his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o himself_o the_o messiah_n send_v from_o god_n by_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o the_o gnostic_n do_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o thing_n by_o retain_v upon_o occasion_n the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v abolish_v if_o he_o be_v own_v as_o a_o person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o void_a the_o old_a law_n and_o establish_v a_o new_a so_o that_o those_o who_o embrace_v what_o he_o come_v to_o vacate_v in_o effect_n deny_v he_o to_o be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o consequent_o destroy_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o renounce_v the_o messiah_n who_o authority_n establish_v this_o new_a law_n as_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o world_n nay_o by_o this_o rejection_n of_o the_o son_n they_o disown_v the_o father_n who_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o give_v he_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n give_v a_o testimony_n to_o his_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o our_o apostle_n reflect_v upon_o these_o man_n say_v who_o be_v a_o liar_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o be_v antichrist_n that_o deny_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n whoso_o deny_v the_o son_n the_o same_o have_v not_o the_o father_n but_o he_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o son_n the_o same_o have_v the_o father_n also_o 1_o john_n 2_o chap._n 22.23_o and_o in_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n 3._o v._n every_o spirit_n or_o teacher_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n whereof_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o shall_v come_v and_o even_o now_o already_o be_v it_o in_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n of_o s._n john_n together_o with_o those_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n caution_n man_n to_o beware_v i_o shall_v far_o explain_v and_o illustrate_v the_o word_n to_o render_v they_o yet_o more_o useful_a to_o ourselves_o by_o consider_v in_o they_o 1._o a_o caution_n 2._o a_o exhortation_n 3._o the_o reason_n of_o both_o the_o caution_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n the_o exhortation_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o reason_n both_o of_o this_o caution_n and_o exhortation_n be_v because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o apostle_n caution_n beloved_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n if_o all_o that_o man_n utter_v pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v be_v without_o any_o severe_a consideration_n to_o be_v entertain_v and_o what_o they_o deliver_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v there_o will_v no_o more_o need_v the_o apostle_n caution_n than_o our_o own_o care_n but_o when_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n in_o which_o proposition_n and_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v that_o too_o plain_o contradict_v each_o other_o some_o of_o which_o be_v impious_a and_o abominable_a other_o at_o first_o audit_n foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o a_o three_o sort_n that_o tend_v to_o disturbance_n and_o ruin_n waste_v property_n make_v our_o kingdom_n large_a aceldama_n and_o our_o city_n the_o place_n of_o dead_a man_n scull_n and_o be_v apparent_a enemy_n to_o human_a society_n when_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o catholic_n religion_n doctrine_n of_o purity_n proposal_n to_o advance_v the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n principle_n shall_v be_v insinuate_v that_o if_o pursue_v with_o that_o furious_a zeal_n which_o they_o require_v will_v effectual_o destroy_v those_o thing_n indeed_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o maintain_v in_o word_n if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n may_v thus_o be_v fight_v under_o his_o own_o banner_n the_o cause_n of_o god_n cover_v abomination_n murder_n be_v act_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o maker_n blasphemy_n be_v speak_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o method_n to_o render_v prince_n glorious_a shall_v be_v by_o stab_v or_o behead_v if_o the_o most_o horrid_a wickedness_n shall_v be_v palliate_v under_o the_o cloak_n of_o religion_n a_o new_a commandment_n shall_v be_v pretend_v for_o breach_n of_o the_o old_a and_o the_o moral_a law_n shall_v daily_o be_v violate_v by_o inspiration_n if_o man_n under_o pretension_n to_o the_o guidance_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o first_o deliverer_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o succeed_a age_n and_o generation_n shall_v hang_v out_o new_a light_n to_o the_o world_n that_o take_v away_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o old_a and_o preach_v to_o we_o another_o gospel_n bear_v their_o christ_n only_o picture_v on_o their_o standard_n and_o banner_n and_o their_o gospel_n to_o we_o on_o the_o point_n of_o sword_n nay_o when_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n neither_o prescribe_v nor_o use_v such_o method_n but_o quite_o contrary_a those_o of_o faith_n and_o patience_n humility_n and_o self-denial_n which_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o the_o government_n of_o prince_n but_o make_v man_n active_o or_o passive_o to_o obey_v and_o when_o the_o same_o