this_o knowledge_n in_o his_o disciple_n as_o also_o why_o the_o world_n be_v destitute_a of_o it_o speak_v concern_v the_o spirit_n say_v who_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o but_o you_o know_v he_o because_o he_o dwell_v with_o you_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o john_n 14_o 17._o this_o place_n be_v confer_v with_o the_o former_a two_o teach_v we_o 3_o special_a thing_n touch_v the_o estate_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a the_o 1_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o any_o grace_n or_o blessing_n spiritual_a give_v they_o by_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o 2_o be_v that_o all_o this_o knowledge_n be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v they_o &_o remain_v within_o they_o the_o 3_o that_o both_o the_o gift_n of_o this_o spirit_n and_o knowledge_n by_o he_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o servitude_n &_o bondage_n but_o have_v take_v we_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o reconcyl_v we_o to_o himself_o in_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o his_o friend_n as_o abraham_n be_v the_o use_n of_o this_o be_v to_o convince_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papistical_a church_n of_o falsehood_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v that_o a_o christian_n true_o call_v can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n urge_v the_o corinthian_n by_o this_o special_a knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o both_o they_o and_o all_o other_o call_v as_o they_o be_v must_v have_v undoubted_a knowledge_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o otherwise_o christ_n argument_n before_o allege_v can_v not_o be_v true_a when_o he_o say_v that_o his_o disciple_n do_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n because_o he_o dwell_v with_o they_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o which_o argument_n teach_v we_o thus_o much_o that_o the_o saint_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o gift_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v with_o they_o and_o be_v in_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o a_o papist_n hold_v the_o former_a position_n for_o a_o truth_n must_v be_v both_o faithless_a and_o graceless_a see_v if_o either_o faith_n or_o grace_n be_v in_o they_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o neither_o can_v they_o have_v any_o evasion_n by_o their_o old_a argument_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o special_a revelation_n from_o god_n for_o this_o which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o compare_v with_o the_o word_n of_o john_n do_v full_o answer_v they_o say_v if_o we_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n the_o witness_n 10._o of_o god_n be_v great_a for_o this_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o testify_v of_o his_o son_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o that_o soon_o of_o god_n have_v witness_n in_o himself_o by_o which_o word_n we_o be_v plain_o teach_v that_o faith_n can_v never_o be_v without_o the_o testimony_n both_o of_o those_o three_o which_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n to_o wit_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holyghost_n nor_o of_o these_o three_o witness_n which_o bear_v record_n in_o earth_n viz._n the_o spirit_n the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o every_o true_a believer_n have_v a_o most_o undoubted_a revelation_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o bless_a estate_n in_o grace_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o whosoever_o have_v not_o this_o undoubted_a warrant_n be_v faithless_a indeed_o see_v as_o say_v the_o apostle_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v this_o witness_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n &_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o water_n and_o of_o the_o blood_n which_o be_v in_o earth_n than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o revelation_n of_o great_a force_n to_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o one_o salvation_n for_o if_o according_a to_o god_n own_o law_n at_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o matter_n 5._o shall_v be_v establish_v how_o much_o more_o must_v a_o true_a believe_a christian_n know_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n who_o have_v it_o witness_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o within_o himself_o by_o those_o six_o witness_n before_o mention_v of_o which_o none_o can_v lie_v and_o this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o clear_a by_o that_o which_o john_n in_o the_o same_o place_n speak_v ver_fw-la 13_o say_v these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n whereby_o he_o utter_o annull_v that_o blind_a argument_n of_o the_o papist_n see_v it_o enforce_v they_o either_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o know_v they_o have_v eternal_a life_n or_o then_o plain_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n be_v two_o unseparable_a adjunct_n and_o ever_o such_o knowledge_n as_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o a_o doubtful_a opinion_n or_o conjecture_n but_o which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o unfallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o six_o witness_n mention_v before_o we_o conclude_v therefore_o this_o point_n with_o the_o comfortable_a use_n thereof_o to_o all_o true_a believe_a christian_n viz._n that_o they_o rejoice_v always_o i_o say_v again_o with_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o rejoice_v always_o see_v their_o salvation_n be_v sure_a and_o that_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v sure_a thus_o much_o for_o the_o apostle_n argument_n for_o remove_v of_o all_o pretence_n of_o ignorance_n now_o follow_v the_o 2_o point_n of_o trial_n which_o be_v whether_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o or_o not_o but_o it_o be_v propound_v in_o another_o manner_n than_o the_o first_o for_o touch_v faith_n he_o will_v they_o to_o try_v if_o they_o be_v in_o it_o but_o this_o last_o he_o propound_v