Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n good_a great_a see_v 4,003 5 3.1544 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A43454 Piety the best rule of orthodoxy, or, An essay upon this proposition, that the conduciveness of doctrines to holiness or vice is the best rule for private Christians to judge the truth or falshood of them by in a letter to his honoured friend H.M. / by Hen. Hesketh. Hesketh, Henry, 1637?-1710. 1680 (1680) Wing H1613; ESTC R27424 45,058 144

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in_o some_o single_a instance_n but_o complex_o and_o full_o in_o all_o together_o i_o mean_v that_o we_o take_v not_o only_o some_o few_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o a_o sect_n or_o mode_n of_o religion_n and_o single_o consider_v they_o and_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o all_o only_a by_o they_o but_o that_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o its_o part_n and_o examine_v every_o instance_n of_o it_o thorough_o especial_o all_o those_o in_o which_o it_o differ_v from_o other_o for_o as_o there_o be_v very_o rare_o or_o never_o any_o error_n without_o some_o mixture_n of_o truth_n the_o more_o to_o set_v it_o off_o and_o give_v it_o credit_n no_o more_o be_v there_o any_o sect_n any_o way_n of_o religion_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o teach_v some_o excellent_a truth_n and_o own_o some_o very_a wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o it_o will_v therefore_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o will_v not_o be_v entrap_v by_o they_o not_o only_o to_o consider_v some_o few_o but_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o belief_n some_o thing_n we_o may_v light_v of_o in_o the_o symbol_n of_o all_o party_n that_o may_v be_v innocent_a and_o true_a and_o good_a but_o other_o in_o many_o that_o be_v as_o real_o diabolical_a and_o untrue_a and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v induce_v by_o those_o good_a thing_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o all_o be_v imprudent_a and_o unwise_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v induce_v to_o absolve_v the_o most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n that_o be_v ever_o vent_v by_o any_o heretic_n in_o the_o world_n the_o old_a maxim_n be_v pertinent_a to_o be_v consider_v here_o and_o it_o hold_v true_a in_o this_o instance_n as_o strong_o as_o in_o any_o other_o to_o render_v a_o thing_n true_o good_a there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o cause_n when_o a_o failure_n in_o one_o be_v enough_o to_o render_v a_o thing_n evil_n and_o therefore_o though_o a_o sect_n do_v steadfast_o maintain_v and_o earnest_o contend_v for_o twenty_o great_a truth_n yet_o if_o it_o take_v into_o its_o symbol_n of_o belief_n one_o gross_a error_n that_o plain_o contradict_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n and_o establish_v disobedience_n and_o vice_n in_o any_o one_o instance_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o we_o to_o reject_v it_o upon_o and_o we_o ought_v not_o in_o that_o case_n to_o plead_v the_o many_o truth_n it_o maintain_v for_o in_o they_o it_o symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n and_o hold_v they_o in_o common_a with_o it_o but_o upon_o the_o other_o it_o separate_v and_o make_v the_o schism_n and_o take_v its_o denomination_n from_o and_o therefore_o by_o those_o especial_o be_v to_o be_v acquit_v or_o condemn_v 5._o the_o five_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o be_v careful_a still_o that_o we_o have_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o holiness_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v for_o if_o we_o mistake_v here_o and_o do_v not_o understand_v right_o our_o own_o rule_n we_o shall_v certain_o err_v in_o our_o judge_n by_o it_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o i_o intend_v in_o this_o suggestion_n 1._o that_o we_o do_v true_o understand_v in_o what_o thing_n holiness_n and_o real_a goodness_n do_v consist_v 2._o that_o we_o consider_v all_o those_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o do_v real_o understand_v in_o what_o thing_n holiness_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o goodness_n do_v consist_v for_o i_o observe_v that_o many_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o mistake_v here_o and_o to_o place_n holiness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o thing_n which_o signify_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o real_a purpose_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v a_o error_n as_o ancient_a as_o the_o pharisee_n time_n to_o tithe_n mint_n and_o annise_v and_o cummin_n and_o yet_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n as_o justice_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o the_o error_n have_v be_v transcribe_v in_o all_o age_n since_o for_o so_o some_o man_n have_v be_v mighty_a exact_a in_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o great_o neglective_a of_o the_o real_a and_o other_o have_v choose_v to_o themselves_o some_o little_a easy_a thing_n and_o lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o they_o while_o the_o more_o substantial_a and_o arduous_a duty_n have_v be_v disregard_v by_o they_o substitute_v some_o cheap_a trifle_a performance_n in_o the_o place_n of_o real_a obedience_n to_o god_n command_n place_v religion_n in_o a_o habit_n or_o a_o dress_n or_o a_o demure_a look_n or_o a_o distinct_a form_n of_o speech_n or_o some_o little_a shibole_v or_o other_o and_o by_o exactness_n in_o these_o present_o conclude_v themselves_o reform_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o pollution_n of_o other_o man_n i_o do_v not_o go_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n do_v thus_o they_o be_v already_o too_o plain_a man_n can_v in_o these_o gratify_v their_o lust_n and_o their_o conscience_n too_o