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because_o every_o one_o shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n gal._n 6.4_o 5._o but_o yet_o because_o many_o thing_n in_o religion_n be_v place_v beyond_o the_o examination_n of_o every_o man_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o embrace_v they_o i_o must_v here_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n and_o rule_v to_o limit_v such_o as_o may_v be_v otherwise_o apt_a to_o be_v extravagant_a and_o extend_v this_o duty_n of_o try_v spirit_n beyond_o their_o own_o power_n and_o capacity_n and_o 1._o we_o that_o discourse_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v true_a must_v take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v express_v to_o the_o world_n in_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n in_o which_o it_o be_v contain_v now_o these_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v some_o set_v apart_o to_o be_v guide_n to_o other_o and_o therefore_o distinguish_v the_o church_n into_o pastor_n and_o people_n into_o those_o that_o be_v guide_n and_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v conduct_v by_o 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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 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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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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 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will_v yet_o remain_v in_o ourselves_o and_o our_o very_a travail_n become_v our_o punishment_n till_o at_o last_o we_o die_v and_o perish_v in_o a_o wilderness_n which_o become_v the_o entrance_n to_o great_a darkness_n alas_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o much_o debauch_v by_o the_o corrupt_a intermixture_n and_o disgrace_v by_o the_o vicious_a life_n of_o man_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v its_o record_n so_o hide_v or_o lose_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v nor_o be_v man_n yet_o so_o blockish_a and_o unlearned_a that_o they_o can_v read_v so_o as_o to_o understand_v they_o if_o man_n be_v so_o blind_a those_o that_o be_v as_o blind_a may_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o ditch_n but_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n beside_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v now_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n stand_v and_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n with_o their_o 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isa_n 8.20_o and_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n say_v s._n peter_n epist_n 2._o chap_n 1._o ver_fw-la 19_o whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n if_o we_o forsake_v therefore_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o pretence_n of_o man_n by_o the_o scripture_n which_o right_o understand_v be_v our_o only_a safe_a rule_n we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o distinguish_v a_o bold_a pretender_n from_o he_o who_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o if_o such_o person_n be_v now_o to_o be_v expect_v after_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n the_o rule_n for_o man_n life_n have_v be_v so_o long_o ago_o complete_v for_o by_o incline_v to_o believe_v any_o new_a revelation_n beyond_o the_o scripture_n we_o suppose_v that_o a_o insufficient_a rule_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o which_o true_a english_a church_n protestant_n have_v always_o defend_v with_o success_n and_o if_o the_o revelation_n be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o it_o make_v that_o spirit_n that_o dictate_v the_o first_o a_o liar_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v receive_v and_o suppose_a true_a but_o grant_v what_o man_n of_o such_o a_o easy_a belief_n and_o such_o speedy_a resolution_n that_o admit_v of_o as_o speedy_a change_n will_v without_o any_o proof_n have_v yield_v to_o they_o yet_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o man_n in_o their_o circumstance_n be_v able_a any_o way_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o concern_v the_o proposition_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v in_o and_o thereby_o authorize_v to_o deliver_v unto_o other_o i_o be_o afraid_a confidence_n will_v be_v their_o only_a argument_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o other_o and_o opinion_n interest_n and_o a_o strong_a presumption_n or_o what_o be_v worse_o atheism_n and_o knavery_n to_o themselves_o for_o 1._o suppose_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o it_o dictate_v unto_o man_n always_o uniform_a and_o consistent_a with_o itself_o how_o can_v there_o be_v different_a inspiration_n to_o prescribe_v various_a rule_n opposite_a to_o each_o other_o at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o man_n to_o guide_v their_o belief_n and_o conversation_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o lord_n with_o undoubted_a authority_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n to_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n one_o baptism_n that_o enter_v they_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o but_o one_o faith_n to_o be_v embrace_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n eph._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o how_o then_o can_v we_o reasonable_o admit_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o man_n inspiration_n that_o aver_v he_o speak_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v within_o he_o to_o publish_v any_o rule_n of_o religion_n different_a from_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v before_o and_o if_o such_o a_o pretender_n mean_v only_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o soul_n which_o act_v within_o the_o body_n we_o can_v understand_v no_o more_o than_o his_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n though_o phrase_n by_o such_o cant_a be_v render_v equivocal_a to_o startle_v the_o infirm_a but_o be_v foreign_a to_o our_o purpose_n when_o reflect_v on_o by_o consider_v man_n we_o well_o know_v that_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o unite_v the_o world_n under_o one_o profession_n and_o in_o religious_a affair_n to_o subject_v it_o to_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o life_n how_o then_o can_v any_o with_o religion_n or_o modesty_n pretend_v another_o inspiration_n for_o new_a direction_n when_o the_o former_a if_o they_o be_v ever_o true_a be_v