unto_o swift_a destruction_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o great_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o relation_n to_o man_n principle_n and_o belief_n faith_n will_v not_o have_v be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o qualification_n to_o justify_v a_o sinner_n 3._o by_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n we_o may_v preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o if_o conscience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o agreement_n of_o our_o notion_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o man_n then_o the_o trial_n of_o opinion_n under_o whatever_o pretence_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v convey_v by_o this_o rule_n and_o according_o either_o reject_v or_o receive_v they_o must_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o examine_v doctrine_n and_o opinion_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o man_n on_o earth_n than_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n settle_v upon_o a_o unalterable_a and_o firm_a foundation_n contentment_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o mean_a peasant_n as_o happy_a as_o his_o prince_n and_o create_v a_o level_a among_o mankind_n how_o much_o great_a delight_n than_o must_v that_o satisfaction_n advance_v man_n to_o which_o relate_v to_o thing_n of_o a_o everlasting_a concernment_n that_o cause_v the_o pang_n of_o death_n ro_o vanish_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o torment_n to_o depart_v that_o carry_v we_o with_o all_o steadiness_n and_o peace_n through_o all_o the_o billow_n and_o storm_n of_o the_o world_n into_o that_o bless_a haven_n of_o rest_n and_o tranquillity_n where_o we_o shall_v know_v no_o trouble_n any_o more_o this_o be_v enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a feast_n a_o pleasure_n beyond_o the_o great_a sensuality_n exceed_v what_o man_n can_v otherwise_o possess_v or_o as_o much_o as_o invent_v or_o think_v upon_o for_o what_o be_v then_o all_o the_o concernment_n or_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n when_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o be_o fix_v and_o settle_v if_o i_o live_v in_o misery_n it_o can_v be_v long_o nature_n will_v soon_o have_v spin_v her_o thread_n if_o no_o accident_n cut_v it_o off_o and_o if_o have_v my_o religion_n fix_v upon_o such_o principle_n which_o can_v deceive_v i_o i_o regulate_v my_o action_n by_o their_o direction_n death_n must_v then_o be_v welcome_a to_o i_o because_o it_o give_v i_o the_o fruit_n of_o my_o hope_n and_o enter_v i_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o my_o master_n who_o from_o earth_n have_v suffer_v a_o antecedent_n separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n enter_v visible_o into_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o have_v make_v a_o passage_n to_o the_o same_o for_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o in_o fullness_n of_o faith_n and_o indisputable_a assurance_n they_o have_v have_v a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n in_o 4._o this_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o other_o will_v make_v man_n endeavour_v to_o live_v without_o disturbance_n in_o that_o society_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n nothing_o disturb_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n so_o much_o as_o doubt_n and_o dispute_v about_o religion_n but_o this_o when_o find_v out_o by_o a_o regular_a enquiry_n and_o true_o establish_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n give_v the_o great_a and_o most_o effectual_a check_n to_o all_o the_o breach_n make_v upon_o enclosure_n and_o those_o irregularity_n and_o invasion_n that_o be_v commit_v upon_o the_o property_n of_o man_n this_o forbid_v the_o prince_n to_o be_v a_o tyrant_n and_o admonish_v the_o subject_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n to_o become_v subject_a for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o not_o to_o rebel_v against_o the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n lest_o they_o receive_v damnation_n in_o the_o next_o rom._n 13._o but_o when_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v the_o furious_a principle_n of_o other_o when_o convey_v to_o they_o under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o spirit_n and_o inspiration_n with_o what_o ease_n be_v they_o ensnare_v when_o they_o be_v either_o lazy_a or_o refuse_v to_o examine_v there_o be_v nothing_o then_o so_o ruinous_a to_o society_n nothing_o that_o put_v man_n more_o into_o confusion_n nothing_o that_o dissolve_v the_o band_n of_o community_n and_o break_v order_n into_o a_o chaos_n but_o they_o will_v attempt_v under_o the_o covert_n of_o religion_n and_o conclude_v they_o do_v service_n unto_o god_n when_o they_o be_v immediate_o offer_v to_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a tie_n upon_o mankind_n what_o will_v they_o not_o attempt_v or_o suffer_v when_o their_o action_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o full_a of_o villainy_n shall_v under_o pretence_n of_o the_o authority_n or_o inspiration_n of_o other_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o number_n of_o virtue_n and_o heroic_a act_n and_o their_o suffering_n be_v advance_v to_o martyrdom_n justice_n shall_v be_v violate_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o gain_v a_o crown_n from_o the_o head_n of_o he_o that_o right_o wear_v it_o and_o then_o they_o will_v make_v a_o way_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o design_n though_o they_o pave_v it_o throughout_o with_o the_o carcase_n of_o the_o slay_v but_o if_o such_o principle_n that_o ruin_n religion_n under_o its_o name_n be_v well_o examine_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n and_o new_a inspiration_n be_v measure_v by_o those_o that_o be_v old_a we_o shall_v easy_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v come_v from_o god_n that_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o the_o principle_n that_o tend_v to_o confusion_n among_o mankind_n ever_o proceed_v from_o a_o god_n of_o order_n but_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o first_o audit_n to_o be_v damn_v to_o the_o place_n from_o whence_o they_o take_v their_o original_n and_o must_v be_v conclude_v to_o come_v from_o hell_n which_o thus_o fire_n and_o consume_v the_o world_n and_o so_o you_o see_v that_o the_o several_a advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o man_n upon_o trial_n of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n may_v be_v so_o many_o encouragement_n to_o the_o thing_n and_o so_o many_o argument_n to_o recommend_v the_o duty_n to_o all_o those_o who_o by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o agent_n do_v not_o love_v to_o be_v lead_v captive_a final_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v faculty_n give_v to_o we_o that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o according_a to_o judgement_n to_o make_v our_o choice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o by_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o one_o inspiration_n the_o natural_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v cease_v or_o else_o