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he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v threaten_v in_o it_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v take_v away_o from_o it_o his_o part_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rev._n 22.18_o 19_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o point_n which_o protestant_n have_v always_o hold_v as_o that_o which_o as_o it_o be_v most_o true_a so_o it_o be_v their_o most_o sure_a defence_n against_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o ancient_a father_n try_v doctrine_n by_o of_o old_a and_o reprove_v heretic_n by_o what_o be_v write_v although_o according_a to_o the_o education_n or_o disposition_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v they_o they_o want_v not_o but_o make_v use_v of_o argument_n from_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o safe_a because_o it_o be_v a_o true_a rule_n and_o true_a because_o give_v to_o we_o by_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o give_v sufficient_a 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consider_v what_o they_o can_v upon_o fit_v circumstance_n part_n with_o and_o what_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o adhere_v to_o with_o all_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n alas_o the_o waver_a man_n have_v no_o peace_n though_o for_o his_o own_o reputation_n he_o may_v often_o pretend_v it_o but_o as_o s._n james_n say_v he_o be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o toss_v jam._n 1.6_o like_o a_o disease_a sick_a man_n upon_o his_o bed_n he_o tumble_v about_o from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o carry_v always_o a_o windmill_n in_o his_o head_n which_o grind_v he_o according_a as_o the_o wind_n veer_v and_o turn_n he_o neglect_v his_o call_v if_o he_o have_v any_o or_o if_o he_o have_v none_o better_a employment_n to_o drive_v with_o a_o strange_a phanatic_a fury_n about_o the_o world_n ready_a to_o overturn_v all_o he_o meet_v with_o to_o inquire_v concern_v news_n and_o project_n that_o he_o may_v embrace_v all_o and_o be_v true_a to_o neither_o and_o so_o the_o man_n render_v himself_o unfit_a to_o be_v either_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o christian_a and_o become_v a_o fool_n by_o those_o method_n by_o which_o he_o will_v yet_o be_v account_v wise_a but_o he_o that_o have_v well_o measure_v his_o principle_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o have_v distinguish_v betwixt_o what_o be_v fundamental_a and_o what_o be_v circumstantial_a who_o have_v bind_v his_o life_n to_o a_o stake_n die_v daily_o in_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o resolve_v well_o when_o it_o be_v religious_a to_o suffer_v decent_o how_o far_o he_o be_v able_a upon_o just_a occasion_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o command_n of_o man_n vest_v in_o lawful_a authority_n and_o where_o the_o point_n and_o limit_n be_v beyond_o which_o he_o must_v not_o step_v a_o foot_n but_o if_o he_o perish_v he_o will_v perish_v there_o that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o eternal_o perish_v this_o man_n stand_v unmoved_a at_o tempest_n and_o storm_n do_v his_o duty_n according_a to_o his_o station_n and_o the_o just_a command_n of_o his_o lawful_a superior_n and_o if_o the_o heaven_n fall_n justice_n shall_v always_o be_v do_v by_o he_o he_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o his_o place_n require_v unconcern_v at_o seem_a tempest_n that_o threaten_v or_o that_o thunder_n which_o begin_v the_o storm_n he_o know_v when_o his_o life_n or_o estate_n or_o liberty_n must_v be_v sacrifice_v when_o by_o lawful_a authority_n willing_o and_o when_o by_o unlawful_a it_o must_v be_v by_o force_n take_v and_o therefore_o go_v on_o cheerful_o and_o faithful_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v on_o the_o side_n of_o law_n and_o just_a authority_n put_v it_o in_o execution_n and_o stop_v when_o a_o high_a rule_n will_v permit_v he_o to_o go_v no_o further_o and_o certain_o as_o this_o prevent_v all_o anticipation_n of_o evil_n so_o be_v it_o such_o a_o steady_a and_o well_o consider_v resolution_n that_o be_v more_o manly_a and_o rational_a than_o to_o be_v drive_v like_o the_o cloud_n in_o the_o air_n and_o to_o be_v always_o like_o the_o sea_n in_o motion_n sometime_o forward_o and_o sometime_o backward_o without_o any_o fix_a rest_n or_o quiet_a or_o by_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n to_o entertain_v none_o kind_o as_o we_o ought_v three_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n because_o if_o we_o give_v ourselves_o too_o great_a a_o liberty_n it_o will_v be_v difficult_a indeed_o impossible_a to_o discern_v those_o that_o be_v true_a from_o the_o false_a if_o we_o once_o get_v into_o the_o wilderness_n we_o may_v travel_v forty_o year_n there_o and_o neither_o know_v when_o we_o be_v in_o or_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o wander_v about_o god_n know_v whither_o we_o may_v murmur_v and_o repine_v and_o blame_v each_o other_o whilst_o the_o fault_n
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 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isa_n 8.20_o and_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n say_v s._n peter_n epist_n 2._o chap_n 1._o ver_fw-la 19_o whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n if_o we_o forsake_v therefore_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o pretence_n of_o man_n by_o the_o scripture_n which_o right_o understand_v be_v our_o only_a safe_a rule_n we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o distinguish_v a_o bold_a pretender_n from_o he_o who_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o if_o such_o person_n be_v now_o to_o be_v expect_v after_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n the_o rule_n for_o man_n life_n have_v be_v so_o long_o ago_o complete_v for_o by_o incline_v to_o believe_v any_o new_a revelation_n beyond_o the_o scripture_n we_o suppose_v that_o a_o insufficient_a rule_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o which_o true_a english_a church_n protestant_n have_v always_o defend_v with_o success_n and_o if_o the_o revelation_n be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o it_o make_v that_o spirit_n that_o dictate_v the_o first_o a_o liar_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v receive_v and_o suppose_a true_a but_o grant_v what_o man_n of_o such_o a_o easy_a belief_n and_o such_o speedy_a resolution_n that_o admit_v of_o as_o speedy_a change_n will_v without_o any_o proof_n have_v yield_v to_o they_o yet_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o man_n in_o their_o circumstance_n be_v able_a any_o way_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o concern_v the_o proposition_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v in_o and_o thereby_o authorize_v to_o deliver_v unto_o other_o i_o be_o afraid_a confidence_n will_v be_v their_o only_a argument_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o other_o and_o opinion_n interest_n and_o a_o strong_a presumption_n or_o what_o be_v worse_o atheism_n and_o knavery_n to_o themselves_o for_o 1._o suppose_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o it_o dictate_v unto_o man_n always_o uniform_a and_o consistent_a with_o itself_o how_o can_v there_o be_v different_a inspiration_n to_o prescribe_v various_a rule_n opposite_a to_o each_o other_o at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o man_n to_o guide_v their_o belief_n and_o conversation_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o lord_n with_o undoubted_a authority_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n to_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n one_o baptism_n that_o enter_v they_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o but_o one_o faith_n to_o be_v embrace_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n eph._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o how_o then_o can_v we_o reasonable_o admit_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o man_n inspiration_n that_o aver_v he_o speak_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v within_o he_o to_o publish_v any_o rule_n of_o religion_n different_a from_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v before_o and_o if_o such_o a_o pretender_n mean_v only_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o soul_n which_o 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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
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
doctrine_n upon_o the_o world_n as_o rule_n for_o all_o to_o submit_v unto_o without_o any_o far_a examination_n and_o if_o they_o must_v be_v examine_v at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v by_o something_o of_o great_a credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n now_o that_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a be_v to_o be_v try_v whether_o true_a or_o false_a be_v plain_a to_o any_o that_o will_v give_v themselves_o leisure_n to_o consider_v not_o only_o that_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o false_a prophet_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o man_n true_a and_o false_a have_v the_o same_o evidence_n but_o that_o god_n himself_o give_v direction_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n how_o to_o know_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o deut._n 13.1_o and_o chap._n 18.22_o which_o rule_n have_v be_v vain_a and_o insignificant_a if_o by_o these_o man_n be_v not_o to_o try_v they_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o those_o that_o attribute_v great_a authority_n to_o christian_a general_n council_n do_v not_o think_v their_o canon_n obligatory_a unless_o the_o thing_n include_v in_o they_o bind_v antecedent_o by_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o a_o superior_a law_n till_o they_o be_v receive_v in_o those_o nation_n and_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v send_v 2._o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v so_o be_v also_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n god_n himself_o supply_v he_o with_o unction_n and_o ordination_n by_o give_v he_o authority_n from_o heaven_n and_o our_o saviour_n descend_v by_o a_o apparition_n from_o the_o cloud_n to_o invest_v he_o with_o dignity_n and_o power_n hence_o it_o be_v i_o say_v that_o this_o great_a apostle_n in_o his_o call_n dignify_v beyond_o his_o brethren_n commend_v the_o berean_o act_n 17.11_o because_o they_o search_v and_o examine_v his_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o those_o scripture_n they_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o by_o compare_v his_o doctrine_n with_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n with_o what_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o apostle_n preach_v and_o most_o probable_o with_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o what_o he_o deliver_v be_v consonant_a to_o that_o which_o be_v there_o exhibit_v concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v of_o more_o pliable_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o gentile_a temper_n than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n who_o be_v more_o regardless_o of_o these_o concern_v as_o s._n chrysostom_n comment_v upon_o this_o text._n 3._o the_o doctrine_n even_o of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o though_o never_o man_n speak_v like_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o examination_n by_o those_o that_o