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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n christian_a church_n profess_v 3,448 5 8.0722 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54944 A discourse concerning the trial of spirits wherein inquiry is made into mens pretences to inspiration for publishing doctrines, in the name of God beyond the rules of the sacred scriptures : in opposition to some principles and practices of papists and fanaticks, as they contradict the doctrines of the Church of England, defined in her Articles of Religion, established by her ecclesiastical canons, and confirmed by acts of Parliament / by Thomas Pittis ... Pittis, Thomas, 1636-1687. 1683 (1683) Wing P2313; ESTC R33964 135,179 370

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all_o church_n must_v be_v infallible_a or_o none_o especial_o all_o that_o be_v able_a to_o derive_v their_o succession_n from_o any_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n that_o be_v once_o bishop_n and_o preside_v there_o and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v infallible_a because_o s._n james_n the_o less_o be_v appoint_v their_o bishop_n either_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o as_o some_o say_v or_o else_o immediate_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o other_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n because_o this_o be_v the_o bishopric_n of_o s._n mark_n must_v become_v as_o infallible_a as_o that_o of_o rome_n that_o of_o constantinople_n because_o found_v by_o s._n andrew_n that_o of_o ephesus_n because_o s._n john_n be_v seat_v there_o nay_o those_o also_o of_o smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n sardis_n philadelphia_n and_o laodicea_n because_o this_o apostle_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o they_o nay_o and_o our_o own_o church_n of_o britain_n too_o which_o our_o adversary_n will_v hardly_o yield_v infallible_a because_o simon_n the_o zealot_n preach_v here_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o native_a soil_n have_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o bone_n if_o the_o greek_a menology_n may_v obtain_v any_o credit_n among_o man_n but_o to_o bring_v this_o business_n near_o to_o a_o head_n if_o this_o infallibility_n will_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o all_o church_n of_o the_o apostle_n plant_v nor_o to_o those_o over_o which_o they_o more_o especial_o preside_v as_o they_o certain_o will_v never_o yield_v it_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o keep_v it_o unto_o themselves_o yet_o why_o shall_v not_o antioch_n become_v infallible_a which_o be_v a_o church_n of_o s._n peter_n plant_v at_o least_o seven_o year_n before_o he_o come_v to_o rome_n must_v the_o elder_a sister_n become_v a_o fool_n that_o the_o young_a may_v appear_v infallible_a or_o must_v we_o deny_v the_o privilege_n of_o antioch_n because_o it_o will_v invalidate_v that_o of_o rome_n the_o latter_a seem_v their_o most_o probable_a conjecture_n though_o it_o be_v easy_o prove_v s._n peter_n be_v at_o antioch_n but_o eager_o dispute_v whether_o ever_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n but_o allow_v s._n peter_n to_o have_v be_v at_o rome_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o have_v be_v bishop_n there_o and_o the_o present_a pope_n to_o be_v his_o successor_n which_o yet_o be_v hard_a for_o they_o to_o prove_v especial_o when_o the_o succession_n be_v to_o be_v trace_v through_o their_o anti-popes_n and_o pope_n joan_n must_v become_v a_o holy_a father_n too_o how_o come_v this_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o be_v fix_v only_o upon_o s._n peter_n when_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o whole_a apostolical_a college_n if_o you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o infallibility_n can_v be_v fix_v but_o in_o one_o and_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o discourse_n of_o many_o omnipotents_a as_o many_o infallible_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v with_o equal_a success_n be_v the_o infallibility_n not_o capable_a of_o restraint_n yet_o why_o must_v it_o be_v fix_v upon_o s._n peter_n and_o not_o on_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n s._n paul_n though_o a_o late_a apostle_n have_v as_o much_o to_o plead_v for_o a_o settlement_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o gentile_n as_o ever_o s._n peter_n to_o fix_v it_o upon_o the_o jew_n nay_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o derive_v it_o from_o s._n paul_n than_o ever_o they_o have_v for_o derive_v it_o from_o s._n peter_n unless_o they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o succeed_v the_o circumcision_n of_o which_o s._n peter_n be_v only_a bishop_n but_o perhaps_o they_o will_v plead_v infallibility_n from_o supremacy_n and_o afterward_o if_o occasion_n serve_v plead_v supremacy_n from_o infallibility_n again_o yet_o still_o s._n paul_n will_v bid_v as_o fair_a for_o the_o supremacy_n too_o if_o we_o take_v time_n to_o examine_v his_o plea_n saint_n paul_n be_v not_o only_o design_v to_o his_o apostleship_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n before_o he_o have_v any_o merit_n in_o himself_o be_v a_o choose_a vessel_n to_o bear_v christ_n name_n among_o the_o gentile_n when_o he_o be_v appoint_v to_o his_o office_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n gal._n 1.15_o but_o his_o conversion_n be_v attend_v with_o miracle_n and_o from_o a_o persecutor_n when_o the_o design_n be_v lay_v and_o his_o malice_n big_a against_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o be_v strike_v down_o with_o a_o dart_n from_o heaven_n and_o convince_v by_o that_o light_n which_o make_v he_o blind_a he_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o religion_n with_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n and_o usher_v into_o the_o church_n with_o a_o train_n of_o circumstance_n that_o be_v herald_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o proclaim_v he_o great_a act_n 9_o nor_o be_v he_o great_a in_o his_o apostleship_n than_o in_o his_o suffering_n for_o after_o a_o large_a catalogue_n of_o his_o misery_n two_o cor._n 11._o he_o make_v the_o tragedy_n complete_a by_o his_o death_n he_o be_v throw_v into_o prison_n with_o s._n peter_n and_o if_o baronius_n may_v be_v credit_v the_o pillar_n be_v yet_o remain_v at_o which_o they_o be_v both_o bind_v and_o scourge_v and_o have_v he_o not_o be_v a_o roman_a he_o may_v have_v be_v crucify_v with_o s._n peter_n but_o be_v such_o like_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n he_o be_v behead_v in_o the_o time_n he_o live_v he_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15.10_o nor_o be_v he_o in_o any_o respect_n behind_o the_o very_a chief_a of_o they_o 2_o cor._n 11.5_o he_o neither_o yield_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o interest_n when_o he_o receive_v his_o first_o conviction_n nor_o do_v he_o when_o he_o be_v baptize_v or_o illuminate_v from_o above_o and_o by_o inspiration_n have_v receive_v a_o sufficient_a commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n go_v to_o derive_v his_o authority_n from_o the_o apostle_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v inferior_a unto_o they_o but_o he_o straightway_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n though_o to_o the_o amazement_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v he_o act_n 9.20_o 21._o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n though_o his_o former_a zeal_n another_o way_n may_v be_v and_o be_v