value_n of_o thing_n before_o we_o receive_v they_o that_o counterfeit_a coin_n may_v not_o claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n with_o what_o be_v instamp_v with_o caesar_n image_n nor_o a_o entrance_n open_v for_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n ride_v in_o a_o kirk_n bear_v on_o the_o back_n of_o those_o that_o know_v not_o what_o they_o carry_v that_o they_o may_v bring_v popery_n in_o triumph_n to_o we_o like_o the_o grecian_n lodge_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o that_o wooden_a and_o insensible_a horse_n that_o enter_v troy_n and_o sack_v the_o city_n and_o so_o gain_v that_o by_o a_o easy_a strategem_fw-la which_o ten_o year_n siege_n can_v not_o effect_v for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n if_o man_n will_v now_o hearken_v to_o any_o i_o have_v choose_v this_o subject_a to_o discourse_n on_o that_o if_o possible_a we_o may_v separate_v the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o doctrine_n of_o apostle_n and_o those_o of_o devil_n and_o mark_v out_o the_o spirit_n 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safe_a and_o secure_a and_o keep_v unblameable_a to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v we_o be_v unite_v in_o our_o common_a profession_n not_o stagger_v with_o the_o high_a pretence_n of_o other_o nor_o let_v we_o yet_o relax_v our_o diligence_n from_o the_o discourse_n of_o any_o that_o will_v at_o all_o adventure_n be_v secure_a among_o ourselves_o but_o whatever_o notion_n of_o infallibility_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o present_a and_o particular_a inspiration_n on_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v present_v to_o we_o to_o debauch_v we_o from_o our_o principle_n let_v we_o well_o examine_v before_o we_o believe_v receive_v nothing_o that_o may_v contradict_v natural_a religion_n or_o what_o be_v superad_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o public_a and_o plain_o declare_v revelation_n to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o addition_n to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n spirit_n here_o be_v plain_o mean_v any_o one_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n or_o assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n publish_v any_o new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o include_v both_o papist_n and_o enthusiast_n the_o one_o tie_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o chair_n of_o the_o pope_n the_o other_o to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o fancy_n and_o this_o interpretation_n as_o it_o be_v general_o assent_v to_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a to_o every_o man_n that_o will_v either_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o epistle_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v come_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o any_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n teach_v lest_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o into_o snare_n that_o may_v captivate_v and_o destroy_v our_o soul_n now_o although_o this_o caution_n of_o saint_n john_n primary_o relate_v to_o the_o gnostick_n defection_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o direction_n to_o all_o age_n and_o may_v guard_v we_o from_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o man_n that_o under_o a_o specious_a authority_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n vent_v false_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n in_o any_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o both_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o argument_n to_o enforce_v it_o will_v be_v of_o a_o perpetual_a concernment_n as_o long_o as_o false_a prophet_n come_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n yet_o because_o the_o gnostic_n be_v most_o immediate_o reflect_v on_o as_o be_v the_o antichrist_n so_o early_o appear_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o defeat_v this_o religion_n under_o a_o denomination_n from_o it_o boast_v some_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n when_o they_o be_v man_n both_o ignorant_a and_o vile_a we_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n caution_n man_n to_o beware_v of_o these_o who_o fault_n be_v so_o scandalous_a that_o they_o seem_v manifest_a to_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o general_a the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o any_o error_n that_o may_v gratify_v themselves_o and_o become_v either_o their_o security_n or_o pleasure_n be_v the_o same_o why_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v neither_o be_v forgive_v in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v because_o the_o gnostic_n plain_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n although_o by_o a_o different_a argument_n from_o the_o former_a the_o former_a against_o who_o that_o severe_a though_o deserve_v sentence_n be_v pronounce_v invalidate_v all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n which_o prove_v
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
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
reason_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v prove_v divine_a by_o the_o testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o sufficient_a mean_n be_v not_o afford_v they_o to_o know_v and_o distinguish_v divine_a revelation_n from_o imposture_n and_o pretence_n the_o thing_n deliver_v be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n then_o give_v check_v to_o their_o belief_n and_o custom_n and_o education_n have_v impress_v they_o with_o different_a nay_o contrary_a notion_n of_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v therefore_o antecedent_o to_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o as_o s._n paul_n be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o evidence_n that_o those_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o they_o be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n so_o there_o be_v some_o method_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o revelation_n and_o not_o receive_v it_o upon_o his_o bare_a testimony_n nay_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v it_o be_v for_o s._n john_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n if_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no_o five_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v too_o that_o there_o be_v false_a pretension_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n vent_v in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o true_a and_o true_a and_o false_a under_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o our_o saviour_n to_o prevent_v a_o rash_a belief_n and_o thereby_o a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o gospel_n or_o trust_v in_o another_o messiah_n acquaint_v the_o world_n that_o there_o will_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n mark_n 13.22_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v and_o entertain_v they_o although_o according_a to_o their_o different_a principle_n and_o design_n they_o shall_v cry_v out_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o there_o and_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v false_a prophet_n former_o among_o the_o people_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o the_o christian_n who_o shall_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o that_o many_o shall_v follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 2._o nay_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o of_o those_o who_o in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o never_o see_v be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n who_o yet_o depart_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n make_v the_o come_n to_o god_n by_o the_o mediatory_a application_n to_o a_o angel_n a_o demonstration_n of_o their_o humility_n and_o so_o reject_v the_o intercession_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n col._n 2.18_o but_o our_o own_o age_n be_v so_o fruitful_a in_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o the_o possibility_n of_o man_n false_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n and_o of_o their_o vent_v corrupt_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o than_o our_o own_o experience_n nor_o need_v we_o rake_v in_o the_o dust_n of_o false_a prophet_n in_o past_a age_n when_o we_o have_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n and_o trouble_n live_v monument_n on_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v read_v and_o see_v yet_o sixthly_a notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o must_v maintain_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a inspiration_n this_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o s._n john_n to_o who_o i_o must_v adhere_v for_o it_o will_v be_v ill_a logic_n to_o infer_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n advise_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o shall_v give_v credit_n unto_o none_o but_o rather_o that_o some_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v especial_o when_o we_o take_v in_o his_o direction_n with_o it_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n this_o argue_v that_o some_o doctrine_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o some_o man_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o although_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n shall_v the_o contrary_a be_v hold_v by_o any_o among_o we_o it_o will_v not_o only_o invalidate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n under_o the_o new_a it_o will_v conclude_v the_o intercourse_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n to_o be_v a_o impossible_a chimaera_n and_o turn_v all_o divinity_n into_o a_o fable_n and_o at_o once_o render_v our_o time_n mis-spend_v and_o lose_v whilst_o i_o be_o write_v and_o other_o read_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o and_o all_o dispute_v concern_v any_o positive_a and_o institute_v religion_n the_o foolish_a talk_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n that_o busy_a themselves_o to_o deceive_v other_o and_o give_v trouble_n to_o their_o own_o flesh_n when_o man_n reason_n may_v supply_v all_o but_o such_o a_o fancy_n i_o suppose_v to_o be_v too_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a to_o be_v admit_v in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o this_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o have_v frequent_v christian_a assembly_n and_o have_v hear_v discourse_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o new_a that_o have_v read_v the_o jew_n argument_n for_o their_o law_n or_o the_o christian_a father_n apologize_v for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n converse_v with_o man_n that_o reject_v not_o his_o omnipotence_n or_o else_o doubt_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v sure_o they_o must_v deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o affirm_v all_o his_o appearance_n to_o man_n to_o be_v a_o fable_n since_o from_o they_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o therefore_o to_o man_n that_o acknowledge_v this_o i_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o direct_v this_o discourse_n as_o well_o as_o s._n john_n do_v in_o the_o text_n so_o frequent_o recite_v who_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a inspiration_n before_o he_o advise_v man_n to_o separate_v the_o pretence_n of_o false_a prophet_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a otherwise_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o exercise_v their_o faculty_n assist_v by_o rule_n or_o to_o make_v any_o discrimination_n at_o all_o where_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o difference_n seven_o therefore_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n pretend_v inspiration_n have_v thus_o far_o be_v bring_v on_o towards_o a_o conclusion_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o assent_n