hear_v before_o they_o entertain_v they_o and_o certain_o if_o any_o may_v recommend_v proposition_n upon_o his_o own_o authority_n he_o may_v who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n in_o who_o all_o fullness_n dwell_v nay_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v as_o it_o be_v enclose_v in_o his_o own_o body_n yet_o he_o bid_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o consider_v how_o well_o his_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n agree_v with_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n in_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o according_o either_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v he_o for_o these_o say_v he_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a from_o the_o beginning_n that_o no_o doctrine_n under_o pretence_n of_o what_o inspiration_n soever_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o man_n without_o examination_n but_o as_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v his_o again_o to_o be_v measure_v not_o only_o by_o his_o own_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o by_o those_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o judge_v by_o so_o be_v there_o not_o reason_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o christianity_n under_o what_o authority_n soever_o they_o be_v publish_v shall_v still_o be_v examine_v by_o a_o superior_a rule_n even_o by_o what_o the_o primitive_a planter_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v leave_v for_o our_o perusal_n and_o direction_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n which_o privilege_n whatever_o romanist_n plead_v for_o themselves_o to_o hide_v from_o or_o deny_v to_o other_o be_v the_o great_a cruelty_n and_o irreligion_n enough_o it_o be_v to_o render_v any_o doctrine_n suspect_v that_o thus_o hide_v and_o run_v to_o corner_n and_o avoid_v all_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n and_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o mistrust_v those_o who_o take_v away_o man_n judgement_n of_o discretion_n value_v they_o only_o like_o beast_n that_o perish_v whilst_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v but_o whip_v to_o their_o work_n and_o many_o time_n cripple_v under_o their_o burden_n when_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o carry_v thus_o i_o have_v though_o more_o large_o than_o my_o first_o thought_n design_v not_o only_o state_v the_o use_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o synod_n and_o council_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n but_o show_v you_o withal_o that_o as_o their_o decree_n be_v not_o infallible_a so_o neither_o be_v they_o the_o high_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n have_v it_o be_v otherwise_o when_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o plant_v his_o gospel_n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n have_v just_o condemn_v he_o for_o a_o impostor_n and_o all_o the_o christian_a religion_n deliver_v and_o authorize_v by_o he_o have_v prove_v only_o a_o fable_n and_o a_o dream_n chap._n vii_o the_o most_o considerable_a adversary_n that_o oppose_v this_o way_n of_o state_v the_o church_n authority_n in_o determine_v point_n of_o faith_n seem_v to_o many_o to_o be_v the_o romanist_n and_o therefore_o this_o chapter_n will_v brief_o confute_v their_o high_a pretence_n to_o a_o strange_a infallibility_n by_o which_o they_o have_v introduce_v as_o strange_a doctrine_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v never_o a_o law_n yet_o so_o plain_o pen_v but_o that_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o render_v law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o secular_a interest_n will_v blunt_v its_o edge_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o property_n by_o alter_v or_o over-urging_a its_o design_n the_o same_o use_n have_v be_v make_v of_o text_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o two_o opponent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enlarge_a or_o diminish_v the_o infallibility_n promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o may_v the_o better_a countenance_n their_o own_o pretence_n some_o restrain_v the_o promise_n express_v the_o holy_a spirit_n miraculous_a assistance_n in_o the_o guide_n the_o sacred_a penman_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o other_o extend_v it_o to_o every_o man_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o their_o church_n i_o shall_v here_o therefore_o spend_v a_o few_o leaf_n to_o show_v that_o the_o papist_n can_v have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o build_v their_o infallible_a determination_n on_o nor_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o maintain_v their_o infallibility_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o other_o church_n must_v forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o romanist_n may_v proud_o arrogate_v they_o to_o themselves_o or_o any_o reason_n why_o the_o right_a of_o other_o must_v sneak_v or_o stoop_v to_o their_o bold_a 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tenet_n of_o antipode_n for_o a_o destroy_a heresy_n so_o little_o do_v he_o know_v the_o universal_a empire_n he_o pretend_v to_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o figure_n or_o bound_n or_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o earth_n over_o which_o he_o yet_o pretend_v a_o authority_n the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o those_o truth_n only_o in_o divinity_n which_o include_v the_o full_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o preach_v they_o to_o the_o present_a age_n and_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o succeed_a generation_n the_o spirit_n be_v not_o give_v to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o great_a historian_n or_o philosopher_n but_o christian_n and_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o be_v the_o planter_n and_o founder_n of_o church_n not_o the_o post_n and_o standard_n of_o dispute_n or_o to_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o sect_n and_o faction_n in_o philosophy_n they_o be_v to_o erect_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n settle_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n christ_n himself_o support_v the_o building_n and_o this_o neither_o for_o pasquin_n or_o poetry_n but_o for_o a_o rule_n and_o directory_n of_o stand_a religion_n and_o devotion_n chap._n xii_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whilst_o house_v in_o these_o body_n of_o clay_n be_v darken_v and_o obscure_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o window_n of_o sense_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o external_a object_n to_o a_o intercourse_n with_o the_o mind_n for_o suppose_v our_o sense_n can_v always_o make_v true_a and_o exact_a representation_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v be_v often_o deceive_v yet_o these_o can_v only_o convey_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n those_o of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o exalt_v nature_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o image_n must_v needs_o escape_v the_o perception_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n 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internal_a work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o those_o who_o be_v inclinable_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n first_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n by_o those_o scripture_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o posterity_n these_o be_v those_o lively_a character_n in_o which_o we_o may_v read_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n these_o be_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o certain_o guide_v those_o into_o it_o who_o sober_o and_o conscientious_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v they_o they_o convey_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n valuable_a above_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n and_o hereafter_o give_v we_o such_o possession_n as_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o power_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o exceed_v all_o humane_a expectation_n these_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o complete_a body_n 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upon_o those_o head_n that_o be_v always_o soft_a and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o receive_v any_o who_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o thing_n fix_v and_o settle_v but_o the_o image_n and_o representation_n that_o be_v the_o book_n in_o which_o they_o read_v all_o their_o proposition_n interfere_v with_o each_o other_o and_o be_v either_o confuse_a or_o else_o be_v crumble_v and_o break_v in_o piece_n beside_o religion_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o if_o we_o play_v with_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o change_v the_o true_a principle_n for_o those_o that_o be_v false_a we_o either_o lose_v it_o quite_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o variety_n or_o it_o be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n if_o ever_o we_o recover_v it_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o tell_v we_o heb._n 6.4_o it_o be_v impossible_a or_o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o signify_v very_o difficult_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n charge_v man_n to_o take_v heed_n what_o they_o hear_v mar._n 4.24_o and_o s._n paul_n exhort_v man_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o s._n judas_n urge_v that_o we_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n three_o ver_n of_o his_o epistle_n let_v we_o therefore_o that_o be_v ground_v in_o our_o religion_n behave_v ourselves_o as_o man_n that_o be_v resolve_v and_o not_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v frighten_v from_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o ghastly_a look_n the_o bold_a threat_n or_o the_o pretence_n of_o new_a revelation_n from_o any_o but_o let_v those_o scripture_n we_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o our_o short_a 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heighten_v either_o by_o the_o falsehood_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o those_o principle_n by_o which_o we_o direct_v our_o eye_n in_o this_o view_n how_o tragical_a and_o horrid_a must_v our_o condition_n be_v when_o our_o spirit_n that_o shall_v support_v we_o under_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o body_n be_v so_o wound_v within_o we_o that_o they_o be_v a_o torment_n to_o themselves_o and_o our_o own_o doubt_n and_o vexatious_a uncertainty_n about_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v only_o guide_v we_o through_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n and_o let_v in_o the_o light_n from_o some_o glorious_a region_n beyond_o the_o grave_n so_o increase_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o be_v miserable_o torture_v betwixt_o hope_n and_o fear_n when_o our_o settle_a belief_n of_o future_a thing_n can_v only_o render_v our_o passage_n pleasant_a and_o our_o condition_n tolerable_a now_o since_o a_o settlement_n of_o our_o principle_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n 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regard_n to_o his_o own_o be_v to_o settle_v himself_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o upon_o these_o to_o build_v his_o belief_n and_o