hope_v and_o rely_v because_o all_o god_n promise_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o his_o truth_n and_o that_o equal_o certain_a with_o his_o be_v there_o be_v therefore_o no_o promise_n of_o this_o make_v beyond_o the_o age_n and_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o no_o man_n can_v now_o rational_o expect_v any_o inspiration_n to_o confirm_v their_o pretension_n so_o neither_o can_v other_o with_o sobriety_n believe_v they_o 2._o inspiration_n to_o prescribe_v new_a rule_n to_o the_o world_n be_v so_o needless_a after_o a_o complete_a law_n be_v already_o give_v that_o be_v to_o be_v so_o last_a and_o perpetual_a as_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v they_o now_o to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o it_o they_o will_v abolish_v and_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o the_o pretender_n be_v inspire_v only_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n reveal_v there_o this_o second_o inspiration_n will_v appear_v needless_a and_o so_o tax_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o do_v so_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a a_o thing_n to_o no_o purpose_n because_o there_o be_v the_o same_o rule_v already_o reveal_v write_v down_o in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o almighty_a god_n notwithstanding_o the_o diligent_a and_o furious_a attempt_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o interrupt_v the_o conveyance_n hand_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o yet_o remain_v public_a and_o open_a among_o ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o language_n that_o all_o may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o continuance_n of_o man_n distinct_a from_o the_o multitude_n who_o by_o a_o different_a manner_n of_o live_v and_o education_n be_v enable_v and_o bind_v by_o a_o special_a duty_n to_o read_v and_o interpret_v these_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n render_v a_o new_a inspiration_n useless_a to_o deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n which_o art_n and_o human_a industry_n can_v do_v god_n may_v indeed_o if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v have_v continue_v his_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n by_o write_v they_o daily_o in_o every_o man_n breast_n and_o inspire_v every_o individual_a among_o we_o but_o if_o he_o have_v do_v so_o at_o first_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n nor_o our_o saviour_n own_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n but_o only_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o and_o if_o it_o be_v afterward_o continue_v it_o will_v render_v preach_v and_o read_v a_o write_a word_n useless_a ease_v we_o of_o much_o pain_n and_o toil_n and_o all_o our_o inspire_a and_o blow_v up_o man_n of_o give_v themselves_o or_o other_o the_o trouble_n to_o come_v to_o preach_v or_o to_o hear_v they_o at_o a_o conventicle_n and_o so_o inspire_a man_n compendious_o preach_v away_o their_o own_o office_n yet_o our_o saviour_n constitute_v a_o stand_a ministry_n who_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 28.18_o 19_o and_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o our_o bless_a lord_n ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o constitute_v in_o his_o stead_n to_o continue_v his_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o preside_v over_o his_o church_n some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n several_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n suitable_a to_o age_n and_o various_a employment_n to_o preserve_v the_o institution_n doctrine_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o remain_v so_o long_o till_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o successive_a age_n and_o generation_n of_o man_n may_v come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4_o the_o from_o the_o 8_o the_o to_o the_o 13_o the_o verse_n now_o the_o establishment_n of_o such_o a_o stand_a ministry_n throughout_o the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v to_o endure_v until_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n sufficient_o baffle_v all_o expectation_n of_o any_o particular_a and_o continue_a inspiration_n to_o effect_v the_o same_o which_o the_o ministry_n assist_v by_o the_o receive_a rule_n and_o ordinary_a conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n can_v well_o accomplish_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o one_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o other_o that_o none_o but_o madman_n can_v believe_v both_o and_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v disease_v and_o lunatic_n can_v expect_v inspiration_n to_o such_o purpose_n that_o ever_o consider_v the_o constitution_n of_o christianity_n it_o evacuate_v all_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o suppose_v there_o be_v such_o a_o impulse_n or_o inspiration_n to_o be_v expect_v yet_o how_o shall_v those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o what_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o deliver_v know_v that_o they_o be_v real_o inspire_v who_o so_o confident_o conduct_v and_o lead_v the_o people_n since_o they_o do_v no_o real_a miracle_n nor_o use_v such_o convince_a argument_n either_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o principle_n they_o propound_v
take_v the_o air_n receive_v fire_n into_o their_o bosom_n and_o yet_o never_o fear_v burn_v one_o may_v endeavour_v to_o beat_v a_o thousand_o and_o we_o may_v run_v on_o the_o point_n of_o naked_a sword_n without_o more_o danger_n of_o wound_n or_o death_n than_o if_o we_o be_v at_o quiet_a in_o our_o bed_n or_o guard_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o troop_n and_o army_n but_o whatever_o courage_n such_o strange_a principle_n may_v seem_v to_o inspire_v man_n withal_o yet_o to_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v not_o breathe_v from_o heaven_n nor_o inspire_v themselves_o these_o doctrine_n may_v probable_o make_v stout_a soldier_n but_o never_o will_v make_v a_o good_a christian_a suit_v indeed_o they_o be_v to_o such_o as_o think_v a_o sword_n the_o best_a mean_a to_o propagate_v religion_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o turk_n embrace_v they_o but_o they_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v such_o a_o gospel_n as_o bring_v peace_n to_o all_o who_o will_v embrace_v it_o and_o not_o propagate_v its_o belief_n by_o war_n or_o blood_n by_o open_a force_n or_o secret_a conspiracy_n alas_o man_n have_v need_v to_o be_v wary_a when_o eternal_a