Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
truth_n	apostle_n	doctrine_n	spirit_n	2,517	5	4.9028	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
B10083	Tracts theological. I. Asceticks, or, the heroick piety and vertue of the ancient Christian anchorets and coenobites. II. The life of St. Antony out of the Greek of Sr. Athanasius. III. The antiquity and tradition of mystical divinity among the Gentiles. IV. Of the guidance of the spirit of God, upon a discourse of Sir Matthew Hale's concerning it. V. An invitation to the Quakers, to rectifie some errors, which through the scandals given they have fallen into.	Stephens, Edward, d. 1706.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Asceticks, or, the heroick piety and virtue of the ancient Christian anchorets and coenobites.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Life of St. Antony.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Antiquity, tradition, and succession of mystical divinity among the Gentiles.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Enthusiasmus divinus: the guidance of the spirit of God.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Apology for, and an invitation to, the people call'd Quakers, to rectifie some errors, which through the scandals given they have fallen into.	1697 (1697)	Wing S5444E; Wing S5444E; ESTC R184630	221,170	486

our_o saviour_n in_o his_o subjection_n to_o joseph_n and_o his_o mother_n which_o though_o self-denial_n be_v a_o precept_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a freewill_n offer_n and_o a_o do_v it_o daily_o as_o be_v express_v luk._n 9.23_o a_o live_n in_o it_o and_o a_o continual_a reasonable_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o prime_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o a_o abstract_a ascetic_a life_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o reasonable_a religious_a and_o devout_a exercise_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n in_o his_o admonition_n to_o martha_n luk._n 10.41_o 42._o against_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v only_o for_o a_o short_a entertainment_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o that_o mary_n choice_n be_v of_o the_o better_a part_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n of_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o our_o life_n mat._n 6.25_o 34._o in_o his_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a concern_v the_o care_n and_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n the_o thorn_n which_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n luk._n 8.14_o and_o concern_v watch_v that_o we_o be_v not_o surprise_v mat._n 24.42_o 25.13_o mar._n 13.35_o luk._n 21.36_o and_o now_o if_o any_o one_o please_v as_o many_o have_v do_v to_o make_v any_o question_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o the_o interpretation_n of_o any_o part_n of_o this_o what_o more_o authentic_a evidence_n of_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_o desire_v than_o what_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n have_v always_o approve_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o in_o such_o case_n usage_n and_o practice_n afterward_o which_o daily_a experience_n in_o the_o construction_n of_o law_n and_o ancient_a record_n and_o deed_n do_v sufficient_o confirm_v the_o apostle_n certain_o practise_v all_o this_o as_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o circumstance_n and_o business_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o and_o preach_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o by_o their_o doctrine_n too_o as_o far_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o time_n will_v bear_v they_o forsake_v all_o not_o one_o of_o they_o marry_v any_o wife_n afterward_o though_o they_o may_v have_v do_v it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o abstract_v from_o all_o diversion_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o order_v deacon_n for_o other_o necessary_a work_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n or_o to_o preach_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o preach_v and_o of_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o people_n be_v that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n in_o communion_n in_o break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v etc._n etc._n act._n 2.42_o and_o again_o act._n 4.32_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n neither_o say_v any_o of_o they_o that_o aught_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v be_v his_o own_o but_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v possessor_n of_o land_n or_o house_n sell_v they_o and_o bring_v the_o price_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v sell_v and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n what_o be_v here_o brief_o say_v of_o the_o first_o convert_v and_o primitive_a christian_n at_o jerusalem_n agree_v so_o well_o all_o thing_n consider_v with_o what_o philo_z more_o large_o relate_v concern_v those_o about_o alexandria_n who_o he_o call_v therapeut_n who_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o nor_o after_o under_o any_o denomination_n unless_o of_o that_o of_o christian_n which_o begin_v early_o at_o antioch_n and_o be_v soon_o spread_v over_o the_o world_n where_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o take_v place_n of_o all_o other_o that_o as_o the_o ancient_n do_v affirm_v we_o also_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o rest_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o such_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o cavil_n of_o some_o of_o the_o last_o age_n which_o have_v since_o be_v sufficient_o refute_v it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v not_o long_o appear_v in_o that_o form_n of_o community_n for_o they_o be_v dissolve_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o disperse_v into_o divers_a region_n by_o that_o great_a persecution_n after_o the_o death_n of_o stephen_n and_o doubtless_o by_o like_a occasion_n in_o other_o place_n but_o the_o example_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o provoke_v many_o especial_o among_o the_o jew_n before_o well-disposed_a for_o it_o to_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o retire_a abstract_a contemplative_a life_n the_o natural_a inclination_n in_o they_o be_v excite_v and_o fortify_v by_o the_o various_a example_n which_o be_v common_a among_o they_o before_o and_o then_o receive_v such_o further_a encouragement_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n both_o direct_o and_o indirect_o from_o several_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v self-denial_n mortification_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n heavenly-mindedness_a etc._n etc._n this_o can_v not_o but_o mighty_o affect_v they_o general_o with_o a_o heroic_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o body_n and_o all_o earthly_a thing_n the_o very_a doctrine_n promise_n and_o miracle_n with_o which_o they_o be_v confirm_v be_v apt_a of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o produce_v all_o this_o but_o much_o more_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o power_n as_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n then_o be_v and_o certain_o they_o want_v nothing_o but_o opportunity_n even_o then_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o have_v settle_v in_o coenobitical_a society_n which_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o commom_n obstacle_n the_o persecution_n be_v remove_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o raise_v constantine_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o empire_n they_o present_o begin_v to_o do_v first_o in_o egypt_n where_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v many_o descend_v from_o the_o recabite_n and_o essean_n and_o in_o no_o long_a time_n after_o in_o most_o other_o part_n concern_v those_o in_o egypt_n in_o his_o time_n st._n john_n chrysostome_n give_v we_o this_o account_n shall_v any_o one_o come_v now_o to_o the_o desert_n of_o egypt_n he_o will_v see_v all_o the_o wilderness_n altogether_o more_o excellent_a than_o a_o paradise_n and_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n shine_v in_o mortal_a body_n for_o there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v spread_v over_o all_o that_o region_n the_o camp_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o admirable_a royal_a flock_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a power_n illustrious_o shine_v upon_o earth_n and_o this_o you_o may_v see_v most_o splendid_a not_o in_o men_n only_o but_o also_o in_o woman_n heaven_n itself_o do_v not_o so_o shine_v with_o various_a constellation_n of_o star_n as_o egypt_n be_v beset_v and_o illustrate_v with_o innumerable_a convent_v of_o monk_n and_o virgin_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v be_v very_o plain_a 1._o that_o they_o who_o have_v derive_v these_o religious_a institution_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o example_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v a_o good_a foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o maintain_v their_o assertion_n 2._o that_o they_o who_o have_v raise_v such_o prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n against_o such_o holy_a religious_a society_n in_o general_a as_o to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o odium_n against_o all_o if_o they_o do_v it_o in_o simplicity_n and_o mere_o through_o the_o prejudice_n they_o themselves_o have_v conceive_v from_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o of_o their_o time_n yet_o do_v they_o very_o rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o in_o so_o do_v but_o if_o they_o do_v it_o to_o temporize_v and_o ingratiate_v themselves_o with_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n who_o have_v enrich_v themselves_o with_o the_o spoil_n of_o the_o monastery_n and_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v very_o wicked_o and_o impious_o we_o must_v not_o deny_v or_o question_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o but_o who_o be_v they_o by_o who_o the_o righteous_a god_n do_v usual_o execute_v such_o judgement_n and_o at_o this_o time_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o take_v that_o for_o a_o warn_v to_o ourselves_o be_v they_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o laziness_n and_o corruption_n what_o then_o have_v we_o to_o expect_v suppose_v you_o that_o

