The Prophet is a fool, and the spiritual man is mad

The Prophet is a fool, and the spiritual man is mad.

In the time of affliction they shall cry out that those are fools that did seduce them. One that died not long since by the Exchange, cried out of his keeping company with lewd ministers that did encourage him in his ways, and that did harden him against religion and the saints of God.

In former times we know how men would close with wicked ministers, and how they would be hardened in scorning at religion, and Puritans, but these will have cause upon their sick beds, and death beds, to cry out of them, for they would tell them that they need not be so strict and so pure: take heed now how you be deceived by those that account themselves spiritual men, they here in the text upon experience find that the Prophet did but befool them, and those that had such glorious titles of spiritual men, that they were but mad; and if you take not heed some that are here may find it hereafter true upon their death beds, that they may cry out of such and such ministers that did persuade them to such and such things.

But truly it is no excuse to men, though they should be led aside by ministers and others, for you shall find what's the reason that they were given up to Prophets that were fools, it follows in the text: For the multitude of their iniquity, and for their great hatred. You had a wicked and a vile heart that did hate God's people and the ways of godliness, and therefore it was just with God to give you up to those that you see now to be fools and mad-men; oh, it is just with God when men's spirits are against the true Prophets of God, to leave them to ministers that should cozen and undo their souls everlastingly.