welfare_n be_v in_o hazard_n and_o endeavour_v to_o play_v their_o game_n well_o when_o their_o own_o salvation_n lie_v at_o stake_n we_o know_v by_o sad_a and_o woeful_a experience_n that_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v we_o still_o with_o a_o indifferent_a though_o equal_a affection_n pursue_v all_o we_o may_v then_o lodge_v a_o viper_n in_o our_o bosom_n drink_v poison_n instead_o of_o potion_n swallow_v a_o serpent_n instead_o of_o a_o fish_n and_o eat_v the_o very_a stone_n for_o bread_n we_o may_v thus_o safe_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o opinion_n and_o be_v both_o for_o god_n and_o baal_n christ_n and_o mammon_n may_v become_v equal_a and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o matter_n what_o we_o worship_v so_o as_o we_o worship_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a sign_n of_o a_o wanton_a palate_n that_o must_v be_v taste_v every_o dish_n and_o when_o the_o manna_n be_v set_v before_o we_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o loathe_v it_o if_o we_o desire_v quail_n if_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o devil_n into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n we_o have_v need_v to_o view_v man_n before_o we_o entertain_v they_o and_o examine_v doctrine_n before_o we_o receive_v they_o will_v any_o rational_a and_o wise_a man_n venture_v on_o a_o precipice_n without_o necessity_n or_o take_v pleasure_n in_o such_o hazard_n to_o have_v the_o vanity_n and_o glory_n of_o relate_v it_o when_o one_o slip_n prove_v irrecoverable_a and_o his_o fall_n bruise_n he_o all_o to_o piece_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o man_n who_o at_o all_o adventure_n attend_v the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o other_o or_o without_o trial_n receive_v their_o own_o they_o be_v like_o person_n travel_v in_o a_o wood_n who_o may_v soon_o meet_v with_o beast_n of_o prey_n than_o any_o man_n either_o to_o relieve_v or_o direct_v they_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o those_o that_o be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o travel_v on_o without_o knowledge_n or_o direction_n to_o be_v either_o lose_v like_o a_o man_n in_o a_o wilderness_n or_o run_v among_o the_o tent_n of_o their_o enemy_n or_o blunder_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o way_n to_o escape_v they_o may_v mistake_v rome_n in_o the_o dark_a to_o be_v their_o own_o city_n and_o think_v tiber_n to_o be_v the_o thames_n and_o may_v lodge_v there_o if_o they_o be_v thus_o delude_v when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v safe_a in_o their_o own_o bed_n the_o wolf_n be_v now_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n nay_o such_o as_o will_v neither_o be_v frighten_v with_o a_o drum_n nor_o yet_o be_v charm_v and_o tame_v by_o a_o fiddle_n or_o a_o pipe_n let_v not_o the_o sheep_n then_o approach_v they_o nor_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n feed_v nigh_o they_o lest_o the_o shepherd_n themselves_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v when_o they_o can_v no_o long_o govern_v or_o defend_v they_o those_o therefore_o that_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o christian_a profession_n that_o have_v vow_v obedience_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o consider_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o now_o to_o choose_v but_o that_o they_o have_v engage_v in_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o direction_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v any_o pretend_a inspiration_n contrary_a to_o these_o rule_n that_o they_o must_v abandon_v they_o as_o impious_a and_o abominable_a their_o everlasting_a welfare_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o eternity_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v play_v with_o nor_o salvation_n to_o be_v stake_v at_o hazard_n no_o zeal_n nor_o confidence_n of_o other_o must_v shake_v or_o alter_v our_o resolution_n nor_o must_v we_o change_v upon_o any_o extravagant_a motion_n of_o our_o own_o we_o must_v not_o like_o barnabas_n gal._n 2.13_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o dissimulation_n of_o the_o jew_n nor_o take_v with_o any_o gaudy_a idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o contend_v with_o earnestness_n for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n we_o must_v adhere_v to_o that_o stand_a ministry_n institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o continue_v to_o we_o through_o age_n and_o generation_n not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v because_o if_o we_o thus_o sin_v wilful_o in_o renounce_v our_o profession_n when_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n heb._n 10.25_o for_o if_o those_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v they_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o common_a thing_n and_o by_o their_o wilful_a revolt_n do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o rest_n be_v only_o subordinate_a unto_o he_o from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n and_o therefore_o he_o exhort_v that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v ephes_n 4.14_o etc._n etc._n and_o shall_v we_o to_o who_o our_o faith_n be_v ancient_a be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v draw_v away_o than_o they_o who_o have_v but_o new_o receive_v it_o god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v so_o disgrace_v our_o profession_n when_o they_o that_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o false_a opinion_n can_v die_v resolute_o though_o not_o for_o this_o only_a yet_o without_o renounce_v it_o if_o they_o do_v much_o upon_o principle_n of_o honour_n shall_v not_o we_o do_v more_o upon_o those_o of_o religion_n shall_v we_o that_o have_v be_v breed_v into_o settle_a maxim_n be_v draw_v aside_o by_o a_o madman_n or_o a_o fool_n if_o he_o be_v but_o able_a to_o pronounce_v inspiration_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o entertain_v any_o doctrine_n of_o man_n though_o never_o so_o wild_a if_o they_o will_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o suffer_v for_o they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o pack_n of_o a_o common_a pedlar_n for_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o we_o find_v he_o to_o stoop_v and_o crouch_v under_o it_o thus_o we_o may_v be_v carry_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o take_v he_o for_o a_o angel_n that_o minister_n to_o we_o but_o we_o be_v sufficient_o caution_v against_o such_o mistake_n if_o we_o will_v but_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v caution_v we_o against_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n advise_v man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n heb._n 13.9_o and_o we_o have_v need_v all_o of_o we_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o be_v exceed_o cautious_a and_o wary_a in_o this_o to_o guess_v at_o wolf_n by_o their_o howl_n and_o devour_v let_v their_o clothing_n be_v
