supreme power, in all that is called religion. But to return to the doctrine of continual inspiration. The _natural_ man, educated in _Pagan_ learning, and _scholastic_ theology, seeing the strength of his genius in the search after knowledge, how easy and learnedly he can talk, and write, criticise and determine upon all scripture words and facts, looks at all this, as a full proof of his own religious wisdom, and calls immediate inspiration, enthusiasm; not considering, that _all the woes_ denounced by Christ against Scribes, Pharisees, and Hypocrites, are so many woes, denounced against every appearance and shew of religion, that the natural man can practise. And what is well to be noted, every one, however high in human literature, is but this very natural man, and can only have the goodness of a _carnal_ religion, till as empty of all, as a new-born child, the Spirit of God becomes the _inspirer_ and _doer_ of all that he wills, does, and aims at, in his whole course of religion. *But to all this, it must be added, that a _religion_ of worldly glory and prosperity carried on, under the gospel-state, has more of a diabolical nature, than that of the Jewish Pharisees. It is the _highest_, and _last_ working of the mystery of iniquity, because it lives to Satan and the world, in and by a daily profession of being crucified with Christ, of being led by his Spirit, of being risen from the world, and set with him in heavenly places. I would ask all _writers_ against _continual, immediate_ divine inspiration, how they could more effectually lead men, into an _habitual_ state of _sinning_ against the Holy Ghost, than by such doctrine? For how can we possibly avoid the sin of grieving, or quenching the Spirit, but by continually reverencing his holy presence in us; by continually waiting for, trusting, and attending to that, which the Spirit of God, _wills_, _works_, and _manifests_ within us? To turn men from this continual dependance upon the Holy Spirit, is turning them from all true knowledge of God. For without this, there is no possibility of any edifying, saving knowledge of God. For tho’ we have ever so many mathematical demonstrations of his _being_, we are without all real knowledge of him, till his own Spirit manifests him, as a power of life, light, and goodness, vitally felt, and adored in our souls. This is the one knowledge of God, which _is eternal life_; this is that knowledge of which Christ saith, no one _knoweth the Father but the Son, and he_ to _whomsoever the Son revealeth him_. And if none belong to God, but those who are _led by the spirit of God_, if we are reprobates unless the Spirit of Christ be living in us, who need be told, that all we have to trust to, as children of God, is the _continual_, _immediate guidance_, _unction_, and _teaching of his Holy Spirit_? Or how can we more _profanely_ sin against this Spirit, or more expressly call men from the power of God unto Satan, than