sufficient_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n declare_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o obligatory_a till_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n when_o he_o shall_v pass_v sentence_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o deliver_v we_o into_o our_o everlasting_a state_n no_o less_o than_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n back_o unto_o the_o father_n these_o be_v such_o inconsistent_a thing_n that_o none_o but_o mad_a man_n can_v now_o expect_v any_o inspiration_n to_o deliver_v new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n 2._o i_o will_v fain_o learn_v of_o any_o bold_a man_n that_o publish_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n new_a doctrine_n different_a from_o the_o old_a how_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v inspire_v we_o find_v those_o that_o be_v former_o so_o beside_o some_o certain_a token_n to_o themselves_o which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o pretender_n can_v now_o give_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o though_o we_o may_v some_o probable_a conjecture_n can_v work_v miracle_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o belief_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o no_o such_o thing_n appear_v now_o though_o lie_v wonder_n be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n carry_v only_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o that_o invent_v the_o story_n or_o other_o that_o be_v hire_v to_o sacrifice_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o confidence_n of_o a_o impostor_n and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o shall_v at_o the_o utmost_a only_o deceive_v the_o simple_a whilst_o they_o that_o ensnare_v they_o have_v other_o design_n beyond_o their_o reach_n vent_v what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v accomplish_v their_o own_o carnal_a end_n by_o the_o religious_a easiness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o other_o for_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o those_o various_a sect_n visible_a either_o abroad_o or_o among_o ourselves_o that_o any_o way_n pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v to_o what_o they_o deliver_v to_o other_o we_o find_v they_o publish_v by_o this_o authority_n doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o rule_n of_o life_n quite_o different_a nay_o opposite_a to_o one_o another_o and_o pursue_v each_o other_o according_a to_o the_o advantage_n they_o receive_v with_o a_o great_a eagerness_n and_o hot_a
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
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
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 same_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n heal_n the_o sick_a say_v he_o cleanse_v the_o leper_n raise_v the_o dead_a cast_v out_o devil_n matth._n 10.8_o and_o according_o they_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o confirm_v their_o commission_n to_o the_o world_n preach_v as_o s._n paul_n do_v 1_o cor._n 2.4_o not_o so_o much_o by_o logical_a argument_n or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n way_n of_o reason_v but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n when_o they_o argue_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o new_a and_o do_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v all_o this_o have_v be_v god_n method_n in_o the_o world_n of_o evidence_v his_o mission_n of_o prophet_n unto_o man_n to_o declare_v his_o message_n to_o they_o by_o which_o he_o attest_v his_o own_o inspiration_n which_o the_o most_o confident_a affirmation_n of_o the_o person_n inspire_v without_o such_o plain_a and_o public_a attestation_n can_v never_o have_v create_v a_o belief_n of_o especial_o if_o they_o deliver_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o thing_n not_o demonstrable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n thus_o when_o god_n give_v moses_n authority_n to_o lead_v and_o preside_v over_o the_o israelite_n he_o endue_v he_o with_o a_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n to_o attest_v his_o commission_n exod._n 4._o and_o when_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o make_v any_o new_a revelation_n to_o prince_n or_o people_n or_o when_o god_n send_v they_o on_o any_o strange_a errand_n he_o add_v confirmation_n to_o their_o authority_n by_o give_v they_o power_n to_o foretell_v something_o which_o he_o bring_v to_o pass_v or_o else_o to_o work_v some_o extraordinary_a sign_n or_o miracle_n that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o message_n be_v send_v may_v be_v convince_v that_o god_n send_v the_o prophet_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v often_o so_o difficult_a for_o man_n to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o miracle_n and_o a_o 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
end_n of_o the_o mosaic_a constitution_n and_o such_o a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o divinity_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o thereby_o to_o prepare_v he_o for_o that_o eternal_a inheritance_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v now_o consider_v all_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o what_o i_o design_n and_o with_o all_o faithfulness_n according_a to_o my_o knowledge_n discharge_v myself_o the_o discourse_n on_o such_o a_o point_n have_v be_v long_o but_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o prove_v unuseful_a in_o such_o time_n as_o these_o in_o which_o truth_n be_v blend_v and_o beset_v with_o error_n strange_a doctrine_n have_v insinuate_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o be_v now_o sail_v betwixt_o sylla_n and_o charybdis_n and_o god_n know_v which_o may_v swallow_v we_o when_o truth_n like_o pure_a and_o clean_a wheat_n be_v put_v betwixt_o two_o millstone_n that_o seem_v to_o join_v to_o grind_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o religion_n like_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v almost_o crucify_a betwixt_o two_o thief_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n his_o providence_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o through_o his_o help_n we_o hope_v for_o deliverance_n from_o all_o our_o trouble_n for_o vain_a be_v the_o help_n of_o man_n without_o he_o chap._n x._o have_v hitherto_o for_o the_o most_o part_n treat_v concern_v false_a spirit_n and_o argue_v against_o the_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n among_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n