unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o prevent_v our_o be_v deceive_v and_o lead_v into_o error_n hence_o be_v timothy_n office_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v by_o the_o ordination_n of_o s._n paul_n style_v a_o gift_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o and_o lest_o these_o appointment_n shall_v not_o be_v account_v the_o product_n and_o designation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o gift_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v in_o himself_o one_o uniform_a be_v though_o these_o be_v divers_a according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o they_o be_v all_o such_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v give_v to_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12._o now_o as_o god_n providence_n rule_v the_o world_n though_o we_o can_v neither_o discover_v his_o counsel_n nor_o be_v able_a to_o account_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n as_o he_o dispose_v of_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n determine_v our_o day_n and_o dispose_v our_o habitation_n though_o these_o thing_n be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o order_n and_o train_n of_o second_o cause_n several_o design_v and_o concur_v to_o the_o end_n so_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n dispose_v the_o way_n of_o the_o education_n of_o some_o and_o incline_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o office_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n people_n may_v not_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o always_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o to_o convey_v christ_n doctrine_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n that_o his_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o a_o holy_a faith_n as_o on_o a_o firm_a and_o well_o fix_a rock_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n may_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o it_o matth._n 16.16_o and_o 18._o now_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o such_o man_n distinguish_v by_o their_o education_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v from_o those_o that_o be_v more_o encompass_v with_o the_o noise_n and_o disturb_v affair_n of_o this_o life_n be_v prepare_v by_o a_o previous_a train_n of_o circumstance_n and_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o understanding_n and_o be_v by_o such_o mean_v able_a to_o see_v into_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o that_o have_v go_v before_o they_o have_v be_v use_v more_o to_o read_v consideration_n and_o retirement_n than_o other_o man_n and_o to_o weigh_v the_o just_a consequence_n of_o thing_n they_o must_v needs_o attain_v a_o competent_a ability_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o most_o apply_v themselves_o and_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a through_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o spirit_n who_o call_v and_o give_v they_o authority_n in_o their_o office_n to_o become_v instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o guide_v man_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o art_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o world_n we_o deem_v it_o a_o natural_a way_n to_o learn_v by_o obtain_v one_o that_o be_v skilful_a himself_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o principle_n and_o ground_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o we_o more_o certain_o and_o easy_o obtain_v our_o design_n when_o we_o have_v such_o a_o one_o to_o instruct_v we_o so_o be_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a way_n to_o inform_v ourselves_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n when_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o a_o inspire_a rule_n but_o man_n educate_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o understanding_n the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v afterward_o appoint_v by_o due_a ceremony_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n especial_o if_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n 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 appoint_a ministration_n by_o a_o internal_a work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a illumination_n yet_o continue_v among_o christian_n as_o our_o church_n own_v it_o by_o her_o prayer_n so_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o contradict_v it_o not_o that_o it_o do_v render_v any_o man_n infallible_a as_o the_o romanist_n affirm_v nor_o inspire_v man_n with_o any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n beside_o what_o it_o have_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o some_o enthusiast_n adventure_v to_o determine_v yet_o we_o must_v not_o to_o avoid_v the_o extreme_n forsake_v so_o useful_a a_o article_n of_o belief_n that_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n and_o keep_v we_o dependent_a upon_o he_o and_o be_v so_o great_a a_o foundation_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v by_o the_o jew_n because_o the_o samaritan_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n nor_o shall_v i_o 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 man_n and_o to_o we_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a because_o what_o be_v write_v by_o revelation_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o our_o instruction_n they_o have_v write_v in_o their_o book_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o assistance_n the_o spirit_n give_v we_o for_o though_o he_o do_v not_o inspire_v we_o with_o any_o new_a doctrine_n you_o he_o open_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o old_a i_o be_o far_o from_o admit_v the_o conceit_n of_o a_o impulse_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o life_n because_o we_o know_v what_o mischief_n have_v overspread_v the_o world_n when_o proposition_n have_v be_v veil_v with_o such_o a_o pretence_n and_o it_o may_v be_v our_o own_o as_o well_o as_o s._n augustine_n observation_n tanto_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la seditionem_fw-la faciliores_fw-la quanto_fw-la sibi_fw-la videntur_fw-la spiritu_fw-la excellere_fw-la man_n be_v the_o more_o prone_a to_o sedition_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o 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
they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o glorious_a like_o the_o stream_n of_o fire_n not_o only_o to_o represent_v the_o majesty_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o to_o signify_v the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o inflame_v the_o zeal_n and_o warm_v the_o devotion_n of_o these_o apostle_n nay_o they_o be_v both_o fiery_a and_o cleave_a that_o their_o zeal_n may_v not_o be_v divorce_v from_o knowledge_n but_o one_o may_v administer_v to_o the_o other_o and_o both_o to_o he_o who_o influence_v they_o with_o this_o spirit_n this_o make_v they_o at_o once_o the_o admiration_n and_o envy_n of_o the_o world_n this_o make_v their_o doctrine_n glorious_a and_o triumphant_a and_o confirm_v it_o with_o miracle_n beyond_o the_o force_n of_o malice_n and_o contradiction_n this_o cause_v the_o church_n to_o spring_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n make_v it_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o spite_n and_o flourish_v on_o the_o top_n of_o cross_n and_o gibbet_n to_o shine_v glorious_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o flame_n and_o triumph_v over_o death_n itself_o though_o its_o member_n be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o this_o give_v the_o apostle_n the_o prevision_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o our_o saviour_n life_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v at_o the_o same_o time_n give_v they_o a_o prospect_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o their_o comfort_n too_o this_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n what_o their_o master_n have_v before_o teach_v they_o and_o inspire_v they_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v build_v the_o christian_a church_n upon_o that_o cornerstone_n which_o though_o reject_v of_o man_n be_v in_o itself_o elect_v and_o precious_a three_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v also_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n the_o samaritan_n that_o believe_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n act_n 8.17_o and_o whilst_o s._n peter_n be_v preach_v occasion_v by_o the_o conversion_n of_o cornelius_n the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o act_n 10.44_o and_o though_o as_o to_o those_o glorious_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n which_o at_o first_o be_v frequent_a in_o work_v miracle_n and_o inspire_a man_n to_o speak_v divers_a language_n for_o the_o proof_n and_o early_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o now_o withdraw_v its_o force_n and_o operation_n yet_o it_o still_o continue_v that_o necessary_a influence_n which_o impress_n the_o mind_n of_o devout_a man_n and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o arm_n they_o with_o patience_n and_o resolution_n this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v too_o frequent_o contradict_v even_o by_o such_o as_o seem_v to_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o some_o strength_n superior_a to_o their_o own_o whilst_o to_o avoid_v one_o rock_n they_o run_v upon_o another_o to_o escape_v that_o enthusiasm_n which_o have_v too_o much_o disturb_v the_o world_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o darkness_n and_o error_n they_o reject_v the_o conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n when_o he_o will_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n man_n be_v so_o cautious_a lest_o they_o shall_v infringe_v the_o uncontrollable_a liberty_n of_o their_o own_o will_n that_o they_o entrench_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bind_v their_o god_n in_o chain_n that_o he_o may_v sit_v fast_o in_o heaven_n to_o very_o little_a purpose_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a influence_n and_o benediction_n from_o above_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v our_o prayer_n be_v why_o shall_v we_o petition_v for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v assure_v we_o shall_v never_o receive_v or_o how_o can_v any_o pray_v in_o faith_n for_o what_o they_o believe_v will_v never_o come_v we_o mock_v our_o maker_n to_o his_o very_a face_n when_o we_o say_v turn_v thou_o we_o o_o good_a lord_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v turn_v if_o god_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o it_o will_v be_v profane_a and_o ridiculous_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o be_v or_o increase_n of_o grace_n if_o god_n do_v not_o influence_n our_o mind_n nay_o he_o that_o reject_v this_o principle_n bold_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o epicurus_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o a_o heathen_a countermand_v the_o divinity_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o how_o can_v god_n rule_v the_o world_n &_o exercise_v his_o empire_n over_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n how_o can_v he_o control_v the_o purpose_n of_o man_n and_o rebuke_v their_o action_n when_o they_o contradict_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o he_o do_v not_o immediate_o influence_n their_o will_n as_o well_o as_o propose_v object_n to_o their_o sense_n i_o know_v we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o disbelieve_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o full_o understand_v and_o to_o expunge_v that_o out_o of_o our_o creed_n which_o be_v not_o plain_o evident_a to_o our_o reason_n but_o can_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a to_o reject_v a_o be_v because_o we_o understand_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o existence_n or_o to_o deny_v such_o effect_n as_o we_o see_v because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o view_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o be_v invisible_a if_o so_o then_o farewell_n the_o sublimest_n article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o no_o mortal_a eye_n ever_o see_v nor_o can_v a_o finite_a be_v frame_n a_o complete_a idea_n of_o he_o shall_v i_o deny_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n because_o i_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o maker_n operation_n when_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o fiat_n nor_o how_o so_o rare_a a_o systeme_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o pre-existent_a must_v i_o reject_v spirit_n because_o i_o can_v see_v they_o or_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o immaterial_a being_n upon_o the_o corporeal_a substance_n of_o this_o world_n because_o motion_n among_o body_n be_v make_v by_o contact_n and_o i_o can_v apprehend_v how_o a_o spirit_n can_v work_v upon_o a_o body_n when_o none_o but_o body_n can_v touch_v one_o another_o who_o can_v tell_v how_o our_o soul_n work_v upon_o our_o body_n and_o yet_o none_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o nay_o who_o can_v describe_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o soul_n union_n to_o our_o