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discourage_v and_o frustrate_v the_o most_o vigorous_a endeavour_n and_o that_o man_n will_v have_v a_o strange_a notion_n of_o god_n that_o will_v fancy_v his_o command_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o yet_o not_o direct_v we_o to_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v do_v so_o 2._o that_o this_o rule_n be_v obvious_a and_o plain_a and_o intend_v for_o the_o guidance_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o man_n hereby_o know_v we_o etc._n etc._n and_o certain_o he_o intend_v not_o hereby_o only_o himself_o or_o apostle_n like_o himself_o but_o all_o those_o who_o in_o verse_n 1._o he_o have_v exhort_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o not_o present_o to_o believe_v every_o pretence_n of_o it_o which_o be_v equal_o the_o interest_n and_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n it_o be_v true_a the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o it_o
proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n now_o if_o you_o think_v that_o i_o be_o injurious_a in_o refer_v thus_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n only_o to_o this_o one_o rule_n while_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o s._n john_n lay_v down_o two_o more_o in_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o shall_v ready_o confess_v the_o charge_n but_o without_o any_o imputation_n of_o injustice_n yea_o shall_v take_v advantage_n from_o hence_o the_o more_o to_o strengthen_v this_o assertion_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a rule_n forasmuch_o as_o both_o the_o other_o do_v relate_v to_o it_o and_o be_v instance_n of_o it_o for_o a_o free_a undaunted_a confess_v of_o christ_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o love_v cordial_o our_o brethren_n be_v both_o of_o they_o chief_a branch_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o indeed_o as_o they_o be_v almost_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n command_v by_o our_o saviour_n 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positive_a and_o plain_a and_o twice_o repeat_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o doubt_v of_o it_o or_o forget_v it_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o i._n e._n by_o the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o doctrine_n by_o such_o conclusion_n as_o do_v natural_o and_o by_o right_n argue_v follow_v from_o they_o so_o that_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o trial_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o not_o by_o what_o a_o man_n can_v discover_v in_o the_o professor_n or_o venture_n of_o such_o doctrine_n for_o these_o many_o time_n be_v very_o close_a and_o subtle_a hypocrite_n and_o lead_v their_o life_n with_o very_o great_a heed_n and_o wariness_n wear_v the_o sheep_n skin_n to_o conceal_v the_o wolf_n heart_n and_o always_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n to_o cover_v their_o malicious_a and_o rot_a design_n and_o no_o wonder_n for_o satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n but_o by_o the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v almost_o utter_o impossible_a to_o make_v a_o discovery_n of_o doctrine_n by_o this_o rule_n since_o all_o man_n do_v not_o live_v up_o exact_o to_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o tenet_n one_o man_n may_v have_v a_o right_a faith_n and_o yet_o lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n and_o another_o may_v have_v a_o rot_a false_a belief_n in_o some_o particular_n and_o yet_o be_v tolerable_o well_o in_o his_o life_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o many_o a_o well-meaning_a man_n may_v embrace_v a_o error_n in_o simplicity_n without_o understand_v right_o what_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v yea_o perhaps_o without_o ever_o practise_v those_o consequence_n man_n may_v be_v honest_a and_o yet_o careless_a and_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a too_o but_o i_o shall_v say_v more_o to_o this_o hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v rest_v satisfy_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o fruit_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o proper_a product_n of_o such_o doctrine_n and_o this_o he_o clear_v and_o assure_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o by_o a_o excellent_a and_o well_o know_v comparison_n and_o indeed_o it_o hold_v true_a both_o way_n man_n do_v not_o gather_v grape_n from_o thorn_n nor_o fig_n from_o thistle_n nor_o do_v vine_n yield_v the_o berry_n of_o thorn_n nor_o do_v the_o down_o of_o thistle_n grow_v upon_o figtree_n for_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o god_n know_v too_o common_a too_o for_o a_o man_n to_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n 1.18_o rom._n 1.18_o yet_o the_o unrighteousness_n issue_v from_o the_o man_n not_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o though_o a_o heretic_n may_v possible_o be_v eminent_a in_o some_o good_a thing_n yet_o his_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o it_o not_o his_o head_n i._n e._n his_o goodness_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o error_n nor_o upon_o any_o account_n at_o all_o ascribable_a to_o it_o so_o than_o if_o we_o keep_v we_o to_o our_o saviour_n sense_n the_o rule_n be_v true_a and_o will_v never_o deceive_v we_o those_o doctrine_n that_o design_v nothing_o but_o to_o make_v man_n pure_a and_o holy_a and_o conscientious_a and_o strict_o regardful_a of_o our_o christian_a duty_n can_v but_o issue_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o satan_n can_v never_o be_v contributive_a to_o a_o doctrine_n that_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o his_o design_n and_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n but_o whatever_o doctrine_n or_o broacher_n of_o they_o do_v any_o way_n infuse_v into_o man_n or_o encourage_v and_o prompt_v they_o to_o any_o impiety_n any_o sin_n let_v their_o show_n be_v never_o so_o specious_a their_o pretence_n never_o so_o fair_a yet_o those_o prophet_n be_v false_a prophet_n and_o those_o doctrine_n fume_n from_o hell_n who_o great_a design_n it_o be_v to_o corrupt_v man_n manner_n debauch_v their_o life_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o piety_n this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v from_o these_o two_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o true_o i_o think_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v enough_o to_o confirm_v the_o collection_n and_o to_o gain_v the_o assent_n of_o every_o good_a christian_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o chap._n iu._n the_o old_a testament_n cite_v also_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o and_o two_o great_a consideration_n add_v to_o give_v more_o evidence_n to_o it_o this_o the_o rule_n to_o try_v prophet_n by_o of_o old_a and_o the_o best_a criterion_n of_o a_o true_a divine_a miracle_n the_o former_a chapter_n have_v acquaint_v you_o with_o some_o proof_n for_o this_o out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o add_v some_o to_o they_o also_o out_o of_o the_o old_a for_o this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n nor_o unknown_a to_o the_o jew_n in_o time_n of_o old_a but_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o also_o as_o the_o great_a rule_n to_o judge_v by_o in_o this_o case_n of_o which_o i_o take_v that_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o be_v clear_a evidence_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n 8.20_o isaiah_n 8.20_o and_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o in_o the_o precede_a verse_n the_o prophet_n be_v inveigh_v against_o and_o condemn_v the_o attend_v to_o any_o extraordinary_a pretender_n to_o knowledge_n or_o revelation_n such_o as_o wizard_n and_o necromancer_n and_o those_o that_o consult_v familiar_a spirit_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o lay_v down_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o try_v all_o revelation_n and_o