and_o give_v some_o direction_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v what_o inspiration_n be_v true_a and_o what_o false_a that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v object_v against_o the_o body_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o i_o have_v leave_v neither_o soul_n nor_o spirit_n to_o animate_v it_o but_o have_v hint_v only_o some_o operation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o restrain_v that_o to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o future_a generation_n to_o guide_v man_n into_o all_o truth_n i_o shall_v spend_v some_o sheet_n to_o prove_v that_o as_o there_o be_v promise_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v conduct_v man_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n so_o that_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o apparent_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o show_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o sacred_a spirit_n inform_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o how_o he_o still_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o receive_v they_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v very_o thick_a of_o briar_n and_o thorn_n that_o scratch_n and_o tear_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o her_o passage_n through_o it_o and_o since_o the_o most_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n agree_v in_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o their_o journey_n yet_o because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v out_o by_o the_o way_n and_o differ_v about_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v thither_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o hinder_v man_n of_o good_a intention_n and_o different_a judgement_n from_o entertain_v a_o delusion_n by_o reason_n of_o any_o shortness_n in_o their_o sight_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o and_o so_o miscarry_v in_o their_o great_a concernment_n and_o fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v complain_v as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o this_o errable_a state_n of_o life_n leave_v without_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o our_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v some_o thing_n before_o hint_v more_o plain_o and_o open_o that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v without_o sufficient_a conduct_n from_o the_o holy_a and_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n at_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n express_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o action_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o discharge_n this_o that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o engage_v in_o i_o shall_v first_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v come_v according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o 1._o he_o come_v upon_o our_o saviour_n himself_o 2._o he_o inspire_v and_o comfort_v his_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o 3._o he_o still_o influence_n the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v and_o do_v not_o resist_v he_o first_o that_o this_o holy_a spirit_n rest_v upon_o our_o saviour_n accompany_v he_o throughout_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n none_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o embracement_n of_o christianity_n can_v possible_o contradict_v for_o his_o miracle_n attest_v this_o divine_a residency_n and_o loud_o proclaim_v it_o to_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v this_o irrefragable_a testimony_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n the_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n sufficient_o attest_v and_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n inspire_v and_o do_v assist_v he_o as_o his_o conception_n be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o do_v it_o continual_o breath_n upon_o he_o through_o all_o the_o period_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n it_o give_v a_o visible_a attestation_n to_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o witness_v his_o commission_n to_o the_o world_n when_o at_o his_o baptism_n it_o descend_v in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o light_v upon_o he_o matth._n 3.16_o and_o this_o be_v second_v by_o a_o audible_a voice_n loud_o thunder_v from_o the_o very_a sky_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v in_o his_o life_n he_o have_v the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n john_n 3.34_o he_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o the_o same_o proportion_n of_o power_n and_o assistance_n with_o s._n john_n who_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o by_o this_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o messiah_n nor_o with_o those_o prophet_n of_o old_a who_o be_v inspire_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n to_o who_o divine_a and_o unaccountable_a impulse_n be_v neither_o constant_a in_o their_o method_n or_o continuance_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n accompany_v our_o saviour_n throughout_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o his_o life_n so_o that_o he_o can_v upon_o any_o emergent_a occasion_n make_v discovery_n of_o it_o to_o other_o and_o always_o know_v it_o to_o be_v resident_a in_o himself_o he_o carry_v it_o with_o he_o to_o his_o cross_n and_o death_n to_o support_v he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o triumph_v over_o his_o temptation_n and_o enemy_n it_o hover_v as_o it_o be_v over_o his_o grave_n guard_v his_o body_n with_o a_o security_n beyond_o the_o soldier_n power_n and_o at_o last_o raise_v he_o with_o triumph_n from_o the_o dead_a rom._n 8.11_o and_o thus_o baffle_v the_o argument_n for_o infidelity_n second_o this_o spirit_n promise_v come_v also_o upon_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n at_o the_o beginning_n it_o descend_v with_o noise_n and_o a_o glorious_a splendour_n and_o come_v with_o such_o a_o train_n of_o solemnity_n and_o its_o appearance_n be_v so_o gay_a and_o pompous_a that_o it_o amuse_v nation_n and_o confound_v the_o multitude_n it_o shake_v the_o great_a place_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o sit_v glorious_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o cleave_a fiery_a tongue_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o each_o apostle_n give_v they_o at_o once_o a_o character_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o and_o ability_n to_o execute_v that_o commission_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v before_o give_v they_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n here_o be_v the_o prophecy_n of_o joel_n accomplish_v that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o descend_v with_o power_n in_o the_o lap_n of_o a_o cloud_n with_o a_o rush_a wind_n to_o blow_v open_a the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n that_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v come_v in_o it_o come_v with_o cleave_a fiery_a tongue_n to_o teach_v the_o apostle_n to_o sound_v forth_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n with_o a_o become_a zeal_n and_o warm_a affection_n the_o tongue_n be_v cleave_a that_o