body_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n will_v refuse_v to_o own_o the_o thing_n or_o will_v any_o one_o deny_v the_o part_n of_o body_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o each_o other_o because_o the_o term_n of_o their_o union_n be_v never_o yet_o so_o full_o resolve_v as_o to_o baffle_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a why_o shall_v we_o then_o doubt_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n influence_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n because_o the_o manner_n of_o operation_n be_v intricate_a and_o inexplicable_a when_o we_o find_v it_o by_o the_o independence_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o those_o good_a suggestion_n crowd_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o some_o evil_a contrivance_n where_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v inject_v from_o above_o that_o we_o may_v full_o convince_v ourselves_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o god_n work_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o concur_v with_o the_o motion_n of_o rational_a being_n when_o they_o incline_v to_o comply_v with_o his_o operation_n the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v say_v our_o saviour_n and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3.8_o we_o all_o believe_v that_o the_o wind_n blow_v when_o it_o become_v obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o yet_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o different_a wind_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o swift_a motion_n of_o the_o air_n have_v puzzle_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o inquisitive_a philosopher_n god_n be_v therefore_o say_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o bring_v the_o wind_n out_o of_o his_o treasure_n jer._n 51.16_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n we_o find_v that_o they_o break_v out_o of_o the_o chamber_n and_o secret_a place_n so_o we_o discern_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o we_o can_v account_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o produce_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v possible_a 2._o necessary_a 3._o from_o the_o scripture_n infallibility_n certain_a first_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v possible_a our_o saviour_n to_o rebuke_v the_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
trouble_v the_o church_n pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n gal._n 1.7_o but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n or_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o they_o be_v usual_o more_o obscure_a text_n that_o be_v to_o exercise_v the_o more_o learned_a and_o critical_a part_n of_o man_n upon_o which_o heresy_n be_v found_v and_o this_o too_o frequent_o be_v occasion_v by_o man_n that_o wrack_n and_o torture_v their_o understanstanding_n to_o conceive_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o here_o perfect_o to_o be_v know_v or_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v fathom_v by_o other_o man_n yet_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o those_o who_o thus_o ignorant_o and_o erroneous_o apprehend_v they_o thus_o s._n peter_n speak_v of_o s._n paul_n epistle_n say_v that_o in_o they_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o but_o another_o sort_n there_o be_v too_o that_o have_v too_o much_o subtlety_n to_o be_v account_v ignorant_a who_o be_v some_o of_o he_o perverse_a disputer_n of_o the_o world_n that_o first_o suit_n their_o tenet_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o then_o violent_o press_v the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v what_o they_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o we_o shall_v never_o else_o have_v hear_v this_o be_v my_o body_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o absurd_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n nor_o feed_v my_o sheep_n to_o prove_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n nor_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o prove_v his_o infallibility_n nor_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n to_o prove_v a_o purgatory_n when_o all_o these_o text_n be_v capable_a of_o fair_a and_o more_o plain_a interpretation_n to_o another_o and_o more_o coherent_a sense_n but_o that_o the_o ambition_n of_o some_o man_n will_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o then_o frame_v other_o belief_n to_o render_v they_o tame_v for_o such_o a_o tyranny_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o whatsoever_o they_o will_v impose_v when_o all_o this_o while_n they_o suit_v the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o wealth_n the_o better_a to_o support_v their_o pride_n and_o usurpation_n nay_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o have_v those_o among_o ourselves_o who_o call_v the_o pope_n name_n and_o yet_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n and_o tie_v that_o infallibility_n which_o they_o rob_v the_o roman_a chair_n of_o to_o their_o own_o single_a and_o enthusiastic_a determination_n who_o by_o misunderstand_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n direct_v themselves_o by_o a_o private_a impulse_n and_o then_o muster_v these_o to_o defend_v it_o but_o the_o flower_n be_v not_o the_o less_o fragrant_a for_o that_o the_o spider_n thence_o will_v suck_v for_o poison_n nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o those_o who_o sober_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v it_o notwithstanding_o some_o may_v wrest_v and_o misapply_v it_o nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n at_o any_o time_n contradict_v itself_o he_o have_v therefore_o inspire_v some_o man_n to_o commit_v a_o rule_n to_o write_v for_o future_a generation_n to_o read_v and_o understand_v and_o put_v forth_o a_o law_n that_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a and_o man_n have_v reason_n and_o understanding_n enough_o assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n ordinary_a direction_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o law_n into_o all_o truth_n he_o expect_v now_o that_o they_o shall_v order_v themselves_o as_o they_o do_v by_o all_o human_a law_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o live_v proportionable_o to_o so_o great_a a_o favour_n and_o labour_n to_o understand_v what_o he_o have_v put_v into_o their_o power_n to_o know_v remember_v that_o of_o wise_a agur_n add_v thou_o not_o unto_o god_n word_n lest_o he_o reprove_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n prov._n 30.6_o the_o authority_n god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n empower_n they_o to_o command_v or_o alter_v circumstantial_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o these_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o heb._n 13.17_o but_o no_o man_n be_v authorize_v to_o usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o create_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o impose_v other_o primary_n rule_v of_o duty_n than_o what_o they_o find_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v only_o to_o confirm_v and_o explain_v they_o for_o as_o we_o must_v not_o think_v of_o man_n so_o neither_o of_o doctrine_n above_o what_o be_v write_v our_o language_n and_o design_n must_v be_v the_o same_o with_o s._n paul_n to_o deliver_v that_o which_o we_o also_o receive_v 1_o cor._n 15.3_o so_o may_v we_o be_v worker_n together_o with_o god_n and_o when_o the_o world_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o demonstrate_v his_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o may_v please_v he_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v i._n e._n what_o some_o man_n account_v folly_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1.21_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o next_o particular_a in_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n guide_v we_o that_o be_v remote_a from_o the_o apostle_n age_n into_o all_o truth_n which_o they_o deliver_v by_o incline_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n to_o continue_v that_o ministry_n that_o must_v have_v its_o succession_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n conduct_v that_o in_o all_o religious_a constitution_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n there_o have_v be_v a_o separate_a and_o appoint_v ministry_n be_v more_o notorious_a than_o to_o spend_v word_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v too_o deep_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o it_o bear_v a_o equal_a date_n with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n fix_v in_o we_o without_o this_o public_a worship_n can_v have_v its_o constant_a and_o orderly_o be_v and_o have_v not_o this_o be_v establish_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o christianity_n it_o will_v not_o only_o have_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o any_o religion_n which_o have_v possess_v the_o world_n but_o than_o any_o trade_n or_o occupation_n among_o we_o to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o which_o man_n must_v be_v learner_n before_o they_o become_v able_a workman_n or_o be_v permit_v to_o exercise_v their_o particular_a calling_n among_o any_o well_o order_v and_o embody_v society_n the_o separation_n therefore_o of_o some_o man_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v first_o make_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o when_o he_o call_v the_o apostle_n and_o send_v forth_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o human_a creature_n and_o when_o the_o time_n of_o his_o departure_n from_o the_o world_n be_v come_v when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o father_n kingdom_n in_o such_o a_o triumph_n as_o become_v a_o conqueror_n and_o one_o to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o deliver_v his_o full_a commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n substitute_v they_o in_o his_o own_o stead_n to_o rule_v his_o church_n and_o to_o ordain_v their_o successor_n that_o like_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n they_o may_v be_v legitimate_a and_o by_o a_o continue_a and_o distinguishable_a descent_n they_o may_v be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o say_v christ_n so_o send_v i_o you_o john_n 20.21_o or_o as_o s._n matthew_n describe_v it_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o wit_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n by_o yourselves_o and_o successor_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o gift_n our_o saviour_n give_v unto_o man_n when_o he_o ascend_v upon_o high_a ephes_n 4.8_o for_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v to_o endure_v till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o
render_v our_o notion_n more_o clear_a and_o durable_a we_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o be_v within_o our_o power_n and_o set_v our_o reason_n and_o faculty_n on_o work_n and_o then_o the_o spirit_n by_o a_o secret_a operation_n enlarge_v our_o mind_n and_o bless_v our_o endeavour_n thus_o paul_n must_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n although_o it_o be_v god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n 1_o cor._n 3.6_o and_o thus_o the_o lord_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n whilst_o she_o attend_v to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v speak_v by_o s._n paul_n act_n 16.14_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o diffident_a concern_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n though_o they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n by_o they_o in_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_o predict_v yet_o christ_n himself_o open_v their_o understanding_n before_o they_o can_v apprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o scripture_n luke_o 24.45_o as_o we_o may_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v we_o phil._n 4.13_o so_o separate_v from_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o john_n 15.5_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v put_v much_o of_o our_o duty_n into_o our_o own_o power_n yet_o have_v still_o reserve_v something_o to_o himself_o that_o we_o may_v be_v keep_v humble_a depend_v upon_o he_o and_o beg_v his_o aid_n for_o the_o animal_n man_n that_o be_v not_o possess_v with_o the_o divine_a benediction_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o admit_v not_o of_o proposition_n prove_v only_o by_o miracle_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o they_o appear_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o whilst_o he_o remain_v in_o that_o condition_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n not_o logic_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n judas_n describe_v sensual_a man_n to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n ver_fw-la 19_o of_o his_o epistle_n now_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o all_o this_o as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n by_o our_o unbelief_n to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o what_o be_v promise_v and_o to_o shut_v out_o those_o assistance_n from_o our_o soul_n which_o bless_v and_o facilitate_v our_o