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I Have spoken of one mischief that ne∣cessarily flows in upon mankind by this Doctrine, as exterminating all Justice out of the World; I shall speak of ano∣ther, a thing as necessary as the former (for which indeed the former was insti∣tuted) that is hugely disturbed and in danger of extermination too by the same principle: It is that which we call Hu∣mane fellowship, or Common Society;
for what kind of society can Men possi∣bly have with any Men (this Doctrine supposed) with those that they account their good Neighbours, kindest compa∣nions, lovingest Friends, nearest and dearest Relatives? How can they be as∣sured that they are not all so many in∣carnate Devils? How can they consult or counsel them, how negotiate or traffick with them? Trust not in any Brother, is a needful Caveat, he may be a Brother, but in or for iniquity; nay trust not in a Father neither, he may be but the Fa∣ther of Lyes, a meer Devil, however he appear to thee. Nay, how can we say God speed, God save, God bless (which are but civil Complements of Christian Society) or Good morrow, or Good even to any one we think our Friend, our good and Christian Friend; he may be but Satan transformed into his shape, and he that biddeth him good speed (or in any respect but seems to wish him well) is a partaker of his evil deeds, John. 2.10, 11. Nay, how can we meer toge∣ther in Church-fellowship, how assemble in the Temples for holy duties? 'Tis pos∣sible (by this Doctrine) that we may meet with none there, but hellish com∣rades, infernal fiends, or devilish compa∣nions?
And I would not that ye should have fellowship with Devils, especially in the Lords service. How dare we ven∣ture to hear any Men Preach; the Preach∣ers may be but the emissaries of the Prince of darkness, cunningly transforming them∣selves to our senses, into Angels of light; villainously promoting the designs of Hell upon our Souls, when we in our delusi∣on, think they are preparing us for the joys of Heaven? How can Men delight, rejoyce, or comfort themselves in their Wives, how hugg them in their armes, or entertain them in their bosoms, they may be but complemental Lamioe, Empu∣sa's or Devils, at least may be Succubae to some lustful Daymons? How can they delight or comfort themselves in their Children, they may be but the misbegot∣ten Bastards of some infernal Incubi? What joy, what comfort, what content can Men, any Men have abroad or at home, in their friends or neerest relatives, yea in their publick and more solemn de∣votious, if this doctrine of Devils be true and authentick.