practice_n till_o at_o last_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o great_a redeemer_n of_o man_n he_o reach_v heaven_n not_o to_o pluck_v the_o star_n out_o of_o the_o firmament_n but_o by_o the_o will_n and_o favour_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o ascend_v above_o they_o and_o enjoy_v a_o happiness_n suitable_a to_o man_n glorify_a capacity_n in_o those_o blissful_a region_n that_o can_v neither_o admit_v of_o a_o decay_n or_o period_n but_o shall_v continue_v their_o state_n and_o to_o true_a christian_n their_o happiness_n in_o they_o through_o all_o the_o endless_a unmeasurable_a space_n of_o a_o boundless_a and_o incomprehensible_a eternity_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v this_o exhortation_n with_o arnobius_n argument_n and_o persuade_v rhetoric_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o first_o book_n against_o the_o gentile_n if_o man_n have_v gentle_a soul_n capable_a of_o impression_n they_o can_v under_o pretence_n of_o other_o rule_n offer_v any_o injury_n to_o christ_n nor_o reproach_v his_o religion_n but_o embrace_v both_o if_o but_o upon_o this_o account_n only_o that_o they_o promise_v to_o they_o prosperous_a thing_n thing_n to_o be_v wish_v for_o and_o earnest_o desire_v can_v any_o one_o refuse_v to_o give_v honour_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o glad_a tiding_n who_o vanquish_v the_o shade_n and_o darkness_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n who_o always_o preach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v hurt_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o but_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o more_o secure_a expectation_n o_o ingratum_fw-la &_o impium_fw-la seculum_fw-la as_o he_o go_v on_o o_o ungrateful_a and_o wicked_a generation_n if_o a_o physician_n shall_v come_v to_o you_o out_o of_o a_o far_a country_n and_o shall_v promise_v you_o such_o a_o universal_a medicine_n that_o will_v infallible_o cure_v you_o of_o all_o disease_n will_v you_o not_o present_o run_v after_o he_o pay_v all_o the_o signal_n of_o courtship_n and_o honour_n and_o receive_v he_o with_o all_o kindness_n and_o hospitality_n will_v you_o not_o wish_v his_o medicine_n to_o be_v infallible_a by_o the_o application_n of_o which_o you_o be_v promise_v freedom_n from_o those_o misery_n that_o attend_v your_o body_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a period_n of_o your_o age_n nay_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v yet_o doubtful_a will_v you_o not_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o your_o own_o welfare_n commit_v yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o not_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o drink_v even_o his_o unknown_a potion_n in_o hope_n of_o your_o own_o health_n and_o safety_n eluxit_fw-la atque_fw-la apparuit_fw-la christus_fw-la rei_fw-la maximae_fw-la nunciator_fw-la etc._n etc._n christ_n the_o proclaimer_n of_o great_a tiding_n have_v now_o shine_v and_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n what_o cruelty_n then_o what_o barbarous_a inhumanity_n what_o insuperable_a pride_n be_v it_o with_o a_o supercilious_a disdain_n to_o contemn_v he_o who_o bring_v such_o glad_a tiding_n unto_o man_n let_v we_o embrace_v therefore_o his_o joyful_a message_n give_v credit_n to_o that_o which_o afford_v such_o hope_n and_o pay_v all_o reverence_n and_o honour_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v contradict_v the_o kind_a promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o suppose_v a_o future_a state_n impossible_a but_o it_o be_v more_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o prove_v his_o denial_n or_o with_o any_o certainty_n to_o convince_v himself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o state_n of_o man_n hereafter_o since_o
to_o endeavour_v to_o imprint_v character_n on_o the_o air_n you_o may_v inscribe_v more_o durable_a divinity_n on_o the_o dust_n which_o every_o wind_n drive_v to_o and_o fro_o or_o impress_v more_o last_a footstep_n on_o the_o shore_n which_o the_o next_o tide_n wash_v away_o s._n judas_n tell_v we_o at_o the_o 12_o the_o verse_n of_o his_o epistle_n that_o they_o be_v cloud_n without_o water_n without_o any_o weight_n to_o balance_v they_o and_o be_v not_o only_o light_a as_o the_o air_n but_o as_o inconstant_a too_o s._n peter_n say_v that_o they_o be_v well_n without_o water_n cloud_n that_o be_v carry_v with_o a_o tempest_n but_o yet_o such_o to_o who_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n be_v reserve_v for_o ever_o 2_o pet._n 2._o ch_n 17._o certain_o such_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v wrong_n who_o by_o frequent_a shift_a declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v which_o opinion_n be_v right_a but_o like_o stick_n and_o straw_n be_v carry_v with_o the_o stream_n and_o always_o swim_v down_o with_o the_o river_n their_o faith_n must_v needs_o stagger_v who_o thus_o expose_v it_o to_o every_o stroke_n and_o certain_o he_o must_v die_v and_o perish_v that_o with_o a_o naked_a breast_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v all_o the_o wound_n that_o his_o adversary_n will_v give_v he_o if_o such_o man_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v religious_a sober_a man_n will_v become_v profane_a and_o if_o these_o be_v they_o that_o make_v a_o church_n the_o more_o rational_a part_n will_v enter_v into_o a_o conventicle_n or_o any_o place_n distant_a from_o these_o what!_o must_v a_o man_n be_v a_o fool_n to_o become_v a_o prophet_n or_o can_v he_o be_v spiritual_a unless_o he_o be_v mad_a must_v religion_n that_o bring_v peace_n to_o the_o world_n be_v the_o only_a bone_n of_o contention_n among_o man_n which_o they_o cast_v at_o one_o another_o head_n shall_v that_o which_o teach_v we_o self-denial_n patience_n humility_n and_o obedience_n be_v plead_v for_o a_o breach_n of_o all_o these_o shall_v our_o saviour_n kingdom_n be_v of_o this_o world_n notwithstanding_o his_o own_o protestation_n to_o the_o contrary_a or_o those_o that_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n paul_n propagate_v it_o by_o that_o sword_n which_o yet_o s._n peter_n be_v rebuke_v for_o use_v will_v man_n be_v bold_a to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o yet_o act_v more_o cruelty_n than_o the_o turk_n or_o call_v the_o holy_a jesus_n their_o master_n and_o yet_o open_o violate_v all_o his_o law_n can_v they_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o present_o carry_v he_o away_o to_o be_v crucify_v can_v man_n think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o a_o faith_n shall_v be_v manure_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o other_o that_o be_v plant_v at_o first_o in_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o believer_n or_o can_v any_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v receive_v power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o constitute_v our_o saviour_n a_o divider_n of_o inheritance_n when_o he_o himself_o have_v refuse_v the_o office_n and_o give_v the_o person_n a_o rebuke_n that_o desire_v he_o to_o accept_v it_o by_o ask_v he_o that_o question_n luke_o 12.14_o man_n who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o divider_n over_o you_o in_o vain_a be_v it_o for_o man_n design_v disturbance_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pretend_v that_o they_o follow_v the_o command_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o knock_v the_o crown_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o their_o sovereign_n or_o fight_v withone_v sceptre_n against_o the_o other_o unless_o they_o can_v reach_v high_a enough_o to_o pull_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o star_n from_o the_o firmament_n that_o no_o light_n may_v shine_v upon_o the_o world_n or_o void_a the_o gospel_n by_o inspiration_n the_o protestant_a world_n be_v too_o wise_a now_o to_o be_v again_o thus_o fool_v man_n must_v choose_v a_o night_n for_o such_o design_n as_o these_o and_o stay_v yet_o a_o little_a long_o if_o they_o intend_v to_o meet_v with_o bat_n and_o owl_n the_o age_n be_v not_o dark_a and_o melancholy_a enough_o to_o bring_v in_o monkery_n among_o these_o nor_o have_v ignorance_n that_o mother_n of_o popish_a devotion_n yet_o sufficient_o prepare_v our_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o papist_n or_o enthusiast_n nor_o be_v the_o brain_n of_o rational_a and_o sober_a man_n yet_o beat_v out_o that_o there_o may_v be_v room_n for_o dream_n and_o vision_n nor_o have_v we_o so_o forget_v the_o scripture_n as_o to_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o pretend_a inspiration_n or_o to_o be_v fright_v out_o of_o our_o faith_n and_o principles_n by_o every_o new_a and_o unexpected_a apparition_n nor_o be_v we_o so_o ignorant_a of_o man_n device_n as_o to_o be_v baffle_v out_o of_o our_o religion_n by_o those_o that_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o or_o to_o accomplish_v design_n of_o malice_n or_o ambition_n will_v subtle_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v on_o other_o we_o know_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o have_v a_o rule_n to_o judge_v doctrine_n and_o preacher_n by_o and_o know_v how_o to_o judge_v of_o those_o that_o now_o pretend_v to_o present_a inspiration_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v such_o pretender_n and_o we_o well_o hope_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o twice_o in_o the_o same_o age_n be_v catch_v and_o entangle_v in_o the_o same_o snare_n to_o prevent_v which_o dismal_a and_o fatal_a ruin_n permit_v i_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o exhort_v you_o to_o what_o i_o can_v command_v with_o the_o sacred_a apostle_n though_o the_o world_n be_v then_o also_o to_o be_v gain_v by_o entreaty_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o kind_a compellation_n belove_v a_o word_n that_o be_v use_v i_o will_v not_o say_v practise_v too_o by_o man_n that_o love_v fornication_n in_o religion_n and_o too_o often_o without_o a_o metaphor_n by_o those_o who_o be_v far_o differrent_fw-la from_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o our_o apostle_n yea_o so_o often_o that_o it_o take_v up_o time_n in_o their_o discourse_n fill_v the_o room_n of_o sense_n and_o be_v therefore_o wear_v out_o and_o as_o they_o manage_v it_o be_v grow_v ridiculous_a yet_o let_v i_o exhort_v man_n that_o be_v belove_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o without_o reason_n by_o i_o also_o and_o all_o honest_a christian_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n not_o to_o be_v so_o soft_a and_o easy_a when_o you_o have_v receive_v a_o stand_a rule_n so_o well_o prove_v and_o convey_v to_o the_o world_n to_o admit_v of_o new_a doctrine_n that_o contradict_v it_o or_o to_o attend_v person_n that_o bold_o assume_v as_o if_o they_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o equal_a confidence_n as_o if_o all_o be_v apostle_n there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o world_n that_o from_o s._n paul_n advice_n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n keep_v themselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o doubt_n and_o perplexity_n and_o never_o love_v to_o travel_v long_o but_o where_o cloud_n cover_v the_o face_n of_o heaven_n and_o attend_v only_o to_o such_o doctrine_n who_o darkness_n keep_v they_o in_o perpetual_a ignorance_n and_o so_o the_o sound_n be_v grateful_a only_a when_o it_o be_v uncertain_a and_o thus_o with_o they_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n