and_o choice_n in_o matter_n of_o such_o huge_a and_o vast_a moment_n on_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o soul_n depend_v must_v be_v direct_v by_o what_o sufficient_o without_o fallacy_n evidence_n those_o doctrine_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o other_o or_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o from_o our_o own_o reason_n be_v certain_o such_o as_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o our_o own_o temperament_n or_o the_o subtlety_n of_o other_o the_o evidence_n therefore_o for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v great_a and_o strong_a than_o any_o argument_n frame_v to_o the_o contrary_a because_o in_o all_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n my_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o evidence_n and_o the_o great_a probability_n guide_v the_o rational_a choice_n of_o man_n and_o all_o that_o act_n suitable_o to_o themselves_o embrace_v the_o proposition_n that_o come_v near_a to_o truth_n and_o certainty_n but_o where_o two_o thing_n seem_v equal_a in_o their_o proof_n a_o rational_a man_n only_o hesitate_v and_o doubt_n and_o give_v up_o 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he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v threaten_v in_o it_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v take_v away_o from_o it_o his_o part_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rev._n 22.18_o 19_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o point_n which_o protestant_n have_v always_o hold_v as_o that_o which_o as_o it_o be_v most_o true_a so_o it_o be_v their_o most_o sure_a defence_n against_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o ancient_a father_n try_v doctrine_n by_o of_o old_a and_o reprove_v heretic_n by_o what_o be_v write_v although_o according_a to_o the_o education_n or_o disposition_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v they_o they_o want_v not_o but_o make_v use_v of_o argument_n from_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o safe_a because_o it_o be_v a_o true_a rule_n and_o true_a because_o give_v to_o we_o by_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o give_v sufficient_a 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neither_o and_o so_o the_o man_n render_v himself_o unfit_a to_o be_v either_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o christian_a and_o become_v a_o fool_n by_o those_o method_n by_o which_o he_o will_v yet_o be_v account_v wise_a but_o he_o that_o have_v well_o measure_v his_o principle_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o have_v distinguish_v betwixt_o what_o be_v fundamental_a and_o what_o be_v circumstantial_a who_o have_v bind_v his_o life_n to_o a_o stake_n die_v daily_o in_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o resolve_v well_o when_o it_o be_v religious_a to_o suffer_v decent_o how_o far_o he_o be_v able_a upon_o just_a occasion_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o command_n of_o man_n vest_v in_o lawful_a authority_n and_o where_o the_o point_n and_o limit_n be_v beyond_o which_o he_o must_v not_o step_v a_o foot_n but_o if_o he_o perish_v he_o will_v perish_v there_o that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o eternal_o perish_v this_o man_n stand_v unmoved_a at_o tempest_n and_o storm_n do_v his_o duty_n according_a to_o his_o station_n and_o the_o just_a command_n of_o his_o lawful_a superior_n and_o if_o the_o heaven_n fall_n justice_n shall_v always_o be_v do_v by_o he_o he_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o his_o place_n require_v unconcern_v at_o seem_a tempest_n that_o threaten_v or_o that_o thunder_n which_o begin_v the_o storm_n he_o know_v when_o his_o life_n or_o estate_n or_o liberty_n must_v be_v sacrifice_v when_o by_o lawful_a authority_n willing_o and_o when_o by_o unlawful_a it_o must_v be_v by_o force_n take_v and_o therefore_o go_v on_o cheerful_o and_o faithful_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v on_o the_o side_n of_o law_n and_o just_a authority_n put_v it_o in_o execution_n and_o stop_v when_o a_o high_a rule_n will_v permit_v he_o to_o go_v no_o further_o and_o certain_o as_o this_o prevent_v all_o anticipation_n of_o evil_n so_o be_v it_o such_o a_o steady_a and_o well_o consider_v resolution_n that_o be_v more_o manly_a and_o rational_a than_o to_o be_v drive_v like_o the_o cloud_n in_o the_o air_n and_o to_o be_v always_o like_o the_o sea_n in_o motion_n sometime_o forward_o and_o sometime_o backward_o without_o any_o fix_a rest_n or_o quiet_a or_o by_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n to_o entertain_v none_o kind_o as_o we_o ought_v three_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n because_o if_o we_o give_v ourselves_o too_o great_a a_o liberty_n it_o will_v be_v difficult_a indeed_o impossible_a to_o discern_v those_o that_o be_v true_a from_o the_o false_a if_o we_o once_o get_v into_o the_o wilderness_n we_o may_v travel_v forty_o year_n there_o and_o neither_o know_v when_o we_o be_v in_o or_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o wander_v about_o god_n know_v whither_o we_o may_v murmur_v and_o repine_v and_o blame_v each_o other_o whilst_o the_o fault_n
what_o it_o will_v that_o no_o subtlety_n may_v circumvent_v we_o nor_o creep_v into_o house_n lead_v the_o silly_a woman_n captive_a nor_o cause_v we_o to_o stray_v after_o they_o we_o know_v the_o devil_n be_v both_o cunning_a and_o diligent_a and_o that_o he_o suit_v his_o temptation_n to_o the_o various_a interest_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n that_o he_o walk_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n but_o it_o be_v only_a to_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v 1_o pet._n 5.8_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v painstaking_a man_n for_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v a_o proselyte_n but_o when_o they_o have_v make_v he_o he_o become_v twice_o more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o matth._n 23.15_o let_v we_o not_o then_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o new_a discovery_n forsake_v that_o which_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o let_v the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n advice_n rom._n 16.17_o 18._o let_v we_o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o because_o they_o be_v such_o as_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a then_o as_o it_o follow_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v bruise_v satan_n under_o our_o foot_n short_o let_v we_o live_v in_o that_o unity_n which_o our_o holy_a religion_n prescribe_v to_o we_o not_o raise_v or_o abett_v disturbance_n in_o the_o world_n but_o endeavour_v to_o fulfil_v s._n paul_n joy_n and_o make_v our_o minister_n task_n easy_a in_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n and_o of_o one_o judgement_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n philip._n 2._o at_o the_o beginning_n for_o if_o we_o be_v draw_v by_o harken_v to_o the_o various_a pretence_n of_o man_n that_o yet_o account_v themselves_o inspire_v to_o be_v always_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o we_o shall_v be_v consume_v one_o of_o another_o and_o this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o in_o our_o own_o age_n teach_v by_o experience_n but_o the_o apostle_n have_v long_o ago_o admonish_v man_n of_o this_o gal._n 5.15_o let_v we_o live_v therefore_o like_o those_o that_o have_v profess_v rule_n of_o faith_n and_o conversation_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o then_o if_o we_o thus_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v entertain_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o chap._n iu._n have_v thus_o discourse_v the_o apostle_n caution_n and_o evidence_v to_o you_o that_o every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a i_o propound_v which_o contain_v a_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v disentangle_v ourselves_o from_o those_o perplexity_n and_o different_a opinion_n that_o various_a man_n under_o the_o same_o pretention_n puzzle_v we_o withal_o but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n now_o as_o this_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n take_v from_o those_o who_o bring_v metal_n to_o the_o touchstone_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o value_v they_o proportionable_o to_o their_o worth_n so_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n that_o such_o pretender_n deliver_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o discern_v betwixt_o true_a and_o false_a and_o according_o judge_n whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no._n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n to_o show_v the_o people_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o holy_a and_o profane_a and_o to_o cause_n man_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o clean_a and_o the_o unclean_a ezek._n 44.23_o and_o the_o duty_n be_v continue_v under_o the_o gospel_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o pretension_n of_o man_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o many_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v in_o his_o name_n with_o pretension_n to_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o we_o find_v they_o too_o sudden_o after_o this_o prediction_n to_o have_v go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o even_o yet_o continue_v their_o boldness_n and_o impiety_n divide_v the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o trouble_v particular_a man_n but_o whole_a society_n overturning_a throne_n dissolve_v government_n among_o mankind_n and_o raise_v confusion_n not_o only_o in_o secular_a but_o religious_a affair_n to_o prevent_v therefore_o such_o unsufferable_a disturbance_n that_o religion_n may_v not_o cover_v malice_n or_o ambition_n nor_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o the_o humour_n or_o impiety_n of_o man_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v this_o entire_a without_o any_o mixture_n of_o villainy_n or_o imposture_n and_o by_o some_o certain_a character_n know_v what_o proper_o belong_v to_o it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o fancy_n or_o design_n of_o those_o who_o cunning_o ruin_v our_o principle_n and_o profession_n and_o since_o new_a light_n be_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n which_o they_o too_o easy_o gaze_v at_o till_o their_o eye_n be_v dazzle_v we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o distinguish_v these_o blaze_a comet_n from_o the_o true_a and_o fix_a star_n in_o the_o firmament_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v on_o earth_n and_o direct_v in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n we_o must_v try_v both_o doctrine_n and_o those_o that_o publish_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n if_o you_o will_v take_v a_o old_a apostle_n advice_n against_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o new_a he_o advise_v you_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n but_o still_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thess_n 5.21_o we_o must_v try_v the_o doctrine_n opinion_n example_n nay_o even_o the_o action_n of_o all_o pretender_n to_o revelation_n for_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o what_o we_o call_v tender_a conscience_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v very_o raw_a be_v rub_v often_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o former_a commission_n when_o they_o be_v not_o guide_v by_o a_o well_o balance_v judgement_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o have_v secret_a combat_n within_o themselves_o and_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o least_o touch_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o this_o world_n have_v some_o inconvenience_n still_o attend_v they_o and_o that_o which_o in_o some_o case_n be_v good_a with_o other_o circumstance_n become_v evil_a and_o most_o man_n that_o have_v