of_o the_o law_n so_o the_o church_n among_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o gospel_n commit_v to_o her_o custody_n and_o have_v a_o power_n to_o determine_v in_o indifferent_a matter_n to_o order_v all_o the_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n for_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n and_o authority_n to_o restrain_v such_o controversy_n as_o tend_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o dissolve_v that_o unity_n which_o christian_n be_v frequent_o exhort_v to_o keep_v so_o that_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o witness_n and_o keeper_n of_o holy_a writ_n yet_o as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o decree_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o same_o so_o beside_o the_o same_o ought_v it_o not_o to_o enforce_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v for_o necessity_n of_o salvation_n as_o our_o church_n declare_v in_o her_o twenty_o article_n i_o shall_v not_o deny_v nor_o can_v i_o without_o singular_a pride_n and_o arrogance_n but_o that_o father_n and_o council_n and_o all_o congregation_n of_o holy_a and_o judicious_a christian_n much_o more_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n treat_v about_o a_o point_n in_o religion_n attempt_v to_o be_v introduce_v a_o new_a or_o be_v old_a be_v controvert_v in_o the_o world_n be_v with_o great_a deference_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o for_o every_o man_n reason_n will_v urge_v this_o obligation_n to_o himself_o that_o his_o own_o judgement_n be_v render_v suspect_v when_o it_o oppose_v the_o common_a and_o unite_a determination_n of_o person_n that_o can_v just_o be_v reproach_v with_o want_n either_o of_o skill_n or_o honesty_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o man_n to_o mistrust_v the_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o eye_n when_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o have_v the_o same_o advantage_n can_v behold_v what_o a_o single_a person_n pretend_v to_o see_v and_o in_o religious_a affair_n and_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n when_o person_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n assemble_v with_o solemnity_n and_o have_v a_o real_a intention_n to_o employ_v with_o all_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n those_o part_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v and_o increase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o peculiar_a education_n and_o study_n invoke_v a_o divine_a influence_n upon_o their_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o meaning_n of_o any_o difficult_a and_o controvert_v proposition_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o these_o shall_v deliver_v for_o truth_n unless_o the_o contrary_a be_v so_o apparent_a to_o we_o upon_o sufficient_a enquiry_n that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o hesitation_n at_o all_o this_o be_v the_o moderate_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o church_n we_o be_v oppose_v in_o it_o both_o by_o the_o papist_n and_o fanatic_a the_o former_a assert_n that_o major_a est_fw-la autoritas_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la quam_fw-la scripturae_fw-la that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o traditiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la pari_fw-la pietatis_fw-la affectu_fw-la cum_fw-la scripture_n recipiendae_fw-la their_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o affection_n and_o devotion_n as_o the_o scripture_n and_o true_o the_o latter_a come_v not_o far_o short_a of_o these_o but_o as_o much_o confine_n when_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n the_o belief_n as_o well_o as_o practise_v of_o their_o member_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o little_o differ_v from_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n in_o the_o end_n and_o design_n for_o if_o any_o church_n among_o ourselves_o do_v yet_o affirm_v as_o they_o have_v former_o declare_v that_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v to_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o their_o reformation_n then_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o expect_v the_o same_o submission_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n to_o their_o assembly_n determination_n as_o a_o popish_a council_n do_v to_o their_o canon_n or_o the_o pope_n himself_o to_o his_o decree_n for_o to_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1638_o they_o swear_v that_o for_o judgement_n and_o practice_n they_o will_v adhere_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o though_o perhaps_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o will_v determine_v but_o to_o leave_v the_o person_n of_o those_o that_o stretch_v the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n beyond_o the_o authority_n god_n have_v give_v she_o there_o be_v three_o reason_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o any_o church_n or_o council_n of_o man_n can_v lay_v down_o any_o proposition_n which_o derive_v their_o utmost_a authority_n from_o themselves_o that_o may_v be_v the_o ultimate_a rule_n by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o other_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v 1._o because_o god_n to_o who_o our_o religion_n relate_v have_v appoint_v a_o rule_n that_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n must_v bind_v their_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o determine_v their_o faith_n with_o those_o general_a action_n that_o be_v deem_v religious_a to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o scripture_n give_v to_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o man_n nay_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o reason_n claim_v the_o supreme_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o impose_v what_o law_n he_o will_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o goodness_n to_o reveal_v they_o that_o man_n may_v not_o err_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n nor_o their_o thought_n contradict_v the_o will_n of_o their_o maker_n now_o this_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v