to_o bring_v we_o unto_o christ_n so_o be_v observance_n of_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o gospel_n design_v for_o our_o tutourage_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o spirit_n to_o that_o we_o must_v come_v or_o we_o be_v none_o of_o he_o but_o that_o way_n we_o must_v come_v and_o in_o that_o way_n we_o must_v keep_v or_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_v that_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n if_o we_o do_v well_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v learn_v what_o qualification_n be_v requisite_a to_o obtain_v that_o inestimable_a treasure_n and_o by_o what_o sign_n and_o character_n it_o may_v be_v know_v and_o distinguish_v and_o thereby_o we_o may_v discern_v that_o many_o who_o pretend_v high_o to_o the_o spirit_n be_v much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o many_o lead_v by_o the_o subtle_a spirit_n of_o antichrist_n under_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n to_o undermine_v the_o gospel_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o raise_v scandal_n and_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o they_o pretend_v and_o it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o assert_v and_o to_o indispose_v man_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o grace_n which_o those_o envious_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n may_v know_v to_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o and_o this_o shall_v make_v other_o the_o more_o cautious_a that_o they_o be_v not_o subservient_fw-fr to_z and_o be_v make_v the_o very_a tool_n of_o these_o wicked_a agent_n in_o their_o opposition_n lest_o at_o last_o they_o be_v involve_v with_o they_o in_o their_o condemnation_n the_o true_a way_n to_o reduce_v the_o mislead_a people_n be_v not_o to_o deny_v or_o dissemble_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n much_o less_o to_o vilify_v or_o reproach_v it_o but_o plain_o to_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o show_v they_o wherein_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v mislead_v from_o it_o 1._o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o precious_a and_o desirable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v principal_o to_o transform_v we_o into_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n to_o endue_v we_o with_o power_n to_o overcome_v all_o our_o corruption_n and_o all_o temptation_n and_o to_o adorn_v we_o with_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o ennoble_v humane_a nature_n and_o raise_v it_o above_o its_o self_n and_o so_o make_v we_o christian_n indeed_o and_o to_o conduct_v we_o in_o all_o the_o important_a occurrence_n of_o our_o life_n but_o to_o desire_v it_o for_o matter_n of_o ostentation_n to_o glory_n in_o divine_a communication_n or_o over-earnest_o seek_v after_o the_o consolation_n through_o impatience_n of_o bear_v the_o spiritual_a cross_n be_v great_a sign_n that_o such_o soul_n be_v either_o quite_o out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o have_v make_v but_o little_a progress_n 2._o that_o satan_n be_v often_o transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n 3._o that_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 1.10_o 2.1_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n ibid._n 6.3_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 16.17_o gal._n 1.8_o to_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n jud._n 3_o can_v be_v from_o the_o true_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n 4._o that_o such_o spirit_n as_o lead_v into_o division_n separation_n and_o sect_n lead_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o lead_v into_o contempt_n or_o disrespect_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n or_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v certain_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n how_o specious_a soever_o their_o pretence_n may_v be_v for_o the_o conscientious_a and_o reverend_a use_n of_o these_o be_v the_o very_a mean_n whereby_o soul_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o whereby_o it_o be_v ordinary_o communicate_v to_o they_o cui_fw-la veritas_fw-la comperta_fw-la sine_fw-la deo_fw-la cui_fw-la deus_fw-la cognitus_fw-la sine_fw-la christo_fw-la cui_fw-la christus_fw-la exploratus_fw-la sine_fw-la spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la cui_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_n accommodatus_fw-la sine_fw-la fidei_fw-la sacramento_n say_v a_o ancient_a and_o eminent_a christian_a tertul._n de_fw-fr anima_fw-la c._n 1._o to_o who_o be_v truth_n discover_v without_o god_n to_o who_o be_v god_n know_v without_o christ_n to_o who_o be_v christ_n manifest_v without_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o who_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n grant_v without_o the_o sacrament_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v baptism_n 5._o and_o more_o particular_o in_o respect_n to_o some_o among_o we_o that_o they_o who_o assert_v this_o doctrine_n without_o distinction_n or_o caution_n be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o if_o they_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o may_v be_v presume_v not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a what_o caution_n and_o rule_n be_v give_v by_o learned_a and_o experience_v christian_n to_o distinguish_v the_o imposture_n of_o evil_a spirit_n from_o the_o conduct_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o good_a be_v much_o to_o be_v suspect_v to_o serve_v another_o interest_n then_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o those_o they_o mislead_v and_o that_o they_o all_o expose_v people_n to_o the_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n which_o ready_o embrace_v such_o advantage_n 6._o that_o there_o be_v special_a reason_n why_o god_n order_v moses_n to_o smite_v the_o water_n and_o the_o dust_n with_o the_o rod_n and_o to_o take_v handful_n of_o ash_n from_o the_o furnace_n and_o sprinkle_v it_o towards_o the_o heaven_n and_o to_o erect_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n to_o produce_v the_o intend_a effect_n and_o why_o our_o saviour_n make_v clay_n with_o spital_n and_o anoint_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a man_n and_o then_o bid_v he_o wash_v and_o many_o other_o such_o thing_n for_o which_o perhaps_o no_o man_n do_v nor_o do_v know_v the_o reason_n and_o yet_o undoubted_o if_o these_o order_n have_v not_o be_v observe_v the_o effect_n have_v not_o follow_v 7._o that_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v give_v order_n without_o declare_v the_o reason_n for_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o intellectual_a faculty_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o that_o in_o such_o case_n if_o the_o order_n be_v not_o observe_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o effect_n shall_v follow_v and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o exercise_n of_o humble_a submission_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n it_o can_v not_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o shall_v lead_v people_n to_o despise_v or_o neglect_v these_o order_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o they_o there_o be_v more_o for_o instance_n in_o that_o of_o baptism_n it_o be_v the_o solemnity_n and_o external_a act_n of_o declaration_n of_o our_o engagement_n in_o covenant_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o refuse_v to_o seal_v and_o deliver_v a_o bond_n which_o whoever_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o give_v bond_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o knave_n or_o a_o cheat_n and_o in_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a communion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o solemn_a duty_n of_o recognition_n of_o the_o absolute_a dominion_n of_o the_o father_n by_o right_a of_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o son_n by_o right_a of_o redemption_n over_o we_o and_o all_o we_o be_v and_o have_v a_o symbolical_a oblation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o all_o we_o have_v to_o god_n in_o a_o commemorative_n sacrifice_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o father_n as_o the_o great_a propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n of_o as_o full_a import_n to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n to_o christian_n as_o be_v all_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o they_o which_o be_v but_o type_n of_o the_o same_o a_o holy_a rite_n of_o address_n to_o god_n the_o father_n by_o christ_n the_o mediator_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o passion_n by_o which_o alone_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n have_v acceptance_n with_o he_o and_o of_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n whereby_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o virtue_n be_v as_o real_o communicate_v to_o soul_n due_o dispose_v as_o virtue_n go_v out_o of_o he_o and_o heal_v the_o people_n and_o the_o woman_n who_o touch_v the_o hem_o of_o his_o garment_n and_o these_o have_v be_v the_o

sentiment_n and_o this_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o peculiar_a worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n all_o over_o the_o world_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o perform_v every_o day_n in_o most_o of_o the_o great_a church_n and_o every_o lord's-day_n in_o all_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o the_o last_o age._n it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o so_o great_a honour_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o benefit_n to_o soul_n due_o dispose_v that_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o prevalence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o of_o satan_n transform_v than_o disrespect_n and_o neglect_v of_o it_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o spiritual_a worship_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o grievous_a to_o that_o envious_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n than_o to_o see_v that_o passion_n which_o he_o have_v most_o malicious_o procure_v to_o be_v so_o honour_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o apply_v to_o his_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o have_v he_o oppose_v it_o with_o all_o the_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n he_o can_v possible_a beside_o for_o people_n to_o slight_v it_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n be_v come_v to_o they_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o manifest_a and_o dangerous_a piece_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n so_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o above_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o st._n paul_n himself_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o another_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o if_o we_o do_v well_o consider_v what_o decay_v of_o charity_n and_o unanimity_n among_o man_n and_o of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n have_v in_o all_o part_n attend_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n that_o may_v be_v another_o evidence_n of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o who_o do_v neglect_v it_o whatever_o their_o pretence_n be_v but_o for_o all_o separatist_n and_o sectary_n in_o general_a it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a caution_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a of_o admonition_n and_o prohibition_n against_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o of_o prediction_n both_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o apostle_n both_o of_o the_o variety_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o danger_n in_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v that_o specious_a appearance_n as_o to_o deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect._n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o former_a time_n we_o shall_v find_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o true_a spirit_n among_o any_o of_o any_o party_n of_o separatist_n but_o much_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n or_o delusion_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o presence_n or_o energy_n of_o some_o spirit_n and_o a_o concurrence_n of_o divers_a of_o these_o indication_n or_o sign_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v and_o confident_a that_o it_o be_v a_o antichristian_a spirit_n be_v its_o appearance_n never_o so_o specious_a in_o other_o respect_n and_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n especial_o have_v such_o as_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n find_v themselves_o to_o be_v sometime_o strange_o assault_v and_o tempt_v by_o the_o subtle_a adversary_n viz._n to_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o undervaluation_n of_o other_o person_n and_o to_o neglect_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o needless_a to_o they_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o ancient_a religious_a christian_n be_v general_o preserve_v