omniscient_a and_o active_a and_o can_v never_o fail_v either_o to_o know_v what_o doctrine_n will_v best_o comport_v with_o its_o great_a design_n among_o man_n or_o to_o pursue_v and_o reveal_v those_o doctrine_n to_o man_n when_o it_o have_v pitch_v on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o will_v consider_v how_o very_a subtle_a a_o spirit_n the_o devil_n be_v and_o how_o unwearied_o restless_a in_o manage_v his_o own_o design_n in_o the_o world_n can_v neither_o think_v he_o ignorant_a and_o unable_a to_o pitch_v upon_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v conducive_a to_o that_o design_n nor_o slow_a and_o backward_o to_o obtrude_v the_o belief_n of_o they_o upon_o man_n he_o that_o think_v otherwise_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n think_v very_o unbecome_o of_o god_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v preclude_v the_o way_n to_o his_o own_o welfare_n and_o safety_n and_o deprive_v himself_o of_o that_o comfort_n which_o will_v issue_v from_o the_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o omniscience_n and_o providence_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n for_o his_o good_a and_o he_o that_o think_v otherwise_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o look_n upon_o the_o devil_n either_o as_o a_o dull_a and_o unactive_a or_o a_o silly_a and_o ignorant_a spirit_n be_v imprudent_a and_o injurious_a to_o himself_o in_o undervalue_v that_o enemy_n against_o who_o subtlety_n and_o strength_n his_o utmost_a endeavour_n will_v be_v little_a enough_o he_o be_v call_v a_o lion_n for_o his_o strength_n and_o a_o old_a serpent_n for_o his_o subtlety_n and_o his_o restlessness_n to_o execute_v the_o effect_n of_o both_o render_v he_o just_o formidable_a 3._o three_o the_o great_a end_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n be_v only_o these_o to_o make_v man_n real_o and_o true_o holy_a and_o to_o make_v they_o real_o impure_a and_o vicious_a the_o first_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n this_o latter_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o 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discover_v itself_o for_o since_o all_o the_o design_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o it_o may_v thereby_o lead_v they_o to_o all_o goodness_n and_o since_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n design_n direct_o the_o contrary_a and_o since_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o issue_n from_o these_o be_v direct_v only_o to_o these_o great_a end_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o whatever_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o holiness_n must_v needs_o issue_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o whatever_o tend_v to_o the_o contrary_a must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o judge_v whence_o they_o proceed_v by_o for_o these_o two_o spirit_n will_v ever_o be_v true_a to_o their_o own_o purpose_n and_o interest_n and_o will_v always_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o promote_a of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o they_o propose_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n 2._o another_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o author_n thereof_o prudent_a and_o wise_a every_o doctrine_n therein_o will_v be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o comport_v with_o and_o promote_v the_o great_a aim_n of_o the_o whole_a otherwise_o he_o will_v in_o effect_n pull_v down_o with_o one_o hand_n what_o he_o endeavour_v to_o build_v with_o the_o other_o now_o he_o that_o will_v consider_v and_o examine_v this_o religion_n with_o that_o seriousness_n and_o impartiality_n that_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v just_o expect_v and_o challenge_v from_o all_o man_n will_v soon_o find_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o what_o s._n paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3.16_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o a_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n be_v indeed_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n for_o his_o spotless_a innocency_n as_o well_o as_o other_o reason_n a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n a_o divine_a person_n who_o life_n be_v never_o sully_v with_o the_o least_o of_o those_o crime_n which_o so_o horrible_o stain_v the_o life_n of_o the_o heathen_a deity_n who_o innocency_n approve_v itself_o so_o clear_o to_o his_o very_a judge_n as_o to_o extort_v from_o he_o this_o confession_n that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a person_n 27.24_o mat._n 27.24_o yea_o that_o most_o envious_a and_o critical_a observer_n as_o well_o as_o virulent_a accuser_n of_o good_a man_n can_v find_v nothing_o whereof_o to_o accuse_v the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n come_v and_o find_v nothing_o in_o i_o and_o if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o religion_n that_o he_o institute_v in_o the_o world_n you_o will_v soon_o find_v how_o exact_o it_o resemble_v and_o bear_v the_o lineament_n of_o its_o holy_a author_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o all_o its_o precept_n and_o command_n be_v so_o many_o injunction_n of_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o holiness_n or_o prohibition_n of_o the_o contrary_a instance_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n all_o its_o promise_n be_v great_a encouragement_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o purpose_n of_o those_o command_n and_o its_o threaten_n be_v add_v only_o to_o deter_v and_o affright_v they_o from_o all_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v we_o survey_v the_o article_n of_o its_o faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o it_o propose_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v soon_o find_v how_o mighty_a wise_o they_o be_v all_o contrive_v to_o promote_v the_o same_o great_a end_n even_o those_o that_o seem_v most_o speculative_a and_o irrelative_a to_o duty_n yet_o upon_o a_o close_a view_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v excellent_o conducive_a to_o it_o for_o
be_v well_o when_o they_o do_v and_o in_o many_o case_n mighty_a prudent_a to_o seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n consult_v he_o often_o in_o our_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n and_o not_o be_v too_o peremptory_a in_o our_o own_o conclusion_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v with_o reason_n believe_v that_o god_n ever_o intend_v these_o to_o be_v the_o only_a oracle_n to_o which_o every_o christian_a shall_v repair_v and_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o response_n of_o i_o think_v i_o can_v urge_v inconvenience_n against_o this_o which_o the_o whole_a conclave_n will_v be_v something_o puzzle_v to_o solve_v as_o god_n have_v endue_v every_o man_n with_o a_o soul_n and_o that_o soul_n with_o a_o understanding_n and_o that_o understanding_n with_o power_n of_o judge_v and_o discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v and_o command_v every_o man_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o this_o talon_n and_o diligent_a in_o improve_n and_o increase_n his_o stock_n of_o light_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o take_v the_o better_a heed_n he_o be_v not_o deceive_v so_o doubtless_o he_o have_v substitute_v a_o way_n by_o which_o every_o man_n may_v do_v this_o and_o have_v not_o