sufficient_o authorize_v by_o his_o own_o sanction_n in_o that_o miracle_n attend_v their_o first_o publication_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n that_o prove_v they_o god_n own_o act_n and_o deed_n when_o they_o no_o way_n contradict_v the_o natural_a notion_n and_o the_o prime_a foundation_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n therefore_o be_v thus_o give_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o must_v either_o be_v our_o supreme_a direction_n and_o a_o infallible_a guide_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o else_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o no_o purpose_n or_o to_o cheat_v and_o delude_v mankind_n the_o former_a consist_v not_o with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o latter_a will_v contradict_v both_o his_o goodness_n and_o his_o truth_n all_o the_o difficulty_n than_o will_v be_v whether_o this_o rule_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o any_o new_a inspiration_n or_o any_o rule_n to_o be_v superad_v beyond_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n itself_o to_o conduct_v man_n in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o whether_o we_o may_v by_o they_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n or_o what_o be_v the_o same_o in_o another_o dress_n the_o unerring_a spirit_n of_o the_o enthusiast_n but_o admit_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n they_o themselves_o be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n whilst_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o proceed_v from_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 2._o no_o canon_n or_o decree_n of_o whatever_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o church_n or_o council_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o try_v doctrine_n in_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o be_v ultimate_a and_o supreme_a because_o all_o the_o conclusion_n and_o proposition_n of_o these_o be_v themselves_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n either_o with_o or_o without_o the_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n and_o all_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v try_v themselves_o for_o this_o must_v be_v include_v as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o s._n john_n direction_n try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o high_a tribunal_n can_v be_v itself_o the_o high_a nor_o what_o be_v appoint_v sole_o to_o aid_v we_o in_o our_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o opinion_n nor_o the_o utmost_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o must_v examine_v they_o last_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o old_a nay_o of_o christ_n himself_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o examination_n of_o man_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o mankind_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n before_o they_o believe_v they_o then_o certain_o no_o assembly_n of_o man_n can_v now_o in_o reason_n pretend_v such_o authority_n to_o impose_v their_o own_o
have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o if_o a_o scholar_n ought_v to_o respect_v his_o instructor_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o s._n paul_n inform_v he_o in_o a_o point_n that_o he_o know_v not_o or_o dissemble_v before_o though_o he_o know_v enough_o to_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n a_o province_n to_o which_o he_o be_v then_o design_v so_o that_o the_o romanist_n claim_v supremacy_n from_o s._n peter_n will_v add_v no_o great_a proof_n to_o their_o infallibility_n nor_o this_o be_v sufficient_o evince_v by_o the_o derivation_n of_o their_o succession_n from_o he_o unless_o the_o second_o chapter_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v raze_v out_o of_o the_o sacred_a canon_n or_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o the_o ceremonial_a work_n of_o the_o law_n become_v a_o point_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o which_o infallibility_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v or_o else_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o reject_v this_o authority_n of_o s._n paul_n if_o they_o still_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n peter_n five_o suppose_v there_o have_v be_v a_o infallibility_n make_v to_o s._n peter_n and_o from_o he_o derive_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o what_o shall_v we_o now_o do_v for_o direction_n since_o neither_o they_o nor_o we_o know_v where_o to_o find_v it_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o their_o own_o opinion_n of_o it_o for_o some_o place_n it_o in_o a_o general_n council_n some_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o this_o together_o some_o in_o himself_o and_o college_n of_o cardinal_n and_o some_o again_o in_o the_o pope_n alone_o if_o this_o infallibility_n be_v place_v in_o a_o general_n council_n it_o will_v be_v as_o eager_o dispute_v when_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v general_n some_o give_v council_n so_o fair_a a_o epithet_n when_o other_o do_v as_o confident_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v such_o the_o infallibility_n therefore_o can_v be_v find_v here_o unless_o it_o remain_v in_o 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approbation_n of_o the_o pope_n must_v be_v add_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n the_o infallibility_n then_o will_v rest_v in_o himself_o because_o if_o he_o please_v to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n he_o can_v make_v void_a the_o vote_n of_o the_o council_n by_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o their_o determination_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_a in_o that_o which_o want_v the_o supreme_a evidence_n of_o the_o pope_n assent_n but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o suppose_v their_o unite_a concurrence_n infallibility_n shall_v not_o rest_v in_o this_o assembly_n but_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o college_n of_o cardinal_n then_o the_o argument_n for_o obedience_n to_o the_o general_n council_n take_v from_o their_o infallibility_n in_o determine_v be_v supersede_v by_o a_o high_a authority_n though_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n obviate_v the_o infallibility_n of_o these_o which_o do_v attend_v the_o former_a opinion_n final_o suppose_v that_o it_o rest_v in_o the_o pope_n alone_o then_o if_o it_o be_v his_o privilege_n as_o a_o man_n it_o will_v be_v the_o endowment_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o