be_v render_v useless_a they_o be_v suspend_v by_o a_o pretention_n of_o authority_n that_o without_o examination_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v divine_a nay_o why_o shall_v the_o apostle_n impose_v such_o a_o task_n upon_o we_o which_o without_o the_o use_n of_o every_o man_n particular_a faculty_n become_v impossible_a no_o choice_n will_v then_o be_v leave_v in_o religion_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o it_o will_v become_v a_o necessary_a thing_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v like_o machine_n to_o move_v always_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o another_o nay_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v before_o if_o the_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n change_v his_o note_n and_o play_v to_o we_o on_o a_o contrary_a string_n will_v it_o not_o be_v strange_a for_o any_o man_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o exhort_v stone_n or_o argue_v to_o one_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o impression_n or_o can_v s._n john_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o impose_v the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n on_o man_n that_o either_o have_v no_o faculty_n to_o examine_v or_o have_v their_o sense_n tie_v up_o by_o a_o superior_a power_n must_v all_o false_a prophet_n be_v reject_v and_o be_v there_o a_o necessity_n of_o man_n believe_v what_o doctrine_n have_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o must_v they_o not_o yet_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o use_v their_o own_o faculty_n to_o examine_v they_o to_o deny_v this_o may_v indeed_o be_v suitable_a to_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o it_o can_v but_o be_v plain_a to_o a_o protestant_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a man_n that_o have_v not_o his_o faculty_n give_v he_o in_o vain_a that_o such_o argue_v and_o such_o belief_n serve_v only_o to_o justify_v imposture_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o blind_a man_n eye_n that_o they_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o ditch_n this_o be_v to_o
my_o understanding_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o sense_n concern_v their_o own_o proper_a object_n where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a medium_n and_o a_o just_a distance_n if_o this_o which_o thus_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v bread_n and_o wine_n may_v yet_o not_o be_v so_o but_o the_o substantial_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n then_o i_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v at_o the_o first_o wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o these_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o sense_n who_o be_v then_o eyewitness_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n may_v together_o be_v deceive_v about_o this_o sacrament_n the_o same_o possibility_n may_v make_v they_o so_o when_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o prove_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o the_o whole_a gospel_n may_v prove_v a_o fable_n and_o its_o great_a confirmation_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o imposture_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o world_n with_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n and_o to_o render_v it_o authentic_a by_o a_o infallible_a authority_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o sense_n be_v free_a and_o then_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v but_o that_o now_o since_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_o authorize_v this_o very_a doctrine_n thus_o confirm_v tie_v up_o our_o sense_n since_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o submit_v they_o to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v any_o where_o thus_o impose_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n it_o will_v 1._o be_v difficult_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o my_o eye_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o when_o i_o read_v the_o word_n 2._o suppose_v that_o i_o do_v read_v they_o true_a and_o that_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v that_o i_o understand_v what_o i_o read_v yet_o since_o no_o other_o text_n can_v be_v plead_v for_o transubstantiation_n beside_o this_o be_v my_o body_n why_o must_v i_o of_o necessity_n understand_v that_o by_o these_o word_n i_o be_o command_v to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o my_o sense_n when_o by_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a construction_n agreeable_a to_o the_o usual_a sacramental_a phrase_n particular_o those_o which_o be_v use_v about_o the_o passeover_n my_o sense_n be_v still_o leave_v unto_o their_o liberty_n and_o no_o more_o than_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n that_o be_v this_o bread_n represent_v or_o signify_v my_o body_n will_v express_v the_o sense_n and_o baffle_v the_o objection_n it_o be_v so_o common_a to_o parallel_v this_o expression_n with_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n the_o way_n the_o door_n and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o verb_n be_v construe_v by_o represent_v signify_v and_o the_o like_a that_o i_o be_o ashamed_a we_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o continue_a repetition_n by_o the_o daily_a appearance_n of_o a_o baffle_a adversary_n thus_o we_o see_v by_o these_o three_o instance_n of_o erroneous_a determination_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o if_o ever_o they_o have_v infallibility_n they_o have_v lose_v it_o unless_o truth_n and_o error_n be_v reconcile_v and_o infallible_a falsehood_n be_v a_o proper_a expression_n seven_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o premise_n the_o romanist_n will_v yet_o hold_v the_o conclusion_n and_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v infallible_a we_o must_v call_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o miracle_n for_o this_o can_v no_o way_n become_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n to_o those_o that_o pretend_v it_o and_o whoever_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n aught_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o miracle_n when_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o the_o apostle_n prove_v their_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n we_o must_v demand_v therefore_o the_o same_o from_o those_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n since_o the_o promise_n they_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o be_v complete_v in_o the_o apostle_n nay_o it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o tell_v story_n instead_o of_o miracle_n nor_o to_o produce_v something_o do_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o cause_n be_v behind_o the_o curtain_n no_o natural_a account_n can_v be_v give_v but_o they_o must_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v sufficient_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o when_o this_o be_v accomplish_v which_o be_v impossible_a the_o infallibility_n pretend_v must_v be_v prove_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n and_o conduct_n