a_o itch_n upon_o their_o ear_n have_v have_v a_o scab_n first_o upon_o their_o mind_n the_o best_a gold_n be_v most_o ductile_a and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n if_o the_o judgement_n be_v not_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v easy_o enslave_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o suit_n with_o passion_n and_o make_v impression_n on_o the_o temperament_n and_o bodily_a disposition_n of_o man_n a_o seal_n we_o know_v make_v the_o fair_a and_o most_o last_a impression_n upon_o such_o wax_n as_o be_v first_o soften_v and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n where_o the_o head_n be_v as_o soft_a as_o the_o passion_n pliable_a easy_o receive_v the_o next_o image_n though_o to_o the_o blot_n out_o and_o deface_v the_o old_a we_o have_v need_v therefore_o when_o any_o man_n come_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o some_o new_a inspiration_n to_o examine_v well_o both_o the_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o receive_v to_o our_o own_o the_o skill_n of_o other_o especial_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o may_v otherwise_o forsake_v the_o true_a israel_n when_o ephraim_n and_o manasseh_n shall_v combine_v together_o or_o single_o encounter_v it_o and_o we_o have_v be_v late_o and_o be_v not_o yet_o out_o of_o danger_n so_o vex_v with_o party_n different_a from_o one_o another_o whilst_o one_o extreme_a ride_v the_o other_o that_o the_o caution_n against_o believe_v every_o spirit_n can_v too_o often_o be_v repeat_v nor_o our_o trial_n of_o all_o preacher_n and_o doctrine_n be_v too_o frequent_o urge_v and_o practise_v our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n a_o caution_n who_o yet_o have_v the_o view_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o we_o only_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v they_o mat._n 24.4_o that_o they_o may_v not_o entertain_v a_o secret_a enemy_n instead_o of_o a_o bosom_n friend_n and_o certain_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o beware_v now_o although_o there_o be_v false_a pretender_n then_o for_o if_o they_o dare_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o the_o world_n design_v
make_v fool_n of_o other_o that_o they_o that_o cheat_v they_o may_v be_v account_v wise_a and_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o impose_v upon_o disclaim_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o have_v eye_n of_o their_o own_o but_o see_v not_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o it_o must_v appear_v very_o strange_a that_o any_o man_n have_v a_o clear_a sight_n shall_v yet_o refuse_v to_o guide_v himself_o but_o choose_v to_o be_v lead_v about_o like_o a_o dog_n in_o a_o halter_n chap._n v._n there_o be_v yet_o one_o argument_n more_o why_o we_o shall_v try_v and_o examine_v doctrine_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o inspiration_n and_o that_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o caution_n and_o direction_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n now_o since_o these_o be_v many_o enough_o to_o boast_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o number_n to_o the_o stagger_a many_o weak_a man_n and_o frighten_v that_o authority_n which_o shall_v suppress_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o remain_v false_a prophet_n under_o what_o specious_a pretence_n soever_o they_o appear_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v prove_v and_o try_v they_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o extreme_o hazard_v if_o not_o ruin_v our_o soul_n for_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n especial_o where_o divers_a opinion_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v expose_v to_o we_o our_o first_o business_n must_v always_o be_v according_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o power_n to_o settle_v our_o mind_n by_o a_o fix_a choice_n of_o such_o principle_n and_o fundamental_o of_o which_o we_o have_v such_o good_a assurance_n as_o may_v full_o convince_v we_o that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o not_o false_a and_o according_a to_o these_o to_o direct_v our_o life_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v without_o enquiry_n and_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n be_v by_o any_o propound_v to_o our_o belief_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v so_o many_o false_a prophet_n flutter_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v reason_n that_o we_o shall_v examine_v and_o try_v they_o and_o not_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o bold_o affirm_v he_o come_v from_o god_n lest_o we_o entertain_v thief_n and_o robber_n in_o the_o room_n of_o hearty_a and_o honest_a friend_n and_o instead_o of_o receive_v a_o faithful_a guide_n we_o retain_v one_o that_o delude_v we_o out_o of_o our_o way_n till_o at_o last_o he_o lodge_v we_o in_o the_o chamber_n of_o hell_n instead_o of_o carry_v we_o up_o to_o heaven_n but_o since_o no_o man_n come_v with_o so_o great_a a_o pretence_n as_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o to_o deliver_v god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n but_o that_o he_o will_v offer_v something_o to_o recommend_v both_o himself_o and_o message_n since_o he_o know_v he_o speak_v to_o man_n have_v the_o same_o faculty_n with_o himself_o who_o have_v at_o least_o their_o own_o reason_n to_o guide_v their_o choice_n and_o can_v if_o they_o be_v at_o all_o considerate_a be_v rash_a in_o their_o entertainment_n of_o those_o doctrine_n wherein_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n be_v concern_v it_o must_v of_o necessity_n quicken_v our_o endeavour_n to_o try_v and_o sift_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n and_o the_o more_o because_o of_o the_o plausible_a argument_n that_o deceiver_n insinuate_v themselves_o by_o into_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o other_o who_o poison_n may_v appear_v wholesome_a to_o the_o eye_n that_o yet_o gripe_n and_o swell_v the_o bowel_n among_o many_o thing_n therefore_o that_o render_v false_a prophet_n difficult_a to_o be_v discern_v i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o that_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o they_o and_o discovery_n of_o their_o deceit_n we_o may_v use_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o our_o trial_n and_o be_v the_o better_o prepare_v to_o entertain_v those_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v true_a inspiration_n from_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o only_o pretend_v first_o they_o will_v inveigh_v against_o the_o principle_n you_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o those_o that_o be_v the_o guide_v of_o your_o soul_n as_o well_o know_v that_o a_o new_a build_n can_v be_v erect_v on_o that_o ground_n on_o which_o another_o stand_v without_o demolish_n the_o old_a remove_v the_o material_n and_o clear_v the_o foundation_n and_o this_o they_o always_o do_v in_o proportion_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o alteration_n which_o they_o design_v till_o at_o last_o perhaps_o they_o introduce_v among_o you_o golden_a calf_n instead_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o their_o enterprise_n be_v thus_o crown_v with_o a_o joyful_a success_n their_o language_n will_v be_v like_o that_o which_o we_o read_v 1_o king_n 12.18_o behold_v o_o israel_n the_o god_n that_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o than_o we_o must_v with_o prostration_n worship_v they_o false_a prophet_n will_v come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n the_o raven_a wolf_n shall_v not_o appear_v till_o he_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o devour_v you_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o will_v fill_v we_o with_o too_o much_o horror_n and_o amazement_n shall_v they_o appear_v all_o at_o once_o and_o that_o before_o prejudice_n be_v remove_v they_o endeavour_v therefore_o to_o gain_v by_o a_o gradual_a advancement_n upon_o we_o abate_v the_o strength_n of_o custom_n and_o education_n first_o startle_v and_o then_o seduce_v we_o use_v method_n to_o invalidate_v the_o old_a before_o they_o settle_v new_a principle_n nay_o if_o they_o can_v but_o make_v we_o indifferent_a betwixt_o both_o either_o by_o argument_n or_o debauchery_n their_o work_n then_o wait_v only_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n but_o if_o the_o resistance_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v whole_o captivate_v at_o once_o they_o will_v assault_v where_o we_o be_v weak_a baffle_v we_o by_o degree_n and_o introduce_v one_o point_n dependent_o on_o another_o till_o at_o last_o we_o become_v whole_o they_o before_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o change_n as_o they_o by_o succession_n have_v wrought_v among_o we_o it_o be_v a_o vast_a advantage_n they_o gain_v against_o we_o if_o they_o can_v but_o render_v we_o lazy_a in_o our_o inquiry_n or_o cause_v we_o to_o undervalue_v our_o guide_n which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v want_v in_o as_o long_o as_o a_o evil_a tongue_n can_v asperse_v or_o secret_a whisper_n can_v do_v man_n injury_n who_o be_v not_o present_a to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o nay_o as_o long_o as_o boldness_n can_v confront_v modesty_n or_o man_n that_o assume_v not_o equal_a advantage_n may_v be_v either_o swear_v or_o hector_v into_o silence_n let_v these_o design_v man_n but_o once_o bring_v your_o teacher_n into_o contempt_n and_o it_o will_v not_o 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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 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choice_n that_o if_o they_o will_v sin_v it_o may_v be_v their_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o have_v chain_v they_o so_o fast_o one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o can_v err_v or_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n unless_o they_o break_v that_o link_n which_o tie_v they_o all_o to_o a_o infallible_a chair_n but_o alas_o such_o be_v our_o condition_n here_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o expect_v to_o free_a mankind_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o restrain_v all_o man_n from_o error_n nay_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o necessity_n that_o the_o life_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v void_a of_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o other_o as_o much_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o there_o be_v for_o all_o to_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n since_o if_o we_o have_v faith_n we_o may_v have_v it_o to_o ourselves_o but_o the_o action_n of_o 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they_o that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a 1_o cor._n 11.19_o by_o which_o he_o prove_v and_o foretells_a matter_n of_o fact_n though_o he_o do_v not_o signify_v god_n approbation_n but_o only_o his_o permission_n of_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o suffer_v error_n and_o division_n to_o be_v introduce_v among_o they_o by_o the_o perverseness_n or_o curiosity_n of_o any_o be_v that_o such_o as_o unite_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n may_v brighten_v and_o shine_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a glory_n and_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n may_v triumph_v over_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n therefore_o to_o erect_v the_o popish_a infallibility_n on_o nor_o for_o any_o church_n to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o tribunal_n among_o themselves_o have_v thus_o as_o i_o hope_v clear_v myself_o from_o any_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a miscarriage_n in_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v brief_o proceed_v in_o reflect_v upon_o some_o mistake_n of_o other_o that_o be_v false_a rule_n to_o judge_v doctrine_n and_o spirit_n by_o wherein_o