endeavour_n so_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o say_v that_o our_o safety_n be_v beyond_o our_o power_n and_o that_o heaven_n be_v too_o high_a for_o our_o reach_n since_o if_o we_o solemn_o prepare_v our_o heart_n and_o devout_o petition_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v obtain_v it_o and_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o first_o want_v to_o ourselves_o this_o be_v what_o s._n austin_n say_v facienti_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o se_fw-la est_fw-la deus_fw-la non_fw-la deneg_fw-mi at_o gratiam_fw-la that_o god_n do_v not_o deny_v his_o grace_n to_o he_o who_o do_v what_o be_v in_o his_o power_n and_o that_o promise_v of_o our_o saviour_n may_v relieve_v and_o encourage_v we_o that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_o 11.13_o let_v we_o act_v then_o with_o the_o dependence_n of_o creature_n and_o yet_o not_o relinquish_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n let_v we_o not_o think_v to_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o understanding_n and_o belief_n of_o those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o miracle_n and_o upon_o the_o wheel_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n to_o be_v snatch_v out_o of_o the_o pit_n of_o ignorance_n by_o a_o irresistible_a force_n and_o inform_v by_o a_o apostolical_a illumination_n but_o let_v we_o use_v those_o mean_n that_o be_v now_o put_v into_o our_o own_o power_n for_o the_o full_a apprehension_n of_o all_o divine_a and_o necessary_a truth_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o our_o obedience_n according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v may_v attest_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o then_o if_o any_o thing_n yet_o remain_v which_o be_v necessary_a far_o for_o we_o to_o know_v god_n will_v use_v some_o method_n or_o other_o to_o inform_v we_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n dispose_v our_o understanding_n to_o receive_v it_o for_o god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o we_o and_o we_o have_v s._n paul_n word_n for_o it_o phil._n 3.15_o 16._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v now_o at_o length_n consider_v this_o promise_n of_o lead_v man_n into_o truth_n both_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o apostle_n and_o as_o it_o also_o relate_v unto_o ourselves_o i_o have_v show_v how_o it_o guide_v they_o and_o how_o it_o do_v still_o lead_v we_o into_o truth_n there_o be_v now_o but_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o will_v want_v only_o a_o brief_a reflection_n before_o i_o arrive_v at_o some_o practical_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o that_o be_v the_o latitude_n of_o this_o promise_n in_o relation_n to_o its_o object_n which_o as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v on_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o apostle_n so_o must_v it_o be_v explain_v in_o relation_n to_o ourselves_o for_o this_o universal_a all_o truth_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o utmost_a extent_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o must_v be_v limit_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o the_o spirit_n guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o may_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o order_n our_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n suitable_a to_o the_o religion_n we_o be_v baptize_v into_o there_o be_v direction_n publish_v in_o sacred_a writ_n for_o our_o christian_a deportment_n in_o all_o our_o various_a state_n and_o condition_n from_o whence_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o general_n exhort_v that_o our_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n phil._n 1.27_o which_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a and_o insufficient_a direction_n be_v there_o not_o in_o it_o a_o complete_a rule_n for_o our_o life_n the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v either_o concern_v god_n other_o or_o ourselves_o as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o be_v command_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o devotion_n we_o pay_v he_o must_v be_v suitable_a to_o his_o be_v and_o the_o general_n rule_v give_v in_o the_o gospel_n john_n 4.24_o and_o we_o must_v love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n matth._n 22.37_o as_o to_o the_o second_o we_o have_v this_o direction_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o do_v unto_o we_o mat._n 7.12_o and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o matt._n 22.39_o and_o as_o to_o ourselves_o we_o must_v walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_v rom._n 13.13_o nay_o our_o whole_a duty_n be_v comprehend_v in_o one_o text_n of_o s._n paul_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n tit._n 2.12_o pious_o towards_o god_n righteous_o towards_o our_o neighbour_n and_o sober_o in_o relation_n to_o ourselves_o nor_o have_v we_o only_o these_o general_a direction_n but_o those_o also_o that_o be_v so_o particular_a that_o we_o may_v hence_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o such_o prudent_a advice_n be_v give_v in_o all_o the_o condition_n that_o may_v happen_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v neither_o leave_v without_o proper_a counsel_n nor_o yet_o without_o comfort_n and_o relief_n second_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v we_o into_o all_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o of_o these_o he_o have_v give_v we_o so_o exact_a a_o account_n that_o no_o new_a article_n be_v to_o be_v add_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n the_o apostle_n creed_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o complete_a our_o belief_n be_v in_o every_o article_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o man_n that_o go_v too_o far_o beyond_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v wise_a over_o much_o and_o to_o think_v and_o conclude_v beyond_o sobriety_n and_o therefore_o three_o the_o spirit_n thus_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o concern_v our_o future_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n it_o have_v inform_v we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n by_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o have_v lay_v out_o and_o smooth_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o it_o have_v give_v some_o description_n of_o the_o state_n itself_o as_o far_o as_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
unreasonableness_n of_o such_o man_n and_o their_o lamentable_a state_n who_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o sun_n create_v a_o perpetual_a night_n to_o themselves_o and_o love_n to_o wander_v in_o darkness_n and_o error_n by_o be_v of_o such_o unsteady_a temper_n such_o easy_a and_o unmanly_a resolution_n shift_v church_n and_o opinion_n at_o every_o turn_n conclude_v every_o apparition_n to_o be_v a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o the_o dream_n of_o man_n to_o be_v inspiration_n and_o though_o principle_n of_o various_a shape_n and_o face_n be_v present_v by_o man_n with_o the_o same_o confidence_n and_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n yet_o too_o many_o be_v so_o inconsiderate_a and_o easy_a as_o to_o admit_v all_o by_o a_o continue_a succession_n and_o live_v altogether_o in_o a_o circle_n as_o if_o they_o be_v fix_v like_o one_o of_o the_o philosopher_n intelligence_n in_o a_o orb_n turn_v it_o round_o and_o ride_v themselves_o about_o with_o it_o or_o rather_o chain_v by_o some_o magical_a charm_n that_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o run_v about_o the_o circle_n and_o yet_o be_v never_o able_a to_o stand_v still_o long_o enough_o to_o disentangle_v themselves_o and_o what_o a_o dismal_a state_n of_o life_n be_v this_o never_o to_o possess_v rest_n and_o quiet_a how_o pitiable_a be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v his_o mind_n always_o toss_v and_o ruffle_v who_o have_v get_v such_o a_o paralytical_a distemper_n as_o keep_v his_o head_n always_o jog_v who_o entertain_v no_o principle_n long_o and_o yet_o religion_n be_v his_o perpetual_a burden_n and_o well_o may_v it_o be_v so_o to_o he_o who_o load_v himself_o with_o such_o variety_n these_o man_n put_v a_o veil_n over_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o blindfold_z themselves_o that_o they_o may_v either_o be_v lead_v by_o other_o or_o stumble_v on_o they_o know_v not_o whither_o these_o discern_v not_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n nor_o make_v any_o difference_n betwixt_o opinion_n and_o demonstration_n who_o every_o day_n be_v entangle_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o snare_n and_o absurdity_n and_o wander_v about_o in_o a_o wild_a wilderness_n when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v travel_v through_o a_o inhabit_a country_n they_o be_v like_o fowl_n fly_v in_o the_o air_n who_o be_v hamper_v in_o net_n which_o other_o have_v place_v on_o pole_n to_o catch_v they_o when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v mount_v above_o hazard_n and_o danger_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a judgement_n when_o god_n that_o give_v man_n soul_n to_o discern_v shall_v for_o their_o own_o wilful_a blindness_n deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n especial_o when_o we_o shall_v reflect_v upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n that_o they_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n 2_o thess_n 2.11_o we_o find_v that_o this_o must_v natural_o become_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o wild_a principle_n and_o the_o experience_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o irregularity_n and_o crime_n of_o such_o person_n sufficient_o inform_v we_o that_o their_o way_n in_o this_o world_n lead_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o other_o to_o the_o vault_n of_o hell_n unless_o the_o great_a villainy_n may_v be_v consecrate_v by_o such_o hallow_a pretence_n and_o wickedness_n may_v change_v its_o nature_n by_o add_v the_o high_a degree_n to_o it_o when_o man_n make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o then_o indeed_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n will_v quick_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o of_o our_o sovereign_n the_o kirk_n may_v beat_v the_o throne_n in_o piece_n and_o man_n may_v snatch_v away_o the_o king_n crown_n to_o cover_v their_o own_o head_n withal_o and_o it_o may_v be_v after_o a_o while_n a_o entrenchment_n on_o the_o triple_a crown_n to_o be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o three_o kingdom_n the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o loose_a opinion_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n yet_o to_o forget_v or_o if_o they_o have_v escape_v our_o memory_n and_o be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v remain_v hide_v will_v cause_v they_o to_o revive_v by_o fresh_a instance_n that_o charity_n itself_o may_v no_o long_o cover_v they_o but_o their_o repeat_v crime_n may_v at_o once_o renew_v and_o preserve_v their_o principle_n god_n have_v permit_v the_o pretender_n to_o these_o new_a inspiration_n at_o once_o almost_o to_o make_v a_o plain_a discovery_n of_o themselves_o and_o yet_o he_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o authority_n to_o obviate_v the_o design_n of_o both_o and_o have_v cause_v the_o religion_n of_o his_o own_o church_n take_v its_o measure_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o shine_v when_o it_o be_v almost_o cover_v with_o a_o cloud_n lift_v up_o your_o eye_n then_o and_o behold_v its_o glory_n not_o to_o envy_v but_o to_o delight_v in_o it_o always_o to_o profess_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v primitive_a and_o apostolical_a that_o deliver_v no_o other_o principle_n to_o the_o world_n but_o what_o our_o saviour_n do_v before_o what_o his_o apostle_n comment_v on_o and_o a_o faith_n that_o their_o follower_n live_v by_o principle_n that_o entrench_v not_o upon_o the_o right_n of_o secular_a power_n that_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o the_o just_a and_o lawful_a maxim_n of_o state_n that_o give_v no_o countenance_n to_o ambitious_a usurpation_n nor_o any_o disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a but_o teach_v man_n humanity_n and_o obedience_n that_o countenance_n no_o cruelty_n or_o murder_n but_o rebuke_v the_o inordinate_a appetite_n of_o man_n give_v a_o check_n to_o vice_n and_o encourage_v virtue_n that_o man_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o their_o sojourn_v here_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n with_o their_o neighbour_n thwart_v neither_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o king_n nor_o privilege_n of_o the_o subject_a may_v die_v with_o true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o gain_v a_o complete_a rest_n from_o their_o labour_n when_o their_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o habit_n shall_v be_v reward_v with_o eternal_a glory_n let_v we_o then_o have_v thus_o fix_v our_o rule_n and_o doctrine_n attend_v with_o such_o ample_a reward_n continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o contend_v earnest_o