indulge_v their_o pride_n and_o interest_n and_o ease_n and_o yet_o in_o some_o measure_n pacify_v their_o own_o mind_n for_o they_o do_v not_o whole_o neglect_v religion_n only_o commute_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o it_o into_o some_o cheap_a performance_n by_o which_o as_o they_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o gull_v their_o own_o conscience_n so_o they_o may_v get_v a_o reputation_n among_o man_n before_o who_o these_o thing_n make_v a_o great_a and_o glare_a show_n and_o a_o mighty_a noise_n when_o faithfulness_n and_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o humility_n and_o the_o other_o great_a instance_n of_o real_a goodness_n be_v more_o secret_a and_o unobserved_a and_o boast_v not_o themselves_o so_o before_o man_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o be_v mighty_a necessary_a to_o be_v attend_v unto_o especial_o in_o this_o age_n in_o which_o pharisaism_n be_v so_o much_o revive_v and_o man_n religion_n dwindle_v into_o appearance_n and_o outside_n and_o fair_a show_n and_o mere_a pageantry_n so_o that_o if_o we_o judge_v present_o here_o by_o outward_a appearance_n we_o shall_v go_v near_o to_o judge_v unrighteous_a judgement_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o holiness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v go_v near_o to_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o any_o overvalue_a of_o they_o for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o truth_n rather_o incline_v the_o other_o way_n and_o whenever_o we_o see_v man_n mighty_a exact_a and_o critical_a in_o these_o little_a thing_n and_o eager_a contender_n for_o they_o and_o place_v great_a holiness_n in_o they_o and_o distinguish_v from_o their_o brethren_n only_o by_o they_o it_o be_v almost_o a_o sure_a sign_n that_o such_o man_n be_v either_o fool_n or_o knave_n fool_n in_o be_v cheat_v by_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o take_v up_o in_o little_a thing_n and_o scramble_v about_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v divert_v from_o those_o great_a thing_n upon_o which_o holiness_n and_o salvation_n do_v depend_v or_o knave_n in_o be_v exact_a in_o these_o on_o purpose_n to_o conceal_v their_o failure_n in_o the_o other_o these_o time_n let_v we_o see_v that_o this_o be_v too_o common_o the_o real_a case_n you_o shall_v rare_o or_o never_o see_v but_o there_o be_v some_o latent_fw-la imperfection_n where_o the_o paint_n and_o the_o outward_a dress_n be_v so_o extreme_o curious_a for_o man_n never_o use_v so_o much_o art_n as_o when_o they_o be_v purpose_v to_o deceive_v sincerity_n content_v itself_o with_o a_o very_a plain_a garb_n while_o no_o curiosity_n and_o care_n be_v think_v too_o much_o for_o the_o hypocrite_n 2._o second_o that_o we_o consider_v all_o these_o thing_n too_o for_o if_o we_o judge_v by_o some_o only_a we_o may_v err_v mighty_o here_o too_o there_o be_v few_o man_n so_o bad_a as_o not_o to_o be_v careful_a in_o some_o thing_n and_o to_o hope_v by_o those_o to_o expiate_v their_o disregard_n of_o other_o and_o none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v never_o converse_v with_o man_n can_v but_o know_v how_o usual_a it_o be_v to_o have_v man_n hope_v that_o one_o instance_n of_o virtue_n shall_v compensate_a 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full_a of_o what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o thus_o speak_v for_o as_o the_o text_n speak_v both_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o error_n so_o i_o shall_v understand_v the_o proposition_n both_o way_n with_o reference_n to_o both_o these_o 1._o direct_o and_o positive_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n incline_v to_o holiness_n and_o every_o doctrine_n that_o proceed_v from_o this_o spirit_n do_v some_o way_n or_o other_o conduce_v to_o that_o great_a end_n and_o when_o doctrine_n upon_o trial_n be_v find_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o regular_o holy_a than_o they_o bear_v the_o stamp_n and_o impress_n of_o truth_n upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o safe_a way_n by_o which_o to_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o conclude_v they_o orthodox_n 2._o opposite_o or_o negative_o whatever_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o contrary_a either_o teach_n or_o encourage_v sin_n and_o disobedience_n in_o all_o or_o in_o any_o one_o particular_a instance_n of_o it_o be_v certain_o false_a and_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o let_v man_n be_v never_o so_o zealous_a for_o it_o and_o confident_a in_o recommend_v and_o obtrude_a of_o it_o upon_o other_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o every_o private_a christian_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o condemn_v it_o as_o spurious_a and_o dangerous_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n incline_v man_n to_o disobedience_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n do_v so_o do_v proceed_v from_o it_o 3._o comparative_o thus_o where_o different_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n offer_v themselves_o to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a way_n to_o examine_v careful_o which_o of_o they_o conduce_v most_o to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o according_o to_o make_v our_o estimate_n of_o they_o accept_v that_o which_o be_v best_a attend_v with_o holiness_n and_o a_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o reject_v that_o which_o be_v any_o way_n fail_v herein_o and_o now_o by_o this_o you_o 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educate_v when_o such_o doctrine_n be_v much_o in_o vogue_n bring_v my_o thought_n quiet_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v command_v utter_a impossibility_n which_o be_v far_o to_o exceed_v the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n which_o himself_o have_v