intend_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o to_o be_v confine_v only_o to_o some_o few_o particular_a person_n it_o have_v be_v long_o since_o object_v and_o design_v to_o reproach_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o content_v themselves_o with_o familiar_a representation_n of_o thing_n accommodate_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o not_o fit_a to_o satisfy_v the_o inquiry_n and_o exercise_v the_o curiosity_n of_o deep_a speculator_n and_o subtle_a philosopher_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o objection_n have_v be_v willing_o grant_v as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o yet_o the_o honour_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o for_o that_o reason_n vindicate_v and_o god_n goodness_n thereupon_o magnify_v and_o exalt_v who_o foresee_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o follower_n will_v not_o be_v great_a clerk_n and_o deep_a scholar_n but_o illiterate_a and_o plain_a man_n have_v merciful_o consult_v their_o weakness_n and_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o provide_v for_o it_o and_o he_o that_o consider_v that_o god_n value_v the_o soul_n of_o one_o man_n equal_o with_o another_o and_o desire_v equal_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o will_v present_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o he_o have_v consult_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o man_n and_o not_o set_v up_o a_o rule_n to_o judge_v truth_n by_o which_o shall_v be_v mighty_a obscure_a and_o intricate_a and_o very_o few_o only_o some_o learned_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o reap_v benefit_n from_o thus_o much_o therefore_o we_o have_v gain_v from_o this_o text_n both_o that_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o way_n by_o which_o to_o know_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o that_o this_o be_v such_o a_o way_n as_o all_o man_n may_v improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o the_o same_o end_n chap._n iii_o two_o way_n propound_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o assertion_n scripture_n and_o reason_n this_o text_n improve_v large_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o matth._n 7.16_o of_o which_o a_o full_a explication_n be_v endeavour_v have_v thus_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o forename_a assertion_n in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n i_o shall_v now_o address_v direct_o to_o it_o in_o this_o and_o two_o way_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v strength_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o 1._o by_o scripture_n 2._o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n warrant_v by_o scripture_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o from_o holy_a scripture_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o chief_a way_n of_o prove_v this_o truth_n and_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n fit_a to_o determine_v this_o controversy_n for_o since_o we_o have_v reason_n with_o all_o due_a humility_n and_o gratitude_n to_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o full_a sufficient_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o man_n in_o which_o all_o necessary_a direction_n to_o happiness_n be_v contain_v and_o whatever_o else_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 3.17_o 2_o tim._n 3.17_o as_o s._n paul_n warrant_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o if_o god_n have_v provide_v such_o a_o way_n for_o man_n to_o judge_v truth_n and_o error_n by_o he_o have_v doubtless_o give_v some_o intimation_n of_o it_o in_o these_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o record_n now_o what_o these_o speak_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o acquaint_v you_o and_o first_o as_o from_o this_o place_n of_o s._n john_n i_o have_v take_v occasion_n to_o raise_v 4.6_o 1_o john_n 4.6_o so_o i_o shall_v now_o try_v what_o there_o be_v in_o it_o to_o confirm_v the_o assertion_n which_o that_o i_o may_v distinct_o and_o clear_o do_v i_o must_v desire_v you_o to_o read_v the_o precedent_a verse_n and_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n be_v design_v in_o they_o and_o that_o you_o will_v easy_o find_v to_o be_v this_o a_o endeavour_n to_o confirm_v those_o he_o write_v to_o in_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o by_o any_o pretence_n and_o particular_o by_o those_o great_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v then_o so_o common_a among_o all_o seducer_n especial_o the_o gnostic_n as_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v ordinary_a ever_o since_o almost_o among_o all_o heretic_n that_o have_v infest_a the_o church_n this_o caution_n of_o not_o believe_v all_o these_o pretence_n he_o express_o mention_n verse_n 1._o and_o by_o a_o excellent_a argument_n enforce_v because_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n now_o in_o order_n to_o this_o trial_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n issue_v from_o they_o he_o lay_v down_o these_o three_o chief_a rule_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o free_a confess_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o lawfulness_n and_o prudence_n of_o deny_v of_o who_o when_o trouble_n and_o danger_n threaten_v a_o man_n for_o so_o do_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gnostic_n this_o he_o treat_v of_o verse_n 2_o 3._o and_o then_o subjoin_v a_o commendation_n of_o these_o christian_n and_o congratulate_v with_o they_o that_o they_o have_v avoid_v the_o infection_n of_o these_o false_a teacher_n show_v withal_o what_o have_v assist_v they_o to_o do_v so_o and_o why_o they_o shall_v persist_v in_o their_o care_n against_o they_o verse_n 4_o 5._o the_o second_o rule_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o text_n the_o intendment_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v present_o acquaint_v you_o more_o full_o with_o but_o because_o this_o be_v general_a he_o instance_v three_o in_o a_o particular_a of_o christian_a purity_n and_o obedience_n viz._n true_a charity_n to_o our_o brethren_n which_o he_o insist_o on_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o insist_v upon_o either_o the_o first_o or_o three_o rule_v so_o as_o large_o to_o explain_v they_o but_o chief_o upon_o the_o second_o for_o the_o ensure_v of_o which_o there_o need_v but_o only_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n hear_v he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v we_o and_o that_o by_o this_o expression_n be_v intend_v obey_v can_v seem_v strange_a to_o any_o that_o will_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a word_n by_o which_o obedience_n be_v general_o express_v in_o the_o sacred_a idiom_n the_o place_n in_o which_o it_o be_v thus_o use_v be_v too_o many_o to_o be_v name_v and_o the_o commonness_n of_o the_o phrase_n too_o great_a to_o need_v it_o so_o that_o by_o hear_v we_o be_v mean_v obey_v our_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n as_o he_o speak_v i._n e._n pure_a and_o holy_a like_o its_o bless_a author_n have_v nothing_o of_o worldly_a greatness_n or_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n in_o it_o but_o only_o of_o piety_n and_o purity_n and_o self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o be_v true_o divine_a and_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o also_o to_o judge_v whatever_o doctrine_n be_v so_o or_o the_o contrary_n that_o doctrine_n that_o be_v true_o of_o god_n be_v all_o for_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n and_o purity_n while_o the_o other_o be_v for_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o suit_v to_o common_a interest_n and_o hereby_o know_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n in_o all_o instance_n of_o doctrine_n i._n e._n all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v conducive_a to_o real_a holiness_n be_v of_o god_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o every_o doctrine_n that_o incline_v to_o the_o contrary_n do_v certain_o