of_o man_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o because_o they_o confirm_v a_o unnecessary_a thing_n and_o what_o suppose_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v add_v more_o head_n of_o argument_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o baffle_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o proud_a capitol_n chap._n viii_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n spend_v a_o very_a large_a parenthesis_n upon_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n for_o fear_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o some_o who_o unthinking_a honesty_n may_v make_v they_o jealous_a of_o their_o power_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o i_o allow_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o synod_n and_o council_n and_o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o private_a minister_n i_o assume_v too_o much_o judgement_n to_o myself_o in_o make_v use_n of_o my_o faculty_n without_o leave_n i_o answer_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_a leave_n from_o the_o article_n and_o canon_n establish_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o england_n for_o what_o i_o have_v already_o write_v concern_v this_o matter_n yet_o i_o shall_v far_o explain_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o attribute_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o best_a establish_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o as_o any_o man_n can_v possible_o do_v who_o do_v not_o pluck_v out_o his_o eye_n to_o do_v they_o service_n therefore_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n i_o ready_o yield_v that_o father_n and_o council_n and_o all_o congregation_n of_o holy_a and_o judicious_a christian_n much_o more_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n solemn_o assemble_v to_o treat_v concern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o any_o point_n introduce_v into_o religion_n be_v reverent_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o reason_n urge_v a_o regard_n to_o those_o who_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o study_n or_o the_o prospect_n they_o have_v obtain_v from_o a_o high_a ground_n and_o according_a to_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o live_v be_v probable_o capacitate_v to_o assist_v our_o judgement_n and_o to_o determine_v a_o controversy_n better_o than_o ourselves_o when_o person_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o authority_n also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o difficult_a and_o dispute_v proposition_n humble_o beg_v the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o blessing_n on_o their_o endeavour_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o their_o determination_n when_o neither_o secular_a interest_n or_o a_o blind_a passion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o other_o gain_v their_o vote_n and_o procure_v their_o assent_n nay_o when_o these_o be_v our_o own_o lawful_a governor_n though_o nothing_o can_v force_v our_o belief_n we_o may_v in_o a_o improper_a sense_n call_v their_o determination_n infallible_a quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la because_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o avoid_v schism_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o ecclesiastical_a union_n among_o we_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o they_o bind_v we_o not_o to_o contradict_v they_o public_o by_o any_o external_a solemn_a act_n since_o we_o ourselves_o have_v our_o assent_n virtual_o imply_v in_o canon_n or_o law_n make_v by_o those_o who_o public_o represent_v we_o although_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v every_o proposition_n thus_o determine_v to_o be_v exact_o true_a unless_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o convince_v our_o judgement_n if_o we_o have_v ability_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o proof_n themselves_o to_o restrain_v the_o external_a act_n and_o discourse_n of_o man_n when_o they_o oppose_v the_o public_a sanction_n and_o constitution_n of_o those_o who_o be_v fix_v in_o such_o place_n of_o authority_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o keep_v peace_n and_o order_n in_o any_o
unto_o the_o world_n their_o coherence_n with_o any_o thing_n already_o reveal_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n to_o persuade_v any_o reasonable_o to_o embrace_v they_o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o inspiration_n itself_o be_v a_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o he_o that_o deliver_v principle_n to_o the_o world_n and_o reason_n enough_o for_o any_o to_o embrace_v they_o yet_o however_o the_o inspiration_n must_v still_o be_v prove_v as_o it_o have_v always_o be_v by_o miracle_n and_o those_o not_o false_a but_o real_a because_o otherwise_o every_o one_o that_o have_v confidence_n and_o wickedness_n enough_o to_o pretend_v to_o a_o impulse_n and_o call_v from_o heaven_n may_v impose_v what_o he_o please_v on_o the_o world_n and_o they_o must_v without_o examination_n believe_v it_o this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o render_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n useless_a and_o degrade_v they_o into_o the_o silly_a nature_n of_o a_o beast_n that_o be_v bridle_v and_o saddle_v be_v turn_v which_o way_n soever_o the_o rider_n please_v nay_o it_o will_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a and_o new_a method_n as_o miraculous_a nay_o more_o than_o the_o pretender_n inspiration_n to_o make_v the_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n both_o true_a if_o all_o those_o who_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a to_o we_o than_o that_o various_a sect_n opposite_a to_o one_o another_o distant_a to_o a_o total_a separation_n pretend_v all_o to_o be_v thus_o inspire_v and_o if_o what_o upon_o this_o they_o presume_v to_o deliver_v be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o message_n be_v direct_v and_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v direct_v unto_o all_o how_o can_v we_o since_o their_o confidence_n be_v equal_a know_v which_o to_o adhere_v to_o since_o all_o come_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o receive_v the_o opinion_n of_o all_o because_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v some_o man_n among_o we_o that_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o zodiac_n and_o their_o want_n of_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n not_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o pole_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o tremble_v and_o shake_v like_o a_o needle_n through_o all_o the_o point_n of_o the_o compass_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v by_o degree_n not_o at_o once_o but_o by_o succession_n but_o in_o the_o case_n we_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n many_o pretend_v to_o have_v thing_n reveal_v that_o yet_o thwart_a and_o encounter_v one_o another_o and_o all_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o embrace_v at_o once_o these_o several_a proposition_n be_v plain_o impossible_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v to_o make_v