spirit_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n that_o man_n will_v so_o far_o depart_v from_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o nay_o when_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v acquaint_v the_o world_n that_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v with_o such_o earnest_a pretence_n and_o strong_a delusion_n that_o shall_v almost_o shake_v the_o very_a elect_n those_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o name_n and_o character_n upon_o with_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o there_o exalt_v several_a though_o false_a messiah_n it_o will_v become_v we_o to_o consider_v any_o new_a pretension_n beyond_o the_o rule_n we_o have_v already_o learned_a and_o not_o to_o receive_v opinion_n at_o adventure_n but_o to_o make_v a_o more_o strict_a and_o considerate_a enquiry_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o we_o have_v already_o entertain_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o final_a period_n and_o consummation_n of_o age_n and_o though_o this_o great_a and_o characteristical_a principle_n of_o protestant_n be_v contradict_v both_o by_o the_o papist_n and_o enthusiast_n whilst_o the_o former_a equal_a their_o tradition_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o latter_a their_o own_o fancy_n and_o dream_n both_o upon_o occasion_n bestow_v such_o ignominious_a title_n on_o the_o bible_n that_o they_o will_v think_v it_o uncivil_a if_o they_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o any_o of_o their_o own_o write_n yet_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n can_v be_v false_a without_o suppose_v he_o a_o liar_n nay_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o in_o their_o commendation_n that_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n much_o more_o the_o people_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o the_o design_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v sufficient_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a rule_n of_o life_n that_o which_o if_o follow_v bring_v peace_n and_o welfare_n to_o we_o here_o and_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o that_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v for_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o look_v for_o a_o bless_a hope_n and_o immortality_n for_o which_o the_o former_a way_n of_o live_v prepare_v we_o titus_n 2.11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n nay_o so_o perfect_a and_o complete_a be_v this_o rule_n and_o so_o design_v to_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o apostle_n denounce_v a_o curse_n against_o any_o that_o teach_v another_o gospel_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n different_a from_o or_o contradictory_n to_o this_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n and_o repeat_v it_o twice_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o stand_v as_o a_o memorial_n to_o all_o age_n gal._n 1.8_o 9_o and_o saint_n john_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o revelation_n sufficient_o reprove_v all_o new_a pretension_n by_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v addition_n to_o this_o which_o be_v complete_a before_o god_n shall_v add_v unto_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
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
they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o be_v wear_v to_o remember_v they_o of_o the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o to_o difference_n the_o jew_n from_o other_o nation_n and_o to_o prevent_v idolatry_n as_o often_o as_o they_o look_v upon_o these_o fringe_n which_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n command_v they_o to_o wear_v numb_a 15.38_o scrupulous_a be_v these_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n but_o they_o regard_v not_o so_o much_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o nor_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v ordain_v to_o signify_v and_o represent_v we_o read_v of_o some_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n who_o yet_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2._o tim._n 3.4_o and_o this_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v so_o long_o as_o religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v veil_v with_o hypocrisy_n and_o one_o man_n can_v discern_v the_o inside_n of_o another_o it_o be_v but_o be_v strict_a in_o outward_a appearance_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v account_v a_o saint_n and_o if_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v avoid_v mens_fw-la inside_n may_v be_v full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n and_o they_o be_v canonize_v still_o thus_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v take_v for_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n if_o he_o can_v but_o hide_v his_o malice_n and_o his_o flame_n and_o man_n may_v cheat_v their_o neighbour_n commit_v adultery_n or_o secret_a murder_n if_o their_o action_n escape_v the_o notice_n of_o other_o and_o they_o make_v not_o themselves_o a_o spectacle_n to_o the_o world_n this_o the_o minister_n of_o satan_n do_v like_v he_o act_v deed_n of_o darkness_n within_o whilst_o yet_o a_o candle_n be_v hang_v out_o at_o their_o door_n that_o be_v earnest_a for_o reformation_n in_o other_o man_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o reform_v themselves_o only_o they_o