they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o glorious_a like_o the_o stream_n of_o fire_n not_o only_o to_o represent_v the_o majesty_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o to_o signify_v the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o inflame_v the_o zeal_n and_o warm_v the_o devotion_n of_o these_o apostle_n nay_o they_o be_v both_o fiery_a and_o cleave_a that_o their_o zeal_n may_v not_o be_v divorce_v from_o knowledge_n but_o one_o may_v administer_v to_o the_o other_o and_o both_o to_o he_o who_o influence_v they_o with_o this_o spirit_n this_o make_v they_o at_o once_o the_o admiration_n and_o envy_n of_o the_o world_n this_o make_v their_o doctrine_n glorious_a and_o triumphant_a and_o confirm_v it_o with_o miracle_n beyond_o the_o force_n of_o malice_n and_o contradiction_n this_o cause_v the_o church_n to_o spring_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n make_v it_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o spite_n and_o flourish_v on_o the_o top_n of_o cross_n and_o gibbet_n to_o shine_v glorious_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o flame_n and_o triumph_v over_o death_n itself_o though_o its_o member_n be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o this_o give_v the_o apostle_n the_o prevision_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o our_o saviour_n life_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v at_o the_o same_o time_n give_v they_o a_o prospect_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o their_o comfort_n too_o this_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n what_o their_o master_n have_v before_o teach_v they_o and_o inspire_v they_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v build_v the_o christian_a church_n upon_o that_o cornerstone_n which_o though_o reject_v of_o man_n be_v in_o itself_o elect_v and_o precious_a three_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v also_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n the_o samaritan_n that_o believe_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n act_n 8.17_o and_o whilst_o s._n peter_n be_v preach_v occasion_v by_o the_o conversion_n of_o cornelius_n the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o act_n 10.44_o and_o though_o as_o to_o those_o glorious_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n which_o at_o first_o be_v frequent_a in_o work_v miracle_n and_o inspire_a man_n to_o speak_v divers_a language_n for_o the_o proof_n and_o early_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o now_o withdraw_v its_o force_n and_o operation_n yet_o it_o still_o continue_v that_o necessary_a influence_n which_o impress_n the_o mind_n of_o devout_a man_n and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o arm_n they_o with_o patience_n and_o resolution_n this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v too_o frequent_o contradict_v even_o by_o such_o as_o seem_v to_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o some_o strength_n superior_a to_o their_o own_o whilst_o to_o avoid_v one_o rock_n they_o run_v upon_o another_o to_o escape_v that_o enthusiasm_n which_o have_v too_o much_o disturb_v the_o world_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o darkness_n and_o error_n they_o reject_v the_o conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n when_o he_o will_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n man_n be_v so_o cautious_a lest_o they_o shall_v infringe_v the_o uncontrollable_a liberty_n of_o their_o own_o will_n that_o they_o entrench_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bind_v their_o god_n in_o chain_n that_o he_o may_v sit_v fast_o in_o heaven_n to_o very_o little_a purpose_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a influence_n and_o benediction_n from_o above_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v our_o prayer_n be_v why_o shall_v we_o petition_v for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v assure_v we_o shall_v never_o receive_v or_o how_o can_v any_o pray_v in_o faith_n for_o what_o they_o believe_v will_v never_o come_v we_o mock_v our_o maker_n to_o his_o very_a face_n when_o we_o say_v turn_v thou_o we_o o_o good_a lord_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v turn_v if_o god_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o it_o will_v be_v profane_a and_o ridiculous_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o be_v or_o increase_n of_o grace_n if_o god_n do_v not_o influence_n our_o mind_n nay_o he_o that_o reject_v this_o principle_n bold_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o epicurus_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o a_o heathen_a countermand_v the_o divinity_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o how_o can_v god_n rule_v the_o world_n &_o exercise_v his_o empire_n over_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n how_o can_v he_o control_v the_o purpose_n of_o man_n and_o rebuke_v their_o action_n when_o they_o contradict_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o he_o do_v not_o immediate_o influence_n their_o will_n as_o well_o as_o propose_v object_n to_o their_o sense_n i_o know_v we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o disbelieve_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o full_o understand_v and_o to_o expunge_v that_o out_o of_o our_o creed_n which_o be_v not_o plain_o evident_a to_o our_o reason_n but_o can_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a to_o reject_v a_o be_v because_o we_o understand_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o existence_n or_o to_o deny_v such_o effect_n as_o we_o see_v because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o view_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o be_v invisible_a if_o so_o then_o farewell_n