be_v only_o to_o hear_v without_o examination_n and_o never_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a at_o this_o rate_n a_o raven_a wolf_n may_v be_v receive_v though_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o to_o be_v real_a worshipper_n of_o a_o ass_n head_n with_o which_o both_o jew_n and_o primitive_a christian_n be_v false_o charge_v will_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a merit_n and_o honour_n but_o shall_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n be_v any_o long_o a_o cloak_n for_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o infernal_a lake_n be_v place_v in_o the_o sky_n or_o man_n that_o have_v their_o wit_n about_o they_o mistake_v the_o flame_n of_o hell_n for_o heaven_n shall_v the_o devil_n lead_v we_o with_o as_o good_a assurance_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o angel_n of_o light_n or_o any_o walk_n by_o so_o loose_a a_o principle_n as_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o false_a prophet_n and_o true_a many_o man_n be_v such_o strange_a fatalist_n that_o they_o become_v altogether_o indifferent_a in_o their_o choice_n and_o conclude_v their_o fortune_n to_o be_v write_v on_o their_o forehead_n they_o care_v not_o whether_o they_o make_v any_o at_o all_o this_o be_v a_o opinion_n which_o when_o in_o its_o consequence_n pursue_v will_v make_v those_o that_o real_o espouse_v it_o and_o with_o equal_a reason_n to_o be_v as_o regardless_o of_o temporal_a welfare_n as_o they_o be_v of_o their_o eternal_a and_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o care_n either_o to_o do_v ill_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o to_o any_o purpose_n then_o indeed_o man_n may_v as_o secure_o go_v into_o a_o pest-house_n as_o
what_o it_o will_v that_o no_o subtlety_n may_v circumvent_v we_o nor_o creep_v into_o house_n lead_v the_o silly_a woman_n captive_a nor_o cause_v we_o to_o stray_v after_o they_o we_o know_v the_o devil_n be_v both_o cunning_a and_o diligent_a and_o that_o he_o suit_v his_o temptation_n to_o the_o various_a interest_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n that_o he_o walk_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n but_o it_o be_v only_a to_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v 1_o pet._n 5.8_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v painstaking_a man_n for_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v a_o proselyte_n but_o when_o they_o have_v make_v he_o he_o become_v twice_o more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o matth._n 23.15_o let_v we_o not_o then_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o new_a discovery_n forsake_v that_o which_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o let_v the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n advice_n rom._n 16.17_o 18._o let_v we_o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o because_o they_o be_v such_o as_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a then_o as_o it_o follow_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v bruise_v satan_n under_o our_o foot_n short_o let_v we_o live_v in_o that_o unity_n which_o our_o holy_a religion_n prescribe_v to_o we_o not_o raise_v or_o abett_v disturbance_n in_o the_o world_n but_o endeavour_v to_o fulfil_v s._n paul_n joy_n and_o make_v our_o minister_n task_n easy_a in_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n and_o of_o one_o judgement_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n philip._n 2._o at_o the_o beginning_n for_o if_o we_o be_v draw_v by_o harken_v to_o the_o various_a pretence_n of_o man_n that_o yet_o account_v themselves_o inspire_v to_o be_v always_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o we_o shall_v be_v consume_v one_o of_o another_o and_o this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o in_o our_o own_o age_n teach_v by_o experience_n but_o the_o apostle_n have_v long_o ago_o admonish_v man_n of_o this_o gal._n 5.15_o let_v we_o live_v therefore_o like_o those_o that_o have_v profess_v rule_n of_o faith_n and_o conversation_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o then_o if_o we_o thus_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v entertain_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o chap._n iu._n have_v thus_o discourse_v the_o apostle_n caution_n and_o evidence_v to_o you_o that_o every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a i_o propound_v which_o contain_v a_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v disentangle_v ourselves_o from_o those_o perplexity_n and_o different_a opinion_n that_o various_a man_n under_o the_o same_o pretention_n puzzle_v we_o withal_o but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n now_o as_o this_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n take_v from_o those_o who_o bring_v metal_n to_o the_o touchstone_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o value_v they_o proportionable_o to_o their_o worth_n so_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n that_o such_o pretender_n deliver_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o discern_v betwixt_o true_a and_o false_a and_o according_o judge_n whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no._n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n to_o show_v the_o people_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o holy_a and_o profane_a and_o to_o cause_n man_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o clean_a and_o the_o unclean_a ezek._n 44.23_o and_o the_o duty_n be_v continue_v under_o the_o gospel_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o pretension_n of_o man_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o many_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v in_o his_o name_n with_o pretension_n to_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o we_o find_v they_o too_o sudden_o after_o this_o prediction_n to_o have_v go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o even_o yet_o continue_v their_o boldness_n and_o impiety_n divide_v the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o trouble_v particular_a man_n but_o whole_a society_n overturning_a throne_n dissolve_v government_n among_o mankind_n and_o raise_v confusion_n not_o only_o in_o secular_a but_o religious_a affair_n to_o prevent_v therefore_o such_o unsufferable_a disturbance_n that_o religion_n may_v not_o cover_v malice_n or_o ambition_n nor_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o the_o humour_n or_o impiety_n of_o man_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v this_o entire_a without_o any_o mixture_n of_o villainy_n or_o imposture_n and_o by_o some_o certain_a character_n know_v what_o proper_o belong_v to_o it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o fancy_n or_o design_n of_o those_o who_o cunning_o ruin_v our_o principle_n and_o profession_n and_o since_o new_a light_n be_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n which_o they_o too_o easy_o gaze_v at_o till_o their_o eye_n be_v dazzle_v we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o distinguish_v these_o blaze_a comet_n from_o the_o true_a and_o fix_a star_n in_o the_o firmament_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v on_o earth_n and_o direct_v in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n we_o must_v try_v both_o doctrine_n and_o those_o that_o publish_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n if_o you_o will_v take_v a_o old_a apostle_n advice_n against_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o new_a he_o advise_v you_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n but_o still_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thess_n 5.21_o we_o must_v try_v the_o doctrine_n opinion_n example_n nay_o even_o the_o action_n of_o all_o pretender_n to_o revelation_n for_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o what_o we_o call_v tender_a conscience_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v very_o raw_a be_v rub_v often_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o former_a commission_n when_o they_o be_v not_o guide_v by_o a_o well_o balance_v judgement_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o have_v secret_a combat_n within_o themselves_o and_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o least_o touch_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o this_o world_n have_v some_o inconvenience_n still_o attend_v they_o and_o that_o which_o in_o some_o case_n be_v good_a with_o other_o circumstance_n become_v evil_a and_o most_o man_n that_o have_v a_o itch_n upon_o their_o ear_n have_v have_v a_o scab_n first_o upon_o their_o mind_n the_o best_a gold_n be_v most_o ductile_a and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n if_o the_o judgement_n be_v not_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v easy_o enslave_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o suit_n with_o passion_n and_o make_v impression_n on_o the_o temperament_n and_o bodily_a disposition_n of_o man_n a_o seal_n we_o know_v make_v the_o fair_a and_o most_o last_a impression_n upon_o such_o wax_n as_o be_v first_o soften_v and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n where_o the_o head_n be_v as_o soft_a as_o the_o passion_n pliable_a easy_o receive_v the_o next_o image_n though_o to_o the_o blot_n out_o and_o deface_v the_o old_a we_o have_v need_v therefore_o when_o any_o man_n come_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o some_o new_a inspiration_n to_o examine_v well_o both_o the_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o receive_v to_o our_o own_o the_o skill_n of_o other_o especial_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o may_v otherwise_o forsake_v the_o true_a israel_n when_o ephraim_n and_o manasseh_n shall_v combine_v together_o or_o single_o encounter_v it_o and_o we_o have_v be_v late_o and_o be_v not_o yet_o out_o of_o danger_n so_o vex_v with_o party_n different_a from_o one_o another_o whilst_o one_o extreme_a ride_v the_o other_o that_o the_o caution_n against_o believe_v every_o spirit_n can_v too_o often_o be_v repeat_v nor_o our_o trial_n of_o all_o preacher_n and_o doctrine_n be_v too_o frequent_o urge_v and_o practise_v our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n a_o caution_n who_o yet_o have_v the_o view_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o we_o only_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v they_o mat._n 24.4_o that_o they_o may_v not_o entertain_v a_o secret_a enemy_n instead_o of_o a_o bosom_n friend_n and_o certain_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o beware_v now_o although_o there_o be_v false_a pretender_n then_o for_o if_o they_o dare_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o the_o world_n design_v