object_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v sufficient_o evidence_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o apostleship_n he_o go_v into_o the_o untrodden_a path_n of_o the_o world_n where_o none_o have_v adventure_v to_o preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n before_o he_o for_o so_o say_v he_o have_v i_o strive_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o where_o christ_n be_v name_v lest_o i_o shall_v build_v upon_o another_o foundation_n rom._n 15.20_o all_o this_o we_o have_v draw_v into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n gal._n 1.16_o 17._o but_o it_o please_v god_n who_o separate_v i_o from_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o call_v i_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o i_o that_o i_o may_v preach_v he_o among_o the_o heathen_a immediate_o i_o confer_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o go_v i_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o those_o which_o be_v apostle_n before_o i_o as_o he_o be_v most_o just_o style_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n for_o the_o care_n of_o all_o their_o church_n lay_v upon_o he_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o roman_n be_v not_o then_o jew_n let_v they_o be_v whatever_o they_o will_v since_o and_o come_v more_o upon_o he_o every_o day_n two_o cor._n 11.28_o he_o oppose_v the_o principal_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o give_v no_o place_n by_o subjection_n no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n since_o they_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o add_v nothing_o in_o conference_n to_o his_o knowledge_n but_o perceive_v he_o to_o be_v appoint_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o s._n peter_n be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o come_v to_o antioch_n he_o withstand_v peter_n to_o the_o very_a face_n because_o say_v he_o he_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o that_o both_o he_o himself_o have_v dissemble_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v persuade_v james_n and_o barnabas_n into_o the_o same_o compliance_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a neither_o of_o they_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o this_o difference_n be_v upon_o no_o small_a point_n than_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 2._o it_o be_v plain_a s._n paul_n have_v here_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n not_o only_o in_o that_o they_o admit_v he_o into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o give_v he_o the_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o and_o s._n peter_n
gal._n 5.22_o not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v sometime_o phrased_a by_o the_o word_n spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o legal_a observation_n which_o be_v carnal_a ordinance_n be_v call_v flesh_n but_o they_o be_v so_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o as_o he_o first_o dictate_v the_o rule_n so_o do_v he_o also_o concur_v to_o the_o action_n if_o the_o evil_a spirit_n can_v carry_v christ_n to_o be_v tempt_v in_o the_o wilderness_n shall_v we_o not_o think_v the_o good_a spirit_n can_v relieve_v he_o too_o if_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n can_v be_v a_o spirit_n work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n ephes_n 2.2_o shall_v we_o conclude_v the_o holy_a ghost_n less_o active_a or_o powerful_a to_o work_v in_o those_o who_o resign_v their_o will_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o law_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a and_o safe_a conduct_n the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v make_v to_o we_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o through_o the_o spirit_n we_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n rom._n 8.13_o and_o though_o many_o thing_n concur_v with_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o effect_v so_o great_a and_o victorious_a triumph_n yet_o all_o cause_n act_v with_o a_o dependence_n upon_o this_o glorious_a power_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v when_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o its_o reception_n by_o endeavour_v what_o in_o we_o lay_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a philip._n 2.12_o 13._o preach_v prayer_n meditation_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v ordinary_a mean_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o s._n paul_n though_o he_o sufficient_o magnify_v the_o preacher_n office_n say_v that_o we_o be_v only_a worker_n together_o with_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6.1_o and_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o all_o when_o god_n assist_v and_o bless_v our_o endeavour_n and_o god_n grant_v that_o those_o who_o attend_v such_o sacred_a institution_n be_v swift_a to_o hear_v may_v never_o be_v so_o swift_a also_o as_o to_o depart_v without_o a_o blessing_n have_v thus_o both_o assert_v and_o explain_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o influence_n man_n the_o certainty_n of_o its_o operation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o influence_n which_o make_v up_o this_o chapter_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o shall_v close_v it_o with_o a_o brief_a request_n to_o all_o who_o desire_v so_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n here_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o hereafter_o that_o they_o will_v use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o obtain_v and_o keep_v the_o blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o this_o holy_a spirit_n which_o give_v they_o such_o great_a assistance_n in_o sanctify_v their_o mind_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o will_v well_o use_v the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o more_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o trial_n and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v frequent_o for_o new_a supply_n of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o that_o they_o will_v never_o by_o a_o vicious_a and_o unholy_a life_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o desert_n they_o lest_o through_o too_o much_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o they_o at_o last_o prove_v both_o coward_n and_o apostate_n chap._n xi_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n in_o some_o measure_n prove_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n descend_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 i_o shall_v now_o inquire_v into_o his_o work_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n among_o man_n who_o be_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a being_n who_o may_v as_o some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v have_v well_o enough_o propagate_v christian_a doctrine_n when_o they_o have_v hear_v it_o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n and_o have_v for_o some_o time_n daily_a conversation_n with_o he_o without_o any_o other_o new_a assistance_n beside_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o what_o employment_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o have_v among_o other_o man_n as_o they_o will_v not_o be_v religious_a enough_o to_o know_v so_o true_o they_o be_v yet_o very_o much_o to_o seek_v however_o i_o shall_v adventure_v without_o call_v any_o man_n name_n to_o show_v according_a to_o my_o steady_a and_o long_o continue_v though_o mean_a thought_n what_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o