private_a enthusiast_n be_v most_o notorious_o guilty_a these_o smell_n popery_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o can_v hardly_o promote_v any_o design_n without_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v sudden_o to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o most_o protestant_n and_o best_o establish_v church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o too_o public_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v popish_o affect_v who_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o spy_v error_n in_o the_o pope_n and_o yet_o so_o transfer_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o steal_v they_o away_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o monopoly_n of_o they_o and_o retale_v they_o to_o other_o under_o new_a name_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o another_o master_n these_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v infallible_a but_o be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o and_o thus_o they_o fetch_v candle_n from_o rome_n altar_n that_o they_o may_v set_v they_o up_o in_o their_o own_o breast_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o holy_a spirit_n guide_v man_n into_o truth_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o fire_n what_o either_o a_o disease_n and_o weakness_n in_o their_o body_n or_o their_o mind_n have_v make_v a_o representation_n of_o to_o their_o fancy_n so_o long_o till_o their_o brood_a thought_n have_v at_o last_o produce_v something_o which_o they_o may_v just_o call_v their_o own_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v or_o at_o least_o to_o say_v be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_o they_o will_v adventure_v to_o guide_v themselves_o and_o impose_v their_o own_o enjoy_v fancy_n upon_o other_o man_n but_o if_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o man_n wild_a discourse_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o become_v infallible_a guide_n of_o action_n so_o strange_a a_o 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lunatic_n will_v be_v most_o religious_a and_o we_o shall_v pay_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o a_o fool._n but_o since_o thing_n be_v not_o come_v to_o this_o pass_n yet_o i_o shall_v brief_o examine_v a_o very_a few_o false_a rule_n by_o which_o some_o among_o we_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n and_o guidance_n of_o themselves_o first_o there_o be_v some_o that_o build_v much_o on_o what_o they_o style_v the_o return_n of_o prayer_n when_o they_o have_v make_v a_o fast_a the_o prologue_n to_o contention_n and_o a_o long_a prayer_n have_v be_v the_o breakfast_n when_o they_o resolve_v to_o dine_v upon_o widow_n house_n yet_o they_o have_v too_o frequent_o think_v or_o at_o least_o endeavour_v to_o cause_v other_o to_o believe_v that_o what_o have_v happen_v after_o their_o prayer_n have_v be_v the_o return_n from_o
without_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_v in_o peace_n for_o they_o that_o make_v peace_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o free_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o the_o bold_a claim_n of_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n when_o they_o plead_v its_o conduct_n and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o themselves_o in_o those_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n what_o now_o remain_v to_o finish_v this_o discourse_n but_o only_o to_o beg_v that_o we_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o avoid_v these_o obstruction_n to_o the_o compleatment_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o practice_v the_o contrary_a that_o may_v perfect_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o will_v give_v unto_o god_n a_o undivided_a heart_n that_o we_o will_v not_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o opinion_n and_o mix_v christianity_n with_o other_o principle_n different_a from_o it_o that_o we_o will_v not_o think_v the_o cross_n so_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v when_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o crown_n be_v propose_v with_o it_o that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o our_o natural_a disposition_n but_o submit_v our_o inclination_n to_o god_n command_n that_o we_o will_v more_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o make_v our_o faith_n conquer_v our_o sense_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o their_o proper_a object_n that_o the_o spirituality_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v may_v be_v more_o strict_o practise_v and_o intend_v by_o we_o that_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o alleviate_v the_o burden_n of_o those_o duty_n that_o christianity_n prescribe_v by_o the_o rational_a consideration_n of_o their_o excellency_n and_o reward_n that_o we_o will_v allow_v ourselves_o more_o leisure_n for_o consideration_n and_o thoughtfulness_n by_o a_o retirement_n from_o the_o hurry_v and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o will_v banish_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n from_o our_o heart_n especial_o 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that_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o thing_n we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a final_o that_o we_o will_v not_o imbibe_n such_o opinion_n as_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o consequence_n be_v destructive_a of_o christianity_n that_o we_o may_v not_o ruin_v by_o particular_a conclusion_n what_o we_o seem_v to_o hold_v to_o and_o profess_v in_o the_o general_a and_o last_o that_o we_o will_v admit_v such_o evidence_n of_o what_o christianity_n enjoin_v we_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o since_o the_o expectation_n of_o more_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o a_o far_a demand_n be_v altogether_o against_o the_o law_n of_o discourse_n and_o we_o require_v what_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v this_o advice_n if_o we_o cordial_o embrace_v will_v prepare_v we_o for_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o hinder_v we_o from_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o toss_v always_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o uncertainty_n our_o judgement_n then_o will_v be_v fix_v and_o settle_v and_o if_o we_o add_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n we_o receive_v and_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n we_o shall_v gain_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o and_o hereafter_o a_o eternal_a crown_n of_o glory_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v to_o we_o all_o for_o christ_n jesus_n sake_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v by_o all_o rational_a creature_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o perform_v it_o all_o glory_n and_o adoration_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o edward_n advise_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bishop_n head_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n a_o discourse_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o this_o great_a duty_n be_v state_v so_o as_o to_o oppose_v some_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o public_a form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n establish_v by_o her_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n and_o confirm_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n by_o thomas_n pittis_n d.d._n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a advice_n to_o the_o reader_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n and_o to_o the_o people_n attend_v the_o same_o with_o a_o preface_n concern_v divine_a worship_n humble_o offer_v to_o consideration_n for_o promote_a the_o great_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n in_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n administer_v according_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o law_n among_o we_o by_o a_o well-meaning_a though_o unlearned_a laic_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n t._n s._n the_o life_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o reverend_a dr._n peter_n heylin_n chaplain_n to_o charles_n i._o and_o charles_n ii_o monarch_n of_o great_a britain_n write_a by_o george_n vernon_n rector_n of_o bourton_n on_o the_o water_n in_o gloucestershire_n the_o crafty_a lady_n or_o the_o rival_n of_o himself_o a_o gallant_a intriegue_n translate_v out_o of_o french_a into_o english_a by_o f._n c._n ph._n gent._n finis_fw-la
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 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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 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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
take_v the_o air_n receive_v fire_n into_o their_o bosom_n and_o yet_o never_o fear_v burn_v one_o may_v endeavour_v to_o beat_v a_o thousand_o and_o we_o may_v run_v on_o the_o point_n of_o naked_a sword_n without_o more_o danger_n of_o wound_n or_o death_n than_o if_o we_o be_v at_o quiet_a in_o our_o bed_n or_o guard_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o troop_n and_o army_n but_o whatever_o courage_n such_o strange_a principle_n may_v seem_v to_o inspire_v man_n withal_o yet_o to_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v not_o breathe_v from_o heaven_n nor_o inspire_v themselves_o these_o doctrine_n may_v probable_o make_v stout_a soldier_n but_o never_o will_v make_v a_o good_a christian_a suit_v indeed_o they_o be_v to_o such_o as_o think_v a_o sword_n the_o best_a mean_a to_o propagate_v religion_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o turk_n embrace_v they_o but_o they_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v such_o a_o gospel_n as_o bring_v peace_n to_o all_o who_o will_v embrace_v it_o and_o not_o propagate_v its_o belief_n by_o war_n or_o blood_n by_o open_a force_n or_o secret_a conspiracy_n alas_o man_n have_v need_v to_o be_v wary_a when_o eternal_a welfare_n be_v in_o hazard_n and_o endeavour_v to_o play_v their_o game_n well_o when_o their_o own_o salvation_n lie_v at_o stake_n we_o know_v by_o sad_a and_o woeful_a experience_n that_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v we_o still_o with_o a_o indifferent_a though_o equal_a affection_n pursue_v all_o we_o may_v then_o lodge_v a_o viper_n in_o our_o bosom_n drink_v poison_n instead_o of_o potion_n swallow_v a_o serpent_n instead_o of_o a_o fish_n and_o eat_v the_o very_a stone_n for_o bread_n we_o may_v thus_o safe_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o opinion_n and_o be_v both_o for_o god_n and_o baal_n christ_n and_o mammon_n may_v become_v equal_a and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o matter_n what_o we_o worship_v so_o as_o we_o worship_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a sign_n of_o a_o wanton_a palate_n that_o must_v be_v taste_v every_o dish_n and_o when_o the_o manna_n be_v set_v before_o we_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o loathe_v it_o if_o we_o desire_v quail_n if_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o devil_n into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n we_o have_v need_v to_o view_v man_n before_o we_o entertain_v they_o and_o examine_v doctrine_n before_o we_o receive_v they_o will_v any_o rational_a and_o wise_a man_n venture_v on_o a_o precipice_n without_o necessity_n or_o take_v pleasure_n in_o such_o hazard_n to_o have_v the_o vanity_n and_o glory_n of_o relate_v it_o when_o one_o slip_n prove_v irrecoverable_a and_o his_o fall_n bruise_n he_o all_o to_o piece_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o man_n who_o at_o all_o adventure_n attend_v the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o other_o or_o without_o trial_n receive_v their_o own_o they_o be_v like_o person_n travel_v in_o a_o wood_n who_o may_v soon_o meet_v with_o beast_n of_o prey_n than_o any_o man_n either_o to_o relieve_v or_o