the_o sublimest_n article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o no_o mortal_a eye_n ever_o see_v nor_o can_v a_o finite_a be_v frame_n a_o complete_a idea_n of_o he_o shall_v i_o deny_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n because_o i_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o maker_n operation_n when_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o fiat_n nor_o how_o so_o rare_a a_o systeme_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o pre-existent_a must_v i_o reject_v spirit_n because_o i_o can_v see_v they_o or_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o immaterial_a being_n upon_o the_o corporeal_a substance_n of_o this_o world_n because_o motion_n among_o body_n be_v make_v by_o contact_n and_o i_o can_v apprehend_v how_o a_o spirit_n can_v work_v upon_o a_o body_n when_o none_o but_o body_n can_v touch_v one_o another_o who_o can_v tell_v how_o our_o soul_n work_v upon_o our_o body_n and_o yet_o none_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o nay_o who_o can_v describe_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o soul_n union_n to_o our_o body_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n will_v refuse_v to_o own_o the_o thing_n or_o will_v any_o one_o deny_v the_o part_n of_o body_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o each_o other_o because_o the_o term_n of_o their_o union_n be_v never_o yet_o so_o full_o resolve_v as_o to_o baffle_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a why_o shall_v we_o then_o doubt_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n influence_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n because_o the_o manner_n of_o operation_n be_v 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it_o may_v by_o their_o mean_n be_v in_o its_o purity_n free_a from_o mixture_n deliver_v to_o all_o the_o succeed_a generation_n of_o mankind_n and_o now_o by_o the_o way_n what_o a_o slender_a plea_n have_v any_o enthusiast_n of_o this_o age_n for_o any_o new_a revelation_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o what_o christ_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v never_o promise_v to_o the_o very_a apostle_n to_o any_o such_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v suppose_v but_o that_o christ_n whilst_o he_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o world_n deliver_v a_o complete_a body_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o have_v he_o not_o whatever_o become_v of_o a_o jus_o divinum_fw-la for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v certain_o be_v less_o careful_a than_o moses_n and_o yet_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v he_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o that_o make_v or_o appoint_v he_o as_o also_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n heb._n 3.2_o but_o not_o to_o endeavour_v to_o work_v miracle_n and_o restore_v sight_n to_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v still_o blind_a and_o to_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n because_o it_o will_v discover_v that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a when_o darkness_n do_v at_o once_o as_o well_o increase_v as_o inspire_v wilfulness_n or_o melancholy_n to_o leave_v also_o any_o far_a explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o i_o have_v hint_v to_o you_o as_o well_o to_o mind_v you_o of_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o necessary_a festival_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o cause_v man_n to_o adore_v what_o they_o can_v understand_v to_o admire_v that_o with_o which_o they_o can_v be_v familiar_a to_o praise_v what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v and_o to_o believe_v that_o mystery_n which_o be_v plain_o reveal_v though_o they_o can_v unriddle_v the_o thing_n itself_o to_o come_v more_o close_o therefore_o to_o the_o business_n i_o have_v in_o hand_n the_o holy_a ghost_n promise_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o this_o not_o only_o 1._o because_o he_o be_v spiritus_fw-la verax_fw-la as_o slichtingius_n will_v have_v it_o to_o comport_v with_o his_o endear_a notion_n of_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la nor_o only_o be_v he_o a_o true_a spirit_n either_o in_o original_n or_o operation_n in_o opposition_n to_o what_o be_v gross_a and_o sensual_a nor_o 2._o because_o he_o true_o and_o real_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o consequent_o have_v authority_n enough_o to_o produce_v a_o faith_n in_o we_o which_o must_v be_v divine_a nor_o 3._o because_o be_v in_o unity_n with_o that_o father_n and_o son_n from_o who_o he_o do_v proceed_v he_o must_v be_v truth_n itself_o as_o s._n john_n style_v he_o 1._o epist_n 5._o chap._n 6._o and_o consequent_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o falsehood_n unless_o we_o suppose_v that_o god_n may_v lie_v which_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o be_v impossible_a heb._n 6.18_o and_o reason_n also_o conclude_v such_o a_o be_v to_o be_v void_a of_o this_o to_o who_o we_o ascribe_v all_o possible_a perfection_n but_o last_o he_o be_v call_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o office_n and_o employment_n because_o he_o guide_v other_o into_o truth_n though_o from_o the_o precedent_a acceptation_n and_o account_v give_v of_o his_o appellation_n we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v his_o capacity_n to_o instruct_v and_o guide_v other_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v so_o miraculous_o guide_v deliver_v nothing_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o man_n life_n but_o what_o be_v true_a and_o come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o deliver_v be_v to_o be_v both_o believe_v and_o obey_v and_o thus_o i_o be_o come_v to_o the_o last_o and_o principal_a particular_a that_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o promise_n viz._n he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o this_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 2._o as_o it_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v militant_a in_o this_o world_n first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n as_o influence_v and_o direct_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v principal_o make_v and_o as_o it_o do_v concern_v all_o so_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o all_o to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o those_o truth_n that_o complete_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o stand_a direction_n