do_v to_o guide_v man_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o promise_n where_o christ_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o engage_v for_o the_o spirit_n corn_v into_o the_o world_n in_o a_o more_o plentiful_a manner_n than_o in_o forego_v period_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v describe_v as_o a_o person_n different_a from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o eminent_a promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o that_o our_o great_a and_o most_o bless_a redeermer_n of_o man_n speak_v of_o a_o person_n here_o and_o not_o of_o what_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la only_o as_o some_o have_v interpret_v this_o place_n to_o void_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v the_o distinguish_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o term_n of_o this_o text_n because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v prefix_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o this_o latter_a part_n which_o be_v a_o periphrasis_n do_v but_o acquaint_v we_o who_o the_o person_n be_v even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o most_o glorious_a trinity_n god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o now_o this_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n however_o inexplicable_a it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o all_o particular_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n who_o be_v loath_a to_o think_v that_o any_o being_n be_v above_o their_o great_a capacity_n and_o reason_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v always_o believe_v by_o the_o orthodox_n through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o point_n sufficient_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o baffle_v the_o heathen_a objection_n against_o our_o religion_n viz._n that_o it_o can_v be_v divine_a because_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o it_o but_o i_o design_v not_o to_o treat_v in_o this_o discourse_n with_o any_o that_o own_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a king_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o jesus_n himself_o seem_v to_o take_v great_a care_n to_o 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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
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 original_a record_n and_o therefore_o this_o religion_n become_v matter_n of_o fact_n not_o invention_n and_o all_o the_o question_n must_v now_o be_v what_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v the_o wise_a and_o grave_a reason_n of_o man_n must_v not_o control_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n nor_o make_v another_o thing_n of_o that_o which_o god_n send_v his_o son_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v convey_v to_o we_o with_o as_o great_a a_o certainty_n as_o any_o thing_n antecedent_n to_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o we_o be_v not_o now_o by_o discourse_n or_o inspiration_n to_o make_v to_o ourselves_o another_o gospel_n under_o the_o notion_n or_o pretence_n of_o the_o old_a this_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n subject_a to_o the_o maxim_n of_o every_o squirt_n and_o half-witted_a philosopher_n nor_o to_o be_v mould_v according_a to_o the_o intrigue_n and_o design_n of_o a_o subtle_a and_o project_v statesman_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o leviathan_n nor_o cunning_o to_o be_v fleer_v out_o of_o the_o work_n of_o plato_n nor_o blend_v with_o any_o doctrine_n of_o epicurus_n that_o may_v prepare_v man_n for_o a_o indulgence_n to_o their_o vice_n or_o persuade_v they_o to_o disbelieve_v some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o substantial_a point_n of_o christianity_n our_o religion_n be_v now_o too_o old_a to_o be_v make_v new_a nor_o must_v we_o model_n that_o which_o have_v run_v through_o so_o many_o age_n by_o any_o trick_n or_o device_n of_o our_o own_o nor_o must_v it_o be_v servant_n to_o any_o man_n ambition_n as_o if_o their_o secular_a interest_n or_o opinion_n be_v to_o be_v their_o guide_n or_o fancy_n put_v on_o the_o name_n and_o garb_n of_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o such_o as_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n say_v the_o prophet_n if_o any_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o light_n in_o they_o 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
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
the_o subversion_n of_o his_o gospel_n when_o his_o infinite_a understanding_n can_v baffle_v their_o argument_n and_o his_o visible_a miracle_n rebuke_v their_o folly_n in_o set_v up_o any_o doctrine_n for_o divine_a that_o contradict_v what_o he_o deliver_v certain_o much_o more_o now_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v deliver_v and_o miracle_n for_o its_o confirmation_n be_v cease_v and_o man_n be_v not_o now_o to_o expect_v new_a but_o to_o believe_v the_o old_a nay_o when_o the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v often_o pervert_v to_o evil_a design_n and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o man_n offer_v to_o god_n they_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o devil_n the_o church_n be_v now_o and_o our_o religion_n in_o it_o like_o a_o ship_n at_o sea_n toss_v in_o a_o storm_n and_o through_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n we_o be_v put_v into_o a_o creek_n to_o careen_a and_o repair_v let_v we_o examine_v therefore_o all_o the_o leaky_a part_n of_o the_o vessel_n and_o supply_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o mast_n or_o rig_v before_o we_o put_v to_o sea_n again_o and_o mind_n what_o passenger_n we_o take_v in_o that_o they_o may_v neither_o blow_v we_o up_o nor_o sink_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n warn_v the_o ephesian_n so_o must_v i_o admonish_v you_o that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n ephes_n 5.6_o as_o if_o any_o wickedness_n by_o what_o authority_n soever_o colour_v can_v free_v those_o who_o teach_v or_o practice_v it_o from_o the_o revenge_n of_o heaven_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n come_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n on_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n here_o indeed_o in_o this_o world_n good_a man_n frequent_o suffer_v the_o same_o temporal_a evil_n with_o the_o bad_a because_o be_v in_o the_o same_o community_n and_o the_o offence_n be_v that_o of_o the_o whole_a society_n when_o the_o great_a part_n become_v vicious_a the_o wheat_n be_v singe_a by_o those_o flame_n that_o burn_v the_o chaff_n for_o the_o separation_n of_o these_o be_v not_o complete_v till_o a_o future_a state_n render_v justice_n exact_a and_o glorious_a and_o community_n must_v be_v punish_v here_o because_o in_o the_o other_o life_n these_o shall_v cease_v and_o every_o man_n bear_v his_o own_o burden_n it_o become_v we_o therefore_o since_o we_o must_v every_o one_o then_o answer_v for_o ourselves_o to_o examine_v well_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o not_o to_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n in_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o false_a principle_n of_o another_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n advise_v that_o every_o man_n examine_v himself_o before_o he_o partake_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o and_o in_o the_o second_o epist_n 13_o the_o chap._n 5_o the_o vers_n he_o exhort_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o prove_v