from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a snare_n be_v that_o they_o be_v train_v up_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a under_o ancient_a experience_a christian_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o exercise_n of_o humility_n subjection_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o constant_a discovery_n of_o the_o disposition_n and_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o their_o superior_n and_o of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n but_o where_o both_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n have_v be_v neglect_v it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o among_o many_o appearance_n and_o pretence_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v little_a of_o solidity_n especial_o where_o those_o noble_a heroic_a virtue_n of_o abstraction_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n heavenly-mindedness_a and_o continual_a attendance_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v reject_v as_o monkery_n and_o superstition_n but_o all_o their_o goodly_a appearance_n and_o pretence_n end_v at_o last_o in_o emptiness_n and_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o who_o have_v any_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o beware_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o ancient_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o take_v such_o offence_n at_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n by_o any_o seduce_a spirit_n as_o therefore_o to_o oppose_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o any_o of_o its_o operation_n and_o elude_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o undermine_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v as_o certain_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o in_o truth_n as_o much_o fanaticism_n as_o the_o other_o in_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a for_o the_o good_a spirit_n be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v have_v as_o all_o other_o to_o be_v avoid_v for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v be_v genuine_a live_a christian_n but_o mere_a empty_a formal_a professor_n of_o which_o sort_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v be_v the_o great_a part_n both_o of_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n among_o we_o if_o judgement_n be_v make_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n rule_n of_o their_o fruit_n and_o fruitfulness_n but_o lest_o any_o well-minded_a soul_n shall_v be_v trouble_v with_o any_o doubt_n in_o this_o respect_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o between_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o know_v that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o may_v be_v the_o residence_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a distinguishable_a manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o operation_n and_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v often_o so_o subtle_a and_o secret_a in_o the_o manner_n both_o in_o illumination_n and_o power_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n as_o be_v not_o manifest_a by_o sense_n but_o by_o faith_n only_o and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o but_o as_o the_o most_o desirable_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v regeneration_n and_o effectual_a sanctification_n so_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a note_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n which_o always_o lead_v to_o mortification_n of_o all_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a affection_n and_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o celestial_a angelic_a and_o divine_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o to_o soul_n due_o prepare_v purge_v and_o dispose_v for_o it_o that_o bless_a guide_n do_v often_o manifest_v his_o presence_n by_o sensible_a attraction_n and_o restraint_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o plain_a suggestion_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o such_o as_o once_o find_v that_o i_o can_v give_v no_o better_a advice_n than_o what_o we_o have_v ecclesiasticus_fw-la 4._o and_o 6._o which_o i_o believe_v be_v part_n of_o the_o mystic_a theology_n of_o the_o ancient_n finis_fw-la a_o apology_n for_o and_o a_o invitation_n to_o the_o people_z call_v quaker_n to_o rectify_v some_o error_n which_o through_o the_o scandal_n give_v they_o have_v fall_v into_o wherein_o the_o true_a original_a cause_n both_o humane_a and_o divine_a of_o all_o the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o mischief_n in_o the_o state_n and_o among_o the_o people_n be_v plain_o and_o brief_o open_v and_o detect_v london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n 1697._o advertisement_n that_o whole_a body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o infirmity_n which_o the_o individual_n of_o which_o they_o consist_v be_v and_o often_o sick_a of_o the_o same_o disease_n and_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o all_o those_o of_o the_o mind_n blindness_n conceitedness_n perverseness_n obstinacy_n incorrigibleness_n and_o impatience_n of_o reproof_n or_o even_o friendly_a admonition_n the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n do_v abundant_o manifest_a but_o in_o none_o be_v it_o more_o manifest_a than_o in_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o to_o be_v a_o example_n admonition_n and_o warn_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n their_o whole_a history_n and_o all_o

persuasion_n to_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o hurtful_a which_o thing_n the_o christian_n of_o that_o time_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v institute_v out_o of_o a_o generous_a and_o most_o fervent_a ardour_n of_o faith_n endeavour_v to_o emulate_v the_o prophetical_a severe_a course_n of_o life_n therefore_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o contain_v nothing_o but_o the_o perfect_a truth_n it_o be_v show_v that_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n divide_v the_o price_n among_o the_o brethren_n according_a as_o every_o one_o have_v need_v that_o so_o there_o may_v not_o be_v any_o indigent_a person_n among_o they_o for_o as_o the_o word_n say_v as_o many_o as_o be_v possessor_n of_o land_n or_o house_n sell_v they_o and_o bring_v the_o price_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v sell_v and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o distribution_n be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need._n after_o philo_n have_v attest_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n with_o these_o of_o the_o therapeutae_n he_o add_v thus_o much_o far_o concern_v they_o word_n for_o word_n say_v this_o sort_n of_o man_n indeed_o be_v diffuse_v far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o both_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o benefit_n egypt_n especial_o be_v full_a of_o they_o throughout_o all_o its_o division_n but_o most_o of_o all_o about_o alexandria_n but_o from_o all_o place_n the_o principal_a of_o they_o retire_v themselves_o into_o a_o most_o commodious_a place_n above_o the_o lake_n maria_n situate_v upon_o a_o little_a rise_a hill_n excellent_o well_o seat_v both_o for_o wholsomeness_n of_o air_n and_o conveniency_n of_o abide_v as_o into_o the_o country_n of_o the_o therapeutae_n then_o after_o he_o have_v describe_v their_o house_n after_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v build_v he_o speak_v thus_o of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o every_o house_n there_o be_v a_o chapel_n call_v a_o semnaeum_fw-la and_o monasterium_fw-la in_o which_o alone_o by_o themselves_o they_o perform_v the_o mystery_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n they_o bring_v in_o thither_o neither_o meat_n nor_o drink_n nor_o any_o corporal_a provision_n or_o necessary_n but_o only_o the_o law_n and_o the_o divine_a oracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o hymn_n and_o such_o like_a whereby_o knowledge_n and_o piety_n be_v increase_v and_o perfect_v and_o a_o little_a while_n after_o he_o say_v all_o the_o interval_n of_o time_n from_o sun_n rise_v to_o the_o evening_n they_o spend_v in_o meditation_n of_o philosophy_n for_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o philosophize_v after_o their_o country_n way_n and_o expound_v allegorical_o for_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o word_n be_v only_a note_n and_o mark_n of_o some_o thing_n of_o a_o mystical_a nature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v explain_v figurative_o they_o have_v write_n of_o some_o ancient_a person_n who_o have_v be_v heretofore_o famous_a leader_n of_o their_o sect_n and_o have_v leave_v they_o many_o monument_n of_o that_o learning_n which_o consist_v in_o dark_a and_o secret_a expression_n which_o they_o use_v as_o original_a platform_n do_v imitate_v thereby_o that_o course_n of_o study_n these_o certain_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o such_o a_o man_n as_o have_v hear_v some_o of_o our_o religion_n expound_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o the_o write_n of_o those_o ancient_a person_n which_o he_o say_v they_o have_v be_v the_o gospel_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o certain_a exposition_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n of_o which_o sort_n many_o be_v contain_v both_o in_o other_o epistle_n of_o paul_n and_o also_o in_o that_o write_v to_o the_o hebrew_n afterward_o philo_n thus_o write_v concern_v the_o new_a psalm_n compose_v by_o they_o they_o do_v not_o only_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o contemplation_n but_o they_o compose_v song_n and_o hymn_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o meeter_n and_o musical_a verse_n which_o they_o write_v in_o grave_n and_o seemly_a rhyme_n he_o relate_v many_o other_o thing_n of_o they_o in_o that_o book_n i_o mention_v but_o i_o judge_v these_o fit_a to_o be_v select_v and_o pick_v out_o in_o which_o certain_a mark_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v propose_v but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v what_o philo_n here_o say_v to_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a proper_a to_o the_o evangelical_n polity_n but_o may_v be_v adapt_v to_o other_o beside_o those_o i_o have_v mention_v he_o will_v certain_o be_v convince_v by_o philo_n follow_a word_n in_o which_o if_o he_o shall_v due_o weigh_v the_o matter_n he_o will_v receive_v a_o most_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o this_o thing_n now_o he_o write_v thus_o have_v first_o lay_v temperance_n as_o a_o certain_a foundation_n they_o build_v thereupon_o the_o other_o virtue_n for_o none_o of_o they_o take_v either_o meat_n or_o drink_v before_o sunset_n for_o they_o hold_v it_o requisite_a to_o spend_v the_o day_n in_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o night_n in_o make_v necessary_a provision_n for_o the_o body_n therefore_o they_o allot_v the_o whole_a day_n to_o study_v but_o allow_v a_o very_a small_a portion_n of_o the_o night_n for_o bodily_a provision_n some_o of_o they_o forget_v to_o eat_v for_o three_o day_n together_o so_o great_a be_v the_o desire_n of_o knowledge_n that_o possess_v they_o but_o some_o other_o of_o they_o be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o and_o feed_v so_o rich_o and_o delicious_o upon_o the_o banquet_n of_o wisdom_n which_o set_v before_o they_o wholesome_a precept_n as_o a_o most_o sumptuous_a feast_n that_o they_o be_v wont_v scarce_o to_o taste_v any_o necessary_a food_n in_o twice_o that_o space_n to_o wit_n in_o six_o day_n time_n we_o suppose_v these_o word_n of_o philo_n to_o be_v evident_o and_o without_o all_o doubt_n speak_v concern_v those_o of_o our_o religion_n but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o