our_o choice_n we_o be_v either_o apparent_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a when_o all_o come_v with_o the_o same_o authority_n or_o else_o we_o open_o forsake_v the_o argument_n of_o inspiration_n and_o stand_v and_o examine_v these_o doctrine_n by_o a_o rule_n and_o instead_o of_o believe_v every_o spirit_n we_o try_v they_o but_o if_o man_n will_v notwithstanding_o these_o plain_a and_o palpable_a absurdity_n presume_v still_o to_o thrust_v such_o wild_a pretension_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v by_o confidence_n not_o argument_n i_o will_v willing_o have_v they_o to_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o what_o their_o pretend_a inspiration_n mean_n and_o what_o that_o impulse_n usual_o effect_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o make_v they_o so_o confident_a that_o they_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v or_o do_v they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o their_o own_o melancholy_n or_o thought_n brood_v to_o hatch_v a_o opinion_n do_v they_o find_v any_o more_o than_o their_o persuasion_n heighten_v and_o their_o assurance_n of_o what_o they_o be_v before_o willing_a to_o believe_v bold_a and_o strong_a and_o thus_o inflame_v they_o with_o a_o zeal_n to_o maintain_v what_o inordinate_a thought_n have_v produce_v strong_a resolution_n to_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o certain_o it_o be_v every_o man_n who_o be_v thus_o raise_v will_v have_v the_o same_o authority_n with_o another_o and_o opposite_a opinion_n which_o be_v yet_o impossible_a must_v at_o once_o be_v embrace_v by_o man_n because_o the_o authority_n upon_o which_o their_o certainty_n be_v ground_v be_v feel_v by_o all_o though_o understand_v by_o neither_o and_o to_o other_o there_o seem_v the_o same_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n in_o the_o teacher_n of_o these_o different_a opinion_n our_o own_o reason_n therefore_o without_o a_o inspiration_n will_v ready_o teach_v we_o that_o since_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o a_o inspiration_n from_o which_o all_o these_o several_a man_n pretend_v be_v but_o one_o and_o what_o it_o deliver_v always_o consistent_a these_o man_n can_v be_v inspire_v but_o they_o take_v their_o dream_n for_o a_o converse_n with_o spirit_n their_o melancholy_a fancy_n for_o inspiration_n the_o disease_n of_o their_o body_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o their_o own_o thought_n to_o be_v revelation_n and_o in_o short_a only_o think_v themselves_o awake_v when_o they_o be_v indeed_o asleep_a nay_o we_o may_v far_o raise_v our_o distrust_n and_o boldness_n towards_o these_o man_n because_o we_o know_v that_o confidence_n assurance_n and_o real_a belief_n of_o what_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n receive_v degree_n of_o accession_n and_o strength_n as_o well_o by_o thought_n conversation_n and_o argument_n as_o by_o any_o impulse_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v nay_o many_o time_n subtlety_n pride_n impudence_n and_o wilfulness_n will_v maintain_v a_o thing_n with_o as_o great_a eagerness_n and_o zeal_n as_o if_o man_n have_v be_v real_o inspire_v the_o devil_n can_v do_v much_o to_o heighten_v man_n persuasion_n and_o they_o may_v do_v much_o to_o heighten_v their_o own_o and_o argument_n that_o man_n conjecture_v to_o arrive_v at_o a_o complete_a demonstration_n of_o a_o point_n will_v make_v they_o as_o tenacious_a of_o a_o opinion_n especial_o where_o they_o may_v appear_v singular_a as_o any_o impulse_n or_o inspiration_n now_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o perplex_v cause_n that_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n it_o will_v be_v difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a for_o man_n that_o adhere_v not_o to_o a_o rule_n of_o trial_n to_o come_v to_o a_o particular_a and_o exact_a determination_n and_o to_o satisfy_v either_o other_o or_o themselves_o to_o what_o cause_n they_o may_v attribute_v the_o effect_n if_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a cause_n where_o the_o effect_n yet_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o or_o to_o know_v the_o cause_n by_o the_o different_a impression_n variety_n of_o impulse_n make_v upon_o their_o spirit_n by_o which_o a_o object_n be_v convey_v to_o their_o understanding_n and_o by_o a_o distinct_a method_n by_o which_o the_o image_n of_o thing_n become_v figure_v in_o the_o brain_n this_o can_v be_v no_o conviction_n to_o other_o until_o it_o be_v explain_v nor_o any_o to_o themselves_o unless_o they_o certain_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o which_o if_o they_o do_v they_o be_v as_o well_o able_a to_o express_v this_o as_o they_o be_v the_o proposition_n which_o as_o they_o pretend_v be_v reveal_v to_o they_o but_o i_o fear_v this_o attempt_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a because_o i_o can_v find_v upon_o strict_a consideration_n and_o retirement_n but_o that_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v always_o alike_o and_o the_o same_o percussion_n upon_o and_o convulsion_n in_o the_o nerve_n to_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o understand_v and_o believe_v whether_o it_o be_v truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o be_v represent_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o the_o object_n seem_v to_o be_v true_a it_o make_v a_o like_a impression_n as_o if_o it_o be_v so_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o enthusiast_n to_o distinguish_v a_o inspiration_n from_o god_n from_o a_o suggestion_n by_o the_o devil_n if_o he_o forsake_v thâ—_n rule_n and_o the_o public_a sentiment_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n therefore_o we_o see_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v either_o to_o be_v startle_v with_o the_o vain_a pretence_n of_o man_n or_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o every_o spirit_n since_o upon_o such_o ground_n the_o devil_n may_v be_v entertain_v for_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o the_o discovery_n we_o make_v may_v as_o well_o be_v by_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n as_o by_o beam_n dart_v from_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n chap._n iii_o now_o from_o the_o precedent_n discourse_n upon_o the_o caution_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o infer_v 1_o the_o