condemn_v and_o so_o tragical_o declaim_v against_o and_o i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o if_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o he_o have_v also_o furnish_v we_o with_o power_n and_o provide_v a_o mean_n how_o we_o may_v do_v all_o these_o thing_n god_n certain_o never_o command_v thing_n in_o vain_a nor_o will_v he_o tantalise_v the_o endeavour_n of_o his_o people_n nor_o make_v himself_o sport_n to_o illude_v the_o hope_n and_o endeavour_n of_o poor_a mortal_n by_o put_v they_o upon_o acquist_n who_o glory_n though_o they_o may_v excite_v yet_o their_o impossibility_n do_v discourage_v and_o frustrate_v the_o most_o vigorous_a endeavour_n and_o that_o man_n will_v have_v a_o strange_a notion_n of_o god_n that_o will_v fancy_v his_o command_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o yet_o not_o direct_v we_o to_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v do_v so_o 2._o that_o this_o rule_n be_v obvious_a and_o plain_a and_o intend_v for_o the_o guidance_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o man_n hereby_o know_v we_o etc._n etc._n and_o certain_o he_o intend_v not_o hereby_o only_o himself_o or_o apostle_n like_o himself_o but_o all_o those_o who_o in_o verse_n 1._o he_o have_v exhort_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o not_o present_o to_o believe_v every_o pretence_n of_o it_o which_o be_v equal_o the_o interest_n and_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n it_o be_v true_a the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o it_o
upon_o earth_n and_o though_o a_o man_n may_v be_v mighty_a ready_a to_o be_v conclude_v by_o it_o and_o in_o most_o doubt_n suffer_v that_o scale_n in_o which_o the_o church_n judgement_n lie_v to_o preponderate_v and_o to_o over-rule_v all_o his_o lesser_a scruple_n yet_o till_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o its_o infallibility_n he_o can_v absolute_o commit_v his_o faith_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o it_o nor_o unquestionable_o permit_v it_o in_o every_o thing_n to_o determine_v for_o he_o 2._o that_o then_o there_o may_v safe_o be_v as_o many_o different_a creed_n as_o there_o be_v differ_v church_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o then_o there_o need_v not_o be_v so_o much_o dispute_v about_o a_o true_a church_n nor_o hunt_v after_o mark_n of_o it_o since_o the_o faith_n of_o every_o man_n be_v own_o church_n will_v certain_o save_v he_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n too_o bold_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o exercise_v his_o reason_n to_o any_o measure_n at_o all_o i_o can_v easy_o remember_v any_o thing_n beside_o these_o that_o can_v be_v substitute_v as_o a_o rule_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o if_o i_o can_v i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v liable_a to_o as_o many_o or_o more_o difficulty_n than_o any_o of_o these_o and_o i_o can_v but_o think_v these_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o forename_a be_v encumber_v withal_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n upon_o which_o to_o reject_v they_o from_o be_v rule_n in_o this_o case_n especial_o 4._o if_o we_o compare_v this_o that_o i_o be_o contend_v for_o and_o consider_v the_o evident_a advantage_n that_o it_o have_v above_o they_o and_o the_o less_o difficulty_n that_o it_o be_v press_v withal_o i_o have_v partly_o hint_v before_o that_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n great_o needful_a in_o such_o a_o rule_n facility_n and_o safety_n that_o it_o be_v both_o easy_a and_o safe_a to_o judge_v by_o and_o i_o think_v it_o a_o fair_a offer_n the_o rule_n that_o bid_v fair_a in_o these_o two_o let_v it_o be_v accept_v i_o shall_v therefore_o a_o while_n consider_v it_o more_o absolute_o in_o itself_o in_o point_n both_o of_o easiness_n and_o safety_n and_o second_o compare_v it_o a_o little_a with_o these_o that_o have_v be_v name_v and_o intimate_v something_o of_o the_o advantage_n and_o preference_n that_o it_o claim_v before_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o be_v true_o capable_a of_o both_o these_o character_n for_o first_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v by_o for_o few_o man_n but_o of_o common_a either_o knowledge_n or_o honesty_n can_v mistake_v in_o judge_v what_o be_v holy_a and_o what_o be_v not_o see_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n imprint_v on_o our_o very_a nature_n and_o grow_v up_o with_o we_o we_o need_v not_o go_v and_o consult_v oracle_n nor_o say_v who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n to_o fetch_v we_o a_o resolution_n from_o thence_o 8._o deut._n 30.14_o rom._n 10.6_o 7_o 8._o for_o as_o moses_n and_o s._n paul_n both_o say_v the_o word_n be_v nigh_o we_o even_o in_o our_o own_o heart_n there_o the_o great_a line_n of_o duty_n be_v write_v legible_o and_o plain_o and_o a_o honest_a though_o mean_o instruct_v mind_n will_v quick_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o so_o that_o a_o heathen_a might_n and_o some_o actual_o have_v judge_v pretty_a right_o in_o this_o instance_n for_o as_o these_o give_v evidence_n of_o a_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n 2.15_o rom._n 2.15_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o they_o do_v so_o many_o of_o they_o that_o have_v attend_v close_o to_o this_o connate_a light_n have_v by_o it_o alone_o attain_v almost_o to_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o pass_v a_o right_a sentence_n upon_o all_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n that_o do_v not_o consent_v with_o the_o same_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o under_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o write_a law_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n we_o set_v he_o in_o infinite_o great_a advantage_n forasmuch_o as_o all_o thing_n of_o necessary_a duty_n