as_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o undoubted_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o no_o marvel_v for_o the_o effect_n be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v then_o their_o cause_n now_o christ_n he_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o have_v a_o true_a evidence_n that_o we_o believe_v until_o we_o find_v that_o christ_n be_v assure_o within_o we_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o say_v before_o that_o this_o 2_o point_n of_o trial_n be_v the_o mean_a to_o know_v the_o former_a moreover_o the_o apo._n subjoin_v this_o point_n unto_o his_o former_a argument_n whereby_o he_o remoove_v all_o pretence_n of_o ignorance_n purposely_o to_o teach_v we_o both_o when_o and_o wherein_o it_o be_v that_o a_o christian_n come_v to_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o receave_v experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o his_o salvation_n whereof_o before_o we_o speak_v we_o will_v first_o somewhat_o consider_v the_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n we_o see_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o put_v they_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o to_o their_o salvation_n 2._o in_o this_o examination_n he_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o themselves_o as_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o all_o true_a believer_n 3._o he_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n presence_n in_o their_o heart_n as_o the_o only_a true_a testimony_n of_o the_o first_o &_o proper_a matter_n of_o the_o 2._o for_o if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o believe_v not_o have_v christ_n within_o he_o he_o be_v miserable_o deceive_v and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n except_o he_o find_v himself_o and_o christ_n unite_v by_o faith_n pitiful_o abuse_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o judgement_n this_o order_n therefore_o of_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v teach_v we_o this_o lesson_n what_o way_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o outstreched_a arm_n of_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n to_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o which_o 3_o thing_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v mark_v our_o faith_n our_o selus_fw-la and_o that_o in_o ourselves_o which_o make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o by_o faith_n to_o be_v
often_o want_v in_o the_o great_a both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o eloquence_n and_o oft_o yea_o most_o time_n deny_v the_o most_o simple_a delivery_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o man_n have_v far_o less_o measure_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a gift_n and_o this_o trial_n take_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n hear_v must_v needs_o force_v every_o man_n back_o to_o himself_o to_o examine_v himself_o if_o he_o will_v know_v how_o to_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o preacher_n see_v his_o hart_n &_o soul_n be_v the_o subject_n wherein_o the_o virtue_n &_o efficacy_n of_o all_o preach_v be_v to_o be_v find_v for_o he_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a preacher_n who_o most_o stir_v and_o move_v the_o hart_n of_o the_o hearer_n unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n so_o that_o a_o man_n need_v not_o to_o go_v out_o of_o himself_o to_o look_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o that_o that_o be_v in_o himself_o whereby_o to_o discern_v whether_o christ_n speak_v or_o not_o in_o the_o preacher_n who_o he_o hear_v even_o as_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o colour_n or_o taste_v of_o the_o wine_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o cup_n whereout_o we_o drink_v as_o the_o feel_a virtue_n in_o our_o spirit_n refresh_v thereby_o whereby_o the_o valour_n and_o virtue_n of_o wine_n be_v discern_v both_o colour_n and_o taste_v though_o in_o a_o golden_a cup_n deceive_v we_o as_o in_o matereall_a temple_n build_v of_o stone_n the_o more_o the_o window_n be_v paint_v the_o less_o be_v the_o light_n so_o in_o the_o true_a spiritual_a temple_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o be_v the_o light_n thereof_o the_o more_o their_o preach_n be_v paint_v with_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o eloquence_n the_o less_o solid_a light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n be_v minister_v by_o they_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o hearer_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o vizt_v touch_v those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o corinthian_n be_v to_o try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o which_o be_v two_o first_o their_o faith_n 2._o christ_n be_v in_o they_o this_o last_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n for_o these_o word_n if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v either_o the_o condition_n require_v in_o those_o that_o shall_v try_v themselves_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o â—â—e_z ministry_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v â—â—em_v or_o then_o it_o may_v be_v takâ—n_v for_o the_o matter_n itself_o wherâ—â—_n they_o be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o evidence_n of_o christ_n power_n in_o their_o teacher_n in_o what_o sense_n soeâ—er_v we_o take_v it_o it_o seru_v for_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n and_o yield_v â—â—_o great_a instruction_n in_o the_o â—â—â—st_n sense_n it_o teach_v we_o that_o â—hich_v be_v most_o true_a viz._n that_o â—ntill_o a_o man_n believe_v he_o can_v â—â—ue_v no_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n it_o be_v faith_n â—â—â—ely_o that_o purify_v the_o heart_n â—â—om_fw-mi all_o sin_n and_o filthiness_n â—esides_v that_o it_o remain_v sure_a which_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o â—he_v natural_a man_n comprehend_v not_o â—â—e_v thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o â—â—ey_n be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v â—ut_v the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v 15._o all_o thing_n