direct_v they_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o those_o that_o be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o travel_v on_o without_o knowledge_n or_o direction_n to_o be_v either_o lose_v like_o a_o man_n in_o a_o wilderness_n or_o run_v among_o the_o tent_n of_o their_o enemy_n or_o blunder_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o way_n to_o escape_v they_o may_v mistake_v rome_n in_o the_o dark_a to_o be_v their_o own_o city_n and_o think_v tiber_n to_o be_v the_o thames_n and_o may_v lodge_v there_o if_o they_o be_v thus_o delude_v when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v safe_a in_o their_o own_o bed_n the_o wolf_n be_v now_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n nay_o such_o as_o will_v neither_o be_v frighten_v with_o a_o drum_n nor_o yet_o be_v charm_v and_o tame_v by_o a_o fiddle_n or_o a_o pipe_n let_v not_o the_o sheep_n then_o approach_v they_o nor_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n feed_v nigh_o they_o lest_o the_o shepherd_n themselves_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v when_o they_o can_v no_o long_o govern_v or_o defend_v they_o those_o therefore_o that_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o christian_a profession_n that_o have_v vow_v obedience_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o consider_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o now_o to_o choose_v but_o that_o they_o have_v engage_v in_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o direction_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v any_o pretend_a inspiration_n contrary_a to_o these_o rule_n that_o they_o must_v abandon_v they_o as_o impious_a and_o abominable_a their_o everlasting_a welfare_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o eternity_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v play_v with_o nor_o salvation_n to_o be_v stake_v at_o hazard_n no_o zeal_n nor_o confidence_n of_o other_o must_v shake_v or_o alter_v our_o resolution_n nor_o must_v we_o change_v upon_o any_o extravagant_a motion_n of_o our_o own_o we_o must_v not_o like_o barnabas_n gal._n 2.13_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o dissimulation_n of_o the_o jew_n nor_o take_v with_o any_o gaudy_a idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o contend_v with_o earnestness_n for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n we_o must_v adhere_v to_o that_o stand_a ministry_n institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o continue_v to_o we_o through_o age_n and_o generation_n not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v because_o if_o we_o thus_o sin_v wilful_o in_o renounce_v our_o profession_n when_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n heb._n 10.25_o for_o if_o those_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v they_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o common_a thing_n and_o by_o their_o wilful_a revolt_n do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o rest_n be_v only_o subordinate_a unto_o he_o from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n and_o therefore_o he_o exhort_v that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v ephes_n 4.14_o etc._n etc._n and_o shall_v we_o to_o who_o our_o faith_n be_v ancient_a be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v draw_v away_o than_o they_o who_o have_v but_o new_o receive_v it_o god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v so_o disgrace_v our_o profession_n when_o they_o that_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o false_a opinion_n can_v die_v resolute_o though_o not_o for_o this_o only_a yet_o without_o renounce_v it_o if_o they_o do_v much_o upon_o principle_n of_o honour_n shall_v not_o we_o do_v more_o upon_o those_o of_o religion_n shall_v we_o that_o have_v be_v breed_v into_o settle_a maxim_n be_v draw_v aside_o by_o a_o madman_n or_o a_o fool_n if_o he_o be_v but_o able_a to_o pronounce_v inspiration_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o entertain_v any_o doctrine_n of_o man_n though_o never_o so_o wild_a if_o they_o will_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o suffer_v for_o they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o pack_n of_o a_o common_a pedlar_n for_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o we_o find_v he_o to_o stoop_v and_o crouch_v under_o it_o thus_o we_o may_v be_v carry_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o take_v he_o for_o a_o angel_n that_o minister_n to_o we_o but_o we_o be_v sufficient_o caution_v against_o such_o mistake_n if_o we_o will_v but_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v caution_v we_o against_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n advise_v man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n heb._n 13.9_o and_o we_o have_v need_v all_o of_o we_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o be_v exceed_o cautious_a and_o wary_a in_o this_o to_o guess_v at_o wolf_n by_o their_o howl_n and_o devour_v let_v their_o clothing_n be_v
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 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doctrine_n upon_o the_o world_n as_o rule_n for_o all_o to_o submit_v unto_o without_o any_o far_a examination_n and_o if_o they_o must_v be_v examine_v at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v by_o something_o of_o great_a credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n now_o that_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a be_v to_o be_v try_v whether_o true_a or_o false_a be_v plain_a to_o any_o that_o will_v give_v themselves_o leisure_n to_o consider_v not_o only_o that_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o false_a prophet_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o man_n true_a and_o false_a have_v the_o same_o evidence_n but_o that_o god_n himself_o give_v direction_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n how_o to_o know_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o deut._n 13.1_o and_o chap._n 18.22_o which_o rule_n have_v be_v vain_a and_o insignificant_a if_o by_o these_o man_n be_v not_o to_o try_v they_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o those_o that_o attribute_v great_a authority_n to_o christian_a general_n council_n do_v not_o think_v their_o canon_n obligatory_a unless_o the_o thing_n include_v in_o they_o bind_v antecedent_o by_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o a_o superior_a law_n till_o they_o be_v receive_v in_o those_o nation_n and_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v send_v 2._o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v so_o be_v also_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n god_n himself_o supply_v he_o with_o unction_n and_o ordination_n by_o give_v he_o authority_n from_o heaven_n and_o our_o saviour_n descend_v by_o a_o apparition_n from_o the_o cloud_n to_o invest_v he_o with_o dignity_n and_o power_n hence_o it_o be_v i_o say_v that_o this_o great_a apostle_n in_o his_o call_n dignify_v beyond_o his_o brethren_n commend_v the_o berean_o act_n 17.11_o because_o they_o search_v and_o examine_v his_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o those_o scripture_n they_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o by_o compare_v his_o doctrine_n with_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n with_o what_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o apostle_n preach_v and_o most_o probable_o with_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o what_o he_o deliver_v be_v consonant_a to_o that_o which_o be_v there_o exhibit_v concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v of_o more_o pliable_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o gentile_a temper_n than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n who_o be_v more_o regardless_o of_o these_o concern_v as_o s._n chrysostom_n comment_v upon_o this_o text._n 3._o the_o doctrine_n even_o of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o though_o never_o man_n speak_v like_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o examination_n by_o those_o that_o hear_v before_o they_o entertain_v they_o and_o certain_o if_o any_o may_v recommend_v proposition_n upon_o his_o own_o authority_n he_o may_v who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n in_o who_o all_o fullness_n dwell_v nay_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v as_o it_o be_v enclose_v in_o his_o own_o body_n yet_o he_o bid_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o consider_v how_o well_o his_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n agree_v with_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n in_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o according_o either_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v he_o for_o these_o say_v he_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a from_o the_o beginning_n that_o no_o doctrine_n under_o pretence_n of_o what_o inspiration_n soever_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o man_n without_o examination_n but_o as_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v his_o again_o to_o be_v measure_v not_o only_o by_o his_o own_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o by_o those_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o judge_v by_o so_o be_v there_o not_o reason_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o christianity_n under_o what_o authority_n soever_o they_o be_v publish_v shall_v still_o be_v examine_v by_o a_o superior_a rule_n even_o by_o what_o the_o primitive_a planter_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v leave_v for_o our_o perusal_n and_o direction_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n which_o privilege_n whatever_o romanist_n plead_v for_o themselves_o to_o hide_v from_o or_o deny_v to_o other_o be_v the_o great_a cruelty_n and_o irreligion_n enough_o it_o be_v to_o render_v any_o doctrine_n suspect_v that_o thus_o hide_v and_o run_v to_o corner_n and_o avoid_v all_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n and_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o mistrust_v those_o who_o take_v away_o man_n judgement_n of_o discretion_n value_v they_o only_o like_o beast_n that_o perish_v whilst_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v but_o whip_v to_o their_o work_n and_o many_o time_n cripple_v under_o their_o burden_n when_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o carry_v thus_o i_o have_v though_o more_o large_o than_o my_o first_o thought_n design_v not_o only_o state_v the_o use_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o synod_n and_o council_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n but_o show_v you_o withal_o that_o as_o their_o decree_n be_v not_o infallible_a so_o neither_o be_v they_o the_o high_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n have_v it_o be_v otherwise_o when_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o plant_v his_o gospel_n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n have_v just_o condemn_v he_o for_o a_o impostor_n and_o all_o the_o christian_a religion_n deliver_v and_o authorize_v by_o he_o have_v prove_v only_o a_o fable_n and_o a_o dream_n chap._n vii_o the_o most_o considerable_a adversary_n that_o oppose_v this_o way_n of_o state_v the_o church_n authority_n in_o determine_v point_n of_o faith_n seem_v to_o many_o to_o be_v the_o romanist_n and_o therefore_o this_o chapter_n will_v brief_o confute_v their_o high_a pretence_n to_o a_o strange_a infallibility_n by_o which_o they_o have_v introduce_v as_o strange_a doctrine_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v never_o a_o law_n yet_o so_o plain_o pen_v but_o that_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o render_v law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o secular_a interest_n will_v blunt_v its_o edge_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o property_n by_o alter_v or_o over-urging_a its_o design_n the_o same_o use_n have_v be_v