unto_o swift_a destruction_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o great_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o relation_n to_o man_n principle_n and_o belief_n faith_n will_v not_o have_v be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o qualification_n to_o justify_v a_o sinner_n 3._o by_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n we_o may_v preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o if_o conscience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o agreement_n of_o our_o notion_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o man_n then_o the_o trial_n of_o opinion_n under_o whatever_o pretence_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v convey_v by_o this_o rule_n and_o according_o either_o reject_v or_o receive_v they_o must_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o examine_v doctrine_n and_o opinion_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o man_n on_o earth_n than_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n settle_v upon_o a_o unalterable_a and_o firm_a foundation_n contentment_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o mean_a peasant_n as_o happy_a as_o his_o prince_n and_o create_v a_o level_a among_o mankind_n how_o much_o great_a delight_n than_o must_v that_o satisfaction_n advance_v man_n to_o which_o relate_v to_o thing_n of_o a_o everlasting_a concernment_n that_o cause_v the_o pang_n of_o death_n ro_o vanish_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o torment_n to_o depart_v that_o carry_v we_o with_o all_o steadiness_n and_o peace_n through_o all_o the_o billow_n and_o storm_n of_o the_o world_n into_o that_o bless_a haven_n of_o rest_n and_o tranquillity_n where_o we_o shall_v know_v no_o trouble_n any_o more_o this_o be_v enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a feast_n a_o pleasure_n beyond_o the_o great_a sensuality_n exceed_v what_o man_n can_v otherwise_o possess_v or_o as_o much_o as_o invent_v or_o think_v upon_o for_o what_o be_v then_o all_o the_o concernment_n or_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n when_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o be_o fix_v and_o settle_v if_o i_o live_v in_o misery_n it_o can_v be_v long_o nature_n will_v soon_o have_v spin_v her_o thread_n if_o no_o accident_n cut_v it_o off_o and_o if_o have_v my_o religion_n fix_v upon_o such_o principle_n which_o can_v deceive_v i_o i_o regulate_v my_o action_n by_o their_o direction_n death_n must_v then_o be_v welcome_a to_o i_o because_o it_o give_v i_o the_o fruit_n of_o my_o hope_n and_o enter_v i_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o my_o master_n who_o from_o earth_n have_v suffer_v a_o antecedent_n separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n enter_v visible_o into_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o have_v make_v a_o passage_n to_o the_o same_o for_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o in_o fullness_n of_o faith_n and_o indisputable_a assurance_n they_o have_v have_v a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n in_o 4._o this_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o other_o will_v make_v man_n endeavour_v to_o live_v without_o disturbance_n in_o that_o society_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n nothing_o disturb_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n so_o much_o as_o doubt_n and_o dispute_v about_o religion_n but_o this_o when_o find_v out_o by_o a_o regular_a enquiry_n and_o true_o establish_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n give_v the_o great_a and_o most_o effectual_a check_n to_o all_o the_o breach_n make_v upon_o enclosure_n and_o those_o irregularity_n and_o invasion_n that_o be_v commit_v upon_o the_o property_n of_o man_n this_o forbid_v the_o prince_n to_o be_v a_o tyrant_n and_o admonish_v the_o subject_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n to_o become_v subject_a for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o not_o to_o rebel_v against_o the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n lest_o they_o receive_v damnation_n in_o the_o next_o rom._n 13._o but_o when_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v the_o furious_a principle_n of_o other_o when_o convey_v to_o they_o under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o spirit_n and_o inspiration_n with_o what_o ease_n be_v they_o ensnare_v when_o they_o be_v either_o lazy_a or_o refuse_v to_o examine_v there_o be_v nothing_o then_o so_o ruinous_a to_o society_n nothing_o that_o put_v man_n more_o into_o confusion_n nothing_o that_o dissolve_v the_o band_n of_o community_n and_o break_v order_n into_o a_o chaos_n but_o they_o will_v attempt_v under_o the_o covert_n of_o religion_n and_o conclude_v they_o do_v service_n unto_o god_n when_o they_o be_v immediate_o offer_v to_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a tie_n upon_o mankind_n what_o will_v they_o not_o attempt_v or_o suffer_v when_o their_o action_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o full_a of_o villainy_n shall_v under_o pretence_n of_o the_o authority_n or_o inspiration_n of_o other_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o number_n of_o virtue_n and_o heroic_a act_n and_o their_o suffering_n be_v advance_v to_o martyrdom_n justice_n shall_v be_v violate_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o gain_v a_o crown_n from_o the_o head_n of_o he_o that_o right_o wear_v it_o and_o then_o they_o will_v make_v a_o way_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o design_n though_o they_o pave_v it_o throughout_o with_o the_o carcase_n of_o the_o slay_v but_o if_o such_o principle_n that_o ruin_n religion_n under_o its_o name_n be_v well_o examine_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n and_o new_a inspiration_n be_v measure_v by_o those_o that_o be_v old_a we_o shall_v easy_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v come_v from_o god_n that_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o the_o principle_n that_o tend_v to_o confusion_n among_o mankind_n ever_o proceed_v from_o a_o god_n of_o order_n but_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o first_o audit_n to_o be_v damn_v to_o the_o place_n from_o whence_o they_o take_v their_o original_n and_o must_v be_v conclude_v to_o come_v from_o hell_n which_o thus_o fire_n and_o consume_v the_o world_n and_o so_o you_o see_v that_o the_o several_a advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o man_n upon_o trial_n of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n may_v be_v so_o many_o encouragement_n to_o the_o thing_n and_o so_o many_o argument_n to_o recommend_v the_o duty_n to_o all_o those_o who_o by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o agent_n do_v not_o love_v to_o be_v lead_v captive_a final_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v faculty_n give_v to_o we_o that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o according_a to_o judgement_n to_o make_v our_o choice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o by_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o one_o inspiration_n the_o natural_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v cease_v or_o else_o be_v render_v useless_a they_o be_v suspend_v by_o a_o pretention_n of_o authority_n that_o without_o examination_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v divine_a nay_o why_o shall_v the_o apostle_n impose_v such_o a_o task_n upon_o we_o which_o without_o the_o use_n of_o every_o man_n particular_a faculty_n become_v impossible_a no_o choice_n will_v then_o be_v leave_v in_o religion_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o it_o will_v become_v a_o necessary_a thing_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v like_o machine_n to_o move_v always_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o another_o nay_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v before_o if_o the_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n change_v his_o note_n and_o play_v to_o we_o on_o a_o contrary_a string_n will_v it_o not_o be_v strange_a for_o any_o man_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o exhort_v stone_n or_o argue_v to_o one_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o impression_n or_o can_v s._n john_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o impose_v the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n on_o man_n that_o either_o have_v no_o faculty_n to_o examine_v or_o have_v their_o sense_n tie_v up_o by_o a_o superior_a power_n must_v all_o false_a prophet_n be_v reject_v and_o be_v there_o a_o necessity_n of_o man_n believe_v what_o doctrine_n have_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o must_v they_o not_o yet_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o use_v their_o own_o faculty_n to_o examine_v they_o to_o deny_v this_o may_v indeed_o be_v suitable_a to_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o it_o can_v but_o be_v plain_a to_o a_o protestant_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a man_n that_o have_v not_o his_o faculty_n give_v he_o in_o vain_a that_o such_o argue_v and_o such_o belief_n serve_v only_o to_o justify_v imposture_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o blind_a man_n eye_n that_o they_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o ditch_n this_o be_v to_o
they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o be_v wear_v to_o remember_v they_o of_o the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o to_o difference_n the_o jew_n from_o other_o nation_n and_o to_o prevent_v idolatry_n as_o often_o as_o they_o look_v upon_o these_o fringe_n which_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n command_v they_o to_o wear_v numb_a 15.38_o scrupulous_a be_v these_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n but_o they_o regard_v not_o so_o much_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o nor_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v ordain_v to_o signify_v and_o represent_v we_o read_v of_o some_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n who_o yet_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2._o tim._n 3.4_o and_o this_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v so_o long_o as_o religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v veil_v with_o hypocrisy_n and_o one_o man_n can_v discern_v the_o inside_n of_o another_o it_o be_v but_o be_v strict_a in_o outward_a appearance_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v account_v a_o saint_n and_o if_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v avoid_v mens_fw-la inside_n may_v be_v full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n and_o they_o be_v canonize_v still_o thus_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v take_v for_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n if_o he_o can_v but_o hide_v his_o malice_n and_o his_o flame_n and_o man_n may_v cheat_v their_o neighbour_n commit_v adultery_n or_o secret_a murder_n if_o their_o action_n escape_v the_o notice_n of_o other_o and_o they_o make_v not_o themselves_o a_o spectacle_n to_o the_o world_n this_o the_o minister_n of_o satan_n do_v like_v he_o act_v deed_n of_o darkness_n within_o whilst_o yet_o a_o candle_n be_v hang_v out_o at_o their_o door_n that_o be_v earnest_a for_o reformation_n in_o other_o man_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o reform_v themselves_o only_o they_o endeavour_v to_o cover_v those_o fault_n which_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o strive_v to_o amend_v if_o they_o bless_v god_n with_o their_o mouth_n they_o care_v not_o if_o they_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o their_o heart_n because_o their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o god_n but_o unto_o those_o man_n who_o they_o designing_o delude_v god_n himself_o complain_v of_o such_o atheistical_a hypocrite_n that_o turn_v thing_n upside_o down_o that_o seek_v to_o hide_v their_o counsel_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a they_o draw_v near_o i_o say_v god_n with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o isai_n 29.13_o and_o there_o be_v yet_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o lament_v the_o sad_a state_n of_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v still_o beguile_v with_o good_a word_n