their_o own_o self_n and_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v try_v his_o own_o work_n that_o he_o may_v have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o 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 they_o into_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a but_o because_o all_o rule_n guide_v man_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v design_v to_o render_v these_o proper_a and_o effectual_a all_o collateral_a and_o subordinate_a help_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n we_o must_v take_v therefore_o the_o help_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o rely_v on_o their_o honesty_n and_o skill_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o inferior_a education_n without_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v not_o now_o reasonable_o to_o be_v expect_v can_v capacitate_v man_n to_o reach_v nor_o can_v they_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o the_o advantage_n of_o know_v thus_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_o translate_v must_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v by_o those_o that_o can_v understand_v the_o original_n and_o the_o book_n which_o we_o receive_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o direction_n for_o man_n life_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o those_o inspire_a man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v among_o those_o that_o have_v not_o leisure_n nor_o skill_n enough_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o by_o any_o argument_n or_o authority_n and_o when_o these_o principle_n be_v settle_v 2._o the_o scripture_n have_v some_o point_v more_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v we_o must_v far_o make_v use_n of_o our_o guide_n and_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v over_o we_o to_o interpret_v to_o we_o such_o point_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o unridle_v ourselves_o and_o not_o adventure_v above_o our_o strength_n in_o judge_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v not_o learned_a this_o become_v the_o natural_a modesty_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v more_o especial_o agreeable_a to_o that_o humility_n of_o mind_n and_o those_o docile_a disposition_n which_o become_v the_o gospel_n the_o contrary_a humour_n and_o action_n of_o man_n be_v what_o make_v so_o many_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lay_v they_o open_v to_o the_o error_n and_o imposture_n of_o those_o who_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o design_n easy_o prevail_v upon_o and_o lead_v the_o simple_a in_o plain_a thing_n such_o as_o most_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v every_o man_n of_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v well_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v for_o himself_o but_o if_o they_o will_v enter_v into_o controversy_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v puzzle_v the_o learned_a it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o mistake_n and_o their_o own_o obstinacy_n add_v to_o their_o ignorance_n make_v their_o error_n become_v a_o heresy_n or_o if_o man_n will_v proceed_v in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n by_o false_a measure_n and_o course_n which_o be_v irregular_a not_o rely_v at_o all_o on_o those_o help_n and_o aid_n which_o reason_n dictate_v and_o god_n have_v both_o appoint_v and_o allow_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o they_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o by_o false_a reason_n instead_o of_o true_a or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o other_o when_o design_v man_n impose_v upon_o they_o by_o any_o fallacious_a and_o allure_a pretension_n 3._o even_o in_o plain_a case_n when_o private_a man_n that_o be_v not_o distinguish_v by_o any_o public_a character_n judge_v for_o themselves_o they_o ought_v to_o confine_v their_o opinion_n to_o themselves_o and_o permit_v they_o only_o to_o have_v a_o influence_n on_o their_o own_o action_n they_o have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o impose_v they_o on_o other_o than_o other_o private_a man_n have_v to_o impose_v they_o on_o they_o for_o all_o private_a man_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n equal_a none_o have_v authority_n to_o trouble_v other_o but_o they_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o choice_n which_o be_v the_o same_o liberty_n that_o they_o claim_v themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o man_n 4_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v antecedent_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n that_o under_o the_o same_o claim_n and_o title_n some_o be_v true_a and_o some_o false_a for_o if_o all_o be_v true_a there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o try_v spirit_n but_o we_o must_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n caution_n believe_v all_o who_o confident_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o yet_o our_o own_o experience_n sufficient_o inform_v we_o that_o opposite_a doctrine_n at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o vent_v in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o same_o confidence_n with_o the_o same_o pretention_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o one_o be_v false_a must_v by_o search_n and_o trial_n be_v
whilst_o their_o soul_n dream_v when_o their_o body_n sleep_n or_o be_v indispose_v whilst_o they_o be_v awake_v we_o easy_o know_v how_o far_o the_o deprave_a disposition_n of_o our_o body_n work_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o man_n proportionable_a to_o their_o melancholy_n or_o joy_n to_o frame_v different_a opinion_n of_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o way_n render_v many_o sign_n of_o grace_n that_o some_o man_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n altogether_o vain_a and_o deceitful_a but_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o find_v by_o too_o woeful_a a_o experience_n how_o man_n either_o not_o fix_v or_o fearful_a be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o such_o pretension_n so_o that_o it_o prove_v a_o difficult_a task_n to_o hinder_v their_o error_n or_o to_o reduce_v they_o from_o it_o for_o all_o former_a rule_n to_o those_o that_o entertain_v so_o wild_a a_o principle_n be_v set_v aside_o and_o reason_n must_v not_o be_v hear_v against_o revelation_n yet_o since_o god_n be_v but_o one_o and_o all_o proposition_n be_v true_a or_o false_a since_o we_o find_v different_a nay_o contrary_a opinion_n vent_v to_o the_o world_n under_o the_o same_o pretence_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v prove_v and_o try_v they_o and_o the_o rather_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a true_a inspiration_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o what_o come_v from_o god_n to_o be_v discern_v from_o what_o proceed_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o body_n the_o variety_n of_o object_n present_v to_o our_o sense_n or_o what_o the_o devil_n inject_n into_o our_o mind_n and_o thereby_o employ_v and_o captivate_v our_o thought_n and_o this_o way_n frame_v a_o opinion_n five_o false_a prophet_n will_v give_v accent_n to_o what_o they_o deliver_v with_o such_o art_n and_o elocution_n as_o may_v make_v great_a impression_n on_o a_o multitude_n and_o suit_v their_o voice_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o those_o who_o they_o design_v to_o delude_v with_o such_o elevation_n and_o cadency_n as_o may_v agree_v