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If not content with the fcripture account of the faith, we fhould go about to produce one that we think more clear and full, and eafy to be understood, we might july be deterred by being put in mind of what is faid of the devil-he abode not in the truth-left, by taking our own way, we fhould be in danger of being lifted up with pride, and fo fall into the condemnation of the de vil; as well as by imitating him in fuppofing that divine truth will not fulfil his threatnings, that disobedience will go unpunifhed, according to the firft temptation, ye fhall not furely die. So then in the belief of the truth there is no danger, that is, in being fatisfied in the finished work of Jefus Chrift, rejoicing therein in hope folely on that account, fo long as it leads to have heartily to do with him in attendance on his whole will, without hesitation or referve. Says Jefus Christ, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my difciples indeed."

But if all we know about Jefus Chrift, leaves us dif fatisfied with him, wanting fomething more than what is reported concerning his finifhed work, to fatisfy our confciences, and encourage us to draw nigh to God, and leaves us objecting against any of his precepts, even the moft felf-denying, faying, what have we to do with this or that? It is the very fpirit and language of the devils, to whom the knowledge of Chrift was terror, and they defired to be let alone, to have nothing to do with him.

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As the fcriptures warn us to expect the great prevalence of the doctrine of devils towards the fecond coming of Chrift; as we may fee by comparing Rev. xvi. 13, 14, 15 with Matth. xxiv. 11, 24. infomuch that if it were poffible they fhould deceive the very elect; which fhews that thofe are to be fufpected who are Lighly efteemed, and appear to come very near the truth, and do many things gladly, at least so far fufpected as to be thoroughly examined by the rules noted in the fcriptures of truth, which is the word that

fhall

fhall judge at the last day, and is allfufficient to keep a difciple of Chrift in countenance in cleaving to him, though his cafe should be thereby made like that expreffed in Daniel x. 21. "there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince :"I fhall juft point you to two or three paffages, as rules laid down in the word to diftinguish by, which require to be closely attended, efpecially as there is reason to apprehend from the fcriptures, that the times in which we live, are the times in which those things take place spoken of in the paffages mentioned in Matthew and Revelation.

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John x. 27. "My fheep hear my voice, and they follow me." John xviii. 37. every one that is of the truth, heareth my voice." ift John iv. 6.66 we (the apoftles) are of God. He that knoweth God, heareth us. He that is not of God, heareth not us Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the fpirit of error." Hence it appears the fheep of Christ are to be diftinguished from all others by hearing his voice, and the voice of his apoftles whom he has connected with himself, faying, "he that heareth you, heareth me”— and who could fay as ift John v. 20, 21. " and we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true. And we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jefus Chrift. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children 2 keep yourselves from idols. Amen."

With which I take my leave of you. at this time, and remain,

Yours, &c.

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