now_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o spiritual_a man_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v therefore_o just_o do_v the_o apostle_n call_v faith_n the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v 1._o so_o that_o before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v able_a to_o perceive_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o manâ—_n preach_v he_o must_v have_v this_o faith_n else_o how_o can_v he_o perceive_v or_o apprehend_v that_o which_o be_v invisible_a of_o which_o nature_n this_o power_n be_v hereby_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v foolishness_n iâ—_n most_o part_n of_o man_n yea_o to_o all_o that_o perish_v 18_o as_o say_v the_o apostle_n for_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n therein_o be_v not_o reveal_v unto_o they_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o the_o report_n of_o 1._o god_n messenger_n as_o say_v the_o prophet_n esa_n for_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o preach_v be_v never_o separate_v for_o which_o cause_n christ_n himself_o give_v the_o reason_n that_o â—is_fw-la disciple_n love_v he_o say_v â—hat_n they_o believe_v that_o the_o be_v â—ome_o out_o from_o the_o father_n and_o again_o when_o in_o his_o prayer_n to_o the_o 27._o â—â—ther_n he_o have_v set_v down_o divers_a â—â—asons_n why_o he_o recommend_v â—hem_fw-mi to_o the_o father_n as_o that_o he_o use_v declare_v his_o name_n unto_o they_o â—ut_v they_o have_v keep_v his_o word_n that_o â—â—ey_n know_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o â—â—_o father_n have_v give_v he_o be_v â—â—m_fw-la the_o father_n that_o he_o have_v give_v â—â—to_o they_o the_o word_n which_o the_o â—â—her_n have_v give_v he_o that_o they_o use_v receive_v they_o and_o that_o they_o â—â—ely_o know_v he_o be_v come_v out_o from_o â—â—_o father_n he_o subjoynd_v as_o the_o â—â—und_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o â—s_v their_o knowledge_n that_o they_o 8._o keeve_v that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v â—â—_o the_o use_n hereof_o be_v first_o to_o â—â—ch_a we_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o its_o ablâ—_n true_o to_o discern_v the_o nature_n oâ—_n all_o spiritual_a &_o heavenly_a thing_n 2._o it_o let_v we_o see_v the_o miser_n able_a â—â—_o state_n &_o condition_n of_o all_o infidel_n who_o be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o aâ—_n ability_n to_o know_v or_o right_o tâ—_n perceive_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n oâ—_n christ_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o hiâ—_n minister_n yea_o also_o of_o themselves_o in_o any_o spiritual_a thing_n lastâ—â—_n it_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o stumble_v â—_o the_o base_a account_n and_o contemâ—â—_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o minister_n thereof_o in_o the_o most_o part_n â—â—_o man_n in_o this_o age_n see_v pooâ—_n blind_a wretch_n be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n be_v not_o able_a to_o knoâ—_n these_o thing_n nor_o to_o give_v aâ—_n right_a judgement_n of_o they_o or_o themselves_o &_o this_o either_o have_v or_o want_v of_o faith_n in_o man_n the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o differ_v judgement_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o special_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o may_v be_v perceave_v by_o the_o apostle_n word_n to_o the_o roman_n cap._n 14_o say_v one_o man_n beleve_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n and_o another_o which_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n &_o again_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v aught_o unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a and_o again_o have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o with_o thyself_o before_o god_n bless_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v but_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o what_o soever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n in_o all_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n attribute_v knowledge_n and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o indifferent_a use_n of_o all_o external_a thing_n as_o meat_n drink_v etc._n etc._n unto_o faith_n and_o ignorance_n &_o doubt_v to_o infidelity_n or_o weakness_n of_o faith_n which_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a light_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n in_o their_o judgement_n touch_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o use_n where_o it_o may_v be_v without_o scandal_n and_o abstinence_n from_o they_o where_o the_o use_n be_v scandalous_a for_o undoubted_o true_a faith_n where_o it_o be_v give_v a_o man_n knowledge_n and_o full_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o one_o meat_n one_o garment_n or_o oneday_n and_o another_o etc._n etc._n in_o themselves_o but_o where_o one_o day_n one_o meat_n one_o garment_n etc._n etc._n be_v esteem_v above_o another_o or_o where_o there_o be_v doubt_v of_o their_o indifferency_n and_o equal_a law_n fullness_n in_o use_n as_o before_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v weakness_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o faith_n accompany_v with_o much_o infidelity_n but_o leave_v this_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n notwithstanding_o that_o it_o may_v be_v probable_o take_v to_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n we_o come_v to_o the_o other_o sense_n as_o be_v in_o most_o man_n judgement_n the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n take_v the_o word_n as_o a_o declaration_n of_o that_o wherein_o they_o shall_v try_v themselves_o viz._n whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o no_o according_a to_o which_o