any_o one_o shall_v still_o persist_v in_o a_o peremptory_a denial_n of_o these_o thing_n he_o will_v at_o length_n recede_v from_o his_o obstinate_a difficulty_n of_o belief_n be_v persuade_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o manifest_a demonstration_n as_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n compose_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n philo_n say_v further_a therefore_o that_o among_o these_o man_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v there_o be_v certain_a woman_n conversant_a many_o of_o which_o continue_v virgin_n be_v old_a not_o out_o of_o necessity_n like_o some_o of_o those_o among_o the_o grecian_a priest_n but_o voluntary_o preserve_v their_o chastity_n out_o of_o a_o ardent_a affection_n to_o and_o desire_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o embrace_n and_o familiarity_n whereof_o they_o earnest_o affect_v to_o spend_v their_o life_n have_v despise_v all_o bodily_a pleasure_n and_o desire_v earnest_o not_o asleep_o mortal_a issue_n but_o a_o immortal_a which_o that_o mind_n only_o that_o love_n and_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n can_v of_o itself_o bring_v forth_o after_o many_o other_o expression_n he_o speak_v yet_o more_o plain_o thus_o their_o exposition_n of_o holy_a writ_n be_v figurative_a by_o way_n of_o allegory_n for_o these_o man_n suppose_v the_o whole_a law_n to_o be_v like_o a_o live_a creature_n the_o bare_a word_n whereof_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o body_n and_o the_o invisible_a sense_n that_o lie_v hide_v under_o the_o word_n resemble_v the_o soul_n which_o sense_n this_o sect_n have_v and_o do_v make_v it_o their_o religion_n earnest_o to_o search_v into_o and_o contemplate_v behold_v in_o the_o word_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o admirable_a beauty_n of_o the_o mean_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o add_v farther_o here_o a_o account_n of_o their_o assembly_n of_o the_o distinct_a apartment_n of_o their_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o of_o their_o several_a study_n and_o holy_a exercise_n now_o in_o use_n among_o we_o more_o especial_o about_o the_o feast_n of_o our_o lord_n passion_n when_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o practice_v they_o in_o fast_n watch_n and_o attentive_a read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o the_o man_n we_o have_v so_o often_o mention_v do_v relate_v in_o his_o write_n accurate_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o which_o we_o only_o at_o this_o time_n observe_v they_o especial_o he_o mention_n the_o vigil_n of_o the_o great_a solemnity_n the_o holy_a exercise_n therein_o and_o the_o hymn_n we_o be_v wont_v to_o recite_v and_o how_o when_o one_o have_v begin_v to_o sing_v a_o psalm_n harmonious_o and_o grave_o the_o rest_n silent_o harken_v do_v after_o sing_v out_o in_o chorus_n the_o latter_a part_n only_o of_o the_o verse_n and_o how_o throughout_o those_o day_n lie_v in_o straw_n upon_o the_o ground_n

join_v with_o mortification_n the_o soul_n come_v to_o operate_v more_o and_o more_o abstract_a from_o sense_n and_o more_o celebrate_v above_o the_o corporeal_a organ_n and_o faculty_n so_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o separate_a spirit_n by_o this_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a as_o our_o author_n say_v to_o put_v together_o some_o of_o their_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o a_o account_n of_o their_o divinity_n p._n 285._o and_o what_o account_v that_o be_v but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v some_o other_o passage_n which_o he_o recite_v and_o in_o they_o some_o which_o he_o construe_v as_o he_o do_v these_o and_o other_o thing_n and_o some_o expression_n which_o may_v seem_v hard_a say_n to_o one_o who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o understand_v they_o or_o consider_v they_o as_o term_n of_o art_n and_o allow_v they_o a_o candid_a construction_n and_o may_v afford_v matter_n for_o exercise_n of_o wit_n to_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v to_o sport_n themselves_o with_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o wicked_a spirit_n do_v easy_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o and_o impose_v upon_o person_n engage_v in_o controversy_n they_o be_v ordinary_o like_o soldier_n engage_v in_o war_n act_n as_o if_o all_o be_v lawful_a whereby_o they_o can_v incommode_v a_o adversary_n without_o due_a regard_n to_o charity_n truth_n and_o that_o fair_a deal_v and_o kindness_n which_o christianity_n enjoin_v to_o enemy_n and_o too_o often_o behave_v themselves_o like_o such_o soldier_n as_o be_v loath_a to_o have_v a_o end_n of_o a_o war_n lest_o they_o shall_v want_v employment_n trifle_v and_o skirmish_v at_o a_o distance_n with_o vain_a word_n and_o show_n and_o the_o consequence_n in_o each_o be_v frequent_o the_o baffle_n and_o disparage_v of_o the_o cause_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o give_v advantage_n to_o their_o adversary_n and_o i_o wish_v this_o author_n by_o his_o management_n have_v not_o give_v too_o much_o advantage_n or_o at_o least_o occasion_n to_o the_o common_a adversary_n infidel_n and_o deist_n but_o as_o to_o this_o cause_n o._n n._n have_v so_o full_o answer_v all_o cavil_n at_o the_o term_n of_o art_n that_o it_o seem_v he_o leave_v little_a to_o be_v reply_v to_o and_o therefore_o for_o answer_n our_o author_n be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o shift_n 1._o to_o inculcate_v the_o unintelligibleness_n of_o mystick_n theology_n from_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o discursive_a faculty_n at_o the_o time_n of_o contemplation_n which_o be_v all_o that_o the_o mystic_a writer_n intend_v as_o if_o all_o man_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o intent_n listen_v to_o sound_n or_o behold_v something_o extraordinary_a do_v not_o the_o like_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n 2._o to_o make_v a_o great_a bravado_n as_o if_o he_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o vision_n immediate_a revelation_n ecstasy_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o case_n of_o montanus_n whereas_o what_o be_v condemn_v in_o montanus_n and_o his_o companion_n be_v not_o the_o pretend_v to_o vision_n and_o revelation_n but_o pretend_v such_o to_o be_v divine_a which_o be_v not_o but_o diabolical_a as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o manner_n and_o by_o the_o matter_n be_v heresy_n as_o be_v very_o plain_a in_o the_o ancient_a writer_n in_o eusebius_n l._n 5._o c._n 16._o when_o the_o faithful_a throughout_o asia_n have_v meet_v often_o and_o in_o many_o place_n of_o asia_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o have_v inquire_v into_o this_o new_a doctrine_n and_o determine_v it_o to_o be_v profane_a and_o reject_v this_o heresy_n they_o be_v expel_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o before_o he_o relate_v how_o montanus_n his_o ambition_n give_v the_o enemy_n a_o entrance_n into_o himself_o and_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o a_o sudden_a possess_v with_o a_o furious_a and_o frantic_a temper_n of_o mind_n etc._n etc._n so_o he_o say_v of_o theodotus_n that_o he_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o false_a ecstasy_n which_o plain_o imply_v true_a one_o believe_v then_o contrary_a to_o what_o our_o author_n do_v pretend_v to_o say_v that_o it_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o yet_o to_o pass_v by_o so_o many_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n produce_v for_o it_o with_o no_o better_a answer_n than_o what_o amount_v to_o a_o concession_n deserve_v no_o other_o reply_n than_o only_o to_o note_v it_o to_o mistake_v and_o misrepresent_v man_n word_n through_o ignorance_n be_v a_o fault_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o man_n pretend_v to_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n yet_o have_v that_o some_o excuse_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o humane_a infirmity_n incident_a to_o all_o but_o to_o do_v it_o wilful_o deliberate_o and_o seek_v occasion_n be_v not_o only_o different_a from_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n but_o what_o be_v it_o then_o if_o it_o be_v in_o despite_n of_o that_o which_o be_v real_o true_a and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n to_o say_v that_o the_o case_n of_o montanus_n be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o mystical_a union_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o montanus_n be_v reject_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o a_o fanatic_a enthusiastical_a spirit_n as_o if_o the_o case_n of_o mystical_a union_n be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o spirit_n so_o reject_v with_o other_o expression_n to_o like_a purpose_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v consider_v afterward_o if_o they_o be_v not_o well_o consider_v beforehand_o there_o be_v a_o passage_n which_o he_o recite_v out_o of_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o the_o jesuit_n p._n 31_o 32._o edit_n 1574._o viz._n it_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o keep_v himself_o indifferent_a to_o do_v what_o god_n shall_v reveal_v to_o he_o and_o not_o to_o determine_v himself_o to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v already_o reveal_v and_o teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v very_o gross_a indeed_o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o indeed_o so_o gross_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v their_o meaning_n if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o and_o fair_o translate_v but_o since_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o another_o construction_n viz._n not_o to_o confine_v one_o self_n to_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o general_a but_o to_o be_v indifferent_a as_o to_o thing_n not_o determine_v but_o leave_v indifferent_a to_o do_v as_o god_n shall_v direct_v i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o weight_n against_o it_o such_o a_o construction_n have_v be_v but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o rule_n christianum_fw-la unumquemque_fw-la pium_fw-la debere_fw-la promptiore_fw-la animo_fw-la sententiam_fw-la seu_fw-la propositionem_fw-la obscuram_fw-la alterius_fw-la in_o bonam_fw-la trahere_fw-la partem_fw-la quam_fw-la damnare_fw-la etc._n etc._n exercit._n spirit_n p._n 65._o edit_n ant._n 1676._o 8_o o._n which_o have_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o our_o author_n observation_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o allege_v as_o a_o instance_n or_o proof_n of_o their_o fanaticism_n that_o custom_n of_o ignatius_n and_o his_o companion_n relate_v by_o orlandinus_n lib._n 1._o n._n 111._o viz._n in_o any_o matter_n of_o debate_n they_o be_v to_o join_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o after_o seek_v god_n what_o opinion_n the_o most_o be_v of_o that_o they_o resolve_v upon_o where_o be_v the_o fault_n in_o this_o in_o join_n in_o prayer_n or_o in_o agree_v with_o the_o majority_n if_o the_o odium_n of_o the_o name_n will_v excuse_v any_o thing_n with_o the_o vulgar_a yet_o it_o become_v neither_o christianity_n nor_o ingenuity_n nor_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o true_a prudence_n to_o condescend_v to_o such_o mean_a objection_n overdoing_a do_v often_o spoil_v a_o good_a work_n and_o disparage_v and_o discredit_v the_o author_n the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o devout_a people_n ought_v to_o be_v pity_v mention_v with_o grief_n and_o not_o expose_v beyond_o truth_n or_o necessity_n for_o that_o make_v sport_n for_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n give_v scandal_n to_o weak_a man_n promote_v uncharitableness_n and_o irreligion_n and_o discompose_v and_o disorder_v the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o do_v it_o he_o who_o judge_v other_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o rise_v not_o up_o in_o judgement_n hereafter_o against_o himself_o how_o will_v that_o fanaticism_n which_o carry_v man_n to_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n to_o christianity_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o who_o suffer_v their_o own_o parish_n and_o diocese_n of_o profess_a christian_n at_o home_n to_o sink_v into_o infidelity_n for_o want_v of_o due_a care_n and_o sufficient_a instruction_n and_o how_o will_v the_o excess_n of_o devotion_n if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o some_o spiritual_a writer_n rise_v