for_o it_o since_o it_o be_v what_o be_v former_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n let_v not_o novelty_n that_o drag_v such_o vice_n and_o irreligion_n after_o they_o that_o begin_v with_o treason_n and_o end_n in_o blood_n be_v any_o more_o name_v among_o we_o with_o delight_n but_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o such_o iniquity_n as_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o and_o make_v its_o proselyte_n the_o real_a and_o continue_v troubler_n of_o israel_n as_o well_o as_o a_o sure_a plague_n to_o themselves_o who_o vex_v all_o that_o give_v ear_n to_o they_o with_o the_o perplex_v passion_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n about_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n so_o much_o that_o they_o lose_v all_o temporal_a peace_n themselves_o and_o scare_v and_o disturb_v other_o man_n whilst_o they_o keep_v they_o by_o their_o pretend_a inspiration_n in_o perpetual_a doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o mind_n for_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n it_o be_v very_o certain_a they_o can_v believe_v none_o and_o so_o they_o abandon_v god_n religion_n and_o their_o own_o peace_n and_o run_v a_o round_a of_o endless_a perplexity_n and_o contradiction_n 2._o from_o the_o apostle_n caution_n and_o my_o discourse_n from_o it_o we_o may_v easy_o judge_v of_o those_o person_n without_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a infallibility_n that_o run_v after_o every_o new_a doctrine_n like_o weathercock_n be_v turn_v with_o every_o wind_n and_o follow_v after_o every_o light_n though_o it_o be_v but_o will_v with_o a_o wisp_n or_o jack_n in_o a_o lantern_n that_o bring_v they_o upon_o precipice_n or_o lead_v they_o into_o boggs_n these_o man_n have_v vitiate_v their_o fight_n dispose_v their_o organ_n for_o all_o impression_n and_o enlarge_v their_o eye_n by_o frequent_a goggle_n beyond_o all_o proportion_n that_o no_o new_a object_n may_v escape_v they_o receive_v false_a representation_n of_o thing_n with_o the_o same_o greediness_n that_o they_o receive_v true_a and_o so_o mistake_v a_o paper-kite_n for_o a_o wander_a comet_n and_o a_o enkindle_a meteor_n for_o a_o true_a star_n hecuba_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o they_o as_o helen_n and_o they_o embrace_v a_o cloud_n instead_o of_o juno_n to_o endeavour_v to_o fix_v principle_n in_o they_o be_v but_o write_v on_o the_o face_n of_o water_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o digest_v the_o thought_n of_o these_o into_o stand_v proposition_n be_v
their_o sovereign_n sceptre_n that_o christ_n alone_n may_v be_v exalt_v the_o murder_v those_o that_o have_v sacred_a character_n impress_v upon_o they_o be_v take_v he_o that_o hinder_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o all_o the_o usurp_a tyranny_n in_o tne_n world_n be_v exercise_v only_o to_o bring_v in_o such_o a_o bless_a confusion_n that_o ambitious_a man_n may_v from_o the_o spoil_n of_o other_o build_v their_o own_o nest_n on_o high_a and_o this_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o seat_v the_o lord_n jesus_n on_o his_o throne_n though_o his_o religion_n be_v make_v their_o own_o footstool_n but_o if_o they_o find_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n open_a or_o their_o stomach_n too_o nice_a to_o digest_v such_o hard_a thing_n as_o these_o and_o that_o they_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v devil_n when_o the_o flame_n appear_v through_o their_o thin_a garment_n and_o they_o be_v not_o cut_v long_o enough_o to_o hide_v their_o cleave_a foot_n they_o will_v effect_v by_o stratagem_n what_o they_o can_v by_o open_v force_n and_o a_o ambush_n shall_v destroy_v what_o a_o field-army_n can_v they_o will_v hide_v their_o leaven_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o meal_n till_o in_o the_o end_n all_o be_v leaven_v blend_v truth_n and_o error_n together_o and_o like_o the_o gnostic_n make_v a_o religious_a mixture_n that_o shall_v have_v something_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o something_o of_o the_o christian_a that_o may_v look_v like_o what_o other_o profess_v but_o still_o add_v something_o of_o their_o own_o that_o poison_n may_v be_v swallow_v in_o a_o sweeten_v potion_n where_o man_n may_v take_v and_o yet_o never_o taste_v it_o the_o saducee_n can_v deny_v the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o yet_o adhere_v to_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o pharisee_n can_v admit_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o void_a they_o by_o their_o own_o tradition_n the_o arrian_n can_v own_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o grant_v he_o only_o to_o be_v a_o creature_n and_o the_o socinian_o can_v acknowledge_v he_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o among_o all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o error_n be_v entertain_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o truth_n that_o cover_v it_o and_o not_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a man_n often_o receive_v they_o both_o together_o the_o papist_n profess_v the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o add_v as_o many_o article_n of_o their_o own_o and_o those_o that_o be_v averse_a to_o these_o will_v yet_o embrace_v many_o error_n and_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o lead_v towards_o they_o when_o they_o be_v disperse_v among_o a_o great_a many_o truth_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o one_o mouthful_n of_o pestilential_a air_n may_v infect_v and_o destroy_v the_o man_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a all_o shall_v be_v wary_a in_o choose_v out_o wholesome_a habitation_n and_o since_o a_o little_a poison_n may_v make_v we_o swell_v and_o burst_v asunder_o this_o may_v be_v more_o effectual_a to_o destroy_v than_o all_o the_o food_n we_o swallow_v with_o it_o can_v be_v to_o save_v and_o preserve_v we_o in_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o discern_v it_o the_o more_o careful_a we_o ought_v to_o be_v three_o false_a prophet_n will_v be_v more_o difficult_a to_o be_v discern_v and_o therefore_o more_o strict_o to_o be_v examine_v by_o we_o because_o they_o will_v make_v their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n to_o receive_v a_o seem_a countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n these_o be_v what_o we_o own_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n and_o by_o these_o we_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v false_a which_o many_o text_n be_v bring_v to_o prove_v thus_o the_o devil_n tempt_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 4.6_o when_o he_o will_v attempt_v the_o ruin_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o disappointment_n of_o our_o redeemer_n nay_o of_o the_o whole_a most_o bless_a and_o glorious_a trinity_n in_o contrive_v and_o carry_v on_o such_o wonderful_a providence_n by_o persuade_v he_o to_o cast_v himself_o down_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o make_v he_o sin_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o himself_o and_o anticipate_v that_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o become_v our_o sacrifice_n he_o may_v tempt_v providence_n and_o hazard_n himself_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v he_o cast_v thyself_o down_o for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o will_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o and_o with_o their_o hand_n they_o shall_v bear_v thou_o up_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o dash_v thy_o foot_n against_o a_o stone_n render_v the_o text_n plausible_a to_o his_o purpose_n by_o omit_v that_o part_n of_o keep_v he_o in_o all_o his_o way_n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o trial_n of_o skill_n as_o render_v the_o devil_n exceed_v foolish_a because_o he_o that_o know_v all_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o he_o have_v omit_v which_o be_v the_o key_n to_o open_v that_o promise_n yet_o from_o this_o attempt_n of_o the_o devil_n upon_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o deceiver_n of_o mankind_n throughout_o all_o age_n endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v false_a doctrine_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o by_o bring_v text_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v they_o the_o instance_n be_v many_o and_o well_o know_v to_o those_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o book_n and_o write_n or_o have_v give_v themselves_o the_o variety_n and_o temptation_n to_o hear_v man_n of_o different_a opinion_n from_o we_o but_o alas_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o one_o of_o no_o extraordinary_a skill_n to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n both_o to_o his_o own_o and_o other_o ruin_n nay_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a guilt_n of_o the_o unskilful_a and_o unlearned_a 2_o epist_n 3.16_o how_o much_o more_o than_o may_v design_v man_n that_o by_o guile_n endeavour_n to_o catch_v the_o ignorant_a this_o way_n impose_v upon_o their_o understanding_n by_o pretend_v scripture_n to_o prove_v and_o countenance_v their_o false_a opinion_n especial_o among_o such_o as_o admit_v text_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o number_n not_o their_o weight_n and_o more_o regard_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n than_o the_o sense_n which_o be_v couch_v under_o they_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_n and_o then_o to_o plead_v it_o according_a to_o our_o own_o purpose_n and_o design_n nor_o be_v it_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o quote_v divers_a text_n that_o to_o ignorant_a man_n may_v by_o their_o sound_n seem_v to_o countenance_v their_o opinion_n that_o in_o their_o true_a meaning_n be_v nothing_o for_o they_o or_o else_o confirm_v a_o contrary_a proposition_n this_o the_o papist_n and_o dissenter_n know_v and_o this_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o ourselves_o when_o we_o view_v book_n who_o margin_n adorn_v they_o with_o multitude_n of_o text_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o and_o yet_o upon_o a_o more_o strict_a examination_n do_v not_o at_o all_o make_v for_o their_o purpose_n and_o common_o when_o man_n multiply_v these_o beyond_o necessity_n to_o prove_v what_o be_v certain_o confirm_v by_o few_o that_o be_v plain_a and_o pertinent_a their_o doctrine_n be_v either_o doubtful_a or_o false_a or_o else_o they_o do_v it_o to_o take_v up_o time_n and_o fill_v their_o discourse_n which_o their_o own_o barrenness_n can_v supply_v because_o all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n if_o in_o any_o place_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o pertinent_a to_o the_o point_n which_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v one_o text_n be_v as_o good_a as_o a_o thousand_o and_o to_o quote_v many_o if_o some_o be_v impertinent_a the_o whole_a possible_o may_v be_v suspect_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o wisdom_n to_o do_v it_o but_o in_o point_n much_o controvert_v among_o christian_n and_o in_o those_o especial_o for_o which_o the_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o divine_a institution_n four_o if_o false_a prophet_n can_v find_v as_o they_o never_o can_v and_o therefore_o deal_v in_o obscure_a place_n where_o the_o text_n be_v as_o dark_a as_o the_o place_n retire_v into_o which_o they_o creep_v to_o lead_v silly_a woman_n captive_a i_o say_v if_o they_o can_v find_v plain_a scripture_n to_o countenance_v their_o opinion_n they_o will_v yet_o pretend_v vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n disallow_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o beside_o confidence_n and_o a_o bold_a presumption_n yet_o some_o be_v apt_a frequent_o to_o cry_v a_o vision_n from_o the_o lord_n when_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n