into_o ill_a practice_n and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n be_v draw_v to_o renounce_v it_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o various_a principle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n with_o noise_n and_o confidence_n with_o great_a zeal_n though_o little_a reason_n which_o therefore_o as_o a_o enemy_n some_o disgrace_n and_o vilify_v they_o distract_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v unsettle_a disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o all_o society_n both_o civil_a and_o religious_a draw_v man_n into_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o make_v they_o think_v those_o prophet_n inspire_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n that_o swell_v only_o with_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o disgorge_v themselves_o in_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n among_o mankind_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o cause_v these_o disorder_n they_o manage_v with_o such_o art_n and_o such_o suitable_a application_n and_o have_v so_o many_o plausible_a plea_n to_o the_o world_n by_o which_o they_o spread_v they_o with_o too_o much_o success_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o it_o must_v full_o convince_v we_o of_o a_o necessity_n to_o use_v diligence_n in_o our_o inquiry_n and_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o preach_v religion_n among_o we_o let_v their_o pretension_n of_o authority_n be_v what_o they_o will_v though_o they_o arise_v as_o high_a as_o inspiration_n and_o aver_v their_o commission_n to_o be_v from_o heaven_n chap._n vi_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o my_o second_o particular_a propose_v about_o this_o duty_n of_o try_v spirit_n and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v you_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o know_v when_o doctrine_n propound_v as_o come_v from_o god_n be_v indeed_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o deliverer_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o inspire_v from_o above_o and_o according_o to_o be_v entertain_v in_o the_o world_n now_o because_o man_n be_v apt_a sometime_o to_o rely_v on_o false_a character_n of_o trial_n and_o 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therefore_o by_o her_o judgement_n all_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o determine_v but_o this_o guide_n will_v many_o time_n be_v uncertain_a nay_o false_a too_o if_o a_o society_n of_o man_n call_v the_o church_n agree_v upon_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v erroneous_a which_o we_o find_v a_o thing_n not_o impossible_a when_o our_o present_a experience_n may_v inform_v we_o that_o rome_n which_o will_v be_v the_o only_a church_n and_o many_o separate_a congregation_n in_o the_o world_n who_o yet_o assume_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o church_n err_v in_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o many_o way_n of_o discipline_n and_o manner_n and_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o error_n and_o that_o all_o council_n be_v manage_v by_o vote_n and_o these_o many_o time_n be_v give_v wrong_a not_o only_o through_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertency_n but_o humour_n and_o interest_n so_o far_o prevail_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o that_o we_o can_v yield_v their_o determination_n to_o be_v infallible_a especial_o since_o we_o often_o find_v great_a assembly_n manage_v by_o the_o trick_n and_o device_n of_o a_o few_o who_o design_n be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o multitude_n draw_v they_o by_o degree_n into_o the_o consent_n to_o what_o have_v they_o foresee_v they_o will_v never_o have_v yield_v be_v the_o promise_n indeed_o of_o a_o infallible_a direction_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o tie_v to_o the_o assembly_n which_o christian_n call_v council_n we_o can_v not_o reasonable_o dispute_v their_o determination_n but_o must_v obey_v they_o but_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v to_o publish_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o the_o world_n and_o neither_o make_v nor_o useful_a to_o future_a generation_n but_o only_o to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o every_o christian_a be_v to_o submit_v both_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o thing_n now_o ordain_v by_o any_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n whatever_o authority_n they_o may_v claim_v above_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n have_v neither_o strength_n nor_o authority_n unless_o it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o they_o may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o have_v err_v in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n as_o our_o church_n declare_v in_o the_o twenty_o first_o article_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o they_o they_o be_v custodes_fw-la legis_fw-la the_o keeper_n
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
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
their_o governors_n opinion_n enact_v into_o law_n for_o the_o true_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o pope_n or_o preside_v at_o their_o council_n and_o infallible_o assist_v in_o their_o determination_n but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n take_v as_o they_o be_v propound_v can_v possible_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n much_o less_o the_o high_a conduct_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o though_o they_o may_v be_v help_n to_o judge_v upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o rule_n yet_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n may_v frequent_o be_v mistake_v for_o reason_n illumination_n conscience_n nay_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n itself_o and_o according_a to_o the_o common_a inference_n about_o these_o matter_n be_v so_o conclude_v and_o believe_v by_o man_n that_o consult_v their_o own_o faculty_n but_o this_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o in_o any_o age_n since_o he_o inspire_v those_o that_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n either_o illuminate_v or_o direct_a mankind_n in_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n in_o any_o other_o manner_n than_o 1._o by_o those_o scripture_n allow_v the_o faculty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o general_a proposition_n of_o religion_n among_o mankind_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o sacred_a penman_n to_o record_v 2._o by_o incline_v as_o well_o as_o authorise_v some_o man_n be_v prepare_v by_o education_n and_o study_n to_o continue_v a_o succession_n of_o that_o ministry_n which_o our_o saviour_n appoint_v to_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n unto_o other_o and_o 3._o confirm_v by_o a_o secret_a and_o inexplicable_a operation_n which_o be_v easy_o believe_v by_o all_o that_o affirm_v god_n grace_n or_o providence_n and_o in_o consequence_n his_o be_v the_o proposition_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o incline_v their_o faculty_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o which_o influence_n be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n to_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o docil_n disposition_n as_o well_o as_o give_v in_o our_o sacred_a baptism_n till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o either_o resist_v or_o renounce_v it_o all_o which_o shall_v be_v more_o evident_a before_o i_o make_v a_o end_n now_o none_o of_o these_o though_o great_a privilege_n can_v entitle_v any_o to_o that_o illumination_n or_o immediate_a guidance_n which_o wild_a man_n make_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o conductor_n of_o their_o action_n but_o they_o may_v mistake_v and_o be_v confident_a in_o it_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o high_a opinion_n proceed_v either_o from_o thoughtfulness_n or_o disposition_n for_o immediate_a motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o 2_o as_o for_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n if_o they_o mistake_v they_o not_o for_o fancy_n opinion_n or_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o agreement_n of_o our_o judgement_n with_o god_n word_n for_o thus_o much_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v which_o be_v knowledge_n with_o another_o and_o include_v the_o relation_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o a_o rule_n these_o be_v so_o far_o therefore_o from_o be_v a_o rule_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o another_o and_o can_v be_v proper_a conscience_n without_o it_o be_v therefore_o guide_v by_o a_o superior_a rule_n they_o can_v be_v safe_a conductor_n themselves_o and_o if_o conscience_n as_o take_v by_o those_o that_o plead_v hard_a for_o it_o be_v once_o allow_v its_o full_a latitude_n fancy_n interest_n and_o the_o humour_n and_o impious_a mistake_n of_o man_n will_v pass_v for_o conscience_n and_o a_o safe_a guide_n and_o introduce_v such_o a_o medley_n and_o mixture_n in_o religion_n that_o every_o one_o under_o the_o covert_n of_o this_o will_v do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n even_o as_o when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o babel_n and_o our_o house_n of_o prayer_n into_o den_n of_o thief_n be_v fill_v with_o nothing_o but_o sacrilege_n and_o confusion_n three_o some_o make_v such_o providence_n as_o crown_v their_o opinion_n with_o success_n to_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o their_o opinion_n be_v true_a but_o to_o evince_v the_o invalidity_n of_o this_o need_v no_o other_o than_o this_o observation_n that_o when_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o cloud_n their_o author_n punish_v or_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o tenet_n become_v improsperous_a the_o same_o man_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o argument_n nor_o permit_v other_o to_o defend_v their_o opinion_n by_o the_o same_o medium_n with_o which_o they_o prove_v their_o own_o when_o the_o sun_n for_o a_o season_n shine_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o heaven_n smile_n then_o behold_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o but_o when_o a_o prosperous_a ray_n refresh_v other_o and_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o countenance_n they_o have_v before_o but_o have_v the_o frown_n and_o discouragement_n of_o superior_n behold_v now_o wickedness_n be_v seat_v in_o high_a place_n the_o holy_a seed_n be_v lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o persecution_n attend_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o canaanites_n possess_v the_o holy_a land_n but_o if_o success_n be_v a_o argument_n for_o inspiration_n and_o smile_a providence_n a_o rule_n to_o judge_v doctrine_n by_o numa_n pompilius_n may_v have_v have_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o inspiration_n from_o his_o nymph_n aegeria_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n he_o establish_v among_o the_o roman_n the_o jew_n may_v have_v be_v lose_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v justify_v the_o make_v their_o god_n to_o go_v before_o they_o they_o have_v cease_v to_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o church_n and_o will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n or_o babylon_n nay_o by_o this_o they_o may_v have_v justify_v their_o condemn_v the_o great_a messiah_n and_o pilate_n and_o the_o roman_a guard_n