a_o frvitfull_a sermon_n make_v by_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a mr._n john_n forbes_n pastor_n of_o the_o english_a company_n of_o merchant_n adventurer_n at_o delft_n publish_a by_o some_o of_o his_o flock_n out_o of_o sincere_a affection_n for_o common_a good_a at_o amsterdam_n print_v by_o richard_n plater_n 1626._o academiae_fw-la cantabrigiensis_n libre_fw-la a_o fruitful_a sermon_n upon_o 2._o cor._n cap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 5._o prove_v yourselves_o if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n examine_v yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o in_o all_o age_n and_o especial_o in_o this_o sinful_a &_o profane_a age_n wherein_o we_o now_o live_v there_o have_v be_v and_o now_o be_v so_o great_a and_o universal_a a_o contempt_n of_o the_o bless_a ministry_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o base_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n when_o a_o apostle_n and_o such_o a_o apostle_n as_o paul_n have_v so_o much_o a_o do_v to_o vindicate_v his_o ministry_n from_o the_o contempt_n &_o base_a account_n thereof_o among_o the_o corinth_n notwithstanding_o that_o they_o have_v be_v convert_v thereby_o and_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n have_v be_v so_o powerful_o wrought_v by_o he_o among_o they_o for_o if_o the_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o outward_a estate_n worldly_a do_v so_o blind_a the_o corinthian_n eye_n that_o they_o can_v not_o perceive_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o so_o weak_a a_o vessel_n what_o marvel_v be_v it_o that_o succeed_a age_n and_o this_o present_a fleshlie_o age_n judge_v according_o to_o the_o flesh_n of_o such_o as_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o paul_n in_o grace_n do_v not_o behold_v that_o heavenly_a power_n which_o accompani_v their_o ministry_n the_o grief_n of_o this_o vanity_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v bear_v if_o it_o be_v only_o the_o profane_a worldling_n that_o do_v so_o see_v no_o natural_a man_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n spirit_n 14._o but_o it_o be_v a_o more_o lamentable_a error_n when_o it_o fall_v in_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o do_v uphold_v this_o ministry_n and_o reap_v the_o sweet_a and_o unspeakable_a fruit_n thereof_o to_o esteem_v so_o base_o of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o their_o salvation_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v to_o be_v save_v yet_o this_o example_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v not_o inferior_a in_o any_o thing_n to_o other_o church_n 13._o by_o the_o ap._n paul_n pain_n among_o they_o so_o comtemptiblie_o speak_v of_o he_o who_o be_v not_o in_o 11._o any_o thing_n inferior_a to_o the_o very_a chief_a apostle_n that_o his_o presence_n vers_fw-la be_v base_a and_o weak_a and_o his_o speech_n of_o no_o value_n may_v serve_v to_o teach_v all_o minister_n patience_n under_o the_o like_a cross_n but_o withal_o as_o paul_n who_o be_v glad_a when_o he_o be_v weak_a and_o they_o be_v strong_a do_v play_v the_o 11._o fool_n in_o boast_v of_o himself_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o authority_n &_o power_n of_o his_o ministry_n not_o because_o of_o any_o ambitious_a desire_n of_o vainglory_n but_o only_o to_o procure_v their_o edification_n that_o by_o their_o contempt_n of_o his_o ministry_n they_o shall_v not_o frustrate_v themselves_o of_o the_o bless_a fruit_n thereof_o even_o so_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o age_n have_v more_o than_o just_a cause_n with_o paul_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o for_o themselves_o not_o vain_o for_o their_o own_o creditie_n sake_n but_o only_o to_o prevent_v the_o like_a danger_n in_o their_o hearer_n upon_o the_o like_a contempt_n of_o their_o ministry_n know_v that_o the_o same_o cause_n still_o produce_v the_o like_a effect_n in_o do_v this_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a so_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o use_v no_o more_o apollogie_n then_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o one_o verse_n of_o this_o text_n as_o be_v the_o strong_a argument_n whereby_o not_o only_a paul_n force_v the_o corinthian_n to_o confess_v the_o mighty_a strength_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o but_o also_o whereby_o all_o true_a and_o faithful_a pastor_n must_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o hearer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o reprobate_a pastor_n the_o main_a scope_n and_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n be_v punctuallie_o take_v up_o be_v this_o you_o corinthian_n must_v either_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a virtue_n &_o force_n of_o my_o ministry_n or_o they_o you_o your_o selus_fw-la must_v be_v reprobate_n but_o we_o trust_v you_o be_v not_o reprobate_n neither_o will_v you_o have_v we_o think_v so_o therefore_o you_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o virtue_n of_o our_o ministry_n thus_o do_v he_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o necessity_n either_o of_o acknowledge_v he_o not_o to_o be_v a_o reprobate_a minister_n but_o such_o a_o one_o in_o who_o christ_n do_v speak_v or_o then_o of_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v reprobate_a christian_n without_o faith_n and_o without_o christ_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o soundness_n of_o his_o argument_n we_o shall_v god_n will_v manifest_a in_o the_o particular_a open_n thereof_o for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n we_o be_v first_o to_o consider_v what_o have_v go_v before_o and_o how_o this_o verse_n depend_v or_o coher_v with_o the_o former_a two_o argument_n have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o show_v why_o he_o behoove_v to_o manifest_v to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o authority_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o not_o spare_v they_o at_o his_o come_n again_o the_o first_o be_v because_o they_o be_v lawful_o convince_v of_o obstinacy_n have_v be_v now_o twice_o or_o rather_o thrice_o admonish_v and_o therefore_o he_o behoove_v to_o proceed_v against_o they_o with_o sharpness_n if_o they_o do_v not_o now_o repent_v before_o his_o come_n even_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o ordain_v that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o 15._o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n shall_v stand_v the_o second_o argument_n be_v this_o they_o who_o have_v feel_v christ_n to_o be_v mighty_a in_o they_o by_o my_o