great_a modesty_n and_o solidity_n h●●_n vindicate_v mystical_a divinity_n against_o the_o quarrel_n ●●_o one_o who_o charge_v it_o to_o be_v fanaticism_n his_o charact●_n may_v be_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o mr._n wood_n oxford_n actiquity_n finis_fw-la postscript_n whereas_o it_o be_v fear_v by_o some_o that_o what_o be_v in_o the_o foregoing_a discourse_n relate_v concern_v plotinus_n and_o porphyrius_n who_o live_v in_o gospel-time_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o christian_n but_o the_o latter_a a_o grand_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o of_o christianity_n may_v too_o much_o gratify_v some_o call_a quaker_n to_o their_o hurt_n who_o be_v great_a magnifyer_n of_o the_o gentile_a dispensation_n i_o do_v declare_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o gratify_v any_o people_n for_o their_o good_a but_o not_o any_o to_o their_o hurt_a and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v any_o such_o misuse_n of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v for_o a_o good_a purpose_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o preface_n they_o must_v know_v 1._o that_o as_o the_o action_n of_o witch_n and_o their_o familiar_n if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_a and_o undeniable_a be_v good_a evidence_n against_o atheist_n and_o sadducean_n and_o the_o real_a inspiration_n of_o any_o spirit_n if_o prove_v be_v good_a evidence_n against_o all_o such_o anti-enthusiasts_a as_o deny_v the_o reality_n of_o inspiration_n and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o in_o it_o than_o mere_o the_o act_n of_o people_n imagination_n so_o the_o plain_a apart_a declaration_n by_o these_o man_n of_o the_o mystic_a divinity_n which_o be_v more_o occult_o deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_n be_v good_a evidence_n of_o the_o tradition_n and_o succession_n of_o these_o mystery_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v err_v in_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o it_o and_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o collection_n make_v 2._o that_o though_o porphyry_n and_o plotinus_n and_o some_o other_o of_o they_o may_v receive_v some_o light_n powerful_a attraction_n and_o sensible_a consolation_n etc._n etc._n from_o some_o considerable_a spirit_n yet_o be_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o good_a minister_a spirit_n not_o such_o as_o that_o of_o socrates_n under_o the_o gentile_a dispensation_n for_o porphy●_n ridicule_v it_o v._n soc._n hist_o l._n 3._o c._n 23._o but_o a_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o of_o satan_n transform_v as_o appear_v most_o manifest_o in_o porphyry_n who_o be_v a_o renagado_n and_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n and_o that_o not_o upon_o any_o ground_n of_o reason_n but_o upon_o passion_n for_o some_o reproof_n as_o valesius_fw-la understand_v it_o or_o some_o more_o severe_a discipline_n he_o receive_v from_o some_o christian_n possible_o for_o some_o abuse_n by_o scoff_v to_o which_o he_o be_v much_o addict_v and_o thereupon_o become_v not_o only_o a_o apostate_n but_o a_o spiteful_a adversary_n and_o the_o more_o impudent_a through_o the_o countenance_n of_o the_o emperor_n julian_n who_o be_v also_o a_o apostate_n and_o such_o another_o scoffer_n this_o may_v be_v abundant_o show_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a here_o and_o may_v be_v upon_o some_o other_o occasion_n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o and_o this_o may_v serve_v for_o another_o purpose_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o quaker_n viz._n to_o undeceive_v they_o and_o let_v they_o see_v plain_o by_o what_o spirit_n they_o have_v be_v deceive_v even_o this_o very_a antichristian_a porphyrian_n spirit_n and_o no_o better_o the_o spirit_n i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o very_a same_o or_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n only_o the_o appearance_n be_v somewhat_o different_a more_o bare-faced_n then_o upon_o the_o encouragement_n of_o a_o apostate_n emperor_n but_o more_o covert_a now_o in_o this_o be_v a_o christian_n state_n but_o as_o that_o soon_o cease_v so_o will_v this_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v to_o the_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o those_o who_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o error_n but_o especial_o those_o who_o not_o only_o be_v deceive_v but_o presume_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o deceive_v other_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v only_a minister_n of_o this_o porphyrian_a antichristian_a spirit_n that_o be_v of_o satan_n transform_v as_o i_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v in_o due_a time_n and_o that_o ere_o long_o by_o undeniable_a moral_a evidence_n if_o not_o also_o by_o manifest_a divine_a vengeance_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o obstinate_a which_o i_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v and_o shall_v still_o be_v glad_a to_o help_v they_o out_o if_o they_o will_v humble_v themselves_o and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n as_o their_o case_n do_v require_v otherwise_o they_o will_v certain_o be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o neglect_a divine_a favour_n as_o for_o the_o gentile_a dispensation_n there_o be_v plain_o a_o fallacy_n concern_v it_o put_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o subtlety_n and_o fraud_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o act_v so_o sensible_o among_o they_o for_o as_o the_o israelite_n be_v choose_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v of_o god_n own_o regiment_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v his_o peculiar_a people_n yet_o be_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n deliver_v over_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o angel_n exod._n 33._o so_o be_v other_o nation_n commit_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o certain_a angel_n probable_o of_o inferior_a order_n and_o as_o the_o israelite_n after_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o promise_a land_n under_o the_o immediate_a government_n of_o god_n v._n sam._n 8.7_o be_v often_o notwithstanding_o for_o their_o backslide_n and_o transgression_n deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n which_o be_v plain_o a_o representation_n of_o spiritual_a matter_n so_o the_o other_o nation_n though_o they_o be_v commit_v at_o first_o to_o the_o regiment_n of_o good_a angel_n though_o of_o a_o inferior_a order_n yet_o when_o they_o come_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o inspiration_n of_o apostate_n spirit_n which_o be_v a_o real_a though_o spiritual_a fornication_n and_o defilement_n be_v leave_v in_o theirpower_v to_o be_v abuse_v and_o ride_v and_o lead_v captive_a by_o they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o those_o who_o continue_v under_o their_o conduct_n to_o the_o last_o without_o repentance_n be_v like_a to_o have_v their_o part_n with_o they_o hereafter_o and_o this_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n whereby_o these_o people_n be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o this_o porphyrian_a spirit_n for_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a gentile_a dispensation_n or_o two_o part_n of_o the_o gentile_a dispensation_n the_o one_o of_o grace_n under_o the_o good_a angel_n which_o be_v god_n deputy_n the_o other_o of_o judgement_n under_o the_o apostate_n spirit_n which_o be_v god_n executioner_n of_o vengeance_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o concern_v the_o seduce_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n now_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o rest_n who_o have_v not_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o gospel_n communicate_v to_o they_o but_o yet_o desert_n not_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o god_n set_v over_o they_o yet_o those_o who_o have_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o simplicity_n offer_v to_o they_o and_o either_o through_o pride_n and_o conceitedness_n or_o through_o the_o inspiration_n of_o any_o spirit_n be_v draw_v from_o it_o their_o case_n be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o no_o good_a spirit_n will_v dare_v or_o will_v offer_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o then_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o wicked_a spirit_n in_o disguise_n how_o specious_a soever_o his_o appearance_n be_v which_o for_o some_o spiritual_a sin_n at_o least_o if_o not_o carnal_a or_o worldly_a in_o they_o or_o their_o parent_n have_v get_v advantage_n of_o they_o and_o such_o be_v very_o officious_a to_o offer_v themselves_o and_o very_o subtle_a to_o deceive_v and_o their_o neglect_n of_o the_o offer_v of_o grace_n be_v like_a to_o prove_v fatal_a to_o they_o but_o none_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n than_o they_o who_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o become_v the_o agent_n and_o minister_n of_o such_o a_o spirit_n whatever_o they_o may_v think_v of_o themselves_o at_o present_a this_o i_o hope_v may_v serve_v for_o this_o occasion_n but_o have_v for_o divers_a month_n pass_v be_v endeavour_v by_o private_a conference_n with_o and_o letter_n to_o the_o chief_z of_o their_o minister_n to_o set_v this_o people_n right_a in_o what_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n i_o intend_v ere_o long_o if_o no_o less_o will_v serve_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o discourse_v these_o matter_n more_o full_o at_o some_o