may_v have_v have_v a_o argument_n for_o execute_v he_o the_o primitive_a christian_n must_v be_v condemn_v and_o the_o apostle_n inspiration_n be_v prove_v a_o imposture_n if_o a_o dark_a providence_n be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v mahomet_n must_v have_v be_v deem_v a_o true_a prophet_n when_o he_o gather_v so_o many_o proselyte_n in_o the_o east_n and_o the_o great_a turk_n be_v yet_o as_o holy_a as_o he_o have_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n prosperous_a in_o the_o world_n nay_o popery_n itself_o must_v then_o be_v embrace_v if_o the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n of_o opinion_n must_v prove_v they_o true_a and_o success_n become_v the_o measure_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o way_n to_o justify_v all_o lucky_a usurpation_n to_o determine_v right_a and_o wrong_n by_o combat_n and_o the_o long_a sword_n may_v just_o measure_v out_o the_o large_a possession_n and_o the_o property_n of_o mankind_n must_v submit_v to_o power_n a_o rebel_n then_o may_v lawful_o possess_v his_o sovereings_n throne_n if_o he_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o force_v the_o bright_a majesty_n to_o a_o exchange_n and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v full_o pursue_v the_o man_n that_o own_o it_o may_v bow_v the_o knee_n and_o say_v to_o a_o usurper_n god_n save_o the_o king_n this_o will_v make_v many_o time_n the_o great_a villainy_n to_o have_v more_o authority_n than_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n and_o force_v true_a religion_n to_o be_v vanquish_v by_o a_o false_a nay_o he_o that_o by_o this_o rule_n be_v take_v for_o a_o prophet_n to_o day_n may_v be_v a_o impostor_n to_o morrow_n though_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n because_o a_o man_n may_v receive_v hosanna_n from_o the_o multitude_n and_o their_o cry_n shall_v short_o be_v crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o common_a observation_n it_o be_v holy_a david_n long_a ago_o and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n whatever_o jew_n or_o millenaries_n may_v dream_v that_o the_o wicked_a will_n sometime_o be_v in_o great_a power_n when_o the_o righteous_a hang_v down_o their_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n when_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o observe_v for_o some_o time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n but_o their_o strength_n be_v firm_a and_o sound_a they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n like_o other_o man_n but_o plague_v less_o than_o those_o that_o be_v better_o therefore_o pride_n compass_v they_o as_o a_o chain_n and_o violence_n cover_v they_o as_o a_o garment_n their_o
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
wonder_n of_o his_o disciple_n at_o a_o doctrine_n of_o his_o that_o seem_v harsh_a and_o difficult_a tell_v they_o that_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a matth._n 19.26_o the_o possibility_n therefore_o of_o a_o thing_n prepare_v we_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o proposition_n when_o either_o certainty_n or_o great_a probability_n do_v not_o plain_o determine_v the_o contrary_a now_o what_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n operation_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o contradiction_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v at_o least_o a_o possible_a supposition_n that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o nay_o further_o what_o have_v be_v be_v certain_o possible_a to_o be_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o sacred_a inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v abundant_o evince_v and_o to_o assert_v the_o contrary_a must_v shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o invalidate_v the_o whole_a canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o certain_o if_o it_o admit_v no_o contradiction_n to_o affirm_v spirit_n work_v upon_o body_n it_o must_v be_v less_o to_o suppose_v one_o spirit_n to_o operate_v upon_o another_o there_o be_v a_o near_a affinity_n betwixt_o their_o nature_n and_o a_o great_a capacity_n to_o apprehend_v the_o notice_n they_o receive_v from_o one_o another_o for_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o one_o man_n may_v apprehend_v what_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o another_o when_o they_o be_v express_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o some_o external_a sign_n and_o representation_n there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o probability_n that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o easy_a and_o quick_a method_n for_o one_o soul_n to_o converse_v with_o another_o be_v they_o free_v from_o their_o body_n than_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o external_a sense_n which_o may_v and_o often_o do_v convey_v false_a representation_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n be_v not_o only_o render_v possible_a but_o a_o very_a probable_a and_o easy_a supposition_n though_o whilst_o we_o remain_v in_o these_o body_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o thing_n whether_o we_o conjecture_v for_o it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o the_o influence_n to_o be_v make_v immediate_o upon_o the_o soul_n or_o by_o percussion_n on_o or_o disposition_n of_o the_o nerve_n and_o by_o determine_v the_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o make_v representation_n to_o the_o mind_n to_o cause_v in_o it_o desire_v or_o aversation_n and_o from_o hence_o just_a and_o proportionable_a action_n suitable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o second_o this_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o necessary_a too_o if_o we_o consider_v our_o own_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n or_o the_o circumstance_n we_o be_v frequent_o surround_v with_o in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o region_n of_o misery_n we_o have_v still_o a_o proneness_n and_o propensity_n to_o sin_n notwithstanding_o our_o be_v wash_v by_o a_o holy_a baptism_n and_o dip_v in_o the_o sacred_a laver_n of_o regeneration_n and_o though_o grace_n be_v then_o convey_v to_o we_o and_o power_n to_o perform_v our_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o at_o last_o give_v we_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_n yet_o this_o can_v well_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v tie_v about_o we_o with_o such_o indissoluble_a bond_n as_o not_o to_o forsake_v we_o upon_o the_o violation_n of_o our_o vow_n when_o by_o sinful_a course_n we_o rescind_v god_n obligagation_n to_o we_o or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o forfeiture_n to_o be_v make_v yet_o we_o can_v apprehend_v this_o grace_n and_o spirit_n give_v we_o at_o the_o first_o to_o be_v so_o constant_o and_o powerful_o reside_v in_o we_o as_o never_o to_o need_v any_o new_a supply_n or_o accession_n of_o degree_n or_o to_o be_v like_o our_o soul_n always_o tie_v continual_o to_o invigorate_v we_o without_o any_o new_a influence_n from_o above_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n by_o his_o providence_n and_o support_v this_o great_a system_a of_o being_n by_o the_o constant_a and_o continue_a influence_n of_o his_o power_n impress_v thing_n by_o his_o divine_a concurrence_n to_o accomplish_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o their_o being_n to_o continue_v their_o state_v motion_n and_o order_n and_o to_o repair_v their_o decay_n by_o a_o new_a and_o uninterrupted_a succession_n now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v more_o false_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o his_o nature_n to_o suppose_v he_o at_o first_o to_o have_v put_v thing_n into_o their_o orderly_a motion_n and_o to_o impregnate_n nature_n with_o all_o the_o power_n at_o once_o that_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v requisite_a for_o its_o support_n and_o conduct_v when_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o such_o various_a misadventure_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o but_o himself_o to_o foresee_v than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o give_v a_o child_n in_o his_o sacred_a baptism_n sufficient_a strength_n to_o influence_n his_o whole_a life_n and_o afterward_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o conflict_n and_o misfortune_n without_o any_o new_a assistance_n from_o above_o this_o will_v still_o make_v the_o great_a and_o infinite_a be_v of_o the_o world_n instead_o of_o a_o wise_a and_o active_a god_n nothing_o but_o a_o idle_a and_o lazy_a spectator_n we_o need_v not_o then_o pray_v for_o grace_n and_o continue_a accession_n of_o strength_n and_o power_n but_o only_o use_v those_o word_n of_o david_n cast_v we_o not_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o we_o psal_n 51.11_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v sensible_a of_o new_a accession_n or_o income_n from_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o difficulty_n increase_v which_o they_o encounter_v for_o as_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v in_o we_o say_v s._n paul_n so_o our_o consolation_n also_o abound_v by_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 1.5_o and_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o our_o assistance_n be_v necessary_a in_o proportion_n to_o our_o duty_n or_o our_o suffering_n all_o man_n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n but_o some_o have_v a_o easy_a passage_n to_o a_o eternal_a rest_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n than_o other_o who_o be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n to_o the_o world_n who_o have_v great_a difficulty_n to_o encounter_v a_o long_a race_n to_o run_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v surround_v with_o a_o large_a number_n of_o duty_n and_o perplexity_n certain_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n will_v reasonable_o give_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n suitable_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o man_n necessity_n and_o the_o employment_n or_o conflict_n that_o his_o most_o wise_a providence_n call_v they_o unto_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o preach_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o obviate_v those_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v the_o publication_n so_o neither_o can_v any_o of_o we_o in_o our_o ordinary_a course_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o world_n be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o snare_n and_o temptation_n keep_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n without_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n s._n paul_n justify_v himself_o to_o the_o corinthian_n by_o give_v they_o a_o prospect_n of_o his_o joy_n and_o innocence_n our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o say_v he_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o you_o ward_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o and_o when_o in_o the_o three_o chapter_n he_o reassumes_a the_o argument_n lest_o they_o shall_v think_v that_o all_o be_v effect_v by_o his_o own_o power_n he_o introduce_v also_o this_o acknowledgement_n not_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n ver_fw-la the_o 5_o the_o god_n be_v not_o a_o hard_a and_o austere_a master_n to_o reap_v where_o he_o do_v not_o sow_v nor_o to_o gather_v where_o he_o do_v not_o scatter_v he_o expect_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o talent_n which_o every_o one_o do_v or_o may_v receive_v in_o proportion_n to_o his_o want_n and_o necessity_n that_o he_o may_v grow_v up_o unto_o that_o measure_n of_o stature_n to_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v he_o in_o the_o world_n and_o doubless_a we_o may_v obtain_v divine_a help_n if_o man_n have_v but_o that_o love_n to_o themselves_o as_o to_o pray_v with_o
