Hence learn the duty of trying the spirits. _Beloved, believe not
every spirit: but try the spirits whether they are of God; because
many false prophets are gone out into the world._ What friendly
advice is this! How absolutely necessary! Try them. Try all who
pretend to come with a new religion--a new faith--a new order, who
profess to be _immediately inspired of God._ Such there have been in
all ages. To the law and Testimony: here is your rule--a certain
rule--an infallible rule--a rule which can never change. Be always
armed against imposture. Again----Learn hence the danger of
enthusiasm or impulses, visions and impressions on the mind of an
extraordinary kind. We are all liable to be deceived by them. Many
have been to their ruin. We may be. There is something strange
something unaccountable in human nature that falls in with what
claims to come from the God of all grace, as a special communication,
or direction. No man can tell what fanaticism, or a heated
imagination, or an erroneous conscience will do. We may all be given
up to believe a lie--strong delusion may be sent upon us. We may be
amazingly confident in error. Fanaticism may be called a kind of
religious delirium. While then you are under advantages to form your
religious sentiments, be anxious to do it, on the subject now
discussed--and the Christian system in general.----May the good
spirit of God lead us into THE TRUTH as it is in Jesus. Amen.