be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v and_o make_v know_v therein_o that_o it_o be_v not_o very_o easy_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o not_o to_o understand_v they_o and_o second_o it_o be_v as_o safe_a to_o judge_v by_o it_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o do_v so_o for_o first_o if_o a_o judgement_n be_v true_o make_v by_o it_o it_o be_v infallible_o certain_a and_o any_o doctrine_n that_o true_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a holiness_n be_v as_o undoubted_o christian_n and_o divine_a and_o true_a as_o if_o god_n have_v write_v it_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o every_o doctrine_n that_o true_o promote_v and_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o vice_n be_v as_o certain_o false_a and_o diabolical_a as_o if_o we_o see_v it_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o old_a dragon_n and_o second_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v chance_v to_o err_v while_o he_o real_o and_o true_o judge_v for_o this_o i_o think_v it_o may_v safe_o be_v say_v that_o error_n be_v not_o damnable_a it_o be_v a_o error_n on_o the_o safe_a side_n a_o mistake_n on_o the_o better_a hand_n a_o judge_v for_o god_n and_o his_o interest_n where_o the_o will_n be_v honest_a and_o innocent_a and_o good_a and_o where_o that_o be_v so_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o call_v any_o thing_n a_o sin_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v certain_a a_o honest_a heart_n use_v its_o sincere_a and_o true_a endeavour_n and_o intend_v real_o to_o embrace_v and_o follow_v that_o which_o best_o teach_v its_o duty_n and_o engage_v to_o it_o be_v certain_o safe_a god_n good_a providence_n and_o grace_n will_v superintend_v and_o assist_v such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v either_o not_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o not_o into_o any_o damnable_a one_o god_n spirit_n will_v lead_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v real_o needful_a for_o he_o to_o know_v 2._o shall_v we_o now_o make_v a_o comparison_n between_o this_o and_o the_o other_o upon_o these_o two_o thing_n we_o shall_v present_o see_v to_o which_o the_o advantage_n will_v incline_v some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o judge_v by_o and_o some_o not_o easy_a to_o do_v so_o and_o some_o again_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o as_o will_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v shall_v we_o again_o review_v and_o distinct_o consider_v they_o which_o because_o i_o have_v not_o leisure_n or_o a_o mind_n to_o do_v myself_o i_o shall_v beg_v and_o trust_v you_o or_o any_o other_o to_o do_v for_o i_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o will_v find_v all_o those_o clog_v with_o some_o inconvenience_n from_o which_o this_o be_v either_o whole_o or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n free_a which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n upon_o which_o to_o give_v it_o the_o preference_n above_o they_o not_o but_o that_o i_o can_v easy_o foresee_v that_o this_o rule_n also_o may_v be_v press_v with_o some_o difficulty_n and_o can_v we_o lie_v down_o a_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o we_o shall_v then_o anticipate_v our_o future_a state_n and_o contrive_v a_o way_n to_o secure_a man_n from_o all_o possibility_n of_o error_n which_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n be_v a_o thing_n rather_o to_o be_v wish_v than_o hope_v for_o we_o must_v therefore_o in_o this_o make_v as_o good_a a_o shift_n as_o we_o can_v and_o choose_v that_o as_o the_o safe_a which_o least_o subject_n we_o unto_o error_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o few_o which_o because_o this_o do_v i_o therefore_o propose_v it_o as_o the_o best_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n and_o only_o further_o add_v that_o whatever_o mistake_v we_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o in_o judge_v by_o this_o we_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n secure_v ourselves_o from_o by_o attend_v to_o those_o direction_n for_o the_o management_n of_o this_o judgement_n that_o the_o next_o chapter_n will_v make_v know_v to_o we_o chap._n viii_o six_o rule_n lay_v down_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o in_o our_o judge_n by_o this_o rule_n and_o three_o of_o these_o insist_v upon_o the_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n be_v somewhat_o a_o difficult_a thing_n and_o no_o rule_n to_o judge_v by_o be_v so_o mighty_a plain_n but_o that_o man_n may_v be_v incident_a unto_o error_n in_o their_o application_n of_o it_o as_o the_o former_a chapter_n intimate_v it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o contrive_v against_o that_o error_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o to_o preserve_v from_o all_o misapply_v this_o rule_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v in_o order_n to_o which_o there_o be_v these_o six_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v prescribe_v to_o be_v