with_o the_o joyful_a and_o the_o melancholy_a as_o if_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v skilled_a in_o song_n before_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o become_v a_o preacher_n or_o a_o fiddler_n be_v in_o the_o next_o capacity_n to_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n to_o delude_v the_o world_n but_o beside_o these_o suitable_a percussion_n upon_o the_o nerve_n of_o man_n to_o make_v a_o grateful_a reception_n in_o the_o understanding_n they_o add_v to_o it_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n which_o many_o mistake_n for_o a_o true_a zeal_n they_o can_v be_v loud_a when_o they_o be_v not_o rational_a and_o what_o be_v want_v in_o sense_n they_o can_v supply_v by_o noise_n and_o great_a action_n shall_v pass_v for_o a_o argument_n and_o a_o goggle_n of_o the_o eye_n for_o clear_a demonstration_n they_o will_v put_v their_o blood_n and_o spirit_n into_o such_o nimble_a motion_n that_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o if_o they_o be_v ravish_v from_o themselves_o and_o the_o part_n of_o their_o body_n be_v just_a run_v away_o from_o one_o another_o this_o strange_a fury_n be_v call_v zeal_n and_o many_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o receive_v every_o thing_n for_o true_a which_o be_v thus_o recommend_v by_o a_o religious_a fury_n not_o think_v that_o zeal_n be_v determine_v by_o its_o object_n and_o according_a to_o what_o it_o be_v conversant_a about_o become_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a with_o what_o zealous_a acclamation_n and_o repeat_v outcry_n do_v the_o jew_n call_v for_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n whilst_o they_o try_v say_v crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o luke_o 23.21_o and_o the_o more_o pilate_n endeavour_v to_o release_v the_o more_o zealous_a be_v they_o to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o more_o instant_a in_o require_v his_o blood_n in_o this_o man_n of_o false_a and_o corrupt_a principle_n exceed_v those_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o true_a truth_n be_v usual_o convey_v with_o simplicity_n because_o reason_n and_o understanding_n receive_v and_o fortify_v it_o but_o error_n must_v be_v manage_v by_o art_n and_o cunning_a because_o its_o nature_n can_v recommend_v it_o we_o read_v of_o man_n in_o the_o 7_o the_o of_o hosea_n that_o though_o they_o devour_v their_o king_n and_o judge_n stray_v away_o into_o the_o grove_n and_o wood_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o that_o of_o a_o idol_n so_o that_o none_o say_v god_n call_v upon_o i_o yet_o they_o be_v as_o hot_a as_o a_o oven_n and_o those_o false_a prophet_n mention_v by_o jeremiah_n that_o speak_v peace_n to_o those_o that_o despise_v their_o maker_n and_o to_o such_o as_o walk_v after_o the_o stubbornness_n and_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n say_v no_o evil_a shall_v come_v upon_o you_o be_v eager_a to_o deliver_v what_o they_o have_v no_o commission_n to_o do_v and_o exceed_v zealous_a to_o publish_v the_o message_n of_o which_o god_n refuse_v to_o be_v the_o author_n i_o have_v not_o send_v these_o prophet_n say_v god_n yet_o they_o run_v i_o have_v not_o speak_v to_o they_o yet_o they_o prophesy_v jer._n 23.21_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v easy_o deceive_v if_o we_o be_v draw_v into_o our_o belief_n by_o the_o heat_n and_o eagerness_n of_o those_o that_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o difference_n a_o fire_n that_o warm_v and_o relieve_v from_o that_o which_o will_v both_o scorch_v and_o burn_v we_o six_o false_a prophet_n that_o go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n will_v frequent_o boast_v the_o number_n of_o themselves_o and_o startle_v man_n with_o the_o glory_n and_o multitude_n of_o their_o proselyte_n but_o egypt_n have_v many_o magician_n and_o sorcerer_n in_o pharaoh_n time_n that_o can_v confront_v the_o rod_n of_o aaron_n and_o bold_o vie_v miracle_n with_o moses_n baal_n priest_n be_v four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o and_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o grove_n 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evidence_n of_o a_o thing_n must_v subvert_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n determination_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o triumphant_a be_v their_o faith_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o it_o captivate_v their_o understanding_n as_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o meritorious_a by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o it_o have_v of_o evidence_n so_o the_o great_a the_o objection_n be_v that_o meet_a and_o encounter_v the_o church_n determination_n their_o faith_n be_v render_v the_o more_o glorious_a and_o full_a of_o victory_n let_v the_o doctrine_n then_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a in_o itself_o or_o consequence_n the_o conscientious_a believer_n of_o the_o point_n of_o roman_a infallibility_n must_v neither_o see_v the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o renounce_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o if_o occasion_n be_v as_o there_o be_v sometime_o of_o his_o sense_n too_o for_o what_o evidence_n can_v reasonable_o be_v attend_v to_o that_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a this_o than_o must_v be_v a_o ready_a method_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o eternal_a law_n instamp_v upon_o our_o mind_n if_o the_o mutation_n proceed_v from_o the_o roman_a chair_n nay_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n need_v not_o be_v change_v if_o the_o pope_n please_v to_o change_v their_o name_n man_n may_v borrow_v then_o and_o never_o pay_v if_o he_o please_v to_o cancel_v the_o debt_n ruine_v family_n and_o overturning_a kingdom_n will_v become_v noble_a and_o a_o glorious_a exploit_n nay_o religious_a act_n when_o he_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o adopt_v they_o into_o the_o number_n burn_v city_n and_o murder_a prince_n shall_v be_v account_v mean_n of_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n if_o he_o please_v once_o to_o determine_v that_o we_o may_v do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o and_o blow_v up_o the_o estate_n of_o kingdom_n be_v present_o holy_a if_o he_o will_v but_o sanctify_v the_o powder_n and_o canonize_v the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o attempt_v it_o so_o powerful_a be_v this_o doctrine_n of_o roman_a infallibility_n that_o it_o can_v change_v the_o devil_n into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o let_v the_o pope_n himself_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a his_o determination_n be_v all_o true_a and_o good_a and_o he_o may_v remain_v his_o holiness_n still_o he_o may_v subvert_v by_o degree_n or_o all_o at_o once_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n though_o from_o thence_o he_o receive_v his_o pretension_n of_o authority_n if_o he_o please_v to_o declare_v it_o a_o fable_n when_o it_o shall_v no_o long_o comport_v with_o his_o advantage_n nay_o he_o have_v already_o so_o blend_v it_o with_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_n that_o christianity_n be_v so_o bury_v in_o a_o heap_n of_o rubbish_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o gather_v it_o up_o out_o of_o such_o a_o great_a confusion_n of_o ruin_n the_o substance_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o ceremony_n internal_a devotion_n be_v interrupt_v by_o a_o pompous_a scene_n of_o pageantry_n and_o show_n and_o yet_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o sense_n must_v be_v reject_v in_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o so_o much_o applaud_v in_o practice_n and_o yet_o four_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o roman_a pretence_n to_o infallibility_n if_o there_o be_v any_o promise_n make_v of_o it_o they_o do_v as_o well_o concern_v other_o church_n as_o themselves_o for_o if_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n in_o general_n as_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o delivery_n if_o they_o be_v not_o terminate_v in_o they_o but_o reach_v also_o the_o whole_a succession_n of_o those_o by_o virtue_n of_o who_o christ_n promise_n be_v make_v good_a of_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n then_o either_o
