262 r2. .flai'ExpofitzGn npQn the Bootk,of,OB.Ver 6 his way without one wry flep through all themiffs & d.árknefs of this world ? It argues an infi ite foveraignty in God , that he cloth his work by that which feems to work againff.him, 'De- ceivers do thework of Goad , though they intend nothing but their own, For firth, Godwould have his people tried, and he tries them', by thofe who attempt to deceive them, (Deut.13.x,2.) Ifthere arife among you á Prophet, thatfpeaf s unto thee, failing, let t.ago after other Gods,&c. Thoufbalt not hear.en unto the words of that Prophet,for the Lordyour Godproveth.you. Here is the account which God gives why he lets deceivers goabroad,and take their (cope among his people. It is to prove his people. TheApoftle gives the fame reafon (1 Cor. a 1.19 .) For there mull. be alp he- refies amongyou, that they which are approvedmay bemade mani- fefl amongyou.. It would never appear either what falfeprinci- ples corrupt the hearts and underftandings of men, or what truth and fincerity are lodged there, iftebe Lord didnot let out deceivers and faife Prophets , to open them packs oflies in their fight or hearing. Secondly, God would have us, not only hold truth', but be zealous for the truth,and contendearneJílyforthe faithwhich was once delivered to the Saints. He therefore fends outfome toop 4. pofe it. Some arebulled in fpreadirg deceits, that we may learn to be more bufïe in withftanding their. or more watchful in a- voyding them. When we hear that there are Cut-purfes in a crowd, every man looks to his purfe; fo whenwe hear that de- ceivers and impoflors are in the Church', and that they come with filch an efec`lualnefs ofdeceit , that if it were polfible they Mould deceive the very elec`r, this muff needsawaken all to look to themfelves ;, will younot try what ye receive when ye hear there are deceivers, and teachers offaife doctrine areabroad, as well as teachers of the truth ? and that there are blindeguides , as well as Seers gon forth ? If nothing but truth could poilibly be .offered, our tare and pains to provewhat is offered might be (pared : Neither would it be needful for us to pray unto fìhrift (thegreat Prophet) to keep us in his truth , but only to give us faith to receive, and wills toobey bis truth. ButPeeing there are deceivers abroad, flail we not examine before we receive? Ihall we not weigh and try all in the balanceof the Sancîuary, by the touchftone of the word erewe believe it, If
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