make_v of_o text_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o two_o opponent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enlarge_a or_o diminish_v the_o infallibility_n promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o may_v the_o better_a countenance_n their_o own_o pretence_n some_o restrain_v the_o promise_n express_v the_o holy_a spirit_n miraculous_a assistance_n in_o the_o guide_n the_o sacred_a penman_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o other_o extend_v it_o to_o every_o man_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o their_o church_n i_o shall_v here_o therefore_o spend_v a_o few_o leaf_n to_o show_v that_o the_o papist_n can_v have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o build_v their_o infallible_a determination_n on_o nor_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o maintain_v their_o infallibility_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o other_o church_n must_v forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o romanist_n may_v proud_o arrogate_v they_o to_o themselves_o or_o any_o reason_n why_o the_o right_a of_o other_o must_v sneak_v or_o stoop_v to_o their_o bold_a usurpation_n as_o if_o their_o church_n can_v not_o well_o be_v head_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o we_o allow_v it_o to_o have_v all_o the_o brain_n too_o and_o dash_v they_o out_o of_o the_o scull_n of_o other_o to_o fill_v their_o head_n till_o their_o understanding_n become_v incomprehensible_o infallible_a that_o all_o the_o race_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n may_v receive_v rule_n only_o from_o they_o and_o give_v up_o the_o natural_a freedom_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o enlarge_v the_o pope_n empire_n and_o authority_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v like_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o these_o they_o may_v either_o keep_v to_o themselves_o or_o allow_v they_o to_o other_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n this_o make_v a_o reproof_n to_o they_o like_a rebellion_n against_o a_o prince_n a_o crime_n so_o great_a that_o nothing_o but_o death_n can_v sufficient_o expiate_v among_o they_o
heaven_n to_o it_o and_o a_o sufficient_a guide_n to_o future_a action_n and_o a_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o just_a many_o man_n when_o they_o have_v for_o some_o time_n brood_a upon_o a_o thing_n they_o be_v apt_a then_o to_o petition_v heaven_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o convenience_n or_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o and_o have_v end_v their_o devotion_n find_v their_o thought_n to_o run_v still_o in_o the_o same_o channel_n into_o which_o they_o have_v turn_v and_o confine_v they_o before_o they_o conclude_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o they_o to_o prosecute_v and_o accomplish_v their_o design_n and_o the_o eagerness_n of_o their_o intention_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o their_o predeterminate_v resolution_n they_o foolish_o take_v for_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o be_v willing_a against_o all_o reason_n to_o think_v thus_o guide_v they_o to_o conclude_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o desire_n and_o this_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a hint_n because_o in_o this_o method_n many_o wicked_a and_o unlawful_a action_n claim_v god_n patronage_n to_o justify_v and_o defend_v they_o and_o what_o impious_a and_o most_o bloody_a design_n have_v be_v attempt_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o impression_n upon_o man_n mind_n after_o they_o have_v pretend_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o thus_o gain_v what_o they_o have_v call_v a_o return_n to_o their_o prayer_n i_o need_v not_o now_o particular_o relate_v history_n have_v report_v and_o will_v yet_o more_o discover_v they_o to_o the_o world_n this_o one_o thing_n have_v raise_v rebellion_n murder_v prince_n in_o design_n and_o act_n violate_v all_o sacred_a obligation_n and_o lay_v religion_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o every_o fresh_a and_o fanciful_a pretender_n at_o this_o rate_n we_o shall_v cheat_v our_o neighbour_n by_o a_o secret_a impulse_n and_o murder_v god_n anoint_v by_o a_o special_a command_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v safe_a in_o his_o life_n and_o fortune_n if_o a_o pray_a hector_n or_o a_o dream_a enthusiast_n have_v a_o mind_n and_o power_n to_o take_v they_o away_o nor_o will_v he_o long_o be_v without_o a_o warrant_n when_o by_o wink_v hard_a and_o direct_v his_o thought_n he_o may_v impress_v his_o own_o mind_n as_o he_o please_v and_o with_o a_o melancholy_n or_o sturdy_a confidence_n proclaim_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o god_n be_v then_o only_o in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n say_v to_o hear_v or_o make_v return_n to_o our_o prayer_n when_o he_o bestow_v on_o we_o those_o good_a and_o lawful_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v with_o humility_n and_o devotion_n beg_v and_o if_o any_o man_n ponder_v on_o a_o wicked_a design_n of_o his_o own_o contrivance_n in_o this_o case_n pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o direction_n and_o after_o his_o prayer_n find_v the_o sinful_a impression_n still_o remain_v this_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o vicious_a and_o diabolical_a inclination_n but_o not_o from_o the_o impulse_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o it_o can_v by_o no_o reasonable_a person_n be_v account_v god_n answer_v to_o his_o prayer_n unless_o he_o will_v suppose_v the_o great_a maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o offer_v the_o great_a violence_n to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o nurse_n and_o cherish_v what_o he_o will_v hate_v in_o himself_o in_o those_o who_o be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n no_o great_a reproach_n can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n than_o this_o by_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v his_o be_v for_o they_o make_v he_o the_o patron_n to_o man_n sin_n as_o if_o his_o essential_a purity_n and_o goodness_n can_v permit_v he_o to_o instigate_v any_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o his_o justice_n notwithstanding_o must_v and_o can_v choose_v but_o punish_v such_o apprehension_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n will_v oftentimes_o make_v the_o author_n of_o peace_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o worst_a war_n and_o the_o shed_v the_o best_a blood_n in_o a_o kingdom_n the_o god_n of_o order_n will_v become_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a confusion_n among_o mankind_n and_o in_o plain_a term_n give_v himself_o the_o lye_n it_o can_v be_v safe_a therefore_o to_o make_v what_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o call_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n a_o rule_n of_o action_n unless_o they_o agree_v with_o god_n write_v word_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o new_a warrant_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v the_o best_a so_o it_o must_v be_v to_o we_o the_o only_a general_a direction_n in_o our_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o follow_v strong_a impression_n make_v upon_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v safe_a to_o guide_v we_o after_o we_o have_v seek_v to_o god_n for_o particular_a direction_n it_o must_v as_o i_o conceive_v be_v only_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a before_o that_o he_o may_v influence_n our_o prudential_a choice_n in_o matter_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o option_n and_o even_o in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o full_o resolve_v beforehand_o lest_o we_o be_v find_v to_o be_v dissembler_n with_o god_n and_o have_v no_o real_a hesitation_n in_o our_o own_o judgement_n but_o if_o in_o such_o thing_n we_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v any_o application_n to_o he_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o leave_v room_n for_o his_o direction_n and_o that_o we_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o determine_v ourselves_o by_o any_o of_o the_o law_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o lawfulness_n of_o either_o part_n must_v be_v evident_a and_o we_o must_v desire_v a_o influence_n on_o the_o government_n of_o our_o choice_n only_o in_o the_o prudential_a determination_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o good_a consequence_n or_o success_n i_o can_v apprehend_v that_o any_o evil_n can_v attend_v this_o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o inability_n to_o guide_v ourselves_o without_o his_o assistance_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o which_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o our_o adoration_n and_o prayer_n but_o yet_o the_o good_a that_o may_v in_o particular_a attend_v the_o pursuance_n of_o this_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n secret_a conduct_n and_o to_o the_o intrigue_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o providence_n which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discover_v unless_o he_o can_v pry_v into_o the_o consult_v of_o heaven_n and_o disclose_v the_o secret_n of_o a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v when_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v already_o reveal_v there_o be_v not_o a_o keyhole_n to_o peep_v through_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o love_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v or_o to_o be_v bold_a in_o prescribe_v rule_n in_o those_o case_n in_o which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o none_o but_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o scripture_n as_o my_o certain_a rule_n thus_o guide_v myself_o in_o this_o world_n that_o i_o may_v at_o last_o through_o god_n mercy_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o my_o redeemer_n arrive_v at_o my_o proportion_a glory_n in_o the_o next_o but_o second_o another_o false_a rule_n of_o try_v opinion_n doctrine_n and_o resolution_n in_o religion_n set_v up_o by_o some_o be_v every_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o determination_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o take_v not_o its_o measure_n from_o god_n word_n nor_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o from_o a_o peculiar_a private_a spirit_n get_v into_o a_o single_a man_n thought_n and_o apprehension_n now_o to_o this_o head_n may_v be_v reduce_v what_o madman_n call_v light_n and_o revelation_n what_o those_o enthusiast_n that_o will_v be_v saint_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o profane_a action_n and_o dub_v themselves_o holy_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o own_o irreligion_n call_v conscience_n and_o what_o other_o of_o a_o more_o smooth_a and_o gentle_a disposition_n stile_n reason_n that_o they_o may_v advance_v the_o power_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o degrade_n if_o not_o expel_v the_o benign_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o discern_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n among_o quaker_n anabaptist_n independent_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o separatist_n speak_v in_o the_o general_a of_o all_o that_o follow_v the_o socinian_n principle_n and_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o popery_n itself_o when_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n mistake_v the_o result_n of_o