my_o understanding_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o sense_n concern_v their_o own_o proper_a object_n where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a medium_n and_o a_o just_a distance_n if_o this_o which_o thus_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v bread_n and_o wine_n may_v yet_o not_o be_v so_o but_o the_o substantial_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n then_o i_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v at_o the_o first_o wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o these_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o sense_n who_o be_v then_o eyewitness_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n may_v together_o be_v deceive_v about_o this_o sacrament_n the_o same_o possibility_n may_v make_v they_o so_o when_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o prove_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o the_o whole_a gospel_n may_v prove_v a_o fable_n and_o its_o great_a confirmation_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o imposture_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o world_n with_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n and_o to_o render_v it_o authentic_a by_o a_o infallible_a authority_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o sense_n be_v free_a and_o then_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v but_o that_o now_o since_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_o authorize_v this_o very_a doctrine_n thus_o confirm_v tie_v up_o our_o sense_n since_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o submit_v they_o to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v any_o where_o thus_o impose_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n it_o will_v 1._o be_v difficult_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o my_o eye_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o when_o i_o read_v the_o word_n 2._o suppose_v that_o i_o do_v read_v they_o true_a and_o that_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v that_o i_o understand_v what_o i_o read_v yet_o since_o no_o other_o text_n can_v be_v plead_v for_o transubstantiation_n beside_o this_o be_v my_o body_n why_o must_v i_o of_o necessity_n understand_v that_o by_o these_o word_n i_o be_o command_v to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o my_o sense_n when_o by_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a construction_n agreeable_a to_o the_o usual_a sacramental_a phrase_n particular_o those_o which_o be_v use_v about_o the_o passeover_n my_o sense_n be_v still_o leave_v unto_o their_o liberty_n and_o no_o more_o than_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n that_o be_v this_o bread_n represent_v or_o signify_v my_o body_n will_v express_v the_o sense_n and_o baffle_v the_o objection_n it_o be_v so_o common_a to_o parallel_v this_o expression_n with_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n the_o way_n the_o door_n and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o verb_n be_v construe_v by_o represent_v signify_v and_o the_o like_a that_o i_o be_o ashamed_a we_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o continue_a repetition_n by_o the_o daily_a appearance_n of_o a_o baffle_a adversary_n thus_o we_o see_v by_o these_o three_o instance_n of_o erroneous_a determination_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o if_o ever_o they_o have_v infallibility_n they_o have_v lose_v it_o unless_o truth_n and_o error_n be_v reconcile_v and_o infallible_a falsehood_n be_v a_o proper_a expression_n seven_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o premise_n the_o romanist_n will_v yet_o hold_v the_o conclusion_n and_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v infallible_a we_o must_v call_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o miracle_n for_o this_o can_v no_o way_n become_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n to_o those_o that_o pretend_v it_o and_o whoever_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n aught_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o miracle_n when_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o the_o apostle_n prove_v their_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n we_o must_v demand_v therefore_o the_o same_o from_o those_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n since_o the_o promise_n they_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o be_v complete_v in_o the_o apostle_n nay_o it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o tell_v story_n instead_o of_o miracle_n nor_o to_o produce_v something_o do_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o cause_n be_v behind_o the_o curtain_n no_o natural_a account_n can_v be_v give_v but_o they_o must_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v sufficient_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o when_o this_o be_v accomplish_v which_o be_v impossible_a the_o infallibility_n pretend_v must_v be_v prove_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n and_o conduct_n of_o man_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o because_o they_o confirm_v a_o unnecessary_a thing_n and_o what_o suppose_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v add_v more_o head_n of_o argument_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o baffle_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o proud_a capitol_n chap._n viii_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n spend_v a_o very_a large_a parenthesis_n upon_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n for_o fear_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o some_o who_o unthinking_a honesty_n may_v make_v they_o jealous_a of_o their_o power_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o i_o allow_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o synod_n and_o council_n and_o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o private_a minister_n i_o assume_v too_o much_o judgement_n to_o myself_o in_o make_v use_n of_o my_o faculty_n without_o leave_n i_o answer_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_a leave_n from_o the_o article_n and_o canon_n establish_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o england_n for_o what_o i_o have_v already_o write_v concern_v this_o matter_n yet_o i_o shall_v far_o explain_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o attribute_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o best_a establish_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o as_o any_o man_n can_v possible_o do_v who_o do_v not_o pluck_v out_o his_o eye_n to_o do_v they_o service_n therefore_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n i_o ready_o yield_v 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 