then_o they_o will_v need_v none_o of_o his_o single_a determination_n if_o he_o be_v infallible_a as_o he_o be_v pope_n then_o either_o all_o his_o speech_n be_v infallible_a or_o else_o when_o he_o determine_v about_o matter_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o former_a be_v true_a then_o he_o can_v possible_o deceive_v and_o consequent_o he_o will_v not_o prove_v so_o able_a and_o successful_a a_o statesman_n as_o he_o be_v if_o he_o can_v not_o sometime_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n if_o the_o latter_a position_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v true_a then_o either_o all_o his_o proposition_n concern_v faith_n must_v be_v infallible_a and_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_v with_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o he_o at_o any_o time_n to_o oppose_v in_o a_o school_n question_n where_o the_o orthodox_n part_n be_v usual_o hold_v by_o the_o respondent_fw-la for_o fear_v his_o proposition_n shall_v become_v infallible_a and_o truth_n be_v render_v incapable_a of_o be_v hold_v or_o else_o he_o become_v only_o infallible_a when_o he_o be_v grave_o seat_v and_o determine_v from_o his_o chair_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o we_o mortal_n we_o must_v not_o only_o stay_v for_o resolution_n till_o he_o be_v dress_v and_o clothe_v in_o all_o his_o robe_n and_o pontifical_o any_o of_o which_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v want_v he_o may_v fail_v in_o his_o determination_n and_o our_o faith_n fail_v for_o want_v of_o some_o ceremonial_a accoutrement_n but_o suppose_v all_o this_o to_o be_v do_v if_o he_o can_v be_v infallible_a till_o he_o be_v in_o his_o chair_n then_o the_o chair_n seem_v more_o infallible_a than_o himself_o yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v accomplish_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v or_o ever_o can_v he_o may_v not_o be_v a_o lawful_a pope_n for_o if_o he_o be_v unbaptise_v he_o can_v be_v a_o priest_n and_o if_o he_o be_v no_o priest_n he_o can_v be_v a_o pope_n and_o if_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n that_o baptise_a he_o and_o of_o the_o bishop_n that_o give_v he_o the_o order_n of_o priesthood_n be_v require_v to_o make_v both_o valid_a if_o at_o his_o baptism_n he_o meet_v with_o a_o untoward_a priest_n or_o at_o his_o ordination_n with_o a_o ungodly_a bishop_n that_o perform_v the_o ceremony_n without_o mind_v what_o they_o be_v about_o suspend_v their_o intention_n at_o those_o time_n either_o through_o malice_n or_o inadvertency_n or_o design_v the_o contrary_a the_o whole_a business_n be_v still_o spoil_v and_o the_o chair_n will_v not_o bestow_v infallibility_n upon_o one_o that_o be_v indeed_o no_o lawful_a pope_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o the_o anti-popes_n when_o two_o be_v choose_v as_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a and_o they_o both_o struggle_v for_o the_o chair_n where_o rest_v the_o infallibility_n then_o or_o what_o become_v of_o it_o in_o the_o interval_n betwixt_o the_o death_n of_o the_o last_o and_o the_o election_n of_o a_o new_a let_v even_o the_o chair_n keep_v it_o for_o the_o next_o that_o shall_v possess_v it_o and_o i_o wish_v it_o will_v always_o sit_v there_o and_o never_o endeavour_v to_o trouble_v we_o if_o they_o will_v perish_v in_o their_o own_o folly_n i_o know_v no_o help_n be_v quite_o tire_v with_o expose_v their_o opinion_n upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a we_o see_v the_o proposition_n be_v make_v good_a that_o since_o their_o own_o opinion_n be_v so_o different_a about_o the_o seat_n of_o infallibility_n neither_o they_o nor_o we_o know_v where_o to_o find_v it_o six_o if_o there_o be_v this_o infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o they_o have_v agree_v where_o to_o fix_v it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o once_o know_v how_o to_o find_v it_o yet_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v now_o lose_v since_o their_o whole_a church_n have_v determine_v and_o yield_v to_o many_o thing_n plain_o erroneous_a and_o quite_o opposite_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a only_a instance_n in_o three_o though_o i_o may_v produce_v a_o catalogue_n of_o more_o the_o 1._o be_v the_o take_n away_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o people_n 2._o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n first_o i_o instance_n in_o take_v away_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n from_o the_o people_n as_o a_o error_n determine_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o cup_n i_o mean_v the_o sacramental_a cup_n and_o not_o that_o of_o ablution_n by_o which_o the_o romanist_n have_v shift_v from_o the_o doubt_n of_o some_o ignorant_a objector_n now_o that_o the_o detention_n of_o the_o cup_n notwithstanding_o all_o endeavour_n of_o
end_n of_o the_o mosaic_a constitution_n and_o such_o a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o divinity_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o thereby_o to_o prepare_v he_o for_o that_o eternal_a inheritance_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v now_o consider_v all_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o what_o i_o design_n and_o with_o all_o faithfulness_n according_a to_o my_o knowledge_n discharge_v myself_o the_o discourse_n on_o such_o a_o point_n have_v be_v long_o but_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o prove_v unuseful_a in_o such_o time_n as_o these_o in_o which_o truth_n be_v blend_v and_o beset_v with_o error_n strange_a doctrine_n have_v insinuate_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o be_v now_o sail_v betwixt_o sylla_n and_o charybdis_n and_o god_n know_v which_o may_v swallow_v we_o when_o truth_n like_o pure_a and_o clean_a wheat_n be_v put_v betwixt_o two_o millstone_n that_o seem_v to_o join_v to_o grind_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o religion_n like_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v almost_o crucify_a betwixt_o two_o thief_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n his_o providence_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o through_o his_o help_n we_o hope_v for_o deliverance_n from_o all_o our_o trouble_n for_o vain_a be_v the_o help_n of_o man_n without_o he_o chap._n x._o have_v hitherto_o for_o the_o most_o part_n treat_v concern_v false_a spirit_n and_o argue_v against_o the_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n among_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n and_o give_v some_o