for_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v embrace_v this_o religion_n he_o do_v not_o call_v s._n peter_n out_o and_o make_v this_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o he_o exclude_v all_o the_o rest_n from_o this_o advantage_n nor_o do_v he_o here_o accost_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o he_o do_v in_o that_o other_o text_n on_o which_o the_o pope_n superstruct_v his_o supremacy_n we_o find_v indeed_o s._n thomas_n s._n philip_n and_o s._n judas_n interrupt_v his_o discourse_n by_o propose_v question_n for_o he_o to_o explain_v but_o the_o last_o time_n he_o speak_v to_o peter_n we_o find_v he_o at_o once_o rebuke_v his_o confidence_n and_o foretell_v his_o sin_n nay_o a_o crime_n so_o great_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o john_n 13.38_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o intervenient_a discourse_n can_v concern_v he_o no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v his_o brethren_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o at_o present_a it_o do_v as_o much_o which_o if_o other_o will_v be_v content_v with_o we_o may_v easy_o grant_v it_o and_o must_v do_v so_o if_o we_o will_v not_o prove_v his_o epistle_n to_o want_v a_o inspiration_n from_o above_o this_o promise_n then_o concern_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a planter_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v useful_a to_o their_o extraordinary_a conduct_n we_o must_v examine_v and_o inquire_v what_o assistance_n the_o spirit_n give_v they_o to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o five_o particular_n first_o by_o a_o improvement_n of_o their_o understanding_n order_v and_o direct_v the_o idea_n of_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o frame_v adequate_a conception_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n and_o as_o he_o that_o create_v the_o eye_n can_v see_v and_o he_o that_o form_v the_o ear_n can_v hear_v so_o he_o that_o make_v the_o soul_n itself_o and_o endue_v it_o with_o all_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n must_v needs_o be_v able_a to_o impress_v the_o understanding_n with_o any_o notion_n he_o be_v please_v to_o infuse_v by_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n now_o that_o he_o do_v exert_v such_o a_o influence_n have_v we_o no_o testimony_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o will_v easy_o appear_v to_o any_o sober_a and_o considerate_a inquirer_n that_o shall_v compare_v the_o education_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o those_o admirable_a doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n though_o s._n paul_n be_v breed_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n yet_o his_o learned_a education_n make_v he_o but_o the_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o more_o prejudice_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n till_o he_o be_v convert_v by_o a_o miracle_n and_o a_o light_n have_v first_o dazzle_v his_o eye_n and_o strike_v he_o blind_a whilst_o a_o great_a do_v illuminate_v his_o understanding_n and_o by_o its_o bright_a glory_n darken_v and_o blot_v out_o those_o prejudicate_a notion_n that_o seem_v before_o to_o 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that_o they_o shall_v read_v natural_a philosophy_n to_o the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v the_o star_n by_o their_o name_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o instruction_n know_v their_o several_a motion_n distance_n or_o altitude_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v aphorism_n in_o physic_n or_o to_o give_v to_o they_o geometrical_a proportion_n nor_o to_o breed_v they_o curious_a and_o expert_a artificer_n though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v make_v themselves_o apostle_n nor_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o number_n of_o arithmetic_n or_o the_o astrological_a signature_n of_o thing_n or_o time_n and_o season_n for_o these_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v because_o the_o father_n have_v put_v they_o into_o his_o own_o power_n act_n 1.7_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v never_o so_o proud_a and_o bold_a so_o neither_o be_v they_o so_o unlucky_a as_o the_o pope_n who_o must_v needs_o condemn_v a_o point_n in_o geography_n and_o the_o tenet_n of_o antipode_n for_o a_o destroy_a heresy_n so_o little_o do_v he_o know_v the_o universal_a empire_n he_o pretend_v to_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o figure_n or_o bound_n or_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o earth_n over_o which_o he_o yet_o pretend_v a_o authority_n the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o those_o truth_n only_o in_o divinity_n which_o include_v the_o full_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o preach_v they_o to_o the_o present_a age_n and_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o succeed_a generation_n the_o spirit_n be_v not_o give_v to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o great_a historian_n or_o philosopher_n but_o christian_n and_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o be_v the_o planter_n and_o founder_n of_o church_n not_o the_o post_n and_o standard_n of_o dispute_n or_o to_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o sect_n and_o faction_n in_o philosophy_n they_o be_v to_o erect_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n settle_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n christ_n himself_o support_v the_o building_n and_o this_o neither_o for_o pasquin_n or_o poetry_n but_o for_o a_o rule_n and_o directory_n of_o stand_a religion_n and_o devotion_n chap._n xii_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whilst_o house_v in_o these_o body_n of_o clay_n be_v darken_v and_o obscure_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o window_n of_o sense_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o external_a object_n to_o a_o intercourse_n with_o the_o mind_n for_o suppose_v our_o sense_n can_v always_o make_v true_a and_o exact_a representation_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v be_v often_o deceive_v yet_o these_o can_v only_o convey_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n those_o of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o exalt_v nature_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o image_n must_v needs_o escape_v the_o perception_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n and_o if_o reason_n itself_o when_o most_o disentangle_v from_o those_o