ministry_n do_v yet_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o must_v needs_o have_v it_o in_o sharpness_n to_o make_v they_o know_v i_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n but_o you_o corinthian_n do_v yet_o after_o your_o conversion_n seek_v a_o experience_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o therefore_o you_o must_v have_v a_o sharp_a proof_n see_v you_o acquiesse_n not_o in_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o and_o reverence_v not_o my_o admonition_n give_v you_o upon_o that_o proof_n which_o you_o have_v of_o christ_n power_n in_o i_o to_o show_v yet_o far_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o threaten_n upon_o this_o ground_n he_o lay_v down_o a_o assertion_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o affirm_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o be_v not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a in_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o their_o do_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o tempt_a of_o christ_n power_n in_o he_o even_o as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n after_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n in_o moses_n by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n by_o lead_v they_o safe_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n which_o overwhelm_v their_o enemy_n by_o the_o water_n give_v they_o out_o of_o the_o rock_n etc._n etc._n do_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o these_o and_o much_o more_o tempt_v the_o lord_n power_n desire_v yet_o a_o far_a evidence_n thereof_o by_o cover_v they_o a_o table_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o give_v they_o flesh_n to_o eat_v as_o though_o all_o the_o precede_a wonder_n have_v be_v no_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n even_o so_o the_o corinthian_n have_v have_v sufficient_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o paul_n by_o his_o mighty_a work_n in_o themselves_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o do_v esteem_n paul_n but_o base_a and_o weak_a and_o his_o word_n of_o no_o value_n and_o so_o force_v he_o to_o give_v they_o a_o sharp_a experience_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o he_o to_o their_o far_a grief_n if_o upon_o this_o evidence_n pass_v they_o will_v not_o reverence_v his_o word_n nor_o obey_v his_o warning_n but_o will_v yet_o tempt_v christ_n in_o he_o for_o a_o far_a proof_n of_o his_o power_n now_o before_o the_o apostle_n prove_v this_o which_o he_o have_v affirm_v touch_v the_o might_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o by_o his_o ministry_n perceave_v the_o chief_a ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o their_o foolish_a judgement_n to_o be_v the_o weakness_n and_o poor_a estate_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o flesh_n he_o first_o remove_v this_o
recreation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o have_v rather_o loose_v the_o opportunity_n of_o gain_v christ_n in_o a_o sermon_n then_o fail_v to_o accomplish_v the_o least_o desire_n of_o their_o sinful_a heart_n in_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n who_o judgement_n must_v needs_o be_v heavy_a and_o grievous_a before_o god_n see_v willing_o they_o choose_v death_n with_o the_o contempt_n of_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o point_n of_o trial_n now_o follow_v the_o four_o point_n which_o be_v the_o argument_n itself_o whereby_o the_o apostle_n enforce_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n be_v not_o weak_a towards_o they_o but_o mighty_a in_o they_o which_o may_v be_v full_o gather_v after_o this_o manner_n in_o 2_o several_a argument_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o precede_a word_n in_o this_o form_n if_o you_o by_o trial_n find_v yourselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o christ_n in_o you_o they_o must_v you_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a in_o my_o ministry_n towards_o you_o but_o by_o trial_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o christ_n in_o you_o therefore_o you_o must_v acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v mighty_a in_o my_o ministry_n towards_o you_o the_o 2._o argument_n be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o 2_o part_n of_o this_o that_o be_v that_o by_o trial_n they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n either_o you_o must_v find_v your_o selus_fw-la in_o the_o faith_n &_o christ_n in_o you_o or_o they_o you_o must_v be_v reprobate_a christian_n but_o we_o confident_o trust_v you_o shall_v find_v you_o be_v not_o reprobate_a christian_n therefore_o you_o must_v find_v yourselus_fw-la to_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o christ_n in_o you_o all_o the_o 3_o part_n of_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v easy_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o apo._n word_n for_o the_o proposition_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o 5_o verse_n the_o assumption_n or_o 2_o part_n be_v set_v down_o in_o term_n equivalent_a in_o the_o 6_o verse_n &_o the_o conclusion_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o apostle_n urge_v interrogation_n what_o &c._n &c._n in_o the_o 5_o verse_n of_o which_o conclusion_n we_o have_v speak_v already_o touch_v the_o assumption_n or_o 2_o part_n we_o be_v not_o to_o speak_v so_o it_o rest_v that_o we_o only_o entreat_v of_o the_o proposition_n or_o first_o part_n which_o seem_v at_o the_o first_o to_o be_v a_o difficile_a and_o hard_a say_n but_o yet_o be_v most_o certain_a &_o true_a for_o if_o that_o sentence_n of_o the_o apo._n be_v mark_v which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 13_o of_o the_o act_n to_o wit_n that_o all_o they_o who_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o apo._n reason_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o that_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o whosoever_o by_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o make_v to_o believ_n &_o to_o embrace_v christ_n must_v be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o god_n never_o ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n &_o this_o