whilst_o their_o soul_n dream_v when_o their_o body_n sleep_n or_o be_v indispose_v whilst_o they_o be_v awake_v we_o easy_o know_v how_o far_o the_o deprave_a disposition_n of_o our_o body_n work_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o man_n proportionable_a to_o their_o melancholy_n or_o joy_n to_o frame_v different_a opinion_n of_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o way_n render_v many_o sign_n of_o grace_n that_o some_o man_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n altogether_o vain_a and_o deceitful_a but_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o find_v by_o too_o woeful_a a_o experience_n how_o man_n either_o not_o fix_v or_o fearful_a be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o such_o pretension_n so_o that_o it_o prove_v a_o difficult_a task_n to_o hinder_v their_o error_n or_o to_o reduce_v they_o from_o it_o for_o all_o former_a rule_n to_o those_o that_o entertain_v so_o wild_a a_o principle_n be_v set_v aside_o and_o reason_n must_v not_o be_v hear_v against_o revelation_n yet_o since_o god_n be_v but_o one_o and_o all_o proposition_n be_v true_a or_o false_a since_o we_o find_v different_a nay_o contrary_a opinion_n vent_v to_o the_o world_n under_o the_o same_o pretence_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v prove_v and_o try_v they_o and_o the_o rather_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a true_a inspiration_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o what_o come_v from_o god_n to_o be_v discern_v from_o what_o proceed_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o body_n the_o variety_n of_o object_n present_v to_o our_o sense_n or_o what_o the_o devil_n inject_n into_o our_o mind_n and_o thereby_o employ_v and_o captivate_v our_o thought_n and_o this_o way_n frame_v a_o opinion_n five_o false_a prophet_n will_v give_v accent_n to_o what_o they_o deliver_v with_o such_o art_n and_o elocution_n as_o may_v make_v great_a impression_n on_o a_o multitude_n and_o suit_v their_o voice_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o those_o who_o they_o design_v to_o delude_v with_o such_o elevation_n and_o cadency_n as_o may_v agree_v with_o the_o joyful_a and_o the_o melancholy_a as_o if_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v skilled_a in_o song_n before_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o become_v a_o preacher_n or_o a_o fiddler_n be_v in_o the_o next_o capacity_n to_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n to_o delude_v the_o world_n but_o beside_o these_o suitable_a percussion_n upon_o the_o nerve_n of_o man_n to_o make_v a_o grateful_a reception_n in_o the_o understanding_n they_o add_v to_o it_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n which_o many_o mistake_n for_o a_o true_a zeal_n they_o can_v be_v loud_a when_o they_o be_v not_o rational_a and_o what_o be_v want_v in_o sense_n they_o can_v supply_v by_o noise_n and_o great_a action_n shall_v pass_v for_o a_o argument_n and_o a_o goggle_n of_o the_o eye_n for_o clear_a demonstration_n they_o will_v put_v their_o blood_n and_o spirit_n into_o such_o nimble_a motion_n that_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o if_o they_o be_v ravish_v from_o themselves_o and_o the_o part_n of_o their_o body_n be_v just_a run_v away_o from_o one_o another_o this_o strange_a fury_n be_v call_v zeal_n and_o many_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o receive_v every_o thing_n for_o true_a which_o be_v thus_o recommend_v by_o a_o religious_a fury_n not_o think_v that_o zeal_n be_v determine_v by_o its_o object_n and_o according_a to_o what_o it_o be_v conversant_a about_o become_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a with_o what_o zealous_a acclamation_n and_o repeat_v outcry_n do_v the_o jew_n call_v for_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n whilst_o they_o try_v say_v crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o luke_o 23.21_o and_o the_o more_o pilate_n endeavour_v to_o release_v the_o more_o zealous_a be_v they_o to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o more_o instant_a in_o require_v his_o blood_n in_o this_o man_n of_o false_a and_o corrupt_a principle_n exceed_v those_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o true_a truth_n be_v usual_o convey_v with_o simplicity_n because_o reason_n and_o understanding_n receive_v and_o fortify_v it_o but_o error_n must_v be_v manage_v by_o art_n and_o cunning_a because_o its_o nature_n can_v recommend_v it_o we_o read_v of_o man_n in_o the_o 7_o the_o of_o hosea_n that_o though_o they_o devour_v their_o king_n and_o judge_n stray_v away_o into_o the_o grove_n and_o wood_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o that_o of_o a_o idol_n so_o that_o none_o say_v god_n call_v upon_o i_o yet_o they_o be_v as_o hot_a as_o a_o oven_n and_o those_o false_a prophet_n mention_v by_o jeremiah_n that_o speak_v peace_n to_o those_o that_o despise_v their_o maker_n and_o to_o such_o as_o walk_v after_o the_o stubbornness_n and_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n say_v no_o evil_a shall_v come_v upon_o you_o be_v eager_a to_o deliver_v what_o they_o have_v no_o commission_n to_o do_v and_o exceed_v zealous_a to_o publish_v the_o message_n of_o which_o god_n refuse_v to_o be_v the_o author_n i_o have_v not_o send_v these_o prophet_n say_v god_n yet_o they_o run_v i_o have_v not_o speak_v to_o they_o yet_o they_o prophesy_v jer._n 23.21_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v easy_o deceive_v if_o we_o be_v draw_v into_o our_o belief_n by_o the_o heat_n and_o eagerness_n of_o those_o that_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o difference_n a_o fire_n that_o warm_v and_o relieve_v from_o that_o which_o will_v both_o scorch_v and_o burn_v we_o six_o false_a prophet_n that_o go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n will_v frequent_o boast_v the_o number_n of_o themselves_o and_o startle_v man_n with_o the_o glory_n and_o multitude_n of_o their_o proselyte_n but_o egypt_n have_v many_o magician_n and_o sorcerer_n in_o pharaoh_n time_n that_o can_v confront_v the_o rod_n of_o aaron_n and_o bold_o vie_v miracle_n with_o moses_n baal_n priest_n be_v four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o and_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o grove_n four_o hundred_o and_o what_o proportion_n can_v elijah_n bear_v to_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o these_o the_o arrian_n among_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o numerous_a that_o athanasius_n seem_v to_o engage_v against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o papist_n boast_v a_o universality_n as_o well_o as_o antiquity_n of_o their_o church_n nay_o the_o fanatic_n also_o tell_v we_o of_o their_o number_n and_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o show_v themselves_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o formidable_a body_n not_o only_o to_o put_v fright_n upon_o authority_n but_o to_o gain_v beholder_n and_o proselyte_n too_o herod_n and_o pilate_n for_o such_o end_n as_o these_o shall_v become_v friend_n and_o ephraim_n and_o manasseh_n shall_v join_v together_o to_o make_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o increase_n of_o number_n though_o manasseh_n be_v against_o ephraim_n and_o ephraim_n against_o manasseh_n and_o abundance_n of_o man_n especial_o such_o as_o neglect_v to_o examine_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v lead_v on_o by_o company_n and_o example_n they_o follow_v the_o herd_n though_o to_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o will_v run_v on_o with_o the_o flock_n or_o covey_n till_o the_o fowler_n spread_v his_o net_n over_o they_o though_o argue_v to_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o number_n that_o profess_v it_o will_v for_o some_o time_n have_v conclude_v our_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v false_a and_o give_v the_o cause_n both_o to_o jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o turk_n may_v yet_o boast_v the_o number_n of_o his_o proselyte_n and_o the_o devil_n brag_v that_o his_o name_n be_v legion_n seven_o false_a prophet_n will_v often_o plead_v the_o strictness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o will_v come_v with_o holiness_n write_v upon_o their_o forehead_n how_o little_a soever_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o will_v often_o be_v very_o precise_a and_o scrupulous_a and_o though_o they_o can_v swallow_v camel_n yet_o they_o will_v strain_v at_o gnat_n they_o will_v be_v very_o tender_a in_o small_a matter_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v such_o as_o great_a sin_n never_o seize_v on_o like_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n anise_v and_o cummin_n although_o they_o omit_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n none_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v more_o outward_o grave_a and_o formal_a than_o these_o they_o make_v broad_a the_o phylactery_n those_o scroll_n of_o parchment_n on_o which_o the_o law_n be_v inscribe_v that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o more_o text_n of_o scripture_n than_o other_o man_n to_o show_v their_o great_a opinion_n of_o the_o law_n they_o enlarge_v also_o the_o fringe_n of_o their_o garment_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o other_o man_n that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v badge_n of_o their_o distinction_n and_o separation_n but_o evidence_n they_o to_o be_v exceed_o religious_a because_o
their_o governors_n opinion_n enact_v into_o law_n for_o the_o true_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o pope_n or_o preside_v at_o their_o council_n and_o infallible_o assist_v in_o their_o determination_n but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n take_v as_o they_o be_v propound_v can_v possible_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n much_o less_o the_o high_a conduct_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o though_o they_o may_v be_v help_n to_o judge_v upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o rule_n yet_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n may_v frequent_o be_v mistake_v for_o reason_n illumination_n conscience_n nay_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n itself_o and_o according_a to_o the_o common_a inference_n about_o these_o matter_n be_v so_o conclude_v and_o believe_v by_o man_n that_o consult_v their_o own_o faculty_n but_o this_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o in_o any_o age_n since_o he_o inspire_v those_o that_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n either_o illuminate_v or_o direct_a mankind_n in_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n in_o any_o other_o manner_n than_o 1._o by_o those_o scripture_n allow_v the_o faculty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o general_a proposition_n of_o religion_n among_o mankind_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o sacred_a penman_n to_o record_v 2._o by_o incline_v as_o well_o as_o authorise_v some_o man_n be_v prepare_v by_o education_n and_o study_n to_o continue_v a_o succession_n of_o that_o ministry_n which_o our_o saviour_n appoint_v to_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n unto_o other_o and_o 3._o confirm_v by_o a_o secret_a and_o inexplicable_a operation_n which_o be_v easy_o believe_v by_o all_o that_o affirm_v god_n grace_n or_o providence_n and_o in_o consequence_n his_o be_v the_o proposition_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o incline_v their_o faculty_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o which_o influence_n be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n to_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o docil_n disposition_n as_o well_o as_o give_v in_o our_o sacred_a baptism_n till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o either_o resist_v or_o renounce_v it_o all_o which_o shall_v be_v more_o evident_a before_o i_o make_v a_o end_n now_o none_o of_o these_o though_o great_a privilege_n can_v entitle_v any_o to_o that_o illumination_n or_o immediate_a guidance_n which_o wild_a man_n make_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o conductor_n of_o their_o action_n but_o they_o may_v mistake_v and_o be_v confident_a in_o it_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o high_a opinion_n proceed_v either_o from_o thoughtfulness_n or_o disposition_n for_o immediate_a motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o 2_o as_o for_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n if_o they_o mistake_v they_o not_o for_o fancy_n opinion_n or_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o agreement_n of_o our_o judgement_n with_o god_n word_n for_o thus_o much_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v which_o be_v knowledge_n with_o another_o and_o include_v the_o relation_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o a_o rule_n these_o be_v so_o far_o therefore_o from_o be_v a_o rule_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o another_o and_o can_v be_v proper_a conscience_n without_o it_o be_v therefore_o guide_v by_o a_o superior_a rule_n they_o can_v be_v safe_a conductor_n themselves_o and_o if_o conscience_n as_o take_v by_o those_o that_o plead_v hard_a for_o it_o be_v once_o allow_v its_o full_a latitude_n fancy_n interest_n and_o the_o humour_n and_o impious_a mistake_n of_o man_n will_v pass_v for_o conscience_n and_o a_o safe_a guide_n and_o introduce_v such_o a_o medley_n and_o mixture_n in_o religion_n that_o every_o one_o under_o the_o covert_n of_o this_o will_v do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n even_o as_o when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o babel_n and_o our_o house_n of_o prayer_n into_o den_n of_o thief_n be_v fill_v with_o nothing_o but_o sacrilege_n and_o confusion_n three_o some_o make_v such_o providence_n as_o crown_v their_o opinion_n with_o success_n to_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o their_o opinion_n be_v true_a but_o to_o evince_v the_o invalidity_n of_o this_o need_v no_o other_o than_o this_o observation_n that_o when_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o cloud_n their_o author_n punish_v or_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o tenet_n become_v improsperous_a the_o same_o man_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o argument_n nor_o permit_v other_o to_o defend_v their_o opinion_n by_o the_o same_o medium_n with_o which_o they_o prove_v their_o own_o when_o the_o sun_n for_o a_o season_n shine_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o heaven_n