eye_n stand_v out_o with_o fatness_n and_o they_o have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v psal_n 73._o and_o solomon_n observe_v that_o as_o to_o the_o change_n of_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n eccles_n 9.2_o this_o indeed_o may_v prove_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a account_n but_o neither_o can_v the_o goodness_n or_o wickness_n of_o a_o party_n be_v evidence_v by_o such_o external_a character_n much_o less_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o opinion_n confirm_v from_o the_o smile_n or_o frown_n of_o providence_n but_o i_o need_v not_o at_o present_a argue_v this_o point_n far_o since_o those_o that_o when_o prosperous_a invent_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o confirm_v their_o party_n and_o a_o bait_n to_o draw_v proselyte_n and_o abettor_n to_o they_o be_v now_o confute_v by_o their_o shameful_a overthrow_n and_o it_o will_v sink_v they_o more_o shall_v it_o be_v use_v with_o any_o severe_a enlargement_n since_o their_o honour_n lay_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v never_o rise_v again_o i_o shall_v leave_v this_o therefore_o as_o a_o term_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o fallible_a rule_n only_o take_v up_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n and_o proceed_v to_o those_o method_n and_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a inspiration_n chap._n ix_o and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o those_o that_o vent_v they_o with_o great_a confidence_n and_o zeal_n as_o if_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o those_o to_o who_o these_o doctrine_n be_v propound_v be_v reasonable_a creature_n and_o this_o will_v be_v yield_v without_o any_o reason_n about_o it_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o degrade_v ourselves_o as_o well_o in_o speculation_n as_o many_o do_v in_o practice_n to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v nay_o any_o objection_n formal_o frame_v against_o this_o supposal_n will_v prove_v what_o the_o objector_n endeavour_v to_o deny_v that_o man_n have_v discursive_a faculty_n and_o his_o own_o confutation_n will_v be_v include_v in_o his_o objection_n whilst_o that_o will_v prove_v he_o able_a to_o syllogize_v and_o reason_n second_o man_n be_v rational_a and_o intelligent_a being_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o proposition_n sufficient_o propound_v to_o their_o consideration_n in_o term_n that_o exceed_v not_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o one_o man_n to_o another_o and_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o elevate_v above_o humane_a capacity_n our_o discourse_n otherwise_o to_o one_o another_o will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o chirp_n of_o bird_n the_o speech_n of_o parrot_n or_o the_o jabber_n of_o monkey_n to_o each_o other_o and_o will_v be_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o uncertain_a distinct_a sound_n without_o any_o signification_n three_o we_o must_v consider_v too_o that_o it_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o delude_v and_o cheat_v they_o with_o any_o equivocal_a and_o false_a proposition_n especial_o when_o he_o design_v they_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o man_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o concern_v and_o action_n in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o the_o way_n to_o their_o everlasting_a peace_n because_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o he_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o he_o have_v evidence_v to_o the_o world_n render_v he_o a_o be_v of_o all_o possible_a perfection_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v suppose_v god_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n now_o if_o he_o be_v supreme_o perfect_a he_o must_v according_a to_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o those_o faculty_n that_o be_v implant_v in_o we_o be_v one_o of_o infinite_a truth_n and_o goodness_n if_o he_o be_v the_o first_o he_o will_v not_o deliver_v proposition_n unto_o man_n that_o be_v plain_o or_o more_o obscure_o false_a and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o good_a be_v he_o will_v not_o give_v rule_n that_o may_v deceive_v we_o if_o we_o use_v those_o faculty_n he_o have_v bestow_v on_o we_o to_o find_v out_o their_o meaning_n and_o intention_n the_o contrary_a to_o this_o will_v cheat_v the_o world_n and_o then_o he_o will_v make_v creature_n or_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o that_o he_o may_v with_o great_a circumstance_n and_o solemnity_n subtle_o lead_v they_o into_o eternal_a ruin_n which_o to_o suppose_v be_v as_o great_a blasphemy_n against_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o can_v be_v invent_v by_o the_o worst_a of_o creature_n that_o have_v make_v themselves_o malicious_a and_o as_o foul_a a_o infamy_n as_o can_v be_v cast_v upon_o god_n be_v by_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n since_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n themselves_o but_o rather_o that_o they_o shall_v return_v from_o their_o wickedness_n and_o live_v this_o be_v confirm_v by_o those_o threat_n he_o denounce_v against_o they_o to_o frighten_v they_o from_o eternal_a ruin_n by_o all_o those_o promise_n he_o have_v annex_v to_o repentance_n by_o all_o his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o amend_v their_o life_n by_o all_o the_o instrument_n and_o help_n to_o religion_n which_o he_o have_v gracious_o afford_v they_o by_o all_o that_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n he_o express_v whilst_o man_n remain_v in_o that_o state_n of_o sin_n which_o entitle_v they_o to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o by_o send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o offer_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o they_o that_o divine_a wrath_n and_o justice_n be_v appease_v they_o may_v be_v capable_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n he_o propose_v and_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o those_o snare_n in_o which_o they_o be_v entangle_v and_o to_o guide_v themselves_o into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n four_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o way_n afford_v we_o by_o which_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_a creature_n judge_v of_o true_a direction_n and_o false_a so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a and_o infinite_a concernment_n god_n promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a bliss_n will_v be_v to_o as_o total_o insignificant_a if_o it_o be_v make_v either_o upon_o such_o condition_n as_o we_o know_v not_o or_o have_v not_o sufficient_a ability_n with_o his_o influence_n to_o perform_v they_o and_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v it_o be_v to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o in_o keep_v god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n if_o we_o know_v not_o what_o the_o commandment_n be_v we_o can_v not_o make_v sense_n of_o that_o thanksgiving_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 11.25_o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a the_o rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n to_o person_n of_o a_o more_o inferior_a rank_n and_o capacity_n if_o those_o who_o he_o here_o call_v babe_n have_v not_o mean_n to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o to_o arrive_v at_o complete_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v and_o in_o vain_a will_v it_o have_v be_v for_o s._n paul_n to_o have_v speak_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n hide_v under_o jewish_a type_n and_o shadow_n and_o obscure_o treat_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n in_o comparison_n to_o the_o light_n which_o then_o appear_v or_o to_o have_v treat_v of_o such_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o discover_v thing_n which_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o do_v they_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n when_o god_n reveal_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2._o and_o not_o by_o any_o logical_a demonstration_n which_o blind_v the_o governor_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o confound_v the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o greek_n who_o according_a to_o their_o accustom_a way_n of_o proof_n expect_v another_o method_n of_o probation_n than_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n it_o have_v be_v notwithstanding_o a_o impossible_a attempt_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v any_o of_o these_o or_o other_o man_n that_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v endue_v with_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 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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 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know_v himself_o to_o be_v forerunner_n our_o saviour_n return_v no_o answer_n but_o this_o go_v your_o way_n say_v he_o and_o 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 to_o the_o poor_a the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v luke_o 7.22_o by_o this_o intimate_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n to_o who_o such_o power_n be_v give_v from_o above_o thus_o he_o endeavour_v also_o to_o convince_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o argument_n of_o his_o miracle_n the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o john_n 5.36_o now_o as_o by_o this_o argument_n our_o saviour_n prove_v his_o own_o commission_n so_o when_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o his_o religion_n into_o the_o world_n he_o give_v to_o they_o the_o 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wonder_n who_o know_v not_o the_o utmost_a power_n of_o art_n or_o nature_n especial_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o skill_n and_o force_v of_o devil_n god_n have_v still_o in_o the_o last_o place_n give_v rule_n for_o our_o far_a direction_n in_o this_o weighty_a affair_n that_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n may_v not_o by_o any_o subtlety_n whatsoever_o be_v impose_v upon_o with_o the_o seem_a authority_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n god_n know_v that_o the_o devil_n will_v endeavour_v in_o this_o to_o imitate_v the_o divine_a power_n as_o well_o as_o appear_v like_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n when_o either_o may_v impose_v delusion_n upon_o the_o world_n that_o the_o art_n and_o industry_n of_o design_v man_n might_n by_o a_o previous_a acquaintance_n with_o natural_a cause_n so_o alter_v their_o simplicity_n by_o mixture_n and_o experiment_n or_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o strange_a disposition_n of_o nature_n lucky_a to_o they_o as_o by_o the_o application_n of_o these_o to_o the_o present_a conjunction_n of_o their_o own_o intention_n they_o may_v take_v advantage_n to_o insinuate_v their_o subtle_a and_o false_a doctrine_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o vulgar_a or_o credulous_a and_o many_o time_n into_o those_o that_o be_v more_o rational_a and_o learned_a or_o else_o by_o a_o fortunate_a prediction_n of_o something_o that_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o prophet_n and_o then_o impose_v upon_o and_o delude_v the_o world_n for_o the_o prevention_n therefore_o of_o such_o great_a and_o otherwise_o unavoidable_a mischief_n the_o most_o gracious_a god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a love_n to_o mankind_n have_v give_v they_o three_o other_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o may_v and_o may_v measure_v prophet_n and_o their_o doctrine_n 1._o if_o any_o pretend_v their_o authority_n by_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v if_o they_o fail_v in_o any_o of_o their_o prediction_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o god_n never_o send_v they_o to_o deliver_v that_o which_o the_o prediction_n be_v a_o argument_n to_o confirm_v and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o great_a god_n never_o confirm_v his_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n by_o falsehood_n or_o deceit_n but_o because_o he_o have_v caution_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v they_o in_o the_o 18_o the_o of_o deut._n v._n 22._o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o 