the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n solemn_o assemble_v to_o treat_v concern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o any_o point_n introduce_v into_o religion_n be_v reverent_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o reason_n urge_v a_o regard_n to_o those_o who_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o study_n or_o the_o prospect_n they_o have_v obtain_v from_o a_o high_a ground_n and_o according_a to_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o live_v be_v probable_o capacitate_v to_o assist_v our_o judgement_n and_o to_o determine_v a_o controversy_n better_o than_o ourselves_o when_o person_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o authority_n also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o difficult_a and_o dispute_v proposition_n humble_o beg_v the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o blessing_n on_o their_o endeavour_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o their_o determination_n when_o neither_o secular_a interest_n or_o a_o blind_a passion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o other_o gain_v their_o vote_n and_o procure_v their_o assent_n nay_o when_o these_o be_v our_o own_o lawful_a governor_n though_o nothing_o can_v force_v our_o belief_n we_o may_v in_o a_o improper_a sense_n call_v their_o determination_n infallible_a quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la because_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o avoid_v schism_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o ecclesiastical_a union_n among_o we_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o they_o bind_v we_o not_o to_o contradict_v they_o public_o by_o any_o external_a solemn_a act_n since_o we_o ourselves_o have_v our_o assent_n virtual_o imply_v in_o canon_n or_o law_n make_v by_o those_o who_o public_o represent_v we_o although_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v every_o proposition_n thus_o determine_v to_o be_v exact_o true_a unless_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o convince_v our_o judgement_n if_o we_o have_v ability_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o proof_n themselves_o to_o restrain_v the_o external_a act_n and_o discourse_n of_o man_n when_o they_o oppose_v the_o public_a sanction_n and_o constitution_n of_o those_o who_o be_v fix_v in_o such_o place_n of_o authority_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o keep_v peace_n and_o order_n in_o any_o
society_n much_o more_o in_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v pure_o christian_a that_o we_o may_v be_v regular_a and_o uniform_a in_o our_o practice_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o division_n among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o common_a act_n which_o we_o be_v to_o join_v in_o as_o a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o christian_a man_n may_v not_o be_v disturb_v by_o particular_a member_n withdraw_v from_o they_o or_o render_v indecent_a or_o invalid_a by_o noise_n or_o confusion_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o any_o man_n to_o resign_v either_o his_o sense_n or_o reason_n in_o any_o point_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o capable_a judge_n but_o only_o to_o captivate_v it_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n in_o such_o point_n as_o be_v apparent_o reveal_v by_o god_n though_o the_o point_n themselves_o may_v be_v above_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o authority_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o stand_a law_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n because_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o law_n both_o to_o our_o governor_n and_o ourselves_o antecedent_o to_o the_o law_n and_o canon_n of_o man_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o reject_v the_o pretence_n of_o aspire_a man_n to_o any_o absolute_a and_o complete_a infallibility_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o promise_n suppose_v to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o sacred_a apostle_n because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n make_v to_o any_o but_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o writer_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o write_n be_v to_o be_v our_o stand_a rule_n in_o all_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n nay_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o first_o divine_a and_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v only_o to_o introduce_v a_o new_a law_n superstruct_v upon_o the_o old_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o free_a religion_n from_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n and_o custom_n of_o man_n who_o abuse_v their_o authority_n have_v false_o impose_v thing_n on_o other_o to_o obliterate_v the_o old_a ceremonial_a injunction_n prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o draw_v the_o gentile_n from_o their_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o to_o erect_v the_o christian_a church_n among_o man_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v flock_v to_o it_o be_v shelter_v in_o one_o fold_n be_v redeem_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o destroyer_n and_o feed_v together_o under_o the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v before_o of_o mean_a capacity_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o understand_v his_o law_n so_o well_o as_o to_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o stand_a rule_n to_o all_o future_a generation_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v once_o complete_v by_o the_o information_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n whilst_o he_o be_v with_o they_o and_o by_o the_o continue_a inspiration_n and_o assistance_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n to_o explain_v some_o thing_n and_o bring_v other_o to_o their_o remembrance_n and_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o in_o write_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a law_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o all_o future_a age_n may_v have_v recourse_n for_o guidance_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o manner_n when_o this_o law_n be_v full_o and_o complete_o write_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a rule_n of_o man_n religion_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o stand_a infallibility_n to_o interpret_v what_o be_v so_o fair_o write_v that_o in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n none_o but_o idiot_n can_v possible_o be_v mistake_v and_o none_o but_o knave_n will_v endeavour_v to_o mislead_v they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o have_v humility_n enough_o to_o use_v the_o help_n of_o the_o learned_a in_o religion_n and_o grace_n enough_o to_o implore_v the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o god_n give_v to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o but_o if_o he_o endeavour_v with_o sincerity_n to_o live_v according_a to_o what_o he_o already_o know_v and_o faithful_o and_o honest_o apply_v his_o rational_a faculty_n to_o the_o diligent_a search_n of_o divine_a truth_n he_o shall_v certain_o attain_v such_o degree_n and_o advancement_n of_o knowledge_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n if_o he_o do_v not_o too_o much_o strive_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o chance_v to_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n through_o the_o naked_a infirmity_n of_o human_a nature_n