offer_v to_o the_o natural_a motion_n of_o the_o water_n which_o in_o all_o those_o motion_n be_v keep_v entire_o suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o with_o the_o same_o and_o much_o great_a facility_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n can_v and_o often_o do_v infallible_o guide_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n yea_o of_o king_n and_o yet_o without_o force_n or_o violation_n of_o its_o natural_a liberty_n there_o be_v never_o any_o age_n nor_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o this_o divine_a efflux_n upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o will_n it_o be_v as_o universal_a and_o common_a as_o the_o light_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n only_o upon_o some_o in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v more_o special_a and_o effectual_a than_o upon_o other_o even_o in_o the_o gentile_a world_n i_o have_v always_o esteem_v those_o excellent_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_a famous_a for_o wisdom_n justice_n piety_n and_o knowledge_n as_o man_n illuminate_v and_o guide_v by_o this_o divine_a influence_n though_o possible_o communicate_v to_o they_o in_o a_o more_o signal_n manner_n than_o to_o other_o man_n such_o be_v socrates_n plato_n zeno_n citticus_fw-la solon_n lycurgus_n pythagoras_n tully_n seneca_n aristotle_n and_o divers_a other_o excellent_a philosopher_n moralist_n and_o lawgiver_n among_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n excite_v illuminate_v and_o instruct_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o prepare_v the_o heathen_a world_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o great_a light_n when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o select_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o special_a government_n the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o descendant_n the_o jewish_a nation_n he_o set_v they_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n like_o a_o beacon_n upon_o a_o hill_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o common_a instruction_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n make_v they_o signal_n to_o all_o the_o world_n by_o his_o special_a government_n over_o they_o by_o miracle_n sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o give_v they_o law_n from_o heaven_n in_o great_a majesty_n and_o terror_n by_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a oracle_n by_o raise_v up_o prophet_n and_o man_n special_o inspire_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o by_o effuse_v among_o they_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o sacred_a spirit_n for_o that_o i_o may_v say_v it_o once_o for_o all_o it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n when_o he_o send_v out_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o this_o influx_n whereof_o i_o speak_v the_o divine_a providence_n accompany_v that_o efflux_n with_o suitable_a external_a mean_n to_o render_v it_o the_o more_o effectual_a and_o the_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n but_o when_o the_o messiah_n come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o the_o message_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n the_o sun_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o meridian_n and_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n unto_o god_n be_v more_o effectual_a and_o universal_a so_o be_v also_o the_o efflux_n and_o irradiation_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n more_o vigorous_a diffusive_a and_o universal_a and_o as_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n of_o heal_v disease_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o like_a to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v man_n mind_n in_o the_o faith_n belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o neither_o be_v this_o all_o but_o the_o secret_a and_o effectual_a influence_n of_o the_o same_o bless_a spirit_n appear_v in_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o persuade_v and_o mighty_o subdue_a their_o will_n to_o the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o convert_v man_n mind_n unto_o god_n and_o place_v they_o in_o they_o just_a and_o due_a habitude_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o various_a working_n thereof_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n the_o spirit_n of_o renovation_n the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o spirit_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o various_a energy_n that_o this_o great_a effusion_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o this_o great_a and_o more_o diffusive_a and_o effectual_a effusion_n of_o this_o influence_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n isa_n 25.7_o i_o will_v destroy_v in_o this_o mountain_n the_o cover_v cast_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o all_o people_n isa_n 11.9_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n isa_n 54.13_o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n isa_n 59.20_o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o they_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o nor_o from_o thy_o seed_n nor_o from_o thy_o seed_n seed_n ezek._n 36.27_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o keep_v my_o judgement_n and_o do_v they_o isa_n 44.3_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o thy_o seed_n joel_n 2.28_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o this_o energy_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n appear_v 1._o by_o a_o secret_a irradiation_n and_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n 2._o by_o a_o powerful_a persuasion_n and_o incline_v of_o the_o will_n both_o which_o as_o they_o be_v with_o a_o more_o vigorous_a and_o effectual_a dispensation_n under_o the_o first_o break_v out_o of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o they_o do_v accompany_v the_o publication_n of_o it_o unto_o this_o day_n and_o shall_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n though_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o mankind_n not_o with_o equal_a success_n in_o all_o age_n we_o have_v here_o the_o judgement_n and_o belief_n of_o this_o great_a and_o good_a man_n of_o a_o divine_a efflux_n upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n of_o man_n and_o that_o even_o among_o the_o heathen_a those_o so_o fame_v for_o wisdom_n justice_n piety_n and_o knowledge_n be_v illuminate_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o divine_a influence_n and_o we_o have_v here_o also_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o his_o judgement_n 1._o observation_n in_o nature_n 2._o the_o sentiment_n of_o learned_a and_o understanding_n man_n philosopher_n in_o all_o age_n 3._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n to_o which_o he_o elsewhere_o add_v his_o own_o experience_n and_o whereas_o he_o have_v in_o some_o thing_n change_v his_o opinion_n as_o he_o see_v cause_n from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o his_o young_a time_n this_o he_o receive_v early_o as_o appear_v by_o some_o of_o his_o first_o write_n and_o retain_v constant_o to_o the_o last_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o treatise_n of_o humility_n which_o he_o write_v upon_o my_o motion_n not_o long_o before_o his_o last_o sickness_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n after_o other_o particular_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n he_o add_v in_o the_o 10_o place_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o secret_a but_o a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o high_o improve_v that_o wisdom_n which_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n bring_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o those_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n have_v a_o secret_a guidance_n from_o a_o high_a wisdom_n than_o what_o be_v bare_o humane_a namely_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n that_o do_v real_o and_o true_o but_o secret_o prevent_v and_o direct_v they_o and_o let_v no_o man_n think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o fanaticism_n any_o man_n that_o sincere_o and_o true_o fear_v almighty_a god_n rely_v upon_o he_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o guidance_n and_o direction_n have_v it_o as_o real_o as_o the_o son_n have_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o father_n and_o though_o the_o voice_n be_v not_o audible_a nor_o the_o direction_n always_o perceptible_a to_o sense_n yet_o it_o be_v equal_o as_o real_a as_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o voice_n say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o and_o this_o secret_a direction_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v principal_o see_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n

humane_a in_o many_o case_n wherein_o the_o general_a prescript_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o as_o many_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o may_v not_o be_v expedient_a so_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v expedient_a or_o necessary_a which_o may_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v duty_n in_o themselves_o evidence_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o write_a word_n and_o to_o the_o successful_a performance_n of_o acknowledge_a duty_n certain_a circumstance_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o unless_o due_o observe_v all_o endeavour_n will_v be_v frustrate_a and_o all_o these_o expedience_n and_o circumstance_n may_v be_v and_o frequent_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o discernible_a by_o we_o mortal_n without_o some_o notice_n from_o more_o intelligent_a being_n if_o therefore_o the_o all-seeing_a wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n be_v please_v either_o immediate_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n or_o mediate_o by_o any_o of_o the_o invisible_a minister_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o afford_v any_o such_o divine_a favour_n to_o such_o mortal_n as_o be_v due_o dispose_v for_o the_o same_o if_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o be_v please_v by_o any_o secret_a impression_n upon_o his_o heart_n or_o mind_n or_o other_o notice_n to_o conduct_v he_o in_o these_o thing_n or_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n though_o without_o manifest_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o exercise_v his_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o the_o subjection_n of_o his_o intellect_n to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o his_o will_n to_o obedience_n to_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o who_o after_o competent_a experience_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v disobedient_a to_o any_o such_o notice_n will_v certain_o incur_v sin_n more_o or_o less_o and_o just_o deserve_v correction_n so_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o impiety_n against_o that_o holy_a majesty_n and_o mischief_n to_o man_n to_o raise_v among_o they_o any_o scandal_n or_o prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o thereupon_o a_o great_a indisposition_n for_o it_o by_o any_o undue_a opposition_n of_o fanaticism_n without_o sufficient_a distinction_n and_o caution_n than_o it_o be_v impudence_n and_o inconsiderateness_n in_o other_o to_o expose_v themselves_o and_o their_o follower_n to_o the_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n by_o high_a pretence_n to_o such_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a favour_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o or_o notice_n of_o those_o special_a qualification_n and_o caution_n for_o trial_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o capacitate_v they_o for_o such_o favour_n and_o to_o secure_v they_o against_o such_o delusion_n it_o require_v therefore_o no_o small_a caution_n to_o use_v this_o author_n expression_n that_o under_o a_o invidious_a name_n they_o reject_v not_o such_o favour_n or_o calumniate_v such_o a_o holy_a conduct_n and_o that_o they_o especial_o who_o reproach_n other_o with_o limit_v the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o themselves_o in_o this_o what_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o condemn_v in_o other_o with_o less_o reason_n and_o certain_o great_a caution_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v use_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o we_o presume_v not_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n what_o be_v mere_o the_o imagination_n or_o effusion_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n what_o be_v mere_o humane_a invention_n or_o artifice_n and_o even_o the_o inspiration_n and_o delusion_n of_o satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v great_a indignity_n common_o do_v to_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a spirit_n and_o great_a sin_n contract_v by_o man_n arrogate_a to_o themselves_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v little_a of_o and_o recommend_v themselves_o and_o their_o performance_n upon_o such_o high_a pretence_n and_o great_a scandal_n give_v to_o people_n to_o think_v mean_o of_o so_o great_a a_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n there_o be_v three_o