7. And seeing the _knowledge_ we have of _spirits_, is _not natural_ knowledge, but _faith_ from supernatural revelation given to the holy writers of the Scriptures; it followeth, that of inspirations also, which is the operation of spirit in us, the knowledge which we have, must all proceed from Scripture. The _signs_ there set down of _inspiration_, are _miracles_, when they be great, and manifestly above the power of men to do by imposture: as for example, the inspiration of Elias was known by the miraculous burning of the sacrifice. But the _signs_ to _distinguish_ whether a _spirit_ be _good_ or _evil_, are the same by which we distinguish whether a man or a tree be good or evil, namely, _actions_ and _fruit_: for there are _lying_ spirits, wherewith men are inspired sometimes, as well as with _spirits_ of _truth_. And we are commanded in Scripture, to judge of the spirits by their doctrine, and not of the doctrine by the spirits. For miracles, our Saviour (_Matth._ xxiv. 24) hath forbidden us to rule our faith by them. And Saint Paul saith, (_Gal._ i. 8): _Though an angel from heaven preach to you otherwise_, &c. _let him be accursed_. Where it is plain, that we are not to judge whether the doctrine be true or not, by the angel; but whether the angel say true or no, by the doctrine. So likewise, (_1 Joh._ iv. 1): _Believe not every spirit: for false prophets are gone out into the world_. Verse 2: _Hereby shall ye know the spirit of God_. Verse 3: _Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God: and this is the spirit of Antichrist_. Verse 15: _Whosoever confesseth that Jesus is the Son of God, in him dwelleth God, and he in God_. The _knowledge_ therefore we have of _good_ and _evil_ inspiration, cometh _not_ by _vision_ of an angel that may teach it, _nor_ by a _miracle_ that may seem to confirm it; _but_ by _conformity_ of doctrine with this article and fundamental point of Christian faith, which also Saint Paul (_1 Cor._ iii. 11) saith is the sole foundation, _That Jesus Christ is come in the flesh_.