endeavour_v to_o cover_v those_o fault_n which_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o strive_v to_o amend_v if_o they_o bless_v god_n with_o their_o mouth_n they_o care_v not_o if_o they_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o their_o heart_n because_o their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o god_n but_o unto_o those_o man_n who_o they_o designing_o delude_v god_n himself_o complain_v of_o such_o atheistical_a hypocrite_n that_o turn_v thing_n upside_o down_o that_o seek_v to_o hide_v their_o counsel_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a they_o draw_v near_o i_o say_v god_n with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o isai_n 29.13_o and_o there_o be_v yet_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o lament_v the_o sad_a state_n of_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v still_o beguile_v with_o good_a word_n into_o ill_a practice_n and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n be_v draw_v to_o renounce_v it_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o various_a principle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n with_o noise_n and_o confidence_n with_o great_a zeal_n though_o little_a reason_n which_o therefore_o as_o a_o enemy_n some_o disgrace_n and_o vilify_v they_o distract_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v unsettle_a disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o all_o society_n both_o civil_a and_o religious_a draw_v man_n into_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o make_v they_o think_v those_o prophet_n inspire_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n that_o swell_v only_o with_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o disgorge_v themselves_o in_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n among_o mankind_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o cause_v these_o disorder_n they_o manage_v with_o such_o art_n and_o such_o suitable_a application_n and_o have_v so_o many_o plausible_a plea_n to_o the_o world_n by_o which_o they_o spread_v they_o with_o too_o much_o success_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o it_o must_v full_o convince_v we_o of_o a_o necessity_n to_o use_v diligence_n in_o our_o inquiry_n and_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o preach_v religion_n among_o we_o let_v their_o pretension_n of_o authority_n be_v what_o they_o will_v though_o they_o arise_v as_o high_a as_o inspiration_n and_o aver_v their_o commission_n to_o be_v from_o heaven_n chap._n vi_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o my_o second_o particular_a propose_v about_o this_o duty_n of_o try_v spirit_n and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v you_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o know_v when_o doctrine_n propound_v as_o come_v from_o god_n be_v indeed_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o deliverer_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o inspire_v from_o above_o and_o according_o to_o be_v entertain_v in_o the_o world_n now_o because_o man_n be_v apt_a sometime_o to_o rely_v on_o false_a character_n of_o trial_n and_o there_o be_v several_a mark_n set_v up_o by_o man_n of_o various_a humour_n and_o interest_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o which_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v able_a to_o direct_v themselves_o and_o other_o and_o try_v doctrine_n and_o opinion_n i_o shall_v make_v some_o brief_a reflection_n on_o they_o that_o no_o prejudice_n may_v remain_v to_o hinder_v we_o from_o embrace_v the_o true_a method_n of_o try_v man_n proposition_n in_o religion_n especial_o those_o who_o come_v with_o so_o great_a a_o authority_n as_o inspiration_n and_o 1._o we_o meet_v with_o many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o suppose_v what_o they_o call_v the_o church_n which_o they_o make_v as_o narrow_a and_o little_a as_o they_o can_v to_o be_v either_o that_o into_o which_o they_o ultimate_o resolve_v their_o faith_n or_o at_o least_o to_o have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o determine_v all_o point_n in_o religion_n and_o what_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v accept_v as_o divine_a and_o therefore_o by_o her_o judgement_n all_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o determine_v but_o this_o guide_n will_v many_o time_n be_v uncertain_a nay_o false_a too_o if_o a_o society_n of_o man_n call_v the_o church_n agree_v upon_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v erroneous_a which_o we_o find_v a_o thing_n not_o impossible_a when_o our_o present_a experience_n may_v inform_v we_o that_o rome_n which_o will_v be_v the_o only_a church_n and_o many_o separate_a congregation_n in_o the_o world_n who_o yet_o assume_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o church_n err_v in_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o many_o way_n of_o discipline_n and_o manner_n and_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o error_n and_o that_o all_o council_n be_v manage_v by_o vote_n and_o these_o many_o time_n be_v give_v wrong_a not_o only_o through_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertency_n but_o humour_n and_o interest_n so_o far_o prevail_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o that_o we_o can_v yield_v their_o determination_n to_o be_v infallible_a especial_o since_o we_o often_o find_v great_a assembly_n