2._o suppose_v that_o one_o who_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o shall_v work_v wonder_n as_o antichrist_n and_o other_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o authority_n yet_o if_o his_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o the_o evacuate_a principle_n implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o destroy_v the_o reasonable_a proposition_n of_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o apparent_a sign_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n for_o say_v the_o text_n 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 give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n deut._n 13._o at_o the_o beginning_n 3._o in_o relation_n to_o both_o natural_a and_o institute_v worship_n god_n have_v now_o give_v we_o a_o rule_n no_o pretention_n of_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n must_v ever_o draw_v we_o into_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n that_o thwart_v or_o contradict_v the_o divine_a establishment_n already_o confirm_v by_o the_o same_o argument_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a partly_o from_o that_o forequote_v text_n deut._n 13._o where_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v that_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v 1._o because_o god_n by_o permit_v that_o false_a prophet_n prove_v man_n steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o because_o whatever_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v do_v to_o confirm_v a_o doctrine_n man_n be_v so_o far_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a god_n as_o to_o walk_v after_o he_o and_o to_o fear_v he_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n to_o obey_v his_o voice_n to_o serve_v and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o him_z but_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o full_o prove_v from_o isa_n 8.20_o when_o any_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v the_o people_n unto_o wizard_n and_o to_o such_o as_o have_v familiar_a spirit_n the_o prophet_n advise_v they_o to_o try_v all_o by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n because_o if_o any_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 light_n in_o they_o and_o if_o these_o direction_n be_v good_a under_o the_o law_n much_o more_o will_v they_o satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n under_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o last_o public_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v to_o mankind_n till_o the_o final_a period_n and_o general_a dissolution_n for_o though_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o and_o he_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o at_o the_o final_a period_n god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 2.16_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a law_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o need_v there_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o
guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v have_v safe_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o order_n and_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o then_o see_v how_o god_n value_v soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n however_o man_n too_o much_o disregard_n it_o if_o either_o any_o creed_n or_o none_o at_o all_o can_v have_v carry_v man_n to_o their_o future_a bliss_n christ_n need_n never_o have_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o deliver_v a_o universal_a doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o send_v this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n this_o necessity_n therefore_o of_o be_v sound_n in_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n caution_v man_n against_o prophetical_a pretender_n and_o false_a teacher_n to_o take_v heed_n what_o they_o hear_v mark_n 4.24_o to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o they_o be_v not_o darkness_n luke_o 11.35_o and_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n heb._n 3.12_o hence_o be_v it_o because_o as_o s._n peter_n say_v there_o be_v damnable_a heresy_n that_o the_o unsound_a cretan_n be_v so_o severe_o to_o be_v reprove_v that_o they_o may_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n tit._n 1.13_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n command_v timothy_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o which_o probable_o refer_v to_o some_o brief_a creed_n or_o summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n deliver_v to_o he_o by_o the_o apostle_n though_o we_o find_v they_o now_o burlesque_v and_o flout_v at_o but_o alas_o with_o as_o little_a wit_n as_o reason_n from_o hence_o final_o be_v it_o that_o s._n judas_n exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n 3_o ver_fw-la of_o his_o epist_n we_o be_v not_o now_o to_o make_v our_o own_o faith_n nor_o be_v it_o indifferent_a what_o we_o believe_v let_v we_o receive_v therefore_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n through_o all_o the_o several_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v our_o life_n as_o pure_a as_o our_o faith_n last_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o speak_v truth_n and_o by_o no_o method_n to_o impose_v upon_o one_o another_o that_o we_o may_v evidence_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o the_o world_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v still_o a_o influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o viper_n among_o man_n who_o tooth_n be_v spear_n and_o arrow_n and_o their_o tongue_n a_o sharp_a sword_n that_o engross_v the_o whole_a trade_n of_o lie_v and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v man_n inspire_v these_o receive_v false_a news_n in_o gross_a and_o then_o retail_v it_o out_o to_o other_o their_o tongue_n indeed_o be_v very_o sharp_a and_o no_o wonder_n neither_o since_o they_o keep_v the_o whetstone_n whole_o to_o themselves_o these_o be_v your_o itinerant_a historian_n that_o to_o consume_v our_o corn_n carry_v always_o firebrand_n at_o their_o tail_n who_o lie_v so_o often_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o believe_v themselves_o when_o they_o speak_v truth_n and_o give_v to_o all_o that_o have_v have_v the_o curse_n of_o their_o conversation_n a_o plain_a testimony_n who_o their_o father_n be_v but_o let_v not_o any_o of_o our_o soul_n enter_v into_o their_o secret_n but_o resolve_v to_o resemble_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o abominate_v all_o lie_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o to_o qualify_v ourselves_o for_o our_o future_a ascent_n to_o god_n holy_a hill_n by_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o our_o heart_n psal_n 15._o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o we_o must_v follow_v so_o good_a a_o example_n unless_o we_o think_v lie_v the_o character_n of_o a_o saint_n and_o perjury_n to_o put_v on_o a_o martyr_n crown_n s._n paul_n do_v not_o think_v so_o when_o he_o forbid_v the_o colossian_n to_o lie_v to_o one_o another_o see_v they_o have_v put_v off_o the_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n colos_n 3.9_o let_v we_o therefore_o beware_v of_o arrogance_n and_o calumny_n of_o detract_n from_o other_o or_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o ourselves_o and_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o holy_a spirit_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o guide_v ourselves_o into_o all_o truth_n so_o shall_v we_o avoid_v both_o sin_n and_o shame_n and_o eternal_a confusion_n at_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v then_o give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n will_v we_o but_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v the_o sacred_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o influence_n our_o mind_n in_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n commerce_n and_o trade_n will_v be_v more_o innocent_a we_o shall_v neither_o betray_v our_o own_o self_n by_o any_o false_a or_o gloze_a language_n nor_o shall_v we_o suffer_v by_o plain_a deal_n oath_n will_v again_o become_v religious_a among_o english_a man_n nor_o will_v any_o be_v unjust_o execute_v by_o guilty_a or_o scandalous_o free_v by_o a_o ignoramus_n our_o gracious_a and_o true_o great_a monarch_n will_v be_v safe_a without_o the_o base_a attempt_n of_o any_o to_o secure_v he_o he_o will_v be_v our_o own_o and_o we_o at_o his_o wise_n and_o lawful_a disposal_n by_o his_o coronation_n oath_n and_o our_o swear_a allegiance_n to_o he_o every_o man_n be_v there_o truth_n among_o we_o may_v enjoy_v peace_n in_o his_o own_o capacity_n he_o may_v sit_v under_o his_o vine_n and_o his_o fig_n tree_n and_o liberty_n and_o property_n will_v never_o be_v bone_n of_o contention_n more_o but_o if_o we_o remain_v hypocrite_n in_o religion_n and_o false_a to_o each_o other_o we_o can_v neither_o expect_v that_o god_n or_o man_n shall_v be_v our_o friend_n because_o what_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o peck_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v the_o whole_a creation_n groan_n we_o shake_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n when_o we_o be_v such_o wretched_a creature_n that_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v we_o and_o we_o can_v but_o enrage_v the_o great_a god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o have_v send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n unto_o we_o to_o guide_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n whatever_o guilt_n therefore_o any_o person_n may_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n strike_v in_o with_o his_o own_o easy_a inclination_n have_v contract_v to_o himself_o in_o this_o point_n let_v he_o now_o repent_v while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o the_o night_n come_v in_o which_o terror_n and_o astonishment_n will_v surprise_v he_o who_o obscure_a shadow_n will_v by_o degree_n withdraw_v the_o please_a light_n from_o he_o till_o it_o lodge_v he_o in_o a_o state_n of_o blackness_n for_o ever_o the_o conclusion_n we_o be_v here_o place_v in_o a_o world_n so_o full_a of_o object_n that_o affect_v our_o external_a sense_n that_o we_o be_v natural_o lead_v more_o by_o these_o than_o we_o be_v by_o faith_n and_o when_o by_o degree_n we_o abstract_a our_o thought_n and_o fix_v our_o mind_n on_o thing_n above_o we_o either_o weary_a the_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o sink_v into_o a_o stupid_a inadvertency_n or_o else_o be_v so_o please_v with_o the_o sprightliness_n of_o our_o create_a fancy_n that_o we_o nimble_o make_v idea_n in_o our_o brain_n of_o such_o seem_a thing_n as_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v and_o so_o we_o lead_v ourselves_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o be_v not_o design_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o possession_n sometime_o these_o thing_n be_v project_v before_o hand_n by_o the_o cunning_a politic_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o by_o such_o mean_n intend_v to_o impose_v upon_o other_o to_o carry_v on_o secular_a interest_n that_o may_v in_o the_o end_n be_v gainful_a to_o themselves_o and_o sometime_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o weak_a and_o unable_a constitution_n act_v contemplation_n beyond_o their_o own_o capacity_n to_o manage_v it_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o till_o they_o real_o believe_v their_o own_o thought_n of_o object_n that_o yet_o have_v no_o real_a existence_n nor_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o have_v a_o be_v in_o the_o universe_n some_o think_v too_o much_o and_o other_o too_o little_a too_o much_o learning_n make_v one_o sort_n mad_a and_o other_o be_v mad_a because_o they_o have_v so_o little_a some_o man_n by_o sink_v themselves_o into_o a_o deep_a melancholy_n and_o other_o by_o a_o nimble_a and_o exorbitant_a agitation_n of_o their_o blood_n and_o spirit_n command_v themselves_o into_o ecstasy_n or_o