pardon_n from_o god_n for_o their_o remissness_n in_o other_o so_o that_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n only_o by_o some_o few_o thing_n but_o to_o consider_v whether_o this_o pompous_a zeal_n and_o care_n extend_v itself_o equal_o to_o all_o both_o sin_n and_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o do_v not_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v that_o zeal_n that_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n for_o that_o be_v a_o regular_a thing_n and_o have_v a_o equal_a regard_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o a_o equal_a abhorrence_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a advantage_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o and_o by_o it_o we_o may_v go_v near_o to_o discover_v almost_o all_o difference_n of_o man_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n well_o worth_a the_o notice_n of_o man_n to_o consider_v how_o the_o catalogue_n of_o sin_n be_v lessen_v and_o strike_v up_o into_o a_o very_a little_a room_n by_o most_o of_o the_o sect_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n who_o though_o they_o be_v great_a declaimer_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n yet_o they_o mean_v common_o no_o more_o but_o swear_v and_o drunkenness_n and_o whoredom_n and_o murder_n by_o those_o sin_n while_o covetousness_n and_o pride_n faction_n and_o schism_n uncharitableness_n and_o censoriousness_n and_o false_a accuse_v their_o brethren_n disobedience_n to_o superior_n and_o blaspheme_a dignity_n and_o such_o like_a be_v connive_v at_o not_o censure_v as_o sin_n or_o perhaps_o commend_v as_o innocent_a thing_n i_o do_v most_o hearty_o acknowledge_v the_o former_a be_v very_o heinous_a vice_n and_o can_v never_o too_o much_o be_v declaim_v against_o in_o a_o age_n so_o incident_a to_o they_o but_o i_o know_v as_o well_o that_o the_o other_o too_o be_v sin_n as_o damn_v as_o they_o and_o it_o argue_v but_o a_o ill_a spirit_n and_o smell_v very_o rank_o of_o hypocrisy_n to_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o against_o the_o one_o and_o yet_o hug_v and_o cherish_v and_o indulge_v the_o other_o and_o it_o fare_v no_o better_a with_o the_o catalogue_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v lessen_v by_o some_o man_n proportionable_o to_o the_o other_o and_o the_o commandment_n reduce_v too_o at_o pleasure_n that_o do_v prescribe_v they_o it_o have_v be_v object_v to_o the_o shame_n of_o papist_n that_o they_o have_v quite_o expunge_v the_o second_o precept_n of_o the_o first_o table_n out_o of_o the_o decalogue_n and_o divide_v the_o ten_o to_o make_v up_o the_o number_n and_o i_o think_v all_o honest_a man_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o condemn_v they_o for_o it_o but_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v condemnable_a be_v those_o too_o that_o expunge_v all_o the_o six_o of_o the_o second_o table_n as_o some_o do_v and_o the_o five_o nine_o and_o ten_o as_o almost_o all_o do_v especial_o of_o those_o that_o infest_v we_o it_o have_v be_v long_o since_o observe_v how_o the_o classis_fw-la and_o the_o conclave_n have_v exact_o agree_v in_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o five_o commandment_n and_o in_o their_o doctrine_n about_o government_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o i_o think_v it_o no_o great_a adventure_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o not_o only_o these_o man_n but_o every_o other_o faction_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o among_o we_o do_v the_o same_o too_o and_o if_o the_o old_a say_n be_v true_a that_o ex_fw-la ungue_fw-la leonem_fw-la than_o we_o may_v perhaps_o conjecture_v who_o have_v have_v a_o hand_n in_o all_o these_o doctrine_n and_o who_o do_v indeed_o most_o symbolize_v with_o papist_n they_o or_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o they_o so_o much_o cry_v out_o against_o in_o this_o matter_n 6._o the_o six_o and_o last_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o consider_v holiness_n not_o only_o in_o its_o immediate_a act_n and_o exercise_n but_o take_v in_o also_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n and_o encouragement_n to_o it_o for_o there_o be_v many_o difference_n about_o doctrine_n that_o particular_o respect_v these_o and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o that_o exercise_n and_o be_v great_a help_n to_o it_o therefore_o they_o be_v discernible_a by_o this_o rule_n thus_o for_o instance_n a_o doctrine_n that_o more_o lively_a represent_v the_o advantage_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n that_o more_o solid_o evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o that_o add_v more_o excellent_a and_o endear_n encouragement_n to_o pursue_v it_o that_o more_o full_o assure_v a_o man_n of_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n in_o his_o endeavour_n after_o it_o i_o say_v doctrine_n that_o best_o do_v all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n have_v a_o good_a signature_n upon_o they_o and_o bring_v with_o they_o a_o very_a great_a argument_n of_o their_o divinity_n and_o truth_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n upon_o which_o to_o prefer_v they_o before_o other_o that_o either_o whole_o fail_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n or_o at_o least_o come_v far_o short_a of_o the_o other_o for_o the_o solidness_n and_o clearness_n of_o do_v so_o the_o truth_n be_v sir_n a_o very_a great_a many_o of_o doctrine_n about_o which_o man_n dispute_v and_o differ_v so_o eager_o at_o this_o day_n may_v be_v decide_v clear_o and_o safe_o by_o this_o rule_n particular_o all_o the_o controversy_n state_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n and_o those_o that_o depend_v on_o they_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n of_o a_o common_a capacity_n to_o discover_v clear_o which_o side_n of_o these_o question_n give_v the_o honourable_a account_n of_o god_n almighty_a both_o as_o to_o his_o attribute_n and_o deal_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o most_o magnify_v his_o love_n and_o grace_n and_o goodness_n to_o his_o creature_n which_o most_o clear_o assert_v and_o reconcile_v his_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n which_o most_o honourable_o explain_v and_o state_n the_o divine_a philanthropy_n in_o the_o great_a act_n of_o redemption_n perform_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o most_o intelligent_o and_o consistent_o explain_v the_o three_o great_a office_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o fortify_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o endeavour_v after_o salvation_n by_o all_o these_o again_o which_o of_o the_o two_o do_v