manage_v by_o the_o trick_n and_o device_n of_o a_o few_o who_o design_n be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o multitude_n draw_v they_o by_o degree_n into_o the_o consent_n to_o what_o have_v they_o foresee_v they_o will_v never_o have_v yield_v be_v the_o promise_n indeed_o of_o a_o infallible_a direction_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o tie_v to_o the_o assembly_n which_o christian_n call_v council_n we_o can_v not_o reasonable_o dispute_v their_o determination_n but_o must_v obey_v they_o but_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v to_o publish_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o the_o world_n and_o neither_o make_v nor_o useful_a to_o future_a generation_n but_o only_o to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o every_o christian_a be_v to_o submit_v both_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o thing_n now_o ordain_v by_o any_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n whatever_o authority_n they_o may_v claim_v above_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n have_v neither_o strength_n nor_o authority_n unless_o it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o they_o may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o have_v err_v in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n as_o our_o church_n declare_v in_o the_o twenty_o first_o article_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o they_o they_o be_v custodes_fw-la legis_fw-la the_o keeper_n
of_o the_o law_n so_o the_o church_n among_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o gospel_n commit_v to_o her_o custody_n and_o have_v a_o power_n to_o determine_v in_o indifferent_a matter_n to_o order_v all_o the_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n for_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n and_o authority_n to_o restrain_v such_o controversy_n as_o tend_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o dissolve_v that_o unity_n which_o christian_n be_v frequent_o exhort_v to_o keep_v so_o that_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o witness_n and_o keeper_n of_o holy_a writ_n yet_o as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o decree_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o same_o so_o beside_o the_o same_o ought_v it_o not_o to_o enforce_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v for_o necessity_n of_o salvation_n as_o our_o church_n declare_v in_o her_o twenty_o article_n i_o shall_v not_o deny_v nor_o can_v i_o without_o singular_a pride_n and_o arrogance_n but_o that_o father_n and_o council_n and_o all_o congregation_n of_o holy_a and_o judicious_a christian_n much_o more_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n treat_v about_o a_o point_n in_o religion_n attempt_v to_o be_v introduce_v a_o new_a or_o be_v old_a be_v controvert_v in_o the_o world_n be_v with_o great_a deference_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o for_o every_o man_n reason_n will_v urge_v this_o obligation_n to_o himself_o that_o his_o own_o judgement_n be_v render_v suspect_v when_o it_o oppose_v the_o common_a and_o unite_a determination_n of_o person_n that_o can_v just_o be_v reproach_v with_o want_n either_o of_o skill_n or_o honesty_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o man_n to_o mistrust_v the_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o eye_n when_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o have_v the_o same_o advantage_n can_v behold_v what_o a_o single_a person_n pretend_v to_o see_v and_o in_o religious_a affair_n and_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n when_o person_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n assemble_v with_o solemnity_n and_o have_v a_o real_a intention_n to_o employ_v with_o all_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n those_o part_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v and_o increase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o peculiar_a education_n and_o study_n invoke_v a_o divine_a influence_n upon_o their_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o meaning_n of_o any_o difficult_a and_o controvert_v proposition_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o these_o shall_v deliver_v for_o truth_n unless_o the_o contrary_a be_v so_o apparent_a to_o we_o upon_o sufficient_a enquiry_n that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o hesitation_n at_o all_o this_o be_v the_o moderate_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o church_n we_o be_v oppose_v in_o it_o both_o by_o the_o papist_n and_o fanatic_a the_o former_a assert_n that_o major_a est_fw-la autoritas_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la quam_fw-la scripturae_fw-la that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o traditiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la pari_fw-la pietatis_fw-la affectu_fw-la cum_fw-la scripture_n recipiendae_fw-la their_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o affection_n and_o devotion_n as_o the_o scripture_n and_o true_o the_o latter_a come_v not_o far_o short_a of_o these_o but_o as_o much_o confine_n when_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n the_o belief_n as_o well_o as_o practise_v of_o their_o member_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o little_o differ_v from_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n in_o the_o end_n and_o design_n for_o