pretence_n of_o knowledge_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n they_o differ_v from_o that_o than_o there_o be_v no_o morning_n or_o light_n in_o they_o but_o they_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o infernal_a specus_fw-la and_o be_v suggest_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o prince_n of_o darkness_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o yet_o i_o shall_v add_v something_o more_o that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o appoint_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o judge_v in_o all_o ordinary_a difference_n about_o doctrine_n but_o in_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a also_o that_o can_v possible_o happen_v i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o pretension_n to_o prophecy_n and_o work_n of_o miracle_n these_o be_v indeed_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o judge_n of_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o every_o private_a man_n but_o only_o to_o the_o great_a sanhedrim_n as_o learned_a man_n have_v clear_o prove_v yet_o it_o will_v be_v very_o much_o to_o our_o purpose_n if_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o even_o this_o great_a consistory_n be_v to_o judge_v by_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o both_o of_o they_o and_o first_o for_o prophet_n i_o think_v the_o case_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a from_o that_o place_n of_o moses_n deut._n 13._o from_o verse_n 1_o to_o 6._o from_o which_o if_o you_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o well_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o collection_n that_o neither_o the_o predict_v of_o a_o future_a event_n no_o nor_o the_o come_n of_o that_o to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o prediction_n be_v safe_a and_o warrantable_a thing_n to_o judge_v a_o prophet_n by_o for_o if_o that_o prophet_n entice_v any_o way_n to_o idolatry_n or_o deliver_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v draw_v they_o away_o from_o their_o duty_n in_o walk_v after_o the_o lord_n and_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o obey_v his_o voice_n he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v yea_o to_o be_v stone_v as_o a_o impostor_n and_o a_o deceiver_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v only_o or_o at_o least_o chief_o by_o the_o consonancy_n thereof_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o i_o judge_v worth_a our_o take_a notice_n of_o at_o this_o time_n alas_o if_o the_o bold_a pretender_n to_o prophecy_n in_o this_o age_n can_v make_v this_o plea_n for_o themselves_o that_o thing_n fall_v out_o exact_o according_a to_o their_o prediction_n what_o a_o great_a noise_n will_v they_o soon_o make_v how_o mighty_o will_v they_o boast_v and_o plead_v and_o perhaps_o believe_v too_o themselves_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o yet_o god_n himself_o tell_v we_o this_o be_v no_o safe_a and_o sure_a rule_n to_o judge_v man_n true_a prophet_n by_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n may_v possible_o predict_v many_o thing_n and_o the_o event_n answer_v the_o prediction_n and_o many_o time_n we_o know_v it_o have_v be_v thus_o and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v how_o far_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v extend_v in_o this_o matter_n beside_o god_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o many_o time_n permit_v such_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o may_v thereby_o try_v the_o love_n and_o fidelity_n of_o man_n cause_v these_o to_o be_v a_o punishment_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v unreasonable_o fickle_a and_o unconstant_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o case_n of_o heresy_n those_o that_o be_v cordial_a and_o approve_a may_v be_v make_v know_v 11.19_o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o rule_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n and_o other_o after_o they_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n and_o a_o great_a stir_n make_v about_o they_o but_o he_o that_o will_v considerate_o read_v they_o over_o as_o he_o will_v find_v this_o always_o mention_v as_o one_o rule_n so_o he_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o safe_a and_o that_o to_o which_o all_o at_o last_o be_v force_v to_o flee_v the_o second_o case_n that_o i_o choose_v to_o instance_n in_o be_v the_o case_n of_o miracle_n for_o that_o there_o be_v true_a and_o lie_a wonder_n the_o scripture_n clear_o assure_v we_o but_o how_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o these_o be_v real_o a_o very_a great_a and_o perplex_v difficulty_n and_o some_o man_n have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o give_v direction_n herein_o and_o indeed_o must_v do_v so_o still_o until_o they_o come_v to_o fix_v and_o rest_v upon_o this_o for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o certain_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o safe_a too_o namely_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o effect_n and_o design_n of_o they_o be_v if_o they_o have_v divine_a effect_n upon_o man_n especial_o if_o they_o only_o design_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o good_a or_o to_o attest_v a_o doctrine_n that_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o be_v so_o then_o they_o carry_v the_o clear_a stamp_n of_o divinity_n upon_o they_o that_o can_v be_v but_o if_o they_o tend_v in_o any_o measure_n to_o the_o contrary_a either_o to_o encourage_v man_n in_o sin_n or_o attest_v any_o doctrine_n that_o teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a law_n and_o precept_n of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v suspect_v and_o reject_v as_o immediate_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n chap._n v._o a_o further_a discourse_n of_o miracle_n and_o of_o their_o evidence_n and_o how_o to_o know_v which_o be_v divine_a and_o which_o not_o a_o addition_n to_o all_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o heresy_n and_o wherein_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o do_v chief_o consist_v but_o this_o sir_n may_v perhaps_o by_o you_o be_v think_v too_o little_a to_o be_v say_v on_o this_o great_a subject_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v divine_a testimony_n sufficient_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o able_a to_o assure_v the_o verity_n gain_v assent_n to_o and_o entertainment_n of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o attest_v the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v speak_v great_a thing_n of_o they_o and_o glory_v in_o they_o and_o argue_v with_o great_a assurance_n the_o divinity_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o they_o and_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v a_o great_a disservice_n to_o christianity_n that_o shall_v go_v about_o in_o any_o measure_n to_o weaken_v the_o testimony_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o sir_n that_o i_o may_v not_o suffer_v under_o any_o of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la i_o shall_v a_o little_a further_o enlarge_v this_o discourse_n of_o they_o and_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v distinct_a and_o plain_a shall_v be_v contain_v in_o these_o subsequent_a proposition_n 1._o i_o do_v most_o ready_o grant_v and_o cordial_o believe_v that_o divine_a miracle_n be_v certain_a evidence_n