of_o the_o law_n so_o the_o church_n among_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o gospel_n commit_v to_o her_o custody_n and_o have_v a_o power_n to_o determine_v in_o indifferent_a matter_n to_o order_v all_o the_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n for_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n and_o authority_n to_o restrain_v such_o controversy_n as_o tend_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o dissolve_v that_o unity_n which_o christian_n be_v frequent_o exhort_v to_o keep_v so_o that_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o witness_n and_o keeper_n of_o holy_a writ_n yet_o as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o decree_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o same_o so_o beside_o the_o same_o ought_v it_o not_o to_o enforce_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v for_o necessity_n of_o salvation_n as_o our_o church_n declare_v in_o her_o twenty_o article_n i_o shall_v not_o deny_v nor_o can_v i_o without_o singular_a pride_n and_o arrogance_n but_o that_o father_n and_o council_n and_o all_o congregation_n of_o holy_a and_o judicious_a christian_n much_o more_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n treat_v about_o a_o point_n in_o religion_n attempt_v to_o be_v introduce_v a_o new_a or_o be_v old_a be_v controvert_v in_o the_o world_n be_v with_o great_a deference_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o for_o every_o man_n reason_n will_v urge_v this_o obligation_n to_o himself_o that_o his_o own_o judgement_n be_v render_v suspect_v when_o it_o oppose_v the_o common_a and_o unite_a determination_n of_o person_n that_o can_v just_o be_v reproach_v with_o want_n either_o of_o skill_n or_o honesty_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o man_n to_o mistrust_v the_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o eye_n when_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o have_v the_o same_o advantage_n can_v behold_v what_o a_o single_a person_n pretend_v to_o see_v and_o in_o religious_a affair_n and_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n when_o person_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n assemble_v with_o solemnity_n and_o have_v a_o real_a intention_n to_o employ_v with_o all_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n those_o part_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v and_o increase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o peculiar_a education_n and_o study_n invoke_v a_o divine_a influence_n upon_o their_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o meaning_n of_o any_o difficult_a and_o controvert_v proposition_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o these_o shall_v deliver_v for_o truth_n unless_o the_o contrary_a be_v so_o apparent_a to_o we_o upon_o sufficient_a enquiry_n that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o hesitation_n at_o all_o this_o be_v the_o moderate_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o church_n we_o be_v oppose_v in_o it_o both_o by_o the_o papist_n and_o fanatic_a the_o former_a assert_n that_o major_a est_fw-la autoritas_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la quam_fw-la scripturae_fw-la that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o traditiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la pari_fw-la pietatis_fw-la affectu_fw-la cum_fw-la scripture_n recipiendae_fw-la their_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o affection_n and_o devotion_n as_o the_o scripture_n and_o true_o the_o latter_a come_v not_o far_o short_a of_o these_o but_o as_o much_o confine_n when_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n the_o belief_n as_o well_o as_o practise_v of_o their_o member_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o little_o differ_v from_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n in_o the_o end_n and_o design_n for_o if_o any_o church_n among_o ourselves_o do_v yet_o affirm_v as_o they_o have_v former_o declare_v that_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v to_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o their_o reformation_n then_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o expect_v the_o same_o submission_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n to_o their_o assembly_n determination_n as_o a_o popish_a council_n do_v to_o their_o canon_n or_o the_o pope_n himself_o to_o his_o decree_n for_o to_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1638_o they_o swear_v that_o for_o judgement_n and_o practice_n they_o will_v adhere_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o though_o perhaps_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o will_v determine_v but_o to_o leave_v the_o person_n of_o those_o that_o stretch_v the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n beyond_o the_o authority_n god_n have_v give_v she_o there_o be_v three_o reason_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o any_o church_n or_o council_n of_o man_n can_v lay_v down_o any_o proposition_n which_o derive_v their_o utmost_a authority_n from_o themselves_o that_o may_v be_v the_o ultimate_a rule_n by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o other_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v 1._o because_o god_n to_o who_o our_o religion_n relate_v have_v appoint_v a_o rule_n that_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n must_v bind_v their_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o determine_v their_o faith_n with_o those_o general_a action_n that_o be_v deem_v religious_a to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o scripture_n give_v to_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o man_n nay_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o reason_n claim_v the_o supreme_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o impose_v what_o law_n he_o will_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o goodness_n to_o reveal_v they_o that_o man_n may_v not_o err_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n nor_o their_o thought_n contradict_v the_o will_n of_o their_o maker_n now_o this_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v sufficient_o authorize_v by_o his_o own_o sanction_n in_o that_o miracle_n attend_v their_o first_o publication_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n that_o prove_v they_o god_n own_o act_n and_o deed_n when_o they_o no_o way_n contradict_v the_o natural_a notion_n and_o the_o prime_a foundation_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n therefore_o be_v thus_o give_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o must_v either_o be_v our_o supreme_a direction_n and_o a_o infallible_a guide_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o else_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o no_o purpose_n or_o to_o cheat_v and_o delude_v mankind_n the_o former_a consist_v not_o with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o latter_a will_v contradict_v both_o his_o goodness_n and_o his_o truth_n all_o the_o difficulty_n than_o will_v be_v whether_o this_o rule_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o any_o new_a inspiration_n or_o any_o rule_n to_o be_v superad_v beyond_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n itself_o to_o conduct_v man_n in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o whether_o we_o may_v by_o they_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n or_o what_o be_v the_o same_o in_o another_o dress_n the_o unerring_a spirit_n of_o the_o enthusiast_n but_o admit_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n they_o themselves_o be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n whilst_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o proceed_v from_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 2._o no_o canon_n or_o decree_n of_o whatever_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o church_n or_o council_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o try_v