if_o any_o church_n among_o ourselves_o do_v yet_o affirm_v as_o they_o have_v former_o declare_v that_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v to_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o their_o reformation_n then_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o expect_v the_o same_o submission_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n to_o their_o assembly_n determination_n as_o a_o popish_a council_n do_v to_o their_o canon_n or_o the_o pope_n himself_o to_o his_o decree_n for_o to_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1638_o they_o swear_v that_o for_o judgement_n and_o practice_n they_o will_v adhere_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o though_o perhaps_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o will_v determine_v but_o to_o leave_v the_o person_n of_o those_o that_o stretch_v the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n beyond_o the_o authority_n god_n have_v give_v she_o there_o be_v three_o reason_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o any_o church_n or_o council_n of_o man_n can_v lay_v down_o any_o proposition_n which_o derive_v their_o utmost_a authority_n from_o themselves_o that_o may_v be_v the_o ultimate_a rule_n by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o other_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v 1._o because_o god_n to_o who_o our_o religion_n relate_v have_v appoint_v a_o rule_n that_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n must_v bind_v their_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o determine_v their_o faith_n with_o those_o general_a action_n that_o be_v deem_v religious_a to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o scripture_n give_v to_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o man_n nay_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o reason_n claim_v the_o supreme_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o impose_v what_o law_n he_o will_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o goodness_n to_o reveal_v they_o that_o man_n may_v not_o err_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n nor_o their_o thought_n contradict_v the_o will_n of_o their_o maker_n now_o this_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v sufficient_o authorize_v by_o his_o own_o sanction_n in_o that_o miracle_n attend_v their_o first_o publication_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n that_o prove_v they_o god_n own_o act_n and_o deed_n when_o they_o no_o way_n contradict_v the_o natural_a notion_n and_o the_o prime_a foundation_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n therefore_o be_v thus_o give_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o must_v either_o be_v our_o supreme_a direction_n and_o a_o infallible_a guide_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o else_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o no_o purpose_n or_o to_o cheat_v and_o delude_v mankind_n the_o former_a consist_v not_o with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o latter_a will_v contradict_v both_o his_o goodness_n and_o his_o truth_n all_o the_o difficulty_n than_o will_v be_v whether_o this_o rule_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o any_o new_a inspiration_n or_o any_o rule_n to_o be_v superad_v beyond_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n itself_o to_o conduct_v man_n in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o whether_o we_o may_v by_o they_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n or_o what_o be_v the_o same_o in_o another_o dress_n the_o unerring_a spirit_n of_o the_o enthusiast_n but_o admit_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n they_o themselves_o be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n whilst_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o proceed_v from_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 2._o no_o canon_n or_o decree_n of_o whatever_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o church_n or_o council_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o try_v doctrine_n in_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o be_v ultimate_a and_o supreme_a because_o all_o the_o conclusion_n and_o proposition_n of_o these_o be_v themselves_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n either_o with_o or_o without_o the_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n and_o all_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v try_v themselves_o for_o this_o must_v be_v include_v as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o s._n john_n direction_n try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o high_a tribunal_n can_v be_v itself_o the_o high_a nor_o what_o be_v appoint_v sole_o to_o aid_v we_o in_o our_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o opinion_n nor_o the_o utmost_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o must_v examine_v they_o last_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o old_a nay_o of_o christ_n himself_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o examination_n of_o man_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o mankind_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n before_o they_o believe_v they_o then_o certain_o no_o assembly_n of_o man_n can_v now_o in_o reason_n pretend_v such_o authority_n to_o impose_v their_o own_o
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