of_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v no_o way_n reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v annex_v his_o seal_n to_o attest_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v untrue_a whatever_o god_n assert_n must_v needs_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n be_v true_a be_v there_o none_o else_o and_o all_o the_o world_n be_v agree_v in_o their_o belief_n of_o this_o so_o that_o i_o take_v it_o miracle_n be_v not_o add_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v but_o rather_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o he_o do_v declare_v such_o thing_n or_o to_o attest_v the_o divine_a commission_n of_o those_o that_o be_v his_o instrument_n therein_o 2._o but_o than_o second_o i_o do_v as_o assure_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a evidence_n of_o truth_n a_o divine_a doctrine_n may_v carry_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v as_o clear_a signature_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o convince_a character_n of_o truth_n as_o immediate_a miracle_n be_v this_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v collect_v from_o that_o parabolical_a discourse_n of_o abraham_n to_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n 16.31_o luke_n 16.31_o if_o they_o believe_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a intimate_v that_o those_o doctrine_n in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophetic_a writing_n have_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o clear_a conviction_n thereof_o in_o they_o as_o the_o miraculous_a appearance_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a can_v give_v to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a place_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o assure_v this_o upon_o for_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o one_o place_n viz._n john_n 15.22_o as_o much_o aggravate_v the_o guilt_n of_o the_o jew_n infidelity_n in_o not_o believe_v his_o heavenly_a pure_a doctrine_n
as_o he_o do_v in_o another_o viz._n verse_n the_o 24._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n for_o their_o not_o believe_v the_o unparalleled_a miracle_n which_o he_o do_v among_o they_o which_o certain_o he_o will_v never_o have_v do_v but_o that_o the_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n of_o truth_n be_v equal_a in_o both_o 3._o but_o than_o three_o i_o add_v that_o every_o miracle_n be_v not_o a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o truth_n nor_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o man_n present_o to_o believe_v upon_o its_o sole_a account_n all_o the_o world_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v about_o this_o also_o for_o all_o man_n unanimous_o believe_v that_o only_o true_a and_o real_o divine_a miracle_n be_v sufficient_a to_o assure_v the_o credibility_n of_o thing_n and_o all_o miracle_n be_v not_o so_o for_o there_o be_v lie_v wonder_n as_o well_o as_o true_a and_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o believe_v equal_o in_o both_o case_n 4._o and_o therefore_o fourthly_a there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v the_o miracle_n be_v true_o divine_a before_o he_o can_v safe_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n thereof_o otherwise_o he_o may_v believe_v the_o lie_a wonder_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o believe_v what_o janne_n and_o jambres_n say_v as_o well_o as_o moses_n 5._o it_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a that_o it_o be_v almost_o next_o to_o impossible_a by_o any_o thing_n immediate_o in_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o to_o know_v which_o be_v true_o divine_a and_o which_o be_v not_o so_o i_o say_v in_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o i_o mean_v they_o do_v not_o carry_v such_o signature_n upon_o they_o that_o a_o man_n by_o they_o only_o can_v easy_o make_v a_o judgement_n 1._o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o evil_a spirit_n by_o god_n permission_n may_v effect_v thing_n that_o be_v true_o miraculous_a or_o if_o you_o require_v it_o plain_o true_a miracle_n for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n why_o the_o same_o thing_n do_v by_o the_o forename_a sorcerer_n be_v not_o as_o true_a miracle_n as_o when_o do_v by_o moses_n and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o man_n to_o show_v a_o difference_n if_o the_o turn_v a_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n be_v a_o miracle_n they_o do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o moses_n if_o convert_v water_n into_o blood_n be_v a_o miracle_n it_o be_v so_o when_o do_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o when_o do_v by_o moses_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o moses_n do_v some_o miracle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o yet_o that_o relieve_v we_o little_a for_o though_o they_o do_v not_o all_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v yet_o they_o do_v some_o so_o that_o still_o they_o wrought_v true_a miracle_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n 2._o nor_o second_o shall_v man_n be_v relieve_v by_o say_v some_o be_v lie_v wonder_n and_o some_o be_v true_a for_o it_o be_v probable_a those_o wonder_n be_v call_v lie_v wonder_n not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o real_o wonder_v or_o miracle_n for_o the_o word_n signify_v equal_o both_a but_o because_o they_o be_v design_v to_o attest_v a_o untruth_n a_o lie_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a seem_v especial_o to_o mean_v 2.9_o 2_o thess_n 2.9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d miracle_n or_o wonder_n of_o falsehood_n as_o our_o own_o translator_n put_v it_o in_o the_o margin_n and_o so_o the_o learned_a grotius_n expound_v it_o and_o justify_v the_o exposition_n by_o a_o know_a truth_n nam_fw-la quod_fw-la vice_fw-la genitivi_fw-la est_fw-la apud_fw-la hebreos_n saepe_fw-la finem_fw-la significat_fw-la where_o you_o have_v a_o learned_a discourse_n to_o the_o purpose_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o and_o beza_n also_o expound_v it_o to_o the_o same_o pupose_v too_o mendacii_fw-la stabiliendi_fw-la causâ_fw-la edita_fw-la wonder_v wrought_v on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v a_o lie_n 3._o nor_o three_o will_v it_o any_o more_o help_v we_o to_o grant_v that_o some_o be_v lie_v wonder_n in_o the_o other_o sense_n unless_o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v which_o be_v so_o whether_o the_o wonder_n be_v real_a or_o no_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o unless_o i_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o they_o suppose_v those_o of_o the_o egyptian_a sorcerer_n or_o simon_n magus_n or_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n who_o the_o heathen_n set_v up_o to_o vie_v with_o christ_n i_o say_v suppose_v these_o be_v not_o real_a miracle_n but_o prestigious_a and_o delusive_a yet_o how_o shall_v any_o man_n know_v and_o make_v it_o appear_v they_o be_v so_o they_o be_v as_o convictive_a as_o true_a one_o unless_o they_o can_v be_v plain_o discover_v not_o to_o be_v so_o and_o how_o to_o do_v this_o from_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o i_o profess_v myself_o whole_o ignorant_a 4._o for_o fourthly_a i_o shall_v receive_v little_a satisfaction_n by_o what_o be_v common_o say_v in_o this_o case_n that_o be_v a_o true_a miracle_n which_o can_v only_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n for_o suppose_v that_o be_v grant_v true_a yet_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v what_o can_v only_o be_v effect_v so_o and_o what_o not_o no_o man_n know_v the_o limit_n of_o satan_n power_n nor_o can_v say_v hitherto_o can_v he_o go_v and_o no_o further_o