direction_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v what_o inspiration_n be_v true_a and_o what_o false_a that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v object_v against_o the_o body_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o i_o have_v leave_v neither_o soul_n nor_o spirit_n to_o animate_v it_o but_o have_v hint_v only_o some_o operation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o restrain_v that_o to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o future_a generation_n to_o guide_v man_n into_o all_o truth_n i_o shall_v spend_v some_o sheet_n to_o prove_v that_o as_o there_o be_v promise_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v conduct_v man_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n so_o that_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o apparent_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o show_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o sacred_a spirit_n inform_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o how_o he_o still_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o receive_v they_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v very_o thick_a of_o briar_n and_o thorn_n that_o scratch_n and_o tear_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o her_o passage_n through_o it_o and_o since_o the_o most_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n agree_v in_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o their_o journey_n yet_o because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v out_o by_o the_o way_n and_o differ_v about_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v thither_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o hinder_v man_n of_o good_a intention_n and_o different_a judgement_n from_o entertain_v a_o delusion_n by_o reason_n of_o any_o shortness_n in_o their_o sight_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o and_o so_o miscarry_v in_o their_o great_a concernment_n and_o fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v complain_v as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o this_o errable_a state_n of_o life_n leave_v without_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o our_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v some_o thing_n before_o hint_v more_o plain_o and_o open_o that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v without_o sufficient_a conduct_n from_o the_o holy_a and_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n at_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n express_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o action_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o discharge_n this_o that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o engage_v in_o i_o shall_v first_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v come_v according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o 1._o he_o come_v upon_o our_o saviour_n himself_o 2._o he_o inspire_v and_o comfort_v his_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o 3._o he_o still_o influence_n the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v and_o do_v not_o resist_v he_o first_o that_o this_o holy_a spirit_n rest_v upon_o our_o saviour_n accompany_v he_o throughout_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n none_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o embracement_n of_o christianity_n can_v possible_o contradict_v for_o his_o miracle_n attest_v this_o divine_a residency_n and_o loud_o proclaim_v it_o to_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v this_o irrefragable_a testimony_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n the_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n sufficient_o attest_v and_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n inspire_v and_o do_v assist_v he_o as_o his_o conception_n be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o do_v it_o continual_o breath_n upon_o he_o through_o all_o the_o period_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n it_o give_v a_o visible_a attestation_n to_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o witness_v his_o commission_n to_o the_o world_n when_o at_o his_o baptism_n it_o descend_v in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o light_v upon_o he_o matth._n 3.16_o and_o this_o be_v second_v by_o a_o audible_a voice_n loud_o thunder_v from_o the_o very_a sky_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v in_o his_o life_n he_o have_v the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n john_n 3.34_o he_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o the_o same_o proportion_n of_o power_n and_o assistance_n with_o s._n john_n who_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o by_o this_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o messiah_n nor_o with_o those_o prophet_n of_o old_a who_o be_v inspire_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n to_o who_o divine_a and_o unaccountable_a impulse_n be_v neither_o constant_a in_o their_o method_n or_o continuance_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n accompany_v our_o saviour_n throughout_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o his_o life_n so_o that_o he_o can_v upon_o any_o emergent_a occasion_n make_v discovery_n of_o it_o to_o other_o and_o always_o know_v it_o to_o be_v resident_a in_o himself_o he_o carry_v it_o with_o he_o to_o his_o cross_n and_o death_n to_o support_v he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o triumph_v over_o his_o temptation_n and_o enemy_n it_o hover_v as_o it_o be_v over_o his_o grave_n guard_v his_o body_n with_o a_o security_n beyond_o the_o soldier_n power_n and_o at_o last_o raise_v he_o with_o triumph_n from_o the_o dead_a rom._n 8.11_o and_o thus_o baffle_v the_o argument_n for_o infidelity_n second_o this_o spirit_n promise_v come_v also_o upon_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n at_o the_o beginning_n it_o descend_v with_o noise_n and_o a_o glorious_a splendour_n and_o come_v with_o such_o a_o train_n of_o solemnity_n and_o its_o appearance_n be_v so_o gay_a and_o pompous_a that_o it_o amuse_v nation_n and_o confound_v the_o multitude_n it_o shake_v the_o great_a place_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o sit_v glorious_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o cleave_a fiery_a tongue_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o each_o apostle_n give_v they_o at_o once_o a_o character_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o and_o ability_n to_o execute_v that_o commission_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v before_o give_v they_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n here_o be_v the_o prophecy_n of_o joel_n accomplish_v that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o descend_v with_o power_n in_o the_o lap_n of_o a_o cloud_n with_o a_o rush_a wind_n to_o blow_v open_a the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n that_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v come_v in_o it_o come_v with_o cleave_a fiery_a tongue_n to_o teach_v the_o apostle_n to_o sound_v forth_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n with_o a_o become_a zeal_n and_o warm_a affection_n the_o tongue_n be_v cleave_a that_o