fetter_n which_o our_o sense_n too_o often_o impose_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v proposition_n and_o inference_n about_o the_o essence_n of_o those_o thing_n who_o spiritual_a nature_n evade_v our_o sense_n our_o notion_n can_v not_o be_v adequate_a to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o nor_o can_v we_o full_o comprehend_v what_o be_v infinite_a nor_o have_v a_o positive_a idea_n of_o spiritual_a being_n though_o reason_n may_v conclude_v their_o existence_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o all_o our_o definition_n and_o description_n of_o these_o be_v therefore_o imperfect_a because_o negative_a and_o though_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o they_o be_v not_o we_o never_o can_v by_o humane_a power_n yet_o resolve_v complete_o what_o they_o be_v which_o make_v divine_a revelation_n necessary_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v faith_n beyond_o our_o reason_n though_o we_o never_o believe_v without_o reason_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o authority_n we_o confide_v in_o this_o be_v therefore_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v as_o well_o praise_v god_n goodness_n as_o admire_v his_o power_n for_o send_v we_o that_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o conduct_v we_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o this_o promise_n i_o tell_v you_o i_o will_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 2._o as_o it_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v militant_a on_o the_o earth_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v already_o dispatch_v and_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o to_o view_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n guidance_n as_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n throughout_o the_o several_a age_n and_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o divine_a influence_n 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of_o those_o truth_n by_o open_v their_o understanding_n and_o quicken_a their_o memory_n that_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n faithful_o record_v they_o for_o the_o use_n of_o posterity_n and_o that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v stand_v rule_n for_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o come_v i_o can_v find_v any_o other_o method_n the_o spirit_n have_v use_v or_o do_v continue_v to_o guide_v the_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o by_o those_o scripture_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n to_o publish_v and_o deliver_v 2._o by_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o man_n to_o continue_v that_o ministry_n which_o must_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o 3._o by_o confirm_v those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o cooperate_a with_o the_o external_a ministration_n by_o a_o internal_a work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o those_o who_o be_v inclinable_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n first_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n by_o those_o scripture_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o posterity_n these_o be_v those_o lively_a character_n in_o which_o we_o may_v read_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n these_o be_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o certain_o guide_v those_o into_o it_o who_o sober_o and_o conscientious_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v they_o they_o convey_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n valuable_a above_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n and_o hereafter_o give_v we_o such_o possession_n as_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o power_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o exceed_v all_o humane_a expectation_n these_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o complete_a body_n 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upon_o those_o head_n that_o be_v always_o soft_a and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o receive_v any_o who_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o thing_n fix_v and_o settle_v but_o the_o image_n and_o representation_n that_o be_v the_o book_n in_o which_o they_o read_v all_o their_o proposition_n interfere_v with_o each_o other_o and_o be_v either_o confuse_a or_o else_o be_v crumble_v and_o break_v in_o piece_n beside_o religion_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o if_o we_o play_v with_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o change_v the_o true_a principle_n for_o those_o that_o be_v false_a we_o either_o lose_v it_o quite_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o variety_n or_o it_o be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n if_o ever_o we_o recover_v it_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o tell_v we_o heb._n 6.4_o it_o be_v impossible_a or_o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o signify_v very_o difficult_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n charge_v man_n to_o take_v heed_n what_o they_o hear_v mar._n 4.24_o and_o s._n paul_n exhort_v man_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o s._n judas_n urge_v that_o we_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n three_o ver_n of_o his_o epistle_n let_v we_o therefore_o that_o be_v ground_v in_o our_o religion_n behave_v ourselves_o as_o man_n that_o be_v resolve_v and_o not_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v frighten_v from_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o ghastly_a look_n the_o bold_a threat_n or_o the_o pretence_n of_o new_a revelation_n from_o any_o but_o let_v those_o scripture_n we_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o our_o short_a 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heighten_v either_o by_o the_o falsehood_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o those_o principle_n by_o which_o we_o direct_v our_o eye_n in_o this_o view_n how_o tragical_a and_o horrid_a must_v our_o condition_n be_v when_o our_o spirit_n that_o shall_v support_v we_o under_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o body_n be_v so_o wound_v within_o we_o that_o they_o be_v a_o torment_n to_o themselves_o and_o our_o own_o doubt_n and_o vexatious_a uncertainty_n about_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v only_o guide_v we_o through_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n and_o let_v in_o the_o light_n from_o some_o glorious_a region_n