most_o solid_o evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o lay_v the_o more_o firm_a and_o assure_a foundation_n upon_o which_o to_o superstruct_v that_o necessity_n which_o do_v add_v the_o most_o press_a argument_n and_o motive_n and_o most_o rational_o excite_v the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n after_o it_o and_o last_o which_o do_v more_o lively_o encourage_v and_o animate_v those_o endeavour_n with_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o aid_n to_o help_v the_o infirmity_n and_o supply_v the_o imperfection_n of_o they_o and_o by_o this_o may_v all_o the_o antinomian_a error_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v but_o the_o tenet_n of_o the_o old_a gnostic_n new_o revive_v and_o all_o such_o wild_a opinion_n about_o faith_n and_o justification_n by_o it_o etc._n etc._n be_v clear_o discern_v and_o judge_v too_o and_o to_o conclude_v whatever_o doctrine_n fail_v in_o state_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o very_o necessary_a to_o encourage_v and_o help_v man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o goodness_n may_v safe_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o issue_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n i_o content_v myself_o sir_n only_o to_o give_v short_a touch_n on_o all_o these_o rule_n and_o to_o say_v only_o so_o much_o as_o may_v make_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o attend_v to_o they_o to_o appear_v after_o which_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v add_v will_v appear_v tedious_a and_o i_o think_v it_o not_o good_a manner_n to_o be_v burdensome_a to_o any_o chap._n x._o some_o inference_n make_v from_o this_o collection_n particular_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o may_v challenge_v any_o sect_n at_o this_o day_n to_o join_v issue_n upon_o this_o principle_n have_v now_o give_v all_o needful_a assurance_n to_o this_o truth_n and_o prescribe_v the_o right_a and_o safe_a management_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o make_v a_o inference_n or_o two_o from_o it_o before_o i_o put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o discourse_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a by_o attend_v to_o this_o rule_n to_o put_v a_o speedy_a end_n and_o issue_n to_o all_o dispute_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v no_o rule_n we_o can_v proceed_v by_o so_o probable_a to_o do_v this_o with_o effect_n as_o this_o be_v nor_o any_o thing_n by_o which_o private_a christian_n may_v so_o successful_o secure_v themselves_o from_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
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 so_o they_o have_v the_o choice_a and_o most_o endear_n encouragement_n annex_v to_o they_o so_o then_o the_o argument_n from_o this_o place_n will_v be_v very_o clear_a and_o conclude_a for_o in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o s._n john_n enjoin_v the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o the_o great_a rule_n for_o that_o trial_n and_o though_o he_o add_v two_o other_o rule_n also_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o particular_n and_o branch_n of_o this_o great_a one_o and_o then_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o apostle_n direction_n in_o this_o case_n amount_v to_o thus_o much_o whatever_o doctrine_n do_v conduce_v to_o make_v man_n true_o holy_a especial_o encourage_v to_o the_o right_n take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o cordial_a constant_a love_n to_o our_o brethren_n that_o doctrine_n issue_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a either_o to_o these_o two_o single_a christian_a virtue_n or_o to_o it_o in_o general_a do_v certain_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o true_a purport_n of_o s._n john_n in_o this_o text._n but_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o think_v that_o he_o be_v singular_a in_o this_o or_o without_o good_a authority_n for_o what_o he_o say_v we_o shall_v find_v he_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n from_o his_o great_a master_n christ_n jesus_n as_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o speech_n of_o christ_n 20._o mat._n 7.16_o 20._o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o in_o the_o precede_a verse_n our_o saviour_n be_v forewarn_v his_o disciple_n of_o the_o come_n of_o false_a prophet_n into_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o very_a specious_a pretence_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v to_o deceive_v people_n by_o have_v do_v this_o and_o caution_v against_o they_o he_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o place_n a_o rule_n to_o know_v and_o discover_v they_o by_o which_o rule_n be_v very_o 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
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 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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
towards_o the_o jewish_a convert_v you_o will_v soon_o perceive_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o censure_v any_o error_n present_o for_o heresy_n if_o they_o maintain_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n for_o you_o will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o instance_n in_o a_o doctrine_n more_o true_o contrary_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o whole_a purport_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o of_o those_o jewish_a convert_v be_v which_o think_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o observe_v the_o ancient_a rite_n and_o as_o s._n james_n inform_v s._n paul_n 21.20_o act_n 21.20_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v these_o be_v always_o tolerate_v no_o ill_a character_n fix_v upon_o they_o fellowship_n always_o allow_v they_o indulge_v and_o permit_v to_o their_o error_n which_o last_v among_o they_o for_o the_o