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 insinuate_v and_o fix_v this_o fundamental_a point_n in_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lest_o any_o person_n mighty_a in_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a in_o argument_n shall_v refuse_v to_o believe_v such_o a_o mystery_n as_o this_o when_o apparent_o reveal_v because_o their_o own_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conclude_v the_o thing_n or_o their_o language_n can_v full_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o fourteen_o of_o saint_n john_n gospel_n the_o sixteen_o verse_n our_o bless_a saviour_n acquaint_v his_o disciple_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n with_o this_o great_a promise_n i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n here_o be_v one_o pray_a another_o send_v and_o a_o three_o give_v so_o be_v it_o also_o at_o the_o twenty_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o here_o be_v the_o father_n send_v in_o the_o son_n name_n or_o upon_o his_o account_n the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o teach_v the_o apostle_n those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v more_o brief_o hint_v to_o they_o and_o such_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o apostle_n through_o prejudice_n can_v not_o then_o receive_v and_o to_o bring_v those_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o their_o remembrance_n which_o they_o through_o human_a frailty_n may_v forget_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v to_o be_v the_o publisher_n and_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a penman_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o
unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o prevent_v our_o be_v deceive_v and_o lead_v into_o error_n hence_o be_v timothy_n office_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v by_o the_o ordination_n of_o s._n paul_n style_v a_o gift_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o and_o lest_o these_o appointment_n shall_v not_o be_v account_v the_o product_n and_o designation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o gift_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v in_o himself_o one_o uniform_a be_v though_o these_o be_v divers_a according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o time_n and_o season_n and_o they_o be_v all_o such_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v give_v to_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12._o now_o as_o god_n providence_n rule_v the_o world_n though_o we_o can_v neither_o discover_v his_o counsel_n nor_o be_v able_a to_o account_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n as_o he_o dispose_v of_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n determine_v our_o day_n and_o dispose_v our_o habitation_n though_o these_o thing_n be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o order_n and_o train_n of_o second_o cause_n several_o design_v and_o concur_v to_o the_o end_n so_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n dispose_v the_o way_n of_o the_o education_n of_o some_o and_o incline_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o office_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n people_n may_v not_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o always_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o to_o convey_v christ_n doctrine_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n that_o his_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o a_o holy_a faith_n as_o on_o a_o firm_a and_o well_o fix_a rock_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n may_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o it_o matth._n 16.16_o and_o 18._o now_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o such_o man_n distinguish_v by_o their_o education_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v from_o those_o that_o be_v more_o encompass_v with_o the_o noise_n and_o disturb_v affair_n of_o this_o life_n be_v prepare_v by_o a_o previous_a train_n of_o circumstance_n and_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o understanding_n and_o be_v by_o such_o mean_v able_a to_o see_v into_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o that_o have_v go_v before_o they_o have_v be_v use_v more_o to_o read_v consideration_n and_o retirement_n than_o other_o man_n and_o to_o weigh_v the_o just_a consequence_n of_o thing_n they_o must_v needs_o attain_v a_o competent_a ability_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o most_o apply_v themselves_o and_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a through_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o spirit_n who_o call_v and_o give_v they_o authority_n in_o their_o office_n to_o become_v instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o guide_v man_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o art_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o world_n we_o deem_v it_o a_o natural_a way_n to_o learn_v by_o obtain_v one_o that_o be_v skilful_a himself_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o principle_n and_o ground_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o we_o more_o certain_o and_o easy_o obtain_v our_o design_n when_o we_o have_v such_o a_o one_o to_o instruct_v we_o so_o be_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a way_n to_o inform_v ourselves_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n when_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o a_o inspire_a rule_n but_o man_n educate_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o understanding_n the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v afterward_o appoint_v by_o due_a ceremony_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n especial_o if_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n confirm_v those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o cooperate_a with_o the_o external_a appoint_a ministration_n by_o a_o internal_a work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a illumination_n yet_o continue_v among_o christian_n as_o our_o church_n own_v it_o by_o her_o prayer_n so_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o contradict_v it_o not_o that_o it_o do_v render_v any_o man_n infallible_a as_o the_o romanist_n affirm_v nor_o inspire_v man_n with_o any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n beside_o what_o it_o have_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o some_o enthusiast_n adventure_v to_o determine_v yet_o we_o must_v not_o to_o avoid_v the_o extreme_n forsake_v so_o useful_a a_o article_n of_o belief_n that_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n and_o keep_v we_o dependent_a upon_o he_o and_o be_v so_o great_a a_o foundation_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v by_o the_o jew_n because_o the_o samaritan_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n nor_o shall_v i_o like_o the_o jew_n in_o barbary_n refuse_v to_o eat_v of_o that_o meat_n which_o be_v dress_v by_o one_o of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n or_o to_o drink_v in_o the_o same_o cup_n with_o a_o moor_n when_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o wholesome_a constitution_n until_o it_o have_v undergo_v the_o ceremony_n of_o wash_v truth_n in_o this_o world_n will_v be_v blend_v with_o error_n and_o it_o be_v the_o prudence_n as_o well_o as_o piety_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o make_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n and_o not_o to_o slight_v and_o refuse_v the_o one_o because_o the_o other_o have_v be_v mix_v with_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o mr._n hales_n express_v it_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o apostle_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v make_v good_a unto_o they_o by_o private_a and_o secret_a inform_v their_o understanding_n with_o high_a and_o heavenly_a mystery_n which_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o conceit_n of_o man_n and_o to_o we_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a because_o what_o be_v write_v by_o revelation_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o our_o instruction_n they_o have_v write_v in_o their_o book_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o assistance_n the_o spirit_n give_v we_o for_o though_o he_o do_v not_o inspire_v we_o with_o any_o new_a doctrine_n you_o he_o open_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o old_a i_o be_o far_o from_o admit_v the_o conceit_n of_o a_o impulse_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o life_n because_o we_o know_v what_o mischief_n have_v overspread_v the_o world_n when_o proposition_n have_v be_v veil_v with_o such_o a_o pretence_n and_o it_o may_v be_v our_o own_o as_o well_o as_o s._n augustine_n observation_n tanto_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la seditionem_fw-la faciliores_fw-la quanto_fw-la sibi_fw-la videntur_fw-la spiritu_fw-la excellere_fw-la man_n be_v the_o more_o prone_a to_o sedition_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o seem_v to_o excel_v in_o their_o inspiration_n yet_o there_o can_v appear_v the_o same_o danger_n where_o the_o spirit_n only_o assist_v our_o understanding_n to_o apprehend_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v already_o deliver_v and_o incline_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o embrace_v they_o when_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o s._n john_n we_o be_v not_o so_o credulous_a as_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o now_o then_o only_o may_v we_o reasonable_o conclude_v our_o understanding_n to_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o spirit_n when_o our_o notion_n agree_v with_o the_o write_a word_n for_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n say_v the_o prophet_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o morning_n or_o light_n in_o they_o isa_n 8.20_o there_o be_v divers_a mean_n natural_a in_o themselves_o and_o rational_o appoint_v 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frenzy_n and_o than_o their_o pretension_n grow_v so_o big_a that_o they_o become_v proportionable_o tall_a too_o till_o they_o aspire_v to_o the_o storm_a the_o wall_n of_o heaven_n attempt_v to_o blow_v open_a the_o everlasting_a gate_n that_o they_o may_v pry_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o the_o inquiry_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o be_v puff_v and_o swell_v up_o it_o prove_v only_o to_o be_v tympany_n and_o disease_n when_o we_o think_v we_o have_v true_a conception_n and_o when_o our_o own_o thought_n have_v raise_v our_o fancy_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n overshadow_v we_o and_o our_o obscure_a opinion_n or_o strange_a proposition_n raise_v by_o the_o sudden_a transport_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v too_o often_o with_o confidence_n enough_o bold_o aver_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n want_v of_o true_a and_o ingenuous_a education_n and_o thereby_o the_o more_o exact_a assistance_n of_o reason_n cause_v many_o of_o 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