beyond_o the_o grave_n so_o increase_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o be_v miserable_o torture_v betwixt_o hope_n and_o fear_n when_o our_o settle_a belief_n of_o future_a thing_n can_v only_o render_v our_o passage_n pleasant_a and_o our_o condition_n tolerable_a now_o since_o a_o settlement_n of_o our_o principle_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o than_o the_o settlement_n of_o our_o estate_n because_o these_o only_a serve_v to_o defray_v the_o charge_n of_o our_o body_n whilst_o they_o ride_v post_n through_o a_o short_a stage_n when_o those_o prepare_v we_o for_o and_o enter_v we_o into_o heaven_n and_o must_v maintain_v we_o through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o a_o endless_a eternity_n and_o since_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o have_v the_o best_a evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n of_o any_o precept_n of_o religion_n extant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o have_v exhibit_v in_o sacred_a writ_n a_o method_n to_o find_v out_o what_o have_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n let_v man_n pretence_n be_v what_o they_o will_v under_o whatsoever_o plausible_a denomination_n who_o that_o be_v rational_a will_v not_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v both_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o interest_n if_o he_o have_v a_o veneration_n for_o god_n or_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o be_v to_o settle_v himself_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o upon_o these_o to_o build_v his_o belief_n and_o practice_n till_o at_o last_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o great_a redeemer_n of_o man_n he_o reach_v heaven_n not_o to_o pluck_v the_o star_n out_o of_o the_o firmament_n but_o by_o the_o will_n and_o favour_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o ascend_v above_o they_o and_o enjoy_v a_o happiness_n suitable_a to_o man_n glorify_a capacity_n in_o those_o blissful_a region_n that_o can_v neither_o admit_v of_o a_o decay_n or_o period_n but_o shall_v continue_v their_o state_n and_o to_o true_a christian_n their_o happiness_n in_o they_o through_o all_o the_o endless_a unmeasurable_a space_n of_o a_o boundless_a and_o incomprehensible_a eternity_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v this_o exhortation_n with_o arnobius_n argument_n and_o persuade_v rhetoric_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o first_o book_n against_o the_o gentile_n if_o man_n have_v gentle_a soul_n capable_a of_o impression_n they_o can_v under_o pretence_n of_o other_o rule_n offer_v any_o injury_n to_o christ_n nor_o reproach_v his_o religion_n but_o embrace_v both_o if_o but_o upon_o this_o account_n only_o that_o they_o promise_v to_o they_o prosperous_a thing_n thing_n to_o be_v wish_v for_o and_o earnest_o desire_v can_v any_o one_o refuse_v to_o give_v honour_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o glad_a tiding_n who_o vanquish_v the_o shade_n and_o darkness_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n who_o always_o preach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v hurt_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o but_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o more_o secure_a expectation_n o_o ingratum_fw-la &_o impium_fw-la seculum_fw-la as_o he_o go_v on_o o_o ungrateful_a and_o wicked_a generation_n if_o a_o physician_n shall_v come_v to_o you_o out_o of_o a_o far_a country_n and_o shall_v promise_v you_o such_o a_o universal_a medicine_n that_o will_v infallible_o cure_v you_o of_o all_o disease_n will_v you_o not_o present_o run_v after_o he_o pay_v all_o the_o signal_n of_o courtship_n and_o honour_n and_o receive_v he_o with_o all_o kindness_n and_o hospitality_n will_v you_o not_o wish_v his_o medicine_n to_o be_v infallible_a by_o the_o application_n of_o which_o you_o be_v promise_v freedom_n from_o those_o misery_n that_o attend_v your_o body_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a period_n of_o your_o age_n nay_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v yet_o doubtful_a will_v you_o not_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o your_o own_o welfare_n commit_v yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o not_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o drink_v even_o his_o unknown_a potion_n in_o hope_n of_o your_o own_o health_n and_o safety_n eluxit_fw-la atque_fw-la apparuit_fw-la christus_fw-la rei_fw-la maximae_fw-la nunciator_fw-la etc._n etc._n christ_n the_o proclaimer_n of_o great_a tiding_n have_v now_o shine_v and_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n what_o cruelty_n then_o what_o barbarous_a inhumanity_n what_o insuperable_a pride_n be_v it_o with_o a_o supercilious_a disdain_n to_o contemn_v he_o who_o bring_v such_o glad_a tiding_n unto_o man_n let_v we_o embrace_v therefore_o his_o joyful_a message_n give_v credit_n to_o that_o which_o afford_v such_o hope_n and_o pay_v all_o reverence_n and_o honour_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v contradict_v the_o kind_a promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o suppose_v a_o future_a state_n impossible_a but_o it_o be_v more_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o prove_v his_o denial_n or_o with_o any_o certainty_n to_o convince_v himself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o state_n of_o man_n hereafter_o since_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 when_o detract_n from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o will_v distinguish_v well_o betwixt_o zeal_n and_o passion_n and_o let_v good_a thing_n determine_v our_o affection_n that_o we_o will_v not_o wilful_o misunderstand_v the_o gospel_n to_o support_v either_o a_o principle_n or_o a_o faction_n that_o we_o will_v watch_v against_o the_o insinuation_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v to_o devour_v we_o that_o we_o will_v beware_v of_o pride_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n which_o hate_v conviction_n and_o strengthen_v error_n that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v partial_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n since_o the_o same_o authority_n enjoin_v all_o and_o true_a obedience_n must_v be_v universal_a that_o we_o will_v banish_v coolness_n and_o not_o be_v indifferent_a in_o our_o choice_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v strict_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o our_o principle_n 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