time_n of_o fifteen_o christian_a bishop_n who_o be_v all_o circumcise_a yea_o till_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o all_o under_z adrian_z the_o emperor_n and_o long_o afterward_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n we_o know_v of_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n in_o that_o first_o great_a council_n which_o be_v all_o contrive_v in_o favour_n to_o they_o and_o count_v necessary_a only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n to_o they_o as_o be_v also_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n for_o some_o century_n of_o year_n only_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v safe_o collect_v thus_o much_o that_o in_o those_o best_a and_o most_o charitable_a of_o time_n no_o man_n be_v count_v a_o heretic_n that_o do_v err_v bonâ_fw-la ment_fw-la and_o retain_v a_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o great_a ground_n upon_o which_o that_o necessity_n be_v found_v and_o now_o sir_n this_o addition_n will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n for_o all_o heretical_a doctrine_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o contrary_n unto_o holiness_n and_o their_o be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v the_o other_o and_o while_o they_o be_v not_o one_o we_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o call_v they_o the_o other_o unless_o we_o will_v imitate_v the_o passion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o can_v endure_v none_o no_o not_o the_o least_o dissent_v in_o opinion_n from_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n under_o any_o kind_a character_n than_o heresy_n so_o that_o he_o that_o maintain_v the_o be_v of_o antipode_n be_v like_a to_o be_v brand_v once_o with_o that_o name_n and_o galileo_n hardly_o escape_v the_o same_o character_n for_o maintain_v the_o copernican_n hypothesis_n but_o sir_n if_o you_o desire_v to_o see_v this_o matter_n of_o heresy_n more_o full_o discourse_v i_o refer_v you_o to_o a_o place_n in_o dr._n tailor_n be_v work_n where_o it_o be_v insist_v on_o at_o large_a with_o that_o plainness_n and_o candour_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v so_o common_a and_o usual_a to_o that_o most_o excellent_a man_n it_o be_v his_o liberty_n of_o prophesy_v a_o good_a book_n under_o a_o ill_a name_n but_o true_o i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o endeavour_v by_o much_o truth_n to_o assuage_v and_o mitigate_v the_o rash_a zeal_n and_o unjust_a severity_n of_o the_o late_a time_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o that_o adhere_v unto_o she_o from_o whence_o whoever_o take_v liberty_n to_o traduce_v that_o great_a man_n as_o a_o allower_n of_o all_o opinion_n and_o any_o medley_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v very_o unjust_a and_o proclaim_v himself_o either_o ignorant_a or_o unobservant_a of_o his_o design_n which_o though_o it_o be_v to_o gain_v favour_n to_o some_o speculative_a opinion_n yet_o no_o man_n reflect_v more_o severe_o upon_o all_o that_o contradict_v holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o be_v vent_v to_o the_o disorder_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o government_n either_o of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o church_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o well_o see_v what_o disservice_n it_o can_v do_v that_o church_n which_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o imperious_o impose_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o rigorous_a tie_v they_o up_o to_o exact_a compliance_n with_o it_o in_o all_o doctrine_n but_o allow_v as_o all_o church_n must_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o a_o liberty_n to_o man_n thought_n provide_v they_o reserve_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o vent_v they_o not_o in_o order_n to_o schism_n and_o faction_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v thus_o or_o not_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o determine_v much_o less_o become_v i_o to_o undertake_v to_o reach_v those_o above_o i_o what_o to_o say_v or_o think_v but_o this_o i_o free_o say_v i_o have_v so_o great_a a_o honour_n for_o the_o name_n of_o dr._n taylor_n that_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o have_v any_o ill_a thing_n to_o blot_v his_o memory_n and_o will_v do_v more_o than_o this_o be_v it_o in_o my_o power_n to_o cause_v it_o may_v not_o chap._n vi_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o collection_n four_o of_o these_o propound_v and_o two_o insist_v on_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o first_o take_v from_o the_o end_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n the_o second_o from_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o now_o i_o be_o at_o liberty_n to_o advance_v to_o the_o second_o way_n i_o propose_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n and_o that_o be_v from_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o there_o be_v four_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v choose_v to_o insist_v on_o not_o that_o i_o think_v they_o the_o only_a one_o we_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o so_o sufficient_a that_o they_o may_v supersede_n all_o need_n of_o other_o 1._o the_o first_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o different_a end_n and_o design_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o second_o from_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n 3._o the_o three_o from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o substitute_v any_o other_o rule_n beside_o this_o in_o this_o case_n 4._o from_o the_o manifest_a advantage_n of_o this_o above_o any_o other_o that_o can_v be_v so_o substitute_v these_o four_o thing_n will_v give_v assurance_n enough_o to_o this_o truth_n and_o make_v it_o very_o evident_a 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o