be_v clear_a by_o 2_o place_n of_o scripture_n beside_o many_o other_o the_o 1._o be_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o tytus_fw-la cap._n 1._o verse_n 1._o where_o the_o apostle_n call_v faith_n the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_v which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o tell_v we_o not_o only_o that_o the_o gospel_n beget_v faith_n in_o none_o but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v elect_v but_o also_o that_o it_o do_v beget_v faith_n in_o every_o one_o that_o be_v elect_v the_o 2_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o joh._n 10_o 26_o 27_o viz._n but_o you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n as_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o for_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n &_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o &_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o 6_o of_o john_n verse_n 35_o 36_o 37._o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o have_v see_v i_o and_o believe_v not_o all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v unto_o i_o where_o he_o plain_o affirm_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v because_o the_o father_n have_v not_o give_v they_o unto_o he_o or_o which_o be_v equivalent_a because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o sheep_n both_o which_o phrase_n import_v asmuch_o as_o that_o they_o be_v none_o of_o god_n elect_v so_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o apo._n answer_v this_o demand_n have_v god_n cast_v away_o his_o people_n what_o then_o say_v the_o apostle_n israel_n have_v not_o abtayn_v that_o he_o seek_v but_o the_o election_n have_v obtain_v it_o &_o the_o rest_n have_v be_v harden_v out_o of_o all_o which_o we_o be_v plain_o teach_v by_o god_n that_o in_o who_o the_o gospel_n true_o preach_v work_v no_o faith_n &_o in_o who_o by_o faith_n it_o plant_v not_o christ_n they_o must_v be_v reprobat_n hereby_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o gospel_n preach_v be_v the_o fan_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o in_o this_o life_n he_o make_v a_o division_n of_o the_o chaff_n from_o the_o corn_n &_o sever_v those_o who_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o from_o the_o wicked_a and_o such_o as_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n what_o then_o have_v they_o to_o boast_v of_o who_o vilipend_v the_o gospel_n &_o ministry_n thereof_o as_o foolishness_n do_v thereby_o testify_v against_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v reprobat_n but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o she_o own_o child_n for_o whosoever_o the_o gospel_n beget_v they_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v both_o the_o wisdom_n &_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n &_o to_o they_o the_o foot_n of_o those_o that_o publish_v it_o be_v beautiful_a to_o conclude_v this_o point_n we_o may_v just_o despise_v those_o dispyser_n &_o all_o their_o contempt_n of_o our_o ministry_n see_v it_o do_v no_o hurt_n to_o we_o nor_o our_o bless_a ministry_n but_o do_v discover_v they_o to_o we_o although_o not_o to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v reject_v of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o apo._n conclude_v aright_o in_o the_o first_o epist_n &_o 1_o chap._n to_o the_o thes_n that_o he_o know_v that_o they_o be_v elect_v of_o god_n because_o his_o gospel_n be_v unto_o they_o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n do_v not_o also_o this_o conclusion_n stand_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o be_v not_o elect_v of_o god_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o in_o word_n &_o not_o in_o power_n the_o word_n of_o peter_n do_v demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n plain_o when_o he_o set_v down_o this_o different_a judgement_n of_o man_n touch_v christ_n jesus_n our_o faviour_n say_v unto_o you_o therefore_o which_o believe_v it_o be_v precious_a but_o 8._o unto_o they_o which_o be_v disobedient_a the_o stone_n which_o the_o builder_n disallow_v the_o same_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o corner_n &_o a_o stone_n to_o stumble_v at_o &_o rock_n of_o offence_n even_o to_o they_o which_o stumble_v at_o the_o word_n be_v disobedient_a unto_o the_o which_o thing_n they_o be_v even_o ordain_v we_o need_v no_o clear_a evidence_n therefore_o to_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v elect_v &_o who_o be_v reprobate_a &_o forsake_v of_o god_n but_o this_o even_o the_o judgement_n &_o estimation_n of_o every_o man_n concern_v the_o gospel_n &_o ministry_n thereof_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o of_o this_o miserable_a age_n wherein_o we_o do_v live_v in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o few_o that_o make_v any_o account_n at_o all_o of_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n &_o messenger_n of_o christ_n who_o of_o all_o man_n be_v count_v the_o base_a &_o their_o calling_n the_o most_o contemptible_a o_o germany_n germany_n this_o be_v the_o cheiff_a cause_n of_o thy_o present_a misery_n &_o that_o thou_o above_o all_o nation_n be_v continual_o trod_v upon_o because_o of_o all_o nation_n thou_o do_v most_o base_o esteem_v of_o christ_n servant_n &_o use_v they_o in_o most_o slavish_a manner_n lord_n upon_o the_o eye_n of_o these_o province_n where_o we_o dwell_v that_o see_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o offence_n they_o may_v in_o time_n prevent_v the_o like_a judgement_n upon_o the_o like_a sin_n by_o unfeigned_a amendment_n sure_o we_o may_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o delivery_n for_o the_o one_o nor_o of_o far_a blessing_n to_o the_o other_o from_o god_n until_o this_o iniquity_n be_v redress_v oh_o that_o they_o will_v give_v we_o occasion_n with_o confidence_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n to_o they_o &_o bold_o to_o say_v to_o he_o thou_o will_v arise_v &_o have_v mercy_n 14._o upon_o zion_n for_o the_o time_n to_o have_v mercy_n thereon_o for_o the_o appoint_a time_n be_v come_v for_o thy_o servant_n delight_v in_o the_o stone_n thereof_o &_o have_v pity_n on_o the_o dust_n