unless_o he_o can_v tell_v more_o than_o ever_o man_n yet_o do_v nay_o perhaps_o no_o man_n can_v exact_o tell_v the_o utmost_a reach_n of_o natural_a power_n or_o define_v precise_o how_o far_o natural_a cause_n when_o right_o apply_v can_v work_v and_o if_o he_o know_v not_o this_o he_o know_v little_a in_o order_n to_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n 5._o nor_o true_o be_v there_o much_o more_o relief_n in_o fly_v to_o the_o evident_a greatness_n of_o miracle_n though_o i_o glad_o confess_v there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v adore_v as_o a_o signal_n act_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o moses_n and_o especial_o christ_n herein_o have_v the_o eminency_n above_o any_o other_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n in_o the_o world_n for_o moses_n his_o rod_n swallow_v up_o the_o magician_n rod_n and_o apollonius_n can_v not_o heal_v all_o disease_n as_o christ_n do_v etc._n etc._n but_o still_o this_o be_v short_a of_o full_o relieve_v we_o for_o perhaps_o some_o thing_n may_v seem_v great_a miracle_n to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o and_o subtle_a wit_n will_v say_v many_o thing_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v at_o least_o that_o all_o miracle_n be_v equal_o great_a and_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v so_o that_o many_o people_n may_v see_v some_o of_o these_o miracle_n only_o and_o not_o the_o other_o as_o suppose_v the_o samaritan_n that_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n do_v not_o see_v those_o of_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n nor_o those_o that_o see_v the_o wonder_n of_o apollonius_n to_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o other_o i_o ask_v now_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o this_o case_n if_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o good_a ground_n of_o truth_n than_o they_o have_v that_o warrant_n to_o believe_v as_o grand_a falsehood_n as_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o further_a yet_o if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v find_v christ_n tell_v his_o apostle_n 24.24_o mat._n 24.24_o that_o the_o false_a christ_n that_n shall_v arise_v after_o he_o shall_v show_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o so_o great_a as_o to_o deceive_v the_o very_a elect_n be_v they_o not_o mighty_o assist_v to_o avoid_v that_o deception_n 6._o from_o all_o which_o i_o collect_v that_o a_o bare_a miracle_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o assure_v the_o truth_n and_o warrant_v the_o belief_n of_o every_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o it_o for_o then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o apollonius_n and_o simon_n magus_n have_v the_o same_o credibility_n as_o that_o of_o christ_n 13.14_o rev._n 13.14_o and_o if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n you_o shall_v find_v mention_n of_o a_o beast_n which_o deceive_v man_n by_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v power_n to_o do_v and_o in_o another_o 16.14_o another_o rev._n 16.14_o place_n we_o read_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o devil_n go_v forth_o to_o work_v miracle_n and_o 19.20_o and_o cap._n 19.20_o again_o of_o a_o false_a prophet_n that_o wrought_v miracle_n if_o miracle_n therefore_o warrant_v faith_n of_o every_o doctrine_n than_o they_o do_v also_o warrant_v that_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o spirit_n which_o god_n forbid_v 7._o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o which_o consideration_n i_o say_v that_o miracle_n themselves_o need_v something_o to_o attest_v they_o and_o show_v man_n when_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o when_o not_o to_o do_v so_o and_o i_o mistake_v much_o if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v do_v not_o make_v this_o apparent_a 8._o and_o therefore_o last_o to_o bring_v all_o to_o a_o final_a
issue_n i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n so_o certain_a a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o divinity_n of_o a_o miracle_n as_o the_o end_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o if_o the_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v wrought_v to_o attest_v be_v plain_o pure_a and_o holy_a a_o mystery_n indeed_o of_o godliness_n and_o the_o effect_n that_o it_o produce_v in_o man_n be_v answerable_a i._n e._n the_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n to_o live_v religious_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n especial_o we_o shall_v find_v origen_n and_o most_o of_o the_o first_o apologist_n prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o argue_v the_o miracle_n boast_v by_o the_o heathen_a to_o be_v hellish_a and_o diabolical_a because_o they_o be_v all_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o origen_n speak_v to_o the_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o to_o draw_v man_n into_o idolatry_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o filthiness_n and_o true_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o do_v not_o know_v upon_o what_o any_o man_n can_v safe_o rest_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o upon_o this_o the_o design_n and_o effect_n of_o miracle_n be_v the_o best_a index_n of_o they_o where_o a_o doctrine_n upon_o due_a search_n be_v true_o divine_a and_o holy_a and_o contrive_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o make_v all_o man_n so_o and_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o promulger_n of_o it_o to_o attest_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o mission_n there_o be_v doubtless_o all_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o even_o god_n himself_o be_v able_a to_o give_v so_o that_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o doctrine_n prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o miracle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o miracle_n atte_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o this_o be_v found_v upon_o this_o most_o certain_a reason_n that_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o hater_n of_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o will_v never_o effect_v any_o thing_n to_o encourage_v or_o promote_v it_o among_o man_n all_o his_o interest_n lie_v another_o way_n and_o his_o kingdom_n be_v support_v by_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n but_o god_n be_v a_o lover_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v his_o own_o very_a life_n and_o image_n and_o as_o all_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n so_o all_o his_o work_n of_o wonder_n especial_o be_v design_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o therefore_o shall_v never_o attest_v any_o doctrine_n but_o what_o conduce_v to_o that_o great_a purpose_n i_o have_v now_o sir_n no_o more_o to_o add_v on_o this_o great_a subject_n but_o only_o to_o show_v you_o that_o i_o be_o not_o singular_a in_o this_o notion_n if_o you_o will_v please_v to_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o read_v any_o the_o large_a discourse_n of_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n on_o this_o subject_n you_o shall_v find_v this_o to_o be_v the_o only_a solid_a thing_n to_o be_v safe_o rely_v upon_o and_o indeed_o that_o upon_o which_o they_o be_v force_v at_o last_o to_o rely_v chief_o upon_o but_o i_o shall_v mention_v to_o you_o two_o authority_n which_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v will_v signify_v as_o much_o with_o you_o as_o the_o whole_a sanhedrim_n the_o learned_a grotius_n and_o the_o little_a less_o learned_a doctor_n stillingfleet_n if_o you_o read_v the_o note_n of_o the_o first_o upon_o 2_o thess_n 2.9_o you_o will_v