doctrine_n in_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o be_v ultimate_a and_o supreme_a because_o all_o the_o conclusion_n and_o proposition_n of_o these_o be_v themselves_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n either_o with_o or_o without_o the_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n and_o all_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v try_v themselves_o for_o this_o must_v be_v include_v as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o s._n john_n direction_n try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o high_a tribunal_n can_v be_v itself_o the_o high_a nor_o what_o be_v appoint_v sole_o to_o aid_v we_o in_o our_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o opinion_n nor_o the_o utmost_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o must_v examine_v they_o last_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o old_a nay_o of_o christ_n himself_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o examination_n of_o man_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o mankind_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n before_o they_o believe_v they_o then_o certain_o no_o assembly_n of_o man_n can_v now_o in_o reason_n pretend_v such_o authority_n to_o impose_v their_o own_o
it_o may_v by_o their_o mean_n be_v in_o its_o purity_n free_a from_o mixture_n deliver_v to_o all_o the_o succeed_a generation_n of_o mankind_n and_o now_o by_o the_o way_n what_o a_o slender_a plea_n have_v any_o enthusiast_n of_o this_o age_n for_o any_o new_a revelation_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o what_o christ_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v never_o promise_v to_o the_o very_a apostle_n to_o any_o such_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v suppose_v but_o that_o christ_n whilst_o he_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o world_n deliver_v a_o complete_a body_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o have_v he_o not_o whatever_o become_v of_o a_o jus_o divinum_fw-la for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v certain_o be_v less_o careful_a than_o moses_n and_o yet_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v he_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o that_o make_v or_o appoint_v he_o as_o also_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n heb._n 3.2_o but_o not_o to_o endeavour_v to_o work_v miracle_n and_o restore_v sight_n to_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v still_o blind_a and_o to_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n because_o it_o will_v discover_v that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a when_o darkness_n do_v at_o once_o as_o well_o increase_v as_o inspire_v wilfulness_n or_o melancholy_n to_o leave_v also_o any_o far_a explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o i_o have_v hint_v to_o you_o as_o well_o to_o mind_v you_o of_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o necessary_a festival_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o cause_v man_n to_o adore_v what_o they_o can_v understand_v to_o admire_v that_o with_o which_o they_o can_v be_v familiar_a to_o praise_v what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v and_o to_o believe_v that_o mystery_n which_o be_v plain_o reveal_v though_o they_o can_v unriddle_v the_o thing_n itself_o to_o come_v more_o close_o therefore_o to_o the_o business_n i_o have_v in_o hand_n the_o holy_a ghost_n promise_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o this_o not_o only_o 1._o because_o he_o be_v spiritus_fw-la verax_fw-la as_o slichtingius_n will_v have_v it_o to_o comport_v with_o his_o endear_a notion_n of_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la nor_o only_o be_v he_o a_o true_a spirit_n either_o in_o original_n or_o operation_n in_o opposition_n to_o what_o be_v gross_a and_o sensual_a nor_o 2._o because_o he_o true_o and_o real_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o consequent_o have_v authority_n enough_o to_o produce_v a_o faith_n in_o we_o which_o must_v be_v divine_a nor_o 3._o because_o be_v in_o unity_n with_o that_o father_n and_o son_n from_o who_o he_o do_v proceed_v he_o must_v be_v truth_n itself_o as_o s._n john_n style_v he_o 1._o epist_n 5._o chap._n 6._o and_o consequent_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o falsehood_n unless_o we_o suppose_v that_o god_n may_v lie_v which_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o be_v impossible_a heb._n 6.18_o and_o reason_n also_o conclude_v such_o a_o be_v to_o be_v void_a of_o this_o to_o who_o we_o ascribe_v all_o possible_a perfection_n but_o last_o he_o be_v call_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o office_n and_o employment_n because_o he_o guide_v other_o into_o truth_n though_o from_o the_o precedent_a acceptation_n and_o account_v give_v of_o his_o appellation_n we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v his_o capacity_n to_o instruct_v and_o guide_v other_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v so_o miraculous_o guide_v deliver_v nothing_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o man_n life_n but_o what_o be_v true_a and_o come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o deliver_v be_v to_o be_v both_o believe_v and_o obey_v and_o thus_o i_o be_o come_v to_o the_o last_o and_o principal_a particular_a that_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o promise_n viz._n he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o this_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 2._o as_o it_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v militant_a in_o this_o world_n first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n as_o influence_v and_o direct_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v principal_o make_v and_o as_o it_o do_v concern_v all_o so_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o all_o to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o those_o truth_n that_o complete_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o stand_a direction_n for_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v embrace_v this_o religion_n he_o do_v not_o call_v s._n peter_n out_o and_o make_v this_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o he_o exclude_v all_o the_o rest_n from_o this_o advantage_n nor_o do_v he_o here_o accost_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o he_o do_v in_o that_o other_o text_n on_o which_o the_o pope_n superstruct_v his_o supremacy_n we_o find_v indeed_o s._n thomas_n s._n philip_n and_o s._n judas_n interrupt_v his_o discourse_n by_o propose_v question_n for_o he_o to_o explain_v but_o the_o last_o time_n he_o speak_v to_o peter_n we_o find_v he_o at_o once_o rebuke_v his_o confidence_n and_o foretell_v his_o sin_n nay_o a_o crime_n so_o great_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o john_n 13.38_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o intervenient_a discourse_n can_v concern_v he_o no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v his_o brethren_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o at_o present_a it_o do_v as_o much_o which_o if_o other_o will_v be_v content_v with_o we_o