smile_n then_o behold_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o but_o when_o a_o prosperous_a ray_n refresh_v other_o and_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o countenance_n they_o have_v before_o but_o have_v the_o frown_n and_o discouragement_n of_o superior_n behold_v now_o wickedness_n be_v seat_v in_o high_a place_n the_o holy_a seed_n be_v lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o persecution_n attend_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o canaanites_n possess_v the_o holy_a land_n but_o if_o success_n be_v a_o argument_n for_o inspiration_n and_o smile_a providence_n a_o rule_n to_o judge_v doctrine_n by_o numa_n pompilius_n may_v have_v have_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o inspiration_n from_o his_o nymph_n aegeria_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n he_o establish_v among_o the_o roman_n the_o jew_n may_v have_v be_v lose_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v justify_v the_o make_v their_o god_n to_o go_v before_o they_o they_o have_v cease_v to_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o church_n and_o will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n or_o babylon_n nay_o by_o this_o they_o may_v have_v justify_v their_o condemn_v the_o great_a messiah_n and_o pilate_n and_o the_o roman_a guard_n may_v have_v have_v a_o argument_n for_o execute_v he_o the_o primitive_a christian_n must_v be_v condemn_v and_o the_o apostle_n inspiration_n be_v prove_v a_o imposture_n if_o a_o dark_a providence_n be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v mahomet_n must_v have_v be_v deem_v a_o true_a prophet_n when_o he_o gather_v so_o many_o proselyte_n in_o the_o east_n and_o the_o great_a turk_n be_v yet_o as_o holy_a as_o he_o have_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n prosperous_a in_o the_o world_n nay_o popery_n itself_o must_v then_o be_v embrace_v if_o the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n of_o opinion_n must_v prove_v they_o true_a and_o success_n become_v the_o measure_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o way_n to_o justify_v all_o lucky_a usurpation_n to_o determine_v right_a and_o wrong_n by_o combat_n and_o the_o long_a sword_n may_v just_o measure_v out_o the_o large_a possession_n and_o the_o property_n of_o mankind_n must_v submit_v to_o power_n a_o rebel_n then_o may_v lawful_o possess_v his_o sovereings_n throne_n if_o he_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o force_v the_o bright_a majesty_n to_o a_o exchange_n and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v full_o pursue_v the_o man_n that_o own_o it_o may_v bow_v the_o knee_n and_o say_v to_o a_o usurper_n god_n save_o the_o king_n this_o will_v make_v many_o time_n the_o great_a villainy_n to_o have_v more_o authority_n than_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n and_o force_v true_a religion_n to_o be_v vanquish_v by_o a_o false_a nay_o he_o that_o by_o this_o rule_n be_v take_v for_o a_o prophet_n to_o day_n may_v be_v a_o impostor_n to_o morrow_n though_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n because_o a_o man_n may_v receive_v hosanna_n from_o the_o multitude_n and_o their_o cry_n shall_v short_o be_v crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o common_a observation_n it_o be_v holy_a david_n long_a ago_o and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n whatever_o jew_n or_o millenaries_n may_v dream_v that_o the_o wicked_a will_n sometime_o be_v in_o great_a power_n when_o the_o righteous_a hang_v down_o their_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n when_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o observe_v for_o some_o time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n but_o their_o strength_n be_v firm_a and_o sound_a they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n like_o other_o man_n but_o plague_v less_o than_o those_o that_o be_v better_o therefore_o pride_n compass_v they_o as_o a_o chain_n and_o violence_n cover_v they_o as_o a_o garment_n their_o
obstinacy_n still_o increase_v till_o it_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o himself_o and_o follower_n who_o all_o perish_a in_o the_o red_a sea_n ahab_n forsake_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o worship_v baalim_fw-la and_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o idolatry_n join_v the_o service_n of_o baal_n with_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o thus_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o opinion_n till_o the_o trial_n betwixt_o their_o sacrifice_n be_v determine_v on_o elijah_n side_n who_o be_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n whilst_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v the_o sacrifice_n upon_o god_n own_o altar_n which_o baal_n can_v not_o effect_v on_o he_o but_o then_o the_o people_n determine_v their_o choice_n and_o give_v their_o assent_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n and_o present_o slay_v the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n for_o who_o before_o they_o have_v great_a esteem_n 1_o king_n 18_o the_o chap._n hence_o be_v it_o also_o that_o our_o saviour_n say_v concern_v the_o jew_n who_o by_o miracle_n evidence_v moses_n commission_n have_v just_o receive_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o supersede_v their_o religious_a custom_n which_o till_o his_o come_n be_v just_o establish_v by_o show_v his_o authority_n and_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a by_o great_a miracle_n than_o those_o that_o introduce_v and_o establish_v the_o law_n they_o have_v do_v well_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o imposture_n because_o a_o new_a doctrine_n pretend_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o evacuate_v that_o which_o have_v proof_n from_o heaven_n be_v establish_v before_o must_v be_v confirm_v with_o great_a miracle_n than_o that_o which_o it_o pretend_v to_o abolish_v therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n john_n 15.24_o which_o way_n of_o trial_n will_v by_o the_o way_n hold_v good_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n if_o they_o be_v rational_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o must_v come_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o authority_n as_o may_v surmount_v all_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v now_o pretend_v miracle_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o any_o opinion_n that_o contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o command_v our_o assent_n and_o to_o determine_v our_o belief_n unless_o they_o be_v great_a than_o any_o which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n which_o these_o new_a opinion_n do_v oppose_v and_o contradict_v eight_o in_o this_o trial_n of_o man_n pretend_v inspiration_n for_o the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o evidence_n they_o give_v for_o such_o inspiration_n be_v peculiar_o divine_a and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v give_v to_o man_n by_o any_o thing_n inferior_a to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o grave_a deportment_n of_o the_o inspire_v nor_o the_o colour_n or_o shape_n of_o their_o face_n nor_o the_o seem_a innocence_n of_o their_o own_o life_n extraordinary_a austerity_n or_o a_o less_o decent_a and_o morose_n live_a that_o retire_v they_o from_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o a_o peculiar_a habit_n nor_o any_o uncouth_a or_o sluttish_a garment_n it_o be_v neither_o feed_n upon_o locust_n and_o wild_a honey_n nor_o yet_o eat_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n that_o prove_v a_o prophet_n to_o be_v divine_a nor_o be_v it_o a_o full_a and_o copious_a expression_n attend_v with_o abundance_n of_o zeal_n and_o passion_n nor_o yet_o a_o slow_a and_o pump_v delivery_n as_o if_o their_o notion_n be_v too_o big_a for_o their_o word_n and_o their_o word_n too_o large_a for_o their_o mouth_n that_o will_v evidence_n they_o to_o come_v from_o god_n it_o be_v neither_o their_o natural_a part_n or_o acquire_v ornament_n the_o antiquity_n of_o error_n nor_o the_o glory_n or_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v proselyte_v to_o it_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o render_v error_n plausible_a by_o distinction_n nor_o gloss_v it_o over_o with_o misrepresent_v testimony_n of_o other_o or_o pretend_v some_o latent_fw-la authority_n from_o the_o most_o obscure_a place_n pf_o the_o scripture_n or_o render_v those_o obscure_a to_o countenance_v their_o dotrine_n that_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a to_o the_o contrary_a that_o must_v lead_v we_o from_o divine_a truth_n into_o diabolical_a error_n and_o make_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o patronize_v a_o lie_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o a_o argument_n from_o the_o success_n a_o opinion_n have_v in_o the_o world_n though_o providence_n thereby_o seem_v with_o some_o to_o be_v entitle_v to_o it_o nor_o any_o countenance_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o iterate_a affirmation_n of_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v thus_o inspire_v that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v his_o doctrine_n true_a because_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v frequent_o be_v public_a attestation_n to_o those_o that_o be_v false_a but_o there_o must_v be_v such_o evidence_n to_o those_o proposition_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o come_v immediate_o from_o god_n as_o that_o by_o which_o he_o have_v always_o confirm_v his_o law_n to_o the_o world_n something_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v parallel_v by_o man_n or_o devil_n the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v annex_v that_o neither_o nature_n nor_o art_n be_v able_a to_o counterfeit_v and_o this_o nine_o must_v be_v real_a miracle_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v include_v there_o have_v be_v many_o wonder_n effect_v in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o story_n of_o these_o than_o be_v true_a which_o the_o romanist_n glory_n as_o much_o in_o as_o if_o they_o be_v miracle_n if_o their_o art_n can_v hide_v their_o craft_n &_o subtlety_n from_o those_o that_o be_v more_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a the_o pagan_a priest_n lead_v the_o van_n assist_v by_o the_o power_n of_o subtle_a daemon_n to_o gain_v the_o people_n worship_n to_o themselves_o or_o to_o those_o image_n which_o they_o animate_v and_o move_v and_o how_o far_o the_o romanist_n have_v follow_v they_o in_o this_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n have_v be_v sometime_o too_o apparent_o discover_v and_o will_v be_v more_o will_v they_o but_o be_v as_o ingenuous_a in_o their_o confession_n as_o they_o be_v witty_a in_o their_o subtle_a though_o impious_a invention_n the_o philosophical_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a cause_n together_o with_o a_o industrious_a application_n will_v make_v some_o extraordinary_a and_o unusual_a effect_n look_v like_a miracle_n for_o the_o most_o of_o man_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o a_o inferior_a education_n ignorant_a of_o many_o effect_n of_o art_n and_o nature_n which_o man_n of_o more_o refine_a understanding_n easy_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o be_v apt_a to_o attribute_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n which_o be_v result_v from_o those_o that_o be_v second_o art_n will_v do_v much_o and_o nature_n more_o and_o the_o devil_n many_o time_n make_v more_o strange_a and_o unusual_a appearance_n be_v assist_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o and_o how_o many_o time_n do_v man_n admire_v the_o slight_a of_o a_o juggler_n till_o perhaps_o they_o make_v discovery_n of_o his_o craft_n and_o attribute_v that_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o he_o ingenious_o do_v by_o slight_a of_o hand_n nay_o the_o sport_n that_o devil_n make_v in_o the_o air_n we_o often_o take_v as_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n thunder_n and_o tremble_v and_o be_v afraid_a at_o the_o storm_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n betwixt_o true_a miracle_n and_o very_o real_a wonder_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n or_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o first_o make_v and_o continue_v it_o who_o can_v either_o suspend_v its_o power_n or_o alter_v its_o effect_n or_o as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o nature_n and_o art_n which_o though_o the_o latter_a imitate_v it_o can_v never_o equal_v no_o more_o than_o the_o former_a vie_n with_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n miracle_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o any_o thing_n inferior_a unto_o god_n have_v always_o be_v receive_v by_o man_n as_o sufficient_a attestation_n of_o divine_a truth_n these_o be_v those_o divine_a testimony_n by_o which_o the_o bless_a jesus_n evidence_v his_o commission_n to_o the_o world_n and_o add_v god_n authority_n to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n when_o s._n john_n the_o baptist_n send_v his_o disciple_n to_o he_o to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n of_o which_o he_o