gal._n 5.22_o not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v sometime_o phrased_a by_o the_o word_n spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o legal_a observation_n which_o be_v carnal_a ordinance_n be_v call_v flesh_n but_o they_o be_v so_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o as_o he_o first_o dictate_v the_o rule_n so_o do_v he_o also_o concur_v to_o the_o action_n if_o the_o evil_a spirit_n can_v carry_v christ_n to_o be_v tempt_v in_o the_o wilderness_n shall_v we_o not_o think_v the_o good_a spirit_n can_v relieve_v he_o too_o if_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n can_v be_v a_o spirit_n work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n ephes_n 2.2_o shall_v we_o conclude_v the_o holy_a ghost_n less_o active_a or_o powerful_a to_o work_v in_o those_o who_o resign_v their_o will_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o law_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a and_o safe_a conduct_n the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v make_v to_o we_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o through_o the_o spirit_n we_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n rom._n 8.13_o and_o though_o many_o thing_n concur_v with_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o effect_v so_o great_a and_o victorious_a triumph_n yet_o all_o cause_n act_v with_o a_o dependence_n upon_o this_o glorious_a power_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v when_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o its_o reception_n by_o endeavour_v what_o in_o we_o lay_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a philip._n 2.12_o 13._o preach_v prayer_n meditation_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v ordinary_a mean_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o s._n paul_n though_o he_o sufficient_o magnify_v the_o preacher_n office_n say_v that_o we_o be_v only_a worker_n together_o with_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6.1_o and_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o all_o when_o god_n assist_v and_o bless_v our_o endeavour_n and_o god_n grant_v that_o those_o who_o attend_v such_o sacred_a institution_n be_v swift_a to_o hear_v may_v never_o be_v so_o swift_a also_o as_o to_o depart_v without_o a_o blessing_n have_v thus_o both_o assert_v and_o explain_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o influence_n man_n the_o certainty_n of_o its_o operation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o influence_n which_o make_v up_o this_o chapter_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o shall_v close_v it_o with_o a_o brief_a request_n to_o all_o who_o desire_v so_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n here_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o hereafter_o that_o they_o will_v use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v and_o keep_v the_o blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o this_o holy_a spirit_n which_o give_v they_o such_o great_a assistance_n in_o sanctify_v their_o mind_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o will_v well_o use_v the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o more_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o trial_n and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v frequent_o for_o new_a supply_n of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o that_o they_o will_v never_o by_o a_o vicious_a and_o unholy_a life_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o desert_n they_o lest_o through_o too_o much_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o they_o at_o last_o prove_v both_o coward_n and_o apostate_n chap._n xi_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n in_o some_o measure_n prove_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n descend_v according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v now_o inquire_v into_o his_o work_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n among_o man_n who_o be_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a being_n who_o may_v as_o some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v have_v well_o enough_o propagate_v christian_a doctrine_n when_o they_o have_v hear_v it_o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n and_o have_v for_o some_o time_n daily_a conversation_n with_o he_o without_o any_o other_o new_a assistance_n beside_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o what_o employment_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o have_v among_o other_o man_n as_o they_o will_v not_o be_v religious_a enough_o to_o know_v so_o true_o they_o be_v yet_o very_o much_o to_o seek_v however_o i_o shall_v adventure_v without_o call_v any_o man_n name_n to_o show_v according_a to_o my_o steady_a and_o long_o continue_v though_o mean_a thought_n what_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o do_v to_o guide_v man_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o promise_n where_o christ_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o engage_v for_o the_o spirit_n corn_v into_o the_o world_n in_o a_o more_o plentiful_a manner_n than_o in_o forego_v period_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v describe_v as_o a_o person_n different_a from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o eminent_a promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o that_o our_o great_a and_o most_o bless_a redeermer_n of_o man_n speak_v of_o a_o person_n here_o and_o not_o of_o what_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la only_o as_o some_o have_v interpret_v this_o place_n to_o void_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v the_o distinguish_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o term_n of_o this_o text_n because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v prefix_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o this_o latter_a part_n which_o be_v a_o periphrasis_n