design_n that_o these_o two_o spirit_n have_v in_o the_o world_n the_o strength_n of_o which_o argument_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n will_v discover_v itself_o in_o these_o two_o or_o three_o consequential_a notice_n 1._o first_o as_o these_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o so_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o intend_v and_o drive_v on_o different_a aim_n and_o design_n in_o the_o world_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o when_o light_n and_o darkness_n be_v reconcile_v each_o to_o other_o when_o christ_n and_o belial_n become_v friend_n then_o may_v we_o suppose_v these_o two_o spirit_n to_o consent_n and_o agree_v together_o in_o the_o fame_n design_n but_o not_o before_o there_o be_v no_o communion_n say_v the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 6.14_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o nothing_o that_o be_v in_o common_a nothing_o that_o be_v mutual_o share_v betwixt_o light_n and_o darkness_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o one_o appear_v the_o other_o present_o fly_v away_o as_o when_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o morning_n discover_v themselves_o the_o dark_a shade_n run_v away_o and_o hide_v themselves_o on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o this_o globe_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o two_o spirit_n they_o be_v inconsistent_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a each_o to_o other_o and_o can_v never_o be_v any_o more_o reconcile_v in_o their_o design_n than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n but_o those_o will_v still_o be_v as_o different_a as_o these_o be_v as_o we_o see_v it_o still_o to_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n who_o nature_n be_v contrary_a each_o to_o other_o 2._o second_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o issue_n from_o or_o be_v suggest_v to_o man_n by_o these_o two_o spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o these_o different_a end_n and_o design_v on_o purpose_n to_o promote_v the_o same_o to_o suppose_v otherwise_o be_v to_o imagine_v they_o false_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o neglectful_a of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o dull_a and_o shortsighted_a and_o unable_a to_o choose_v or_o pitch_v upon_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o same_o when_o no_o man_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o imagine_v either_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v both_o
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 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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
all_o mortal_a error_n as_o by_o attend_v to_o this_o and_o if_o the_o dispute_a man_n of_o the_o age_n proceed_v by_o this_o measure_n and_o study_v as_o much_o to_o expose_v the_o wickedness_n as_o to_o display_v the_o falsehood_n of_o opinion_n their_o labour_n will_v be_v less_o and_o their_o success_n more_o man_n may_v soon_o discern_v good_a from_o evil_n than_o true_a from_o false_a a_o little_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o honesty_n will_v enable_v man_n to_o do_v the_o first_o but_o it_o require_v a_o quick_a judgement_n sometime_o to_o do_v the_o second_o for_o falsehood_n wear_v the_o mantle_n of_o truth_n and_o many_o time_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o discover_v the_o impostor_n and_o suppose_v man_n honest_a they_o be_v more_o effectual_o convince_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o a_o opinion_n than_o by_o any_o argument_n of_o its_o untruth_n for_o they_o do_v not_o know_v but_o man_n may_v impose_v upon_o they_o in_o these_o but_o they_o can_v judge_v themselves_o in_o the_o other_o and_o i_o shall_v think_v these_o two_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o recommend_v this_o way_n of_o determine_v controversy_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n since_o it_o will_v reduce_v the_o controversy_n to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o man_n will_v more_o effectual_o be_v conclude_v by_o a_o solid_a determination_n upon_o that_o issue_n and_o consequent_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v soon_o be_v end_v 1._o for_o first_o there_o be_v few_o people_n so_o impudent_a and_o past_a shame_n as_o to_o plead_v open_o for_o baal_n and_o contend_v for_o doctrine_n that_o every_o one_o see_v to_o be_v introductive_a of_o wickedness_n impostor_n general_o take_v another_o course_n and_o gild_v their_o pill_n and_o wrap_v their_o poison_n in_o sweet_a and_o gay_a appearance_n and_o let_v the_o opinion_n they_o will_v promote_v be_v never_o so_o pernicious_a yet_o they_o be_v always_o manage_v with_o mighty_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n and_o piety_n and_o by_o this_o they_o hope_v to_o prevail_v more_o than_o by_o all_o their_o subtle_a argument_n and_o fine_a dispute_n and_o indeed_o they_o do_v so_o and_o simple_a honest_a people_n be_v easy_o entrap_v by_o they_o who_o have_v not_o time_n or_o skill_n or_o both_o to_o search_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o to_o encounter_v with_o they_o upon_o this_o be_v to_o rob_v they_o of_o that_o in_o which_o their_o strength_n most_o lie_v it_o be_v to_o suit_v the_o antidote_n to_o the_o poison_n and_o to_o disarm_v heresy_n of_o that_o weapon_n by_o which_o it_o do_v the_o most_o mischief_n it_o be_v to_o uncase_v the_o wolf_n and_o show_v what_o real_o he_o be_v which_o will_v more_o affect_v man_n with_o horror_n and_o hatred_n of_o he_o than_o ten_o thousand_o fine_a discourse_n about_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o do_v 2._o for_o second_o bless_v be_v god_n man_n especial_o that_o pretend_v religion_n be_v not_o so_o far_o debauch_v 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