convert_v to_o this_o religion_n and_o accompany_v saint_n paul_n receive_v the_o notice_n of_o those_o early_a and_o first_o transaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o record_v the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o if_o we_o make_v the_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o those_o twelve_o apostle_n which_o our_o saviour_n send_v to_o preach_v his_o doctrine_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o by_o their_o education_n either_o too_o much_o prejudice_v or_o unprepared_a to_o invent_v or_o propagate_v such_o a_o religion_n the_o great_a part_n be_v a_o few_o rugged_a and_o inconsiderable_a fisherman_n that_o know_v only_o to_o catch_v fish_n and_o mend_v their_o net_n when_o they_o be_v break_v and_o either_o eat_v or_o sell_v their_o fish_n when_o they_o have_v catch_v it_o and_o how_o unfit_a these_o be_v to_o preach_v rule_n of_o life_n to_o the_o world_n to_o make_v know_v riddle_n and_o explain_v mystery_n to_o maintain_v their_o faith_n against_o the_o learned_a dispute_n of_o rabbi_n and_o philosopher_n or_o to_o commit_v a_o system_fw-la of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o write_v for_o future_a age_n to_o live_v by_o and_o that_o it_o may_v become_v the_o rule_n for_o man_n action_n let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n judge_v it_o must_v needs_o therefore_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o large_a inspiration_n that_o these_o man_n be_v so_o slender_o prepare_v by_o nature_n or_o education_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o mean_a these_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o powerful_a be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n to_o ascertain_v their_o inspiration_n from_o above_o since_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n two_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o since_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o know_v those_o law_n by_o which_o god_n will_v govern_v the_o world_n till_o he_o please_v himself_o to_o make_v they_o know_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o he_o must_v impregnate_n the_o mind_n and_o inform_v the_o understanding_n of_o those_o who_o he_o design_n to_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o his_o law_n and_o this_o he_o do_v as_o to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n under_o the_o old_a so_o to_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o be_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n by_o inform_v their_o understanding_n john_n 14.26_o and_o by_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16.13_o second_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o publisher_n of_o his_o sacred_a doctrine_n by_o quicken_a their_o memory_n that_o what_o their_o master_n have_v before_o teach_v they_o the_o disciple_n now_o may_v remember_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o object_n which_o daily_o present_v themselves_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o variety_n of_o converse_n and_o numerous_a disturbance_n they_o meet_v with_o in_o a_o world_n full_a of_o noise_n and_o humour_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o slip_v many_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o register_v and_o when_o they_o be_v enter_v to_o lose_v the_o record_n hence_o be_v that_o admonition_n of_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v heb._n 2.1_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o who_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o ourselves_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a power_n assist_v their_o memory_n that_o those_o thing_n may_v again_o recur_v which_o they_o have_v hear_v from_o our_o saviour_n at_o that_o time_n when_o by_o his-absence_n he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o repeat_v and_o oral_o to_o deliver_v that_o doctrine_n which_o before_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o hear_v the_o spirit_n then_o by_o a_o immediate_a impression_n put_v their_o spirit_n into_o such_o a_o motion_n and_o propose_v such_o object_n to_o their_o consideration_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o range_v the_o particle_n of_o the_o brain_n that_o the_o same_o image_n present_v themselves_o and_o they_o have_v the_o same_o idea_n and_o apprehension_n which_o possess_v their_o mind_n when_o the_o trutn_n be_v first_o deliver_v to_o they_o or_o if_o i_o may_v be_v any_o way_n extravagant_a in_o endeavour_v to_o describe_v the_o manner_n of_o frame_v this_o miraculous_a effect_n yet_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o some_o way_n or_o other_o this_o be_v do_v or_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o full_o accomplish_v for_o say_v the_o text_n the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o john_n 14.26_o three_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n incline_v the_o will_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n to_o publish_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v impress_v upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o their_o memory_n now_o perfect_o retain_v and_o to_o commit_v these_o truth_n to_o write_v that_o future_a age_n may_v be_v able_a to_o read_v what_o they_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o hear_v to_o exhibit_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o divine_a rule_n and_o to_o live_v also_o suitable_a to_o their_o doctrine_n to_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n now_o though_o this_o influence_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o such_o as_o have_v imbibe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n with_o their_o understanding_n because_o their_o will_n may_v seem_v immediate_o to_o follow_v what_o their_o understanding_n dictate_v to_o be_v true_a and_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o admirable_a excellency_n of_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v motive_n enough_o to_o persuade_v as_o well_o to_o its_o practice_n as_o belief_n yet_o we_o find_v by_o a_o woeful_a experience_n that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n do_v not_o always_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o understanding_n but_o that_o we_o violate_v law_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v true_a and_o good_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o few_o man_n will_v embrace_v vice_n and_o offer_v injury_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n which_o all_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o discretion_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o infallible_o seal_v and_o authorize_v by_o god_n who_o have_v by_o a_o miraculous_a hand_n attest_v they_o to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v make_v willing_a as_o well_o as_o able_a to_o accomplish_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o propagation_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o can_v conjecture_v that_o so_o sudden_a a_o alteration_n can_v be_v make_v as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o their_o trade_n and_o education_n be_v rough_a and_o stubborn_a this_o be_v general_o observe_v of_o mariner_n so_o as_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v such_o gentle_a precept_n so_o opposite_a to_o their_o custom_n and_o inclination_n without_o a_o superior_a influence_n mollify_a their_o temper_n and_o the_o powerful_a operation_n and_o persuasion_n of_o god_n to_o make_v they_o willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n when_o paul_n therefore_o be_v convert_v by_o a_o miracle_n and_o bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o that_o jesus_n who_o he_o have_v persecute_v that_o glorious_a light_n which_o shine_v upon_o his_o understanding_n rectify_v also_o the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o incline_v that_o to_o follow_v his_o conviction_n so_o that_o he_o become_v not_o disobedient_a to_o the_o heavenly_a vision_n but_o show_v both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n act_n 26.19_o 20._o four_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lead_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o work_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n these_o be_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o heaven_n that_o sufficient_o authorise_v whatever_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o give_v testimony_n unto_o for_o these_o be_v either_o visible_a effect_n beyond_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o some_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a alteration_n of_o nature_n by_o lay_v a_o restraint_n upon_o its_o usual_a operation_n or_o cause_v it_o to_o take_v a_o different_a course_n by_o a_o strange_a composition_n of_o second_o cause_n or_o a_o powerful_a concurrence_n of_o some_o agent_n not_o include_v in_o the_o immediate_a cause_n they_o
argue_v some_o superior_a operation_n and_o we_o must_v attribute_v they_o to_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n according_o have_v man_n use_v to_o difference_n they_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o a_o good_a or_o a_o bad_a design_n hence_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n two_o character_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o consequent_o as_o many_o of_o a_o true_a as_o i_o have_v hint_v immediate_o before_o 1_o if_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v that_o he_o give_v for_o confirmation_n of_o what_o he_o pretend_v in_o its_o design_n destroy_v natural_a religion_n i._n e._n what_o proceed_v from_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o man_n for_o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v come_v to_o pass_v which_o he_o give_v thou_o if_o this_o be_v wrought_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a one_o god_n to_o pay_v divine_a homage_n to_o a_o false_a one_o or_o to_o many_o the_o sign_n be_v permit_v only_o to_o prove_v they_o and_o such_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v account_v false_a but_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o villainy_n and_o imposture_n deut._n 13._o at_o the_o begin_n 2._o when_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o true_a and_o the_o thing_n foretell_v follow_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a and_o what_o he_o that_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n never_o commission_v the_o prophet_n to_o deliver_v deut._n 18.22_o when_o sign_n therefore_o and_o wonder_n be_v real_o effect_v that_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n establish_v what_o be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n and_o destroy_v all_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o fix_v nothing_o contradictory_n to_o what_o have_v be_v confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o do_v prefigure_v this_o new_a method_n and_o at_o such_o a_o particular_a period_n of_o the_o world_n be_v predict_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v they_o must_v needs_o confirm_v the_o truth_n which_o those_o man_n deliver_v who_o have_v sufficient_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o work_v they_o miracle_n be_v thing_n rational_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v sufficient_a sign_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n of_o those_o who_o be_v permit_v to_o work_v they_o when_o they_o carry_v especial_o such_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o their_o nature_n or_o in_o their_o frequency_n and_o continuation_n as_o no_o devil_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v grant_v to_o he_o nor_o any_o man_n can_v possible_o effect_v to_o do_v mischief_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o when_o moses_n deliver_v the_o law_n his_o speech_n be_v follow_v with_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n and_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n and_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o mountain_n deut._n 20.18_o which_o sufficient_o confirm_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o prepare_v the_o people_n for_o a_o obedient_a reception_n of_o the_o judicial_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o also_o at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o s._n john_n the_o baptist_n send_v two_o of_o his_o disciple_n unto_o christ_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n that_o be_v to_o give_v law_n unto_o the_o world_n our_o saviour_n return_v this_o answer_n tell_v john_n what_o thing_n you_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v how_o that_o the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v luke_o 7.22_o these_o miracle_n so_o full_a of_o goodness_n and_o divine_a influence_n be_v a_o sufficient_a attestation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n hence_o he_o make_v the_o same_o reply_n also_o to_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o propose_v the_o same_o question_n the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v in_o my_o father_n name_n they_o bear_v witness_n of_o i_o john_n 10.25_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o of_o the_o same_o person_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v miracle_n far_o