thereof_o certain_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o prophet_n i_o say_v be_v constante_o true_a viz._n that_o in_o â—_o the_o day_n whâ—â—_n the_o bud_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v beautiful_a &_o glorious_a &_o the_o 〈…〉_z shall_v be_v excellent_a 〈…〉_z that_o day_n the_o lord_n 〈…〉_z every_o place_n of_o mount_n zion_n &_o 〈…〉_z assembly_n thereof_o a_o cloud_n &_o smoke_n by_o day_n &_o the_o shine_a of_o a_o flame_a fire_n by_o night_n for_o upon_o all_o the_o glory_n shall_v be_v a_o defence_n &_o a_o cover_n shall_v be_v for_o a_o shadow_n in_o the_o day_n for_o the_o heat_n &_o a_o place_n of_o refuge_n &_o a_o covert_n for_o the_o storm_n and_o for_o the_o rain_n and_o now_o belove_a i_o end_v with_o this_o warn_n from_o that_o same_o prophet_n to_o you_o to_o they_o and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o thou_o turn_v away_o thy_o foot_n from_o the_o sabbath_n from_o do_v thy_o will_n on_o 13._o my_o holy_a day_n &_o call_v the_o sabbath_n a_o delight_n to_o consecrate_v it_o â—s_v glorious_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o shall_v honour_v he_o not_o do_v thy_o own_o way_n not_o seek_v thy_o own_o will_n nor_o speak_v a_o vain_a word_n then_o shall_v thou_o delight_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v 〈…〉_z to_o mount_v upon_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n &_o feed_v thou_o with_o the_o 〈…〉_z with_fw-mi thy_o father_n 〈…〉_z lord_n have_v 〈…〉_z amen_o 2._o cor._n 2._o 14._o 2._o cor._n 12._o 13._o 2._o cor._n 12._o 11._o 2._o cor._n 10_o cap_n 1_o &_o 10._o vers_fw-la 2._o cor._n 13_o 9_o 2._o cor._n 12._o 11._o deut._n 19_o vers_fw-la 15._o cor._n 2._o cap._n 4._o vers_fw-la 7._o 2._o cor_n 2._o cap._n 10._o vers_fw-la 4._o 1_o cor._n 1._o cap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 5_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 24_o ibidem_fw-la 18._o 1._o john_n 4_o 1._o psal_n 34_o 8._o 1_o pet._n 2_o 2_o &_o â—_o psal_n 19_o 10._o rom._n 10_o 15_o esai_n 52_o 7._o galat._n 4_o 13_o 14_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 32._o 1._o io._n 4_o 1._o 1._o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o rom._n 1_o 19_o ibidem_fw-la 11_o &_o 21._o 1._o pet._n 1_o 3_o 4_o rom._n 5._o 5._o habr_n 4._o 12._o rom._n 14_o 4._o mat._n 7_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 4_o 3._o ibidem_fw-la 11_o 30_o &_o 38._o 2_o thes_n 3_o 14_o 15._o 2_o tim._n 2_o 19_o 1._o cor_n 2_o 14_o 15._o heb._n 11._o 1._o 1._o cor._n 1_o 18_o cap._n 53_o 1._o eâ—an_n john_n 16_o 27._o john_n 17_o 6._o 7_o 8._o 1._o rom._n 16._o mat._n 6_o 20._o acts._n 8_o mat._n 13_o 47._o mat._n 20_o 16_o rom._n 14._o 23_o 1._o cor._n 1_o 30._o 2._o tim._n 1._o 4._o 5._o col._n 1._o 23._o ibidem_fw-la 2_o 6_o 7._o 2._o cor._n 3._o 5._o john_n 15._o 5._o phil._n 4._o 13._o rom._n 12._o 3._o gen._n 4_o 9_o 1_o john_n 2_o 27_o john_n 1._o 5._o 9_o &_o 10._o dent._n 19_o 5._o john_n 14_o 20._o 1._o pet._n 2_o 7._o 8._o isa_n â—_o 14._o isa_n â—_o 〈…〉_z 13._o
error_n and_o then_o confirm_v his_o assertion_n the_o remove_v of_o this_o error_n be_v by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n answer_v that_o which_o he_o know_v they_o stumble_v at_o and_o may_v object_v unto_o he_o after_o this_o manner_n how_o can_v thou_o show_v or_o we_o fear_v any_o might_n or_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o thou_o towards_o we_o who_o be_v thyself_o so_o weak_a in_o christ_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o strength_n the_o apostle_n answer_v this_o by_o a_o distinction_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o like_a example_n in_o christ_n himself_o for_o he_o deny_v not_o simple_o but_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v weak_a in_o christ_n but_o that_o this_o weakness_n be_v only_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n notwithstanding_o whereof_o he_o be_v mighty_a with_o christ_n by_o the_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o in_o this_o he_o be_v like_o his_o lord_n &_o master_n christ_n who_o as_o concern_v the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a indeed_o have_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o with_o all_o the_o infirmity_n thereof_o except_o sin_n and_o according_a to_o this_o weakness_n do_v suffer_v death_n and_o be_v crucify_v who_o notwithstanding_o live_v again_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o godhead_n by_o the_o which_o he_o mighty_o raise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o even_o as_o christ_n in_o himself_o be_v weak_a in_o or_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o yet_o be_v mighty_a in_o the_o spirit_n or_o accord_v to_o his_o divine_a nature_n so_o also_o his_o servant_n and_o messenger_n in_o he_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o all_o fleshlie_o power_n but_o be_v alive_a or_o mighty_a with_o he_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o this_o conformity_n of_o christ_n minister_n with_o christ_n himself_o in_o fleshlie_o weakness_n and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v not_o only_o against_o the_o sacrilegious_a usurpation_n of_o both_o power_n or_o sword_n by_o the_o pope_n as_o christ_n vicar_n but_o also_o against_o the_o corruption_n which_o originallie_o flow_v from_o his_o practice_n have_v yet_o too_o great_a place_n in_o reform_a church_n it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o the_o messenger_n of_o his_o truth_n shall_v carry_v that_o heavenly_a treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n 7._o of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o they_o for_o the_o 4._o weapon_n of_o their_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a mighty_a not_o through_o man_n either_o themselves_o or_o other_o but_o only_a through_o god_n to_o cast_v down_o strong_a hold_v &c._n &c._n so_o 5_o that_o nether_a be_v he_o that_o plant_v nor_o he_o that_o water_v any_o thing_n but_o only_a god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o hereof_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o ministry_n be_v a_o livelie_a pattern_n in_o shun_v all_o worldly_a perferment_n and_o disclaim_v all_o civil_a authority_n walk_v in_o great_a