find_v his_o opinion_n to_o be_v exact_o consonant_a to_o what_o i_o have_v be_v propose_v and_o if_o you_o will_v please_v to_o remember_v what_o i_o know_v you_o have_v read_v the_o nine_o and_o ten_o chapter_n of_o the_o dean_n origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la in_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o he_o say_v as_o much_o to_o distinguish_v true_a divine_a miracle_n from_o false_a as_o i_o think_v the_o matter_n can_v possible_o bear_v you_o will_v find_v that_o though_o he_o lay_v down_o other_o mark_n and_o certain_o say_v as_o much_o upon_o they_o as_o rational_o can_v be_v say_v yet_o true_o there_o be_v but_o little_a to_o fix_v content_o and_o with_o satisfaction_n upon_o in_o any_o other_o but_o these_o two_o viz._n the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o do_v attest_v and_o the_o effect_n they_o produce_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o now_o sir_n before_o i_o put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o chapter_n i_o shall_v and_o i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v where_o better_a add_v another_o consideration_n of_o some_o moment_n to_o strengthen_v our_o present_a assertion_n and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o heresy_n for_o if_o the_o great_a rule_n to_o judge_v this_o thing_n by_o be_v holiness_n also_o than_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v another_o good_a addition_n to_o our_o present_a argument_n i_o consider_v then_o that_o as_o heresy_n be_v mark_v in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o as_o severe_o characterise_v as_o any_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o so_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o be_v because_o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n or_o other_o a_o recession_n from_o the_o holiness_n and_o from_o that_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o support_v of_o it_o for_o therefore_o be_v heretic_n call_v man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n reprobate_n conconcern_v the_o faith_n enemy_n to_o god_n and_o antichrist_n all_o which_o character_n do_v denote_v not_o their_o error_n so_o much_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o in_o practice_n and_o imply_v their_o secession_n chief_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o best_a antiquity_n man_n do_v so_o far_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v from_o holiness_n and_o they_o be_v heretic_n not_o for_o that_o but_o especial_o for_o this_o i_o do_v very_o well_o know_v how_o much_o man_n be_v alter_v now_o in_o their_o conceit_n about_o heresy_n from_o what_o they_o be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o multiply_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o adopt_v explication_n of_o they_o into_o the_o creed_n be_v too_o clear_a a_o evidence_n of_o it_o some_o man_n make_v these_o thing_n advantage_n upon_o which_o to_o condemn_v for_o heresy_n present_o whatever_o in_o any_o thing_n differ_v from_o they_o but_o sir_n these_o thing_n move_v i_o very_o little_a unless_o it_o be_v to_o lament_v and_o commiserate_v the_o uncharitableness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o that_o will_v have_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o heresy_n must_v search_v what_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a age_n call_v by_o that_o name_n and_o not_o present_o reproach_v as_o heresy_n every_o thing_n that_o differ_v from_o he_o and_o whoever_o will_v do_v so_o will_v find_v that_o heresy_n be_v heresy_n because_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o a_o ungodly_a doctrine_n a_o error_n in_o materiâ_fw-la practicâ_fw-la in_o practice_n not_o in_o opinion_n only_o something_o that_o be_v amiss_o in_o genere_fw-la morum_fw-la for_o faith_n be_v call_v by_o s._n paul_n 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n and_o those_o that_o be_v heretic_n be_v call_v unjust_a unclean_a uncharitable_a perjure_a person_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v say_v to_o oppose_v sound_a doctrine_n and_o that_o this_o only_a be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o heresy_n may_v be_v make_v further_a to_o appear_v from_o these_o two_o primitive_a and_o scriptural_a observation_n 1._o the_o consider_v those_o person_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v brand_v with_o that_o ill_a character_n by_o the_o apostle_n 2._o their_o carriage_n towards_o the_o jewish_a convert_v in_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o law_n of_o ceremony_n 1._o of_o the_o first_o you_o will_v find_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o a_o very_a few_o nor_o in_o the_o age_n immediate_o succeed_v some_o tell_v we_o not_o above_o seven_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o heretic_n for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o teach_v practical_a impiety_n or_o deny_v such_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n upon_o which_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v found_v simon_n magus_n teach_v monstrous_a thing_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o blasphemous_a thing_n of_o himself_o ebion_n and_o cerinthus_n deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o allow_v uncleanness_n and_o have_v impious_a theorem_n about_o lust_n and_o the_o same_o be_v as_o true_a of_o menander_n basilides_n carpocrates_n etc._n etc._n who_o opinion_n be_v therefore_o judge_v heretical_a not_o so_o much_o because_o they_o be_v real_a untruth_n as_o because_o they_o be_v open_a defiance_n to_o all_o faith_n sobriety_n and_o sanctity_n 2._o if_o you_o consider_v the_o apostle_n carriage_n
observe_v careful_o by_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n 1._o that_o in_o our_o judge_n by_o this_o rule_n we_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n only_o and_o not_o the_o man_n that_o profess_v and_o maintain_v they_o 2._o that_o we_o consider_v doctrine_n not_o only_o in_o themselves_o and_o specious_a appearance_n but_o in_o their_o natural_a and_o direct_a consequence_n 3._o that_o we_o be_v sincere_a and_o unprejudiced_a in_o consider_v and_o do_v not_o allow_v ourselves_o to_o pervert_v or_o wrest_v they_o 4._o that_o doctrine_n or_o mode_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o consider_v only_o in_o some_o single_a instance_n but_o complex_o and_o full_o 5._o that_o man_n have_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o holiness_n and_o consider_v due_o both_o in_o what_o thing_n it_o do_v consist_v and_o all_o those_o thing_n too_o 6._o that_o holiness_n be_v consider_v not_o only_o in_o its_o immediate_a exercise_n but_o together_o with_o all_o the_o help_n advantage_n and_o encouragement_n to_o it_o these_o be_v rule_n enough_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o i_o can_v easy_o foresee_v any_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v press_v with_o or_o incident_a unto_o if_o we_o keep_v we_o close_o and_o attend_v careful_o to_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o in_o our_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o this_o rule_n we_o consider_v only_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o and_o not_o the_o man_n that_o make_v profession_n of_o they_o for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v great_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v in_o our_o thought_n and_o in_o great_a danger_n of_o pronounce_v wrong_a judgement_n we_o may_v acquit_v the_o guilty_a and_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a we_o may_v be_v ensnare_v to_o embrace_v the_o worst_a and_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o best_a and_o true_a doctrine_n there_o be_v few_o thing_n more_o common_a than_o to_o