beyond_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n who_o yet_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o what_o these_o do_v they_o believe_v they_o may_v reasonable_o have_v plead_v their_o law_n against_o i_o which_o then_o have_v be_v bless_v with_o as_o noble_a a_o establishment_n as_o what_o i_o now_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v but_o now_o that_o i_o do_v such_o work_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o do_v before_o i_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n at_o all_o for_o their_o sin_n nor_o any_o excuse_n for_o their_o unbelief_n john_n 15.24_o now_o as_o miracle_n argue_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n so_o they_o lead_v his_o disciple_n into_o the_o same_o truth_n for_o from_o those_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v he_o do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n they_o may_v reasonable_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o deliver_v to_o they_o and_o when_o the_o power_n be_v yet_o continue_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v well_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v still_o guide_v into_o the_o truth_n since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o seal_v it_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o they_o have_v so_o powerful_a and_o divine_a a_o testimony_n to_o what_o they_o apprehend_v and_o deliver_v thus_o when_o they_o have_v receive_v that_o commission_n from_o our_o saviour_n to_o go_v into_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v mark_n 16.20_o the_o same_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o god_n bear_v the_o apostle_n witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o will_n heb._n 2.4_o this_o be_v the_o testimony_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o those_o who_o publish_v and_o own_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n evidence_v its_o divinity_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o act_n 5.32_o last_o the_o holy_a spirit_n guide_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n into_o all_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a support_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o great_a and_o rage_a persecution_n both_o scripture_n and_o ecclesiastical_a history_n inform_v we_o what_o trial_n and_o conflict_n these_o have_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o a_o firm_a adhesion_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n their_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continue_a tragedy_n which_o do_v not_o end_n but_o in_o blood_n and_o death_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o in_o those_o day_n that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o nothing_o but_o cruelty_n from_o their_o severe_a adversary_n attend_v the_o profession_n and_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o that_o argument_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o prove_v the_o hope_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o resurrection_n if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a 1_o cor._n 15.19_o hence_o the_o apostle_n argue_v the_o hebrew_n to_o patience_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o suffering_n from_o the_o reflection_n upon_o what_o they_o have_v already_o overcome_v that_o they_o may_v not_o by_o a_o future_a cowardice_n lose_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o former_a adventure_n call_v to_o mind_n say_v he_o the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o you_o be_v illuminate_v you_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n by_o have_v their_o estate_n make_v a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n by_o be_v make_v a_o gaze_a stock_n to_o the_o world_n by_o bear_v reproach_n and_o torture_n themselves_o and_o be_v companion_n to_o those_o who_o be_v so_o use_v heb._n 10.32_o they_o get_v their_o bread_n with_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v lament_n 5.9_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o no_o more_o account_v of_o than_o as_o innocent_a sheep_n appoint_v to_o the_o slaughter_n as_o s._n paul_n apply_v that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n rom._n 8.36_o and_o if_o we_o view_v the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n we_o shall_v find_v nature_n always_o anticipate_v and_o they_o snatch_v away_o by_o a_o violent_a fate_n still_o swim_v to_o heaven_n in_o their_o blood_n one_o be_v crucify_v another_o behead_v a_o three_o be_v stone_v a_o four_o have_v his_o brain_n beat_v out_o with_o a_o club_n another_o
when_o right_o understand_v to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o furnish_v the_o minister_n certain_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v the_o people_n nay_o to_o make_v they_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n two_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o hence_o be_v it_o that_o these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v take_v from_o the_o adult_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v expose_v to_o child_n learning_n or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v timothy_n commendation_n that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v know_v the_o scripture_n and_o if_o such_o eulogium_n be_v make_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n much_o more_o praise_n must_v be_v give_v to_o the_o new_a which_o show_v we_o a_o way_n to_o be_v justify_v from_o those_o thing_n from_o which_o we_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n act_n 13.39_o and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v 2_o tim._n 1.10_o the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n preach_v by_o christ_n and_o enlarge_v upon_o by_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o powerful_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v sufficient_a accompany_v with_o those_o mean_n appoint_v for_o their_o delivery_n and_o the_o ordinary_a assistance_n give_v to_o those_o that_o attend_v they_o with_o humility_n to_o guide_v man_n into_o all_o those_o truth_n requisite_a to_o be_v know_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o therefore_o bless_a be_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o luke_o 11.28_o from_o hence_o draw_v we_o the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o these_o be_v the_o fresh_a spring_n of_o salvation_n at_o which_o mankind_n may_v satisfy_v themselves_o here_o have_v we_o direction_n to_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o various_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v endure_v both_o the_o sunshine_n and_o the_o storm_n that_o prosperity_n may_v neither_o swell_v nor_o adversity_n consume_v we_o s._n paul_n advice_n therefore_o to_o timothy_n must_v be_v attend_v by_o we_o also_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o know_v of_o who_o we_o have_v learn_v they_o and_o that_o because_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n shall_v wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v two_o tim._n 3.13_o 14._o let_v the_o infallible_a man_n of_o mystical_a and_o unintelligible_a demonstration_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v what_o they_o can_v defend_v but_o by_o their_o old_a argument_n of_o force_n and_o fire_n let_v they_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n whilst_o yet_o they_o pretend_v to_o its_o inspiration_n themselves_o let_v those_o argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n when_o right_o understand_v that_o can_v defend_v their_o doctrine_n only_o by_o a_o counterfeit_a tradition_n have_v no_o great_a argument_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o it_o consume_v their_o hay_n and_o stubble_n and_o that_o they_o can_v there_o neither_o fetch_v wood_n to_o burn_v we_o nor_o stone_n to_o destroy_v we_o but_o let_v we_o who_o be_v of_o the_o day_n be_v sober_a and_o be_v wise_a to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o then_o as_o god_n former_o subject_v satan_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n for_o that_o by_o the_o serpent_n he_o deceive_v their_o simplicity_n and_o stain_v their_o innocence_n so_o though_o now_o he_o endeavour_v by_o subtle_a impostor_n to_o beguile_v soft_a and_o ignorant_a mind_n he_o shall_v not_o always_o triumph_v in_o his_o villainy_n but_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v bruise_v he_o under_o our_o foot_n short_o rom._n 16.20_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o fathom_v it_o and_o though_o he_o may_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n or_o to_o make_v our_o adversary_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n permit_v some_o to_o erect_v their_o plume_n and_o lead_v captive_a unwary_a soul_n in_o triumph_n yet_o though_o he_o that_o stand_v must_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v let_v we_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n advice_n hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o contend_v earnest_o for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o and_o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v two_o thess_n 3.6_o and_o if_o we_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n shall_v be_v upon_o we_o and_o mercy_n gal._n 6.16_o we_o need_v not_o then_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o wind_n and_o storm_n nor_o yet_o of_o he_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n if_o we_o true_o fear_v he_o that_o can_v destroy_v the_o soul_n which_o none_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v do_v for_o say_v our_o saviour_n whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o be_v like_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o though_o the_o rain_n descend_v the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n it_o fall_v not_o matth._n 7.24_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v now_o give_v we_o a_o stand_a rule_n by_o the_o glorious_a inspiration_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o general_a measure_n of_o our_o action_n and_o as_o no_o sign_n will_v be_v give_v of_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o resurrection_n beside_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n ionas_n so_o no_o rule_n can_v be_v expect_v by_o we_o beside_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o universal_a period_n and_o general_a conflagration_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n put_v all_o under_o the_o severe_a curse_n that_o pervert_v this_o or_o preach_v another_o gospel_n and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o anathematise_v man_n but_o pass_v the_o same_o sentence_n upon_o angel_n if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v prove_v so_o bold_a and_o impious_a nay_o he_o double_v the_o curse_n to_o testify_v his_o faith_n and_o proclaim_v the_o irrepealable_a duration_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o what_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v certain_o true_a and_o we_o may_v confide_v in_o it_o what_o be_v add_v by_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o infallible_a any_o far_a than_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n dispute_v against_o the_o heretic_n by_o and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o measure_n and_o rule_v of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v so_o full_a and_o plain_a that_o no_o new_a article_n must_v be_v add_v to_o our_o creed_n nor_o any_o other_o rule_v of_o duty_n contradictory_n to_o these_o all_o necessary_a thing_n be_v so_o easy_a that_o any_o person_n of_o any_o ordinary_a capacity_n use_v the_o method_n of_o god_n own_o institution_n may_v soon_o arrive_v at_o knowledge_n enough_o to_o save_v he_o if_o his_o will_n do_v not_o rebel_n against_o his_o understanding_n and_o he_o faithful_o practice_n what_o he_o know_v nor_o can_v the_o end_n of_o god_n law_n ever_o be_v obtain_v or_o man_n be_v leave_v inexcusable_a if_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o it_o can_v not_o unriddle_v itself_o for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o law_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bind_v by_o they_o how_o can_v man_n obey_v that_o which_o they_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n understand_v and_o if_o it_o can_v by_o the_o ordinary_a help_n of_o the_o learned_a in_o it_o interpret_v itself_o there_o must_v then_o be_v a_o new_a inspiration_n to_o interpret_v what_o be_v inspire_v before_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v two_o inspiration_n where_o one_o will_v have_v serve_v because_o he_o that_o can_v interpret_v a_o law_n plain_o to_o the_o world_n may_v have_v make_v it_o plain_a at_o its_o first_o delivery_n unless_o perchance_o we_o may_v think_v it_o wise_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o toil_n and_o pain_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o many_o man_n by_o ignorance_n or_o wilfulness_n when_o they_o forsake_v the_o guide_n of_o god_n appointment_n heap_v teacher_n to_o themselves_o have_v itch_a ear_n may_v be_v and_o be_v lead_v into_o divers_a error_n under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o truth_n and_o thus_o those_o among_o the_o galatian_n who_o in_o those_o early_a day_n