may_v easy_o grant_v it_o and_o must_v do_v so_o if_o we_o will_v not_o prove_v his_o epistle_n to_o want_v a_o inspiration_n from_o above_o this_o promise_n then_o concern_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a planter_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v useful_a to_o their_o extraordinary_a conduct_n we_o must_v examine_v and_o inquire_v what_o assistance_n the_o spirit_n give_v they_o to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o five_o particular_n first_o by_o a_o improvement_n of_o their_o understanding_n order_v and_o direct_v the_o idea_n of_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o frame_v adequate_a conception_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n and_o as_o he_o that_o create_v the_o eye_n can_v see_v and_o he_o that_o form_v the_o ear_n can_v hear_v so_o he_o that_o make_v the_o soul_n itself_o and_o endue_v it_o with_o all_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n must_v needs_o be_v able_a to_o impress_v the_o understanding_n with_o any_o notion_n he_o be_v please_v to_o infuse_v by_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n now_o that_o he_o do_v exert_v such_o a_o influence_n have_v we_o no_o testimony_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o will_v easy_o appear_v to_o any_o sober_a and_o considerate_a inquirer_n that_o shall_v compare_v the_o education_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o those_o admirable_a doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n though_o s._n paul_n be_v breed_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n yet_o his_o learned_a education_n make_v he_o but_o the_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o more_o prejudice_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n till_o he_o be_v convert_v by_o a_o miracle_n and_o a_o light_n have_v first_o dazzle_v his_o eye_n and_o strike_v he_o blind_a whilst_o a_o great_a do_v illuminate_v his_o understanding_n and_o by_o its_o bright_a glory_n darken_v and_o blot_v out_o those_o prejudicate_a notion_n that_o seem_v before_o to_o irradiate_a his_o mind_n though_o s._n luke_n be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o a_o university_n the_o city_n of_o antioch_n the_o metropolis_n of_o syria_n a_o place_n furnish_v with_o school_n of_o literature_n though_o he_o have_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o physic_n to_o which_o philosophy_n be_v a_o necessary_a preparative_n though_o be_v have_v study_v in_o the_o school_n of_o greece_n and_o egypt_n and_o season_v his_o mind_n with_o learned_a accomplishment_n so_o far_a improve_n the_o ability_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o though_o to_o all_o this_o he_o be_v a_o jewish_a proselyte_n and_o so_o far_o prepare_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n yet_o all_o this_o signify_v but_o little_a and_o will_v certain_o have_v oppose_v christianity_n with_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o more_o subtlety_n have_v he_o not_o be_v first_o
that_o they_o shall_v read_v natural_a philosophy_n to_o the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v the_o star_n by_o their_o name_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o instruction_n know_v their_o several_a motion_n distance_n or_o altitude_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v aphorism_n in_o physic_n or_o to_o give_v to_o they_o geometrical_a proportion_n nor_o to_o breed_v they_o curious_a and_o expert_a artificer_n though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v make_v themselves_o apostle_n nor_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o number_n of_o arithmetic_n or_o the_o astrological_a signature_n of_o thing_n or_o time_n and_o season_n for_o these_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v because_o the_o father_n have_v put_v they_o into_o his_o own_o power_n act_n 1.7_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v never_o so_o proud_a and_o bold_a so_o neither_o be_v they_o so_o unlucky_a as_o the_o pope_n who_o must_v needs_o condemn_v a_o point_n in_o geography_n and_o the_o tenet_n of_o antipode_n for_o a_o destroy_a heresy_n so_o little_o do_v he_o know_v the_o universal_a empire_n he_o pretend_v to_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o figure_n or_o bound_n or_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o earth_n over_o which_o he_o yet_o pretend_v a_o authority_n the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o those_o truth_n only_o in_o divinity_n which_o include_v the_o full_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o preach_v they_o to_o the_o present_a age_n and_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o succeed_a generation_n the_o spirit_n be_v not_o give_v to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o great_a historian_n or_o philosopher_n but_o christian_n and_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o be_v the_o planter_n and_o founder_n of_o church_n not_o the_o post_n and_o standard_n of_o dispute_n or_o to_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o sect_n and_o faction_n in_o philosophy_n they_o be_v to_o erect_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n settle_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n christ_n himself_o support_v the_o building_n and_o this_o neither_o for_o pasquin_n or_o poetry_n but_o for_o a_o rule_n and_o directory_n of_o stand_a religion_n and_o devotion_n chap._n xii_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whilst_o house_v in_o these_o body_n of_o clay_n be_v darken_v and_o obscure_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o window_n of_o sense_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o external_a object_n to_o a_o intercourse_n with_o the_o mind_n for_o suppose_v our_o sense_n can_v always_o make_v true_a and_o exact_a representation_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v be_v often_o deceive_v yet_o these_o can_v only_o convey_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n those_o of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o exalt_v nature_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o image_n must_v needs_o escape_v the_o perception_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n and_o if_o reason_n itself_o when_o most_o disentangle_v from_o those_o fetter_n which_o our_o sense_n too_o often_o impose_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v proposition_n and_o inference_n about_o the_o essence_n of_o those_o thing_n who_o spiritual_a nature_n evade_v our_o sense_n our_o notion_n can_v not_o be_v adequate_a to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o nor_o can_v we_o full_o comprehend_v what_o be_v infinite_a nor_o have_v a_o positive_a idea_n of_o spiritual_a being_n though_o reason_n may_v conclude_v their_o existence_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o all_o our_o definition_n and_o description_n of_o these_o be_v therefore_o imperfect_a because_o negative_a and_o though_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o they_o be_v not_o we_o never_o can_v by_o humane_a power_n yet_o resolve_v complete_o what_o they_o be_v which_o make_v divine_a revelation_n necessary_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v