see_v heretic_n and_o venture_n of_o strange_a and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n to_o behave_v themselves_o with_o the_o great_a seem_a strictness_n and_o caution_n of_o any_o man_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o represent_v they_o as_o wear_v sheep_n clothing_n 7.15_o matth._n 7.15_o the_o show_n of_o a_o mighty_a innocence_n and_o put_v on_o the_o disguise_n of_o all_o possible_a sanctity_n and_o s._n paul_n inform_v we_o of_o muchwhat_a the_o same_o thing_n when_o he_o lay_v down_o among_o their_o other_o character_n this_o of_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n 3.5_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o be_v very_o imprudent_a and_o silly_a if_o they_o shall_v appear_v otherwise_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n they_o can_v possible_o take_v to_o gain_v esteem_n to_o themselves_o and_o reputation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o will_v proselyte_n man_n into_o a_o belief_n of_o well_o know_v that_o error_n in_o its_o native_a dress_n and_o true_a colour_n will_v never_o be_v entertain_v by_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v careful_o apparel_v in_o a_o false_a and_o specious_a garb_n by_o which_o it_o steal_v man_n affection_n and_o cheat_v they_o into_o a_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o it_o and_o as_o design_v man_n clothe_v their_o doctrine_n so_o common_o they_o do_v themselves_o for_o the_o first_o great_a business_n of_o a_o seducer_n be_v to_o gain_v a_o reputation_n of_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a which_o when_o it_o be_v once_o get_v will_v easy_o insinuate_v and_o make_v way_n for_o his_o doctrine_n for_o man_n easy_o believe_v and_o follow_v such_o man_n and_o do_v not_o fear_v imposture_n from_o those_o that_o they_o esteem_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v often_o too_o often_o god_n know_v see_v that_o man_n detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n believe_v well_o and_o orthodox_o and_o yet_o be_v false_a to_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o treacherous_a to_o their_o avow_a principle_n and_o never_o live_v consonant_o to_o either_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n great_o reproach_n and_o scandalize_v their_o own_o most_o holy_a profession_n as_o the_o impure_a gnostic_n do_v christianity_n at_o the_o first_o and_o if_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o man_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o their_o life_n and_o the_o effect_n it_o have_v on_o they_o they_o be_v doubtless_o the_o great_a heretic_n in_o all_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o suggestion_n which_o as_o it_o reflect_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reproach_n and_o shame_n upon_o such_o man_n so_o it_o bespeak_v the_o great_a heed_n and_o care_n of_o other_o that_o they_o be_v not_o hasty_a present_o to_o judge_v man_n religion_n only_o by_o their_o action_n for_o many_o man_n wear_v paint_v and_o disguise_n to_o conceal_v a_o rot_a faith_n and_o too_o many_o be_v careless_a and_o foolish_a and_o unmindful_a of_o adorn_v a_o true_a one_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o cite_v the_o best_a antiquity_n to_o vouch_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o prudence_n of_o practise_v this_o rule_n for_o therefore_o the_o primitive_a father_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o seem_a sanctity_n of_o heathen_n and_o heretic_n be_v object_v to_o they_o do_v strong_o endeavour_v to_o expose_v their_o doctrine_n and_o to_o show_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o real_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o but_o fucu_n and_o paint_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v reputation_n to_o they_o and_o when_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o be_v press_v with_o the_o profane_a life_n of_o some_o of_o their_o own_o way_n they_o present_o appeal_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o thorough_o vindicate_v they_o from_o any_o way_n influence_v or_o incline_v man_n to_o such_o evil_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v so_o proceed_v to_o disclaim_v these_o man_n as_o false_a brethren_n and_o no_o true_a catholic_n and_o therefore_o plead_v it_o a_o unjust_a thing_n to_o argue_v against_o christian_n from_o the_o impure_a life_n of_o some_o that_o profess_a but_o beg_v it_o as_o a_o reasonable_a thing_n that_o they_o will_v allow_v they_o the_o same_o favour_n which_o they_o themselves_o challenge_v in_o the_o like_a case_n viz._n that_o the_o fail_n of_o some_o pretend_a christian_n may_v no_o more_o be_v object_v against_o the_o divinity_n and_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n than_o the_o vice_n of_o some_o philosopher_n be_v think_v meet_a to_o disparage_v the_o credit_n and_o truth_n of_o all_o philosophy_n 2._o the_o second_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o consider_v doctrine_n not_o only_o in_o themselves_o and_o specious_a appearance_n but_o in_o those_o consequence_n that_o natural_o and_o direct_o issue_v from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o more_o true_a of_o man_n than_o of_o doctrine_n sometime_o that_o they_o put_v on_o a_o very_a specious_a and_o fair_a outside_n and_o in_o their_o present_a appearance_n seem_v mighty_a innocent_a which_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n close_o inspect_v and_o search_v into_o he_o will_v soon_o find_v to_o be_v very_o poisonous_a and_o destructive_a in_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o this_o be_v always_o in_o some_o measure_n true_a of_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n that_o be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o they_o be_v pernicious_a in_o their_o intendment_n and_o if_o they_o be_v pursue_v to_o their_o just_a consequence_n certain_o destructive_a let_v i_o give_v you_o one_o specimen_fw-la of_o this_o instead_o of_o many_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o seem_v more_o innocent_a and_o of_o better_a effect_n than_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v attend_v to_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o breast_n harken_v careful_o to_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o some_o ancient_n call_v a_o man_n conscience_n that_o good_a genius_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o bosom_n and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v good_a man_n do_v this_o and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o they_o will_v act_v much_o better_a than_o many_o do_v but_o yet_o who_o see_v not_o the_o danger_n that_o lurk_v under_o this_o fair_a pretence_n and_o what_o horrid_a consequence_n flow_v from_o it_o when_o drive_v to_o its_o true_a purpose_n how_o it_o whole_o evacuate_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o necessity_n of_o a_o saviour_n decry_v all_o need_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o grace_n render_v whole_o useless_a the_o divine_a inspiration_n make_v every_o man_n his_o own_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o teacher_n expose_v a_o man_n to_o the_o deception_n of_o that_o subtle_a and_o watchful_a spirit_n and_o final_o open_v a_o way_n for_o every_o man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o instance_n in_o some_o other_o doctrine_n of_o this_o mad_a sect_n and_o all_o other_o among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o show_v how_o even_o the_o most_o innocent_a of_o they_o i_o mean_v in_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o church_n to_o be_v deadly_a and_o mighty_a mischievous_a when_o pursue_v and_o drive_v home_o to_o their_o proper_a consequence_n and_o perhaps_o sir_n that_o may_v be_v