do_v but_o acquaint_v we_o who_o the_o person_n be_v even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o now_o this_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n however_o inexplicable_a it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o all_o particular_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n who_o be_v loath_a to_o think_v that_o any_o being_n be_v above_o their_o great_a capacity_n and_o reason_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v always_o believe_v by_o the_o orthodox_n through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o point_n sufficient_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o baffle_v the_o heathen_a objection_n against_o our_o religion_n viz._n that_o it_o can_v be_v divine_a because_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o it_o but_o i_o design_v not_o to_o treat_v in_o this_o discourse_n with_o any_o that_o own_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a king_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o jesus_n himself_o seem_v to_o take_v great_a care_n to_o insinuate_v and_o fix_v this_o fundamental_a point_n in_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lest_o any_o person_n mighty_a in_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a in_o argument_n shall_v refuse_v to_o believe_v such_o a_o mystery_n as_o this_o when_o apparent_o reveal_v because_o their_o own_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conclude_v the_o thing_n or_o their_o language_n can_v full_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o fourteen_o of_o saint_n john_n gospel_n the_o sixteen_o verse_n our_o bless_a saviour_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n with_o this_o great_a promise_n i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n here_o be_v one_o pray_a another_o send_v and_o a_o three_o give_v so_o be_v it_o also_o at_o the_o twenty_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o here_o be_v the_o father_n send_v in_o the_o son_n name_n or_o upon_o his_o account_n the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o teach_v the_o apostle_n those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v more_o brief_o hint_v to_o they_o and_o such_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o apostle_n through_o prejudice_n can_v not_o then_o receive_v and_o to_o bring_v those_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o their_o remembrance_n which_o they_o through_o human_a frailty_n may_v forget_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v to_o be_v the_o publisher_n and_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a penman_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o
convert_v to_o this_o religion_n and_o accompany_v saint_n paul_n receive_v the_o notice_n of_o those_o early_a and_o first_o transaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o record_v the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o if_o we_o make_v the_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o those_o twelve_o apostle_n which_o our_o saviour_n send_v to_o preach_v his_o doctrine_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o by_o their_o education_n either_o too_o much_o prejudice_v or_o unprepared_a to_o invent_v or_o propagate_v such_o a_o religion_n the_o great_a part_n be_v a_o few_o rugged_a and_o inconsiderable_a fisherman_n that_o know_v only_o to_o catch_v fish_n and_o mend_v their_o net_n when_o they_o be_v break_v and_o either_o eat_v or_o sell_v their_o fish_n when_o they_o have_v catch_v it_o and_o how_o unfit_a these_o be_v to_o preach_v rule_n of_o life_n to_o the_o world_n to_o make_v know_v riddle_n and_o explain_v mystery_n to_o maintain_v their_o faith_n against_o the_o learned_a dispute_n of_o rabbi_n and_o philosopher_n or_o to_o commit_v a_o system_fw-la of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o write_v for_o future_a age_n to_o live_v by_o and_o that_o it_o may_v become_v the_o rule_n for_o man_n action_n let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n judge_v it_o must_v needs_o therefore_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o large_a inspiration_n that_o these_o man_n be_v so_o slender_o prepare_v by_o nature_n or_o education_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o mean_a these_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o powerful_a be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n to_o ascertain_v their_o inspiration_n from_o above_o since_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n two_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o since_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o know_v those_o law_n by_o which_o god_n will_v govern_v the_o world_n till_o he_o please_v himself_o to_o make_v they_o know_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o he_o must_v impregnate_n the_o mind_n and_o inform_v the_o understanding_n of_o those_o who_o he_o design_n to_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o his_o law_n and_o this_o he_o do_v as_o to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n under_o the_o old_a so_o to_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o be_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n by_o inform_v their_o understanding_n john_n 14.26_o and_o by_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16.13_o second_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o publisher_n of_o his_o sacred_a doctrine_n by_o quicken_a their_o memory_n that_o what_o their_o master_n have_v before_o teach_v they_o the_o disciple_n now_o may_v remember_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o object_n which_o daily_o present_v themselves_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o variety_n of_o converse_n and_o numerous_a disturbance_n they_o meet_v with_o in_o a_o world_n full_a of_o noise_n and_o humour_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o slip_v many_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o register_v and_o when_o they_o be_v enter_v to_o lose_v the_o record_n hence_o be_v that_o admonition_n of_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v heb._n 2.1_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o who_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o ourselves_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a power_n assist_v their_o memory_n that_o those_o thing_n may_v again_o recur_v which_o they_o have_v hear_v from_o our_o saviour_n at_o that_o time_n when_o by_o his-absence_n he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o repeat_v and_o oral_o 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