weakness_n outward_a as_o touch_v the_o flesh_n even_o from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o death_n arm_v with_o no_o carnal_a might_n or_o fleshlie_o power_n but_o only_o with_o the_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a power_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o even_o as_o his_o baseness_n and_o weakness_n in_o the_o flesh_n make_v the_o world_n to_o despise_v he_o notwithstanding_o the_o infinite_a power_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n so_o in_o all_o age_n and_o now_o do_v most_o man_n stumble_v at_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o minister_n in_o fleshlie_o thing_n belong_v to_o this_o world_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o ministry_n now_o the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o answer_v their_o objection_n he_o come_v to_o prove_v his_o former_a assertion_n to_o wit_n that_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n be_v not_o weak_a towards_o they_o but_o be_v mighty_a in_o they_o so_o that_o this_o their_o seek_v of_o a_o far_a proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o sinful_a tempt_a of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n which_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o behoove_v to_o be_v sharp_a and_o bitter_a unto_o they_o in_o not_o spare_v they_o at_o his_o come_n if_o before_o his_o come_n they_o do_v not_o reverence_v his_o word_n and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o admonition_n upon_o the_o proof_n bypass_v in_o themselves_o of_o christ_n mighty_a power_n towards_o they_o in_o his_o ministry_n the_o argument_n of_o confirmation_n be_v draw_v from_o their_o own_o testimony_n ground_v upon_o their_o own_o knowledge_n &_o experience_n in_o themselves_o which_o testimony_n the_o apostle_n do_v forcible_o constrain_v they_o to_o yield_v by_o a_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o woeful_a consequence_n which_o must_v necessary_a follow_v upon_o the_o contrary_a the_o consequence_n be_v that_o if_o they_o acknowledge_v not_o this_o experience_n in_o themselves_o of_o christ_n power_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o than_o they_o themselves_o must_v be_v reprobate_a christian_n but_o because_o many_o careless_o and_o negligent_o do_v pass_v by_o the_o right_a consideration_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o powerful_a effect_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o do_v fall_v in_o this_o sin_n of_o the_o corinthian_n despise_v that_o which_o they_o shall_v high_o esteem_v of_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o refer_v not_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n to_o what_o they_o will_v unadvisedlie_o say_v and_o witness_v of_o this_o might_n of_o christ_n towards_o they_o in_o his_o ministry_n but_o unto_o their_o testimony_n upon_o sufficient_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o in_o themselves_o upon_o which_o he_o bold_o affirm_v that_o they_o shall_v either_o find_v his_o ministry_n powerful_a or_o themselves_o reprobat_n if_o then_o we_o will_v consider_v this_o argument_n in_o all_o the_o particularity_n therein_o contain_v there_o be_v 4_o thing_n to_o be_v mark_v of_o we_o the_o 1_o be_v the_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o the_o 2_o be_v these_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v to_o take_v trial_n in_o themselves_o the_o 3_o be_v the_o argument_n remove_v all_o excuse_n of_o ignorance_n or_o pretence_n of_o impossibility_n of_o discern_v these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o the_o 4_o be_v the_o argument_n itself_o whereby_o the_o apostle_n draw_v they_o to_o a_o necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o from_o the_o hard_a consequence_n that_o must_v follow_v upon_o the_o contrary_n before_o we_o speak_v of_o these_o particular_n its_o necessary_a that_o first_o we_o mark_v and_o consider_v the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n in_o this_o place_n first_o lay_v this_o supposition_n that_o the_o hearer_n be_v true_a christian_n and_o not_o reprobate_n he_o conclude_v absolute_o that_o they_o must_v have_v proof_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o those_o man_n by_o who_o they_o be_v either_o first_o call_v or_o afterward_o confirm_v in_o grace_n thereupon_o he_o seem_v evident_o to_o conclude_v these_o position_n follow_v first_o where_o no_o proof_n of_o christ_n power_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v find_v or_o feel_v by_o the_o hearer_n either_o the_o teacher_n must_v be_v a_o reprobate_a teacher_n or_o the_o hearer_n reprobate_a hearer_n second_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o be_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n can_v be_v without_o sense_n &_o feeling_n of_o christ_n mighty_a power_n unto_o salvation_n in_o those_o who_o be_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n three_o that_o want_v of_o sense_n &_o feeling_n in_o the_o hearer_n of_o this_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n do_v evident_o evince_v such_o hearer_n to_o be_v reprobate_n last_o that_o those_o minister_n in_o who_o ministry_n the_o hearer_n be_v of_o god_n elect_v do_v find_v no_o sense_n or_o evidence_n of_o christ_n power_n unto_o salvation_n must_v needs_o be_v reprobate_a minister_n for_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o 24_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v 18._o save_v and_o be_v foolishness_n to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o perish_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o be_v save_v it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o that_o man_n ministry_n be_v not_o of_o god_n these_o general_a position_n shall_v be_v most_o clear_o and_o evident_a unto_o we_o after_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o 4_o former_a particular_a point_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n argument_n whereof_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v the_o 1_o point_n be_v the_o trial_n whereunto_o the_o apostle_n do_v invite_v they_o wherein_o 2_o thing_n be_v special_o to_o be_v observe_v the_o 1_o be_v the_o action_n itself_o of_o trial_n or_o