greatmean_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n natural_a reason_n supernatural_a revelation_n communicate_v by_o person_n authorize_v by_o divine_a commission_n so_o to_o do_v and_o special_a illumination_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o careful_o use_v all_o these_o in_o their_o due_a order_n can_v err_v but_o they_o who_o set_v up_o these_o one_o against_o another_o do_v usual_o run_v themselves_o and_o lead_v other_o into_o great_a error_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o great_a disorder_n and_o mischief_n have_v through_o the_o subtlety_n and_o energy_n of_o satan_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o person_n pretend_v to_o some_o one_o of_o these_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o opposition_n to_o some_o other_o of_o they_o either_o of_o right_a reason_n or_o of_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o they_o who_o pretend_v most_o to_o right_a reason_n in_o opposition_n to_o inspiration_n be_v even_o therein_o very_o strong_o inspire_v but_o by_o the_o subtle_a spirit_n of_o opposition_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n as_o great_a and_o pernicious_a fanatic_n as_o any_o though_o they_o least_o suspect_v it_o but_o not_o only_o those_o unhappy_a atheistical_a pretender_n to_o reason_n who_o despise_v all_o revelation_n and_o reveal_v religion_n but_o such_o as_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o that_o insolent_a and_o presumptuous_a sect_n who_o assert_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o strain_n and_o wrest_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o preconceived_n notion_n but_o more_o moderate_a man_n and_o such_o as_o pretend_v high_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o most_o pure_a spiritual_a worship_n and_o cry_v out_o against_o man-made_a divinity_n and_o against_o fanaticism_n too_o by_o indulge_v too_o much_o to_o their_o own_o conceit_n have_v 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receive_v as_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n

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christian_a blessing_n be_v not_o upon_o they_o because_o he_o do_v not_o favour_n schism_n and_o division_n yet_o be_v his_o protection_n over_o they_o as_o his_o instrument_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o judgement_n and_o in_o some_o thing_n to_o raise_v a_o emulation_n in_o those_o of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o will_v lay_v it_o to_o heart_n and_o understand_v it_o for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o all_o but_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o may_v serve_v for_o admonition_n and_o notice_n of_o something_o amiss_o in_o the_o church_n this_o which_o i_o have_v now_o say_v may_v be_v of_o use_v not_o only_o to_o they_o of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o to_o all_o the_o several_a separate_a party_n and_o deserve_v their_o very_a serious_a and_o deep_a consideration_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o light_a matter_n to_o make_v a_o schism_n or_o division_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o have_v be_v look_v upon_o in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n and_o whoever_o do_v well_o consider_v the_o several_a weighty_a admonition_n in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v it_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o benumed_a conscience_n will_v not_o make_v light_n of_o it_o nor_o yield_v to_o plausible_a pretence_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o bad_a but_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n and_o subtle_a suggestion_n of_o satan_n can_v put_v a_o colour_n upon_o it_o nor_o so_o good_a but_o they_o can_v misrepresent_v it_o and_o disparage_v it_o but_o it_o be_v dangerous_a and_o very_a imprudent_a to_o play_v trick_n with_o sacred_a thing_n any_o thing_n else_o may_v be_v more_o safe_o meddle_v with_o in_o that_o manner_n this_o do_v concern_v they_o all_o in_o general_a and_o i_o must_v add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o more_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a of_o they_o that_o i_o have_v yet_o talk_v with_o that_o can_v or_o will_v deny_v that_o their_o party_n be_v much_o sink_v in_o piety_n and_o virtue_n from_o those_o degree_n of_o 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settle_v of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o they_o according_o in_o all_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o convert_v do_v ordain_v elder_n and_o give_v authority_n to_o other_o to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o so_o settle_v a_o succession_n in_o the_o church_n which_o have_v continue_v all_o over_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o corrupt_v in_o his_o time_n as_o provoke_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o be_v a_o monument_n thereof_o all_o over_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n and_o yet_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o disciple_n do_v ever_o refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o till_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o allow_v they_o to_o separate_v that_o he_o foretell_v

whether_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n or_o one_o of_o those_o seduce_v spirit_n to_o who_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n that_o some_o will_v give_v heed_n be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n express_o say_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o take_v this_o into_o very_o deep_a consideration_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o many_o and_o weighty_a caution_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o leave_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o our_o warning_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o and_o not_o to_o go_v out_o after_o they_o with_o admonition_n concern_v their_o subtlety_n their_o energy_n or_o power_n and_o their_o strong_a delusion_n to_o deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_n and_o that_o even_a satan_n himself_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n that_o be_v put_v on_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 2_o cor._n 11.14_o and_o last_o that_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o jo._n 4.1_o 2._o because_o if_o the_o trial_n be_v by_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n with_o the_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n authorize_v by_o he_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v apostatise_v and_o go_v off_o or_o at_o least_o fall_v short_a of_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o special_a concern_v those_o before_o mention_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o some_o spirit_n of_o error_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o devil_n himself_o have_v that_o malice_n and_o envy_n against_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n by_o who_o he_o have_v be_v conquer_a and_o vanquish_a and_o against_o the_o solemn_a memorial_n of_o that_o victory_n that_o can_v he_o but_o keep_v people_n from_o engage_v in_o that_o holy_a covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n and_o from_o the_o solemnity_n of_o that_o memorial_n he_o will_v be_v willing_a himself_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o other_o truth_n upon_o that_o condition_n rather_o than_o fail_v yet_o notwithstanding_o since_o they_o be_v a_o sober_a people_n have_v receive_v retain_v and_o do_v act_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v divers_a commendable_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o what_o error_n they_o have_v fall_v into_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n give_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n who_o will_v have_v a_o sad_a account_n to_o answer_v for_o it_o i_o do_v hope_n in_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a spirit_n which_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o they_o he_o shall_v lead_v and_o dispose_v those_o who_o be_v sincere_a among_o they_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o those_o thing_n whereto_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o resign_v the_o conduct_n of_o they_o to_o a_o more_o powerful_a and_o better_a guide_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v such_o a_o society_n of_o complete_a christian_n come_v out_o of_o this_o despise_a people_n as_o be_v at_o this_o time_n hardly_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o i_o know_v of_o these_o be_v my_o thought_n and_o hope_n concern_v this_o people_n in_o general_n at_o present_a and_o hope_n i_o say_v ground_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o power_n of_o god_n which_o no_o good_a be_v will_v oppose_v nor_o no_o evil_a power_n can_v stand_v before_o and_o in_o his_o name_n i_o come_v unto_o you_o know_v assure_o that_o neither_o i_o nor_o any_o humane_a ability_n be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o power_n that_o be_v among_o you_o notwithstanding_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o have_v mention_v already_o and_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n almighty_n through_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n more_o full_o to_o explain_v unto_o you_o in_o due_a time_n but_o as_o i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a power_n it_o will_v favour_v i_o and_o assist_v i_o in_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o too_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a power_n commissioned_n it_o must_v cease_v and_o submit_v to_o that_o victorious_a and_o all-conquering_a name_n its_o enchantment_n must_v be_v dissolve_v and_o its_o sophistry_n and_o fallacy_n detect_v i_o therefore_o as_o a_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o meekness_n of_o christ_n beseech_v you_o be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v they_o with_o that_o reverence_n and_o gratitude_n that_o be_v meet_v without_o cavil_v or_o regard_n to_o any_o temporal_a concern_v i_o do_v not_o invite_v you_o to_o return_v to_o the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n which_o you_o have_v forsake_v but_o to_o those_o truth_n and_o to_o the_o due_a use_n of_o those_o holy_a thing_n against_o which_o you_o have_v be_v scandalize_v by_o those_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n nor_o do_v i_o invite_v you_o to_o dissolve_v your_o society_n or_o to_o leave_v off_o your_o meeting_n and_o drown_v yourselves_o in_o a_o promiscuous_a multitude_n no_o you_o have_v in_o part_n bear_v a_o good_a testimony_n and_o i_o will_v have_v you_o do_v so_o still_o but_o i_o invite_v you_o only_o to_o make_v your_o testimony_n more_o complete_a illustrious_a and_o irrefragable_a by_o bear_v your_o testimony_n to_o the_o whole_a truth_n and_o not_o any_o long_o a_o testimony_n like_o the_o foot_n of_o daniel_n image_n partly_o strong_a and_o partly_o weak_a by_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n with_o falsehood_n for_o that_o can_v stand_v long_o together_o but_o to_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v and_o set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v that_o you_o may_v stand_v for_o otherwise_o you_o will_v certain_o be_v break_v to_o piece_n i_o invite_v you_o but_o to_o what_o i_o be_o do_v myself_o with_o a_o small_a company_n of_o poor_a people_n that_o be_v bear_v a_o testimony_n for_o god_n and_o manifest_o under_o his_o conduct_n but_o it_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o to_o who_o it_o have_v be_v offer_v for_o a_o sufficient_a time_n and_o in_o a_o sufficient_a manner_n consider_v their_o learning_n and_o pretence_n to_o knowledge_n and_o now_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o you_o a_o despise_a people_n that_o god_n may_v humble_v