it_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o foundation_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v so_o severe_o lay_v to_o his_o charge_n as_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o condemn_v he_o hereafter_o when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o help_v it_o the_o scripture_n certain_o be_v first_o design_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o a_o rule_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o all_o who_o be_v to_o take_v their_o measure_n by_o it_o may_v be_v able_a by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o compare_v their_o belief_n and_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o also_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a nay_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o rational_a power_n together_o with_o those_o assistance_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o and_o make_v use_n of_o these_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n yield_v this_o to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o will_v be_v perverse_a and_o obstinate_a in_o every_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o think_v upon_o the_o quality_n of_o those_o person_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n apply_v themselves_o in_o their_o usual_a discourse_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o speak_v not_o in_o their_o sermon_n nor_o write_v their_o epistle_n only_o to_o the_o rabbin_n among_o the_o jew_n nor_o only_o to_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o gentile_n nor_o be_v there_o at_o the_o first_o many_o rich_a or_o noble_a call_v but_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o the_o apostle_n declare_v their_o doctrine_n free_o to_o the_o multitude_n nay_o so_o do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v preach_v it_o in_o such_o language_n as_o all_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n and_o receive_v it_o if_o prejudice_n do_v not_o resist_v the_o impression_n for_o their_o design_n be_v to_o plant_n christianity_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o religion_n to_o bring_v the_o lapse_v race_n of_o man_n once_o more_o to_o god_n by_o dissuade_v they_o from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o by_o guide_v their_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n why_o shall_v any_o think_v that_o they_o deliver_v the_o matter_n of_o man_n future_a and_o everlasting_a concern_v and_o the_o present_a law_n to_o guide_v they_o by_o in_o so_o mysterious_a a_o manner_n or_o such_o muffle_a language_n that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o their_o discourse_n may_v be_v lose_v by_o their_o speak_v unintelligible_o to_o the_o people_n now_o since_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o too_o much_o hinder_v by_o a_o very_a bad_a constitution_n of_o their_o body_n have_v all_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o every_o individual_a have_v a_o proper_a judgement_n peculiarly_a his_o own_o and_o either_o we_o understand_v the_o language_n and_o scheme_n of_o speech_n in_o which_o the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v write_v or_o else_o we_o receive_v they_o faithful_o translate_v especial_o in_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o rule_n which_o the_o critic_n themselves_o can_v well_v torture_n because_o they_o be_v often_o than_o once_o deliver_v from_o several_a pious_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o more_o perfect_o and_o complete_o understand_v they_o why_o shall_v thing_n therefore_o that_o be_v at_o first_o plain_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a be_v so_o obscure_a to_o we_o that_o we_o must_v want_v a_o guide_n who_o be_v infallible_a to_o direct_v we_o almost_o in_o all_o our_o way_n and_o what_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o he_o split_v we_o at_o last_o against_o a_o stone_n if_o god_n have_v not_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o bridle_v mankind_n so_o as_o to_o curb_v they_o from_o become_a sinner_n but_o have_v in_o this_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o
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 his_o assent_n to_o neither_o and_o therefore_o have_v the_o magician_n of_o egypt_n equal_v the_o miracle_n moses_n wrought_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v in_o turn_v rod_n into_o serpent_n and_o river_n into_o blood_n and_o cause_v frog_n to_o come_v up_o before_o he_o they_o need_v not_o at_o that_o time_n have_v acknowledge_v moses_n power_n disproportionable_a to_o their_o own_o nor_o distinguish_v their_o own_o miracle_n from_o he_o by_o say_v this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o pharaoh_n himself_o may_v have_v have_v a_o equal_a argument_n to_o detain_v the_o israelite_n as_o they_o have_v for_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o when_o the_o miracle_n on_o their_o side_n far_o exceed_v the_o wonder_n on_o the_o other_o his_o own_o resolution_n become_v his_o law_n and_o pharaoh_n
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 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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 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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 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argue_v some_o superior_a operation_n and_o we_o must_v attribute_v they_o to_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n according_o have_v man_n use_v to_o difference_n they_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o a_o good_a or_o a_o bad_a design_n hence_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n two_o character_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o consequent_o as_o many_o of_o a_o true_a as_o i_o have_v hint_v immediate_o before_o 1_o if_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v that_o he_o give_v for_o confirmation_n of_o what_o he_o pretend_v in_o its_o design_n destroy_v natural_a religion_n i._n e._n what_o proceed_v from_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o man_n for_o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v come_v to_o pass_v which_o he_o give_v thou_o if_o this_o be_v wrought_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a one_o god_n to_o pay_v divine_a homage_n to_o a_o false_a one_o or_o to_o many_o the_o sign_n be_v permit_v only_o to_o prove_v they_o and_o such_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v account_v false_a but_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o his_o villainy_n and_o imposture_n deut._n 13._o at_o the_o begin_n 2._o when_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o true_a and_o the_o thing_n foretell_v follow_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a and_o what_o he_o that_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n never_o commission_v the_o prophet_n to_o deliver_v deut._n 18.22_o when_o sign_n therefore_o and_o wonder_n be_v real_o effect_v that_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n establish_v what_o be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n and_o destroy_v all_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o fix_v nothing_o contradictory_n to_o what_o have_v be_v confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o do_v prefigure_v this_o new_a method_n and_o at_o such_o a_o particular_a period_n of_o the_o world_n be_v predict_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v they_o must_v needs_o confirm_v the_o 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