faith_n beyond_o our_o reason_n though_o we_o never_o believe_v without_o reason_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o authority_n we_o confide_v in_o this_o be_v therefore_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v as_o well_o praise_v god_n goodness_n as_o admire_v his_o power_n for_o send_v we_o that_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o conduct_v we_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o this_o promise_n i_o tell_v you_o i_o will_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 2._o as_o it_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v militant_a on_o the_o earth_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v already_o dispatch_v and_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o to_o view_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n guidance_n as_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n throughout_o the_o several_a age_n and_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o divine_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o its_o immediate_a operation_n be_v too_o difficult_a to_o be_v explain_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o energy_n and_o work_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o thing_n for_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n what_o therefore_o be_v now_o to_o be_v discourse_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o influence_n in_o general_n and_o that_o extraordinary_a assistance_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o apostle_n be_v how_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n possess_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o with_o truth_n who_o make_v themselves_o by_o holy_a disposition_n and_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a faculty_n capable_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o what_o truth_n those_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n guide_v man_n into_o as_o to_o the_o first_o suppose_v that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o to_o receive_v a_o full_a revelation_n of_o those_o truth_n by_o open_v their_o understanding_n and_o quicken_a their_o memory_n that_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n faithful_o record_v they_o for_o the_o use_n of_o posterity_n and_o that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v stand_v rule_n for_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o come_v i_o can_v find_v any_o other_o method_n the_o spirit_n have_v use_v or_o do_v continue_v to_o guide_v the_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o by_o those_o scripture_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n to_o publish_v and_o deliver_v 2._o by_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o man_n to_o continue_v that_o ministry_n which_o must_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o 3._o by_o confirm_v those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o cooperate_a with_o the_o external_a ministration_n by_o a_o internal_a work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o those_o who_o be_v inclinable_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n first_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n by_o those_o scripture_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o posterity_n these_o be_v those_o lively_a character_n in_o which_o we_o may_v read_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n these_o be_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o certain_o guide_v those_o into_o it_o who_o sober_o and_o conscientious_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v they_o they_o convey_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n valuable_a above_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n and_o hereafter_o give_v we_o such_o possession_n as_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o power_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o exceed_v all_o humane_a expectation_n these_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o complete_a body_n 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like_o the_o jew_n in_o barbary_n refuse_v to_o eat_v of_o that_o meat_n which_o be_v dress_v by_o one_o of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n or_o to_o drink_v in_o the_o same_o cup_n with_o a_o moor_n when_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o wholesome_a constitution_n until_o it_o have_v undergo_v the_o ceremony_n of_o wash_v truth_n in_o this_o world_n will_v be_v blend_v with_o error_n and_o it_o be_v the_o prudence_n as_o well_o as_o piety_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o make_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n and_o not_o to_o slight_v and_o refuse_v the_o one_o because_o the_o other_o have_v be_v mix_v with_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o mr._n hales_n express_v it_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o apostle_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v make_v good_a unto_o they_o by_o private_a and_o secret_a inform_v their_o understanding_n with_o high_a and_o heavenly_a mystery_n which_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o conceit_n of_o 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they_o seem_v to_o excel_v in_o their_o inspiration_n yet_o there_o can_v appear_v the_o same_o danger_n where_o the_o spirit_n only_o assist_v our_o understanding_n to_o apprehend_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v already_o deliver_v and_o incline_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o embrace_v they_o when_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o s._n john_n we_o be_v not_o so_o credulous_a as_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o now_o then_o only_o may_v we_o reasonable_o conclude_v our_o understanding_n to_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o spirit_n when_o our_o notion_n agree_v with_o the_o write_a word_n for_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n say_v the_o prophet_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o morning_n or_o light_n in_o they_o isa_n 8.20_o there_o be_v divers_a mean_n natural_a in_o themselves_o and_o rational_o appoint_v by_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o inform_a man_n in_o the_o truth_n that_o concern_v they_o read_v meditation_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v proper_a method_n to_o inform_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o guide_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n but_o prayer_n be_v therefore_o wont_a to_o be_v superad_v not_o only_o to_o compose_v our_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o divine_a contemplation_n by_o a_o sequestration_n of_o our_o thought_n from_o those_o external_a object_n that_o by_o intermix_v themselves_o with_o those_o that_o be_v more_o spiritual_a confound_v our_o idea_n and_o notice_n of_o thing_n and_o render_v our_o mind_n more_o loose_a and_o extravagant_a but_o because_o prayer_n supplicate_v those_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o facilitate_v our_o apprehension_n of_o truth_n by_o remove_v object_n that_o crumble_v and_o disorder_v they_o and_o it_o