the_o proud_a and_o highminded_a and_o confound_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a by_o mean_a and_o despicable_a thing_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o men._n be_v wise_a and_o neglect_v not_o the_o opportunity_n and_o you_o who_o be_v last_o in_o the_o world_n account_n shall_v be_v first_o what_o ever_o you_o do_v you_o will_v find_v there_o be_v solid_a truth_n in_o the_o proposal_n and_o i_o wish_v you_o may_v receive_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o your_o own_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n and_o you_o will_v then_o find_v i_o to_o have_v be_v your_o sincere_a and_o cordial_a friend_n e._n s._n 31_o aug._n 1696._o after_o this_o there_o be_v other_o letter_n and_o paper_n send_v which_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o hereafter_o as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n but_o the_o last_o contain_v certain_a question_n which_o i_o think_v fit_a now_o to_o propose_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o who_o be_v sincere_a and_o do_v desire_v not_o to_o deceive_v themselves_o nor_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o will_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n if_o any_o notwithstanding_o will_v presume_v to_o go_v on_o in_o any_o false_a or_o erroneous_a way_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o and_o their_o blood_n if_o they_o miscarry_v must_v be_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n for_o the_o design_n and_o use_v of_o these_o question_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o case_n what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o some_o subtle_a spirit_n of_o delusion_n whether_o they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o or_o counterfeit_n christian_n that_o be_v antichristian_o whether_o hypocritical_a professor_n in_o word_n but_o renagadoe_n in_o deed_n refuse_v the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n or_o such_o sincere_a christian_n as_o be_v ready_a to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n out_o of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o out_o of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o imagination_n and_o error_n and_o mistake_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n or_o of_o delusion_n and_o perdition_n the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v

all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v question_n propose_v to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n first_o to_o their_o minister_n at_o their_o second_o day_n meet_v and_o now_o to_o they_o all_o for_o the_o better_a examination_n and_o rectify_v some_o error_n and_o mistake_v among_o they_o i._o whither_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a party_n of_o fall_v angel_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n which_o be_v enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o with_o all_o the_o power_n activity_n and_o subtlety_n they_o can_v do_v continual_o endeavour_v to_o hinder_v their_o salvation_n and_o communion_n and_o union_n with_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n ii_o whether_o the_o word_n which_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n be_v not_o make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o call_v jesus_n which_o signify_v a_o saviour_n and_o christ_n the_o messiah_n the_o anoint_a of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n iii_o whether_o his_o appearance_n in_o mortal_a flesh_n be_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o prince_n of_o that_o party_n of_o fall_v angel_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n to_o all_o who_o receive_v he_o and_o subject_n themselves_o entire_o to_o his_o teach_n by_o his_o example_n and_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n and_o order_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o and_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o mind_n iv_o whether_o he_o be_v not_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n so_o that_o man_n can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o the_o holy_a god_n or_o participation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n but_o by_o and_o through_o he_o v._o whether_o that_o party_n of_o fall_v angel_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n know_v this_o do_v not_o above_o all_o thing_n endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o withhold_v people_n from_o close_v and_o unite_n with_o that_o holy_a mediator_n and_o to_o withdraw_v as_o many_o as_o they_o can_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v from_o he_o vi_o whether_o their_o most_o dangerous_a and_o subtle_a act_n in_o this_o opposition_n be_v not_o principal_o by_o way_n of_o deceit_n under_o the_o appearance_n and_o pretence_n of_o good_a to_o man_n and_o of_o good_a spirit_n vii_o whether_o it_o have_v not_o be_v foretold_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n especial_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o false_a teacher_n who_o with_o such_o specious_a pretence_n and_o secret_a energy_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v away_o people_n from_o the_o faith_n as_o to_o deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_n and_o warning_n give_v to_o beware_v of_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n viii_o whether_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o same_o and_o a_o holy_a and_o pure_a spirit_n a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n lead_v into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o from_o all_o fraud_n deceit_n and_o fallacy_n cavil_n and_o shuffle_a evasion_n ix_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o christ_n jesus_n who_o have_v do_v so_o much_o for_o man_n shall_v prescribe_v what_o manner_n he_o please_v for_o his_o people_n engage_v with_o he_o and_o for_o their_o recognise_v he_o and_o make_v their_o solemn_a address_n to_o the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o what_o order_n he_o please_v and_o will_v have_v observe_v and_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n x._o whether_o to_o oppose_v such_o appointment_n prescription_n or_o order_n or_o to_o cavil_v at_o they_o seek_v evasion_n or_o pretence_n to_o neglect_v they_o and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n be_v not_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o insincerity_n and_o of_o a_o subtle_a antichristian_a spirit_n of_o satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n xi_o whether_o jesus_n christ_n beside_o his_o general_n command_v to_o his_o apostle_n after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o go_v to_o the_o gentile_n 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 etc._n etc._n do_v not_o for_o forty_o day_n show_v himself_o to_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n until_o the_o day_n in_o which_o he_o be_v take_v up_o after_o that_o he_o through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v give_v commandment_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o or_o with_o those_o commandment_n give_v they_o sufficient_a instruction_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o constitute_v his_o church_n which_o he_o purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n xii_o whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n faithful_o pursue_v his_o command_n and_o direction_n xiii_o whether_o beside_o his_o express_a command_n and_o direction_n they_o do_v not_o also_o receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o have_v the_o same_o reside_v in_o they_o and_o manifest_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o by_o extraordinary_a operation_n to_o guide_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o work_n fourteen_o whether_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o command_n to_o make_v disciple_n in_o all_o nation_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n baptise_v they_o as_o aforesaid_a and_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o do_v not_o in_o all_o place_n preach_v the_o gospel_n exhort_v the_o people_n to_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o baptize_v with_o water_n those_o who_o do_v believe_v though_o baptize_v before_o with_o john_n baptism_n and_o though_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n xv._o whether_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o people_n convert_v by_o they_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o when_o they_o come_v together_o in_o one_o or_o assemble_v for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n break_v bread_n and_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o do_v as_o their_o lord_n do_v and_o command_v they_o to_o do_v and_o that_o so_o constant_o that_o there_o be_v not_o know_v any_o assembly_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o in_o many_o age_n after_o to_o have_v be_v hold_v for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n without_o it_o xvi_o whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o ordain_v elder_n and_o appoint_v other_o by_o special_a appointment_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o every_o city_n by_o such_o authority_n that_o none_o do_v presume_v to_o take_v the_o office_n of_o elder_n unto_o himself_o but_o who_o be_v so_o ordain_v or_o the_o office_n of_o ordain_v elder_n but_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o afterward_o but_o who_o have_v be_v infamous_a ever_o since_o xvii_o whether_o see_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o though_o he_o need_v not_o will_v notwithstanding_o be_v baptize_v with_o water_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o thereupon_o have_v sensible_a approbation_n from_o heaven_n do_v also_o by_o his_o apostle_n baptize_v with_o water_n and_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o practice_n that_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n do_v understand_v his_o command_n to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n of_o baptism_n by_o water_n and_o as_o necessary_a for_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o baptism_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v peculiar_a to_o himself_o whether_o i_o say_v this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o force_a and_o strain_a interpretation_n without_o any_o sound_a ground_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o most_o authentic_a mean_n of_o explain_v word_n to_o restrain_v that_o command_n to_o baptism_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n only_o xviii_o whether_o if_o such_o construction_n be_v by_o any_o spirit_n more_o than_o humane_a it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n or_o satan_n transform_v to_o withhold_v man_n under_o his_o own_o dominion_n from_o solemn_o engage_v with_o christ_n and_o from_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o his_o name_n or_o if_o it_o be_v only_o by_o opinion_n of_o man_n such_o opinion_n obstinate_o persist_v in_o be_v not_o a_o damnable_a sin_n contrary_a to_o subjection_n of_o all_o imagination_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o subvert_v of_o soul_n and_o such_o teacher_n to_o be_v abominate_v and_o anathamatize_v by_o all_o sincere_a christian_n as_o seducer_n and_o the_o minister_n and_o instrument_n of_o satan_n though_o they_o appear_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n xix_o whether_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a belief_n of_o all_o nation_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n that_o they_o have_v a_o real_a though_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o god_n they_o worship_v in_o their_o participation_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n as_o st._n paul_n intimate_v 1_o cor._n 10._o and_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o